Community Violence

Philadelphia

It’s One of Philly’s Hardest Hit Neighborhoods, But a Plan to Fight Gun Violence Is Showing Promise

Once a thriving working class community, Kensington has become infamous for drug use and violence. Now, after a year of intervention, homicides and shootings have dropped.

Community Violence

In Peoria, Illinois, Community Members Want Prosecutors to Solve More Gun Homicides

The vast majority of shooting victims are Black. Surviving families and local activists say the state's attorney isn't taking on enough cases.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Moves to Bolster Violence Prevention As Federal Funds Evaporate

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget would maintain programs that she says helped drive down shootings. Still, uncertainty persists under President Donald Trump.

Chicago

Chicago’s ‘Stop the Bleed’ Kits Could Help Shooting Victims. Why Don’t More People Know About Them?

Violence prevention leaders say a city program that could help bystanders save lives is missing a key opportunity.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Is Experiencing a Historic Drop in Bloodshed. Federal Funding Cuts Threaten That Progress.

The double punch of the Trump presidency and the end of pandemic relief money leaves a key component of Philly’s success up in the air.

Community Violence

Teens Are More Likely to Arm Themselves in Cluttered, Violence-Plagued Neighborhoods, Research Finds

A recent analysis looks into factors that contribute to perceived community disorder, and the role of mental health treatment in stemming gun violence.

Community Violence

Illinois Law Acknowledges Gun Possession Doesn’t Mean Pulling the Trigger

In January, a law changed the names of six weapon possession charges. Some advocates say that the clearer titles can ease reentry for those convicted; others say the reforms don’t go far enough.

Philadelphia

A Philadelphia Pastor Combats Gun Violence Through Bible Study — and Boxing

Before he became a mentor and advocate, Buddy Osborn experienced glory in the ring, five years in jail, and a painful revelation. Now, his Rock Ministries church is reaching thousands of young people in Philly’s Kensington neighborhood.

Philadelphia

Philly Police Try New Strategy to Boost Public Safety Amid Officer Shortage

To keep 1,100 vacancies from impeding the city’s progress on reducing gun violence, the police commissioner has dispatched all new recruits to patrol duty. The tactic seems to be showing early promise.

Chicago

Some Chicago Gunshot Victims Don’t Trust Ambulances

Survivors are choosing to transport themselves to the hospital instead of waiting for emergency services. Experts say the Chicago Fire Department isn’t doing everything it can to improve slow response times.

Community Violence

Detroit Ended 2024 with the Lowest Number of Homicides Since 1965. Now It May Lose a Crucial Program.

The $10 million initiative is funded by the Joe Biden-era American Rescue Plan Act, an economic stimulus package set to expire this year.

Philadelphia

At the Salon, Philadelphia Women Sound Off on How Safe Their City Feels

Stylists and clients at two beauty salons spoke to a Trace reporter about how the city’s decline in homicides has translated into real life.

Philadelphia

Philly’s Police Watchdog Board Hasn’t Conducted Any Investigations. Its Head Blames the Union.

Philadelphia’s police department has a troubled history with use of force, especially in the Black community.

Chicago

Chicago Emergency Response Times Are Worsening. A Slain Rapper’s Mom Wants to Know Why.

A Trace analysis found that between Jan. 2021 and Nov. 2024, the rate of incidents with response times longer than six minutes grew by 4.6 percentage points.

Chicago

How Chicago Drill Artists Hacked the Conversation about Gun Violence

In his new book, media scholar Jabari M. Evans explores how rappers use the subgenre to gain clout.