News from November 2022
'Truth in Politics' bill would criminalize 'false' political advertising; Plummer calls it an assault on free speech
A bill that criminalizes "libel and defamation" in Illinois political advertising has State Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) calling the proposal an attack on the right to free speech.
Everything Illinoisans need to know about the SAFE-T Act
The omnibus criminal justice reform bill became highly politicized in the November elections, mixing fact and fiction. There are problems with the bill, but state lawmakers can fix them before the SAFE-T Act takes effect in January.
Changes to issuing warrants for failing to appear in court also concerns opponents of SAFE-T Act
(The Center Square) – Another change to Illinois’ criminal justice system coming Jan. 1 replaces arrest warrants for failure to appear for a court date with an order to show cause as to why the defendant didn't show up. Opponents of the sweeping legislation are as concerned about that provision as they are cashless bail.
St. Clair County real estate Aug. 8-12
A Belleville property sold for more than $5.8 million as part of the St. Clair County real estate transactions for Aug. 8-12.
Madison County real estate Oct. 17-21
A Highland property sold for more than $1.4 million as part of the Madison County real estate transactions for Oct. 17-21.
Former law partner claims Cates concealed nearly $10 million in fee settlements
EDWARDSVILLE – Lawyer Ryan Mahoney claims lawyer David Cates concealed almost $10 million in fees while they negotiated terms for ending their partnership in the Cates Mahoney firm of Swansea.
Madison County civil docket Dec. 5-9
Madison County judges Ruth, Smith, and Threlkeld have law cases scheduled on the civil docket Dec. 5-9.
Attorney General Raoul Releases Holiday Safe Shopping Guide
Attorney General Kwame Raoul released his annual Safe Shopping Guide highlighting recently recalled hazardous toys, children’s products and household items to help Illinois families shop safely this holiday season.
Maag files suit over man's FOID card denial following dismissed felony charges
Wood River attorney Thomas Maag is suing the chief of the Firearms Services Bureau for denying a FOID card application submitted by a man charged - but not convicted - with three felonies, which were later dismissed.
Truck driver sued over fatal O'Fallon collision
BELLEVILLE – A truck driver and his employer are being sued for wrongful death after he allegedly caused a collision, killing a father of two young sons.
'Fight for $15?' How quaint: Powerful Chicago union now wants $25 per hour minimum wage
What’s to be done in a state that has added no net new jobs in 20 years and has the highest unemployment rate in the nation?
Man alleges wrongful termination after filing for work comp benefits
EDWARDSVILLE – A former employee of Brandsafway claims he was wrongfully terminated for seeking worker's compensation benefits after he was injured on the job.
Non-Competes, Non-Solicits, and Confidentiality Agreements for Attorneys: What Are the Rules of the Road? – ACC Suburban Lunch Program
Non-competes for lawyers are generally forbidden as a matter of public policy, but there are exceptions to this rule, especially when it comes to in-house counsel who may perform various roles.
Mobile home tenant alleges injuries after front porch collapsed
EDWARDSVILLE – A tenant at a mobile home park claims the property owners fixed her porch with defective materials, causing her to fall through her porch and suffered injuries.
Amendment 1 makes vast majority of Illinoisans subservient to government workers: 7 percent lords over 93 percent
Amendment 1’s codification into the constitution was a mistake. We’ve repeatedly written about the troubles it’s about to cause: higher property taxes, complicated labor disputes, a tied-up court system, fewer parents rights, and a host of legal challenges in the private sector. See our Amendment 1 page for full details.
WBA promoter sues local establishments alleging piracy of five fights
EAST ST. LOUIS – Owners of Da Beno at 6830 State Street committed piracy to show five World Boxing Association fights to patrons, according to a complaint that distributor Joe Hands Promotions filed in U.S. district court on Nov. 23.
Patient sues Alton physical therapy center over shoulder injury
EDWARDSVILLE – A former Athletico patient claims he was prescribed an improper physical therapy program, which caused him to sustain serious injuries.
Dugan allows flood suits against the dissolved 'Commonfields' to go forward
EAST ST. LOUIS – Commonfields of Cahokia water district no longer exists but citizens can pursue a claim that it failed to protect them from floods of water and sewage, U. S. District Judge David Dugan ruled on Nov. 14.
McGlynn blocks attempt by state to clawback healthcare deductions of worker who didn't wear mask
EAST ST. LOUIS - U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn temporarily blocked state managers from recovering $1,195.92 they paid to corrections officer Garrett Rose of Salem while they went about firing him for not wearing a mask.
Contractor claims church failed to pay $3.4 million for renovation work
BELLEVILLE – A contractor claims a church reneged on a contract for remodeling work on their building and still owes him $3.4 million.