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January 5, 2022
Georgia Governor Announces Push to Loosen Handgun Rules
Source: US News & World Report
ATLANTA (AP) — Facing an unusual challenge from fellow Republicans in his bid for a second term, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday he will push for a new state law that would loosen requirements to carry a handgun in public.
Kemp made the announcement at a gun shop outside Atlanta that bills itself as the “world's largest gun store,” where he was joined by members of the National Rifle Association and state lawmakers.
Kemp did not lay out specific changes he was seeking but expressed support for what gun rights advocates call “constitutional carry.” Multiple bills purporting to advance that idea in the state Legislature would do away with the need for a license to carry a handgun in public — either openly or concealed on one’s body.
“Building a safer, stronger Georgia starts with hardworking Georgians having the ability to protect themselves and their families,” Kemp said. “In the face of rising violent crime across the country, law-abiding citizens should have their constitutional rights protected.”
Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2022-01-05/georgia-governor-aims-to-loosen-rules-for-carrying-handguns
January 5, 2022
A Midwestern grocery chain is rolling out its own armed security force to act as a visual deterrent
to retail crime.
https://www.businessinsider.com/midwestern-grocery-store-hy-vee-armed-security-force-retail-crime-2022-1
A Midwestern grocery chain is taking a more direct approach to dealing with retail crime.
Like many stores, Hy-Vee has typically relied on a combination of third-party contractors and off-duty law enforcement to provide security protection at its stores.
But last week, the company announced that it will bring those efforts in-house with a new team composed largely of former law enforcement officers, some of whom will be armed with tasers, pistols, and bullet-proof vests.
"We're really a visual deterrent to criminal activity and violence," Hy-Vee's head of security, Jamie Sipes told Missouri television station KY3. "We're there to be an extension of our legendary customer service within Hy-Vee to ensure the safety of our customers and our employees."
(excerpt)
January 4, 2022
A Bradley police sergeant was “desperately pleading for her life” moments before a gunman fatally shot her with the officer’s own gun, Kankakee County prosecutors said Monday.
Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe is seeking life sentences for Darius Sullivan, 25, and Xandria Harris, 26, who face a litany of felony charges in last week’s hotel shooting that killed Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and critically wounded her partner. He is pushing for federal murder charges to be filed against the two and for federal prosecutors to pursue the death penalty.
Wednesday’s incident unfolded about 9:56 p.m., when Rittmanic and her partner, Officer Tyler Bailey, responded to a noise complaint regarding dogs barking in a parked car outside the Comfort Inn in the 1500 block of North State Highway 50, Rowe said during Harris’ bond hearing Monday.
When Bailey found out the car had belonged to Harris — who he knows as an acquaintance of Sullivan — the officer met Rittmanic in the hotel lobby and asked a clerk whether there were any rooms under the names of “Xandria Harris” or “Darius Sullivan,” Rowe said.
(Excerpt)
Bradley police officer pleaded for her life before man shot her to death with her own gun
https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2022/1/3/22865916/bradley-officer-rittmanic-pleaded-life-man-allegedly-fatally-shot-her-own-gun-prosecutorsA Bradley police sergeant was “desperately pleading for her life” moments before a gunman fatally shot her with the officer’s own gun, Kankakee County prosecutors said Monday.
Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe is seeking life sentences for Darius Sullivan, 25, and Xandria Harris, 26, who face a litany of felony charges in last week’s hotel shooting that killed Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and critically wounded her partner. He is pushing for federal murder charges to be filed against the two and for federal prosecutors to pursue the death penalty.
Wednesday’s incident unfolded about 9:56 p.m., when Rittmanic and her partner, Officer Tyler Bailey, responded to a noise complaint regarding dogs barking in a parked car outside the Comfort Inn in the 1500 block of North State Highway 50, Rowe said during Harris’ bond hearing Monday.
When Bailey found out the car had belonged to Harris — who he knows as an acquaintance of Sullivan — the officer met Rittmanic in the hotel lobby and asked a clerk whether there were any rooms under the names of “Xandria Harris” or “Darius Sullivan,” Rowe said.
