News from March 2022
Illinois used to have one competitive advantage over its neighbors: its flat tax. Now that's largely gone
One of the few positives in Illinois we’ve been able to cheer over the years has been the state’s flat income tax rate. For years, Illinois was a flat tax state surrounded largely by progressive tax states, including Iowa, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Missouri.
Threlkeld grants mistrial in suit involving Collinsville crash; Defendants pursue sanctions
On the fourth day of a damages-only trial for a lawsuit involving a Collinsville collision, Madison County Circuit Judge Christopher Threlkeld granted a motion for mistrial.
House passes Elik's bill to improve transportation for kids in foster care
A bill sponsored by Rep. Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) that would improve the safety of transportation for foster children passed the House on March 7.
St. Clair County real estate Nov. 15-19
A Dupo industrial building sold for $4,400,000 as part of the St. Clair County real estate transactions Nov. 15-19.
You can drive under the influence if you have influence
Everybody knows better than to drink and drive, but some people do it anyway. If caught, they’ll suffer serious consequences – unless, of course, the ones driving under the influence have influence.
Madison County real estate Jan. 24-28
An Edwardsville industrial property sold for $54,039,427 as part of the Madison County real estate transactions Jan. 24-28.
Madison County civil docket Mar. 14-18
Madison County judges Ruth and Smith have law cases scheduled on the civil docket Mar. 14-18.
Statement from Stephan Blandin and Adam Levitt on the federal indictment of Michael Madigan, former Illinois Speaker of the House
Statement from Stephan Blandin and Adam Levitt on the federal indictment of Michael Madigan, former Illinois Speaker of the House.
Devon Archer will appeal tribal bond fraud sentence
NEW YORK CITY – Devon Archer, former business partner of Hunter Biden, plans to appeal a sentence of a year and a day for his role in a $43 million fraud.
Haine appeals subcircuit law he calls 'unjust, unconstitutional and riddled with problems'
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine has filed a notice of appeal on the Feb. 24 dismissal of his lawsuit against a state law that divided Madison County's judiciary into three subcircuits.
Hoffman's donors: 88% are from the outside; One from wife of former Burisma board member
SPRINGFIELD - In the last four calendar years, State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) has pulled in $2.8 million in itemized campaign contributions for a job that pays less than a base salary of $70,000 a year.
Volunteer volleyball coach sues school over student's 'obnoxious' behavior
EDWARDSVILLE - A volunteer volleyball coach for Saint Ambrose Catholic School claims she was injured when a student slid under the volleyball net and knocked her over.
Belleville woman killed by alleged drunk driver; Perpetrator's arrest was third DUI in St. Clair Co.
BELLEVILLE – Brandon Wilson of Freeburg, who late last month allegedly killed Ashley Dancy of Belleville by driving drunk, had beaten a drunk driving ticket from 2020 by pleading guilty on a drunk driving ticket from 2017.
More double-dipping Illinois school superintendents
Illinois school district superintendents keep finding ways to retire with generous Illinois pensions while continuing to get salaries to boot.
Attorney General Raoul, State Board of Education Announce Guidance to Combat School-to-Prison Pipeline
Attorney General Raoul, State Board of Education Announce Guidance to Combat School-to-Prison Pipeline.
Vaughan files petitions for Fifth District Appellate Court
Fifth District Appellate Court Justice Barry Vaughan submitted more than 2,500 signature petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections this morning to maintain his role serving central and southern Illinois residents on the court.
Haine appoints Emily Nielsen as Civil Division Chief
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine selected Emily Johnson Nielsen to serve as the Civil Division Chief for the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Trustee holder sued for allegedly withholding funds from recipient
EDWARDSVILLE - A man claims the trustee of a family trust spent all of the money and failed to distribute his portion of the funds.
Arch Insurance doesn't have to pay any more than $1 million for fatal semi crash
EAST ST. LOUIS – Arch Insurance paid $1 million on a trucker’s fatal crash but doesn’t have to pay another million, U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled on Feb. 18.
Shopper sues Ruler Foods over slip, fall on piece of paper
EDWARDSVILLE - A woman is suing a Granite City grocery store after she allegedly slipped and fell on a piece of paper in the checkout lane.