Mollie Simon
I identify documents, sources and specialized datasets to advance investigations.
Need to Get in Touch?
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.
Calls Increase for NYPD Commissioner to Be Stripped of Absolute Authority Over Officer Discipline
Recently released documents show that NYPD commissioners have used their authority to reject the civilian review board’s recommendations and even guilty pleas from officers themselves.
What It Looks Like When the New York City Police Commissioner Has “Unchecked Power” Over Officer Discipline
While a civilian board can prosecute misconduct cases involving NYPD officers, the police commissioner has the final word. Frequently, that power is used to reduce penalties.
It Wasn’t the First Time the NYPD Killed Someone in Crisis. For Kawaski Trawick, It Only Took 112 Seconds.
Trawick was alone in his apartment when an officer pushed open the door. He was holding a bread knife and a stick. “Why are you in my home?” he asked. He never got an answer.
California Will Keep Burning. But Housing Policy Is Making It Worse.
There are ways to keep people and homes safer from wildfires. Then, there’s what California does.
Emails Show the Meatpacking Industry Drafted an Executive Order to Keep Plants Open
Hundreds of emails offer a rare look at the meat industry’s influence and access to the highest levels of government. The draft was submitted a week before Trump’s executive order, which bore striking similarities.
The NYPD Is Withholding Evidence From Investigations Into Police Abuse
The NYPD has regularly failed to turn over key records and videos to police abuse investigators at New York’s Civilian Complaint Review Board. “This just seems like contempt,” said the now-retired judge who ordered the NYPD to use body cameras.
Kamala Harris Reading Guide: The Best Reporting on the Vice Presidential Candidate
Harris has spent decades in elected office, moving from prosecutor to the presidential trail. If you are just catching up, here are some of the highlights of her journey.
What Has Happened to Police Filmed Hurting Protesters? So Far, Very Little.
We asked police departments about viral videos showing cops escalating violence against protesters. Most refused to name the officers or provide updates on their investigations.
We Tracked What Happens to Police After They Use Force on Protesters
These 68 videos show clear apparent instances of police officers escalating violence during protests. Here’s what we learned about each case.
Politicians and Business Interests Pushed Health Officials Aside to Control Reopening. Then Cases Exploded.
Interviews and internal emails show that Utah prioritized the health of businesses over keeping coronavirus case counts down. As case counts rise, the state will now allow indoor gatherings of up to 3,000 people.