Vimbai Chikomo News
Southern District of Illinois announces merit selection panel for magistrate judge vacancies
EAST ST. LOUIS – The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois is in the process of filling two magistrate judge openings in East St. Louis.
Mautino pleads the Fifth; asks State Board of Elections for more time to provide campaign details
Following months of intense scrutiny and public outcry over his reluctance to answer questions about his suspicious campaign reporting, Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent to avoid incriminating himself amid an ongoing federal investigation.
House subcommittee to address bill seeking to curtail ADA lawsuits brought by serial litigators
Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch executive director Travis Akin said that if these lawsuits really were about making businesses comply with ADA standards, then why wouldn’t the aggrieved person simply ask business owners to make the necessary changes before filing a lawsuit?
House candidate Acklin denies he shrugged off sex charges against teacher
Republican Illinois House hopeful Jim Acklin says accounts he let a family friend continue teaching high school after being told he was a sexual predator are “desperate political attacks.”
O’Fallon attorney appointed to Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
The Illinois Supreme Court on Dec. 11 appointed O’Fallon attorney John Kujawski to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism.
Madison County lawyers volunteer to help residents through pro bono work
The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee continues to provide valuable service to Madison County residents in need of legal advice.
Small business owner hopes to secure a Republican seat on Madison County Board
Being involved in her community from a young age and having lived in Madison County her entire life, Erica Harris, Republican, said she believes she has a rich understanding of the needs in her community. Democrat Ross Breckenridge stated in his announcement that he has served as Glen Carbon village trustee for the past five years, and plans to apply his experience to “help ensure Madison County remains in sound financial condition.”
Former Madison County GOP chair to run for County Board District 17 seat
Retired Illinois State Police lieutenant Bob Hulme has announced that he will be joining the race for a seat on the Madison County Board in Edwardsville’s District 17, against incumbent Ann Gorman. Hulme, a Republican, who has run for the District 17 seat in the past and has served as the Madison County Republican Chairman, said he would like people in the county to be fully aware of what is going on in the county.
Incumbent Bill Meyer to be challenged in primary for seat on Madison County Board District 3
County Board District 3 will see a three-way race on the Republican ticket at the primary election March 15, 2016.
Garman and others receive PILI awards in recognition of public interest, pro bono contributions
CHICAGO -- Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) honored Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman and others in recognition of their public interest and pro bono contributions in Illinois at a luncheon on Wednesday.
HeplerBroom to merge with environmental firm Hodge, Dwyer & Driver
Edwardsville-based HeplerBroom law firm will be expanding its practice to include environmental attorneys of Hodge Dwyer & Driver based in Springfield. A merger will take effect Jan. 1.
Former Belleville mayor announces St. Clair County Board Chairman run; Promises to eliminate 'dark cloud of corruption'
Rodger Cook: “We’ve had scandal after scandal, corruption, drugs in the court house, and I could go on and on. I believe that in government, people are best served when you elect people that get in office and represent and make decisions that are best for the people.”
CPA announces bid for Madison County Board District 4 seat
David Michael of Highland, Republican, announced last week that he plans to run against incumbent Kelly Tracy for the Madison County Board District 4 seat.
AFP Illinois says tax reduction responsible for state's improved ranking in tax climate survey
According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation’s 2016 Business State Tax Index, Illinois leaped 8 spots, from 31st to 23rd.
Majority of Illinois Independents in favor of government spending cuts, poll says
As Illinois lawmakers strive to solve the state budget impasse, Illinoisans have spoken out loud and clear. In a recent poll released by Americans for Prosperity Illinois, 62 percent of Independents are in favor of spending cuts, while a mere 9 percent support taxes hikes.
Shimkus supports Rauner's stance on Syrian refugees
Congressman John Shimkus (R-15) supports Rauner’s position and spoke out about the recent attacks in Paris highlighting the “need to suspend refugee resettlement in the United States”.
Illinois' decreased lottery ticket sales impact small businesses in border communities
Small businesses in Illinois are also falling victim to the state’s budget impasse affecting lottery winners. Since announcing in August that prizes over $600 would not be paid immediately due to state budget problems, the Illinois lottery has seen a significant decrease in ticket sales in subsequent months.