Two years ago today, a teenager killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. The families of those shot and killed have agreed to a $2 million settlement with the city, which equals the entire amount of the town's insurance policy.

Attorneys for the group say they worked with city officials for more than a year after leaders reached out and asked what could be done to ease the families' pain.

Javier Cazares, who lost his daughter in the shooting, said justice and accountability are his main concerns.

"It's been an unbearable two years," he said. "We all know who took our children's lives, but there was an obvious failure out there on May 24. The whole world saw that. We've been let down so many times. The time has come to do the right thing."

The mass shooting garnered international attention and questions after 376 law-enforcement officers waited 77 minutes before going into the classroom to stop the shooter. Family members are disappointed that no disciplinary action has been taken against any of the officers involved, although Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez resigned amid questions over how the incident was handled.

In addition to the $2 million settlement, the city of Uvalde has agreed to "restorative justice" policy changes that include establishing an annual day of remembrance on May 24, mental-health services for all families in the community, and addressing public safety risks and the burden of gun violence on police officers.

Although families have settled with the city, said attorney Josh Koskoff, they are filing additional lawsuits including one against the state of Texas, "which has done nothing but burden this town before the shooting by not giving them the resources they need, preventing these families from getting the information they need, and then blaming the city, as if they didn't have how many police officers there? 98? As if they didn't know how to shoot somebody."


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Wyoming lawmakers are discussing gun legislation, after Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill which would have repealed "gun free zones" this spring.

The bill would have made concealed weapons legal in more places, including the Capitol, universities and grade school campuses, where school districts currently make the rules.

Annie Griffin, superintendent of Washakie County School District #2, where teachers have been allowed concealed carry for seven years, told the Joint Judiciary Committee the rule creates challenges with hiring, permit-pulling and enforcement with adults from outside the district, at sporting events, for example.

"Unfortunately, I can tell you of many events of verbal abuse, of violence from children in the classroom," Griffin testified. "I don't think people fully understand the volatility that can go on in schools."

After the bill passed both chambers, Gov. Gordon vetoed it, saying he is a "fervent supporter" of the Second Amendment but the bill lacked "sufficient review and debate." Its sponsor, Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, said he will introduce a similar bill next session.

Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, said the decision on what is allowed should be left to school districts but noted the districts have not been included in the discussion.

"We talk a lot about local control and we talk about how important that is," Schuler pointed out. "And I don't think we've really brought our educational folks to the table throughout this whole process."

The University of Wyoming's Board of Trustees will discuss how the university will approach concealed carry at a meeting this week.

Proponents of repealing gun-free zones said such zones are more vulnerable to violent crime. But a new study showed gun-free zones may "be protective against active shootings."

When a citizen cited the research during public comment, Rep. Mark Jennings, R-Sheridan, said the right to bear arms is "God-given."

"As I think about studies, I think, boy, how important it is that we don't do our governing by studies," Jennings asserted.


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Montgomery County officials are asking students to use social media responsibly following a series of arrests stemming from online threats to local schools.

Over the weekend, three students -- two 13-year-olds and an 11-year-old -- were arrested for alleged "terroristic threats" made in social media posts.

Melvin Brown, superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, said it is important students think before they post and issued a sharp reminder threats can have long-term consequences.

"Social media can be a powerful tool but it's also a dangerous place to make dangerous decisions," Brown emphasized. "Bad decisions. It's crucial that students understand the impact of their online behavior and adhere to the school district's social media policy."

Brown also urged parents to play an active role in promoting online safety and revisiting the student handbook and code of conduct available on the Montgomery Public Schools website. The call to action comes after the school shooting in Georgia that tragically claimed four lives.

James Graboys, interim chief of the Montgomery Police Department, detailed the police department's response in a news conference, stressing threats online or in person will be met with strict action.

"Whenever somebody decides to make these kinds of pranks or these kinds of actions, they need to understand that we are going to react very aggressively and very hard to whoever completes these types of actions," Graboys stated. "When we are knocking on those doors, we're going to be wanting to talk to every individual in that residence."

Daryl Bailey, Montgomery County district attorney, warned the effects of making threats online extend beyond the students involved. He said his office will work to make sure parents are held accountable.

"If I can find any shred of evidence that parents were responsible for this, or neglectful with their children, or encouraged them or did anything to participate in this, they will be held responsible in adult court," Bailey pledged.

Investigations into similar threats are ongoing in Autauga, Elmore and Madison counties, as officials statewide continue to address growing concerns about school safety.


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A new initiative for single mothers and their sons is helping to combat crime and empower vulnerable community members in Jackson.

The nonprofit Operation Good, made up of people who used to be in prison, said it has helped to significantly lower crime rates in the areas it serves. In one neighborhood, the rate dropped from 87% to 14%.

Fredrick Womack, founder and executive director of Operation Good, said the goal is to find the root causes of violence in Jackson. They are doing family interventions and collaborating with single moms and high-risk youth to prevent violent crimes.

"To change the mindset of the high-risk participant and also give them in a better place in life, get the mothers in a better place in life," Womack explained. "Data here show that over 52% of the children are born into unwed families; 77% of those are single moms."

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety aims to reduce violent crime by 5% using federal grants. However, Womack pointed out Mississippi received American Rescue Plan Act funds and 20% of the money was supposed to be allocated to community organizations for public safety and violence prevention. He noted Mississippi used the money instead to create a Capitol Police Department.

For Operation Good, community engagement also includes providing food, educational and mentoring resources to families. They host monthly events. The most recent was a block party and the next will be a community symposium on Sept. 26, where victims of violent crime will discuss prevention.

"We're doing a gun violence event with the hospitals and researchers and talk dealing with those who have been a victim of gun violence, you know, who have been shot," Womack outlined. "We're having a symposium with them, to try to let them know there are resources available."

According to the Marshall Project, Jackson has a curfew restricting young people from being out past 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. The ordinance is set to expire in January 2025. In the meantime, city officials hope engagement centers also offer a safe haven for children.


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