The Regional Wrap

A wrap-up of local GVP news and stories from across the U.S.

May 21, 2025

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 majority of Americans do support sensible gun control efforts. And they’re not waiting around for Capitol Hill to get the message.

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.

New York state budget creates Office of Gun Violence Prevention

“‘The establishment of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is a monumental step forward in protecting our communities from the devastating impacts of gun violence,’ said Rebecca Fischer, executive director of the advocacy group New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. ‘With the Trump Administration pulling back essential funding and dismantling vital programs, New York’s leadership is now more critical than ever.’”

Remembrance Conference set to tackle gun violence

“The U.B. Jacobs School of Medicine is getting ready to host the Remembrance Conference 2025 next month. It's a time for medical professionals, students, and faculty members to talk about gun violence prevention and share experiences. There are medical professionals and students coming from as far away as New Mexico to learn about gun violence prevention and remember those who have lost their lives because of gun violence.”

Philly-based organization republishes Surgeon General’s gun violence advisory after Trump admin removes it

“I didn’t preserve and republish last summer’s Surgeon General Advisory declaring firearm violence a public health crisis in America to be defiant…. I did it because this authoritative, comprehensive, and accessible document provides an unprecedented and up-to-date roadmap for gun violence prevention. Because public health is the foundation of prevention.”

VIDEO: How one city's officials are reducing violent crime

VIDEO: 'We want the gun violence to stop' | Mothers march through West End to bring awareness to gun violence

“The march, called ‘A Mother's Plea,’ was organized by Loretta Davis. She is the cousin of 11-year-old Domonic Davis, who was shot and killed in a 2023 mass shooting in West End. Domonic's killer has not been found.”

New VPC Study Reveals Hundreds of “Hidden” Gun Manufacturers Across Michigan

“Hundreds of Michigan residents possess a federal license to manufacture firearms, yet relatively few actually produce any guns according to Michigan’s Hidden Gun Manufacturers, a new study from the Violence Policy Center as part of its ongoing Campaign for Gun Industry Accountability. Instead, the license can be used to bypass requirements that apply to unlicensed individuals buying a gun….”

High Attendance Linked to Fewer Gun-Related Expulsions

“A new study published in the Journal of School Violence and conducted by researchers at U-M's Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention found that schools with higher attendance rates — meaning students who show up for more than 90% of school days — are less likely to have expulsions for bringing firearms to school.”

Poignant play takes aim at America’s out-of-control gun violence

“Soft Target is a new play by Emily Kaczmarek that tackles gun violence in schools through the story of 9-year-old Amanda and her bedroom toys.”

Photo by Garlia Cornelia Jones; via Detroit Metro Times

OP-ED: Advance Peace Lansing's plan to stem violence is working. Defunding it makes no sense

“By all accounts, Advance Peace Lansing is succeeding. Independent research has shown that fatal shootings were cut in half in its first two years compared to the two years previous. Non-fatal shootings fell 10%.”

VIDEO: 'Silence the Violence' Mother's Day event helps those who lost children to gun violence

“You can't arrest your way out of gun violence. It's got to be where everybody comes together and understands that this is an important issue — especially when it comes to the lives of children…. Gun violence is the leading cause of death of children in America.”

VIDEO: Comedian Mike Epps, county prosecutor talk gun violence prevention with Indianapolis teens

“Mears, Epps, and four local high school students discussed a variety of topics, including pressures of social media, violence in music, and their thoughts on why so many teens have guns. The conversation was recorded as part of an ongoing podcast to highlight the voices of young people.”

VIDEO: ONE Lexington awards scholarships to students impacted by gun violence

“It’s part of the ‘Building Bridges to Opportunity’ program that works to support those affected by gun violence. The scholarships went to graduates who want to study disciplines where gun violence is addressed and graduates who have been directly or indirectly affected by gun violence.”

VIDEO: Knoxville City Council approves violence reduction contract with California-based group

“The proposal passed 6-3. Those in favor of the proposal said the work is important and there needs to be a collaborative effort to continue reducing violent crime in the city. Meanwhile, those against the contract said it could take away from the hard work local organizations have already put in.”

Gun Violence Prevention Summit looks to be a movement for change

“‘This will be Richmond’s first time participating in this national movement in such a major way — and we are coming together like never before,’ said Keycha Gallon, executive director of Keyz 2 the Future, which is hosting the event.”

Hampton adjusts budget to cover vetoed gun violence prevention funds

“[Gov.] Youngkin nixed the Safer Communities funding on Friday, citing a 400% funding increase for the program from fiscal years 2023 through ’26, with “no measures being provided demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs.”

VIDEO: Lawyers for man executed by firing squad in South Carolina say bullets mostly missed his heart

“The lawyers called it a botched execution because they think either the volunteer prison employees who all had live ammunition missed or the target was not placed properly.”

VIDEO: Miami gun violence prevention nonprofit protests federal funding cuts: "People over politics"

“More than 100 supporters rallied in front of the Circle of Brotherhood nonprofit in Miami on Wednesday to protest what they said is the "defunding" of programs to curb gun violence. Last week, CBS News Miami reported that the U.S. Department of Justice notified the Circle that it was ending a $2 million grant program. The Circle has a group of workers called "peacemakers," who interact with children in local schools to prevent conflict. They serve as a neighborhood patrol, with boots on the ground to stop crime, gun violence and offering alternatives.”