Jennifer Berry Hawes
@jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
South reporter at ProPublica based in Charleston, SC. News tips welcome.
Pinned
🧵
As hurricane season approaches, I want to tell you why I spent the past 4 months reporting this new story about Hurricane Helene.
In 1999, I spent 13 hours in a car on a gridlocked interstate with my 3-week-old baby during the disastrous mass evacuation from Hurricane Floyd.
As hurricane season approaches, I want to tell you why I spent the past 4 months reporting this new story about Hurricane Helene.
In 1999, I spent 13 hours in a car on a gridlocked interstate with my 3-week-old baby during the disastrous mass evacuation from Hurricane Floyd.
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
BREAKING: In Nebraska rally, Trump just suggested he would be unbothered to see Iran "take out" LA or San Diego:
“They could take out a city,” he said. “Let them take—Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That’s—this is a very small price to pay."
“They could take out a city,” he said. “Let them take—Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That’s—this is a very small price to pay."
October 5, 2026 at 11:49 PM
BREAKING: In Nebraska rally, Trump just suggested he would be unbothered to see Iran "take out" LA or San Diego:
“They could take out a city,” he said. “Let them take—Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That’s—this is a very small price to pay."
“They could take out a city,” he said. “Let them take—Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That’s—this is a very small price to pay."
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
As part of a three-state experiment, journalists at @theassemblync.bsky.social and @propublica.org tested whether they could get a North Carolina state license to open a private school inside Ponysaurus Brewing. #ncpol @carlibrosseau.bsky.social @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
Almost Anyone Can Start a Private School. We Put This to the Test.
Reporting has shown how easy it can be to found a private schools. That led us to an experiment: Could we do it?
www.theassemblync.com
October 6, 2026 at 2:15 AM
As part of a three-state experiment, journalists at @theassemblync.bsky.social and @propublica.org tested whether they could get a North Carolina state license to open a private school inside Ponysaurus Brewing. #ncpol @carlibrosseau.bsky.social @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
How @propublica.org Reporters Became Private School Owners in 24 Hours
The reporting experiment demonstrates how easy it can be to open private schools that might then access public money. No credentials or background checks required. / by @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social
The reporting experiment demonstrates how easy it can be to open private schools that might then access public money. No credentials or background checks required. / by @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social
How ProPublica Reporters Became Private School Owners in 24 Hours
The reporting experiment demonstrates how easy it can be to open private schools that might then access public money. No credentials or background checks required.
www.propublica.org
October 5, 2026 at 1:55 PM
How @propublica.org Reporters Became Private School Owners in 24 Hours
The reporting experiment demonstrates how easy it can be to open private schools that might then access public money. No credentials or background checks required. / by @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social
The reporting experiment demonstrates how easy it can be to open private schools that might then access public money. No credentials or background checks required. / by @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
NEW: Remember when John Oliver opened a church to expose how easy it was to get tax exemptions?
This year, ProPublica reporters set out to establish private schools to test if, truly, anyone could open one.
We founded two. Here’s how.
This year, ProPublica reporters set out to establish private schools to test if, truly, anyone could open one.
We founded two. Here’s how.
How ProPublica Reporters Became Private School Owners in 24 Hours
The reporting experiment demonstrates how easy it can be to open private schools that might then access public money. No credentials or background checks required.
www.propublica.org
October 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
NEW: Remember when John Oliver opened a church to expose how easy it was to get tax exemptions?
This year, ProPublica reporters set out to establish private schools to test if, truly, anyone could open one.
We founded two. Here’s how.
This year, ProPublica reporters set out to establish private schools to test if, truly, anyone could open one.
We founded two. Here’s how.
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
UPDATED: The Trump administration’s push for mass deportations has now resulted in more than 83,000 challenges in federal court from immigrants claiming their detention is illegal.
We are continuing to track the increase in these cases:
We are continuing to track the increase in these cases:
Tracking the Historic Rise of Habeas Cases Filed by Detained Immigrants
ProPublica is tracking the historic rise in challenges filed by immigrants claiming their detention is illegal.
projects.propublica.org
October 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM
UPDATED: The Trump administration’s push for mass deportations has now resulted in more than 83,000 challenges in federal court from immigrants claiming their detention is illegal.
We are continuing to track the increase in these cases:
We are continuing to track the increase in these cases:
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
JUST POSTED: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have pushed a multibillion oil deal with Russia as part of peace talks that will bring profits to their family business partners. A new front for Trump-era conflicts of interest.
