News from 2021
Counties facing map challenges give up on originals, as cases proceed in federal court
EAST ST. LOUIS – Two county boards that attorney Paul Evans of O’Fallon sued in federal court for drawing district maps before the U.S. census was released have abandoned those maps.
Cryptocurrency exchange accused of collecting biometric data without consent
BELLEVILLE — The world's largest Cryptocurrency exchange company, Binance, is facing a class action alleging it illegally collected users' biometric data.
Motorist allegedly ran stop sign, caused East St. Louis crash
BELLEVILLE — A motorist claims he was injured when another driver ran a stop sign in East St. Louis and caused a collision.
Jurors in McGlynn’s court reach verdict for Raymond Corp. in leg amputation case
EAST ST. LOUIS – Jurors in U.S. district court cleared forklift maker Raymond Corporation of liability in a lower leg imputation trial on Nov. 11.
1-in-5 Illinois students chronically truant thanks to COVID-19 mandates
Illinois students were missing – in masses – during the COVID-19 restrictions on in-person learning. As a result, nearly 20% fewer students met math and English proficiency standards.
Republicans, Latino advocates file proposed map to 'correct constitutional defects' of Dems' state districts
The proposed new map, filed with federal judges, would nearly triple the number of majority Latino state House and Senate districts, compared to plan approved by Democrats and signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in September
Illinois only state east of Mississippi with statewide mask mandate
Gov. J.B. Pritzker teased Illinoisans in mid-October that he might lift the statewide mask mandate if new COVID-19 cases declined. But he recently pulled back on that hope, leaving Illinois as one of the few states with a statewide mask mandate.
Sub contractor alleges Edwardsville School District has failed to pay for renovation work
EDWARDSVILLE — A sub contractor working on a renovation project for several schools in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District alleges the completed work has not been paid for.
MC Public Defender reports challenges filling open positions
During this month’s Judiciary Committee Meeting, Madison County Public Defender Mary Copeland reported that her office is struggling to fill open positions.
Devore sues Pritzker for defamation for calling him a 'grifter' for suing Pritzker over COVID mandates
Attorney Tom Devore has represented clients in a string of lawsuits vs Gov. JB Pritzker since May 2020 over Pritzker's use of executive powers and COVID-related mandates
Amendment 1 could make it harder to root out corruption in Illinois
With additional protection in the Illinois Constitution, state employees and even public officials could be shielded from discipline and corruption reforms thwarted.
St. Clair County voters should let board members know what they think of map
When St. Clair County board members vote up or down on the latest redistricted political map next Tuesday, they will be sealing the direction of county governance for the next decade.
Suit alleges motorist caused Godfrey collision after leaving Grafton bars
EDWARDSVILLE — A family claims they were injured in a Godfrey crash allegedly caused by a drunk driver.
St. Clair County real estate Jul. 19-23
A Swansea retail property sold for $629,950 as part of the St. Clair County real estate transactions Jul. 19-23.
Madison County real estate Sep. 27-Oct. 1
An Edwardsville office property sold for $7,672,945 as part of the Madison County real estate transactions Sep. 27-Oct. 1.
Madison County civil docket Nov. 15-19
Madison County judges Ruth, Smith and Threlkeld have law cases scheduled on the civil docket Nov. 15-19.
Circuit Clerk Clay to step down from position by end of month
BELLEVILLE – St. Clair County circuit clerk Kahalah Clay resigned her position effective Nov. 30.
OSHA Issues Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS
OSHA Issues Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS.
Federal court could rule on Illinois legislative maps next month
(The Center Square) – With about two months until politicians file to run for statehouse seats, the new legislative maps for Illinois House and Senate districts are in the hands of the courts.
Kern introduces another redistricted map; White Democrat base little changed while Republican vote 'flagrantly diluted,' critic says
BELLEVILLE – St. Clair County board chairman Mark Kern withdrew a map of board districts that came under court challenge, and drew another.