Gun Violence Prevention / Public News Service

Ayolanda Evans Mack of the group Protect Minnesota is at the helm of a new documentary about what it would take to rid a community of gun violence. (Black Light Media)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

New MN Film Tries to Bring Context to Gun-Violence Debate

MINNEAPOLIS - Cities such as Minneapolis are getting attention over waves of gun violence in recent months. A statewide group hopes a new documentary …

Groups such as Veterans for Responsible Leadership and We the Veterans are urging current and former military officials to continue to stand up for democracy. (eurobanks/Adobe Stock)

Veterans Raise Concerns About Far-Right Group Membership

PALM BEACH, Fla. - Veterans across the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations. On July 4th…

This session, Nevada lawmakers voted to expand automatic voter registration and make vote-by-mail a permanent option. (Darylann Elmi/Adobestock)

NV Progressive Group Releases 2021 Legislative Scorecard

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Progressive groups in Nevada are holding an online summit tonight to marshal their forces for the next round of policy battles - …

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced a comprehensive strategy to address gun violence, which has increased in cities like Philadelphia since the start of the pandemic. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Philly to Be Part of Biden Community Violence Intervention Plan

PHILADELPHIA -- The Biden administration has a new federal strategy to address gun violence surging in cities across the country, including …

In 2019, 163 Mainers died from injury by firearm. (fotomek/Adobe Stock)

ME Lawmakers Urged to Make Gun Safety a Priority

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and gun-safety advocates in Maine are urging the Legislature to take up bills they …

An average of five people per week died by gun violence in Massachusetts in 2019, according to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence. (pfeifferv/Adobe Stock)

MA Group Urges Steps to Curb Gun Violence

BOSTON -- Gun-safety advocates in Massachusetts are looking to put pressure on lawmakers to tackle the nationwide epidemic of gun violence on National…

After meeting for four months, the Nevada Legislature has ended its 2021 session this week. (Annette Magnus/Battle Born Progress)

Mixed Bag for Progressive Priorities in NV Legislative Session

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Progressive groups are describing the just-ended legislative session as a rollercoaster year, with both victories and defeats…

The United States accounts for 35% of global firearm suicides, despite having only 4% of the world's population, according to the Giffords Law Center. (Adobe Stock

U.S. Senate Hearing Introduces Safe Gun Storage Act, Echoing CT Law

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A federal bill intended to curb gun violence would establish Consumer Product Safety Commission safety standards for firearm locks …

In the aftermath of George Floyd's death, communities experiment with different ways to promote public safety. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Special YES!/PNS Report - George Floyd Anniversary & Reimagining Public Safety

Atlanta-based journalist Anoa Changa and Laura Rosbrow-Telem out of Oakland, CA reported and produced this special report with YES! Magazine and …

Domestic-violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims seeking safety and support. <br />(AdobeStock) — Domestic-violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims seeking safety and support.
(AdobeStock)

Domestic-Violence Support: Not All Calls for Help Getting Answered

Clarification: Added additional information on the General Assembly budget process. 5/12/2021 5:26pm Central COLUMBUS, Ohio -- During a single 24-…

A law allowing concealed carry of firearms on Montana colleges and universities is set to go into effect on June 1. (jonbilous/Adobe Stock)

MT University System Holds Hearing on Concealed Carry on Campuses

HELENA, Mont. -- Montanans have a chance to weigh in on firearms on college campuses at a listening session today. Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a …

Unfinished gun parts are sold online and at gun shows, without background checks. (Stephen Lindley/Brady United)

Hearing Today in NV Senate on Bill to Ban Ghost Guns

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- A bill to ban so-called "ghost guns" gets a hearing today in the state Senate Judiciary Committee. Assembly Bill 286 would …

According to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, 71% of gun deaths in Wisconsin are suicides. (Adobe Stock)

Gun-Safety Innovation Focus of New Campaign to End Violence

MILWAUKEE - Unsecured guns are among the top contributors to the nation's gun violence, so a coalition of public officials and law enforcement is …

According to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, 58% of Illinois gun deaths in 2019 were homicides and 40% were suicides. (Guy Sagi/Adobe Stock)

Public Officials, Law Enforcement Want Gun-Safety Innovation

CHICAGO - Unsecured guns are among the top contributors to the nation's gun=violence epidemic, and a coalition of public officials and law …

In 2019, suicides made up more than 60% of gun deaths in Ohio, according to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence. (Adobe Stock)

OH Cities Join Coalition Calling for New Gun-Safety Technology

CINCINNATI - Toledo and Cincinnati officials are leading the Gun Safety Consortium, a group of cities across the United States that is calling on the …

More than 60% of 2018 gun deaths in Maryland were homicides, according to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence. (Adobe stock)

Group Pushes for "Smart" Gun-Safety Technology in MD

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Calling gun violence in America a public health crisis, a new coalition is challenging startups and manufacturing firms to create …

The Gun Safety Consortium says many gun owners fear gun locks will prevent their being able to access their firearms quickly. (Atlantist studio/Adobe Stock)

