Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 08/09/2026Thanks for having me today, @kqedforum.bsky.social. 001
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSara Libby @saralibby.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Incredible reporting: People are being held at SFO for a week or longer, with no access to attorneys, a bed or medical care. Some were driven in from other airports more than 100 miles away. Many are legal permanent residents. www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comUnder Trump, SFO is now a de facto immigration detention centerMore than two dozen immigrants have been held at San Francisco’s airport this year for longer than three days, in violation of Customs and Border Protection’s guidelines. 1812
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Customs agents are using airport “lounges” to detain immigrants for up to 8 days. More than 400 people across the country have been detained for 3+ days in holding rooms, which goes against CBP’s own policies. @sfchronicle.com www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art... @sfchronicle.comsfchronicle.comUnder Trump, SFO is now a de facto immigration detention centerMore than two dozen immigrants have been held at San Francisco’s airport this year for longer than three days, in violation of Customs and Border Protection’s guidelines. 110
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSt. John Barned-Smith @stjbs.bsky.social · 15/05/2026BREAKING: California detention centers weren't prepared for surging detainees, report finds — by @saradinatale.bsky.social www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comCalifornia detention centers weren't prepared for surging detainees, report findsThe conditions and limited access to food and healthcare raise serious concerns about the facilities’ abilities to safely detain a growing population, the state Department of Justice found. 032
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 24/04/2026My Broadway theater knowledge 🤝 my political knowlege This story for @sfchronicle.com www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comTrump and Newsom agree hospice fraud is a problem. They’re feuding over it anywayTrump and Newsom’s dueling claims have created a bizarre reality in which both sides agree that a problem exists, yet they remain locked in a feud over who’s addressing it better. 110
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSusie Neilson @susien.bsky.social · 20/03/2026Eric's death is emblematic of larger issues at HomeRise, which has struggled for years to provide the supportive services it promises, an investigation by @mgafni.bsky.social, Matt Mitchell and I found. Notably, since 2022 at least 3 other residents died and weren't checked on for more than 3 days. 001
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSusie Neilson @susien.bsky.social · 20/03/2026Last fall, Eric McCain died in his room at Jazzie Collins, a supportive housing complex operated by San Francisco nonprofit HomeRise. The org requires "wellness checks" every 72 hours. But by the time Eric's sister Aisha called, nobody had seen him for 12 days. www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti...sfchronicle.comAt a ‘model’ S.F. complex for the formerly homeless, a man lay dead for days unnoticedEric McCain’s death was emblematic of continuing struggles by San Francisco housing provider HomeRise, which Nancy Pelosi has called a “beacon of hope” and “model for the nation.” 157
Reposted by Sara DiNataleAlexei Koseff @akoseff.bsky.social · 19/03/2026San Jose and San Francisco metro areas have the highest concentration of H-1B workers in the country. As registration for the latest lottery ends today, new rules from the Trump administration have scrambled the local job market, @saradinatale.bsky.social reports: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comTrump’s H-1B visa overhaul is upending Bay Area employment and separating familiesThe Trump administration’s overhaul of the Bay Area tech industry’s H-1B visa program has scrambled the plans of companies and foreign workers and left families separated across continents. 023
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 19/03/2026I did an investigation on the flood of white South Africans on H-2A visas into the Mississippi Delta while at @mississippitoday.org in 2022. First, a link to my investigation: mississippitoday.org/2022/06/29/d...mississippitoday.orgDelta farm owners underpay, push out Black workers - Mississippi TodayA Mississippi Today investigation found at least five Delta farms paid Black local workers less than white workers from other countries. 121
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 05/03/2026A growing number of Northern California Planned Parenthood locations are asking patients a new question: Would you like Botox with your birth control? @sfchronicle.comsfchronicle.com‘Not your mom’s Planned Parenthood’: Northern California clinics add Botox, IVs to offeringsPlanned Parenthood Mar Monte leaders say the services are an effort to bolster revenue after devastating cuts, but also reflect patient demand. 000
