February 2012 Archive
The SOX Win: How Financial Regulation Can Work
The Sarbanes Oxley law, also known as SOX, cleaned up corporate accounting. It provides hope for how the new financial regulatory law, Dodd-Frank, could work.
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.
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 aletter to Senator Robert Casey, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said ithalted mortgage giant Freddie Mac’s controversial trades because they required specializedrisk 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.
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.