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/u...
U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Now Involve an Oil Deal Tied to Trump Allies (Gift Article)
President Vladimir V. Putin brought up a sale of Russian energy assets with President Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, pushing a deal that raises new questions about conflicts of inter...
www.nytimes.com
October 3, 2026 at 10:07 AM
JUST POSTED: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have pushed a multibillion oil deal with Russia as part of peace talks that will bring profits to their family business partners. A new front for Trump-era conflicts of interest.
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/u...
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
We started our very own private school with @arktimes.bsky.social.
All it took was $45, a few clicks on a state website and an American flag.
All it took was $45, a few clicks on a state website and an American flag.
Almost Anyone Can Start a Private School. We Put This to the Test.
Our reporting has shown how easily people — some with questionable backgrounds — have founded their own private schools in barns, strip malls and other places. That led us to an experiment: If the hur...
www.propublica.org
October 3, 2026 at 11:00 PM
We started our very own private school with @arktimes.bsky.social.
All it took was $45, a few clicks on a state website and an American flag.
All it took was $45, a few clicks on a state website and an American flag.
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
Our reporting found that in Arkansas, one private school continued to operate even though the founder served jail time for permitting child abuse.
Join us Oct. 6 at 4 pm ET for a discussion about the changing private school landscape: https://events.propublica.org/wild-west-school-vouchers/bluesky
Join us Oct. 6 at 4 pm ET for a discussion about the changing private school landscape: https://events.propublica.org/wild-west-school-vouchers/bluesky
October 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Our reporting found that in Arkansas, one private school continued to operate even though the founder served jail time for permitting child abuse.
Join us Oct. 6 at 4 pm ET for a discussion about the changing private school landscape: https://events.propublica.org/wild-west-school-vouchers/bluesky
Join us Oct. 6 at 4 pm ET for a discussion about the changing private school landscape: https://events.propublica.org/wild-west-school-vouchers/bluesky
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
"State law in Arkansas doesn’t require much to open a private school, nothing about teacher skills or what kids learn. But it does require that all schools display an American flag, and we wanted to follow the rules."
Unbelievable story.
Also, immediately ordering the ProPublica Academy pencils.
Unbelievable story.
Also, immediately ordering the ProPublica Academy pencils.
It started with a question: If it was so easy to start a private school in some states — and even access public money — could we as @propublica reporters do it?
Find out what @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social, @jsmithrichards.bsky.social and I learned:
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Find out what @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social, @jsmithrichards.bsky.social and I learned:
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Almost Anyone Can Start a Private School. We Put This to the Test.
Our reporting has shown how easily people — some with questionable backgrounds — have founded their own private schools in barns, strip malls and other places. That led us to an experiment: If the hur...
www.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 1:52 PM
"State law in Arkansas doesn’t require much to open a private school, nothing about teacher skills or what kids learn. But it does require that all schools display an American flag, and we wanted to follow the rules."
Unbelievable story.
Also, immediately ordering the ProPublica Academy pencils.
Unbelievable story.
Also, immediately ordering the ProPublica Academy pencils.
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
Quiz: Where Could You Open a Private School? - ProPublica
Based on my answers, I could open Ye Olde Minimum Academy in Idaho and eight other states. projects.propublica.org/private-scho...
Based on my answers, I could open Ye Olde Minimum Academy in Idaho and eight other states. projects.propublica.org/private-scho...
Quiz: Where Could You Open a Private School? — ProPublica
Private school requirements vary wildly across states. Take our quiz to find out just how easy starting one can be.
projects.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Quiz: Where Could You Open a Private School? - ProPublica
Based on my answers, I could open Ye Olde Minimum Academy in Idaho and eight other states. projects.propublica.org/private-scho...
Based on my answers, I could open Ye Olde Minimum Academy in Idaho and eight other states. projects.propublica.org/private-scho...
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
President Trump directed staff to use taxpayer money for TV ads praising him and his presidency, setting in motion a $20 million contract that used funds from the Department of Homeland Security, according to people familiar with the matter. nyti.ms/4jBqx63
October 2, 2026 at 9:20 PM
President Trump directed staff to use taxpayer money for TV ads praising him and his presidency, setting in motion a $20 million contract that used funds from the Department of Homeland Security, according to people familiar with the matter. nyti.ms/4jBqx63
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
Amazing work by @propublica.org and partners illustrating the lack of regulations around microschools in some states. www.propublica.org/article/prop...