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSusie Neilson @susien.bsky.social · 03/03/2026Super proud that our investigative series into wildfire insurance was recognized as a semifinalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting! TY @shorensteinctr.bsky.social :) goldsmithawards.org/announcing-t... @meganmunce.bsky.social @saradinatale.bsky.socialgoldsmithawards.org 253
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 27/02/2026The California DMV says the Trump admin & its regulators are purposefully keeping it from fixing the commercial driving licenses of ~20,000 immigrant drivers. Time is running out and those drivers could soon be out of trucking forever. @sfchronicle.com www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comCalifornia pulled immigrants’ trucking licenses. Now it can’t give them backCalifornia says the Trump administration is intentionally stalling efforts to reissue immigrant truck drivers’ licenses to keep them from ever driving professionally again. 130
Reposted by Sara DiNataleAlexei Koseff @akoseff.bsky.social · 26/02/2026Tens of thousands of immigrant truck drivers are on the verge of losing their licenses because of a combination of clerical errors by the California DMV and new restrictions by the Trump administration, @saradinatale.bsky.social reports www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comCalifornia pulled immigrants’ trucking licenses. Now it can’t give them backCalifornia says the Trump administration is intentionally stalling efforts to re-issue immigrant truck drivers’ licenses in order to keep them from ever driving professionally again. 011
Reposted by Sara DiNataleAlexei Koseff @akoseff.bsky.social · 16/12/2025After canceling 17,000 commercial drivers licenses last month under pressure from the Trump admin, California will begin reissuing licenses for immigrants with valid work permits, potentially setting up a clash with the feds, @saradinatale.bsky.social reports: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comImmigrant truck drivers have become collateral damage in the state’s war with TrumpThe Department of Motor Vehicles plans to begin issuing the drivers new licenses this week, according to a letter obtained by the Chronicle. 001
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSusie Neilson @susien.bsky.social · 28/08/2025Scoop by @edwardsanthonyb.bsky.social @saradinatale.bsky.social www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comMeteorologists now face a Trump ‘loyalty test’ when applying to National Weather Service jobsAfter firing hundreds of meteorologists, the National Weather Service announced it is filling vacant positions. Applicants are being asked to detail their support for Trump’s policies. 032
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 28/07/2025“I won’t let my son fall through the cracks,” Cameron’s mom, Dana, told me. A year ago, Cameron found a doctor at Planned Parenthood that accepted Medicaid. Now, not only is his clinic closed but the remaining PPs in the region are sunsetting primary care altogether because of Medicaid cuts. 021
Reposted by Sara DiNataleLuis Chabolla @lchabolla.bsky.social · 23/07/2025Our local @pbs.org station KEET-TV might be another victim of #Trump GOP war on public media. #SavePBS #PublicMedia #HumboldtCountyCA Follow @saradinatale.bsky.social 111
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 25/07/2025Breaking news ➡️ Trump cuts to Medicaid have forced a Planned Parenthood affiliate to shutter five Northern California clinics: “It’s just not sustainable.” @sfchronicle.com www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comPlanned Parenthood closes 5 Northern California clinics, citing Trump budget billThursday’s announcement drives home the extent of the federal government’s tremendous power to impact abortion access. 01312
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 22/07/2025My latest story in my new job covering California politics & Trump at @sfchronicle.com. Meet the Northern California PBS station slated to lose half its budget under the federal funding cuts to public media: www.sfchronicle.com/politics/art...sfchronicle.comThis Northern California PBS station will lose half its budget to Trump cutsStations like KEET-TV in Eureka could become casualties of President Donald Trump’s plan to claw back $9 billion in public broadcasting funds. 010
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSan Antonio Express-News @expressnews.com · 05/07/2025The devastating floods have claimed 24 lives. More than 20 children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.bit.lyCamp Mystic deadly flood updates: Death toll rises to 24; 270 rescuedThe devastating floods have claimed 13 lives. More than 20 children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected. 015
