Ellis Simani
I am a data reporter at ProPublica.
Have a Tip for a Story?
Contact me on Signal with tips or if you have documents to share. I have experience working with large, complex and sensitive datasets.
What I Cover
My work pairs quantitative analysis with traditional investigative reporting techniques. I often cover stories at the intersection of money and power. I am interested in data and documents that reveal abuse or fraud.
My Background
My recent work has interrogated the ways that nonprofit organizations raise and spend their money. I’ve also investigated the stock trading of the wealthiest Americans. In “The Inside Edge,” my colleagues and I revealed several investment advantages that enable top executives and other well-connected investors to make trades with remarkable timing.
I worked with a team of reporters on “The Secret IRS Files,” which investigated systemic inequities in the U.S. tax system that allow the ultrawealthy to avoid paying federal income taxes. The series won a number of awards, including the Selden Ring and the Barlett & Steele Award.
I’ve also covered issues related to housing and debt for ProPublica, with a particular focus on evictions. Before joining ProPublica in 2019, I worked on the Los Angeles Times’ data visualization desk.
The Pandemic Hasn’t Stopped This School District From Suing Parents Over Unpaid Textbook Fees
When the pandemic started, several school districts in Indiana halted the long-standing practice. But one district has filed nearly 300 lawsuits against parents, and others also have returned to court.
A Deputy Prosecutor Was Fired for Speaking Out Against Jail Time for People Who Fall Behind on Rent
Arkansas prosecutor Josh Drake called the state’s criminal eviction statute “cruel” and “unconstitutional.” Criminal charges against tenants falling behind on rent have continued, even as the pandemic has worsened.
When Falling Behind on Rent Leads to Jail Time
Evictions in Arkansas can snowball from criminal charges to arrests to jail time because of a 119-year-old law that mostly impacts female, Black and low-income renters. Even prosecutors have called it unconstitutional.
Arkansas: My Landlord Is Trying to Kick Me Out. What Can I Do?
If you live in Arkansas and are worried about being evicted, you’re not alone. Our reporting revealed thousands have been forced into the confusing legal process during the pandemic. Here’s how it works — and what you can do.
The Eviction Ban Worked, but It’s Almost Over. Some Landlords Are Getting Ready.
The CARES Act was largely successful in keeping millions of American renters from facing eviction during the pandemic. As protections fade, some landlords are gearing up to return to court.
Can I Be Evicted During Coronavirus?
Even if you live in a state that has not banned evictions, federal rules may still protect you. Look up your address to learn more.
Can You Be Evicted During Coronavirus? Here’s How to Find Out.
The CARES Act temporarily protects millions of renters from being evicted, and many states and cities passed their own rules to help those struggling to pay rent. Use our new database to find out if eviction bans might apply to you.
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.
We’ve Gotten a Lot of Questions About Our Database of Credibly Accused Priests. Here Are the Answers.
Our database compiles lists of thousands of priests deemed “credibly accused” of sexual abuse and misconduct. Dozens of readers wrote in with questions and suggestions.
Líderes católicos prometieron transparencia con el tema del abuso de menores. No han cumplido.
Tras décadas de proteger la identidad de abusadores sexuales infantiles acusados, y, con el fin de revelarlas al público, muchos líderes de la Iglesia Católica comienzan ahora a divulgar listas con sus nombres. Sin embargo, tales listas son incongruentes e incompletas, u omiten detalles críticos.