News from November 2022
Backlash against ESG investment of taxpayer money grows, but Illinois and Chicago carry on
This has been a tough year for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing. Aside from increasingly harsh criticism like that above, ESG funds have suffered unprecedented withdrawals, their performance for investors has lagged the broader market and most elected officials who support it fared poorly in the recent election.
Plaintiff in BIPA action dies while awaiting rulings on statute of limitation, per violation damages
BENTON – Jermaine Minor, who claimed Sauget retailer Oldcastle violated Illinois law on privacy of fingerprints, died waiting for judges to interpret the law.
Passenger sues Bi-State bus company following collision
BELLEVILLE – A Bi-State bus passenger is suing the company after one of its employees allegedly crashed the bus into a steel pole, causing him serious injuries.
Troutman Pepper’s Chief Client Experience Officer Shortlisted for Financial Times’ Most Innovative Intrapreneur Award
Troutman Pepper’s Chief Client Experience Officer, Dan Pulka, has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative Intrapreneur category for The Financial Times’ 2022 Innovative Lawyers Awards North America.
Madison County Board passes $181.1 million budget and property tax levy
The Madison County Board on Wednesday approved a $181.1 million budget and a "zero-growth" property tax levy for the sixth straight year, according to an announcement of the board.
Outgoing MC board member revisits 'email spying' to clarify chairman Prenzler's prior knowledge
Outgoing Madison County board county member Eric Foster of Granite City challenged Chairman Kurt Prenzler one last time before his term ends next month, revisiting one of county government's most contentious issues in recent times.
Madison County jury awards $170,000 in wrongful termination suit against IDOT
Madison County jurors awarded a former Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) employee $170,000 in compensatory damages in a suit claiming he was terminated for reporting alleged fraud.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul Leads Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General Opposing No-poach Hiring Agreements
Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a bipartisan coalition of 21 attorneys general filing an amicus brief challenging “no-poach” provisions — which restrict the rights of workers to move from one franchise to another in the same restaurant chain — used by McDonald’s in its franchise agreements.
A 36th-straight Illinois Covid emergency declaration; 979 days under Pritzker's executive orders
It’s been so long now that most of the media and many Illinoisans no longer care that Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues to maintain a Covid disaster declaration for all of Illinois’ 102 counties. And with the elections out of the way, many may care even less.
Illinois lawmakers should start over on the SAFE-T Act, but they won't
Illinois state lawmakers have an opportunity to correct the gravest missteps baked into the SAFE-T Act. The best way to do that would be rescind the entire Act and start over. But Illinois Dems won't. Why should they dismantle SAFE-T, they'll ask, given the elections they swept last week?
In Honor of the Firm’s Veterans, HeplerBroom Donates to County Veterans’ Court
In honor of Veteran’s Day and its employees who are U.S. military veterans, HeplerBroom recently donated to the Madison County Veterans’ Court.
New survey finds 37% of small businesses delinquent on October rent
A survey found 37% of U.S. small businesses were delinquent on October rent, with inflation and rising costs absorbing “most sales gains.” Amendment 1 would likely raise commercial property taxes, and therefore rents in Illinois.
Madison County real estate Oct. 3-7
An Edwardsville property sold for more than $900,000 as part of the recent Madison County real estate transactions for Oct. 3-7.
St. Clair County real estate July 25-29
A property in Columbia sold for $615,000 as part of the recent St. Clair County real estate transactions for July 25-29
Madison County civil docket Nov. 21-25
Madison County judge Ruth has a law case scheduled on the civil docket Nov. 21-25.
IDFPR Issues First Full, Social Equity Cannabis Dispensing Organization Licenses
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today it has issued the first full adult use cannabis dispensing organization licenses to social equity applicants.
Presiding asbestos judge Stobbs elected chief judge in Madison County
Circuit Judge Stephen Stobbs has been elected unanimously as chief judge of the Third Judicial Circuit, succeeding Chief Judge Bill Mudge, who is retiring Dec. 4.
O'Gara reversed over a substitution among deliberating jurors distracted by cell phones and solitaire
MOUNT VERNON - St. Clair County Circuit Judge John O'Gara replaced a juror in deliberation at a criminal trial without guarding against prejudice, Fifth District appellate judges ruled on Nov. 14.
Associate judge vacancies announced in Madison County; Re-shaped court will decide replacements
Four months after the retirements of Madison County Associate Judges Philip Alfeld and Thomas Chapman in July, outgoing Chief Judge Bill Mudge has announced notice of their vacancies.
Woman files civil suit against man who allegedly sexually abused her as a child
BELLEVILLE – A woman has filed a civil lawsuit against a man who allegedly sexually abused and photographed her when she was a minor.