(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Supreme Court last week vacated a lower court ruling and reinstated a statute that authorizes the state to revoke a person’s FOID card once they have been charged with a felony, even if they have not yet been convicted. The case involved Aaron & Charles Davis, a father and son who were charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, a felony, for allegedly shooting their rifles into the air over the Fourth of July weekend in 2016. Soon after the charges were filed, the State Police revoked the FOID cards of both men, although charges were later reduced to misdemeanors and their FOID cards reissued after they pled guilty. The Davis’ then sued, arguing they were denied their constitutional right to keep and bear arms for self-defense while their cards were revoked.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Supreme Court also last week unanimously ruled that patients admitted to a hospital should not have a universal expectation of privacy that would prevent law enforcement from entering a hospital room to question them or search their belongings. The case stretches back to October 2016, when Cortez Turner arrived at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro with a gunshot would to his leg. After police arrived for questioning and then seized blood-stained clothing that was on a counter in Turner’s room. Turner was eventually convicted of first degree murder three years later.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Veterans’ homes in Anna and Manteno have more COVID-19 cases among Veterans and staff members. The majority of cases have presented mild symptoms so far and in total, more than 30 residents and some 15 workers have been reported to have tested positive. The homes continue to follow CDC guidance for longer-term care facilities.
(SPRINGFIELD) Eighteen Illinois schools are being recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. The U.S. Department of Education announced yesterday that 356 schools across the nation are excelling in academic performance or making strides in closing achievement gaps. The only downstate school on the list is in Mascoutah. The others are in Naperville, Green Oaks, Geneva, Frankfort, Elmhurst, Dunlap, Arlington Heights, and Chicago.