The Regional Wrap
A wrap-up of local gun violence prevention news and stories from across 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 goal to roll back the few advances we’ve made, it can all 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. So every other week we’ll bring you The Regional Wrap to get you caught up on gun violence prevention news that might be happening right in your town.
ALABAMA:
‘Their dreams are cut short; mothers are burying their sons;’ community town hall to address recent gun violence held Monday night
“The town hall, called Community Call to Action: Put the Guns Down, was held to try to merge local pastors, community leaders, law enforcement and city officials under one voice to address the recent gun violence…. "‘This is the first night of a new beginning for the city of Atmore,’ Destiny Worship Center Pastor Dr. Bernard Bishop said.”
FLORIDA:
VIDEO: Increased gun use among Florida teens over two decades, study finds
“A new study shows 6% of Florida youth report carrying handguns—up from 3.7% in 2002. The largest increases were among girls and middle school students.”
INDIANA:
VIDEO: Local pastor launches new academy to fight gun violence through education and family support
“It's an initiative designed to prevent future tragedies through education, mentorship and comprehensive family support.”
VIDEO: Peace pop-ups designed to address gun violence in Indianapolis
“For the past three years, a group called Indy Peace has worked to reduce gun violence in Indianapolis.”
MARYLAND:
VIDEO: Midyear crime report shows decrease in gun violence, homicides, shootings, Baltimore police say
“[Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard] Worley credited the mayor's Group Violence Reduction Strategy.”
St. Mary’s County Unites For Community Violence Prevention Day In Lexington Park
“Organized by the Violence, Injury and Trauma (VIT) Unit of the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, the event featured family-friendly activities alongside conversations about the root causes of violence.”
The reading of the proclamation for Community Violence Prevention Day (via The Baynet).
MICHIGAN:
VIDEO: After playground shooting, Detroit teens take back their park with Unity in the Community
“We’re going to help the community get better, keep the violence away from these certain areas, because we want to have a good impact on this area….”
VIDEO: Recent gun violence sparks a conversation of change
“Michael Lynn Jr., CEO of the Lansing Empowerment Network, says when it comes to gun violence, ideas and plans won’t be an immediate fix, which is why it’s important to stay patient.”
MINNESOTA:
VIDEO: HCMC doctors report concerning increase in gunshot patients in 2025
“At [Hennepin County Medical Center] (HCMC), doctors formed a gun violence work group in 2022 after a sudden uptick in gun violence. That group meets once a month to discuss gun violence cases and recent trends in the community.”
MISSOURI:
LISTEN: Gun-Violence Prevention Groups in MO Say Federal Cuts Would Hinder Their Efforts
“Violent crime was already trending down from a COVID-era spike when President Donald Trump presented a picture of unbridled crime in America on the campaign trail in 2024. Now his administration has eliminated about $500 million in grants to organizations that buttress public safety, including many working to prevent gun violence.”
NEW JERSEY:
Major Gun Violence Research Hub Escapes Crippling Funding Cuts
“New Jersey lawmakers pushed back against the governor’s plan to slash the state research center’s budget, providing stability to the field amid shaky federal support.”
OHIO:
Myesha Watkins with Peacemakers will head county’s new violence prevention office
“Watkins has served as executive director of the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance for the past five years, leading outreach teams working in neighborhoods, hospitals and schools to interrupt violence, mediate conflicts and mentor at-risk youth.”
PENNSYLVANIA:
As Youth Violence Ticks Up in Philly, These Programs Are Trying to Keep Kids Safe
“Philadelphia is experiencing a surge in children and teens being charged with gun violence despite the drastic drop in overall shootings citywide. To change that trend, the City of Philadelphia continues to develop its multifaceted plan to address youth violence, by supporting initiatives like the Group Violence Intervention Juvenile program, Philadelphia Youth Violence Reduction Partnerships, and the Philadelphia Roadmap to Cleaner, Greener, and Safer Communities.”
SOUTH CAROLINA:
VIDEO: Teen gun violence linked to car break-ins, gang activity, Horry County solicitor says
“What’s happening is that these kids are out doing something that you haven’t curtailed. There should be curfews, but it should be from Mom and Daddy. It shouldn’t have to be from a mayor somewhere.”
TEXAS:
VIDEO: Gun violence awareness month sheds light on firearms’ impact on children in Bexar County
“Bexar County’s latest records from 2023 show that there were 23 gunshot-related fatalities in children. The county said that guns are the No. 1 cause of death for local children.”
