Thursday Bulletin – April 30, 2026

Executive Director's Message

Richard Pearson

When I Was A Kid.....

When I was 10 years old, I contracted a rare condition known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which is commonly known simply as Perthes disease. The local doctor did not know what was wrong. What happens to people who get this nasty disease is that the artery in one or both of the legs gets blocked causing the ball on top of the femur to die and become flat.  It is painful.  Just as painful is the fact that I had to wear a women's girdle to school because the doctor thought it was a muscle problem.  It was tough in the locker room until they figured out that it didn't help and, finally, I got rid of the girdle.  I was confined to bed for eight weeks before I moved on to crutches for three years, and then to a cane.

To my dad's credit, he would read to me during his lunch break.  He worked at the Post Office and had a split shift, so he was off for two hours during the day.  One of the books he read to me was the "Thundering Herd" by Zane Grey. The book dealt with the buffalo hunters destroying the great herds of buffalo on the Staked Plains. I think dad did some serious editing as he read the book to me.  I remember the book talked about the "big 50s" which were the buffalo guns the hunters used. I needed to find out what the "big 50s" were, which I eventually did. My desire to know more about history grew from dad reading that book to me. I am forever grateful to him for that.

By the way... the “Staked Plains” is a a vast area of flat grasslands about the size of Indiana that covers the Texas Panhandle and parts of New Mexico.  Explored first by the Spanish conquistador and explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado between 1540 and 1542, he dubbed the area the “Llano Estacado”, or Staked Plains.  He would describe the area as an endless "sea of grass".  Having very few landmarks with which to aid in navigation, trails on the Staked Plains were instead marked by piles of rocks. 

As I was saying previously... being hindered physically by the Perthes disease, I was unable to play baseball, football or even the old-fashioned game of red rover as a youngster. But my BB gun, and eventually my .22 rifle, became my constant companions. Shooting is a lifetime sport. The great thing about it is you don't have to be seven feet tall, run the 100 yard dash in 9.9 seconds, or weigh 350 pounds to be good at it.  You will develop your concentrations skills, patience and perseverance... things that will benefit you throughout your life.

I did go on to eventually play football and got banged up as everyone did.  I also made the ISU rifle team and even got a sport letter in rifle, but never actually received it (that was more than 60 years ago and I am beginning to think I may never get it).  No one I played football with ever played beyond graduation but those I shot with are still shooting today, although some have passed on.  I urge everyone reading this to get their children and grandchildren, and even great grandchildren, involved in the shooting sports. It will give them a lifetime of enjoyment.

Join the ISRA today for classes, special events and family fun! - CLICK HERE.

Officer Killed, Another Wounded By Recidivist Thug

Last weekend there was a shooting at Swedish Hospital in Chicago. Officer John Bartholomew was killed and a fellow officer is critically wounded.

The Chicago media are, once again, pointing fingers at the gun and blaming a "failed system", not the criminal. Of course, the shooter, Alphonso Talley, obtained the gun illegally... that's what criminals do.  All the articles written about the "failed system", in my opinion, are from people who WANT the system to fail. Talley is a prime example of this system.

We don't know what Talley's juvenile record is, but I'm guessing it was a dandy.  He wasted no time establishing an adult record.  In 2017, he was charged with four counts of armed robbery. One of those armed robberies was on the CTA, which we all know is a "Gun-Free Zone".  Then came a domestic battery charge, two car-jackings, and another probable armed robbery.  Who knows what else we do not know about Talley.

This guy is only 26 years old. Each time, he received a reduced sentence, served concurrent sentences, was let out early, or all of the above. Even though he was convicted of being a habitual criminal, he was still out.  And, by the way, in Illinois, wearing an ankle monitor counts the same as time served behind bars.  Talley, of course, didn't report to his parole officer and let the battery die in his ankle monitor.  Gee, I wonder where he was during that time?

Talley has been convicted of seven felonies with a couple more currently pending.  Now he is charged with killing officer Barthalomew and critically wounding another officer.  They want to punish law abiding gun-owners for the actions of this guy and others like him. This is the kind of nonsense we are facing. We have to keep bringing attention to situations like this since the lame stream media will not. 

It is up to us to push back and fight to keep 2A Rights front and foremost for all legal firearms owners. The ISRA will continue, with your help, to be a diligent, vocal presence in Springfield and beyond.

Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois - CLICK HERE.

CCRKBA Rips CNN Commentator’s Call  For Gun Control After Attack

Article from Alan Gottlieb, Chairman of CCRKBA.org – April 27, 2026

BELLEVUE, WA – It didn’t take long for someone to call for more gun control after Saturday night’s foiled attack on President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association gala, and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) calls it “nonsense" from someone who didn’t do their homework.

“In an analysis, CNN’s Brian Stelter insinuated that nobody will consider tougher gun laws to prevent such an incident,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “He should have looked at the facts before going off half-cocked.”

“The suspect in this case is known to have purchased the shotgun and a handgun used in the attack from two different California gun stores,” Gottlieb continued. “He had to pass two California background checks and endure two separate waiting periods. It is widely known California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, and the suspect was able to complete his legal purchases. Just what more does Stelter think could be done?

