News from 2021
Lawrence County family alleges harassment, illegal searches
EAST ST. LOUIS — A family alleges they were victims of harassment and illegal searches by their neighbors and Lawrence County deputies in an effort to force them out of the neighborhood.
Plasters, cement mason union alleges violation of collective bargaining agreement
EAST ST. LOUIS — A contracting company is being sued for allegedly failing to pay contributions and submit reports per a collective bargaining agreement with the plasters and cement mason local union.
Insurer says it has no duty to defend BIPA class action
An insurer asks for declaratory relief from the court finding that it is not required to defend its client in a class action alleging Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act violations.
Shopper slips on air freshener in restroom, sues Granite City Walmart
EDWARDSVILLE — A shopper claims she was injured when she slipped on an air freshener on the restroom floor at the Granite City Walmart.
Man-Up Testosterone allegedly failed to disclose franchise information
EAST ST. LOUIS — Man-Up Testosterone Centers is accused of failing to disclose information on a franchise purchase in violation of federal and state law.
Parents allowed to opt out of controversial sex education mandates; Recommended guidelines suggest kindergarteners learn about masturbation, birth, intercourse
Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools Robert Werden said the Illinois State Board of Education is still working through details of the controversial sexual education bill, but parents are expected to be able to opt out.
UTV passenger allegedly seriously injured in Bethalto crash with mailbox
EDWARDSVILLE — Bethalto homeowners are being sued after a passenger in a utility task vehicle (UTV) suffered severe injuries and took his own life after the vehicle struck a mailbox that was allegedly covered with weeds and intruding on the roadway.
Maune Raichle leveled $402K sanction in Bestwall bankruptcy for pursuing 'egregious' Illinois lawsuit
CHARLOTTE - U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laura Beyer laid a $402,817.70 penalty on St. Louis asbestos firm Maune Raichle on Aug. 31, to reimburse a Georgia Pacific entity for defending an Illinois lawsuit the firm filed in violation of an order she entered.
Madison County real estate Jul. 19-23
An Alton residence sold for $680,000 as part of the Madison County real estate transactions Jul. 19-23.
St. Clair County real estate May 10-14
An O'Fallon commercial property sold for $2,593,500 as part of the St. Clair County real estate transactions May 10-14.
Madison County civil docket Sep. 6-10
Madison County judges Smith and Threlkeld have law cases scheduled on the civil docket Sep. 6-10.
Franklin County wants former federal judge deposed in suit over detainee's sexual assault
EAST ST. LOUIS – Franklin County wants former federal judge Patrick Murphy to discredit his former client Felicia Hill, who swears she didn’t agree to settle a claim over a jailer’s sexual assault for $75,000.
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.