Dawn Geske News
Seventh Circuit to decide whether discrimination based on sexual orientation violates Title VII
CHICAGO – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has reversed its initial decision and decided to rehear a case en banc that looks at whether sexual orientation discrimination is protected under Title VII.
NLRB extends jurisdiction to cover teachers at church-affiliated private schools
Federal labor regulators at the National Labor Relations Board have expanded the agency's reach within religious private schools, finding that faculty and others at the schools who don’t provide religious instruction should no longer be considered exempt from federal workplace rules.
Non-compete agreements banned for low-wage employees in Illinois
A new law prohibiting non-compete agreements for low-wage earners has been signed into law by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Attorney general sues pharmaceutical company over marketing of morphine-like drug
CHICAGO – A lawsuit has been filed by the Illinois attorney general against a pharmaceutical company for alleged deceptive marketing and selling of an opioid described as more powerful than morphine.
Court clears path for publishing company to sue city over posting ordinance
A nonprofit publishing company will be allowed to press its lawsuit against the city of Chicago over its ordinance restricting certain posters on city light poles.
New laws requiring greater accommodation of pregnant workers, may require employers to shift mindset
Pregnant workers are getting some relief as more states pass legislation to prevent discrimination in the workplace in addition to providing accommodations during their pregnancy.
$35 million jury verdict for fatal 5-car crash pared back by $15 million
A combined $35 million judgment stemming from a fatal five-car crash has been pared back, after a judge took another look at the huge jury verdict.
Artist Peter Doig triumphs over claims he painted a work he asserted wasn't his
In a seeming case of mistaken identity, a Scottish painter has been cleared of any obligations to a purchaser of a painting that the artist claims he never painted.
Rising assessments in Chicago may signal end of real estate market downturn
The latest assessment values for Cook County, showing an increase in the city of Chicago, signal that the steady decline that began in 2008 may be at an end.
New IL law boosts domestic workers' legal protections, ups lawsuit risk vs household employers
A new Illinois law, the Domestic Worker’s Bill of Rights Act, affords domestic workers protection from employment-related discrimination, and could create a significant new litigation threat for families who employ them.
Jail time for Maine egg distributors should prompt caution, diligence from other food execs, attorney says
Food company executives should be on notice that a new federal emphasis on cracking down on food safety violations could land them in jail, should their company be found liable for food-borne disease outbreaks, after a federal appeals court upheld jail sentences for two corporate officers found responsible for failing to prevent the distribution of eggs contaminated with salmonella that affected 56,000 people.
NLRB OKs grad student worker unionization, opens up new litigation risks for colleges
In a landmark decision, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that graduate students employed at private universities have the right to unionize. And while benefits won in potential collective bargaining may increase costs and tuition, it may also open colleges and universities to greater risks of being sued.
OSHA fines increase significantly, in first-ever rise
Fines have increased significantly for employers found to be in violation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Seventh Circuit's ruling in favor of pancake houses in tip credit dispute may resonate
A decision in favor of a suburban Chicago chain of pancake houses in a wage dispute over how much it pays its tipped staff could have ramifications far beyond the local restaurant landscape.
Illinois law aims to rein in unneeded local government travel costs
The state of Illinois has moved to rein in the spending of the state's local governments on employee travel - spending which some have criticized as wasteful of taxpayers' dollars.
Illinois State Bar Association selects Cornelius as president
The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) has appointed a new president. Vincent F. Cornelius was selected as president of the ISBA during the association’s 140th annual meeting. Cornelius joins ISBA from the Law Office of Vincent F. Cornelius, with offices in Joliet and Wheaton, where he is principal. He is the bar association’s 140th president and the first African-American in this position.
Illinois AG reaches settlement with VW in emissions scandal
A settlement has been reached by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office over the emissions scandal still engulfing automaker Volkswagen, potentially bringing Illinois and its residents more than $276 million.
Preliminary budget for Cook County indicates possible tax hikes ahead
CHICAGO – Cook County has released the preliminary forecast for its 2017 fiscal year budget, signaling that tough times and tax hikes may lie ahead for the county.
Cook County Clerk calls for funding of voter registration tech to keep voter records current
With the presidential election approaching this November, Cook County Clerk David Orr is calling for the state to keep its promise to fund a program to more efficiently keep voter registration records up to date.
Chicago lawyer says non-compete clause shouldn't apply to Jimmy John's employees
The attorney general for Illinois has filed a lawsuit against fast food franchisor Jimmy John’s and several Jimmy John’s franchisees operating in Illinois, over its non-compete agreements.