Morning headlines - Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Rachel Lippmann, Illinois Public Radio and The Associated Press — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:42:58 +0000

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.

IHSA tightens policy on concussion checks

The Associated Press — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:56:18 +0000

The Illinois High School Association has approved a new policy requiring high school athletes who leave a game with head injuries to be cleared in the days that follow by a doctor or an athletic trainer working with a physician.

The IHSA board approved the new policy Tuesday. Previously the organization's concussion policy didn't require medical checks after the day the injury occurred.

The policy change follows months of reports on long-term damage athletes suffer from concussions in both pro sports and in college and high school.