News from December 2022
IL Supreme Court puts bail elimination on hold while appeal continues of ruling declaring law unconstitutional
The order maintains the current criminal cash bail system beyond Jan. 1 to avoid potential chaos that could have been created by a Kankakee judge's ruling and Democrats' refusal to put the law on hold while they appeal that ruling to the state Supreme Court
Downstate judges block cash bail abolition in their counties; DuPage, Kane state's attorneys ask IL Supreme Court to step in
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called downstate court orders "11th hour theatrics" and an "abuse of the judicial process." The court orders relied on a Kankakee judge's decision saying Illinois Democrats violated the state constitution
Edwardsville attorney alleges solar panel company failed to complete installation
EDWARDSVILLE - An Edwardsville attorney claims a solar company failed to install solar panels and then "permanently closed" after he paid more than $15,000 in a down payment.
Woman sues bar, claiming she was hit in the head with a bottle by another patron
An O'Fallon woman has sued a Belleville bar, claiming another patron his her in the head with a bottle.
Attorney General Raoul Files Briefs Protecting Lgbtq+ Rights
Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed two separate legal briefs this week rejecting an attack on federal LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination protections and opposing Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits classroom discussions and has serious implications for LGBTQ+ students.
Man sues Target over bathroom stall collapse
BELLEVILLE - A Clinton County man is suing the department store chain Target, claiming a bathroom stall collapsed and caused him to fall on the floor.
Feds targeted these Illinois politicians for corruption in 2022
Illinois saw more than its fair share of corruption and misconduct again in 2022, but some politicians stood out in a crowded field.
Suit alleges Carrington Mortgage Services cashed someone else's check
BELLEVILLE – An individual claims Carrington Mortgage Services cashed a check that was meant for him and refuses to return the money.
2022 in review: A look at litigation, legislation and elections from the past year
From Democrat-supported state legislation passing in the middle of the night without public input to Republicans sweeping Madison County elections, 2022 came with its ups and downs. As the year comes to an end, let’s take a look at some of the biggest moments and hottest topics from the past 12 months.
Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced that the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Michael W. Reidy as an associate judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.
Kankakee judge: SAFE-T Act elimination of cash bail unconstitutionally tramples peoples' rights, courts' authority
The judge ruled the Illinois state law represents an illegal attempt by Illinois Democrats to rewrite the state constitution; Attorney General Kwame Raoul will appeal to Illinois Supreme Court
Judge finds bail reform and pre-trial release in SAFE-T Act unconstitutional; Pritzker expected to appeal to Illinois Supreme Court
Kankakee County Circuit Judge Thomas Cunnington on Wednesday ruled that the bail reform and pre-trial release provisions of the controversial SAFE-T Act are unconstitutional.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act Amendment
Solidifying Illinois' position as a leader in the emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry, Governor JB Pritzker today signed an amendment to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act into law, further incentivizing EV production across the state.
Over 460 soon-to-expire teachers union contracts and the 'Workers' Rights' Amendment make Illinois' April school board elections critical
With the “Workers Rights” Amendment now part of the state constitution, expect local teachers unions to test the limits of their new powers. Sure they’ll demand more pay given the record inflation, but it’s around school curriculums where Illinois parents should be most concerned. The amendment gives Illinois teachers new collective bargaining rights to negotiate over more issues, including curriculums, potentially eroding parents’ rights further.
St. Clair County real estate Sept. 6-9
A Belleville property sold for nearly $800,000 as part of the St. Clair County real estate transactions for Sept. 6-9.
Madison County real estate Nov. 14-18
An Edwardsville commercial property sold for $1.1 million as part of the Madison County real estate transactions for Nov. 14-18.
Madison County civil docket Jan. 2-6
Madison County judges Ruth, Smith, and Threlkeld have law cases scheduled on the civil docket Jan. 2-6.
More than 180 new laws to take effect in 2023
On New Year’s Day, dozens of new state laws will take effect in Illinois. Some are minor technical changes to state law, some are major overhauls. Keep reading to find out what changes are in store for Illinoisans in the New Year.
Woman alleges injuries after stepping in hole on Stookey Township property
BELLEVILLE – A woman has filed a negligence lawsuit against Stookey Township, alleging she was injured after she stepped in a hole on the defendant's property.
Attorney General Raoul Urges U.S. Department of Transportation to Strengthen Rules for Airline Ticket Refunds and Consumer Protections
As travelers nationwide prepare for the busy holiday season, Attorney General Kwame Raoul urges the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen protections for airline consumers and provide meaningful relief to those whose flights are unexpectedly canceled or significantly delay