Fireworks ban makes outlaws out of Illinoisans on Independence Day

By Patrick Andriesen

06/25/2021

For nearly 80 years, Illinoisans have voted against the state fireworks ban by crossing state lines each July to buy fireworks, despite threatened penalties. The state is now one of four nationwide to prohibit celebrating Independence Day with fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban, Illinois, Independence Day

Digital license plates could solve Chicago carjackings, but give hackers data

By Noah Shaar

06/18/2021

Chicago’s surge in carjackings prompted an Illinois Secretary of State candidate to call for digital license plates. The plates could be a convenience that could create privacy problems.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Lightfoot pushes permanent 10 p.m. curfew on liquor store sales in Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

05/26/2021

Grocery and liquor stores would be barred from selling beer, wine and liquor after 10 p.m. if Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gets her way. She said the move would curb crime by stopping gatherings outside liquor stores and help recovering bars and restaurants.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, curfew, liquor laws, Lori Lightfoot

Year after George Floyd’s death, police contracts stop Illinois reform

By Mailee Smith

05/25/2021

It has been a year since George Floyd died beneath a Minneapolis police officer’s knee, setting off riots in Chicago and protests across Illinois. Lawmakers vowed reforms, but nothing will change as long as police contracts overpower state law.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, George Floyd, Illinois, police union

Illinois lawmakers want to outlaw fishing with sharp objects along highways

By Patrick Andriesen

04/23/2021

Recent Illinois House votes aim to protect the state and its residents from pitchfork fishing along highways and from releasing too many balloons. The state’s big problems remain ignored.

TAGS: fishing, paternalism, regulations

Illinois may outlaw balloon releases of 50 and up, up and away

By Brad Weisenstein

04/22/2021

Illinoisans planning a balloon release will need to count carefully. State lawmakers voted to fine repeat offenders who wantonly release 50 or more balloons.

TAGS: nanny state, paternalism, regulations

Exposing insider politics of red-light cameras is aim of Illinois bill

By Patrick Andriesen

03/25/2021

After paying $1 billion in red-light camera fees, Illinoisans deserve to know more about how the devices are being pushed with their local political leaders.

TAGS: corruption, lobbying, red light cameras

Illinois law lets police union contracts overpower state law

By Mailee Smith

03/19/2021

If the Illinois General Assembly wants to see true police reforms, it must first change the state law that gives police union contracts more power than public laws and regulations. Without that change, reforms become empty intentions.

TAGS: collective bargaining, police misconduct, police union

Bill would grant police powers to Illinois state lawmakers

By Patrick Andriesen

03/09/2021

“Stop, in the name of the Illinois General Assembly!”

TAGS: Dan Caulkins, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, police powers

Chicago speed cameras write 1 ticket every 12 seconds

By Patrick Andriesen

03/03/2021

Revenue projections estimate red-light cameras will generate 2.7 million $35 tickets in a full year, bringing in $95.5 million for the city.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras, ticketing