News from August 2023
IL Supreme Court allows remote hearings to comply with SAFE-T Act until March 2024
SPRINGFIELD – Although legislators require hearings in person for suspects seeking release without bail in accordance with the Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity Act (SAFE-T Act), Supreme Court Justices will allow remote hearings for the first six months.
Suit alleges money lender takes advantage of Indian tribe, offers rates up to 700%
EAST ST. LOUIS – Online lender Stanley Chao of Orlando collects illegal interest under a false cover of tribal immunity, Katherine Schnefke of Edwardsville alleges at U. S. district court.
An important lesson from Chicago on confronting the enemies of free speech
The modern left’s assault on free speech is perhaps the most terrifying element of the madness we have succumbed to for the simple reason that democracy is meaningless without it. The assault has been largely successful. Voices that should be heard are muzzled and, more insidiously, countless other voices are frightened into silence.
Illinois Supreme Court Announces Creation of Committee on Pretrial Education
The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the creation of the Illinois Judicial College Committee on Pretrial Education (CPTE) as a seventh Standing Committee of the Illinois Judicial College (Judicial College), elevating pretrial education from its current Pretrial Board Workgroup status in the Judicial College.
Federal appeals panel vacates $57M fee award in $181M settlement ending chicken price-fixing class action
Chicago federal appeals judges said objectors were right to argue a judge failed to give weight to evidence that the plaintiffs' lawyers have agreed to accept lesser amounts in other class action lawsuits on the West Coast
McGlynn grants AG Raoul's request for a new judge in challenge to firearm liability law
EAST ST. LOUIS – U. S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn decided not to preside over a challenge to an Illinois law imposing civil liability on gun makers and sellers for crimes that gun owners commit.
Banowetz appears in court as hearing is set in dispute over bid to withdraw guilty plea
EDWARDSVILLE - Circuit Judge Kyle Napp set a hearing for Nov. 8 on State's Attorney Tom Haine's motion to dismiss convicted killer Timothy Banowetz's bid to withdraw his guilty plea for the murder of Edwardsville asbestos attorney Randy Gori in 2020.
Metro East Auto Theft Task Force awarded $2.4 million grant
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias awarded the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force (MEATIF) more than $2.4 million to combat carjackings and vehicle thefts.
Madison County real estate July 17-21
A Wood River property sold for $685,000 as part of the Madison County real estate transactions for July 17-21.
St. Clair County real estate May 8-12
A Caseyville property sold for $1.27 million as part of the St. Clair County real estate transactions for May 8-12.
Madison County civil docket Sept. 4-8
Madison County judge Smith has law cases scheduled on the civil docket Sept. 4-8.
McGlynn to hear arguments on gun ban 'vagueness' claim
EAST ST. LOUIS – While U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn awaits a Seventh Circuit decision on his injunction against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s weapon ban law, he tackles a claim that owners won’t know how to comply due to vagueness.
Mayer Brown recognized in Managing IP's 2023 "IP Stars"
Mayer Brown practices and lawyers were recognized in the 2023 edition of Managing IP’s “IP Stars,” a leading guide to the world’s top intellectual property firms and practitioners.
Belleville attorney Jason Caraway suspended for allegedly keeping $770K of clients' money
BELLEVILLE – Injury lawyer Jason Caraway kept about $770,000 that belonged to clients, according to Illinois attorney registration and disciplinary commissioners.
Rep. Elik to run for re-election for Illinois House District 111
Republican State Rep. Amy Elik announced Tuesday that she is running for re-election for the 111th State Legislative District.
Midwest states expand school choice while Illinois fights to save scholarships for low-income students
Five Midwest states have enacted or expanded school choice programs since the Invest in Kids Act was enacted in 2017. Now Illinois’ scholarships are set to expire while other programs thrive.
Jeyser Claudio Joins Tressler's Government Practice Group
Tressler is excited to welcome Jeyser "Jey" Claudio to our Government Practice Group. Jey is an associate in our Bolingbrook office.
Mapes corruption conviction again shows need for 4 Illinois ethics reforms
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff and confidant was found guilty of perjury. His conviction is a reminder Springfield has a long way to go on ethics reform.
Trucking company denies liability in fatal crash with Greyhound bus at Silver Lake rest area
BENTON – Lack of parking space for trucks in Illinois contributed to a wreck that killed three people at Silver Lake rest area on Interstate 70, Robert Branum Trucking of Texas argues in U.S. district court.
Wrongful death suit alleges nursing home patient died after falling, hitting head
EDWARDSVILLE – The family of a patient who died after falling at Integrity Healthcare of Godfrey claims she was injured due to negligent care.