News from August 2015
Rauner offers new legislative package; Democrats say ‘no,’ it’s more of the same
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner on Monday said he’s again proposing legislation for a two-year freeze on local property taxes combined with what he calls local cost controls. This time, the governor added what it appears he hoped would be sweeteners for the financially troubled Chicago Public Schools system, including two years worth of CPS pension payments made by the state at about $200 million each.
Man who nearly lost leg after getting hit by dump truck testifies in trial
During emotional testimony Friday in Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth’s courtroom, a man who suffered severe leg injuries after a dump truck driver ran him over recounted his accident and the long road to recovery, saying he relied heavily on his faith in God to heal his broken body.
Passenger claims permanent injuries following Piasa tanker collision
A Madison County resident is suing a pair of businesses and their employee alleging vehicular negligence in a 2013 crash.
Groups seek higher renewable energy standards; Analyst says costs will go up, jobs down
The next year could bring significant changes to the renewable energy industry in Illinois, as the legislature will likely consider a state measure to change the renewable portfolio standard as well as a federal mandate to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, released by the Obama administration last week.
Woman sues driver who allegedly caused a collision
A St. Clair County woman is suing another car driver over negligence while driving. Emily Layeski filed a lawsuit July 16 in the St. Clair Circuit Court against Katherine Woolsey.
Asphalt truck injury case at trial in Madison County
A Smithton man who claims he was forced to have part of his left leg amputated after a Mack dump truck driver ran him over will have his case heard by a Madison County jury. Jurors were being selected Monday afternoon in Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth's court.
How is pregnancy an option?
I want to respond to the July letter by Jeremy Plank, board member on Options Now, formerly Arms of Love.
Remembering an Illinois teacher
Families with children are gearing up for another school year. Not every child is excited about going back into the classroom, but this is where a teacher can “make or break” it.
Keefe files $20 million suit against Hyundai, others over fatal accident
Hyundai Motor Company and suppliers of its airbags, seat belts and door latches caused a teenager’s death, according to a suit in federal court. Janet Schwaninger of Dow sued the Korean automaker and four American affiliates on Aug. 4, as administrator of the estate of granddaughter Elizabeth Schaaf.
Short list of applicants includes three former associate judges; Run-off to be held in Third Circuit
Three applicants who've made it onto a short list of candidates for associate judge are ones who recently lost their jobs.
Woman alleges serious injuries following auto accident
A Madison County woman is suing another driver over negligence of traffic laws after an accident.
Chicago attorney Paul Duffy dies
Attorney Paul Duffy was pronounced dead at the age of 55 on Monday at 10 a.m. at Stroger Hospital in Chicago.
More than 300 Madison County asbestos cases set for trial this week settle
Each of the 316 asbestos cases set for trial this week in Madison County have settled.
Rauner, Madigan scrapping again; Federal spending bill basis for latest tussle
SPRINGFIELD — The governor and House Democrats are going at it again. This time, it’s over an attempt by the House Democrats to change Senate Bill 2042, the measure the Senate easily passed last week to authorize the state to spend about $4.8 billion in federal money otherwise being held up by the lack of state budget. Rauner likes the legislation the way the Senate passed it.
2011 income tax hike drove wealthier Illinoisans out of state
The average income of people leaving Illinois shot up by $8,000 in the first year of the state’s 2011 income tax hike.
How much will the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill cost?
When are we going to learn that the green in green energy represents the money that crony capitalists roll in when we buy into their boondoggles?
Colin Clark joins Mathis, Marifian and Richter as associate
Attorney Colin C. Clark has joined Mathis, Marifian and Richter in Belleville as an associate. He will focus his practice in transactional work.
Alton VFW denies liability in personal injury suit
Alton VFW denies liability in a woman’s Dram Shop lawsuit claiming she was injured when she was allegedly knocked down on a dance floor on the defendant’s property.
Madison County foreclosures Aug. 3-6
Read the latest in foreclosure filings by: date, case title, amount, address, city and case number
St. Clair County real estate July 27-31
The latest real estate transactions from St. Clair County by date, city, amount, address, and buyer to seller