State governments have become dynamic proving grounds on public policy, as evidenced by recent battles over health care, gender, housing, education and energy. Yet with the decline of local news, fewer journalists are holding state officials accountable. My most recent assignment tracked abortion legislation and litigation in the states following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. My goal is to illuminate the trends and trial balloons, profile the people and the groups driving public policy and tell the stories of the everyday constituents affected by those decisions.
Previously, I was a sports reporter. I investigated sports betting, Title IX and sexual abuse cases. Before that, I was a Metro reporter and served as The Times’ bureau chief in City Hall and Trenton, N.J. My investigation into the City College of New York forced the school’s president to resign, even before the story was published.
Before joining The Times in 1995, I worked for The Associated Press in Hong Kong and the San Jose Mercury News in the Bay Area. As the oldest son of Chinese immigrants, I grew up in New Jersey and participated in Taiwan’s Love Boat program. I studied history at Yale, received a master’s in international affairs at Columbia, and almost went to law school before disappointing my parents and becoming a journalist.
I do my humble best to be careful, respectful and fair to the people I write about. I don’t make political donations or participate in political causes, and I always identify myself as a reporter for The Times when working. I share the values and adhere to the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook.
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The shooting in which a gunman killed four and injured 10 at a grocery store in a town of 3,400 appeared to be a “completely random, senseless act,” the police said on Sunday.
By David W. Chen
This was featured in live coverage.
By David W. Chen
The small town of Fordyce, Ark., was beginning to absorb the impact of the bloodshed, as a few details began to emerge. A fourth victim died on Saturday.
By Erica Sweeney and David W. Chen
Gov. Jeff Landry wants his state to be at the forefront of a national movement to advance legislation with a Christian worldview.
By Rick Rojas, David W. Chen and Elizabeth Dias
Homeowners in areas battered by climate disasters are facing dizzying insurance rate increases. But builders of housing for the homeless and other low-income families are also struggling.
By David W. Chen
The bill, if signed by the governor, would be the first state law to allow a judge to order surgical procedures for those who commit sex crimes against children.
By David W. Chen
The landmark settlement made many wonder what the reality — and impact — of revenue-sharing plans with college athletes would look like.
By David W. Chen, Jacey Fortin and Anna Betts
Arizona’s former governor, Doug Ducey, expanded the court to seven justices. All solid conservatives, they upheld a 160-year-old abortion ban that presents a political risk to Republicans.
By David W. Chen and Michael Wines
The collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore has prompted a reassessment of critical bridges around the country that may be similarly vulnerable to a ship strike.
By Mike Baker, Anjali Singhvi, Helmuth Rosales, David W. Chen and Elena Shao
A surge of new residents into Rocky Mountain states drove up home prices. The result was property tax increases of 40 percent or more for some of those already there.
By David W. Chen
