Ann Maher News
Challenge to St. Clair County judges' candidacies to be argued next week at appellate court
At issue is whether the judges have the option of running for election over retention. The three judges resigned last August, effective this Dec. 4, creating vacancies they intend to fill through partisan competition in the fall.
Builder of luxury home owned by asbestos attorney says mold suit is 'frivolous'
Story CopyThe builder of a custom, luxury home currently owned by asbestos attorney Christopher Guinn and his wife, says a lawsuit blaming him for water infiltration is "frivolous."
Trial continued in contractor's case against concrete suppliers
Story CopyA trial that had been set to begin June 6 in Madison County Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian's court involving a dispute over allegedly faulty concrete will be continued.
Wood River contractor to argue motions to dismiss, strike in Ruth's court
A motion hearing is set June 10 in Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth's court in a Wood River couple's suit against a company that rebuilt their home after a 2012 fire.
Former prosecutor Wigginton appointed to represent panel that will decide whether voters get tax cut question
Madison County Clerk Debra Ming-Mendoza, who serves as the panel's chairperson by statute, told the gallery that Wigginton would be arriving later. She also said that attorneys for the defendants - James Craney and Don Weber - were absent due to Weber's illness and Craney being called out of town.
First Clover Leaf stockholders claim $90 million deal is inadequate; Class action filed in Madison County
Stockholders of Edwardsville-based First Clover Leaf Bank have filed a proposed class action against the company's board of directors over their recent decision to be acquired by Mattoon-based First Mid-Illinois.
Ford's personal jurisdiction appeal in Madison County asbestos case will go to Fifth District; Supreme Court orders it so
The Fifth District Appellate Court has been ordered to hear Ford Motor Co.'s appeal on whether Madison County has personal jurisdiction over the Michigan-based auto maker in an asbestos case brought by Florida plaintiffs.
High court agrees to hear Union Pacific's 'sole cause' defense appeal; Fifth District had overturned verdict for railroad
The Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of Union Pacific Railroad which seeks relief from an appellate court ruling that reversed a jury verdict in its favor.
Supreme Court hands down discipline to two area attorneys
The Illinois Supreme Court on May 18 imposed sanctions on two area attorneys for misconduct that included concealing the death of a clent and selling marijuana.
‘Blue collar tax referendum’ shaping into partisan battle; Contest for Madison County governance driving debate
A proposal to cut Madison County property taxes has become a clearly partisan issue with both sides now gearing up for a challenge to the “blue collar tax referendum.” Attorneys representing thousands of registered voters who want the referendum to appear on the November ballot argue that their opponents are lying when they say the measure would result in a reduction in funding for law enforcement.
Trial bar contributions factor big in Democratic challenge to first term Congressman Bost
Asbestos, mass tort and personal injury attorneys near and far factored heavily in Democrat C.J.
Admin applicant claiming she was passed over by Wood River in court this week
A woman who has fought two years to retain employment with the city of Wood River will have her case heard in Madison County circuit court this week.
Kay takes swipe at opponent for initial support of controversial SB 231
A controversial education funding bill that critics say is a $205 million bailout for the Chicago public school pension fund would shortchange metro-east school districts by $10 million.
Granite City denied summary judgment in pedestrian’s injury suit; Settlement follows
One month after Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge denied the city of Granite City’s second motion for summary judgment in a pedestrian’s personal injury case, the parties announced settlement.
Mudge dismisses retaliatory termination suit against Walmart
A former Wal-Mart bakery worker’s retaliatory termination lawsuit was dismissed by Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge on April 25.
Alton couple’s sewage backup suit against city settles; City had argued 'Act of God' defense
An Alton couple’s lawsuit against the city over sewage flooding into their basement has reached a settlement.
Defendant in bar fight suits settles two claims for $3K
A defendant accused of punching two men in the face without provocation nearly three years ago at a Godfrey tavern is settling the claims against him.
Wood River woman’s benzene case in court next week
Following a year of continuances, a Wood River woman’s 2012 benzene lawsuit is up for case management on May 25 in Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth’s court.
Ruth again rules against Maag in proposed FOID fee class action
Maag represents Gary Patrick Sterr, who seeks to lead a class of Illinoisans who claim they were charged $1 more than state statute allows when they applied for a firearm owner identification card (FOID).
'Farmer's' advice to lawmakers: if you can't stop spending, become a private citizen
Loren Klaus, 88, of Glen Carbon has sage advice for elected officials grappling with the state's fiscal crisis: When you don't have enough money to pay for things, you have to cut.