News from April 2024
Prenzler petitions to include multi-gender restroom advisory question on November ballot
Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler is collecting signatures for a petition to put an advisory question of public policy on the November ballot for voters within Edwardsville School District 7 regarding the new gender neutral restrooms planned for Edwardsville High School and Lincoln Middle School.
Haine releases SAO 2023 annual report for insight on how 'tax dollars are put to work in the cause of justice'
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine released his office’s annual report for 2023 on Tuesday, highlighting the State’s Attorney’s Office’s “stellar accomplishments” in upholding the law and advocating for justice.
Sheppard Mullin’s Entertainment Practice Earns Tier 1 Ranking
The firm's Entertainment, Technology and Advertising practice has been ranked Tier 1 in Media Law International’s MLI 2024, a guide to leading media law firms across 56 jurisdictions
Judge: Title IX plaintiffs can use IL law to retroactively demand 'emotional distress' damages
The Illinois law, known as the Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act, was enacted this year specifically to restore the ability of certain plaintiffs to use "emotional distress" claims to boost their potential payouts under civil rights lawsuits, in defiance of a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to limit the ability to do so
Jay Keeven slated to run on Republican ticket for House District 112 against Democrat Katie Stuart
Troy City Administrator and former Edwardsville Police Chief Jay Keevan announced today that he is running on the Republican ticket for Illinois’ 112th House District against Democrat incumbent Katie Stuart.
Epic Games seeks sanctions over 'frivolous' Fortnite addiction suit filed days after gaming account was created
EAST ST. LOUIS - Marion County parent Cynthia Jiminez sued Epic Games for addicting her child to video game Fortnite three days after the child created an account, Epic Games claims at U.S. district court.
Report Finds Fundamental Changes Needed to Scale Electric Vehicles in US
Outdated and insufficient infrastructure, alongside environmental regulatory programs, risk undermining the continued expansion of electric vehicles and EV battery manufacturing in the U.S., according to a new industry report.
IL lawmakers advance law to limit 'annihilative' payouts faced by business under biometrics law
The Illinois State Senate approved SB2979, which would explicitly limit the amount of money trial lawyers and plaintiffs can demand businesses pay under the Biometric Information Privacy Act. The law has spawned thousands of lawsuits generating hundreds of millions of dollars in legal fees
Attorney General Raoul Charges Owner of Suburban Cook County Fencing Company With Home Repair Fraud, Theft
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office is charging the owner and president of an Evergreen Park, Illinois fencing company for allegedly scamming Cook County residents out of more than $20,000 for work he never completed.
Progressive Universal Insurance sues Tori Lonsdale, Cara Lonsdale, Pamela Green, and Chemical Concepts for lack of insurance coverage
Progressive Universal Insurance Co. has filed an appeal against the interlocutory order granted to defendant Pamela Green, Tori Lonsdale, Cara Lonsdale, and Chemical Concepts Inc., by the Circuit Court of Madison County, Illinois (Case No. 23-MR-167) on November 3, 2023.
Juan Reyes sues Randy Brinegar for denial of motion for subpoenas and reconsideration
Juan Reyes has filed an appeal against Randy Brinegar in the Appellate Court of Illinois, Fifth District.
KCIC: Madison, St. Clair Counties were top asbestos jurisdiction in 2023; Cook County saw greatest increase
Madison and St. Clair Counties again saw the most asbestos case filings for 2023 nationwide, and Cook County saw the highest increase in filings according to a report by KCIC, a Washington D.C.-based technology and management consulting company.
Norfolk Southern settles Ohio train derailment case for $600 million, pursues third party complaint
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Following a $600 million settlement, Norfolk Southern switched positions from defendant in an explosion suit to plaintiff seeking contribution from three sources.
Objection: Dental patient allegedly 'judge shopped' after dismissing claim on eve of trial, refiling and seeking new judge
An Alton dentist and dental practice argue that Illinois Supreme Court precedent prohibits a former patient from “judge shopping” by voluntarily dismissing her complaint prior to trial, refiling it and then seeking a new judge.
Video game makers oppose MDL for suits alleging exploitation of minors
EAST ST. LOUIS - National consolidation of six video game addiction suits in three states makes no sense and probably won’t happen, argued defendants in the only suit at Southern Illinois District Court.
Attorney General Raoul’s Office Collects More Than $1 Billion in State Revenue in 2023
Attorney General Kwame Raoul presented the proposed budget for the Attorney General’s office for the next fiscal year to lawmakers in Springfield.
Apple users seek class certification in suit alleging Photos App violates BIPA
Apple product users are asking U.S. District Judge Nancy Rosenstengel to certify a class action against the tech giant on allegations that it collected and stored their biometric identifiers through the PhotosApp.
Dugan dismisses suit against AriZona Beverages over 'Lite' labeling; Plaintiff knew of nutrition facts but continued to purchase
U.S. District Judge David Dugan dismissed another deceptive labeling lawsuit filed by New York attorney Spencer Sheehan against AriZona Beverages, finding the consumer knew of the tea’s nutritional facts despite its “Lite” labeling but still chose to continue purchasing the beverage.
Coalition seeks to let IL voters deliver message on parents' rights in November
Thousands of volunteers aligned with conservative social policy groups across Illinois are seeking signatures to place an advisory referendum on the fall ballot asking voters if they believe Illinois law should require parents' consent before children receive non-emergency medical care or therapy
Ron & Mark Ward sues Bank of Herrin for breach of contract and seeking injunctive relief
In the case of Ron & Mark Ward, LLC; RLW & MLW, LLC; Ward Chrysler Center, Inc.; Ronald L. Ward; and Mark L. Ward (Plaintiffs) vs Bank of Herrin (Defendant), filed in the Appellate Court of Illinois, Fifth District under case ID 21-MR-107 on March 20, 2024, the plaintiffs sought a preliminary injunction against the defendant's default remedies on certain loan documents.