Matt Paprocki: The Declaration of Independence, and a question for all of us

By Matt Paprocki

07/02/2026

The document reflects a sacrifice that its 56 signers chose to make.

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Independence Day

Call it Independence Day — the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/03/2025

We too often call it the “Fourth of July” and lose sight of its true meaning – independence. Independence from tyranny and the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2024

Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

Illinois 1 of 3 states banning fireworks freedom

By Kurtis Karg

07/02/2024

State lawmakers are no closer to trusting Illinoisans with fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Forty-seven other states give their residents that freedom.

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2023

We too often call it the “Fourth of July” and lose sight of its true meaning – independence. Independence from tyranny and the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

Illinois’ fireworks ban limits liberty, hurts job growth

06/21/2022

Illinoisans celebrate Independence Day by taking their fireworks business to other states, despite bans and threats at home, causing the state to lose out on jobs and revenue.

TAGS: fireworks

Illinois voters got just 1 proposed constitutional amendment on ballot in 52 years

By Joe Tabor

05/19/2022

During the past decade, state lawmakers have asked to change the Illinois Constitution six times while voters have failed to get any changes on the ballot. In 52 years, Illinoisans have only gotten one amendment question before voters. That needs to change.

TAGS: constitutional amendment, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois Constitution

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

Founding Fathers of the United States

Matt Paprocki: The Declaration of Independence, and a question for all of us

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Call it Independence Day — the meaning matters

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Illinois 1 of 3 states banning fireworks freedom

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Illinois’ fireworks ban limits liberty, hurts job growth

Illinois voters got just 1 proposed constitutional amendment on ballot in 52 years

Fireworks ban makes outlaws out of Illinoisans on Independence Day

Illinois fireworks ban costing the state jobs, money, independence

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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