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSan Antonio Express-News @expressnews.com · 05/07/2025The devastating floods have claimed 13 lives. Twenty children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected.bit.lyKerr County deadly flood updates: Emergency crews search for survivorsThe devastating floods have claimed 13 lives. Twenty children are missing, and officials say more deaths are expected. 053
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSan Antonio Express-News @expressnews.com · 05/07/2025About 23 girls were still missing after major flooding at a private Christian summer camp in Hunt, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said during a news conference.bit.lyWho are the Camp Mystic girls still missing after devastating floods in Texas?Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Friday during a press conference that about 23 girls were still missing after major flooding at a private Christian summer camp in Hunt. 032
Reposted by Sara DiNataleMarc Duvoisin @marcduvoisin.bsky.social · 14/05/2025Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law a bill requiring the Public Utility Commission to publish a consumer guide to avoiding rip-offs by rooftop solar companies. The law was inspired in part by @saradinatale.bsky.social's four-part series, "In Broad Daylight." capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/A...capitol.texas.govTexas Legislature Online - 89(R) Actions for SB 1697 011
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 18/03/2025In Broad Daylight update 🧵 ➡️ TX Senate committee discussed solar consumer protections today. The bill is still pending, but industry (from roofing to electricians & solar) testified in support. The bill has been changed to have extra penalties for vics 65+ rather than 55. @expressnews.com 110
Reposted by Sara DiNataleAdvanced Energy United @advancedenergyunited.org · 04/03/2025"The Texas government has got to come up with a way to incentivize (virtual power plants)," TAEBA's Matt Boms told @saradinatale.bsky.social @expressnews.com. Read more: www.expressnews.com/business/art...expressnews.comBackyard backup: Virtual power plants give homeowners — and grid — security“Virtual power plants” fed by connected pools of residential power could be key in stabilizing the Texas grid. But technology and regulation are challenges. 112
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 19/02/2025If you're interested in hearing more about the four-part series 'In Broad Daylight' I did on the Texas solar industry that just won a George Polk Award, @douglewin.bsky.social posted his latest podcast where we chat the series, the process and the grid. www.douglewin.com/p/know-befor...douglewin.comKnow Before You Go Solar with Sara DiNataleAward winning investigative reporter Sara DiNatale exposed how some bad actors in misled Texas homeowners, leaving them with faulty systems, mounting debt, and little recourse 130
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 19/02/2025You may have seen a dire-sounding ERCOT report last week. My story today has needed nuance about the figures and why standardized load growth reporting criteria could help ERCOT improve the reports & forecasts that keenly influence lawmakers. @expressnews.com www.expressnews.com/business/art...expressnews.comERCOT anticipates 'significant increase' in upcoming demand forecastERCOT anticipates 'significant increase' in upcoming Texas power demand forecast 100
Reposted by Sara DiNataleMarc Duvoisin @marcduvoisin.bsky.social · 17/02/2025Relentless, gutsy reporting by @saradinatale.bsky.social exposed the sleazy underside of Texas' rooftop solar energy boom. Today, her work was honored with a George Polk Award, first ever for San Antonio Express-News. www.expressnews.com/news/article...expressnews.comE-N series on dark side of rooftop solar boom wins George Polk AwardThe San Antonio Express-News series documented deceptive sales tactics, exorbitant lending fees and shoddy workmanship. Thousands of Texans were victimized. 011
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 04/02/2025Will Texas finally crack down on the solar industry's bad actors? Sen. Judith Zaffirini filed a new bill that creates sales registration requirements and penalities up to $100k. It comes on the heels of my 4-part investigation for @expressnews.com www.expressnews.com/business/art...expressnews.comTexas bill would put financial hurt on dishonest solar sales repsThe proposed law targets abuses highlighted in a San Antonio Express-News series. Installers and salespeople coul be fined up to $100K for repeat violations. 110
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 23/12/2024Could Texas’ laissez-faire approach to the residential solar industry be changing? Industry leaders hope so as they look ahead to the legislative session. An @expressnews.com investigation uncovered heart-wrenching fallout from bad actors across the state. 🧵 www.expressnews.com/business/art...expressnews.comTexas residential solar firms look to state to clean up their industryUnscrupulous operators have put a hurt on the industry's image. Solar companies and trade groups are asking the Legislature to step in and set standards. 132
