thompson-5-9-24,ph01 — Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at the kickoff of the renovation of the James R. Thompson Center. – Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams

State officials mark start of renovations to former Thompson Center

State officials kicked off the private renovation of the building which once served as the state government’s Chicago headquarters.

By Andrew Adams

9 of 10 wrongful death suits over Astroworld settled, lawyer says

Nine of the 10 wrongful death lawsuits filed after a deadly crowd surge at the 2021 Astroworld music festival have been settled, including one that was set to go to trial this week, an attorney said Wednesday.

By Juan A. Lozano

Illinois House GOP advances 2 trafficking victim bills

After Illinois received another failing grade from a national advocacy group, state House Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at further protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking.

By Cole Longcor

Auditors can’t locate former St. Louis circuit attorney for state audit

A state examination of the office that handles criminal prosecutions in St. Louis is being delayed because auditors can’t find former Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said Monday.

By Jim Salter

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Judge Jeffrey Cummings draws wisdom from practice of law, music

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings of the Northern District of Illinois understands that most people involved in a legal dispute invest their emotions as well as their time and resources in the case.

By Patricia Manson

Panel nixes bid to oust Fish and Wildlife Service director

An environmentalist who alleges director Martha Williams of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is serving in her post illegally has no federal claim against her, an appeals court held.

By Patricia Manson

Harvey officers denied new trial over wrongful arrest

A pair of Harvey city police officers are not entitled to a new trial or remittitur on damages for wrongfully arresting and detaining a man for attempted murder of three men in 2014, a federal judge held.

By Grace Barbic

Fired officer can’t pursue $1M from Cook County Sheriff’s Office

A man who was fired as a police officer after working other jobs while on disability status, including as an attorney, cannot pursue more than $1 million in back pay from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, a state appellate panel held.

By Emma Oxnevad

Feds have ‘significant safety concerns’ about Ford recall

Federal investigators say they have “significant safety concerns” about a Ford SUV recall repair that doesn’t fix gasoline leaks that can cause engine fires.

By Tom Krisher

CDLB People

Lathrop GPM added Brent W. Vincent as a partner to its tort, insurance and environmental practice group.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP added Jennifer Park as a partner.

Kaveny + Kroll’s Jeffrey J. Kroll spoke Tuesday at a seminar in Nashville, Tennessee.

CDLB People

Court rules on equal pay in case against Veteran’s Administration

Adopting a qualified version of the “middle ground approach” to an affirmative defense under the Equal Pay Act, a unanimous panel decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reinstated a pharmacist’s EPA claim against the Veteran’s Administration.

By Steven P. Garmisa

Roberto Clemente family battles Puerto Rico over license plates

Trademarks can provide a lucrative revenue stream for sports stars and generate significant income for their families long after the athletes’ deaths. Conflicts over trademark rights usually erupt between an athlete’s family and businesses seeking to capitalize on a player’s brand.

By Douglas N. Masters and Seth A. Rose

Goodman’s ‘Penelopiad’ makes myth beautifully contemporary

In 2005, celebrated author Margaret Atwood (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) responded to Canadian publisher Jamie Byng’s commission to solicit contemporary authors to rewrite ancient myths with “The Penelopiad.” The novella set forth her current interpretation of Homer’s classic “The Odyssey,” the tale in which Odysseus leaves his bride, Penelope, for 10 years to fight in the Trojan War.

By Julian J. Frazin

‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ ‘Flyover Chicago’ offer entertainment for entire family

The late Robin Williams has always been one of my favorite actors and comedians. His brilliant career included many celebrated performances such as those in “Good Morning Vietnam” and “Dead Poets Society,” as well as Academy Award-winning in “Good Will Hunting.” Unfortunately, his career tragically came to an end when he committed suicide at 63.

By Julian J. Frazin

As NFL protects lucrative Super Bowl IP, some businesses retort

By now, everyone knows that brands pay big bucks to air commercials during the Super Bowl. This year, advertisers shelled out roughly $7 million for a 30-second spot, for an estimated total of $650 million, according to estimates by the Sports Business Journal.

By Douglas N. Masters and Seth A. Rose

Returning to their roots

Alumni visited Thomas Kelly College Preparatory in Chicago to speak about legal careers as part of the Diversity Scholarship Foundation’s Law Day program. Shown are Illinois Appellate Court Law Clerk Genesis Miranda (front row left), Appellate Justice Jesse Reyes (center) and Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Betty Murcia (right). Also pictured are Principal Raul Magdaleno (back row left) and debate club members. Photo courtesy of DSF

Judges join Polish parade

Members of the Polish American Judges Association ride in a float Saturday at the 2024 Polish Constitution Day Parade in Chicago. The 134th annual parade celebrated the 1791 signing of the Polish Constitution. Pictured left to right from top row are judges Diann Marsalek, Stephen Kozicki, Diane Pezanoski, Audrey Cosgrove, Daniel Kubasiak, Jonathan Clark Green and James Pieczonka. Photo courtesy of Polish American Judges Association

New Cook Circuit judges sworn in

Ten of 12 new and existing judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County were sworn in Monday at the Bilandic Building in Chicago after their recent appointments ahead of the fall election. From left: John A. Fairman, Pablo F. deCastro, Nadine J. Wichern, Rivanda Doss Beal, Audrey V. Cosgrove, Michael M. Chvatal, Jeffrey G. Chrones, Griselda Vega Samuel, Lloyd James Brooks and James V. Murphy. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and justices Joy V. Cunningham, P. Scott Neville Jr. and Elizabeth M. Rochford also attended. Photo courtesy Illinois Courts

Prejean speaks at Catholic Lawyers Guild event

Sister Helen Prejean, a nun and death penalty opponent whose story was depicted in “Dead Man Walking,” joined the Catholic Lawyers Guild this month for a community event. Prejean, center, is shown with attendees including Illinois Supreme Court Justices Elizabeth M. Rochford and Joy V. Cunningham, appellate justice Jesse G. Reyes and former Gov. Pat Quinn. Photo by Kaisa Roseth-Johnson

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New Cook Circuit judges sworn in

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State officials mark start of renovations to former Thompson Center

9 of 10 wrongful death suits over Astroworld settled, lawyer says

Illinois House GOP advances 2 trafficking victim bills

Auditors can’t locate former St. Louis circuit attorney for state audit

High-stakes antitrust case against Google wraps up

Illinois House Democrats muscle through changes to ballot access