“President Trump referred to the suspect as a ‘whack job’ and after reading his manifesto, that description seems appropriate,” he observed. “That’s not to suggest this guy should be allowed to plead insanity, because his writings show he was in complete control of his faculties. He appears to be someone consumed by the vile, hate-filled rhetoric that’s been used against Donald Trump for more than ten years. This was not some spur-of-the-moment act.”

“We find it disgusting and abysmally lazy for any journalist, even at CNN, to engage in gun control poppycock at this point,” Gottlieb stated. “While other news organizations were digging into the suspect’s background to learn how, and from where, he obtained the guns he was carrying—which he brought clear across country, apparently by train—Stelter went off on guns, and he clearly misfired.”

“Tens of millions of gun owners—people whose rights too many in the media seem to disdain—didn’t hurt anyone Saturday night,” Gottlieb said. “We watched in shock with everyone else, as a California teacher, obviously overwhelmed by fanatical anti-Trump demagoguery, attempt to kill people. He will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, but what about those who continue to spread their invective, hoping some harm comes to the president?“

“Instead of demanding more gun control,” he suggested, “maybe it’s time for them to control their mouths.”

With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (www.ccrkba.org) is one of the nation's premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States.

Legislative Update 

Good news!   HB4414, the ammunition serialization bill, appears to be dead for the Spring Legislative Session.  Unfortunately, the RIFL Act and the "GLOCK" bill are still alive.  The ISRA is there.

Tomorrow is May 1st. We are in the last month of the Spring Legislative Session.  We have two Veto Sessions and the Lame Duck Session to go.  We are a long way from being out of the woods.

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Here are the legislative calendars for the Illinois House of Representatives for April and May, 2026.

You can find downloadable PDF versions of the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.

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The ISRA maintains a list of the most important bills under consideration in the Illinois State Legislature; the most current list is always the ISRA Legislation Page.   Click and follow along! 

Thank you for standing with the ISRA and for defending the rights of law-abiding Illinois gun owners.

Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois - CLICK HERE.

Litigation Update 

ISRA AS PLAINTIFF

•   Meyer v. Raoul (18-20 yr CCL cases) (S.D. Ill.) - Summary judgment filings are filed and awaiting a ruling.

•   Miller v. Smith (foster care/home day care firearm prohibitions) (C.D. Ill.) – Summary Judgment Motions pending in District Court after Seventh Circuit remand.

•   Harrel v. Raoul (AWB/LCM case) (7th Cir.) – Awaiting ruling from Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

ISRA SUPPORTING

•   Schoenthal v. Raoul (public transportation CCL case) (7th Cir.) – Our Petition for Writ of Certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court. Judgment will shortly be entered for the State.

•   Atkinson v. Bondi (federal felon restoration) (N.D.Ill.) – Currently pending in Seventh Circuit, while awaiting implementation of DOJ restoration program which may resolve issue. Opening Brief due May 1, 2026.

•   Kuhlman v. Hines ("clear and present danger" civil rights violation) (C.D. Ill.) – Summary Judgment Motion pending in District Court.

•   Anderson v. Raoul - Suppressor challenge from Southern District of Illinois. District Court ruled for State, holding suppressors are not "arms" that receive Second Amendment protection. Case is pending at Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

•   L.P.D. v. E.K. - Litigation regarding Firearm Protective Order brought against minor (under 10-years-old) child, while simultaneously taking FOID and firearm of parent who was not accused of any wrongdoing. Matter currently pending in circuit court.

To follow the cases the ISRA is tracking, visit the ISRA Litigation page - CLICK HERE.

ISRA Memorial Brick Fundraiser – Honor Your Mentors

DEADLINE APPROACHING! -   May 1, 2026

We all have people in our lives who have influenced our lives in a positive manner, we do not want them forgotten. My father is a perfect example, he taught me how to shoot, hunt, and many other life lessons.  He was a WWII veteran with two purple hearts, I did not want him to be forgotten.

To remember people like my father and those in your life that have made a positive impact over the years the ISRA has established a Memorial Brick Project.  The memorial bricks are laid out around the flagpole at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL, which is located near Kankakee, IL.

Please look over the attached flier and consider buying a brick for someone who has made a difference in your life.

For more info or to order your commemorative brick today, CLICK HERE.

“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom.  Join the ISRA today.”  ~ Richard Pearson

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy AOS Handgun Raffle

9MM  /  5” Bull Barrel  /  AOS Plates (Optic Ready)  /  Comes With 2 Magazines

Drawing on June 16, 2026 – Entries must be postmarked by June 9, 2026

Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $20
3 Tickets – $50
8 Tickets – $100
25 Tickets – $250

All funds raised go to fight for your 2A rights in Illinois!

For more Information, CLICK HERE.

The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Winner of the firearm must comply with all Federal, State and local laws.  Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.

For other questions on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: [email protected]

“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list.  The answer is absolutely not.”  ~ Richard Pearson

Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time.

