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FL: Man acquitted of shooting ex also found not guilty in battery case against her
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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For the second time in less than three weeks, a South Florida man has been found not guilty of domestic violence-related charges.

Gayle Blount, 55, was acquitted by a Broward County jury Wednesday on charges that he pushed his ex-girlfriend, Bridget Knighton, into a table at a restaurant in 2021. Last month, a Miami jury found him not guilty after he shot his Knighton five times, claiming self-defense.

"I cant even say Im shocked," Knighton said.

Blount was found not guilty of battery after police said he pushed Knighton into a table at a restaurant in February 2021.

IL: Self-Defense Confirmed in Fatal Glenwood Bar Shooting over Parking Dispute, No Charges Filed
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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A fatal shooting outside a Glenwood bar on February 23 has been ruled self-defense, with police confirming that no charges will be filed against the shooter. The incident, which occurred outside Chug A Lug at 184th and Halsted around 1:30 a.m., resulted in the death of 31-year-old James Honey of Tinley Park.

According to Glenwood police, an argument over parking quickly escalated, leading to gunfire. Investigators reviewed hours of surveillance footage, conducted witness interviews, processed forensic evidence, and examined findings from the medical examiner before presenting the case to the Cook County States Attorneys Office. Prosecutors ultimately declined to pursue charges, ruling the shooting was justified.

Mexico Aims to Reshape the US Firearm Industry by Suing Gun Makers
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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President Donald Trump, who imposed punitive tariffs on Mexico this week, complains that our southern neighbor is not doing enough to stop illegal drugs from crossing the border. Mexico has a similar complaint about the United States and guns, as reflected in a case that the Supreme Court heard on the same day the tariffs took effect.

Officially, the Mexican government sued American gun manufacturers, blaming them for aiding and abetting the trafficking of firearms to drug cartels.

IL: Republican lawmaker looks to reduce school gun violence without impeding Second Amendment rights
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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"I don't want to take any threats lightly," said State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) as he talked about his new bill that could prevent school gun violence before it happens.

When a teacher learns a students threatened one of their classmates with a gun, the proposal would force that teacher to contact the principal. After that, the principal would have to contact the family members involved.

Davidsmeyer filed this bill after he heard of a bullying incident, where a student threatened another kid with a gun. When the kid told the teacher of this incident, they did not report it to the principal.

The Republican lawmaker wanted a plan to reduce school gun violence while not impeding on Illinoisan Second Amendment rights.

WA: Public Safety, Second Amendment bills, and Our Virtual Town Hall
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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As a former sheriff, I know how vital it is that people have the right to lawfully own and protect themselves with firearms. Crime and public safety have been top concerns for our community. As the old adage says, Law enforcement is just minutes away when seconds count. This is not a slam on law enforcement; it is an acknowledgement of the fact those who want to protect themselves, their family, their friends, and their property should be able to do so. As such, our Second Amendment protections need to be guarded vigilantly.

Ed.: Many bad bills progressing in Washington State.

FL: Florida gun debate heats up as Gov. DeSantis aligns with Second Amendment advocates
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Standing in the way of repeal has been legislative leaders. And now after an intense immigration enforcement fight with lawmakers, and the Legislature overriding spending vetoes, DeSantis has aligned himself with Second Amendment advocates who say the Republican Party supermajority he leads in Tallahassee is weak on gun rights.

In a discussion of the legislative session with reporters, DeSantis said he supports repealing age requirements, red flag laws, and allowing open carry. Those are things that a lot of us have been talking about for a long time, he said.

IA: Iowa House panel votes to lower firearm age limit to 18
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Iowas age limit on owning firearms would be lowered from 21 to 18 under a bill advanced by a House Judiciary subcommittee Tuesday.

Current Iowa law requires Iowans to be at least 21 years old to obtain permits for carrying weapons and to acquire pistols and revolvers. House Study Bill 262 would lower those age requirements to allow people who are 18 years old to obtain these firearms and permits like concealed carry licenses in Iowa.

