The Regional Wrap
Our new feature -- a wrap-up of local GVP news and stories from around the U.S.
As we’ve seen since the ground-shaking tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in 2012, a Federal, top-down fix for America’s gun violence problem has moved like molasses. And given the new administration’s promise to roll back the few advances we’ve made, it can paint a pretty grim picture. But zoom in a little, and there is good news all over the map.
The most productive action is happening at the local level. Electing GVP-focused officials; the growth of community violence intervention programs; survivor support; protest and activism; regional research; the passage of local laws; state funding; safe storage and suicide prevention campaigns; and consciousness raising via the arts — these are just a few of the efforts that prove the vast majority of Americans do support sensible gun control. And they’re not waiting around for Capitol Hill to get the message.
It all adds up to the fact that grassroots work — and its pressure on Washington — has led to the diminished influence of the NRA, lower gun sales, and an overall marked decrease in gun violence since the COVID-19 pandemic.
I’ve personally noticed this each week while compiling our Friday Finds feature. When searching for news about gun violence prevention, it seemed that 75% of the articles I came across involved grassroots work. Enough so that they deserve their own weekly round-up of articles.
So every other week we’ll bring you The Regional Wrap to get you caught up on GVP news that might be happening right in your town.
VIDEO: Hochul signs 3 gun violence prevention bills into law
“Hochul also showed data that shootings in New York have declined by 53% year-to-date when compared to three years ago. As part of this year’s budget, Hochul is also proposing a $370 million investment to fight gun violence and help prevent crime.”
Delaware County Council bans ‘ghost guns.’ A gun rights organization threatens legal action
“The unserialized weapons, which are often constructed using 3D printers or online assembly kits, have drawn the ire of law enforcement and gun violence survivors alike.”
Colorado lawmakers pass 3 gun-control measures including bill limiting sale of semiautomatic weapons
“The measures, which also address ammunition and gun shows, now go to Gov. Jared Polis for passage into law.”
Students present gun policy solutions in innovative course
“Of the four groups of students, each chose a unique angle: the role of firearm access in suicide rates, partisan framing of gun violence in news media, federal background checks and domestic violence homicide rates, and alternate tactics for law enforcement in response to school shootings.”
Photo by William Oster; via W&M News
AG Campbell awards funds to organizations for gun violence prevention programs
“This funding was provided through the AG Office’s Public Health Models for Gun Violence Prevention Grant, as part of AG Campbell’s ongoing efforts to curb gun violence in the community and increase awareness of the issue as a public health concern.”
New Study – Gun Death in Texas – Released by Texas Gun Sense and the Violence Policy Center
“The study analyzes 2022 Texas data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).”
Travis County’s new gun violence program shows early promise, officials say
“Homicides in Austin have dropped by 20% since Travis County officials launched a strategic gun violence prevention initiative in 2021, District Attorney José Garza told reporters April 3.”
VIDEO: Minneapolis city leaders highlight decline in gun violence to start the year
“On Friday, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted a “significant” decline in both shooting and homicide victims during the first quarter of the year.”
VIDEO: Ceasefire Pennsylvania hosts gun violence rally at State Capitol
“Ceasefire Pennsylvania says state investments in violence prevention have contributed to gun deaths being down by 38% statewide.”
Milwaukee violence prevention groups receive $500,000 with goal to reduce gun violence 15% (w/ photo slide gallery)
“They juxtaposed the cost to prevent gun violence with what they said was hefty price tags associated with incarcerating those who commit it or with responding to victims and touted the impact it will have.”
Why the Lansing region is expanding efforts to combat retaliatory gun violence
“They're the kind of shootings that Advance Peace has been focused on for more than two years. The community violence intervention organization is rooted in neighborhoods and identifies people most at risk of picking up a gun to settle a dispute. They build relationships and trust with them and, on a daily basis, work to show them a gun isn't the solution.”
VIDEO: 'The emptiness, the grief, the loss': Push for RI ban on assault-style weapons gets personal
“If we can regulate who gets access to them and ensure that these weapons aren't available to those who would misuse them, we could save countless lives and we can prevent more families from experiencing the heartbreak that I live with every day.”
'Disheartening': Violence prevention program on Des Moines budget chopping block
“If approved with the budget Monday, the city will not renew its funding agreement with local nonprofit Creative Visions' Violence Intervention Program once it expires in November….”
Philly group remembers gun violence victims through music
“… Hearing Philadelphia, a newly launched community music project aimed at honoring the voices of Philadelphians who have been affected by gun violence, and providing healing for families who are still dealing with the pain of losing friends or family.”
VIDEO: Madison film screening sparks bipartisan dialogue on gun violence solutions
Glass memorial at MOCAD explores gun violence
“The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is hosting the Gun Violence Memorial Project May 2 through Aug. 10.”
The Gun Violence Memorial Project exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston. Photo: Mel Taing courtesy of MOCAD and the Gun Violence Memorial Project
Nashville Symphony to Premiere Brian Field's EVERYTHING HURTS - Musical Setting Amanda Gorman’s Work
“Written in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas in 2022 which claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers, “Hymn for the Hurting” first debuted in The New York Times and since has become a rallying cry for gun violence prevention and activism.”
Eric Davidson is Senior Editor at Armed With Reason. His first book, We Never Learn, has recently been reissued in an expanded edition.
Photo by Markus Spiske; via Pexels