Mollie Simon
I identify documents, sources and specialized datasets to advance investigations.
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What I Cover
I’ve investigated topics spanning education, housing, mental health, consumer finance and the environment. I often dig into archives to understand how history is shaped by, and repeated in, the present.
My Background
My work at ProPublica began in 2020, originally through a fellowship with the Scripps Howard Foundation. Before that, I worked as a researcher at LegiStorm and as a reporter for the Anderson Independent-Mail and Greenville News. In that role, I covered Clemson, South Carolina, as well as broader education stories.
America’s Food Safety System Failed to Stop a Salmonella Epidemic. It’s Still Making People Sick.
A dangerous salmonella strain has sickened thousands and continues to spread through the chicken industry. The USDA and companies know about it. But contaminated meat continues to be sold.
Postcard From Thermal: Surviving the Climate Gap in Eastern Coachella Valley
In the climate crisis, it’s possible to live in the same place but inhabit different worlds.
“We’re Not Allowed to Hang Up”: The Harsh Reality of Working in Customer Service
In their own voices, seven customer service representatives reveal what it’s like being caught between abusive callers and demanding employers.
Few Cops We Found Using Force on George Floyd Protesters Are Known to Have Faced Discipline
ProPublica compiled 68 videos that seemed to show officers using disproportionate force on protesters. A year later, police have disclosed discipline for a total of 10 officers.
Eugene Clemons May Be Ineligible for the Death Penalty. A Rigid Clinton-Era Law Could Force Him to Be Executed Anyway.
His lawyers presented no defense at trial. Then a clerk’s office misplaced a plea for his civil rights behind a file cabinet. Now, it’s almost impossible for the federal courts to address the problems with his case.
Meet ProPublica’s 2021 Diversity Scholarship Recipients
With additional support from The Pudding, ProPublica will be sponsoring these 25 talented student journalists to attend conferences including NABJ, AAJA, ONA and IRE.
Why We Can’t Make Vaccine Doses Any Faster
President Biden has promised enough doses for all American adults by this summer. There’s not much even the Defense Production Act can do to deliver doses before then.
How Many Vaccine Shots Go to Waste? Several States Aren’t Counting.
The CDC says health facilities should report unused and spoiled COVID-19 vaccines, but many are failing to do so. At a time when there aren’t enough shots to meet demand, significant numbers may be going in the trash.
Students! ProPublica and The Pudding Want to Help Pay For Your Journalism Expenses in 2021.
We’re giving 25 scholarships to help you attend a journalism conference and/or to support your work.
How Operation Warp Speed Created Vaccination Chaos
States are struggling to plan their vaccination programs with just one week’s notice for how many doses they’ll receive from the federal government. The incoming Biden administration is deciding what to do with this dysfunctional system.