(Excerpt)
January 3, 2022
Only 160 firearms that the Liberal government prohibited more than a year and a half ago have been deactivated or surrendered, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The government originally estimated that its ban, which toook effect on May 1, 2020, would apply to 90,000 to 105,000 firearms in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has long promised to create a buyback program for the weapons.
“If an individual or business were to relinquish a newly prohibited firearm or device before the implementation of the buyback program, they won’t be eligible for compensation once the program is announced,” the RCMP said this week in response to questions iPolitics asked it last month.
(Excerpt)
It will be interesting to see how this plays out as the April 30th deadline approaches. I read elsewhere that the number sof affected firearms is actually somewhat higher, as tens of thousands of “assault weapons” were purchased in Canada in the run up to the legislation taking affect.
(Canada) Most owners are holding onto their banned weapons before buyout
https://ipolitics.ca/2021/12/24/most-owners-are-holding-onto-their-banned-weapons-before-buyout/Only 160 firearms that the Liberal government prohibited more than a year and a half ago have been deactivated or surrendered, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The government originally estimated that its ban, which toook effect on May 1, 2020, would apply to 90,000 to 105,000 firearms in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has long promised to create a buyback program for the weapons.
“If an individual or business were to relinquish a newly prohibited firearm or device before the implementation of the buyback program, they won’t be eligible for compensation once the program is announced,” the RCMP said this week in response to questions iPolitics asked it last month.
(Excerpt)
It will be interesting to see how this plays out as the April 30th deadline approaches. I read elsewhere that the number sof affected firearms is actually somewhat higher, as tens of thousands of “assault weapons” were purchased in Canada in the run up to the legislation taking affect.
December 30, 2021
In Beverly Hills, even the purchase of a firearm comes with certain…expectations. The city’s only gun store, Beverly Hills Guns, is a “concierge service” by appointment only, for a largely affluent clientele. And business is booming.
Since opening in July 2020, the store has seen upscale residents from Santa Monica to the Hollywood Hills increasingly in a panic following several high-profile smash-and-grab and violent home invasion robberies. The apparent siege has brought in a daily stream of anxious business owners and prominent actors, real estate moguls and film execs, says owner Russell Stuart. Most are arming themselves for the first time.
“This morning I sold six shotguns in about an hour to people that say, ‘I want a home defense shotgun,’” says Stuart, whose store is discreetly located in a Beverly Hills office building, with no sign on the doors, down the hall from a diamond dealer. “Everyone has a general sense of constant fear, which is very sad. We’re used to this being like Mayberry.”
That fear has the wealthiest of local gentry contemplating every more elaborate security measures: armored luxury cars, safe rooms and bullet-proof glass in their homes. One client asked about creating the “Tony Stark-level” security of a half-dozen automated drones to hover over his house, says Stuart, whose gun store is part of his larger security company, Force Protective Agency. “If you want the Gucci package, it’s going to cost money.”
(Excerpt)
L.A.'s Arms Race of the Affluent
https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/l-a-s-arms-race-of-the-affluent/In Beverly Hills, even the purchase of a firearm comes with certain…expectations. The city’s only gun store, Beverly Hills Guns, is a “concierge service” by appointment only, for a largely affluent clientele. And business is booming.
Since opening in July 2020, the store has seen upscale residents from Santa Monica to the Hollywood Hills increasingly in a panic following several high-profile smash-and-grab and violent home invasion robberies. The apparent siege has brought in a daily stream of anxious business owners and prominent actors, real estate moguls and film execs, says owner Russell Stuart. Most are arming themselves for the first time.
“This morning I sold six shotguns in about an hour to people that say, ‘I want a home defense shotgun,’” says Stuart, whose store is discreetly located in a Beverly Hills office building, with no sign on the doors, down the hall from a diamond dealer. “Everyone has a general sense of constant fear, which is very sad. We’re used to this being like Mayberry.”