A Call for Innovative Gun-Safety Products

NEW YORK - Civic, business and religious leaders joined with local elected officials and law enforcement Tuesday, calling for development of new …

The American Public Health Association says 40% of gun-owning households with children store firearms unlocked, which contributes to the 2,700 children injured by gunfire and 110 fatal unintentional shootings every year. (Adobe Stock)

CT Cities Join Push for More Firearm Safety

HARTFORD, Conn. - Every year, 39,000 Americans perish from gun violence. A new Gun Safety Consortium is taking an unusual step to curb that number…

The Gun Safety Coalition says gun safety has lagged in terms of technology and innovation. It hopes financial incentives to create "smart" gun-safety products will reduce gun deaths in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

National Group Calls for High-Tech Gun Safety Products

LANSING, Mich. - Lansing's mayor and police chief are part of a national effort to push the gun industry to produce safer guns. The Gun Safety …

Just 21% of Americans believe relations between Republicans and Democrats will improve this year, according to the Pew Research Center; 37% expect them to worsen, and 41% think they'll stay about the same. (mediamodifer/Pixabay)

Could Curiosity Help Americans Bridge Deep Divides?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Polarization is seen as a growing problem in the United States, and many blame social media. But polls show Americans agree on …

Despite COVID-19 lockdowns, gun violence killed nearly 20,000 Americans in 2020, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive, more than any other year in at least two decades. (preventioninstitute.org/Michael Flesman)

Road Trip Promoting Gun Laws Heads to Nation's Capital

AUSTIN, Texas -- A 10-day road trip by gun-control advocates, calling on senators to pass background checks on all gun sales, will end in Washington…

High-profile shootings in states like Minnesota and Colorado this year have renewed calls for stricter gun laws. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Obstacles, Gun-Control Advocates See Hope

MILWAUKEE - There's a renewed push for gun-control measures in Wisconsin and at the federal level, with President Joe Biden's executive actions this …

Gun-safety advocates are urging Congress to pass the first major federal gun control laws in two decades. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Gun-Violence Prevention in Wake of Boulder Shooting

BOULDER, Colo. -- After last week's mass shooting in Boulder, advocates for gun safety are calling on both state and federal lawmakers to take …

According to Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, seven of the ten states with the strongest gun laws have background checks for all gun purchases, and the lowest rates of firearm deaths. (Adobe Stock)

State, Congress Feel New Urgency for Stronger Gun Laws

Correction: the Connecticut Lottery mass shooting occurred in 1998. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said that the event happened in 199…

Officer Eric Talley, an 11-year veteran of Boulder Police Department, was shot and killed Monday responding to reports of an active shooter at a King Soopers grocery store. (Boulder PD)

Ten Dead, Including Police Officer, in Boulder Grocery Store Shooting

BOULDER, Colo. -- An intensive investigation is underway into a mass shooting that killed ten people, including a police officer, at a Boulder…

Connecticut has averaged 14 deaths from domestic violence each year since 2000, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, but a spike in abuse cases amid the pandemic has likely changed that. (Adobe Stock)

In Congress, Domestic-Abuse Prevention Bill Takes Cue from CT

HARTFORD, Conn. - A new part of the Violence Against Women Act, passed in the U.S. House on Wednesday, would close a loophole that has allowed people …

Prior to this month's health clinic shooting, Minnesota lawmakers debated certain gun control measures, yet partisan divides have blocked bills from advancing. (Pixabay)

MN Clinic Shooting Leads to Renewed Calls for Gun Control

BUFFALO, Minn. -- Demands for tougher gun laws are again growing louder after last week's deadly shooting at a Minnesota health clinic. A key …

Minnesota's Capitol building has seen a beefed-up security presence following last year's civil unrest and this year's political tension. Members of a safety committee say some measures need to be permanent. (Adobe Stock)

MN State Workers Call for Safer Conditions Amid Political Tension

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A Minnesota committee is holding hearings on how to improve safety at the state capitol complex in St. Paul. It follows January's …

Nevada's gun death rate is 40% higher than the national average, and shootings are the leading cause of death for young people in the Silver State. (Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Report: Steps for NV Legislators to Reduce Gun Violence

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Advocates against gun violence are urging state lawmakers to pass new laws this session to help prevent future gun deaths…

Supporters built a memorial in downtown Louisville, Ky. for Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by police during a no-knock raid in March 2020. (Wikimedia Commons).

KY Lawmakers Push for Statewide Ban on No-Knock Search Warrants

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- After the killing of Breonna Taylor by Louisville police, some states have moved to ban no-knock search warrants, and Kentucky …

Protesters have gathered in Louisville for more than 125 days to call for police accountability over the killing of Breonna Taylor. (Adobe Stock)

KY Clergy Urge Transparency in Breonna Taylor Case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Faith leaders providing sanctuary for protesters under Louisville's citywide curfew, which lifted on Monday, say they're being …

Day and night, protesters have gathered in downtown Louisville over the death of Breonna Taylor. (Nadia Ramlagan)

Demands for Police Accountability Continues as Louisville Pays Taylor's Family

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Six months after Louisville police officers shot and killed 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in her home, city officials announced this …

