Illinois
New Illinois bill aims to prevent repeat gun charges for first-time offenders
COOK COUNTY, Ill. – Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen Burke introduced a legislative proposal aimed at providing first-time, nonviolent gun offenders with an opportunity to comply with licensing regulations.
The proposal seeks to allow eligible individuals to obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card while participating in a diversion program.
The initiative, which applies only to individuals charged with a Class 4 felony for gun violations, was designed to help otherwise law-abiding citizens who failed to secure a FOID card before possessing a firearm. Under Illinois law, residents must hold a valid FOID card to legally own or carry a firearm. Currently, participants in the First Time Weapons Offense Program can’t apply for a FOID card until after their charges are dismissed, which means many finish the program still lacking the proper license.
What they’re saying:
Burke said the proposal aligns with her office’s priorities of cracking down on illegal guns while ensuring fair treatment of first-time offenders.
“There is no higher priority for this office than getting illegal guns and the people who use them off the street, and we will use every resource at our disposal in that effort,” Burke said. “At the same time, we must be smart about how we use our resources and how we impact people and communities. This bill will provide another tool to strike that important balance.”
The backstory:
The proposed changes were introduced in the Illinois General Assembly by State Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) and by State Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). The legislation would allow eligible participants in diversion programs to apply for a FOID card during their program participation. The Illinois State Police would still have the authority to deny applications if people do not meet legal qualifications for gun ownership.
This proposal is the first legislative initiative introduced by Burke since she took office in December.
What’s next:
The proposed legislation now awaits debate in the Illinois General Assembly, where it will be considered as part of broader efforts to reform gun laws and enforcement policies in the state.
The Source: The information in this story came from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”
Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.
The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.
Sunday, December 14, 2025 6:16PM
WINNETKA, Ill. (WLS) — “Home Alone” is one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The holiday classic debuted 35 years ago. Now, the iconic house featured in the film is in the spotlight, again.
It underwent an interior renovation and was sold earlier this year.
Now, ABC7 learned that it will be transformed back to the way it looked in 1990, when film audiences got to peek inside it for the first time.
John Abendshien is the former owner of the Winnetka house. He has fond memories of the days spent filming the movie.
READ MORE | Original owner of ‘Home Alone’ house writes memoir about iconic movie
Abendshien said he and his family stayed and watched while the movie was being shot.
He has written a memoir called “Home but Alone No More.”
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A suspect in a deadly stabbing was apprehended early Sunday morning following a pursuit from Cicero that ended up on Chicago’s Far South Side.
Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Cicero police were called after Ubano Diaz, 73, was tsabbed in the 3200 block of South 54th Court in the west Chicago suburb. Diaz was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died, Cicero police said.
Police immediately identified a person of interest, who was found driving out of the town. They launched a pursuit as the suspect headed northeast on the Stevenson Expressway.
At 1:21 a.m. Sunday, Illinois State Police were called in to assist Cicero police with the pursuit as the suspect cruised up the Stevenson Expressway at California Avenue.
The pursuit kept going along the Stevenson and Dan Ryan expressways before finally ending at 119th Street and Vincennes Avenue west of I-57 in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.
The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody at that point, Cicero and Illinois State Police said.
There were no crashes or injuries during the pursuit.
Police believe the stabbing was an isolated incident, and there was no threat to the public.
State police did not specify the route of the pursuit.
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