That fear has the wealthiest of local gentry contemplating every more elaborate security measures: armored luxury cars, safe rooms and bullet-proof glass in their homes. One client asked about creating the “Tony Stark-level” security of a half-dozen automated drones to hover over his house, says Stuart, whose gun store is part of his larger security company, Force Protective Agency. “If you want the Gucci package, it’s going to cost money.”
(Excerpt)
December 29, 2021
Demonstrators outside police headquarters in Boynton Beach, Florida, Tuesday night called for the firing of the officer involved in the death of a 13-year old boy on a dirt bike during an attempted traffic stop Sunday, CBS West Palm Beach affiliate WPEC-TV reports. They also pressed for transparency from the department about what happened during the incident.
Police say the boy was driving the dirt bike recklessly when he "went down" on North Federal Highway. The officer is on paid leave while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates.
Video WPEC obtained shows the boy, Stanley Davis Jr., also known as "SJ," pulling up at a Chevron gas station shortly before the incident. He goes inside to pay, wearing his helmet. Then he rides away and a police vehicle follows him down the street.
Davis rides out of frame, then circles back, with the police vehicle close behind.
(Excerpt)
Protesters call for firing of officer in fatal Florida dirt bike traffic stop
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/boynton-beach-protesters-officer-firing-stanley-davis-jr-fatal-attempted-dirt-bike-traffic-stop/Demonstrators outside police headquarters in Boynton Beach, Florida, Tuesday night called for the firing of the officer involved in the death of a 13-year old boy on a dirt bike during an attempted traffic stop Sunday, CBS West Palm Beach affiliate WPEC-TV reports. They also pressed for transparency from the department about what happened during the incident.
Police say the boy was driving the dirt bike recklessly when he "went down" on North Federal Highway. The officer is on paid leave while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates.
Video WPEC obtained shows the boy, Stanley Davis Jr., also known as "SJ," pulling up at a Chevron gas station shortly before the incident. He goes inside to pay, wearing his helmet. Then he rides away and a police vehicle follows him down the street.
Davis rides out of frame, then circles back, with the police vehicle close behind.
(Excerpt)
December 29, 2021
A decision expected next year by the U.S. Supreme Court on a New York state law restricting who can carry a weapon, concealed or not, in public could reshape how some states enforce concealed carry laws and permitting processes.
The case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, is a review of New York law that denies law-abiding citizens permission to carry a firearm unless they can demonstrate sufficient cause, which is determined by the state.
The New York law is restrictive compared with many other states’ laws on open and concealed firearm carrying, such as Colorado’s laws.
Cody Wisniewski, director of the Lakewood based Mountain States Legal Foundation’s Center to Keep and Bear Arms, served as counsel of record to the Supreme Court case.
Wisniewski said he thinks it is fairly unlikely the Supreme Court will rule in favor of New York. Even if it did, it wouldn’t immediately affect Colorado’s laws.
(Excerpt)
The story is of local interest to me, given that I live in Colorado. My guess is that the Supremes will rule against New York, resulting in “may issue” states being forced to become “shall issue”.
We’ll see what happens in a half a year.
What impact could a Supreme Court ruling have on Colorado gun laws?
https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/what-impact-could-a-supreme-court-ruling-have-on-colorado-gun-laws/A decision expected next year by the U.S. Supreme Court on a New York state law restricting who can carry a weapon, concealed or not, in public could reshape how some states enforce concealed carry laws and permitting processes.
The case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, is a review of New York law that denies law-abiding citizens permission to carry a firearm unless they can demonstrate sufficient cause, which is determined by the state.
The New York law is restrictive compared with many other states’ laws on open and concealed firearm carrying, such as Colorado’s laws.
Cody Wisniewski, director of the Lakewood based Mountain States Legal Foundation’s Center to Keep and Bear Arms, served as counsel of record to the Supreme Court case.
Wisniewski said he thinks it is fairly unlikely the Supreme Court will rule in favor of New York. Even if it did, it wouldn’t immediately affect Colorado’s laws.
(Excerpt)
The story is of local interest to me, given that I live in Colorado. My guess is that the Supremes will rule against New York, resulting in “may issue” states being forced to become “shall issue”.
