This week in History- Oct 11 through Oct. 15

10/12/01-- U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Belleville) first introduces legislation to name the Alton federal building after late Judge William L. Beatty. Beatty was the first judge from Madison County appointed to the federal bench.

10/13/99--Mississippi lawyer Don Barrett files a class action lawsuit against insurer County Companies in Madison County's court, alleging the firm illegally forces auto repair shops to use 'aftermarket' auto parts. In a similar case, Barrett previously secured a $1.2 billion verdict against State Farm Insurance.

10/11/97-- Judge Randall Bono heard a challenge of Edwardsville lawyer Tad Armstrong's fees by the State of Illinois. Armstrong had recently won a lawsuit against the state charging its sales tax was unconstitutional. He billed the state for 464 hours at $150 per hour, including several days in which he worked 20 or more hours.