
Gun Violence Prevention
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WHYY is telling stories about solutions to gun violence – with a focus on ideas from people living the crisis every day.
By lifting up the work that’s happening in hard-hit neighborhoods and holding government agencies accountable for their promises, we aim to build bridges between people in need of help and people providing it. We are aware of the way trauma from violence ripples through the lives of Philadelphians, and approach this coverage with a commitment to care, nuance, and accuracy often missing from news coverage of this issue.
Hundreds of families are affected by gun violence across Philadelphia each year — many cases go unsolved, leaving those left behind to grieve and fight for justice.
2 hours ago
The Citizens Police Oversight Commission has released updates to prior changes on officer discipline, and recommended new reforms.
1 week ago
Listen 1:18The city of Philadelphia is suing the state over the right to pass local firearms legislation. The Pa. Supreme Court heard arguments today.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:19Pa. Supreme Court to hear arguments over whether Philly can enact its own, stricter gun laws
“This is a novel issue, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a winnable issue,” said Shaundra Kellam Lewis.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:10Amid gun violence crisis, Philadelphia may be safer than people think
Comparing a recent Gallup poll to crime statistics shows perception is not reality.
2 weeks ago
Ahead of school year, Philadelphia activists, federal lawmakers push for federal assault weapons ban
A federal ban on assault weapons could keep children safer from gun violence at school this year, lawmakers and advocates say.
3 weeks ago
The peaceful march ended in front of the Philadelphia 24th Police District station.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:19The city of Philadelphia says there will be more police officers around school campuses this fall in an effort to prevent gun violence.
4 weeks ago
In Philadelphia, where relationships between police officers and residents are already strained, the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry Jr. could have larger consequences.
4 weeks ago
What’s Philadelphia doing on gun violence prevention? New guide provides updates and lays out assets
City of Philadelphia public safety leaders have made a resource guide to help point residents affected by gun violence to services.
1 month ago
An increase in concealed carry permits is leading to an increase in total homicides, according to a new study from Rutgers University Camden.
1 month ago
‘Nobody really called’: 6 years after her son’s murder, a Philadelphia mother wants answers
Kristian Hamilton-Arthur was murdered in 2017. In the years since, his mother has had to advocate for her son, while simultaneously grieving him.
1 month ago
Listen 1:33Pa.’s Democratic-controlled House passed 2 gun safety laws. Now it’s in the Senate’s hands
A panel of experts led by Pa. House Majority Leader Matthew Bradford discussed gun policies at Villanova University Monday.
1 month ago
Philly groups get small grants to reduce violence
The DA’s office grants are designed to help groups that can’t get larger ones, and could be a lifesaver for people on the streets of Philadelphia.
1 month ago
For the first time on record, the firearm suicide rate for Black teens is higher than for white teens, according to preliminary data from the CDC.
1 month ago
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