News from August 2021
Sholar declines state pension: 'It's a matter of principle' in state with worst debt in nation
Madison County Circuit Judge Amy Sholar announced on Tuesday that she has permanently declined joining the Illinois Judge’s Retirement Pension System.
Maag Holdings seeks more time to mail notice of preliminary class settlement in dispute over grass cutting liens
As class counsel and staff recover from illness, Maag Holdings LLC requests an extension of time to notify the public of preliminary approval of a class settlement against Wood River in a suit alleging the city violated the constitutional rights of residents by failing to properly inform them of grass cutting liens.
Contractor allegedly improperly built retaining wall, failed to complete project
EDWARDSVILLE — An Edwardsville property owner claims she paid more than $150,000 to a contractor to build a retaining wall that remains incomplete and improperly constructed.
Police reports describe Smithton man's resistance; Cops and agencies now face excessive force lawsuit
BELLEVILLE – Police reports indicate that a Smithton man they were dispatched to encounter made gun sounds with a cell phone, resisted an officer who approached him alone, and hid his hands until a crew of cops opened him up.
Pritzker's record: 24 tax, fee hikes taking $5.24 billion more from Illinoisans
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added more than $5.24 billion in new or higher taxes and fees since taking office. Despite all that new revenue, the nation’s highest taxed state remains a fiscal mess unable to balance a budget for 21 years.
Pritzker mask mandate leads to threats against 58 schools, districts
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Aug. 4 mask mandate drew criticism from the communities he just weeks earlier promised would keep local control over student COVID-19 safety. School districts that fail to kowtow face severe state sanctions.
Man alleges injuries after gym equipment broke off the wall
EDWARDSVILLE — A man who claims he was injured at a Madison County fitness facility when his exercise equipment broke off the wall, is accusing the gym and the equipment manufacturer of negligence.
Suit alleges nursing home's negligent care led to resident's death
EDWARDSVILLE — The estate of a former Granite City nursing home patient alleges negligent care led to the patient's multiple falls, health issues and death.
Man alleges promissory note defaults of more than $60,000
EDWARDSVILLE — A man is accused of defaulting on two promissory notes totaling more than $60,000.
Illinois Supreme Court Names Leadership For Statewide Pretrial Services
Illinois Supreme Court Names Leadership For Statewide Pretrial Services.
Davis Statement on House Democrats Beginning Process to Pass President Biden’s Reckless, $3.5 Trillion Tax-and-spending Spree
Davis Statement on House Democrats Beginning Process to Pass President Biden’s Reckless, $3.5 Trillion Tax-and-spending Spree.
Gov. Pritzker Advances Meaningful Ethics Reform Legislation
Gov. Pritzker Advances Meaningful Ethics Reform Legislation.
HeplerBroom Attorneys Honored with Inclusion on Best Lawyers Lists
HeplerBroom Attorneys Honored with Inclusion on Best Lawyers Lists.
Bozarth and Varadachari Spoke at Defense Trial Attorneys’ National Conference
Bozarth and Varadachari Spoke at Defense Trial Attorneys’ National Conference.
Haine: Pritzker's new mask mandate 'not criminally enforceable,' but businesses may require COVID-19 precautions
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new mask mandate is “not criminally enforceable.”
Nursing home resident allegedly dropped during transfer from wheelchair
BELLEVILLE — A Madison County nursing and rehab facility is facing a suit after one of its employees dropped a patient during transfer from her wheelchair to her bed.
Abbott, Mead Johnson accused of failing to warn of formula dangers for premature infants
BELLEVILLE — The parents of premature infants who suffered severe illness or death after being fed Similac and Enfamil formulas claim Abbott and Mead Johnson knew of the dangers and failed to provide warnings.
Driver allegedly turned right from left lane, crashing into motorcycle in Alton
BELLEVILLE — A motorcyclist claims he suffered head injuries when a driver attempted to turn right from the left lane of Alby Street in Alton, causing a collision.
Shiloh moves to remand suit against streaming services, argues federal court has no jurisdiction
In its motion to remand a lawsuit against streaming services, the Village of Shiloh argues that the federal court has no jurisdiction to decide matters of state law.
Schools buckling under Pritzker threats to yank funds, invalidate student diplomas, but challenges may be brewing
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker facing renewed challenges to his pandemic authority, as school officials and others question his power under Illinois law to override local control and use legally questionable threats against schools and students to compel compliance with public health mandates.