News from 2016
Years of deadbeat Illinois: State has history of shortchanging social service providers
For years, Illinois lawmakers have prioritized government-worker pay and benefits over social services. Between 2000 and 2015, contributions to Illinois state-worker pension funds shot up 586 percent, while state payments for human services increased by only 10 percent.
Herndon rejects State Farm elections witness, but allows one pointing to anti-Karmeier contributions as ‘insurmountable conflict of interest’
U.S. District Judge David Herndon rejected former state election board director Ronald Michaelson as a witness for State Farm at trial in a $9 billion claim that the insurer corrupted the Illinois Supreme Court.
Three judges who don’t understand plain English
You've got to feel sorry for the cashiers in St. Clair County whenever their employers offer a special that has a limit of one per customer. You know they must dread seeing Circuit Judges John Baricevic, Robert LeChien, and Robert Haida come strolling into the store, arm in arm.
Employee retirement providers sue CY Wuebbels & Sons Painting Contractors LLC
EAST ST. LOUIS — Employee retirement providers are suing CY Wuebbels & Sons Painting Contractors LLC, an employer, citing alleged breach of a collective bargaining agreement.
Fee dispute between former Lakin law partners settled at Fifth District
The Fifth District Appellate Court has upheld an award of attorneys' fees favoring SL Chapman of St. Louis arising from a 2007 Jones Act suit against Beelman River Terminals.
Wood River Township Supervisor Mike Babcock running for 111th District State House seat
Wood River Township Supervisor Mike Babcock, running for the Illinois State House against the incumbent Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton), named the budget, jobs and schools as the top three problems in the state, during a recent interview.
Truth in Accounting report says state is hiding huge debt from taxpayers
CHICAGO – With an Illinois budget stalemate about to enter a second year, a new report from Chicago-based Truth in Accounting (TIA) condemns state accounting practices for disguising from taxpayers the "huge" deficit they face.
GOP lawmakers ask Mautino to step down while investigations proceed; McCarter says vote to confirm auditor general was 'mistake'
SPRINGFIELD — Investigations into Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino’s campaign spending by both state and federal agencies has a group of lawmakers calling for him to step down at least until the inquiry is completed.
Owners of motor home say contract was breached
EDWARDSVILLE — A couple's lawsuit against Progressive Northern Insurance Co., Jeffrey L. Clark, Mathew C. Owen, Collete Crowder and Duncan RV Repair LLC cites alleged breach of contract, fraud and negligence.
Man claims medical negligence led to stroke
EDWARDSVILLE — A man is suing Dr. Bijoy Hegde and OSF Healthcare System, medical providers, citing alleged negligence.
Woman says utility pole collapsed and caused her injuries
EDWARDSVILLE — A woman is suing Illinois Power Company, doing business as Amerenip, and J.F. Electric Inc., claiming their negligence led to the collapse of a power pole that hit her vehicle while she was driving.
Letter carrier says dangerous condition led to injury
EDWARDSVILLE — A letter carrier is suing William F. Campbell and Morgan Campbell of Granite City, alleging that a hole in their lawn led the plaintiff to fracture her left ankle.
Collision caused by careless driving in reverse, suit claims
EDWARDSVILLE — A driver is suing Raymond Hunt, a Glen Carbon resident, claiming the defendant backed out of his driveway in a negligent fashion that led to a collision.
Trucker from Troy accused of negligence
EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist is suing Roy J. Vining, a Troy resident, claiming the defendant negligently operated a tractor-trailer, which allegedly led to a collision.
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.
Driver's negligence alleged to have caused Quincy crash
EDWARDSVILLE – Two women have filed suit against another motorist after an accident in Quincy.
McCarter's 'responsible' budget proposal is praised for not increasing taxes
A proposal by State Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-54) to balance the state’s budget for 2017 without raising taxes deserves serious consideration, according the Illinois Policy Institute.