Jeff Ernsthausen
I am a reporter who specializes in using data analysis and code to find stories.
Have a Tip for a Story?
I’m interested in tips about the immigration system, government contracting and ways that the wealthy shield themselves from taxes. If you have data that you think could be analyzed for the public benefit, I’d also like to hear from you.
What I Cover
I report on immigration, government contracting, and the intersection of money and power.
My Background
I’m a senior data reporter at Propublica. In recent years, I have primarily covered the U.S. tax system. I worked with a team of reporters on “The Secret IRS Files,” which revealed the ways that the ultrawealthy avoid taxes. Before that, I reported on the ways that wealthy developers influenced the Trump-era tax break for so-called opportunity zones. I also contributed to ProPublica’s coverage of debt collection, evictions and bailouts during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to joining ProPublica, I worked on the investigative team at The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, looking into topics such as sexual abuse by physicians nationwide, police misconduct in Georgia and evictions in metro Atlanta. Before my career in journalism, I studied history and economics and worked as a financial and economic analyst at the Federal Reserve.
My work has spurred congressional investigations and changes in government policy. It’s also been honored with numerous journalism awards, including the Selden Ring, two Scripps Howard awards and several awards from Investigative Reporters and Editors, among them the Philip Meyer Award for data journalism.
Despite Federal Ban, Landlords Are Still Moving to Evict People During the Pandemic
ProPublica found landlords in at least four states have violated the ban, which was put in place by the CARES Act but has no clear enforcement mechanism.
For Americans With Bills to Pay, Help Is on the Way. Sort Of.
Politicians have touted debt relief, but the various proposals are patchwork. Many homeowners and renters won’t get much help; those struggling with credit card, car and other loan payments will get none.
Having Trouble With Your Rent, Mortgage or Debts? We Want to Hear From You.
Will banks, landlords and other debt collectors work with people who’ve lost income because of the coronavirus crisis? Help us find out.
The FBI Is Investigating Massive Embezzlement of Border Patrol Union Funds
The head of the powerful union representing border patrol agents nationwide said the FBI is working to identify who stole some $500,000 out of the coffers of the El Paso local. The theft raises more questions about lawlessness in the union’s ranks.
An Opportunity Zone Group Called Our Story About a Yacht Club Getting Tax Breaks “Lurid.” We Respond.
A think tank that pushes the big Trump tax break accused us of omissions. Its statement has some curious omissions of its own.
A Trump Tax Break To Help The Poor Went To a Rich GOP Donor’s Superyacht Marina
Wealthy donors Wayne Huizenga Jr. and Jeff Vinik lobbied then-Gov. Rick Scott for the lucrative tax break — and won it. Poorer communities lost out.
Billionaires Keep Benefiting From a Tax Break to Help the Poor. Now, Congress Wants to Investigate.
In response to reporting by ProPublica and others that show the opportunity zone tax break helping the politically connected, members of Congress are calling for changes in the law.
How a Tax Break to Help the Poor Went to NBA Owner Dan Gilbert
After a lobbying effort, Dan Gilbert, billionaire founder of Quicken Loans, won special tax status for wealthy areas of downtown Detroit where he owns billions worth of property.
Data Touted by OxyContin Maker to Fight Lawsuits Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Downplaying its role in the opioid epidemic, Purdue Pharma has embraced a federal statistic showing it was a minor player in the pain pill market. But when we took drug potency into account, Purdue’s importance soared.