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

Illinois fireworks ban costing the state jobs, money, independence

06/30/2020

Independence Day turns many Illinoisans into scofflaws as they ignore rules banning most fireworks. The outdated laws mainly serve fireworks stands in border states.

TAGS: fireworks ban, Independence Day, regulations

Illinois one of few states limiting freedom to choose fireworks on Independence Day

07/03/2019

Illinois residents are denied the legal celebration of at least one freedom on July 4, but take their fireworks dollars to every border state to ignore the law.

TAGS: fireworks ban, regulations

Push to repeal Illinois’ fireworks ban gains momentum

07/18/2018

A petition to repeal Illinois’ fireworks ban has garnered more than 7,000 signatures, as lawmakers in the General Assembly throw their support behind a bill that would do just that.

TAGS: Barbara Wheeler, C.D. Davidsmeyer, Dave Severin, fireworks ban, Joe Sosnowski

Illinois lawmaker introduces bill to repeal fireworks ban

07/07/2018

A new bill in the General Assembly would bring consumer fireworks back onto Illinois shelves for the first time in more than 75 years.

TAGS: Barbara Wheeler, fireworks ban, Pyrotechnic Use Act

More than 75 years later, Illinois’ fireworks ban still law of the land

By Austin Berg

07/05/2018

Next year, state lawmakers should explore making rockets’ red glare a legal pastime instead of a liability.

TAGS: fireworks ban

Illinois’ fireworks ban could land you in jail

06/29/2018

Illinois remains one of only four states to impose severe restrictions on the purchase and use of consumer fireworks.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, fireworks ban, regulations

It’s time Illinois legalized fireworks

By Austin Berg

06/29/2017

The Land of Lincoln is one of only six states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban

It’s time to end Illinois’ fireworks ban

By Austin Berg

06/30/2016

The Land of Lincoln is one of only seven states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban, regulations

Yes, Illinois still bans fireworks

By Austin Berg

07/02/2015

The Land of Lincoln is one of only seven states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban

Fixing Illinois pension crisis by amending nation’s most-restrictive pension law is legal, effective

Illinois is home to one of the worst pension crises in the country.1 At 39% funded, according to the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts, Illinois has the worst pension funding ratio of any state.2 By contrast, neighboring Wisconsin’s pension system is 103% funded.3 In fiscal year 2022, Illinois’ total general funds pension costs, including pension bond...

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Fixing Illinois pension crisis by amending nation’s most-restrictive pension law is legal, effective

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Cathy Stuehmeier

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students