Pritzker slams Trump’s threat to target Chicago next: ‘We don’t play those games’ is the headline, and it’s a stark declaration. The situation feels charged with tension. The responses paint a picture of real concern, with a lot of fear bubbling under the surface. The core of it is this: Trump, possibly motivated by political vendettas or a desire to exert control, is purportedly eyeing Chicago as the next target for some kind of federal intervention, possibly involving the deployment of troops. The potential consequences are heavy, and the air is thick with what-ifs.
The sentiment seems to be, “Get ready.”… Continue reading
In a recent ruling, a federal judge upheld Rhode Island’s gun permit system, deeming it compliant with the Second Amendment. The judge granted summary judgment in favor of the state, dismissing a lawsuit filed by a gun owners’ coalition that challenged the requirement of demonstrating “a need” for an open-carry permit. The plaintiffs, who had been denied unrestricted permits, argued against the law, citing a 2022 Supreme Court decision, but the judge clarified that this ruling did not mandate open carry and that Rhode Island’s law aligns with historical regulations. The gun owners plan to appeal the decision.
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The Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari in the case challenging New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) leaves in place lower court injunctions blocking the law’s restrictions on carrying firearms in houses of worship. This is a victory for plaintiffs like Rev. Dr. Jimmie Hardaway Jr., who argued the ban infringed on Second Amendment rights and jeopardized congregational safety. While the broader challenge to the CCIA continues, the ruling allows armed congregants to continue carrying firearms in churches. Governor Hochul supports the state’s gun laws, while Second Amendment advocates vow to continue their legal fight.
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In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court upheld the Biden administration’s regulation of ghost gun kits under the Gun Control Act. Justice Gorsuch’s majority opinion affirmed the ATF’s authority to regulate these kits as firearms, clarifying that the ruling does not encompass all weapon parts requiring significant assembly. Justices Thomas and Alito dissented, criticizing the regulation as government overreach. The ruling requires manufacturers and sellers to obtain licenses, serialize products, conduct background checks, and maintain records, impacting ghost gun availability.
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The Trump administration removed former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory on gun violence from the Department of Health and Human Services website, citing an executive order protecting Second Amendment rights. This action eliminated data on firearm violence’s impact, including suicide rates and child deaths, provoking criticism from researchers who view gun violence as a public health issue requiring comprehensive solutions beyond law enforcement. The removal is part of a broader trend of deleting health information from federal websites, potentially hindering ongoing research and progress on gun violence prevention. The White House maintains that addressing violence is a law enforcement matter.
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Illinois’ new “Karina’s Law” mandates firearm removal from individuals subject to domestic violence orders of protection, significantly enhancing victim safety. The law, effective May 11th, allows for expedited law enforcement seizure of weapons and empowers petitioners to request immediate search warrants for alleged abusers’ homes. Inspired by the tragic murder of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter, the legislation prioritizes victim protection by addressing the critical link between firearms and domestic violence fatalities. The law is a direct result of the advocacy efforts of Manny Alvarez, Karina’s son, who survived the attack.
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Terry Sutherland, a blind man, obtained an Indiana handgun license to highlight flaws in the state’s gun laws. His successful application, despite his blindness, underscores the lack of competency testing for firearm permits. Sutherland advocates for mandatory competency tests at gun ranges, mirroring practices in other states, believing this is a minimum safety measure. Conversely, Second Amendment advocate Guy Relford opposes such restrictions, arguing for personal responsibility over government regulation. Sutherland’s efforts to prompt legislative discussion on common-sense gun safety measures have, so far, been met with silence from state representatives.
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A federal appeals court recently struck down a federal ban on handgun sales to 18-to-20-year-olds, sparking significant debate and raising concerns. The court’s decision hinges on its interpretation of the Second Amendment, arguing that the ban infringes upon the right to bear arms for this age group. This ruling potentially sets a precedent, likely leading to a Supreme Court appeal.
The age restriction’s removal raises questions about the maturity level needed to handle firearms responsibly. While 18 is the legal age of adulthood in the US, concerns remain about the potential for impulsive decisions and the increased risk of gun violence, particularly in schools and other public places.… Continue reading
On December 23rd, London police officers fatally shot 61-year-old Doug Harless while serving a search warrant at his Laurel County home. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots and witnessed officers entering Harless’s home before the shooting occurred. Police claim Harless pointed a weapon at them, prompting the use of lethal force, while neighbors and family dispute this account, portraying Harless as a peaceful individual and questioning the warrant’s target. The Kentucky State Police are now investigating the incident, reviewing evidence including neighbor surveillance footage.
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A federal judge in Illinois has ruled the state’s ban on assault weapons unconstitutional, citing the Second Amendment and the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding gun restrictions. The judge, Stephen McGlynn, found that the ban does not align with historical precedents for firearm regulations and that assault weapons are commonly used for self-defense. While the judge issued a permanent injunction prohibiting enforcement of the ban, he stayed it for 30 days to allow the state to appeal. The ruling has sparked controversy, with gun rights advocates celebrating and gun control advocates expressing concern over the potential impact on public safety.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker