Here are this week’s top 10 must-read stories from #MuckReads, ProPublica’s ongoing collection of the best watchdog journalism. Anyone can contribute by tweeting a link to a story and just including the hashtag #MuckReads or by sending an email to MuckReads@ProPublica.org. The best submissions are selected by ProPublica’s editors and reporters and then featured on our site and @ProPublica.
Reaping Millions in Nonprofit Care for Disabled, the New York Times
Two brothers from Brooklyn have been living large off of Medicaid money that’s supposed to be funding their nonprofit organization for the disabled. In response to this story, New York state will launch an investigation into executive compensation at nonprofits.
Contributed by @kctipton
Tim Durham, the Madoff of the Midwest, Bloomberg Businessweek
A look into the life of a man who loved to throw lavish parties, made generous donations to political campaigns, and was charged with scamming 5,000 investors out of more than $200 million.
Contributed by @jeffromeo313
As Duluth Hospital Reaped Millions, Surgeon Racked Up Complaints, the Duluth News Tribune
Though a hospital knew that their highest-paid neurosurgeon had been repeatedly accused of injuring patients, they let him stay on and made a hefty profit off of his surgeries.
Contributed by @b_stahl
Teenager’s Path and a Killing Put Spotlight on Mental Care, the New York Times
The story of a mentally ill young man with a history of violence who killed a shelter worker raises questions about the effectiveness of the Massachusetts mental health system.
Contributed by @emmanator
News International Ordered Mass Deletions of Emails Nine Times, the Guardian
The company in charge of the News of the World’s email system disclosed that the Murdoch tabloid has deleted large quantities of emails off of their servers nine times since last May.
Contributed by @ericuman
MBA Head Cozy With Banks While at the FHA, American Banker
Emails obtained by Freedom of Information requests reveal that close ties between bankers and housing market regulators persisted after the financial crisis.
Contributed by @contrarianp
Surveys Find Widespread Violence Against Nurses and Other Hospital Caregivers, the Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times reports that violent attacks from patients are all too common for hospital workers in California and across the country, and that hospitals don’t always have plans for dealing with it.
Contributed by @shelbygrad
Thefts in Shelby County Chancery Court Add to Memphis Veteran’s Bad Luck, the Memphis Commercial Appeal
A heartbreaking story about a veteran who fell victim to both the foreclosure crisis and local government corruption: Someone stole the money from the sale of his foreclosed home, along with $800,000 in public funds.
Contributed by @jeffromeo313
Runaway Sidekick: How Little Tani Kocareli Escaped from the New York-Albanian Mob, Then Botched It, Capital New York
As the U.S. government starts to crack down on the New York-Albanian mob, Capital New York is running a series on the group’s inner workings, based on court testimony and interviews with mob associates.
Contributed by @srubenfeld
How Congress Corrupted Patent Reform, Huffington Post
Reforming patent legislation could make it easier for entrepreneurs to start up new projects without fear of getting sued, and potentially create jobs. The Huffington Post looks at the lobbyists who’ve opposed reform, and the political battle over patents that’s been going on for nearly a decade.
Suggested by @dafnalinzer
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