Illinois fireworks ban costing the state jobs, money, independence

By Ben Szalinski

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 The outdated laws mainly serve fireworks stands in border states.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

By Ben Szalinski

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

By Joe Barnas

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

By Joe Barnas

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

By Joe Barnas

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

Good Government / Research Report

To prevent political bribery in Illinois, change the House Rules

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s power over Illinois politics is more precarious than ever. A steady stream of federal investigations, wiretaps and raids of people close to him, a deferred prosecution agreement with Commonwealth Edison wherein the utility giant admitted to bribing the speaker, and a grand jury subpoena served to Madigan’s office have led...

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