St. Clair County officials in Illinois believe that operation of a rifle and pistol shooting range near Scott Air Force Base poses a danger to the aircraft that operate out of the base and, consequently, to people on the ground who might be struck by a crashing airplane, according to a report in the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat. St. Clair County Associate Judge James Radcliffe, who toured the Caseville Rifle and Pistol Club Monday, said he would need a hearing before rendering a decision about a temporary restraining order. The club apparently has operated since 1968 without incident.
Numbers Game Squeezes USAF Fighter Force
Dec. 15, 2025
Congress set the legal floor for how many primary mission aircraft the Air Force had to have in its fighter force in 2018, requiring at least 1,145 fighters through Oct. 1, 2026. In each of the past past two legislative cycles, lawmakers agreed to reduce the number. But when the House passed…
