Tag: guns

IL GOP lawmakers condemn Texas shooting; defend gun rights

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Republican lawmakers in Washington have condemned the mass shooting in Texas but they’re defending gun rights. US Representative Rodney Davis issued a statement calling Tuesday’s shooting “pure evil,” but says taking guns away from law-abiding citizens won’t stop the violence. He proposes strengthening school security, investing in resource officers, and gun safety

state capitol

Lawmaker Wants To Waive Concealed Carry Fee For Veterans

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers are considering whether to waive the concealed carry license fee for qualified veterans. The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Murphy, a Republican from Springfield, would eliminate the fee for veterans who were honorably discharged and had earned a marksmanship badge. Jason Hoffman, with the Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars, said

News Around Illinois Cover

News Around Illinois – January 28, 2020

Supreme Court: Domestic Violence Survivor Can Own A Gun SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Supreme Court says a woman once convicted of domestic violence is entitled to own a gun. At issue is a federal law meant to keep guns away from people convicted of domestic violence. The Illinois State Police used that to justify denying

News Around Illinois Cover

News Around Illinois – January 17, 2020

Durbin And Duckworth Help Pass USMCA Trade Deal SPRINGFIELD – Both U.S. Senators from Illinois voted Thursday in favor of a new United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Lawmakers negotiated bipartisan support for the measure. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) says the plan is good for farmers, manufacturers, and working people. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) says Illinois is

Suicide A Driver Of Gun Deaths In Rural America

The national conversation around gun violence generally centers around mass shootings, school shootings and gang activity. These problems need to be addressed, but may overshadow the largest group affected: suicide victims.

Listening About Guns

What I heard at both events: safety concerns, frustration with legislators and calls for action around gun laws. Hope for children, love for community and citizens flexing their civic muscles. In my role as Illinois Newsroom Engagement Strategist, I attended two events related to the debate over guns. At March 24th’s “March for Our Lives”