October 2, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Amazing work by @propublica.org and partners illustrating the lack of regulations around microschools in some states. www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
NEW: We’re reporters, not teachers. We have no business running a private school.
But to show you just how easy it is to start one, we decided to test the process ourselves.
But to show you just how easy it is to start one, we decided to test the process ourselves.
Almost Anyone Can Start a Private School. We Put This to the Test.
Our reporting has shown how easily people — some with questionable backgrounds — have founded their own private schools in barns, strip malls and other places. That led us to an experiment: If the hur...
www.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 12:07 PM
NEW: We’re reporters, not teachers. We have no business running a private school.
But to show you just how easy it is to start one, we decided to test the process ourselves.
But to show you just how easy it is to start one, we decided to test the process ourselves.
Excited to moderate this event with my amazing colleagues. Come join us!
About 30 states have adopted programs that allow families to spend public money on private school tuition. But our investigation found that many states have little interest in overseeing private schools.
Join us Oct. 6 for a virtual discussion. RSVP: events.propublica.org/wild-west-sc...
Join us Oct. 6 for a virtual discussion. RSVP: events.propublica.org/wild-west-sc...
October 2, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Excited to moderate this event with my amazing colleagues. Come join us!
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
It started with a question: If it was so easy to start a private school in some states — and even access public money — could we as @propublica reporters do it?
Find out what @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social, @jsmithrichards.bsky.social and I learned:
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Find out what @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social, @jsmithrichards.bsky.social and I learned:
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Almost Anyone Can Start a Private School. We Put This to the Test.
Our reporting has shown how easily people — some with questionable backgrounds — have founded their own private schools in barns, strip malls and other places. That led us to an experiment: If the hur...
www.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 12:52 PM
It started with a question: If it was so easy to start a private school in some states — and even access public money — could we as @propublica reporters do it?
Find out what @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social, @jsmithrichards.bsky.social and I learned:
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Find out what @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social, @jsmithrichards.bsky.social and I learned:
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
With @jodiscohen.bsky.social and @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social and a team of local reporters across three states, we conducted an experiment in establishing private and microschools. And you can see for yourself what it takes -- just take this quiz by @zisiga.bsky.social.
It’s Easy to Start a Private School. Take Our Quiz to Find Out Where You Can Open Yours. — ProPublica
Private school requirements vary wildly across states. Take our quiz to find out just how easy starting one can be.
projects.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 1:27 PM
With @jodiscohen.bsky.social and @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social and a team of local reporters across three states, we conducted an experiment in establishing private and microschools. And you can see for yourself what it takes -- just take this quiz by @zisiga.bsky.social.
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
Such a fun quiz.
It’s Easy to Start a Private School. Take Our Quiz to Find Out Where You Can Open Yours. @zisiga.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
It’s Easy to Start a Private School. Take Our Quiz to Find Out Where You Can Open Yours. @zisiga.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
It’s Easy to Start a Private School. Take Our Quiz to Find Out Where You Can Open Yours. — ProPublica
Private school requirements vary wildly across states. Take our quiz to find out just how easy starting one can be.
projects.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Such a fun quiz.
It’s Easy to Start a Private School. Take Our Quiz to Find Out Where You Can Open Yours. @zisiga.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
It’s Easy to Start a Private School. Take Our Quiz to Find Out Where You Can Open Yours. @zisiga.bsky.social @jsmithrichards.bsky.social @jodiscohen.bsky.social @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
Health Insurance Claim Denied? See What Insurers Said Behind the Scenes
Learn how to request your health insurance claim file, which can include details about what your insurer is saying about you and your case.
www.propublica.org
October 2, 2026 at 2:58 AM
When an insurance company is deciding whether to pay for your medical treatment, it generates a file, which should contain all records associated with your case, including documents explaining why the claim was denied.
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
You have a right to see this file.
(Published May 2023)
On this 2nd anniversary of Hurricane Helene, I'm thinking about the amazing people I met in western NC reporting this story for @propublica.org I hope it offers lessons learned that help avoid another such tragic loss of life.
www.propublica.org/article/hurr...
www.propublica.org/article/hurr...
