November 13th, 2024

Ignoring the Plague of Mass Shootings, U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Allows More Individuals to Carry Concealed Weapons

The conservative majority ruled unconstitutional a New York law requiring individuals to demonstrate a need to carry a gun before obtaining a license to carry in public.

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

In a 6-3 decision that ultimately will lead to more people legally carrying guns in America’s larger cities, the U.S. Supreme Court, on Thursday, June 23, struck down a New York law gun-rights advocates called restrictive.
The conservative majority ruled unconstitutional a New York law requiring individuals to demonstrate a need to carry a gun before obtaining a license to carry in public.

The justices said the law violated the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
“The Constitution protects an individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the majority.

The decision comes as the nation regularly struggles with mass shootings, including recent incidents in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. In Buffalo, a self-proclaimed white supremacist shot and killed 10 African Americans at a supermarket. In Uvalde, 19 third-and-fourth-grade students and two teachers were murdered by a gunman who blasted his way into a classroom at Robb Elementary School.

The court’s ruling is expected to impact more than 25 percent of the U.S. population.
“Since the start of this year, there have been 277 reported mass shootings – an average of more than one per day,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in a dissenting opinion.

“Gun violence has now surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents,” Breyer continued. “Many states have tried to address some of the dangers of gun violence just described by passing laws that limit, in various ways, who may purchase, carry, or use firearms of different kinds.”
New Jersey, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Hawaii have laws nearly identical to the New York law. Gun rights advocates are sure to now challenge those statutes.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the ruling “shocking,” opining that the court “stripped away the rights of the state with a decision that’s frightful in its scope.” Hochul said the decision set the nation back centuries.
“The Court today severely burdens States’ efforts to do so,” Breyer wrote further.

“It invokes the Second Amendment to strike down a New York law regulating the public carriage of concealed handguns. In my view, that decision rests upon several serious mistakes.”
Read the full ruling here.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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