2026 News Archive

CHICAGO – Due to weather-related power outages affecting court operations in the Fifth and Sixth Municipal Districts and Branch Courts 35 and 38 at 727 E. 111th St., the Circuit Court of Cook County has issued General Administrative Orders establishing temporary procedures for matters scheduled to be heard today, June 12, 2026.

The administrative orders are in effect to protect public safety and ensure essential court operations continue.

CHICAGO – Due to a weather-related loss of electrical power affecting the building located at 727 E. 111th Street, Chicago, Illinois, the Circuit Court of Cook County has ordered the continuance of all matters scheduled to be heard on June 11, 2026, at that location.

MARKHAM, IL – June 11, 2026 – Due to a weather-related loss of electrical power affecting the entire Sixth Municipal District Courthouse in Markham, Illinois, the Circuit Court of Cook County has temporarily modified court operations to ensure public safety and the continued administration of justice.

CHICAGO — Clinton York came to Veterans Treatment Court with a simple goal.

“I came to Veterans Court with one simple goal: please let this be the last chapter in my legal story,” York wrote. “What I got instead was personal growth, accountability, humility… and way more self-reflection than I ordered.”

York, an Army veteran who had completed a sentence with the Illinois Department of Corrections and finished his parole, found himself back in the Cook County court system. He was angry, uncertain, and, by his own account, simply looking for a way out.

CHICAGO — The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County today released comprehensive data on its Electronic Monitoring (EM) program, including current non-compliance figures and warrant status. The release reflects Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II’s commitment to transparency and public accountability in the administration of the EM program.

Chief Judge Charles Beach of the Circuit Court of Cook County reminds the public, members of the legal community, and members of the media that virtual court appearance options remain available to case participants across Cook County under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45.

As part of the ongoing transformation of the juvenile justice system in Cook County, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced a leadership transition within the Juvenile Probation Department.

“The work of building a model juvenile justice system requires thoughtful leadership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement,” said Chief Judge Beach. “These changes are part of our responsibility to ensure that our system operates with integrity and in full alignment with statewide standards, while continuing to serve the youth and families of Cook County.”

Following a comprehensive nationwide search, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced the selection of Sara Hemmeter as the court’s first Director of Juvenile Services — a newly established leadership role designed to transform and strengthen the county’s juvenile justice system.

WGN TV's Patrick Elwood covered Tuesday's Supporting Education and Employment Development (SEED) Program graduation, which included 10 participants. See his story here: https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-countys-restorative-justice-empowers-young-adults-to-turn-their-lives-around/

After Jonathan Porter was released on bond for a drug possession charge back in 2021, he realized it was time to change his life’s direction. He was the father of a baby girl, and he needed to be a better man.

“It didn’t resonate to me that I had a little one at home until I got released from jail,” said Porter, of Chicago’s South Side. “I thought, ‘Dang, she’s home… I can’t make those same mistakes.” The arrest wasn’t Porter’s first, but he was determined to make it his last.