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.
CALIFORNIA:
California: appeals court blocks background checks for ammunition buyers
“Thursday’s ruling was a defeat for the gun control movement, albeit one that did not come as a surprise. Gun control and violence prevention advocates had decried the supreme court’s 2022 decision, and argued that the historical twin test would lead to the rolling back of hard-won regulations that they say have been vital in reducing death and injury from gun violence.”
COLORADO:
VIDEO: New Colorado Laws Target Gun Violence Through Reporting and Education
“The legislation was prompted by concerns from firearm dealers in Colorado, who told lawmakers they lacked a clear process for handling suspicious transactions.”
DELAWARE:
Delaware gun violence roundtable highlights progress, but age, race disparities in gun possession and deaths remain
“Delaware elected leaders, nonprofit organizations and law enforcement officials say while the state has seen a decrease in gun violence, challenges remain in confronting the crisis.”
ILLINOIS:
Chicago Hopes Safe Storage Workshops Can Save Kids
“The workshops, launched this summer by the Chicago Department of Public Health, acknowledge the growing number of guns in circulation — and seek to educate residents about their dangers.”
VIDEO: Chicago teens compete, pitch anti-gun violence campaigns for social media
“Many of the teens participating in the pitch contest know firsthand the devastation of gun violence and because of that, they’re passionate about preventing their peers from experiencing the same type of pain. So to help crack down on gun violence, they’re using social media.”
‘The small engine that can’: Chicago Survivors group faces funding strain as it works in the aftermath of violence
“Chicago is currently seeing a drop in violent crime…. And while supporting the people closest to victims of violence is one of the most important ways to prevent further violence, advocates and doctors fear that expiring pandemic-era relief funds, uncertainty around federal support and Chicago and Illinois’ own shaky finances will eat away at the city’s progress in reducing violence.”
KENTUCKY:
VIDEO: Lex Get Loud campaign makes noise to prevent gun violence
“The initiative funded by One Lexington makes it possible for families to get back on their feet with the support of their city. Carr says the partnership has been ongoing for nearly five years. Since its inception, Carr says, gun violence in the city has shown a downward trend.”
MINNESOTA:
Gun violence deaths in Minnesota rise in 2024; rural suicide disparity persists
“The increase in overall deaths by firearm in Minnesota contrasts with a national trend . The most recent national gun violence death data shows a decrease from roughly 48,000 deaths in 2022 to roughly 47,000 in 2023.”
MICHIGAN:
VIDEO: Detroit police officers talk gun violence prevention with residents
“Officers from the Detroit Police Department's 7th Precinct held a peace walk Sunday, talking with residents at the Martin Luther King apartments about gun violence amid a surge of shootings involving children.”
OHIO:
VIDEO: Debated anti-gun violence program reintroduced for Cincinnati safety
“Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney is taking another swing at introducing and passing what was considered by some as a controversial anti-gun violence program.”
PENNSYLVANIA:
Gov. Shapiro visits West Philly music program to push for additional funding for youth diversion programs
“Shapiro toured Beyond the Bars, which mentors youth through music and leadership programs. The program started as a music workshop in a single jail and now operates more than 55 music labs around the city.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro talks to Zarahamla Nielsen, a high school student and participant at the Beyond the Bars music program in West Philly as Layla Days, Shilynn Black and City Council member Jamie Gauthier listen. (Carmen Russell-Sluchansky/WHYY)
TENNESSEE:
In Nashville, More Than Three Guns Are Reported Stolen Every Day
“As the MNPD has been highlighting in regular press releases for years now, the majority of those weapons are stolen out of cars. After declining in 2024, Metro Police Chief John Drake said in a statement accompanying the new public dashboard, that category of gun theft is on the rise again.”
(Credit: Metro Nashville Police Department; via Nashville Banner)
VIRGINIA:
Varina High School held the 5th annual ‘Gloves over Guns’ boxing event aimed at gun violence prevention
“We’re helping youth find healthy coping skills. Gloves Over Guns gives youth an opportunity to learn conflict resolution inside the ring.”
(Photo courtesy of Tiarra Imani; via WRIC)
WISCONSIN:
New study ties weak state gun laws to child deaths in Wisconsin
“This study provides dramatic evidence that when lawmakers step up and take action, they can save young lives.”
Great idea from Virginia school to have boxing as an alternative to gun violence. Let’s have kids bash each other’s brain hard enough to make them crash into their skull, leading to concussions and brain damage. That should do the trick!