Chris Papst is the lead investigative reporter for Project Baltimore, Fox45 News’ ongoing investigation into Maryland’s public education system. He is a national award-winning reporter and best-selling author.

As an investigative reporter, Chris's work has led to the passing of state laws, criminal convictions, and court rulings that have set legal precedent throughout Maryland. As an author, his book, Capital Murder, hit #1 on Amazon in three categories. His second book, Devolution – a novel – was released in the summer of 2016.

During his career, Chris’s work has received awards of recognition from institutions such as the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller, and the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education. In 2023, Chris received the Vanguard Award from the Maryland State Conference NAACP. One year later, he received the Excellence in Education Advocacy Award from the Randallstown Chapter of the NAACP.

Chris’ investigative reports have been recognized with some of journalism’s top national honors, including an Emmy Award for investigative reporting from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.