At The Trace, we’re building the only team of journalists exclusively dedicated to reporting on our country’s gun violence crisis. We use the power of journalism to improve public understanding, increase accountability, and identify solutions that can lead to safer homes and communities for all Americans.

Why We Started This Site

Every year in our country, a firearm is used in nearly 500,000 crimes, resulting in the deaths and injuries of more than 110,000 people. Shootings devastate families and communities and drain billions of dollars from local, state, and federal governments. Meanwhile, the problem of gun violence has been compounded by another: the shortage of knowledge about the issue.

We believe that when an issue is shrouded by a knowledge gap, journalism can be a big part of the solution. As a nonprofit newsroom, The Trace is able to dedicate itself to in-depth reporting that doesn’t let up after the latest high-profile shooting leaves the front pages.

Partnerships

We’re grateful to the journalists whose work has informed and inspired ours, and eager to be an ally to other newsrooms whose stories touch our beat. We have partnered with more than 170 national and local media organizations.

We’re always looking to start new partnerships. Please contact us to discuss a possible collaboration or inquire about republishing Trace articles.

Our Supporters

The Trace is committed to transparency in every aspect of our funding. We rely on support from individuals, organizations, and foundations to help with our general operations, coverage of specific topics, and special projects. Our donor transparency policy includes a list of donors giving more than $1,000 and a link to our most recent Form 990 tax filing.

Editorial Independence

The Trace maintains a firewall between our news coverage decisions and all sources of revenue. This separation ensures that financial support does not present a conflict of interest for our journalism or compromise our editorial independence. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their positions.

Get In Touch

We welcome reader questions, feedback, and constructive criticism. We love working with partner organizations. And we’re also interested in hearing from experienced investigative journalists, photographers, videographers, and data experts.

Who We Are

Staff

James Burnett
Managing Director
Tali Woodward
Editor in Chief
Candace Anderson
Director of People and Operations
Craig Hunter
Executive Editor
Samantha Storey
Managing Editor
Joy Resmovits
Senior Editor, Local Impact
Brian Freskos
News Editor
Olga Pierce
Data Editor
Selin Thomas
Digital Editor
Gracie McKenzie
Impact + Audience Editor
Sunny Sone
Newsletter Editor
David Geary
Copy Editor
Agya K. Aning
Editing Fellow
Jennifer Mascia
Senior News Writer
Mike Spies
Senior Staff Writer
Mensah M. Dean
Staff Writer, Philadelphia
Afea Tucker
Engagement Reporter, Philadelphia
Alain Stephens
Staff Writer
Will Van Sant
Staff Writer
Justin Agrelo
Engagement Reporter, Chicago
Chip Brownlee
Reporter
Champe Barton
Reporter
Fairriona Magee
Reporter
Rita Oceguera
Reporter, Chicago

Board of Directors

Mike Brouillard, Treasurer and SecretaryJelani CobbElizabeth Hansen Shapiro 
John Feinblatt, PresidentStefan Friedman 

Read more about our staff:

Colophon

The Trace was designed and built by Upstatement — first in 2015 and again in 2020. It’s powered by open source software including WordPress. Our typography palette is Aktiv Grotesk, Reckless Neue, Spezia Mono, and Tiempos.