Supreme Court Appears 'Skeptical' Over Mexico's Suit Against Gunmakers
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The U.S. Supreme Courts sharp questioning during oral arguments over Mexicos $10 billion lawsuit against American gunmakers suggests the case faces steep legal obstacles b highlighting the broader protections that have long shielded the firearms industry from liability.

At the heart of the case is the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a 2005 law that prevents lawsuits against gun manufacturers when their products are used in crimes.

NY: Gun Rights Group Defends Victory in New York Firearm Carry Ban Lawsuit
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Today, Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that it filed its answering brief with the federal Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Christian v. James, a Firearms Policy Coalition Law case that challenges New Yorks laws banning firearms on all publicly accessible private property without the express consent of the owner.

These accelerated appellate proceedings closely follow the Western District of New Yorks judgment in favor of the Firearms Policy Coalition plaintiffs just two months ago in January. This brief can be viewed at firearmspolicy.org/boron.

What Kash Patel at ATF Means for Suppressors
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Big things are happening in the fight for Second Amendment rights, and suppressor owners should be paying close attention. February 2025 brought huge news, from President Trump signing the first-ever pro-2A executive order to Kash Patel stepping in as Acting Director of the ATF. On top of that, legal battles over suppressor bans are heating up, and some of the biggest names in the industry are stepping up their support for advocacy. Heres a breakdown of what it all means for suppressor owners and the fight for your rights.

Supreme Court Hears Major Gun Rights Case: Mexico v. Smith & Wesson Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
In a case that could have massive implications for the gun industry and Second Amendment rights, the U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in Mexico v. Smith & Wesson. While the case itself is a legal battle over whether Mexico can sue American gun manufacturers for cartel violence, the bigger question is how the ruling will shape future legal attacks on the firearms industry.

Shocker: Bloomberg-funded gun control center prescribes more gun control
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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A recent Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report came out with several recommendations to reduce gun violence. The five-point plan, constructed by the schools Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy, promotes the idea that gun ownership would be better treated as a privilege and not as a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution for all law-abiding citizens.

That consortium is part of Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, which views gun violence as a public health emergency.

MN: Gun permits issued last year were down from previous years
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Officials say that gun permits issued in 2024 are down from in 2023, and substantially down further since 2021. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released its 2024 permit to carry report which is submitted by statewide law enforcement agencies. They say that 2024 saw over 57,000 new permits issued compared to over 65,000 in 2023.

In 2021 over 106,000 new permits were issued. That was reportedly the most ever since the data has been tracked.

CA: The Evolving Presence Of Blacks In The Firearms Industry
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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In recent years, a notable shift has occurred within the firearms industry: the growing involvement of Blacks, particularly women, who are entering the realm of gun ownership and the firearms business. This transformation challenges long-held stereotypes and invites a critical conversation about gun rights, self-defense, and empowerment in the context of a community historically marginalized in these discussions.

CA: CRPA Sends Demand Letter to LAPD
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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CRPA sent a letter to the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles City Council demanding that they immediately devote whatever resources are necessary to reduce wait times for CCW permit applications. In the letter, we warn that a lawsuit is imminent if the City does not comply.

Before Bruen, LAPD almost never issued CCW permits, as there were only four active permits despite the City having a large population of 3.8 million people. Bruen forced that to change, but the City has found other ways to obstruct the right to carry. Wait times for a CCW permit with LAPD have ballooned, with new applicants being told in emails that they can expect to wait 18-22 months.

OH: Columbus challenges court injunction on new gun laws, case heads to Ohio Supreme Court
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Columbus is actively contesting a court-imposed preliminary injunction that has put a temporary hold on its new firearm regulations established in 2022. These regulations include restrictions on high-capacity magazines and mandatory secure gun storage in homes where children are present. The enforcement of these laws was paused following legal challenges from opponents who claim the measures infringe upon constitutional rights.