Les Johnson with ARCHS helped to create the STL Neighborhood Healing Network, which officially launches next week. (ARCHS)

New Network Aims to Heal Trauma in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- As local and state leaders look to curb crime in the St. Louis area, a new initiative is focused on healing the trauma spurred by …

Groups across the country have rallied against stay-at-home orders by channeling their frustrations at public officials. (paulacobleigh/Adobe Stock)

Groups Tied to Armed Standoffs Hold MT Rallies

HELENA, Mont. -- Militia groups are combining people's fear of the novel coronavirus and the Fourth of July weekend to recruit followers in Montana…

Katina Locklear (pictured) of Robeson County, N.C. was murdered in 2018. The case remains unsolved. (Jane Jacobs)

As Number of Missing Native Women Grows, Who is Keeping Track?

PEMBROKE, N.C. -- Jane Jacobs of New Hanover County says every day she wakes up feeling like it's Dec. 20, 2018, the day her 46-year-old sister…

Firearms-related deaths in North Carolina topped 1,400 North Carolinians in 2017, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

53 NC Counties Proclaim They're 'Second Amendment Sanctuaries'

RALEIGH, N.C. - More than half of North Carolina's 100 counties have passed resolutions declaring they are "Second Amendment sanctuaries" - meaning …

A majority of Americans support laws that allow family members or police to request temporary removal of guns from a person deemed at risk to themselves or others, according to a 2019 APM Research Lab/Guns & America/Call To Mind survey. (LoveableNinja/Pixabay)

Will New Mexico Be Next "Red-Flag" State?

SANTA FE, N.M. - A "red flag" gun bill is headed to the New Mexico Senate floor for debate - but not without a major revision from the original …

Montana lawmakers have referred a measure to voters that would mean only the state could devise gun regulations. (md3d/Adobe Stock)

MT Ballot Measure Would Eliminate Local Gun Regulation Authority

HELENA, Mont. -- After a contentious battle last year, voters will get to decide in November whether local Montana communities can write their own …

The group Grandmothers Against Gun Violence is in Olympia a week after three shootings in Seattle. (Grandmothers Against Gun Violence)

Grandmothers Call for Gun-Violence Prevention in Olympia

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Grandmothers are in Olympia today urging lawmakers to consider a spate of measures to reduce gun violence. The group Grandmothers …

A bill to allow guns on Idaho public school campuses through enhanced concealed-carry permits was defeated in the 2019 session. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Moms in Boise to Oppose School Firearm Proposal

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho moms are in Boise today to speak with lawmakers about gun safety. They want legislators to oppose measures that would allow …

Virginia lawmakers are looking to close a loophole that allows people to buy guns privately or at gun shows with no background checks. (Adobe Stock)

'Common Sense' Gun Laws at Core of VA Emergency Declaration

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency, banning guns on the State Capitol grounds until Tuesday as militia …

A proposed bill in Maryland aims to put the state's rules for shotgun purchases on par with those for handguns. (Adobe stock)

MD Lawmakers to Try Again on Controversial Shotgun Restrictions

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- When the Maryland General Assembly starts on Wednesday, a gun bill that didn't pass last year's session will be one of the top …

Three initiatives awaiting review in Oregon would put certain restrictions on the sale of semi-automatic firearms, including raising the purchase age to 21. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

Faith Guides Push for OR 2020 Gun-Control Initiatives

PORTLAND, Ore. - Some faith leaders want 2020 to be the year Oregon passes what they see as better gun-control laws. The group Lift Every Voice …

A new study on mass shootings shows that assault-style rifles are used about 25% of the time; while handguns are most often the weapon of choice. (Ultra1s/iStockphoto)

Report: Most Mass Shooters Have 4 Things in Common

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Mass shootings often are preventable – and a majority of the weapons were obtained legally, according to a …

As Gov. Tony Evers calls a special session on gun control, both Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Republicans would not take up bills that would infringe on constitutional rights to own guns. (Pixabay)

Evers Calls Special Session on Gun Control

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers is pushing for two gun-control bills stuck in limbo, as Republican lawmakers refuse to debate or bring them …

The firearm suicide rate has increased by nearly 23% since 2005, compared with a 10% increase in firearm homicides. (AdobeStock)

Ohio Researchers Say Mental Health Care Alone Won’t Cure Gun Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio – New research out of Ohio suggests increased access to mental health care is not the panacea to curb gun violence in the …

The state legislature added $1 million to the Ohio budget for domestic-violence services. (AdobeStock)

Domestic-Violence Prevention: Celebrating Progress, Marking Lives Lost

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins today, and advocates are gathering at the Ohio statehouse to reflect on progress made …

Under current Wisconsin law, a person is prohibited from possessing a firearm, and must surrender all firearms, if he or she is subject to a domestic-abuse injunction, a child-abuse injunction or, in certain cases, a harassment or an individuals-at-risk injunction. (Pixabay)

WI Democrats Call on Republicans to Curb Gun Violence

MADISON, Wis. – As Gov. Tony Evers and Democratic lawmakers tout support for a "red flag" bill in Wisconsin, Republicans are taking issue with …

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