News from 2023
Low 3rd-grade literacy is warning for future learning, earning potential
Few Illinois third-grade students can read at grade level. Even fewer low-income and minority students are at grade level in reading. Research shows this is a warning sign for Illinois students’ academic success and adult earning potential.
No injury, no barriers? IL Sup Ct to decide if 'no-injury' standard for big money biometrics lawsuits applies to other laws, too
Walgreens has won the chance to ask the state high court to decide if plaintiffs' lawyers can press big money class actions in Illinois state courts under a federal identity protection law, despite no harm caused by a technical violation of the law, and despite rulings across the country that they can't do so
Suit alleges Protestant Memorial Medical Center patient suffered head injury after fall
BELLEVILLE – A patient of the Protestant Memorial Medical Center in Belleville claims he was neglected under the facility's care, causing him to fall and suffer serious head and brain injuries.
Man alleges injuries after finding glass in drink at Shiloh restaurant
BELLEVILLE – A man claims he suffered internal bleeding after allegedly being served a beverage with glass in it while dining at the 54th Street Grill in Shiloh.
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors Duly Health and Care Charitable Fund Fundraiser
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP and partners Elizabeth A. Bruer, Marie K. Lynch, and Jessica Levitt Acuna are proud to sponsor the “Care Affair Uncorked” fundraiser hosted by the Duly Health and Care Charitable Fund on October 7 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Dugan grants summary judgment in butter cake class action over faulty reports
EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge David Dugan, who accepted reports provided by class action attorney Spencer Sheehan about research on butter cake as true last year, found butter in the cake but no truth in the reports.
Madison County real estate Aug. 21-25
A St. Jacob property sold for more than $620,000 as part of the Madison County real estate transactions for Aug. 21-25.
St. Clair County real estate June 12-16
An East St. Louis property sold for nearly $5 million as part of the St. Clair County real estate transactions for June 12-16.
Madison County civil docket Oct. 10-13
Madison County circuit judges have hearings scheduled on the civil docket for Oct. 10-13.
List of weapons regulated by Protect Illinois Communities Act; Registration required by Jan. 1
The registry for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s weapons ban opened on Oct. 1; and, unless the Constitutional challenges are successful, all newly regulated firearms must be registered by Jan. 1.
Rep. Elik introduces bill to protect law-abiding gun owners' personal information
While Constitutional challenges to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s controversial gun ban are pending, Illinois State Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) filed legislation to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
The case for optimism: Why we can overcome these dark hours for America and Illinois
In its darkest hours, the American Revolution, America faced a single threat – the British Army – but today, the list of its mortal threats is long: an open border order, rampant crime, politicized schools, politicized justice, inflation, lost energy independence, biased and corrupt media, woke everything and suppression of free speech by social media colluding with the government.
Cahokia Heights argues advancements in surrounding communities caused its sewer failures
EAST ST. LOUIS – Cahokia Heights argued at U.S. district court that development in mostly white communities caused the failure of storm and sanitary sewers in its mostly black community.
Shopper sues over trip, fall at East St. Louis Family Dollar
BELLEVILLE – A shopper is suing an East St. Louis Family Dollar store after she allegedly tripped over a clothing rack and suffered injuries.
Chemical company alleges $2.5 million in damages following fire in neighboring building
BELLEVILLE – Afton Chemical Corporation has filed a lawsuit against Eagle Industrial Park after a fire broke out in their nearby building, forcing Afton to evacuate employees and temporarily shut down operations.
Attorney General Raoul Charges Village of Shipman Trustee With Theft and Misconduct
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that his office filed charges against a village trustee who formerly served as a village treasurer in Macoupin County for allegedly misusing village funds by collecting pay she was not entitled to and spending funds on personal expenses.
Class action alleges American Family Insurance underpays policyholders for insured damages
EDWARDSVILLE – An Illinois man has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the American Family Insurance Company, claiming the company undercalculates insurance payouts by calculating repair costs as depreciation.
Despite pending legal action, Illinois opens registry for gun ban law; Vagueness challenge set for next week as legislators address issues
(The Center Square) – Despite legal challenges pending over Illinois’ gun and magazine ban, Illinois State Police have opened the window for those who own banned firearms from before Jan. 10 to register them.
Breach of contract lawsuit claims Collinsville contractor failed to complete solar panel project
EDWARDSVILLE – Collinsville homeowners filed a breach of contract lawsuit against a contractor for allegedly failing to complete a solar installation project.
Edwardsville School Board settles suit with golfer alleging burns from electric pain reliever
BENTON – Former Edwardsville High Scol golfer Bailey Vorachek and the school board settled a claim that an electric pain reliever burned her back.