Charles Ornstein
@charlesornstein.bsky.social
Managing editor/local at ProPublica, past prez of AHCJ, Detroit Lions fan. Email: charles.ornstein@propublica.org. Posts are my own.
This is wild. Influencers and OnlyFans models dominate US ‘extraordinary’ artist visas t.co/ZNfTozlmUY @financialtimes.com (gift article)
January 6, 2026 at 3:28 PM
This is wild. Influencers and OnlyFans models dominate US ‘extraordinary’ artist visas t.co/ZNfTozlmUY @financialtimes.com (gift article)
Our Local Reporting Network is open again for proposals! We're looking for accountability journalism projects from around the country. We cover your salary (up to $80k plus a stipend for benefits) plus provide editing and other support. Apply here:
Local Reporting Network Fellow
Remote, United States
job-boards.greenhouse.io
January 6, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Our Local Reporting Network is open again for proposals! We're looking for accountability journalism projects from around the country. We cover your salary (up to $80k plus a stipend for benefits) plus provide editing and other support. Apply here:
Because of course...Autism Therapy Becomes Big Business for Private Equity
Autism Therapy Becomes Big Business for Private Equity
Increase in private equity acquisitions mirrors rise in autism diagnoses
www.medpagetoday.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Because of course...Autism Therapy Becomes Big Business for Private Equity
Worth keeping an eye on spending for skin substitutes in Medicare. Sounds wonky but there's a lot of $$$ at stake.
CMS whiplash on skin substitute coverage creates wound care confusion
Federal regulators created fresh confusion around a controversial subset of wound care products during a 10-day period in which they issued and then withdrew new Medicare coverage guidance.
www.mcknights.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Worth keeping an eye on spending for skin substitutes in Medicare. Sounds wonky but there's a lot of $$$ at stake.
Taxpayers foot skyrocketing salaries for N.J. group home execs rolling in dough. What’s being done? (gift link) by @susanklivio.bsky.social
Taxpayers foot skyrocketing salaries for N.J. group home execs rolling in dough. What’s being done?
As New Jersey tripled funding for group homes, top execs at nonprofits cashed in, an NJ Advance Media review found.
www.nj.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Taxpayers foot skyrocketing salaries for N.J. group home execs rolling in dough. What’s being done? (gift link) by @susanklivio.bsky.social
An important story about the wild world of drug testing, with big implications: Her Parenting Time Was Restricted After a Positive Drug Test. By Federal Standards, It Would’ve Been Negative.
Her Parenting Time Was Restricted After a Positive Drug Test. By Federal Standards, It Would've Been Negative.
In the child welfare system, the threshold at which a drug test is considered positive varies widely from one jurisdiction to the next. There’s no industry consensus on what, or if anything, should be...
www.propublica.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:37 PM
An important story about the wild world of drug testing, with big implications: Her Parenting Time Was Restricted After a Positive Drug Test. By Federal Standards, It Would’ve Been Negative.
😳 CMS Says States Won't Have to Report Childhood Vaccination Levels
CMS Says States Won't Have to Report Childhood Vaccination Levels
Immunization quality measures shouldn't be used in payment arrangements, agency notes
www.medpagetoday.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:39 PM
😳 CMS Says States Won't Have to Report Childhood Vaccination Levels
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive, via @statnews.com
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive
The number of recommended childhood shots drops from 17 to 11.
www.statnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive, via @statnews.com
NEW: Arizona Judges Launch Effort Seeking Quicker Resolutions to Death Penalty Cases, by @nicolesantacruz.bsky.social @davebiscobing15.bsky.social @abc15.com
Arizona Judges Launch Effort Seeking Quicker Resolutions to Death Penalty Cases
Maricopa County prosecutors have frequently pursued the death penalty, but just 13% of cases ended in a death sentence, ProPublica and ABC15 Arizona found. Experts say the numbers raise questions abou...
www.propublica.org
January 5, 2026 at 2:46 PM
NEW: Arizona Judges Launch Effort Seeking Quicker Resolutions to Death Penalty Cases, by @nicolesantacruz.bsky.social @davebiscobing15.bsky.social @abc15.com
Not just Minnesota. Mississippi Welfare-Fraud Trial Spotlights National Oversight Failures
Mississippi Welfare-Fraud Trial Spotlights National Oversight Failures
A safety-net scandal totaling at least $77 million resembles one in Minnesota, according to a Republican auditor.
www.wsj.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Not just Minnesota. Mississippi Welfare-Fraud Trial Spotlights National Oversight Failures
Reposted by Charles Ornstein
“Sick in a Hospital Town” is a five-part investigation by @gingerthompson.bsky.social that seeks answers to the question: How did one hospital become the most powerful institution in town?
