Ellis Simani
@emsimani
Data reporter @propublica
1/ NEW from @ProPublica: We’ve spent the last year studying a trove of data that has never been public: millions of stock trades made by thousands of the wealthiest taxpayers in the U.S. What we learned was incredibly illuminating 🧵👇
Cities are increasingly removing or “sweeping” homeless encampments. Some say it’s a way to get people inside. But 135 people told @ProPublica sweeps made it harder to survive, find housing and get or keep jobs. Here’s what they wrote in their own words 🧵projects.propublica.org/homeless-encam…
NEW: From Lollapalooza to Detention Camps: Meet the Tent Company Making a Fortune Off Trump’s Deportation Plans @micarosenberg, @AASchapiro and I reveal the company behind ICE's first new immigrant detention camp in the U.S. for @propublica propublica.org/article/trump-…
Last week, we ran a story about the superintendent of a tiny charter school district in TX who has earned up to $870k. Hours later, lawmakers and charter leaders called for the district’s board to lower his “outrageous” pay. They said "No." w/@LChurchilll propublica.org/article/salvad…
Texas Lawmakers Want a Charter School Network to Stop Paying Its Superintendent Nearly $900K. The School Board Says No. propublica.org/article/salvad…
Almost double what the NYC chancellor makes to run the largest school system in the country!
NEW: This superintendent runs a small charter school network with less than 1,000 students. He's made up to $870,000 in recent years. Salvador Cavazos appears to be the highest-paid superintendent in Texas and among the among the top in the country. Taxpayers likely have no clue
New: The evangelical pastor behind a secretive influence project appears to be running a group house for conservative lawmakers in D.C. In addition to @SpeakerJohnson living there, Trump ally Congressman @AndyOgles has the keys.
NEW INVESTIGATION 🚍: Baltimore City is the only district in the state that doesn't offer most students a yellow bus ride after elementary school. When that policy collided with school choice, it turned getting to class on time into a nightmare. thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-12…
In June, a woman named Stephenie reached out to @propublica. An outreach worker told her we were reporting on cities conducting sweeps of homeless encampments, and she had a story to tell. 🧵
ProPublica reporters are dedicated to investigating government agencies and federal policy. Much of our reporting is fueled by the people who share their experiences, advice and inside knowledge with us. That will be true no matter who wins on Tuesday. propublica.org/tips/federal-w…
There's new data in the @ProPublica 527 explorer! Over 100k new records are available from these political nonprofits. We're nearing an election, so the IRS filing schedule is increased. The result: very fresh data. The data now covers up to October 16. projects.propublica.org/527-explorer/
New: Trump's media company successfully lobbied a GOP congressman to help a foreign software developer jump the line for a U.S. visa. The developer is now Trump Media's CTO. propublica.org/article/trump-… w/ @RobertFaturechi @Amierjeski
America is in the midst of a mental health crisis. But finding a therapist who takes insurance can feel impossible. Insurers say that’s because there aren’t enough therapists. We found that's not entirely true. Here's why you can't find a therapist🧵👇projects.propublica.org/why-i-left-the…
.@ProPublica is accepting applications for the Emerging Reporters program until Sept 3 Open to undergrad jr and seniors interested in investigative journalism, we award a $9k stipend, mentorship, trainings and a trip to a journalism conference. Apply: grnh.se/d64378ad6us
Our baby union is now 1 year old! Below is what we've accomplished and the road ahead. On the contract front, we're not as far as we expected, nor frankly as we should be. Through it all, I've been amazed by the solidarity and support of my colleagues propublicaguild.org/updates/progre…
We launched our union for a fairer and more transparent workplace, protections for our staff and a seat at the table. One year in, here’s what we’ve accomplished — and where @ProPublica's management is fighting us. propublicaguild.org/updates/progre…
After hours before the July 4th holiday, Trump Media disclosed a deal allowing it to sell up to $2.5 billion of shares. Eases the way for Trump to convert his huge paper stake in the meme stock to more tangible value. w/ @JustinElliott @Amierjeski propublica.org/article/trump-…
Our new 527 Explorer database delves into the shadowy world of political cash facilitated by nonprofits called 527s. Join @emsimani, @schwanksta, @ilyamarritz and more on July 9 for a free demo on how to use the app and its search features. RSVP: propublica.org/events/investi…
Love when my colleagues build tools the government won’t. projects.propublica.org/527-explorer The team (@emsimani, Ruth, @bxroberts @Nat_Lash, @schwanksta and co.) just added transparency to hundreds of millions of dollars in donations.
New: ProPublica identified a group of connected political nonprofits -- with names like American Breast Cancer Coalition and National Coalition for Disabled Veterans -- that appear to be funneling more than 90% of donations to fundraisers. propub.li/3KPmY9Y
NEW: @emsimani digs into a special IRS loophole "Political groups" raise millions of $$$ (some from old & frail people who answer their phone) And spend most of it on a network of other "political" orgs they control Ultimately enriching... themselves: propublica.org/article/politi…