Latest News
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.
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
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.
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
Gun advocates seek summary judgment in constitutional challenge to state's "Carry Ban" for gun owners under age 21
Gun advocates and their members under the age of 21 are asking the court to grant summary judgment in their constitutional challenge against Illinois’ “Carry Ban” for gun owners between the ages of 18 and 20.
Rep. Schmidt donates legislative pay raise he opposed to food pantries; 'I put my money where my mouth is'
Illinois State Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is donating the legislative pay raise he voted against to community food pantries within his district each month.
Maag files expert witness list disclosure in challenge to 'assault weapons' ban
Wood River attorney Thomas Maag filed an expert witness disclosure on behalf of the Langley plaintiffs in their constitutional challenge to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s law banning so-called “assault weapons.”
Amazon can't escape potentially huge biometrics class action over virtual try-on tool
A federal judge has cleared a Cook County woman and her Chicago lawyers to proceed with a class action under Illinois' biometrics privacy law. The same woman and her lawyers failed in 2022 in their bid to target an online eyewear seller over similar claims
Agriculture offices, universities subpoenaed in Paraquat litigation
EAST ST. LOUIS - Mass action lawyers who claim weed killer paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease responded to an order for individual discovery by serving subpoenas on 48 agriculture offices from Idaho to Georgia and two universities.
Raoul asks IL Supreme Court to dismiss cross-appeal on claim that firearm liability law violated the three readings rule
In response to a challenge to the state's firearm liability law, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is asking the Illinois Supreme Court to dismiss Wood River attorney Thomas Maag's cross-appeal on the three readings rule for lack of jurisdiction.
Stobbs announces associate judge vacancy in Third Judicial Circuit; Slemer set to retire Aug. 2
Madison County Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs announced an associate judge vacancy for the Third Judicial Circuit due to the impending retirement of Associate Judge Ronald R. Slemer.
EEOC files rare lawsuit against pig weaning company Sis-Bro for allegedly discriminating against transgender employee
EAST ST. LOUIS - Employment regulators claim pig weaners Clare Schilling of New Athens and Drew Schilling of Smithton constructively discharged a transgender employee after transition from male to female.
Dugan rejects Cahokia Heights' report on sewer system
EAST ST. LOUIS - U.S. District Judge David Dugan rejected a report by Cahokia Heights on progress toward a consent decree for better sewers and decided to measure it for himself.