Logan Jaffe is a reporter for newsletters at ProPublica. She came to ProPublica by way of The New York Times and Chicago Public Media (WBEZ). She was the multimedia producer for WBEZ's Curious City, a journalism project fueled by audience questions about Chicago, and previously an embedded mediamaker with The New York Times' Race/Related newsletter in collaboration with the documentary showcase POV, in which she reported and produced an audience-driven project confronting the pervasiveness of racism through everyday objects. She was also a producer with The NYTimes' Daily 360 project. In Chicago, she was a recipient of Chicago Filmmakers' Digital Media Production Fund for "Battle Flag," an interactive documentary which questions the meaning of the Confederate battle flag in America.
Logan Jaffe
Reporter, Newsletters
A Closer Look at the Public Art at Chicago Police Stations
After removing its Columbus statues, Chicago will reassess its collection of hundreds of public art pieces to better “reflect our values as Chicagoans.” So I asked artists to reflect on the work they made for the city’s police stations.
4 Perspectives on the Christopher Columbus Statues
When Chicago removed two statues last week, it did so in the middle of the night without public announcement. What does that mean for communities invested in the decision making process?
What People Who Live in Mostly White Towns Need to Know About History
How can white people elevate stories of people of color? Are there ways residents of small towns can address structural racism? Here are more answers to your questions about sundown towns and a video of our event.
The Nation’s First Reparations Package to Survivors of Police Torture Included a Public Memorial. Survivors Are Still Waiting.
Five years ago, Chicago approved historic reparations for survivors of torture under former police Cmdr. Jon Burge. The city promised to create a memorial. It hasn’t.
Slavery Existed in Illinois, but Schools Don’t Always Teach That History
Schools often teach the Civil War in terms of “free states” and “slave states.” Illinois complicates those definitions. We spoke with a historian and high school teacher about slavery’s legacy in Illinois.
A Sundown Town Sees Its First Black Lives Matter Protest
Most people I met in Anna, Illinois, wish the racist lore behind the city’s name would go away. Some say Anna’s first Black Lives Matter protest is a step toward real change. But what is next?
A Nurse With One Lung Had COVID-19. Other Nurses Saved Her.
In the coronavirus era, nurses are called heroes. Sometimes, the lives they save are those of other nurses.
Rural Counties Consider an Alternative Type of Social Distancing — Kicking Chicago Out of Illinois
In counties where COVID-19 has yet to hit, a timeless topic is flaring up again: Would Illinois be better off without Chicago?
Chicago Public Libraries Are Staying Open Even Though Librarians Say It Is Not Safe
At least seven city library branches didn’t open or closed early Wednesday because not enough staff showed up to work.
Chicago Shuts Down, but Its Public Libraries Are Open. Librarians Want Them Closed.
Librarians and other employees are protesting by calling in sick and signing a petition, saying the branches should be closed until the coronavirus is under control.
What Other States Can Learn From What Happened in Illinois After It Legalized Gambling
Attention: Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. Accel Entertainment became the largest video gambling operator in Illinois. Now it has its eyes on you.
It’s Time for Sundown Towns to Become a More Visible Part of Illinois History. But How?
If you are discussing your community’s history of racial exclusion, or if you would like to start, let us know.
Sexual Abuse Reports From Illinois’ Catholic Dioceses Are Still Missing A Lot of Data
ProPublica’s “Credibly Accused” database lists names and info of abusers currently or formerly in the ranks of U.S. Catholic dioceses. Here’s a rundown on Illinois.
The Best of Us: ProPublica Illinois 2019
In our second(ish) year of existence, here’s a selection of our work that, as a whole, best shows who we are as a newsroom, what we do and why we do it.
Recreational Marijuana Becomes Legal in Illinois on Jan. 1. Here’s How Communities Across the State Are Dealing With the New Law.
After some confusion, Chicago officials said residents who smoke marijuana in their backyard or on their balcony will not be arrested or ticketed.
The Legend of A-N-N-A: Revisiting an American Town Where Black People Weren’t Welcome After Dark
Most people I met in Anna, Illinois, wish the racist lore behind the city’s name would go away. So, why hasn’t it?
An Illinois Superhero You’ve Never Heard Of
Michael Gillespie is one of the world’s leading cybercrime fighters, and you’d never know it.
Where Do Illinois Lawmakers Stand on Impeachment?
Here’s a slice of news around the state this week, via our newsletter.
How a Video Gambling Company Helped Bankroll Local Politicians
And updates on the creation of new casinos around the state.