News from September 2021
Illinois must maintain low-cost energy for residents and businesses
During the late hours of September 9, the House of Representatives approved legislation (SB 2408) to put Prairie State Energy Campus located in southern Illinois at a competitive disadvantage, leaving the coal-fired power plant in my district with unachievable regulations that will lead to its closure in 2045.
Class action over McKendree’s Covid-related campus closure dismissed in federal court
BENTON – McKendree University didn’t breach a contract with students when it closed the campus last year, U.S. District Judge Staci Yandle ruled on Sept. 27.
Widow alleges negligent medical care led to husband's death following heart attack
EDWARDSVILLE — A woman alleges her husband's doctors and nurses failed to properly diagnose and treat his myocardial infarction, resulting in his death.
Thanks, Champ, for being an American
ut the most clearly memorable time came in the search for history. It was found at the five story museum dedicated to the life and legacy of one of Louisville’s and indeed the world’s most famous citizens, Muhammed Ali.
Motorist alleges fractured sternum from Godfrey collision
EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist claims he suffered a fractured sternum and other serious injuries from a head on collision in Godfrey.
In St. Clair County redistricting challenge, plaintiff proposes map with actual census data
EAST ST. LOUIS – Lawyer Paul Evans of O’Fallon drew St. Clair County board districts according to the 2020 census and offered his map in U.S. district court to replace the one passed by the board in May based on population estimates.
Driver sued over rear end collision in Alton
EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist is suing another driver after he allegedly suffered injuries in a rear end collision in Alton.
Former Beverly Farm Foundation employee alleges retaliation over work comp claim
EDWARDSVILLE — A former Beverly Farm Foundation employee claims she was fired in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim after her finger became stuck in a wheelchair.
Driver alleges concussion from crash at Edwardsville intersection
EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist alleges another driver failed to obey a traffic signal and yield the right of way at an Edwardsville intersection, causing a crash.
If only ‘only if’ wasn’t in statute: Regional school board was wrong to carve Roxana student into Edwardsville 7
MOUNT VERNON – Madison County regional board of school trustees improperly shifted a student from Roxana to Edwardsville, Fifth District appellate judges ruled on Sept. 20.
Illinois misses deadline to repay $4.2 billion federal unemployment insurance loan
Illinois missed the September deadline to repay a $4.2 billion federal unemployment loan. Employers warn inaction by state lawmakers could ‘cripple’ businesses and the COVID-19 economic recovery.
Streaming services oppose Shiloh's motion to remand 'copycat' fee dispute
Several streaming services argue that the Village of Shiloh’s fee dispute should not be remanded because a similar class action had already been filed in federal court.
Minor pedestrian allegedly struck by motorist at East Alton crosswalk
EDWARDSVILLE — A driver allegedly struck a minor who was crossing at a pedestrian crosswalk in East Alton, causing him to suffer injuries.
HarrisMartin's Midwest Asbestos Conference focuses on changes to asbestos litigation in response to pandemic
A common theme at HarrisMartin’s Midwest Asbestos Conference on Tuesday was how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered asbestos litigation and guidelines for maintaining decorum while navigating working remotely.
Does IL workers' comp trump biometric privacy law? IL Supreme Court considers, with 'financial fate of IL employers at stake'
Employers argue "injuries" suffered by workers whose privacy rights may have been violated in the workplace should be sent to Illinois' workers' comp system. Plaintiffs say the cases belong in court, with potentially billions of dollars on the line.
Madison County public defender: Man accused of murdering Gori rejects plea deal
EDWARDSVILLE – Timothy Banowetz turned down an offer to plead guilty of murdering lawyer Randy Gori, his lawyer Mary Copeland told Madison County circuit judge Kyle Napp on Sept. 22.
Illinois payrolls stagnant, unemployment rate 35% higher than U.S. average
Illinois’ non-farm payrolls only added 2,500 jobs from mid-July to mid-August. Unemployment was steadily high as the rest of the nation recovered.
Madison County Board agrees to terminate lease with Historical Museum
Madison County Board members approved a resolution seeking to dissolve the county’s 97-year relationship with the Madison County Historical Museum and Archival Library in a mutual agreement.
Man sues Walgreens for denying employment over Consumer Report, failing to provide report
EAST ST. LOUIS — A man claims Walgreens violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FRCA) by denying him a job based on his Consumer Report without providing him with a copy of the report or a summary of his FRCA rights.
You want my fingerprint? Here’s a finger!
Last year, some in state Facebook users invoked the Illinois biometrics privacy law and sued FB, claiming it violated their privacy rights by not obtaining permission from them in advance for its photo tagging system.