Gun Violence Surge
Gun violence tends to surge during the summer months, and though gun violence in Cleveland dropped by 24% from 2023 to 2024, the city's latest available data, children are still most at risk to die by gun violence. Firearms have been the leading cause of death in teens and children nationwide since 2020.
Many major cities around Northeast Ohio have invested a lot into their efforts to reduce gun violence. Cleveland developed its 2026 Summer Safety Plan, which includes citizen outreach, violence interruption programs and street repairs.
Last year, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said the city's Violence Intervention & Prevention Strategic Plan helped to reduce gun violence through programs like the Akron Street Team, which meets with those at high risk of engaging in future violence.
Additionally, Cleveland Public Library partnered with the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention and other community partners to provide gun safes and locks to promote gun safety practices.
However, some don't think that's enough. After a tragic shooting on Cleveland's west side killed three people this weekend, City Councilman Mike Polensek is calling for a "show of force" from law enforcement.
On Wednesday's "Sound of Ideas," we'll talk about gun violence in Northeast Ohio, and how government and community partners are working together to make neighborhoods safer this summer.
Guests:
- Daniel Flannery, Ph.D., Professor & Director, Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, Case Western Reserve University
- Myesha Watkins, Administrator, Office of Violence Prevention, Cuyahoga County
- Eufrancia Lash, President, 100 Black Men of Akron
The Future of Health Care
Can profit and purpose be aligned to transform our current health care system into something different and better? That was the topic of a recent City Club of Cleveland event with author and Harvard medical school course director Halle Tecco. Her latest book, "Massively Better Healthcare" draws on her experience as an entrepreneur, educator and investor.
Tecco, who is a Northeast Ohio native, spoke at the City Club in March in a discussion moderated by the Dr. David Margolious, the director of public health for the City of Cleveland.
Here's an excerpt from the conversation.
- David Margolius, M.D., Director of Public Health, City of Cleveland
- Halle Tecco, Author, "Massively Better Healthcare"
