News from October 2021
St. Clair County jurors award Sauget plaintiffs $72 million in verdict against Cerro Flow
St. Clair County jurors awarded 12 plaintiffs $72 million after finding metal recycler Cerro Flow liable for emitting pollutants from its Sauget plan, causing several exposed residents to suffer from cancer and other health issues.
Illinois' 'extreme' risk of gerrymandering becomes reality through congressional map
The Illinois congressional map proposal released by Democrats has districts that are far from compact, snaking to catch and avoid populations. Republicans label it the ‘Nancy Pelosi Protection Plan.’
Republicans call Democrats' congressional boundary maps 'shameful'
(The Center Square) – Republicans are once again frustrated with the Democratic congressional boundary maps released on Friday, with one calling it shameful, partisan gerrymandering.
Gateway Rail sues insurer over denied claim for railway car damage
EDWARDSVILLE — A railroad company is suing its insurer for allegedly denying its claim after several rail cars were stripped of wiring and electrical components.
Driver allegedly sideswiped another vehicle, causing it to crash into pond
EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist claims another driver sideswiped her vehicle on Interstate 270, causing the plaintiff to crash into a pond.
Walmart denies liability in customer's suit alleging slip, fall on air freshener
Walmart argues that a customer failed to keep a proper lookout when she allegedly slipped and fell on an air freshener that was on the restroom floor.
Attorney General Raoul Announces Consent Decrees to End Racial Discrimination in Hiring at Meat Processing Facility
Attorney General Raoul Announces Consent Decrees to End Racial Discrimination in Hiring at Meat Processing Facility.
Attorney General Raoul Seeks Answers From Facebook on Program That Promotes Covid-19 Disinformation
Attorney General Raoul Seeks Answers From Facebook on Program That Promotes Covid-19 Disinformation.
Gov. Pritzker and U.S. Senators Durbin and Duckworth Break Ground on $86 Million Transportation Center in Sangamon
Gov. Pritzker and U.S. Senators Durbin and Duckworth Break Ground on $86 Million Transportation Center in Sangamon.
Corporate Restructuring Webinar Series on October 19, 2021
Corporate Restructuring Webinar Series on October 19, 2021.
Woman run over by wood chipper seeks to collect $6.7 million from insurer
BENTON – Bailey Watson of Alton, who obtained a $6.7 million judgment against James Hodge for running over her with a wood chipper at their home, aims to collect it from an insurer that has denied coverage all along.
Marion High School student alleges track coach made racially discriminating comments, seeks $500K in damages
EAST ST. LOUIS — A Marion High School student claims her track coach made a racially discriminating comment and then retaliated against her on social media for reporting the alleged discrimination.
Iron workers union claims Red Bird Machinery failed to abide by collective bargaining agreement
EAST ST. LOUIS — St. Louis District Iron Workers Union claims Alpha Iron dissolved and became Red Bird Machinery, and then failed to abide by a collective bargaining agreement.
Dive barge worker sues over trip, fall
EAST ST. LOUIS — A dive barge worker claims he was injured when he tripped over a channel laying across the deck.
Updated ISBE policy puts private schools on probation for defying mask mandates instead of immediately revoking state recognition
Private schools will be granted a 60-day probation to address COVID-19 compliance issues in line with public school standards under ISBE’s updated policy. Nonrecognized schools were put on probation status Oct. 1.
Vaughan formally announces campaign for Fifth District Appellate Court
Fifth District Appellate Court Justice Barry Vaughan formally announced his candidacy to retain his seat on the Court, vowing to "keep liberal Chicago politics out of our courtrooms."
Discrimination suit alleges Pepsi promoted white employees with less qualifications, experience
EAST ST. LOUIS — An African American female employee at Pepsi MidAmerica claims white female employees with less qualifications and experience were given promotions and higher pay.
Fuel company worker alleges benzene exposure caused cancer
EDWARDSVILLE — A fuel company worker alleges his exposure to benzene and other toxic chemicals caused him to develop cancer.
Suit alleges Anderson Hospital failed to timely notify insurer of medical malpractice claim
EAST ST. LOUIS — An insurance carrier alleges its insured, Anderson Hospital, waited five years to notify it about a lawsuit filed by a mother alleging her baby suffered complications from a herpes infection.
Illinois' racial employment gap is double U.S. average
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced his reelection bid on July 19 with the key pillar of his campaign being his record on “protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Illinois.” Look at the “livelihoods” in Illinois, and that quickly looks like a poor campaign decision.