Samantha Z. Koch
@szkoch.bsky.social
💬'Koch' like 'cook' * ⚖️ policy director @PACrimeComm * 🎧 Springsteen fan * 🐾 cat person w/ a border collie * views are mine (including strong ones on fonts)
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Samantha Z. Koch
@szkoch.bsky.social
· Nov 27
Things I'm grateful for this week: a happy home, meaningful work, and this goofy dude who keeps us on our toes. 💙
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
America has been emptying youth prisons for more than 20 years, and crime has dropped. It is a triumph of public policy, writes James Forman Jr.
What Happened When America Emptied Its Youth Prisons
Lessons from a radical 20-year experiment and a quiet triumph of public policy.
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2025 at 2:07 AM
America has been emptying youth prisons for more than 20 years, and crime has dropped. It is a triumph of public policy, writes James Forman Jr.
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
A new order by President Donald Trump to temporarily freeze all federal financial assistance programs, as the admin seeks to eliminate funding for "DEI, woke gender ideology and the green new deal," could have a big impact on state budgets.
www.notus.org/policy/trump...
www.notus.org/policy/trump...
Trump Administration Orders Sudden Freeze on Federal Aid
The directive from the Office of Management and Budget is poised to touch major programs from child nutrition to rental assistance.
www.notus.org
January 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM
A new order by President Donald Trump to temporarily freeze all federal financial assistance programs, as the admin seeks to eliminate funding for "DEI, woke gender ideology and the green new deal," could have a big impact on state budgets.
www.notus.org/policy/trump...
www.notus.org/policy/trump...
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
I think some people hear “grants” and think that without them, scientists and government workers just have less stuff to play with at work. But grants fund salaries for students, academics, researchers, and people who work in all areas of public service.
“Pausing” grants means people don’t eat.
“Pausing” grants means people don’t eat.
White House pauses all federal grants, sparking confusion
The Trump administration has put a hold on all federal financial grants and loans, affecting tens of billions of dollars in payments.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 28, 2025 at 3:03 AM
I think some people hear “grants” and think that without them, scientists and government workers just have less stuff to play with at work. But grants fund salaries for students, academics, researchers, and people who work in all areas of public service.
“Pausing” grants means people don’t eat.
“Pausing” grants means people don’t eat.
It was such a treat to be in the PA State Capitol building earlier today to highlight a $2.5M federal NSAKI grant PCCD was recently awarded to build + implement an automated statewide sexual assault kit tracking system, in partnership with the PA Dept. of Health, PA State Police + PCAR.
January 27, 2025 at 11:54 PM
It was such a treat to be in the PA State Capitol building earlier today to highlight a $2.5M federal NSAKI grant PCCD was recently awarded to build + implement an automated statewide sexual assault kit tracking system, in partnership with the PA Dept. of Health, PA State Police + PCAR.
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
I've spent the last couple of years w/ young people in Chicago for research on illegal gun carrying. Here're reflections from them (& seasoned experts) and how they've reshaped my thinking on gun research and policy. vitalcitynyc.org/articles/a-better-conversation-on-guns @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social
Vital City | A Better Conversation on Guns
For the U.S. to make lasting progress against firearm violence, it must change the way it talks about — and talks to — people who carry.
vitalcitynyc.org
January 23, 2025 at 8:59 PM
I've spent the last couple of years w/ young people in Chicago for research on illegal gun carrying. Here're reflections from them (& seasoned experts) and how they've reshaped my thinking on gun research and policy. vitalcitynyc.org/articles/a-better-conversation-on-guns @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
By the time one Michigan county had abolished juvenile court debt, it was owed $92 million in unpaid fines. It had charged $11.7 million between 2017–2019 alone, including one father who racked up $100,000 in debt because of his child’s arrest.
boltsmag.org/michiga...
boltsmag.org/michiga...