We’ll see what happens in a half a year.
December 29, 2021
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China, under fire for approving new coal power stations as other countries try to curb greenhouse gases, has completed the first 1,000-megawatt unit of the Shanghaimiao plant, the biggest of its kind under construction in the country.
Its operator, the Guodian Power Shanghaimiao Corporation, a subsidiary of the central government-run China Energy Investment Corporation, said on Tuesday that the plant's technology was the world's most efficient, with the lowest rates of coal and water consumption.
Located in Ordos in the coal-rich northwestern region of Inner Mongolia, the plant will eventually have four generating units, and is designed to deliver power to the eastern coastal Shandong province via a long-distance ultra-high voltage grid.
China is responsible for more than half of global coal-fired power generation and is expected to see a 9% year-on-year increase in 2021, an International Energy Agency report published this month said.
(Excerpt)
China fires up giant coal power plant in face of calls for cuts
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/china-fires-up-giant-coal-power-plant-in-face-of-calls-for-cuts/ar-AAScrIi?ocid=msedgntpSHANGHAI (Reuters) - China, under fire for approving new coal power stations as other countries try to curb greenhouse gases, has completed the first 1,000-megawatt unit of the Shanghaimiao plant, the biggest of its kind under construction in the country.
Its operator, the Guodian Power Shanghaimiao Corporation, a subsidiary of the central government-run China Energy Investment Corporation, said on Tuesday that the plant's technology was the world's most efficient, with the lowest rates of coal and water consumption.
Located in Ordos in the coal-rich northwestern region of Inner Mongolia, the plant will eventually have four generating units, and is designed to deliver power to the eastern coastal Shandong province via a long-distance ultra-high voltage grid.
China is responsible for more than half of global coal-fired power generation and is expected to see a 9% year-on-year increase in 2021, an International Energy Agency report published this month said.
(Excerpt)
December 27, 2021
Despite rave reviews, Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” has failed to gain traction with audiences at the box office.
In its first three weeks in cinemas, the adaption of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical, has captured just $36.6 million in global ticket sales. Its production budget was around $100 million, not including marketing costs.
“Sounds like a write-off to me,” said Eric Handler, media and entertainment analyst at MKM Partners. “The markets that have done the best have been New York and L.A. The film wasn’t able to grab middle America, and it didn’t seem to have that great of a penetration into the Latino community.”
“West Side Story” tells the tale of love-struck teenagers from two different social classes in New York City during the 1950s. Tony, a young white boy with ties to a gang called the Jets, and Maria, a young Puerto Rican girl with ties to the Sharks gang. The Sharks and the Jets are in the midst of a struggle for control of the Upper West Side of the city, making Tony and Maria’s love forbidden.
(excerpt)
With just $36.6 million in ticket sales, 'West Side Story' is officially a box office bomb
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/26/west-side-story-is-officially-a-box-office-bomb.htmlDespite rave reviews, Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” has failed to gain traction with audiences at the box office.
In its first three weeks in cinemas, the adaption of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical, has captured just $36.6 million in global ticket sales. Its production budget was around $100 million, not including marketing costs.
“Sounds like a write-off to me,” said Eric Handler, media and entertainment analyst at MKM Partners. “The markets that have done the best have been New York and L.A. The film wasn’t able to grab middle America, and it didn’t seem to have that great of a penetration into the Latino community.”
“West Side Story” tells the tale of love-struck teenagers from two different social classes in New York City during the 1950s. Tony, a young white boy with ties to a gang called the Jets, and Maria, a young Puerto Rican girl with ties to the Sharks gang. The Sharks and the Jets are in the midst of a struggle for control of the Upper West Side of the city, making Tony and Maria’s love forbidden.
(excerpt)
December 26, 2021
Covid aside, have things ever (on the whole) been better than they are now worldwide?
I’m not speaking of this year specifically, mind you. To make the question more specific, is there any period a quarter century long ending no later than 1996 in which (on a worldwide basis) people typically lived better lives than from 1997 to 2021?
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