Guns
U.S. House panel presses gun makers to testify before Congress
WASHINGTON — The chair of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Thursday said she has requested that CEOs of three gun manufacturing companies appear before Congress to testify at a hearing later this month on gun violence. Chair Carolyn B. Maloney of New York said she has asked for appearances by Marty […]
Highland Park shooter treated gently by police, Black man killed for traffic violation
This weekend the world witnessed the two realities that exist inside the United States. The heavily armed white suspect in the Independence Day parade shooting in Highland Park, while fleeing from police, was calmly arrested using de-escalation techniques but an unarmed black man, stopped for a minor traffic violation in Akron was shot 60 times […]
If we can’t stop the shootings, maybe we should stop having parades
In the wake of the latest massacre of innocent Americans, this time not far across the Wisconsin state line in Highland Park, Illinois, maybe it’s time we end parades and other events where people who gather to celebrate are turned into victims. And with all the concerns voiced about taxes, maybe we’d just better admit […]
Congress sends Biden historic gun safety legislation, with GOP support
WASHINGTON — Congress on Friday cleared the most comprehensive federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years, a bipartisan package that will now head to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature. In a 65-33 vote, the bill, comprised of eight provisions, passed the U.S. Senate late Thursday. The House on Friday joined, approving the […]
U.S. Supreme Court expands gun rights in striking down New York concealed carry law
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a New York law that made it illegal to carry a firearm in public without showing a special need for protection. The court ruled that the state’s concealed carry law violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution — a major decision that expands the Second […]
Wisconsin’s leading gun control advocate stays motivated
Jeri Bonavia was an unlikely candidate to become a leading advocate for gun control. But her 5-year-old daughter changed her life. “So many kids are being killed with guns,” young Jenna told her mother. “Fix it, Mommy.” “I wasn’t an activist, wasn’t political. I’m an introvert. It wasn’t a natural fit,” says Bonavia, the mother […]
‘My mom’s life mattered’: Son of Black shooting victim urges Congress to act
WASHINGTON — The son of a Black woman shot and killed by a white supremacist begged members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to take action against such domestic terrorism. The gunman in Buffalo, New York, was motivated by the “great replacement theory,” a racist conspiracy theory that claims growing numbers of immigrants […]
Fourth grader who survived Uvalde school shooting will testify before Congress
WASHINGTON — Survivors of two horrific mass shootings in New York and Texas will appear before the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee on Wednesday to relate their experiences with gun violence. The witnesses will include fourth grader Miah Cerrillo of Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two adults were gunned down at Robb Elementary […]
Democratic lawmakers plead for change in state gun laws
With every legislative session since Gov. Tony Evers took office, the governor and Democratic lawmakers have sought legislation that they say could tamp down, at least slightly, the proliferation of firearms in Wisconsin. They’ve been ignored or rebuffed by leaders of the Legislature’s Republican majority each time. Even the recent mass shootings of Black supermarket […]
Raising a red flag on Memorial Day
As a national holiday, Memorial Day is meant to bring us together. Even if we differ on the politics that led our country into the many wars the U.S. has fought over the years, I can appreciate my neighbors who raise a flag, hands on hearts, at the veterans’ memorial at the local park. It’s […]