🗞️ Happy Local News Day!

Illinois Bill Targets Handguns That Can Convert Into Automatic Weapons

Illinois lawmakers are pushing a measure that would outlaw certain pistols that can be turned into automatic weapons. Some gun manufacturers, like Glock, would have to redesign their handguns to make it harder for people to illegally modify their weapons.

Gun safety experts say the conversion can be made using common household tools to attach the conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches” or “auto-sears,” to the back of the handgun. These devices are illegal under state and federal law, but can be purchased outside of the country or 3D printed from online designs.

What about the guns already here? Illinois residents who already own these guns would still be able to keep them. Gun shops and manufacturers would be permitted to sell their existing inventory to out-of-state buyers.

• Who else is exempt from the ban? Prison officials, National Guard members, and current and former law enforcement officers.

The debate: Supporters of the proposal argue it would make it harder to obtain machine gun fire, which can be more destructive and deadly. However, gun rights advocates say the law would unfairly put gun manufacturers in a costly situation and may not actually stop the illegal modifications.

A history of lawsuits: Although Glocks aren’t the only pistols that can be converted to automatic weapons, they’re among the most popular. The city sued Glock in 2024 for manufacturing, selling, and marketing pistols that could be easily modified into illegal machine guns. In September 2025, the court denied the company’s motion to dismiss, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.

• Glock responds: In October 2025, Glock reported that it would discontinue its pistols and launch a new design that would prevent the conversions.
• In Indiana: A 26-year-old lawsuit against gunmakers for illegal gun sales came to an end late last year. We talked about how it impacted Chicago’s lawsuit.

Does gun legislation work in Illinois? Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, right behind California. In 2023, Illinois passed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, banning the sale and manufacturing of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and “switches.” The law has faced legal challenges. But experts say bans on more common weapons used in shootings could make more of a difference.

Pritzker Wants Trump Out

Gov. JB Pritzker is calling for President Donald Trump’s removal after Trump posted, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought again” on social media. Pritzker is joined by over 50 House Democrats who want to invoke the 25th Amendment. [WBEZ]

Broadview Four, Farmers Markets, and Karaoke in Chicago

The Broadview protestors, arrested and charged with conspiracy back in September, are set to begin trial in May. On today’s podcast, we talk about how a federal judge recently ruled the charges weren’t politically motivated. Plus, we talk about farmers markets facing rising costs, and our go-to karaoke spots. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

CPS ID as Library Card

Chicago Public Schools students' identification cards can now be used as a library card. The 81 Club, named for the city’s 81 library locations, piloted the program in 2022 and hopes to grant more access to the city’s library system and services. [Block Club]

• Listen: All the things you can do with your library card.
• Free stuff: Things you can get with your library card. [City Cast Chicago]

What Immigrants Should Know Before Traveling

ICE agents are reportedly still at major airports and will remain until Transportation Security Administration operations are fully restored. Legal experts and immigrant rights advocates remind travelers they have the right to record enforcement activity, remain silent, refuse to sign forms, and speak to an attorney. [Borderless]

Also today, we’re bringing you a Neighborhood Shoutout! City Cast Chicago Neighbors have a chance to shout out their favorite local businesses and organizations.

Today, Caressa F. is shouting out Da Book Joint in Grand Crossing:

“Shoutout to Da Book Joint, a Black women-owned indie book shop on 69th and Stony. Not only do they have a good selection of Black books, but they have a ton of book-related events for the community. My fave is the Book Lovers’ Brunch.”