Helene’s Unheard Warnings
As Hurricane Helene barreled toward Yancey County in North Carolina, communities along the Cane River in the Black Mountains were particularly vulnerable. But there were no evacuation orders, and few ...
www.propublica.org
September 27, 2026 at 2:47 PM
On this 2nd anniversary of Hurricane Helene, I'm thinking about the amazing people I met in western NC reporting this story for @propublica.org I hope it offers lessons learned that help avoid another such tragic loss of life.
www.propublica.org/article/hurr...
www.propublica.org/article/hurr...
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
This week, ProPublica revealed that a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding festivities.
Join our reporters on Sept. 23 for a behind-the-scenes conversation.
🗓️ RSVP: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddi...
Join our reporters on Sept. 23 for a behind-the-scenes conversation.
🗓️ RSVP: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddi...
September 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM
This week, ProPublica revealed that a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding festivities.
Join our reporters on Sept. 23 for a behind-the-scenes conversation.
🗓️ RSVP: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddi...
Join our reporters on Sept. 23 for a behind-the-scenes conversation.
🗓️ RSVP: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddi...
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
Therein lies the catch in “school choice” for disabled children. Unlike public schools, private ones generally aren’t required to educate students with disabilities. And they often don’t.
The choice wasn’t hers, one mom realized. It was the schools’. @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
The choice wasn’t hers, one mom realized. It was the schools’. @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
Vouchers Promise Students With Disabilities a Path to Private School. Parents Say That’s Not the Reality.
To give voucher programs a toehold in state legislatures, politicians touted how students with disabilities would gain access to private education. But those students’ families often have the hardest ...
www.propublica.org
September 19, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Therein lies the catch in “school choice” for disabled children. Unlike public schools, private ones generally aren’t required to educate students with disabilities. And they often don’t.
The choice wasn’t hers, one mom realized. It was the schools’. @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
The choice wasn’t hers, one mom realized. It was the schools’. @jenniferberryhawes.bsky.social
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
Exclusive: More American service members have died in the Middle East during the ongoing Iran war than the Pentagon has disclosed publicly, according to six U.S. officials familiar with the data.
More U.S. troops have died amid Iran war than Pentagon has disclosed publicly
Officials who spoke with The Post expressed frustration that the additional loss of life in the Middle East is not reflected in the Defense Department’s casualty database.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 18, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Exclusive: More American service members have died in the Middle East during the ongoing Iran war than the Pentagon has disclosed publicly, according to six U.S. officials familiar with the data.
Gold Statues and Staff Cuts: How Trump Has Disrupted America’s Parks www.nytimes.com/2026/09/19/c...
How Trump Has Disrupted National Parks
Maintenance projects have been put off around the country and resources diverted to the president’s favored projects in Washington.
www.nytimes.com
September 19, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Gold Statues and Staff Cuts: How Trump Has Disrupted America’s Parks www.nytimes.com/2026/09/19/c...
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
“School choice” means few, if any, choices for parents of disabled students.
In Florida, home to the nation’s largest voucher programs, we found that more than half of private schools say they do not serve students with any type of disabilities.
In Florida, home to the nation’s largest voucher programs, we found that more than half of private schools say they do not serve students with any type of disabilities.
Vouchers Promise Students With Disabilities a Path to Private School. Parents Say That’s Not the Reality.
To give voucher programs a toehold in state legislatures, politicians touted how students with disabilities would gain access to private education. But those students’ families often have the hardest ...
www.propublica.org
September 11, 2026 at 1:28 PM
“School choice” means few, if any, choices for parents of disabled students.
In Florida, home to the nation’s largest voucher programs, we found that more than half of private schools say they do not serve students with any type of disabilities.
In Florida, home to the nation’s largest voucher programs, we found that more than half of private schools say they do not serve students with any type of disabilities.
Reposted by Jennifer Berry Hawes
NEW: To give voucher programs a toehold in state legislatures, politicians touted how students with disabilities would gain access to private education.
But those students’ families often have the hardest time finding schools that will accept them.
But those students’ families often have the hardest time finding schools that will accept them.
Vouchers Promise Students With Disabilities a Path to Private School. Parents Say That’s Not the Reality.
To give voucher programs a toehold in state legislatures, politicians touted how students with disabilities would gain access to private education. But those students’ families often have the hardest ...
www.propublica.org
September 11, 2026 at 12:30 PM
NEW: To give voucher programs a toehold in state legislatures, politicians touted how students with disabilities would gain access to private education.
But those students’ families often have the hardest time finding schools that will accept them.
But those students’ families often have the hardest time finding schools that will accept them.