ILLINOIS (IRN) — The persistent delays in issuing Firearm Owner’s Identification cards in Illinois that has doubled in the last year-and-a-half continues after a federal judge shot down a motion this week seeking to force the state to issue backlogged cards. Illinoisans who want to legally buy or own firearms and ammunition must have a…… Read more…
Ahead of Phase 5 reopening, some look to restrict governor’s power
SPRINGFIELD, IL — What started as two weeks of restrictions to slow the spread lasted nearly a year-and-a-half. Now, some want Gov. J.B. Pritzker to stop governing through disaster proclamations and executive orders with the state set to enter Phase 5 of the reopening plan he created. After 18 gubernatorial COVID-19 disaster proclamations and dozens of…… Read more…
Pritzker admits there ‘may need to be some adjustments’ to maps
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Before signing new legislative maps for Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said they might need adjusting once more comprehensive Census data is released. Pritzker signed the maps Friday afternoon without any fanfare. He said in a news release the maps “ensure that communities that have been left out and left behind have fair…… Read more…
Of 3,200 Fauci emails, none from Pritzker administration
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Of more than 3,200 pages of emails released through the Freedom of Information Act to and from Dr. Anthony Fauci, there are none from the Pritzker administration. More than a year ago, on Sunday, April 26, 2020, Gov. J.B. Pritzker talked about his relationship with Fauci, the head of the National Institute…… Read more…
Illinois House Republican Leader expects courts to decide redistricting issue
ILLINOIS (RFD) — Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed the Democrat drawn redistricting bill. But Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin believes the courts will have the final say on the matter. Durkin is also critical of Governor Pritzker for not cutting enhanced unemployment benefits in Illinois like some other states are doing.… Read more…
IL Legislature fails to address FOID card backlog
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Lawmakers left Springfield for the summer without addressing the persistent backlog of Firearm Owner’s Identification Card applications, leaving tens of thousands of people facing long waits to be able to buy firearms. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday said the FOID card issue is a “very important issue.” “When I came into office…… Read more…
Rural communities face challenges with growth, decline
ILLINOIS (IRN) — The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to rural communities in Illinois facing questions on how to grow or how to stop the decline. Some municipalities worry that the community they find comfortable is threatened by development while others find their towns in a slow decay with declining populations and loss of…… Read more…
Illinois on track to lift all COVID-19 restrictions
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Illinois is inching closer to a full reopening free of COVID-19 restrictions. The state is set to enter Phase 5 of its reopening plan on June 11. In the final phase, conventions, festivals and large events can take place, and all sectors so the economy, including bars and restaurants, can return to…… Read more…
Partisan divide at Illinois statehouse on full display
SPRINGFIELD, IL — After wrapping up the spring legislative session, the partisan divide is on full display between supermajority Democrats and super minority Republicans at the Illinois statehouse. Just before passing partisan-drawn maps last week, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, directed comments to Republicans on the House floor. “Republicans at all levels of government…… Read more…
Business groups give mixed reaction to state budget
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Democrats and Republicans have differing opinions on the $42 billion spending plan that was revealed just hours before passing. Business groups had mixed reactions. During a 3 a.m. news conference Tuesday, House Majority Leader Greg Harris, D-Chicago, praised the budget for what he said included no tax increases. Business groups like the…… Read more…
ISP Director talks foid backlog
ILLINOIS (RFD) — The Illinois State Police continues to be burdened with a backlog of FOID card applications and renewals. The Director of the ISP, Brendan Kelly says they’ve has hired new employees to process FOID applications. And now they are getting more applications processed than are coming in, but they still need to turn…… Read more…
Republicans urge veto of maps poised for Pritzker’s desk
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Republicans are calling out Governor Pritzker to keep his campaign promise not to approve a heavily-partisan legislative boundary remap and instead insist on an independent redistricting commission. Ray Watt has more… State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pamona) says without a doubt the governor needs to veto the bill.… Read more…
Chicagoans fearful of crime can’t get FOID cards
SPRINGFIELD, IL — With the clock ticking on the Illinois Legislature’s spring session, there doesn’t seem to be any movement on addressing the persistent backlog of Firearm Owner Identification card applications. Tens of thousands of Illinoisans have been waiting months, if not more than year, to have their FOID card renewal applications processed. Amid the…… Read more…
Cool, Dry Memorial Day Weekend Ahead
ILLINOIS (RFD) — After a wet Thursday, the National Weather Service says get ready for almost perfect weather for the Memorial Day weekend. Chris Miller at the National Weather Service in Lincoln says Friday will be cooler than usual, but the temperature should rise as we go through the weekend. Next week kicks off the…… Read more…
SOS office warning of txt and email scams
ILLINOIS (CMS) — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s office is warning the public about new email and text scams targeting Illinoisans that include unsolicited text and email messages. Spokesperson Beth Kaufman says they are bogus. The scam messages mention pending DMV fees or ask to update your information. Kaufman says they are working with…… Read more…