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Why are fireworks illegal in Illinois?

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2023

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Though Illinois bans the use of commercial-grade fireworks, chances are you know somebody who plans to drive to Wisconsin or Indiana to prepare a grand Fourth of July fireworks show.

Illinois is one of only three states that do not allow some or all types of consumer fireworks, but that doesn’t stop thousands from driving across state lines to bring them back.

So, why are fireworks illegal in Illinois?

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, most fireworks were outlawed in Illinois in 1942, when state Rep. William G. Thon, [R-Chicago], drafted the Pyrotechnic Use Act.

Since then, there have been numerous failed attempts to legalize the use of commercial fireworks.

The latest attempt to loosen fireworks restrictions, proposed this year, faced numerous critics.

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Phil Zaleski, executive director of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, said the state of New York voted to loosen restrictions, but regretted the decision and sent a letter to the Illinois General Assembly warning of the consequences, according to The Center Square.

“We should be aware of that because they too back in 2016 had made this mistake that resulted in injuries, PTSD in veterans, pets that run away from the home,” Zaleski said.

Some politicians see legalizing commercial fireworks as a way to earn money that Illinois residents are already spending elsewhere.

“I think it’s just ridiculous that every state around us is making money off of Illinois citizens and here we are once again giving up money that could better be earned and spent here in Illinois,” state Sen. Chapin Rose, [R-Mahomet] told The Center Square.

Rose estimates the state loses at least $10 million in potential revenue by banning the sale of fireworks.

Don’t expect fireworks to be legalized anytime soon, though, as fire safety groups across the state are opposing any sort of legislation to legalize fireworks.

“I enjoy a fireworks show, I like them,” said Bloomington Fire Chief Brian Mohr. “I think they are entertaining, but unfortunately they are dangerous and there needs to be a higher level of experience before someone is setting them off.”

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Man attacks Jeff Co. deputy with screwdriver during attempted arrest

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – Two people are behind bars after a man reportedly attacked a Jefferson County deputy with a screwdriver during an attempted arrest over the weekend.

Prosecutors have charged Nicholas Davis, 47, and Amanda Davis, 45, of Dittmer, Missouri, with felonies in the investigation.

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The alleged attack followed a traffic stop of a driver in the 9500 block of Jones Creek Road on July 7, though the driver was not Nicholas or Amanda.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Nicholas reportedly came out of his nearby home, yelled at a deputy and started approaching him while holding a screwdriver. The deputy initially ordered Nicholas to back away, then used pepper spray.

Per court documents, the deputy attempted to arrest Nicholas, who then struck him in the chest with the screwdriver. Amanda reportedly approached the deputy and pulled him away from Nicholas before both ran inside their home.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says the situation prompted an hours-long standoff involving negotiators, a SWAT team and a K-9 deputy. The situation led to Nicholas refusing warnings and being bitten by a K-9.

Nicholas and Amanda are both jailed in the Jefferson County Jail without bond. Nicholas is charged with first-degree assault on a special victim and armed criminal action. Amanda is charged with resisting/interfering with arrest.

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St. Louis Public Schools superintendent to be sworn in

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

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ST. LOUIS — The new St. Louis schools superintendent will be officially sworn into office today. Dr. Keisha Scarlett took over the job in July after the retirement of Dr. Kelvin Adams. She was assistant superintendent in the Seattle Public School District. The installation ceremony is at 6:15 p.m. before the regular school board meeting.

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Gas tanker crashes into St. Louis Metro transit center

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

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ST. LOUIS — A gasoline tanker truck crashed into a Metro transit center near Riverview and Hall Streets early Tuesday morning and knocked over a power pole. The pole is leaning on other power lines. Police have the area blocked off here because there is a downed power line. Ameren and Metro crews are also on the scene.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. It’s still unclear exactly what caused the crash, but we do that there was a second vehicle somehow involved. The airbags on that second vehicle did deploy.

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Police at the scene have not been able to give us a lot of details. Metro officials tell FOX 2 that the transit center here is operating this morning for passengers and buses. Access to certain areas will be limited here as clean up unfolds.

A Metro spokesperson says half of the station isn’t being used right now because of safety issues. It isn’t impacting overall bus operations, everything is just happening on the other side of transit center.

The extent of the damage to the actual transit center is still unclear, but I’m told it does not appear to be extreme. A Metro spokesperson tells me there were no injuries to any metro workers or passengers. The tanker driver also was not injured.

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