How Michigan Stopped Saddling Children with Millions in Court Debt
Last year, Michigan stopped imposing court fines and fees on kids, and relieved millions of dollars in past debt. Now, it may also ensure that kids get adequate representation in court.
boltsmag.org
December 27, 2024 at 2:00 AM
By the time one Michigan county had abolished juvenile court debt, it was owed $92 million in unpaid fines. It had charged $11.7 million between 2017–2019 alone, including one father who racked up $100,000 in debt because of his child’s arrest.
boltsmag.org/michiga...
boltsmag.org/michiga...
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
Under the Biden administration, the federal government has consistently tried to move the needle on gun violence. While some of those initiatives may be reversed under President-elect Donald Trump, not all of the progress can easily be undone. Here are the highlights.
The Year in Gun Violence Solutions
Over the past year and a half, this newsletter has spent a lot of time covering gun violence prevention policy in the nation’s capital. There’s been good reason for that. Under the Biden…
www.thetrace.org
December 11, 2024 at 9:11 PM
Under the Biden administration, the federal government has consistently tried to move the needle on gun violence. While some of those initiatives may be reversed under President-elect Donald Trump, not all of the progress can easily be undone. Here are the highlights.
"Domestic violence is rooted in power and control, and pregnancy is a tether that can shift a relationship’s dynamic." Powerful, necessary read from @nytopinion.nytimes.com on increased risk of homicide among pregnant women.
“Homicide isn’t a rare anomaly for pregnant and postpartum women — it’s one of their leading causes of death,” writes Sara Chodosh, an Opinion graphics editor. This makes pregnancy-associated homicides a real public health concern, she adds. nyti.ms/4gKHwyv
Opinion | The Tragic Link Between Pregnancy and Homicide
For women under 25, getting pregnant more than doubles their risk of homicide.
nyti.ms
December 10, 2024 at 12:48 PM
"Domestic violence is rooted in power and control, and pregnancy is a tether that can shift a relationship’s dynamic." Powerful, necessary read from @nytopinion.nytimes.com on increased risk of homicide among pregnant women.
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
I have an op-ed in the NYT today about how to reduce crime.
The key idea, based on decades of strong research evidence: focus on increasing the probability of getting caught, not the punishment.
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/o...
The key idea, based on decades of strong research evidence: focus on increasing the probability of getting caught, not the punishment.
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/o...
December 7, 2024 at 12:16 PM
I have an op-ed in the NYT today about how to reduce crime.
The key idea, based on decades of strong research evidence: focus on increasing the probability of getting caught, not the punishment.
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/o...
The key idea, based on decades of strong research evidence: focus on increasing the probability of getting caught, not the punishment.
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/o...
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
“I thought his death would have made a change,” Arnold told Mensah. “It did for a while. For a while. But that was it.”
I hope you'll read Defined and Diminished by Gun Violence, published today in partnership with @inquirer.com. www.thetrace.org/2024/12/gun-...
I hope you'll read Defined and Diminished by Gun Violence, published today in partnership with @inquirer.com. www.thetrace.org/2024/12/gun-...
Defined and Diminished by Gun Violence
Centuries of inequitable social policy have kept Black Philadelphians dying at disproportionately high rates.
www.thetrace.org
December 4, 2024 at 7:22 PM
“I thought his death would have made a change,” Arnold told Mensah. “It did for a while. For a while. But that was it.”
I hope you'll read Defined and Diminished by Gun Violence, published today in partnership with @inquirer.com. www.thetrace.org/2024/12/gun-...
I hope you'll read Defined and Diminished by Gun Violence, published today in partnership with @inquirer.com. www.thetrace.org/2024/12/gun-...
Proof that from skeptical beginnings, a beautiful friendship can emerge. 💙
#catsanddogs #catsofbluesky #dogsofbluesky #bordercollie
#catsanddogs #catsofbluesky #dogsofbluesky #bordercollie
December 4, 2024 at 10:55 PM
Proof that from skeptical beginnings, a beautiful friendship can emerge. 💙
#catsanddogs #catsofbluesky #dogsofbluesky #bordercollie
#catsanddogs #catsofbluesky #dogsofbluesky #bordercollie
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
The Supreme Court is scheduled Monday to consider the regulation of flavored e-cigarettes in a case that illustrates an enduring public health conundrum: how to keep kids away from sweet-flavored, addictive vapes while giving adult smokers better options to help them quit cigarettes.
