2026 News Archive

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CHICAGO — Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced Wednesday two additions to the Juvenile Services leadership team, continuing to build out the systems-level expertise driving his transformation of Cook County's juvenile justice operations.

New filings and pending Chicago SNCO matters will transition to the First Municipal District beginning September 21.

CHICAGO — Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) proceedings filed within the City of Chicago will be heard in the First Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County at the Richard J. Daley Center, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced.

CHICAGO — Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced two more new leaders Thursday as his transformation of Cook County’s juvenile justice system continues:

Mack D. McGhee, who oversees the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility in Detroit, has been chosen in a national search to become Superintendent of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC). After four months serving as Interim Chief, Melissa Spooner has been appointed Chief Juvenile Probation Officer.

Bridgeview, Illinois —Due to an unexpected power outage affecting the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse, the Circuit Court of Cook County has suspended court operations at the facility for today.

Court officials have been in communication with Facilities Management; however, there is currently no estimated time for the restoration of power. As a result, all scheduled court calls and proceedings at the Fifth Municipal District will not proceed today.

CHICAGO – Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced that Judge Diann Marsalek will transition from her role as Supervising Judge of the Traffic Section to serve as Supervising Judge of the Housing and Eviction Section, effective Aug. 3, 2026.

CHICAGO – The Circuit Court of Cook County's Child Protection Courts held its first annual Family Reunification Ceremony & Celebration on Saturday. The free, community-wide event brought together reunified families, legal advocates, community organizations, and court partners to honor the resilience of families who have successfully navigated the child welfare system and returned home together.

CHICAGO – The Circuit Court of Cook County's Restorative Justice Community Court (RJCC) in Englewood held a graduation ceremony, honoring several young adults who successfully completed the court's restorative justice process. The ceremony marked the culmination of months of hard work, community engagement, and personal accountability by participants who chose a path focused on healing over incarceration.

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.