To tell this story in audio, we collaborated with social impact theater company Theater Of War Productions:
To tell this story in audio, we collaborated with social impact theater company Theater Of War Productions:
January 3, 2026 at 12:01 AM
“Sick in a Hospital Town” is a five-part investigation by @gingerthompson.bsky.social that seeks answers to the question: How did one hospital become the most powerful institution in town?
To tell this story in audio, we collaborated with social impact theater company Theater Of War Productions:
To tell this story in audio, we collaborated with social impact theater company Theater Of War Productions:
Reposted by Charles Ornstein
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
“Biblical Justice, Equal Justice, for All”: How North Carolina’s Chief Justice Transformed His State and America
Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well be...
www.propublica.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 AM
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
In a story posted on New Years Day, @wsj.com takes a look at President Trump’s advanced age and the array of health issues he faces. Trump, in an interview, brushes it all off.
Exclusive | As Signs of Aging Emerge, Trump Responds With Defiance
In an interview, President Trump—the oldest man to assume the office—said he has eschewed some advice from his doctors and regrets getting advanced imaging.
www.wsj.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:02 PM
In a story posted on New Years Day, @wsj.com takes a look at President Trump’s advanced age and the array of health issues he faces. Trump, in an interview, brushes it all off.
So great to hear @kylehopkinsak.bsky.social talk about his investigation into the slow pace of justice in Alaska on @wbur.org Here & Now
Alaska's failing justice system exposed by decade-old murder
In Alaska in 2015, Justine Paul was accused of killing his girlfriend, Eunice Whitman. Paul was kept behind bars for seven years awaiting trial.
www.wbur.org
December 31, 2025 at 9:42 PM
So great to hear @kylehopkinsak.bsky.social talk about his investigation into the slow pace of justice in Alaska on @wbur.org Here & Now
I'm so proud of ProPublica's journalism from 2025. In case you missed it, here's our most-read stories, as well as some you may have missed: www.propublica.org/article/prop...
The Most-Read ProPublica Stories of 2025
Our reporters published investigations this year on the Trump administration, health care, education and more. These are the stories readers spent the most time with in 2025.
www.propublica.org
December 31, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I'm so proud of ProPublica's journalism from 2025. In case you missed it, here's our most-read stories, as well as some you may have missed: www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Reposted by Charles Ornstein
We're looking back at some of our top stories of the year.
In April, Henry Culvyhouse reported that Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice said they wouldn’t vote to kick West Virginians off Medicaid, then voted to slash billions of dollars from the program.
buff.ly/UM4jHIw
In April, Henry Culvyhouse reported that Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice said they wouldn’t vote to kick West Virginians off Medicaid, then voted to slash billions of dollars from the program.
buff.ly/UM4jHIw
West Virginia Republicans said they wouldn’t cut Medicaid. Then they voted to cut Medicaid.
Key votes by the state’s US Senators could threaten Medicaid, the health insurance that one in three West Virginians relies on.
buff.ly
December 31, 2025 at 2:30 PM
We're looking back at some of our top stories of the year.
In April, Henry Culvyhouse reported that Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice said they wouldn’t vote to kick West Virginians off Medicaid, then voted to slash billions of dollars from the program.
buff.ly/UM4jHIw
In April, Henry Culvyhouse reported that Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice said they wouldn’t vote to kick West Virginians off Medicaid, then voted to slash billions of dollars from the program.
buff.ly/UM4jHIw
Help ProPublica end 2025 strong. Any donation is appreciated.
Before the year ends, consider making a gift to support independent investigative journalism.
Your support helps ensure ProPublica can keep doing the work others can’t, or won’t.
Join us with any gift amount: https://propub.li/3YJ5G5c
Your support helps ensure ProPublica can keep doing the work others can’t, or won’t.
Join us with any gift amount: https://propub.li/3YJ5G5c
December 31, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Help ProPublica end 2025 strong. Any donation is appreciated.
Reposted by Charles Ornstein
Heartbreaking news.
