Gifford's Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

An Alabama police chief announced plans to retire, just over a month after a mass shooting renewed scrutiny of the department's efforts to quell surging gun violence and homicides.

Four people were fatally shot, and at least nine others were wounded in the latest mass killing in the U.S. That happened Wednesday at Apalachee High School, near Atlanta. Police say a teenager has been arrested and will be charged with murder. It was the country's 30th mass killing this year, including three in Alabama, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University

The City of Mobile recently announced a new partnership with the University Hospital and the Mobile County Health Department aimed at reducing violent crimes.

Police in Birmingham say four people died in a shooting at a Birmingham nightclub late Saturday, while an earlier shooting outside a home in the city killed three people, including a young child

An Alabama judge has granted a former Alabama basketball player accused of capital murder a hearing to decide whether charges in the case will be dismissed. News outlets report attorneys for Darius Miles on Wednesday filed a motion for immunity, asking Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge Daniel Pruet to dismiss capital murder charges on the grounds of self-defense.

Recent high-profile mass shootings by young people underscore the deadly mix of teenage bravado, immaturity and growing access to high-powered guns that can kill faster and more efficiently than ever. Teens are among the suspects in a recent shooting at a Sweet 16 party in Alabama that killed four.

The state’s new concealed weapon law took effect on New Year’s Day. It allows gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The Alabama Sheriff’s Association opposed the idea.

An APR New featureAlabama lawmakers ended their regular session by passing bills on concealed weapons permits. Both measures require firearms training for…