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My work examines the experiences young people have with the legal system. (For example, this recent investigation.) I have also reported on gun violence and enforcement. My investigative reporting is often grounded in data analysis, historical research and in-depth interviews. I previously reported for ProPublica, The Trace and NPR stations in Chicago and Alaska.

My work has prompted policy changes, academic research and organizational shakeups. My reporting has also won several awards, and I’ve been a finalist for the Livingston Award for Local Reporting, Sheldon Ring Award and the MOLLY National Journalism Prize.

I, admittedly, don’t write many happy stories these days. But I am fond of this radio piece from 2018 about a very, very pink house on Chicago’s West Side.

I’m based in Chicago.

Phone (212) 803-5272
Email lchavis@themarshallproject.org
A photo shows a line of police officers standing on a corner while wearing riot gear and holding batons.
News March 12
Trump Is Backing Away From Police Reform. Here’s What That Means for 12 Places.
The administration appears set to end federal oversight of police, including agencies that have committed systemic civil rights violations.
By , , , , and
Kim Foxx, a Black woman wearing a tan suit, speaks into mics held by reporters surrounding her.
Closing Argument November 23, 2024
Is The Age of Progressive Prosecutors Over?
Some believe progressive prosecutors have had their moment, but others argue that view misinterprets what’s happening across the country.
By
Signs lie on the ground as a person hovers over one on the left side of the photo, and another person holds one with a gloved hand. A sign in the center reads: "Justice for Sandra Birchmore", and shows a picture of Sandra, a White young woman with brown hair and red-rimmed glasses.
Feature August 30, 2024
How a Massachusetts Cop Allegedly Groomed, Controlled and Killed Sandra Birchmore
Matthew Farwell met her in a police Explorer program. Prosecutors say he abused her for years before she became pregnant and he killed her.
By
A photo illustration shows the cover and black-and-white pages of “Rights in Conflict,” a book more commonly known as the Walker Report.
Looking Back August 14, 2024
How the 1968 DNC in Chicago Devolved into ‘Unrestrained and Indiscriminate Police Violence’
As protesters prepare for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week, a half-century old report provides lessons for preventing chaos.
By
Vice President Kamala Harris, an Indian and Black woman with medium skin tone wearing a black suit, looks to the left while holding a microphone. She is sitting on a chair in front of three American flags.
Election 2024 July 21, 2024
5 Things to Know About Kamala Harris’ Criminal Justice Record
Here’s where Vice President Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor, stands on important criminal justice issues.
By and
People gathered in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 4, 2023 to protest a nationwide settlement with Purdue Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of OxyContin.
Closing Argument July 13, 2024
How a Supreme Court Ruling Could Affect a Case Involving Police Abuse of Youth
Another court must now decide how the landmark ruling will impact the Boy Scouts abuse settlement, which involves victims of police sexual abuse.
By
A photo collage in black and white and blue tones shows, from left, an excerpt of a transcript that reads: “I hereby submit the following report into the matter of Sandra Birchmore, and into the possible violations…procedure, rules and regulations of the Stoughton Pol…”; a sign reading “Stoughton”, the silhouette of a police officer; the words “Sandra Birchmore”; an excerpt of a transcript that reads “The relationship continue…many years and included…and communications while…was on duty for the Stoug…Police Department.”; and a photo of Sandra Birchmore.
Feature May 1, 2024
In This Police Youth Program, a Trail of Sexual Abuse Across the U.S.
Explorer posts, overseen by the Boy Scouts, are supposed to foster an interest in policing. They have faced nearly 200 allegations of misconduct.
By , and
Two students walk past a university building.
Closing Argument February 24, 2024
Knock, Knock! Who’s There? The Police.
What happens when a joke carries criminal charges?
By
A large group of people stand in a circle on the sidewalk near an intersection, holding candles for a vigil.
Closing Argument December 2, 2023
What’s a Hate Crime? Depends on Where You Live
A hodgepodge of state and local laws makes some violence a hate crime in some places, but not in others.
By
A barbed wire fence surrounds a tan-colored building.
Closing Argument September 23, 2023
Juvenile Detention Centers Face One Scandal After Another
Despite repeated efforts at reform, allegations of mistreatment mount at youth facilities across the country.
By
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