2025 News Archive

Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced the appointment of William Steward III, Ph.D., as Acting Superintendent of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), effective Dec. 1, following the retirement of Superintendent Leonard Dixon.

Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced a restructuring of the Circuit Court of Cook County with the creation of three deputy chief positions. The new deputy chiefs of criminal operations, civil operations, and first appearance court operations will provide guidance on important court matters and serve as a resource to judges across the Circuit. The restructuring is part of a broader effort to strengthen court operations, support the judiciary and reinforce public trust in the Court.

Twenty-four participants in the Cook County Circuit Court’s Drug, Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Courts celebrated their commencements this week at ceremonies held at the Criminal, Rolling Meadows and Skokie Courthouses.

Cook County's downtown Marriage Court got a makeover and is reopening at its regular lower level County Building space on Tuesday, December 9.

The Marriage Court had temporarily relocated to the Daley Center on October 27 to allow time to remodel the space with fresh paint, lighting, signage and flooring.

Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced today that he is establishing a focused committee to urgently review and improve communication procedures related to alleged violations within the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Electronic Monitoring (EM) program.

Chief Judge Beach said recent events highlight the need for clearly defined roles and timely information-sharing among the agencies involved in pretrial supervision.

ABC 7's Michelle Gallardo's coverage of Chief Judge Beach's Investiture Ceremony

https://abc7chicago.com/post/new-cook-county-circuit-court-chief-judge-charles-beach-ii-sworn-replacing-tim-evans-served-20-years-role/18234244/

WGN TV's Patrick Elwood provided Investiture Ceremony coverage for Chief Judge Beach's first day.

https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/charlie-beach-vows-justice-and-fairness-as-cook-countys-new-chief-judge/

Sophie Sherry, of the Chicago Sun Times provided first day coverage of Chief Judge Beach's tenure.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/public-safety/2025/12/01/charles-beach-timothy-evans-cook-county-chief-judge

Fox 32's Paris Schutz's coverage of Chief Judge Beach's first day.

https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/new-cook-county-chief-judge

WTTW Chicago's Matt Masterson's coverage of Chief Judge Beach's Investiture Ceremony.

https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/01/charles-beach-sworn-cook-county-s-new-chief-judge