Tatiana Schlossberg’s family has announced that she has died.
Read her powerful New Yorker essay which was published in November.
Tatiana Schlossberg’s family has announced that she has died.
Read her powerful New Yorker essay which was published in November.
A Battle with My Blood
When I was diagnosed with leukemia, my first thought was that this couldn’t be happening to me, to my family.
bit.ly
December 30, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Heartbreaking news.
Tatiana Schlossberg’s family has announced that she has died.
Read her powerful New Yorker essay which was published in November.
Tatiana Schlossberg’s family has announced that she has died.
Read her powerful New Yorker essay which was published in November.
This is so so sad.
December 30, 2025 at 7:31 PM
This is so so sad.
Trump has called the press “fake news” and called individual reporters derogatory terms. In this environment, our journalists have found that their efforts to get the real story and be fair were vilified rather than appreciated. Condemned, not commended. ICYMI, my column:
Our Reporters Reached Out for Comment. They Were Accused of Stalking and Intimidation.
Our journalists reach out to people they’re writing about to ensure fairness. But in this environment, they’ve found their efforts to do so are more likely to be vilified than appreciated.
www.propublica.org
December 30, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Trump has called the press “fake news” and called individual reporters derogatory terms. In this environment, our journalists have found that their efforts to get the real story and be fair were vilified rather than appreciated. Condemned, not commended. ICYMI, my column:
Real IMPACT prompted by @opb.org and @propublica.org reporting: Oregon Faced a Huge Obstacle in Adding Green Energy. Here’s What Changed This Year.
Oregon Faced a Huge Obstacle in Adding Green Energy. Here’s What Changed This Year.
Gov. Tina Kotek has been pushing to make progress on the state's renewable energy projects since ProPublica and Oregon Public Broadcasting highlighted obstacles.
www.propublica.org
December 30, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Real IMPACT prompted by @opb.org and @propublica.org reporting: Oregon Faced a Huge Obstacle in Adding Green Energy. Here’s What Changed This Year.
Reposted by Charles Ornstein
NIH Neurology Director Abruptly Ousted www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/ge...
NIH Neurology Director Abruptly Ousted
American Academy of Neurology voices 'significant concern' over the decision
www.medpagetoday.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:28 AM
NIH Neurology Director Abruptly Ousted www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/ge...
The world has come a long way since the days of “All the President’s Men” and “Spotlight,” movies that favorably portrayed journalists knocking on doors and trying to reach sources to tell important stories. Now Trump officials vilify such efforts. My column on the moment we’re in.
Our Reporters Reached Out for Comment. They Were Accused of Stalking and Intimidation.
Our journalists reach out to people they’re writing about to ensure fairness. But in this environment, they’ve found their efforts to do so are more likely to be vilified than appreciated.
www.propublica.org
December 29, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The world has come a long way since the days of “All the President’s Men” and “Spotlight,” movies that favorably portrayed journalists knocking on doors and trying to reach sources to tell important stories. Now Trump officials vilify such efforts. My column on the moment we’re in.
Important: How GOP Lawmakers’ Power Transfers Are Reshaping Everything From Utilities to Environmental Regulation in North Carolina, by @dougbockclark.bsky.social
How GOP Lawmakers’ Power Transfers Are Reshaping Everything From Utilities to Environmental Regulation in North Carolina
The GOP-led North Carolina legislature spent nearly 10 years trying to control the elections board. But it’s also taken aim at other commissions in the state by shifting who has power to appoint membe...
www.propublica.org
December 29, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Important: How GOP Lawmakers’ Power Transfers Are Reshaping Everything From Utilities to Environmental Regulation in North Carolina, by @dougbockclark.bsky.social
Following a 2023 ProPublica investigation, the nation’s largest organization for medical examiners has issued a warning about a controversial, centuries-old forensic test that has contributed to cases in which pregnant women have been charged with murder. @deldeib.bsky.social
Medical Examiners Warn That Controversial Lung Float Test Could Be Dangerous
An exam meant to determine whether a baby was born dead or alive is of “questionable value,” the National Association of Medical Examiners cautions. The paper follows a ProPublica report on how the te...
www.propublica.org
December 29, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Following a 2023 ProPublica investigation, the nation’s largest organization for medical examiners has issued a warning about a controversial, centuries-old forensic test that has contributed to cases in which pregnant women have been charged with murder. @deldeib.bsky.social