The city has taken its fight against the injunction through the appellate court system and has now reached the Ohio Supreme Court. The higher court is slated to deliberate on the matter in the upcoming case, Doe v. Columbus.

The Forgotten Boston Massacre Speech They Wanted to Silence
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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In 1771, James Lovell stood before a massive crowd in Boston to deliver a speech commemorating the first anniversary of the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. His oration left no room for compromise: warning against standing armies, defending the peoples right to bear arms, declaring freedom as a birthright, and rejecting Parliaments authority over the colonies entirely. This episode explores James Lovells powerful speech, its aftermath, and a background story about Paul Reveres role in the commemoration of the Boston Massacre.

Is the Mainstream Media Reevaluating its Position on Guns? Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
Both The New York Times and Politico recently ran articles that didnt mock, disparage or criticize private gun ownership. What is going on? The Times published an investigative report on the growing number of first-time gun owners and found that, not only do law-abiding Americans value gun ownership, but many gun owners defy the stereotypes the Times has so often propagated.

NC: RDU sees increase in guns found compared to same time last year Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
People continue to show up at Raleigh-Durham International Airport with firearms, potentially inviting legal and financial troubles. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that in the first two months of the year, its officers detected 14 firearms at security checkpoints at RDU. That's five more than in the previous period in 2024.

IA: Bill to let Iowans have guns with them in their cars in school parking lots won't advance
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The bill would also have allowed school districts to authorize people, including bus drivers, to carry firearms while driving or riding with students in a school vehicle.

A three-member House subcommittee voted 2-1 on Wednesday morning to advance the bill, but the full House Education Committee did not take up the bill Wednesday afternoon.

That means the bill will fail to clear Friday's legislative "funnel" deadline, which requires most bills to pass a full committee by the end of the week in order to remain eligible for consideration this year.

Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911 is a Beautiful Rendition of a Classic
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Weve all seen the jokes and memes about the Colt 1911 winning multiple world wars. For all the ribbing, the 1911 continues to be a popular choice for American gun owners well over 100 years after its inception.

One of the companies keeping the 1911 relevant is Dan Wesson, which has been making great American firearms for decades but was recently acquired (along with Colt) by Czech firearms giant CZ. Im sure I am not alone hoping that CZs ownership will only improve these two brands. Today Im reviewing a Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911, which melds modern manufacturing with a classic design for an attractive, collector-quality pistol.

Supreme Court likely to shoot down Mexicos $10B lawsuit against US gun makers
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared likely to block a historic $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. gun makers as both conservative and liberal justices raised concerns about allowing the government of Mexico to hold firearm manufacturers liable for cartel violence south of the border.

Federal law grants broad immunity to the gun industry, in part to protect companies from costly litigation that could drive them out of business. Mexico alleges the law creates an exception for aiding and abetting the illicit sale and trafficking of guns, which the companies deny.

GA: Everytown Backed Anti-Gun Lawmaker Files for Georgia Governor Race
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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One of the loudest voices when it comes to advocating gun control is looking to become the governor of a state that contains dozens of firearms industry facilities.

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, a Georgia Democrat who spent five years as an Everytown staffer before the group backed her run for office in 2018 with a seven-figure campaign, has filed paperwork for an exploratory committee to run for governor of the Peachtree State in 2026. According to documents filed with the state Georgia Ethics Commission, the committee partners with Blue Wave Politics, a consulting firm that has worked with McBath in the past as well as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Everytown's political action committee.

VT: Burlington voters approve charter change to ban guns from bars Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
Voters in Burlington voted to overwhelmingly ban firearms from any location that sells liquor throughout the city. The charter change was approved by more than 8,000 voters, according to the unofficial results, with about 1,200 voters choosing to say no to the proposed change. City Council President Ben Traverse told NBC5 that he had hoped the vote would pan out this way.