NOTICE: Kevin Kanaski – Mag 20 Class Coming up in May!

(See the ISRA  Academy Section above for more info)

*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted)  ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm

May 2 (Saturday)  Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm

May 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday) Kevin Kanaski – MAG20 – Range 8 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30

May 9 (Saturday) ISRA Academy - NRA Basic Shotgun – Range 6 & Clubhouse - 8:30-6:00

May 23 (Saturday) ISRA Academy – Empowering First Shots – Range 2, Pavilion & Clubhouse - Various times available (see flier below)

June 20 (Saturday) ISRA Academy – CCL Renewal –  Range 1 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00

June 12 - 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) David Maglio – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00

August 20 - 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00

August 26 - 30 (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG80 – ISRA Range, Bonfield (more info TBA)

*** Please contact [email protected] for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.

"The Illinois State Rifle Association is the home of marksmanship in Illinois"

ISRA Members: To view the

Illinois Shooter - Spring 2026, click HERE.

If you would like to donate to us, please click HERE.
Thank you for your support!
 

Tidbits 

April 30, 1789 – George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States at Federal Hall in New York City. 

April 30, 1945 – Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker.  Good riddance.

May 1, 2026 – May 2026 is a Blue Moon month.  There will be a Full Moon on May 1st  and May 31st. 

May 1, 1851 – The Great Exhibition of 1851 open in especially constructed Crystal Palace in London’s Hyde Park. The massive exhibition was the first of its type.  There were more than 14 miles of exhibits, including industrial machines, household appliances, false teeth, flush toilets, steam engines and farm machinery. The purpose of the exhibition was to show off Great Britain’s industrial prowess.  Great Britain clearly dominated in every area but farm machinery.  The British were surprised at the innovations introduced by Americans. 

More than sixty million people visited the Great Exhibition.  American industrialists and inventors took notice. Within a few years the United States would catch up.

May 2, 1885 – Good Housekeeping Magazine first edition goes on sale in Holyoke, Massachusetts.  It's goal was to “produce and perpetuate perfection in the American household.”  But at it's very beginning, it concentrated on food safety.  Unfortunately, in those days, there were no safety standards for food, so contamination was frequent.

Good Housekeeping Magazine published articles which highlighted such things as asbestos in candy, formaldehyde in infant formula and ice cream.  The publication became a trusted source for reputable companies and products, all of which would proudly display the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.”

May 3, 1942 – The Battle of the Coral Sea begins.  This engagement by the United States Navy stopped the Japanese attacks on Australia's Port Moresby, as well as other South Pacific targets. The Japanese were able to occupy the Solomon Islands.  This was the first naval battle in history where the ships of the opposing forces never saw each other.

May 4, 1776 – Rhode Island becomes the first colony to renounce allegiance to George III.  Rhode Island had a checkered past, however.  West Indies molasses would be shipped to Rhode Island where it was made into rum.  The rum was then shipped to West Africa where it was traded for slaves.  Those slaves where then shipped to the West Indies and traded for more molasses to be shipped back to Rhode Island.  Not a very pretty picture.

May 4, 1865 – President Abraham Lincoln's body finally arrives in Springfield, Illinois.  The President's funeral train had traveled to 180 cities and seven states before arriving in Springfield.

May 4 – Unofficial Star Wars Day:  May the Fourth be with you!

May 5, 1921 – Coco Chanel debuts her famous perfume, Chanel No.5.  Chanel's favorite number was 5.  She picked the fifth batch as their final fragrance and introduced it on the fifth day of the fifth month of 1921.

May 6, 1935 – President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order creating the Works Progress Administration.  There were 10 million unemployed in the United States at the time and, after the creation of the WPA, 3 million of those were employed by the WPA.  WPA workers built roads, hospitals, airports, schools, restored theaters, and did all kinds of different jobs to help restore America.

Gun Shows

While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.

If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.

May 16 – May 17, 2026   Kankakee Gun & Sportsman's Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.

June 19 – June 21, 2026   Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.

Sept. 19 – Sept. 20, 2026   Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club House, Chillicothe, IL.

Sept. 19, 2026   National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.

Oct. 24 - 25, 2026   Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.

Oct. 24 - 25, 2026   Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.

Nov. 7 - 8, 2026  Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.

Nov. 28 - 29, 2026   Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.

Dec. 6 – Dec. 7, 2026   Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen's Club House, Chillicothe, IL.

ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings

Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!

Livingston County – 4th Tuesday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social half-hour from 6:00pm – 6:30pm; Meeting at 6:30pm.

Madison County – 1st Wednesday of the month – Piasa Armory, 625 Lewis and Clark Blvd., East Alton, IL; Doors open at 6:15pm; Meeting starts at 6:30pm

Northwest Suburban - 3rd Tuesday of the month – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm

South Suburban/Cook County - 2nd Thursday of the month – New Location: Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant, 14459 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL; Doors open 6:00pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm

Will County - 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm

“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom.  Join the ISRA today.”  ~ Richard Pearson

“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list.

The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson

Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!

If you are not an ISRA member,  join today!

Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/

Visit www.isra.org

Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/

Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar