News from March 2017
Madison County asbestos suit settled one week into trial
A deceased Ohio man’s asbestos suit alleging exposure to the potent crocidolite asbestos settled one week into trial in Madison County Associate Judge Stephen Stobbs’ courtroom.
Time to give taxpayers a victory after opening day
Cardinals Opening Day against the Chicago Cubs is on the horizon, which is something most baseball fans can all look forward to. But there is something else I look forward to happening, and that is for both Democrats and Republicans to work together and approve a balanced state budget.
Outgoing O'Fallon mayor hopes voters choose business-friendly candidate as successor
O’FALLON — The other day, a young man turned to O’Fallon mayor Gary Graham and said, “You are the only mayor I have ever known.”
Appeals court ruling raises possibility for state employees' lawsuit over union fees to head to U.S. Supreme Court
CHICAGO — The U.S. Supreme Court could hear a case that disputes Illinois government workers' mandatory union fees based on a March 21 federal appeals court ruling.
Credit reporting agencies violated FCRA in reporting old debt, consumer claims
EAST ST. LOUIS — An Illinois consumer is suing Equifax Information Services LLC, Experian Information Solutions Inc. and TransUnion LLC, claiming the credit reporting agencies failed to observe her bankruptcy and reported on discharged debt.
Court upholds age discrimination and retaliation claims against BeDell Center
U.S. District Judge David Herndon has upheld age discrimination and common law retaliation claims brought by a former employee at a facility that provides services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Customer alleges lacerated thumb from crossbow
BELLEVILLE — A Kettering man is suing Barnett Outdoors LLC and seller Gander Mountain Co. alleging breach of implied warranty and consumer fraud for an injury allegedly related to the use of a crossbow.
Three major credit reporting agencies and credit union allegedly reported inaccurately
EAST ST. LOUIS — A consumer from Belleville is suing Equifax Information Services LLC, TransUnion LLC and Experian Information Solutions Inc., as well as Scott Credit Union, citing alleged unfair and inaccurate credit reporting.
Daimler Chrysler sued over alleged faulty airbag system
BELLEVILLE — An Illinois man is suing FCA US LLC, Daimler Chrysler, TK Holdings Inc. and others for allegedly producing a vehicle with a faulty airbag.
Evansville fish farm accuses Purina, other food manufacturer of consumer fraud
EAST ST. LOUIS — A largemouth bass producer is suing Purina Animal Nutrition LLC and Texas Farms Products Company, fish food manufacturers, for alleged consumer fraud and breach of implied warranty.
Woman sues Metro over trip, fall at East St. Louis train stop
BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District, doing business as Metro, for allegedly causing injuries due to failing to remove debris on its premises.
Local lawmakers vote in favor of bill diverting $300 million from state to local governments
The Illinois House of Representatives voted earlier this month to divert up to $314 million in state tax dollars to local governments each year.
Appellate Court upholds judgment denying post-conviction petition for man serving 25 years
The Fifth District Appellate Court has affirmed former St. Clair County circuit court judge John Baricevic's dismissal of a criminal defendant's post-conviction petition.
Insurance company sues drivers involved in accident over wrongful claim
A Georgia insurance company is suing RMFS Inc., Randall Myers and Deanna Morris, who were involved in a car accident on July 10, 2014, citing alleged wrongful claim of insurance coverage.
Fifth District affirms Madison County Circuit Court ruling in custody case
MOUNT VERNON — The Fifth District Appellate Court has affirmed a Madison County ruling in a child custody case.
Cook County judge says Illinois politicians should not receive checks faster than state pays other debts
A Cook County Circuit Court judge ruled March 16 that Illinois can't give preferential treatment to state lawmakers' paychecks over the overdue debts that the state has.
Motions to dismiss denied in aerial device case where electrical worker lost arm
Three motions to dismiss liability and negligence in a case involving a man who lost his arm using an aerial device in an electrical construction project have been rejected by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
CarX auto repair shop chain failed to pay overtime wages, class action suit alleges
EAST ST. LOUIS — An automotive technician has filed a class action lawsuit against Brex Inc. d//b/a CarX, John Keeley and Kevin Floyd, repair shop operators, citing alleged violation of workers compensation acts for refusing to pay overtime.
Let’s see more people arrested for vote fraud
A loan officer, discovered to have embezzled more than a million dollars from customer accounts, was threatened with prosecution, but remained unruffled.
Manipulation of absentee voting in Washington Park marginalizes the community, candidate for mayor says
Washington Park mayoral candidate Terrilyn Gossett claims that manipulation of mail-in ballots is a pervasive problem that has been going on for years and one that marginalizes her impoverished community.