January 2015 Archive
For Nonprofit Hospitals Who Sue Patients, New Rules
Nonprofit hospitals get big tax breaks for providing care for patients who can't afford it. Under new IRS rules these hospitals must take extra steps to inform poor patients they may qualify for financial assistance.
Zombie Cookie: The Tracking Cookie That You Can't Kill
An online ad company called Turn is using tracking cookies that come back to life after Verizon users have deleted them. Turn's services are used by everyone from Google to Facebook.
Obama Stands At Crossroads On Financial Reform
With Republicans moving to dismantle Dodd-Frank, some are urging Obama administration to push hard for a significant overhaul of the financial system.
Years After Tobacco Deals Sold, SEC Says Rating Agencies Still Conflicted
The latest Securities and Exchange Commission examination of credit rating firms found problems similar to those documented in ProPublica's investigation of tobacco bonds.
Can You Judge Etan Patz’s Accused Killer Fairly? Here Are 109 Questions to Start
Potential jurors in the controversial missing-child case have to disclose mental health and drug histories.
The Human Toll of Flashbangs
At least 50 Americans have been seriously injured, maimed or killed by flashbangs since 2000. Here are their stories.
Hotter Than Lava
Every day, police toss dangerous flashbang grenades during raids, with little oversight and horrifying results
Florida's Sex Crime Sting-and-Switch and More in MuckReads Weekly
Some of the best #MuckReads we read this week. Want to receive these by email? <a href="http://www.propublica.org/article/floridas-sex-crime-sting-and-switch-and-more-in-muckreads-weekly#signup">Sign up</a> to get this briefing delivered to your inbox every weekend.
Judge Orders NYPD to Release Records on X-ray Vans
The NYPD has a secretive program that uses unmarked vans with X-ray machines designed to detect bombs. ProPublica tried to find out more about it, but the NYPD refused to answer for three years.
Senator Demands Answers on Red Cross' Finances
Prompted by an investigation by ProPublica and NPR, Sen. Charles Grassley asks the charity to explain how it has used donations from the public.
Massachusetts Tightens Rules on Restraining, Secluding Students
Under new rules, Massachusetts schools will not be allowed to use certain techniques to restrain or isolate students as frequently and will have to report all restraints and injuries.
Reporting Recipe: How to Investigate Health Professionals
We've launched two 50-state guides to researching the license and disciplinary records of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Vying for Market Share, Companies Heavily Promote 'Me Too' Drugs
Our comprehensive analysis of drug company spending on doctors in the last five months of 2013 shows the most-promoted products typically were not cures, breakthroughs or top sellers.
Open Payments Explorer: How Much Industry Money Goes to Doctors and Teaching Hospitals
Beginning in 2014, the federal government mandated that pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers publicly report payments made to doctors and teaching hospitals. The first report covered the last five months of 2013. Use this tool to search for a company, drug or device — and compare it to another.
Methodology for Calculating Company Payments to Doctors
Even with new federal data, it's not easy to track drug, device company spending on their products
Illinois Revokes License of Temp Agency Check Cashing Store
Investigations in Illinois, a new law in California, questions from a U.S. senator and increased scrutiny from OSHA follow ProPublica series on the growth of temp work.
New IRS Rules on Dark Money Likely Won't Be Ready Before 2016 Election
The IRS faces a number of hurdles before its new regulations for social welfare nonprofits can be finalized, including potential opposition from Congress.
When a Patient's Death is Broadcast Without Permission
The ABC television show "NY Med" filmed Mark Chanko's final moments without the approval of his family. Even though his face was blurred, his wife recognized him. "I saw my husband die before my eyes."
