News Archives

Debt collectors are extremely motivated to encourage consumers to pay their debts, but they are held accountable by laws that prohibit abusive practices. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act are two main federal laws that regulate the debt collection industry. Knowing your rights is fundamental when dealing with these debt collectors. There are certain restrictions on a debt collector's ability to contact and communicate with consumers.

The newest developments in the Blago trial focuses on jury selection. 34 people have been chosen so far as possible members of the jury closing in on the 40 needed before each side issues its strikes and settles on a panel of 12 jurors and 6 alternates. Rod Blagojevich will have to take the witness stand if he wants his wish list of evidence to be heard at trial, a federal judge said Tuesday. Opening statements could start as soon as Monday. 

China was the second most-popular foreign location for large United States law firms during 2010. One possible reason for this title is the booming economy in China which is leading to more foreign interest. China is predicted to be on the fast track for success in economic terms, but foreign firms should be cautious if they relocate too quickly. Many firms who moved in too fast are finding that their offices are not yet making profits because  foreign firms need to first attract Chinese lawyers or establish expatriate lawyers if they want to succeed as well as secure a source of consistent legal work. 

Blago's first trial ended with the jurors deadlocked on all but one count. Now, Rod Blagojevich is back in court and Federal prosecutors have simplified their case in order for the jury to be able to follow. Blagojevich still faces 20 charges which includes allegations taht he sought to sell or trade an appointment to President Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash or a top job. Right now, the jury is still being selected as they fill out questionnaires to rule out anyone with a strong bias for or against the governor.

Be sure to catch Terry on WGN tomorrow as he continues his analysis on the developments of the Blagojevich case.

Be sure to catch Terry on WGN news tomorrow where he will discuss the Rod Blagojevich trial!

Since last August, nurses and management have been bargaining for improvements to be made in the hospital. The nurses are demanding an end to rotating shifts; they also want and better staffing levels. Hospital officials say the staffing levels already exceed those of other local hospitals. No strike date has been set yet.

Be sure to catch Terry Sullivan on WGN news tonight covering Rod Blagojevich's statement about developments in his case!

Through at least the week of April 11, the Supreme Court will remain open. On its main Web site, it states: "In the event of a lapse of appropriations, the Court will continue to conduct its normal operations through the week of April 11. The Court building will be open to the public during its usual hours." Over the weekend, the federal government started a partial shutdown.

Americans are struggling already, but this shutdown could seriously cripple any fledgling efforts to regain what was lost before the Recession. The Obama Administration is warning that the impact from a shutdown could influence more than just the courts and historical landmarks to name a few, but also the housing market. Soldiers who are fighting in three different wars will greatly feel the impact of a shutdown if it goes through. The last shutdown took place 15 years ago and lasted for 21 days.

A new app has been created that may help drivers avoid local police and check points, but a group of Democratic U.S. senators have asked to block free access to the application. According to the letter, this app "gives drunk drivers a free tool to evade checkpoints, putting innocent families and children at risk, is a matter of public concern."

Terry appeared on WGN to discuss a few unknown facts about baseball. For example - Did you know that John Dillinger played baseball? He played semi-pro in Martinsville, Indiana.