News from October 2022
Illinois unemployment rate is worst in U.S.
Illinois added 14,900 jobs in September, but its unemployment rate was the highest in the nation. Inflation and growing recession fears could hit the state harder than most.
Julian touts role as asbestos lawyer helping cancer victims, while reform advocate points to devastation left by litigation industry
EDWARDSVILLE – Democrat judicial candidate Barry Julian, whose wealth was built on asbestos litigation, seeks election as judge in the court where roughly half the country's asbestos litigation plays out.
Elik points to Silkwood's fiscal record as East Alton mayor: Property taxes rose, funding for police-fire pensions sunk
East Alton Village financials indicate that taxes were raised as the general fund was depleted and pension funds worsened under Illinois House candidate Joe Silkwood’s leadership.
Troutman Pepper Achieves Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification Plus
Troutman Pepper Achieves Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification Plus.
Ex-ISP office head: Reputation 'held hostage' by court hold on lawsuit over Pritzker-connected ex-worker's sex assault claims
Jack Garcia, ex-director of the Illinois State Police Merit Board, has asked a federal judge to lift a stay on his lawsuit vs Jenny Thornley, who is accused of manufacturing sex assault claims to thwart an investigation into alleged criminal conduct, and then used her ties to Gov. JB Pritzker to get Garcia removed
Stuart's campaign relying on coastal strategists; Only 5% of funding since July 1 is locally sourced
SPRINGFIELD – Democrat Representative Katie Stuart of Edwardsville runs with money from Chicago and Springfield and strategy from California and Washington.
SAFE-T Act targets cops for online transparency, but not criminals
It’s remarkable that as Illinois state lawmakers make police misconduct data more transparent under their 764-page SAFE-T Act, they’ve totally ignored needed reforms to bring similar transparency to felony criminal case sentencing. In places like Cook County, where horrific crimes by repeat offenders are daily news, residents should know who’s responsible.
Bipartisan group of lawmakers objects to Pritzker's endless COVID rules
Members of the Illinois General Assembly’s bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules are questioning the prolonged state of emergency regarding COVID-19. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has declared a state of emergency 35 times.
Pritzker Administration Announces a $1.25 million fine for Celtic Insurance Company for Violation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act
Pritzker Administration Announces a $1.25 million fine for Celtic Insurance Company for Violation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act.
Covid vax for kids: Korte says parents and doctors know better; Millions being raised for 112th incumbent
Republican candidate for House District 112 Jennifer Korte reacted to Thursday's decision by a panel of the Centers for Disease Control recommending that children six months and older, as well as adults, should get the Covid vaccine and boosters when eligible.
Teen driver sued for allegedly causing crash that killed 11-year-old passenger
EDWARDSVILLE – A teenage driver is being sued for wrongful death after allegedly crashing into a utility pole, killing an 11-year-old girl.
Belleville woman alleges homeowner failed to disclose property defects prior to sale
BELLEVILLE – A Belleville resident has filed a lawsuit claiming that a property owner knowingly sold her a residence without disclosing the property's numerous defects.
IL Supreme Court cites SAFE-T Act, throws out sentence that took into account prior juvy burglary conviction
The Illinois Supreme Court's Democratic majority said they believe the passage of the SAFE-T Act's criminal justice reforms reinforce conclusion that Democratic lawmakers meant to block courts from using prior juvenile convictions when sentencing people for crimes committed as adults
Slotzky's tavern employee alleges injuries after falling down stairs
EDWARDSVILLE – An employee of Slotzky's tavern has filed a negligence lawsuit after falling down the stairs at work.
Tractor trailer driver allegedly caused rear end collision in construction zone
EAST ST. LOUIS - A truck driver claims another man operating a tractor trailer failed to stop in construction zone traffic, causing a collision.
Class action alleges Walmart violates BIPA by using facial recognition-enabled video surveillance system
EAST ST. LOUIS - A class action lawsuit filed in Southern Illinois district court alleges the security system used by Walmart, Inc. violates customers' privacy under state law.
Illinois Supreme Court Adopts New Rule for Trial Exhibits
Illinois Supreme Court Adopts New Rule for Trial Exhibits.
White ex-city worker, passed over for promotion, can resume racial discrimination suit vs city of Springfield
An appeals panel says conflicting explanations from Springfield city officials raise many questions over whether they only wanted to promote a Black person to reflect the city's commitment to "reflect the city's demographics."
Jumper's judicial campaign funded by plaintiff's bar, Julian is self-funding campaign with loans
Campaign contributions for Madison County circuit judge candidates remain slow for most candidates as the Nov. 8 election nears.
Gov. Pritzker continues to abuse his executive powers: 949 days and counting
He’s done it again. Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his 35th Covid Disaster Proclamation on October 14, 2022.