By host Anthony Brooks:

Not long ago the head-lines from urban America were all about dropping crime-rates and dramatic reductions in homicides. But today, many cities across the country are being hit again by a troubling escalation of gun violence.

Mayors from Seattle to Milwaukee to New York are alarmed by what they say is a thriving trade of illegal guns flooding their cities.

Local cops need help, but federal law prevents them from sharing information about where the guns are coming from. The gun lobby says go after the criminals — not the guns. And now the Republican-led House wants to make it even harder for cops to track down illegal weapons.

Hear about the newest political shoot-out over illegal guns.

Guests:

Michael Blanding, contributing editor for Boston Magazine

Joseph Vince, former special agent with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and founder of Crime Gun Solutions, LLC

Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America

Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo, New York

Gil Kerlikowske, Seattle Police Chief