Supreme Court poised to enter fray over regulation of flavored vapes
The Food and Drug Administration has rejected some products because of concerns about youth users.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 1, 2024 at 10:05 PM
The Supreme Court is scheduled Monday to consider the regulation of flavored e-cigarettes in a case that illustrates an enduring public health conundrum: how to keep kids away from sweet-flavored, addictive vapes while giving adult smokers better options to help them quit cigarettes.
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
I accidentally bought some books today and you know what, it did fix me temporarily
December 1, 2024 at 12:46 AM
I accidentally bought some books today and you know what, it did fix me temporarily
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
Pennsylvania awards $120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants https://buff.ly/4ibb1uA via @PennCapitalStar
Pennsylvania awards $120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency announced mental health and safety grants for hundreds of private schools.
buff.ly
November 27, 2024 at 7:37 PM
Pennsylvania awards $120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants https://buff.ly/4ibb1uA via @PennCapitalStar
Be still my heart. I'm biased, but these two are the cutest critters around. 💖
#caturday #dogsofbluesky #catsofbluesky #bordercollie
#caturday #dogsofbluesky #catsofbluesky #bordercollie
December 1, 2024 at 1:03 AM
Be still my heart. I'm biased, but these two are the cutest critters around. 💖
#caturday #dogsofbluesky #catsofbluesky #bordercollie
#caturday #dogsofbluesky #catsofbluesky #bordercollie
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
Lieutenant Valerie Martinez-Jordan has trained over 2,000 officers in a program in deep-red Louisiana to prevent abusers from accessing firearms. Her blueprint is spreading even as federal laws become looser.
In a Deep-Red State, This Lieutenant's Blueprint for Removing Guns From Abusers Is Spreading
On February 2, 2023, when the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced its decision to strike down the federal law banning domestic abusers under protective orders from possessing guns, Lieutenant…
www.thetrace.org
November 29, 2024 at 9:11 PM
Lieutenant Valerie Martinez-Jordan has trained over 2,000 officers in a program in deep-red Louisiana to prevent abusers from accessing firearms. Her blueprint is spreading even as federal laws become looser.
📸 Scenes from this very excellent week... My most photogenic pie crust ever, Loki's "OMG turkey" face, a very excellent Thanksgiving table, and our family's annual Turkey Bowl (with mascot, Walter).
November 30, 2024 at 3:37 PM
📸 Scenes from this very excellent week... My most photogenic pie crust ever, Loki's "OMG turkey" face, a very excellent Thanksgiving table, and our family's annual Turkey Bowl (with mascot, Walter).
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
“The Thanksgiving-leftovers sandwich is a continuation of the holiday ritual, the festive meal’s third and final act: after preparation and presentation comes a dénouement of sandwichification,” @hels.bsky.social writes.
The Triumph of the Post-Thanksgiving Sandwich
After the big meal, alone with your refrigerator, let the real celebration begin.
www.newyorker.com
November 29, 2024 at 3:16 PM
“The Thanksgiving-leftovers sandwich is a continuation of the holiday ritual, the festive meal’s third and final act: after preparation and presentation comes a dénouement of sandwichification,” @hels.bsky.social writes.
Things I'm grateful for this week: a happy home, meaningful work, and this goofy dude who keeps us on our toes. 💙
November 27, 2024 at 12:55 PM
Things I'm grateful for this week: a happy home, meaningful work, and this goofy dude who keeps us on our toes. 💙
Good article - and an important distinction towards the lede: "We’re not talking about fines, those monetary punishments that judges impose on offenders. And this isn’t about restitution, which is an additional sanction intended to reimburse victims."
"Criminal justice fees function like predatory taxes that raise revenue for the government ... And they can have severe economic consequences, particularly for people who are already broke when they enter the system — that is, most people who run afoul of the law."
