Mo. fireworks laws now in line with federal restrictions
Governor Jay Nixon has signed legislation that brings Missouri’s fireworks laws in line with federal statutes.
The governor’s office said Monday that the measure makes any fireworks allowed under federal law legal in Missouri. It also removes a discrepancy between state and federal law on the labeling of fireworks.
Nixon says the changes should make it easier for communities or organizations that sponsor Fourth of July fireworks displays. They take effect immediately.
Ill. judge orders Champaign City Council members to share in-meeting messages
Rachel Otwell contributed reporting from Springfield, Ill.
An Illinois judge has ruled that messages sent between city officials during an open meeting should be part of the public record.
The Champaign News-Gazette sought the electronic communications City Council members sent to each other during a council meeting – a request the city denied. But a judge ordered the records released yesterday – saying they are public even if they were sent on personal devices. The paper’s position was supported by Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
The city says it will appeal, arguing that two individuals do not make a public body under Illinois open meetings law.
Illinois to test competitions for disabled student athletes
Disabled high school athletes in Illinois will have their own championships next year as part of a pilot program from the state’s high school athletic association.
The Illinois High School Association announced yesterday that it will host separate state championships in swimming, diving, track, cross country and bowling. It’ll be a two-year pilot program.
Monday’s announcement comes after Illinois attorney general Lisa Madigan and an advocacy group filed a federal lawsuit charging that the organization did not provide disabled athletes equal access to competition. Madigan’s office says the pilot program does not affect the suit.
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