News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
Youth gun deaths in the US have surged 50% since 2019
Youth gun deaths in the US have surged 50% since 2019
by Amanda Hernández, Stateline, Arkansas Advocate
March 20, 2025
Firearm-related deaths among children and teenagers in the United States have risen sharply in recent years, increasing by 50% since 2019.
In 2023, firearms remained the leading cause of death among American youth for the third year in a row, followed by motor vehicle accidents, according to the latest mortality data released by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The data shows 2,581 children aged 17 and under died from firearm-related incidents in 2023, including accidents, homicides and suicides, with a national rate of nearly four gun deaths per 100,000 children.
Young people in the United States were killed by firearms at a rate nearly three times higher than by drowning. This means that for every child who died from drowning in 2023, nearly three died from gun violence.
“Every single number is a life lost — is a kid that won’t go back home,” said Silvia Villarreal, the director of research translation at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Gun Violence Solutions.
Children, she added, are an inherently vulnerable population, and this vulnerability is even more pronounced among children of color.
Black children and teens in 2023 were more than eight times as likely to die from firearm homicide than their white peers. Since 2015, firearms have been the leading cause of death for Black youth, according to CDC data.
Since 2018, firearm suicide rates have been highest among American Indian or Alaska Native and white children and teens. In 2023, American Indian and Alaska Native youth had the highest firearm suicide rate of any racial group.
Youth gun deaths don’t just affect family members, close loved ones and friends; they ripple through entire communities, making it difficult for people to heal, Villarreal told Stateline.
“Communities that have suffered really high-impact losses are never the same, and I don’t know if it’s possible to be ever the same as it was before,” Villarreal said.
One of the major policies championed by gun control and safety groups to address youth gun violence is safe storage laws, which establish guidelines for how firearms should be stored in homes, vehicles and other properties. In recent years, some states also have proposed and adopted measures to create tax credits for purchasing gun safes.
Twenty-six states have child access prevention and secure storage laws on the books, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun control research and advocacy group.
A report released in July by RAND, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization, found that laws designed to limit children’s access to stored firearms may help reduce firearm suicides, unintentional shootings and firearm homicides among youth.
This year, lawmakers in states across the country — including in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin — have considered gun storage policies.
Stateline reporter Amanda Hernández can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org.
Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
Arkansas Advocate is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arkansas Advocate maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sonny Albarado for questions: info@arkansasadvocate.com.
The post Youth gun deaths in the US have surged 50% since 2019 appeared first on arkansasadvocate.com
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
NW Arkansas Championship expected to bring money to Rogers
SUMMARY: The Northwest Arkansas Championship in Rogers is more than a golf event; it significantly boosts the local economy. Drawing thousands annually, it brings steady crowds benefiting restaurants, shops, and service providers. Businesses report increased sales, especially in food and hydration products, with parking lots near the course filling quickly. The Rogers Chamber estimates the tournament injects around $14 million into the local economy, supporting small businesses. Starting tomorrow with a 5K event at the LPGA, this week-long tournament is a dependable source of customer traffic and highlights Rogers’ growth as a regional hub.
Rogers businesses make money off the LPGA’s NW Arkansas Championship.
40/29 is your home for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley breaking news and weather. For your latest Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley news and weather visit: https://www.4029tv.com/
For licensing inquiries: https://www.4029tv.com/licensing
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
Arkansas medical marijuana sales on pace for record year
SUMMARY: Arkansas medical marijuana sales are on track for a record year, with patients spending over $193 million from January to August 2025—more than $10 million higher than last year. The state currently has 109,000 active patient cards, purchasing over 52,000 pounds of cannabis products. Daily sales average around $800,000, generating more than $21 million in taxes this year. A new law directs part of this tax revenue to combat food insecurity, including eliminating school lunch debt statewide. Since 2019, Arkansas patients have spent over $1.5 billion on medical marijuana, with the state collecting more than $105 million in taxes.
Arkansas medical marijuana sales on pace for record year 40/29 is your home for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley …
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed
Group in lawsuit say Franklin county prison land was bought before it was inspected
SUMMARY: A group filed a complaint against the Franklin County Prison project, claiming the land was purchased before proper inspection, resulting in unsuitable property acquisition and wasted taxpayer money. A study cited by State Senator Brian King revealed the site cannot supply adequate water for even one home, let alone a 3,000-bed prison. Despite ongoing prison overcrowding and the need for a new facility, concerns remain about the project’s viability. Lawmakers discussed the issue, highlighting overcrowding and early release of violent offenders due to lack of space. The Franklin County Prison project aims to build a 3,000-bed facility, but its future is uncertain amid these challenges.
Group in lawsuit say Franklin county prison land was bought before it was inspected
40/29 is your home for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley breaking news and weather. For your latest Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley news and weather visit: https://www.4029tv.com/
For licensing inquiries: https://www.4029tv.com/licensing
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed6 days ago
Alabama lawmaker revives bill to allow chaplains in public schools
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed7 days ago
1587 Prime gives first look at food, cocktail menu ahead of grand opening in KC
-
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed7 days ago
‘One Pill Can Kill’ program aims to reduce opioid drug overdose
-
Mississippi News Video7 days ago
Interview: Come see Baptist at WTVA Senior Health Fair
-
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed6 days ago
Arkansas’s morning headlines | Sept. 9, 2025
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed6 days ago
Pulaski County town faces scrutiny after fatal overdose
-
News from the South - Texas News Feed6 days ago
‘Resilience and hope’ in Galveston: 125 years after greatest storm in US history | Texas
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed7 days ago
Man tries to save driver in deadly I-85 crash | FOX 5 News