Opinion | How Expensive Is Going to Jail? We Did the Math.
Our criminal justice system is nickel-and-diming people at every turn, burying them in punishing debt.
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2024 at 12:48 PM
Good article - and an important distinction towards the lede: "We’re not talking about fines, those monetary punishments that judges impose on offenders. And this isn’t about restitution, which is an additional sanction intended to reimburse victims."
"In Philadelphia, ghost guns recovered from crimes fell 8 percent, too, from 575 in 2022 to 526 in 2023, and are down further this year, with the total standing at 370, the city’s Police Department said."
In 2021, every state in the country experienced a surge in crimes committed with ghost guns, fueled by a fast-growing industry selling nearly complete, finish-it-yourself gun kits.
Those trends have since reversed. Here’s what changed.
Those trends have since reversed. Here’s what changed.
The Ghost Gun Surge Is Abating. This Is How It Happened.
Ghost guns went from being relatively rare to ubiquitous in a short time span. Regulating them appears to be fueling a reversal.
www.thetrace.org
November 27, 2024 at 12:26 PM
"In Philadelphia, ghost guns recovered from crimes fell 8 percent, too, from 575 in 2022 to 526 in 2023, and are down further this year, with the total standing at 370, the city’s Police Department said."
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
Philadelphia officials say they’re determined to continue driving down gun violence during the second Trump administration. But the city isn’t entirely immune to changes in the White House.
Facing Another Trump Presidency, Philadelphia Vows to Maintain Momentum Against Gun Violence
City leaders who worked closely with the Biden administration are optimistic they can make further progress in reducing shootings after Trump takes office.
www.thetrace.org
November 19, 2024 at 2:23 PM
Philadelphia officials say they’re determined to continue driving down gun violence during the second Trump administration. But the city isn’t entirely immune to changes in the White House.
📢 We've made progress in addressing gun violence in PA, but there's still so much work ahead.
Tell us what you think we should focus on first. Complete PCCD's Stakeholder Feedback Survey to share your ideas on policies, programs + how funding can reduce gun violence.
bit.ly/47VDEax
November 21, 2024 at 1:08 PM
📢 We've made progress in addressing gun violence in PA, but there's still so much work ahead.
Tell us what you think we should focus on first. Complete PCCD's Stakeholder Feedback Survey to share your ideas on policies, programs + how funding can reduce gun violence.
bit.ly/47VDEax
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
Did you know that in 2022, compensation programs paid $300+ million to aid victims? However, new research highlights program administrators don't think they are reaching everyone in need. Check out the study by Center on Public Safety & Justice @norc.org colleagues + @urbaninstitute.bsky.social⤵️
Victim compensation programs provided $300M+ in aid to crime victims in 2022, yet many are left without access to this critical support. New research from NORC & @urbaninstitute.bsky.social reveals ways to support these programs: us8.campaign-archive.com?u=5970924c51...
Victim compensation programs have untapped impact, study finds
Stories of Insight & Impact
us8.campaign-archive.com
November 20, 2024 at 9:07 PM
Did you know that in 2022, compensation programs paid $300+ million to aid victims? However, new research highlights program administrators don't think they are reaching everyone in need. Check out the study by Center on Public Safety & Justice @norc.org colleagues + @urbaninstitute.bsky.social⤵️
Reposted by Samantha Z. Koch
Donna’s Law, a suicide prevention measure that lets people temporarily ban themselves from buying firearms, has proven one of the few areas of gun policy where Republicans and Democrats can agree. A Trace survey shows how many people have used it.
To Prevent Suicide, States Want to Let People Ban Themselves From Buying Guns
The suicide prevention measure is one of the few areas of gun policy where Republicans and Democrats can agree.
www.thetrace.org
November 13, 2024 at 1:43 PM
Donna’s Law, a suicide prevention measure that lets people temporarily ban themselves from buying firearms, has proven one of the few areas of gun policy where Republicans and Democrats can agree. A Trace survey shows how many people have used it.