News from February 2017
Rauner's budget proposal needs more spending reforms
The governor should reject tax hikes and push for the structural spending reforms Illinois needs to fix its fiscal crisis and improve its economy.
Firefighter sues City of Belleville for allegedly violating Civil Rights Act
EAST ST. LOUIS — An African American man is suing the City of Belleville for allegedly terminating his employment after he sought to use accumulated sick leave and vacation time following surgery.
Customer sues over slip, fall at Alton Shop n' Save
EDWARDSVILLE — A customer alleges she was injured when she slipped on water at the Alton Shop n' Save.
Motorist says driver backed into her vehicle
EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist is suing another driver for allegedly hitting her vehicle while attempting to back out of a parking spot at the same time.
Cartoonist defends controversial DeVos piece; Would do it again
The Belleville News-Democrat cartoonist responsible for etching the controversial cartoon comparing civil rights icon Ruby Bridges to newly installed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is defending his creation.
Driver, passengers allege injuries from rear-end crash
BELLEVILLE — Driver and passengers are suing James M. Ellison, a motorist, citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Nurse sues Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises for terminating employment after breast cancer
EAST ST. LOUIS — A nurse is suing Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises Inc., citing alleged age discrimination and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Driver, passenger allege motorist caused collision while using cell phone
EDWARDSVILLE — A vehicle driver and a minor passenger are suing Vargas P. Rocio, alleging that insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Perry County employees allege age discrimination
EAST ST. LOUIS — Two employees are suing the Perry County Board of Commissioners and Perry County Highway Department, local government units, alleging age discrimination and retaliation.
Free legal services help Madison County residents in need
MADISON COUNTY — Low-income families and individuals in need can receive free legal services in Madison County through the efforts of the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and the Madison County Bar Association.
Van Hoose found guilty of misdemeanor in Caseyville mayor death threat case; Kelley: ‘Can’t we all just get along?’
BELLEVILLE – St. Clair County Associate Judge Randall Kelley found Brad Van Hoose of Belleville guilty of misdemeanor assault for threatening Caseyville Mayor Leonard Black, after ruling that Van Hoose’s conduct did not constitute a felony.
Madison County property owners face deadline on taxes
Madison County homeowners have one last chance to pay their property taxes on Friday before their homes become slated for the annual auction of properties with delinquent
tax. Homeowners must pay in person at the treasurer's office in the Madison County Administration Building, 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville.
Appellate court rules for credit card owner in suit over debt
MOUNT VERNON – Midland Funding v. Hilliker, a collection lawsuit that began in St. Clair County Circuit Court in 2013, has been remanded by the Fifth District Appellate Court, which affirmed a ruling in favor of defendant Melissa Hilliker.
Tort reform needs to be part of 'grand bargain,' advocate says
SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner urged lawmakers on Wednesday to reach a budget deal that includes cost-saving system reforms as well as new taxes, a legal reform advocate said there also needs to be tort reform.
Madigan motion to dissolve worker pay by end of month denied by LeChien
St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Robert LeChien has denied a motion from Attorney General Lisa Madigan to dissolve an injunction that has sustained the state payroll for 20 months.
'Loser pays' standard from Idaho likely wouldn't make it in Illinois Supreme Court, litigation reformer says
SPRINGFIELD – A new "loser pays" standard set down by the Idaho Supreme Court last fall, and now challenged by a bill in that state's Legislature, likely would never fly in Illinois courts, a litigation reform advocate said during a recent interview.
Passenger sues driver for alleged negligence
EDWARDSVILLE — A vehicle passenger is suing driver Kayla S. Bray, the vehicle's owner and driver, alleging negligence in connection with a crash.
Two consumers say Inventure Foods provided misleading ingredients list
EAST ST. LOUIS — Two consumers have filed a class-action lawsuit against Inventure Foods Inc., a snack chips manufacturer, alleging unfair and deceptive business practices.
'Show Me' state is showing Illinois the path to economic growth
The recent “Judicial Hellholes” report from the American Tort Reform Foundation ranked the City of St. Louis the worst “Judicial Hellhole” in the country.
Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel hosting seminars on mass toxic tort litigation
CHICAGO – The Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC) will present a pair of programs focusing on mass toxic tort litigation March 9-10 in Chicago – one for counsel with limited toxic tort litigation experience and one for more experienced counsel practicing in this area.