Sarah Smith

Reporter

Photo of Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith covered housing, mental health, poverty and religion for ProPublica's South unit. She previously worked on the Houston Chronicle’s metro desk, where she investigated the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s failure to oversee one of its biggest private housing contractors. Before the Chronicle, she worked at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, where her investigation into abuse and cover-ups in independent fundamental Baptist churches led to arrests across the country. She also has worked as a legislative relief reporter for the Associated Press in Mississippi and as a fellow at ProPublica, where she investigated Mississippi’s failure to get defendants timely mental health evaluations and Connecticut’s flawed domestic violence laws, resulting in statewide reforms. She is a Livingston finalist and a Deadline Club Award winner.

The Best Reporting on Mike Pence Through the Years

Through accountability stories and other in-depth reports, we took a look back at the career of the Indiana governor who Donald Trump has picked as his running mate.

The Absolute Best, Most Terrific Reporting on Trump University

Here are the stories on Trump U. that you should read.

Congressman to Red Cross: ‘How Do You Get Lost Going to a Disaster Area?’

Rep. Bennie Thompson wants answers about the Red Cross’ performance.

After Mississippi Flooding, Red Cross Stumbles Again

The director of Mississippi’s Emergency Management Agency called the Red Cross’ disaster response “marginal at best.”

Study Calls On Obama to Withdraw Legal Memo That Allows Faith-based Charities to Discriminate

The paper published by Columbia University is signed by a coalition of 15 prominent legal scholars across the country.

The Best Reporting on John Kasich Through the Years

We take a look at the Republican presidential hopeful’s career through accountability journalism and other in-depth reports.

The Best Reporting on Bernie Sanders Over the Years

We took a look back at Bernie Sanders’ career through accountability stories and other in-depth news reports.

The Best Reporting on Ted Cruz Through the Years

We took a look back at Ted Cruz's career, as seen through accountability stories and other in-depth reports.

Obama Isn’t Following Through on Pardons Promise, Says His Former Pardons Attorney

Wisconsin’s Voter ID Law Requires an Education Campaign, Which the State Hasn’t Funded

The controversial law is about to get its inaugural use in a major statewide vote, Wisconsin’s April 5th primary.

What’s at Stake in the Latest Supreme Court Showdown Over Contraception and Religious Freedom

In oral arguments Wednesday, religious groups contend that just signing a form to facilitate access to birth control violates their rights.

The Most Terrific Reporting on Trump

A rundown of the best reporting on Donald Trump over the years.

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Voter ID Laws

More than 30 states have enacted some version of voter ID law in recent years. How much do these laws change voting rules and what impact could they have on the general election?

Follow ProPublica

Latest Stories from ProPublica

Billy Long, Trump’s Nominee to Lead the IRS, Touts a Credential That Tax Experts Say Is Dubious

“I Thought He Was Helping Me”: Patient Endured 9 Years of Chemotherapy for Cancer He Never Had

The CDC Hasn’t Asked States to Track Deaths Linked to Abortion Bans

Report: Hospitals Rarely Advise Doctors on How to Treat Patients Under Abortion Bans