CHICAGO SUBURB BANS HANDGUNS

The City Council voted Monday to ban ownership of handguns by most residents, making this the fifth Chicago suburb to impose firearms restrictions. Councilwoman Margie Weiss said the council ``will be sending a strong message to Springfield and Washington: Highland Park is tired of waiting for them to act.''

The ordinance, which takes effect May 1, bans possession of handguns except by police officers and security guards, members of licensed gun clubs, and firearm collectors. The ban was approved by a 5-to-2 vote.