Archives
Podcast: Fannie and Freddie’s Conflicted Role in the Housing Market
ProPublica’s Cora Currier joins the podcast this week to talk about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and how both government-sponsored enterprises seem to be acting against the interests of homeowners.
From Gung-Ho to Uh-Oh: Charting the Government’s Moves on Fracking
Fracking has only recently become a household word, but government involvement with the drilling technique goes back decades. We trace officials' moves -- and levels of caution -- over time. over time.
From Gung-Ho to Uh-Oh: Charting the Government’s Moves on Fracking
The government's involvement with fracking actually goes back decades, and includes a nuclear blast. But calls for regulation are increasing.
Meet the Obscure Federal Regulator Who’s Not Helping Homeowners
Our reading guide on the head of the regulatory agency that oversees Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae — who's putting profits (and repaying taxpayers) ahead of homeowners.
With Spotlight on Super PAC Dollars, Nonprofits Escape Scrutiny
Super PAC filings for 2011 reveal few surprises in identifying contributors: Unions give to Democrats, while businesses back Republicans. Much less is known about the social-welfare nonprofits that might play a big role in the election.
Senator Demands Answers from Freddie Mac’s Regulator
Sen. Robert Casey, D-Pa., today sent a series of questions to Freddie’s regulator, highlighting how much remains unknown about the mortgage giant’s controversial bets against American homeowners.
Top MuckReads: Forgotten Fugitives, FDA Spies and Squashing Soldiers’ Suits
The top investigative or accountability journalism from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2.
Freddie Mac’s Regulator Says Trades Were Shut Down Because They Were “Risky”
In a letter to Senator Robert Casey, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said it halted mortgage giant Freddie Mac’s controversial trades because they required specialized risk management.
Why Fannie and Freddie Are Hesitating to Help Homeowners
We explain Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae's role in the housing market, and why it seems as if their actions often go against the interests of homeowners.
$10 Million Fine on Red Cross Highlights Its Troubled History of Blood Services
The nation’s largest supplier of blood has been hit with yet another big fine for longstanding problems with its blood services.
Timeline: A History of Red Cross Blood Penalties
The FDA was empowered to impose fines on the Red Cross under a federal court order in 2003. Since then, it has levied over $46 million in penalties for unsafe blood handling and distributing.
PAC Track: Now Includes Contributions
What and where are the super PACs spending?
Allergan Erases Doctor Payment Records
You can still find some older Allergan payments in ProPublica's Dollars for Docs database, along with data from 11 other drug companies.
How the Stimulus Revived the Electric Car
The Obama administration helped build an American electric car and battery industry. The question is: Will it last? From ProPublica reporter Michael Grabell's new book on the stimulus, Money Well Spent?
Bets Against Homeowners Must Stop, Freddie Mac Was Told
After an examination by its regulator, Freddie agreed not to make new investments that profited from homeowners staying trapped in high interest-rate mortgages. But Freddie has kept billions worth of those investments.
Anatomy of a Stepper Graphic
A small library for stepper graphics.
One Soldier’s Progress Against Traumatic Brain Injury
With the help of virtual-reality machines and a bevy of specialists, Sgt. Victor Medina's thinking and speaking rapidly improved. But he's among only a tiny fraction of brain-injured soldiers who get access to the most advanced treatment at military's new state-of-the-art center in Maryland.
Freddie Mac Bets Against American Homeowners
The taxpayer-owned mortgage giant made investments that profited if borrowers stayed stuck in high-interest loans while making it harder for them to get out of those loans.
