State Police Support Fingerprinting FOID Card Applicants

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police supports legislation that would fingerprint applicants for the Firearm Owners Identification card. The change could help discover those with violent criminal histories and prevent them from owning firearms. The proposal is getting more attention nearly one year after a workplace shooting in Aurora that left five dead along with the gunman.  The measure also would charge more for FOID applications and renewals with the extra money going toward enforcement. The Aurora shooter had his FOID card revoked, but his guns were never seized.  The legislation passed the House last year but would still need Senate approval.  – Mike Smith, NPR Illinois

Weather Service: High Flood Risk Along Mississippi

DAVENPORT, Ia. – For the second year in a row, the risk of major flooding on the Mississippi River is high. On Thursday, the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities released its first Spring Flood Outlook. Hydrologist, Jessica Brooks, says compared to this time last year, more snow is on the ground in Minnesota and Wisconsin. And its water content is high. Historically, the chance of major flooding is 22 percent, on average but under current conditions, it’s more than 95 percent. – Michell O’Neill, WVIK News

Students: Teacher Told Classmate To Leave US For Anthem

CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools says it has launched an investigation after four students complained that a teacher told a Hispanic student she should go back to her own country because she didn’t stand during the national anthem. The Senn High School students allege the teacher made the comment during a Jan. 30 Hispanic heritage assembly. The school district says if the teacher did make such a comment it would be a violation of the district’s anti-discrimination policy. The students staged a sit-in Wednesday to protest what they consider the district’s slow response to their complaint. – Associated Press

Downtown Urbana Added To National Register of Historic Places

URBANA - For decades, the people of Urbana have marveled at the architecture of the county courthouse, built in 1901, and dozens of other buildings in its downtown. Now the historic downtown district is receiving national recognition. This week, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the Downtown Urbana Historic District is one of 12 Illinois sites added to the National Register of Historic Places.  A press release from the IDNR says there are 41 historical properties throughout the historic district, including the courthouse, the Urbana Free Library and former U.S. Post Office. Other businesses represent 19th and 20th century architectual styles including Italianate, Romanesque Revival, Classical Revival, and Tudor Revival. Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places means qualify for federal grants or consideration during federal project planning. Also the sites become eligible for some tax provisions. - Reginald Hardwick/Illinois Newsroom