Gun-related deaths among children and teens are growing, and no state is exempt from the effects of the growing epidemic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio is one of 10 states where gun-related deaths among youths are highest. Children from affected communities recently visited the Ohio Statehouse to meet with lawmakers on the issue.

Jake Streeter, executive director of the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center, said his kids, many of whom come from neighborhoods where regular gun violence is a reality, drew posters and wrote letters with ideas and solutions now displayed throughout the statehouse.

"Many of our students have a feeling about gun violence that they believe we as adults aren't taking the situation as seriously as we could," Streeter explained. "It doesn't seem to be a priority."

According to the Children's Defense Fund, nationwide in 2021, more than 4,700 children and teens were killed with guns, up 40% from 2017, and half of all child and teen gun deaths occurred in just 10 states, including Ohio, North Carolina and Tennessee. Black children and teens were six times as likely to die from gun violence as their white peers.

Streeter added the grassroots organizations working with children need funding to be able to provide positive alternatives to keep kids off the streets. He hopes state representatives work to ensure summer and after-school programming is available to all Ohio kids.

"The people who have these stories, these narratives that they need to hear our place in a position to be able to share these stories to do this mentoring to build these long-lasting relationships," Streeter outlined. "So that 'the students don't have to look to the streets or violence.'"

Taking its name from the Mississippi Freedom Summer project of 1964, the six-week Freedom Schools program focuses on literacy and cultural enrichment, and is aimed at serving children and youths in grades K-12 in communities where quality academic programming is lacking.


get more stories like this via email

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 Mark Gordon vetoed a bill which would have repealed "gun free zones" this spring.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.


get more stories like this via email

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.


get more stories like this via email

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.


get more stories like this via email