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Background check reforms could reduce gun violence. Does the new bipartisan framework deliver?

Jun 13, 2022
The deal in the Senate addresses some issues related to background checks, but a critical loophole is left untouched.
An activist at the March for Our Lives demonstration Saturday in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Since Sandy Hook killings a decade ago, Congress has put no limits on gun sales

May 25, 2022
In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shooting, Marketplace looked into background checks and gun purchases. We're revisiting some of that reporting today.
An officer walks outside of Robb Elementary School on May 25. The day before, a gunman killed 19 students and two adults.
Allison Dinner/AFP via Getty Images

Background checks in dating apps aim to promote safety, but raise privacy concerns

Mar 17, 2021
A leading dating-app company is working with a nonprofit to bring criminal checks to one of its platforms.
A woman walks past a Tinder advertisement.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Why rideshare companies might want to embrace in-depth driver background check

Apr 6, 2017
Uber and Lyft are in the news because more than 8,000 potential drivers were banned in Massachusetts after background checks turned up convictions for violent felonies and sex-crimes, uncontested court charges, driver’s license suspensions and traffic violations. Uber and Lyft usually run their own background, and those typically go back seven years. But to get […]

Background checks only tell you so much

Jun 14, 2016
Companies rely on background checks, but they can be limited in scope.

Full interview: Lyft president on driverless cars, background checks

May 18, 2016
Lyft's John Zimmer has a vision for the future.
Lyft President John Zimmer
Courtesy of Lyft

Have recent shootings been boosting gun sales?

Dec 10, 2015
Gun makers and retailers are reporting increased sales and increased profits.

For public good, not for profit.

Hot lead is starting to cool

Nov 7, 2013
Gun sales are on the decline, but why?

It takes more than a background check to prevent a violent shooting

Sep 20, 2013
When it comes to preventing shootings at the workplace, background checks before hiring employees are just the first step.