Chicago City Council votes to allow firing ranges

CHICAGO — Chicago's City Council has approved an ordinance that allows gun ranges to set up shop in the city.

Without discussion, the City Council approved the ordinance on Wednesday. The move effectively strikes down a provision in the city's existing gun ordinance that prevents gun ranges from operating in the city.

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the city's handgun ban. Then-Mayor Richard Daley pushed through an ordinance that required gun owners to receive firing range training but prohibited ranges in the city.

Not surprisingly, gun proponents filed two federal lawsuits challenging the prohibition.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says it appeared that the lawsuits would be successful.