Reposted by Sara DiNataleMarc Duvoisin @marcduvoisin.bsky.social · 12/12/2024If you've stumbled onto any of @saradinatale.bsky.social's hard-hitting takeouts on the residential solar power industry in Texas, we've collected them in one place for your convenience. And there's one more still to come. www.expressnews.com/solar/expressnews.comIn Broad Daylight | ExpressNews.com 022
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 09/12/2024Part III of my @expressnews.com investigation into Texas’ solar industry uncovers a hidden fee often worth thousands of dollars in fintech loans used across the country. “We fought, and we got nothing except money going out of our pockets,” said one customer. www.expressnews.com/news/article...expressnews.comHidden lending fee inflated the cost of rooftop solar systems across TexasCompanies offering quick-approval online loans for rooftop solar systems didn't disclose a lending fee of 30% or more, an Express-News investigation found. 165
Reposted by Sara DiNataleRic Brack @ricbrack.bsky.social · 08/12/2024As a post-Uri solar boom rolled across Texas, hidden loan fees pushed the cost of residential systems through the roof. Here's the latest ln @saradinatale.bsky.social's series on the impacts of the largely unregulated industry. www.expressnews.com/news/article...expressnews.comHidden lending fee inflated the cost of rooftop solar systems across TexasCompanies offering quick-approval online loans for rooftop solar systems didn't disclose a lending fee of 30% or more, an Express-News investigation found. 201
Reposted by Sara DiNataleMarc Duvoisin @marcduvoisin.bsky.social · 08/12/2024Absolutely love JessicaPhelps' lead image with @saradinatale.bsky.social's blockbuster on how hidden loan fees drive up the cost of home solar systems across the country. The paperwork, the woman's expression ... a silent scream of aggravation and dismay. www.expressnews.com/news/article... 022
Reposted by Sara DiNataleSan Antonio Express-News @expressnews.com · 04/12/2024The Texas grid operator’s meteorologist said the state could face a sudden winter freeze this season that would put the electric grid at significant risk of emergency conditions and forced power outages. bit.ly/41jeIIF 1124
Reposted by Sara DiNataleRon Nirenberg @nirenberg.net · 04/12/2024Just a reminder that without San Antonio's CPS Energy, Texas can’t keep the lights on, despite the claims that the state fixed the grid."expressnews.comERCOT: CPS Energy's Braunig unit must stay online to keep Texans' lights onThe $34 million project, to be paid for by utility customers across Texas, is necessary to reduce the impact of a glitchy transmission circuit in San Antonio. 094
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 04/12/2024ERCOT's meteorologist Tuesday told the state it should be on an extreme freeze watch in case a storm breaks through what's expected to be a warm winter. The grid operator's analysis shows a 50% chance h-+ of power outages during a deep freeze. @expressnews.com www.expressnews.com/business/art...expressnews.comERCOT says Texas ‘in a pattern’ for deep freeze, boosting possibility of outages“That doesn’t mean we’re going to have Uri,” the grid operator’s meteorologist says, “but we’re in a pattern that supports something like a Uri.” 111
Reposted by Sara DiNataleMarc Duvoisin @marcduvoisin.bsky.social · 22/11/2024"Texas sunshine is a gift from the heavens. Even Texans of modest means should be able to get in on this energy abundance. Just watch out for scoundrels and scalawags." @houstonchronicle.com edit board weighs in on @saradinatale.bsky.social's solar series. www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...houstonchronicle.comDon't get scammed on solar panels. Here's how to do it right | EditorialAn investigation by the San Antonio-Express News revealed rampant scams by door-to-door rooftop solar salespeople. Here are five tips to avoid getting cheated. 023
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 18/11/2024Part 2 of my series taking a dive into the problems of Texas' residential solar industry for the Express-News. Meet the sales agents targeting the elderly, then taking their earnings to strip clubs. One even called his sales groupchat the "wolves of wall street." www.expressnews.com/news/article...expressnews.comInside the high-pressure sales culture of Texas’ solar energy boomDoor-to-door sales agents targeted the elderly with promises of energy savings, rebates, tax credits that proved illusory, an Express-News investigation found. 111
Sara DiNatale @saradinatale.bsky.social · 11/11/2024I’ve spent the last 10 months investigating Texas’ residential solar industry. With little regulations and a surge of door-to-door sales, thousands faced deceptive sales practices, overblown promises, expensive loans and shoddy workmanship. www.expressnews.com/news/article...expressnews.com 141