News from December 2023
McGlynn hears arguments on firearm registration injunction; State counsel: Ignorance of statute is no defense to criminal prosecution
EAST ST. LOUIS - Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois can move to enjoin registration of weapons and parts after the deadline passes on Jan. 1, U. S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn said at a hearing on Dec. 12.
Fifth District affirms jury verdict contributing negligence to man injured during construction of his home
MOUNT VERNON - St. Clair County jurors correctly assigned 45% of negligence to plaintiff Stephen Harris in an injury suit against Germantown Seamless Guttering, Fifth District appellate judges ruled on Dec. 6.
Office of Statewide Pretrial Services Releases First Sets of Data Related to Pretrial Legislation
The Office of Statewide Pretrial Services (OSPS) released today the first sets of data following implementation of Public Act 101-652 (previously called the Pretrial Fairness Act) on Sept. 18, 2023. OSPS currently serves 71 of Illinois’ 102 counties.
Illinois’ long slide in manufacturing jobs continues
Short-term. Long-term. No matter how you slice it, Illinois’ manufacturing sector is in trouble.
Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Associate Judge Graham as Circuit Court Judge in the Ninth Circuit
Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Nigel D. Graham as a Resident Circuit Judge for McDonough County in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Illinois audit to probe the cost of free healthcare for undocumented immigrants; Elik: 'We really can't afford it'
As Gov. J.B. Pritzker pitches for more federal funds to deal with the burgeoning immigrant crisis, one question remains: How much is this influx costing Illinois in terms of free healthcare?
SCOTUS declines to block IL 'assault weapons' ban; Law poised to take effect on Jan. 1
In the past two days, the U.S. Supreme Court has declined two invitations to issue emergency injunctions blocking the state from enforcing the new gun ban law. The decision leaves thousands, if not millions, of Illinois residents facing the risk of criminal charges while constitutional challenges to the law continue to play out in court
Father alleges Rottweiler attacked son at Granite City home
EDWARDSVILLE - A Granite City woman is being sued after her Rottweiler allegedly attacked a child playing in her yard.
Illinois native Circuit Judge Millett authors ruling on Trump's gag order, partially upholding restrictions
After receiving attention last month for yelling at former President Donald J. Trump’s lawyer for refusing to answer a hypothetical question, Marine native and Circuit Judge Patricia A. Millett delivered an opinion for the U.S. Court of Appeals in the D.C. Circuit partially upholding his gag order.
Rudolf receives Presidential Service Award for his work with schools
St. Clair County Circuit Judge Heinz Rudolf was awarded the Presidential Service Award by the Illinois Judges Association at the annual convention on Dec. 8.
Shopper sues over slip, fall at Granite City Schnucks
EDWARDSVILLE - A shopper at the Granite City Schnucks grocery store claims she was seriously injured when she slipped and fell on a foreign substance.
Illinois again seeing one of the most-contested elections in two decades
Illinois politicians have worked hard to protect incumbent state lawmakers and discourage newcomers. But that is changing for the second election cycle in a row as more Illinoisans work to get into the Illinois General Assembly.
Tenant at Godfrey apartment sued over grease fire started by guest
EDWARDSVILLE - A tenant at a Godfrey apartment is being sued after her guest started a grease fire while frying food.
Woman sues owners of Belleville property over slip-and-fall incident
BELLEVILLE – A woman has filed a lawsuit against the owners of a Belleville property, claiming that she was seriously injured when she slipped and fell on the icy sidewalk.
Why you should miss Squeezy the Pension Python
Illinois recently released its biggest, regular report on government pensions. Before getting to that, however, it’s fascinating to look back on what was widely agreed about pensions not long ago, and how all that was said is now forgotten.
Third District reverses dismissal of David Cates' fourth DUI charge
OTTAWA - St. Clair County Associate Judge Tameeka Purchase committed error when she dismissed a misdemeanor charge that Belleville lawyer David Cates drove under the influence, Third District appellate judges ruled on Dec. 5.
Illinois Supreme Court Amends Rules To Expediate Pretrial Appeals
The Illinois Supreme Court announced amendments to Supreme Court Rule 315 as well as clarifying language amendments to Rules 46 and 604, 605, and 606.
LIVE WEB - Navigating Ethics in Trusts & Estate Practices: Part 1 - Foundation on December 13, 2023
The program closes with a brief Q&A in which attendees are encouraged to submit their question via the webcast chat feature.**
Jury returns verdict in favor of Madison County deputies in suicidal man's federal suit alleging excessive force
EAST ST. LOUIS - After a previous jury concluded that Brian Schell did not resist arrest during a criminal trial in 2019, jurors at his civil trial against Madison County deputies heard the full story and decided that he did.
Prenzler: PTELL would have prevented tax levy increases greater than 5%
The Illinois Truth in Taxation law requires that a notice be published in a newspaper and a public hearing must be held, if the proposed aggregate tax levy is more than 5 percent greater than the previous year's tax extension.