The programs, policies, and people driving positive change in America’s gun violence problem.
Looking back at the stories we told, and which stuck with us, during an eventful year.
The role of the gun industry in America’s gun violence epidemic.
The National Rifle Association is one of the most powerful special interest groups in America. We’re investigating how it spends its money.
Our team, our mission, our partners, and more. Plus: How to contact us.
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The Industry
"Time-to-crime" figures published by the ATF show that guns sold in 2020 were more likely to wind up at crime scenes within a year than in any previous period.
The development comes after an investigation by The Trace and NBC Bay Area found police are violating state law by not logging guns into the database so they can be traced.
ATF
For more than a decade, agencies have flouted a state law requiring them to use a tool that policing experts say can help reduce gun violence.
Ask The Trace
A reader asks about the differences between firearm homicide and suicide rates in the United States and the rest of the world.
Chicago
Se aprueban menos de cuatro de cada 10 solicitudes del programa de compensación a víctimas del Illinois, según el análisis.
Aftershocks
We investigated long-term, systemic shortcomings in the Illinois program. Here are some tips to help you do similar reporting in other parts of the country.
A review of thousands of records showed the state program struggles to reach survivors in need, and paid out claims in less than half of all cases.
Less than 40 percent of applicants are compensated, but many more never apply in the first place.
Off Target
Fulfilling even basic FOIA requests can take months or years. Sometimes the agency ignores them altogether.
The Trace and USA TODAY’s database of nearly 2,000 ATF inspection reports is a useful tool for reporters, policymakers, and members of the public.
Use our database to search for law-breaking firearm businesses near you.
In a sweeping investigation, The Trace and USA TODAY found the federal agency charged with policing the gun industry let dealers get away with falsifying records and selling firearms without background checks.
Despite the historic increase, city and county leaders have failed to deliver their promised prevention plans.
The ruling rejects arguments the federal government has used to habitually block the release of figures tracing crime weapons to their prior owners.
Bang for the Buck
We’re tracking the gun group’s 2020 election expenditures in real time.
