Illinois

Illinois Receives ‘F’ Grade on Labor Laws from Commonwealth Foundation Analysis

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Springfield, IL — Illinois is facing scrutiny for its labor laws, which have been graded as failing according to a recent report by the Commonwealth Foundation. This marks the state as a challenging environment for enterprises due to stringent regulations that purportedly hinder business flexibility and growth. The Commonwealth Foundation, a public policy research institute, cited Illinois for its particularly rigid stance on workers’ rights—which includes strict union security agreements that mandate union membership and dues as conditions of employment. These clauses are part of what is known as “closed shop” agreements, which the foundation … Read more

Illinois Sets New Standard with Enhanced Child Labor Law Taking Effect in 2025

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In a significant move to tighten regulations on child labor, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has enacted the Child Labor Law of 2024, set to replace the state’s previous legislation on the employment of minors. Effective January 1, 2025, the new law aims to enhance the protection of minors in the workforce, ensuring their health, safety, welfare, and access to education are prioritized. While some states have recently relaxed restrictions on child labor, the Illinois law moves in the opposite direction by implementing stricter controls. The legislation introduces both civil and criminal penalties … Read more

Chicago Attorney Russell D. Knight Unveils Essential Insights on Temporary Maintenance During Illinois Divorce Proceedings

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Chicago, IL — In Illinois, navigating the complex waters of divorce can become even more challenging when dealing with financial arrangements such as temporary maintenance. Often misunderstood, this form of financial support plays a critical role in ensuring a fair separation process for both parties involved. Temporary maintenance, also known as spousal support or alimony, is designed to provide financial stability to the lower-earning spouse while a divorce is pending. This aims to maintain a similar standard of living to that which was experienced during the marriage, especially important in cases where one spouse may … Read more

$22.5 Million Verdict Awarded in Historic Wrongful Conviction Case in Naperville, Illinois

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Naperville, IL – In an unprecedented legal decision, a jury has awarded $22.5 million to a man wrongfully convicted of murder in Naperville, marking one of the largest wrongful conviction payouts in Illinois history. This landmark case casts a spotlight on the long-term consequences of investigative and legal missteps and prompts a closer examination of criminal justice reform. The plaintiff, who spent over two decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit, was exonerated after new evidence came to light, fundamentally altering the course of his life and raising questions about the integrity … Read more