Lois Beckett has been a reporter for ProPublica since 2011. She covers the intersection of data, technology and politics, with a current focus on gun violence and gun policy. Her Essence Magazine story on PTSD caused by gun violence, âBlack Americaâs Invisible Crisis,â won a 2015 Deadline Award for public service and a NABJ Salute to Excellence Award in investigative journalism. Previously, she covered the ways politicians use data to target votersâlooking at online ad targeting and the data broker industry. She is a frequent guest on nationally syndicated TV and radio programs, including CNN Newsroom, NPRâs On Point, KQEDâs Forum and WAMUâs Kojo Nnamdi Show, and also speaks about her reporting at conferences, most recently at the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg. With Olga Pierce and Jeff Larson, she won the 2011 Livingston Award for National Reporting, which honors outstanding achievement by journalists under the age of 35. She was also a finalist for a 2012 Livingston Award. Before joining ProPublica, she covered innovation in the news industry for the SF Weekly and the Nieman Journalism Lab.
Lois Beckett
Top MuckReads: The EPA’s ‘Secret Watch List,’ Pesticide Drones and More
Our rundown of this week’s best investigative reporting.
Our Reading Guide on Congressional Dysfunction
Once again, Congress seems to be gridlocked. Why is that?
In Minn. Redistricting Battle, Powerful Players Clash — With Citizens on Sidelines
An unfolding legal fight shows how difficult it is for anyone outside of political parties to have an impact on redistricting
In Nevada, Opaque Groups Square Off Over Redistricting
Who funded the legal battles over Nevada’s redistricting? Voters may never know.
Is Partisan Gerrymandering Unconstitutional?
A quick look at the Supreme Court’s divided record on redistricting for political gain.
Redistricting, a Devil’s Dictionary
Redistricting is a hard-knuckled game, in which voters often lose. Here are the colorful, and telling, terms used by insiders.
Globalizing Occupy Wall Street: From Chile to Israel, Protests Erupt
A closer look at protests in five countries—including the tent occupations that prefigured Occupy Wall Street.
What Is the Keystone XL Pipeline — and Why Is It So Controversial?
We sort through Keystone XL's economic promises, environmental risks and the conflicts of interest that continue to make headlines.
Our Guide to Obama’s Floundering Foreclosure Programs
The Obama administration's efforts to address the foreclosure crisis have resulted in struggling programs, recycled ideas and little chance of significant improvement.
What Are the Latest Revelations About Koch Industries?
Our guide to the latest allegations about America’s second-largest private corporation.
The Hidden Hands in Redistricting: Corporations and Other Powerful Interests
Opaque redistricting groups are being quietly bankrolled by corporations, unions and others. They are working not to help voters in the communities they claim to represent but to improve the prospects of their political allies or to harm their enemies.
SEC Proposes Ban on Magnetar-Like Deals
The SEC moves to ban the questionable Wall Street deals that, as we detailed, helped fuel the financial crisis.
Key Context on Obama’s Vague Proposed Millionaires’ Tax
We run through what’s actually known about the so-called 'Buffett Tax,' the impact it might have on the deficit and the history behind it all.
Despite Sweeping Scandals, Big States Don’t Check for Cheating by Teachers
California no longer screens for teacher cheating, while Texas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania chose not to investigate suspicious results.
The Best, Most Damning Reporting of the 9/11 Era
Our list of the most seminal stories of the years after Sept. 11, the ones that reveal the reality about the attacks, the attackers and how our government changed in the post-9/11 era.
Billions Meant for Struggling Homeowners May Pay Down Deficit Instead
An estimated $30 billion from the bailout that was slated to help homeowners is likely to be used to pay down the debt.
Our Guide to the Best Coverage of Ron Paul and His Record
Ron Paul’s tiny-government ideals have become increasingly relevant. Here's our guide to some of the best reading on the Texas Congressman.
FAQ: Key Questions on Libya’s Coming Transition
We're laying out important questions about what's happening in Libya, and we want you to play a part.
Can Turning Foreclosures Into Rental Properties Save the Housing Market?
The federal government is looking for ways to turn foreclosed homes into rental properties. Will private investors bite?
