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ForestParkReview.com Vol. 109, No. 39

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F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

Injustice Watch’s guide to the 2026 Cook County judicial elections SECTION INSIDE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

With Entler on leave, Village Hall operates without administrator

Executive Assistant Megan Roach has assumed more responsibilities while Village Administrator Rachell Entler is out on leave this month By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Since Aug. 19, Forest Park Village Hall has run without a village administrator, since Rachell Entler is on leave for surgery and won’t return until Oct. 6. Megan Roach, who’s served as executive assistant to Mayor Rory Hoskins and Entler since March 2024, has largely filled in for Entler — who manages the village’s day-to-day operations, since the mayor is a part-time position. “He’s been stepping up, too,” Roach said of Hoskins. “It has been challenging. I feel like I have a new appreciation for the role of village administrator,” Roach told the Review. The village administrator oversees all departments, makes or approves purchases of supplies and equipment for them, manages maintenance and operation of village-owned property,

What to know about license plate reader cameras in Forest Park

Some residents have concerns, but new police chief defends camera use By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Last September, Forest Park officials discovered that, in April 2024, a police detective had accidentally accepted over 200 data-sharing requests, including one from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The mistake allowed ICE to access the village’s license plate reader data for over a year. With ICE’s presence increasing in the Chicagoland area this September, some Forest Park residents remain concerned about federal access to Forest Park’s six Motorola Solutions COURTESY OF SAMANTHA BAHENA

See ENTLER on page 10

See CAMERAS on page 12

Megan Roach (left) and Rachell Entler

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

A look back in time: When drug stores were the hub

Tom Holmes: Interview with a ‘death doula’

Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PAGE 16

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IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 THIS ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

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NATURAL FUN Walk, bike or run: With 350 miles of trails, this is where to get outside and get healthy.

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Celebrating Ageism Awareness Day Featuring Raymond Jetson founder and author of Aging While Black The 19th Century Club 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL Friday, October 9 Doors open at 6:00pm Raymond Jetson’s keynote will be followed by a conversation with members of the Aging In Communities Commission and then questions from the audience. Food provided. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Village of Oak Park Aging in Communities Commission The Book Loft Oak Park will have copies of Aging While Black available to purchase.

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

Restock the food pantry this weekend: here’s how Kiwanis Club leads the effort to resupply the Community Center

By JILL WAGNER

dense items like peanut butter, canned tuna or salmon, canned chicken and jars of pasta sauces are the items that are most valued in the pantry. The Kiwanis Club of Forest Park has been giving back to the community for over 100 years. It is a service organization of volunteers that works to improve the lives of Forest Park children and strengthen the community.

It’s time to restock the pantry. Forest Park is coming together for the annual Kiwanis Food Drive this weekend. The aim is to restock the community pantry ahead of the winter months. The drive seeks to collect non-perishable goods and financial donations to support our neighbors with food insecurity. The Community Center food pantry served over 140 families last year with pantry support and often has an increase in need in the fall/winter months. “The community center pantry is low at this time,

JILL WAGNER

Fenwick High School students helping sort, unload and organize the collected donations in the Community Center last year.

JILL WAGNER

and it is helpful to have extra support before the holidays,” said Brenda Powers of the community center. The Kiwanis Club of Forest Park has been running a food drive for the past three years and it is part of its mission. As a service organization, Kiwanis volunteers and friends are dedicated to improving the lives of Forest Park children and strengthening the community. People are encouraged to leave nonperish-

able donations on their porches or near the door to make it easy for volunteers to come to pick up. Volunteers will be driving and walking blocks and picking up food between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. Support from students from Fenwick High School is greatly appreciated. Students will be at the community center helping to unload the food from cars and sort the donations. While all nonperishable items are appreciated, the nutrient

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Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

Forest Park community fridge seeks new location

The refrigerator of free food closed this month, unable to handle increased traffic in vicinity By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

After the community fridge of free food outside the Howard Mohr Community Center closed earlier this month, the Forest Park volunteers who launched it in 2023 are looking for its new home. On Sept. 16, the Forest Park Fridge announced on Facebook that it was closing the community refrigerator due to operational challenges that did not make the fridge sustainable. “We had so much traffic coming to the fridge, and the community center had a lot of traffic coming and going, and it got to the point where we knew we needed to move somewhere else,” Maria Maxham told the Review. Maxham, who is commissioner of accounts and finance, opened the fridge in 2023 with Village Administrator Rachell Entler, Meghan Hunt and Monique Cotton Yancy, who’s on the District 91 school board. The fridge was a volunteer effort and not a village-led initiative. “We decided to start it because other towns were doing it. It seemed like something that would work really well in Forest Park, and we knew there was a need,” Maxham said. The four women were having a hard time finding a location to host the fridge. But Karen Dylewski, then the director of the Howard Mohr Community Center, said Forest Park Fridge would nicely supplement the community center’s food pantry. The community center’s internal food pantry is still open and operating, and Forest Park locals must show proof of residency to receive food. Though the volunteers haven’t yet found a new location for the fridge, they’re talking with an Oak Park group that manages fridges of free food in their village to see if they can help find Forest Park Fridge a new location or share ideas on how to maintain the refrigerator. “We’re potentially looking for another location in Forest Park, but we don’t have any concrete plans at this time for that,” Maxham said. Brenda Powers — who was assistant director of the community center and is acting director after Dylewski

TODD BANNOR

The Forest Park community fridge on the day it opened on March 25, 2023. retired in January — told the Review that over the years, there have been multiple incidents of illegal behavior involving some people who access the community fridge. She said she’s called the authorities several times. “A lot of people use it, and it was a great thing. It’s just not very helpful to have it 10 feet away from the door of a daycare center,” Powers said of the community fridge. “We close the window that’s directly next to [the fridge], but we shouldn’t have to do that anymore. This is a daycare center; we need to let the light in.” Though the refrigerator will no longer sit outside the community center, there is still a pantry inside — and certainly a need for such a resource in Forest Park.

“There were so many people that would come and bring food, and also so many people that needed food. I saw the need, anecdotally, growing over the past few years,” Maxham said. “As soon as we put food in there, it would be gone probably within an hour. Sometimes there would be people waiting while we put food in.” But even if the Forest Park Fridge returns, it can only feed so many people. “I think that the whole issue of homelessness and people not having food to eat is so much bigger than what a community fridge can solve,” Maxham said. “It makes me really sad that all we can do as a society is put band-aids on the situation.”

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Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

Forest Park Middle School Homecoming Weekend brings back decades of classmates

Event will kick off Thursday, conclude with all-class picnic Saturday By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

rison St. Wearing retro Panthers gear is encouraged, or there will be new merchandise designed specifically for homecoming weekend to be had. From 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday is the FPMS alumni basketball game at Roos Recreation Center, 7329 Harrison St. Sims isn’t playing, but he said it’s going to be one of the most exciting parts of the weekend. The alumni hoops game will feature two teams. The Old School squad will consist of players who graduated in 2006 or older, while

Victoria Pride has fond memories of her time at Forest Park Middle School. “Getting to school early, those are my best memories,” the 2007 graduate said. “It was like a pre-recess at school. We played double dutch, people would play catch, people would meet up and talk. “I almost felt like it was a huge link up before school started.” That’s what this weekend will be like when the Forest Park Middle School Homecoming Weekend begins Thursday, coordinated by Pride and David Sims, a 2005 grad. Lots of reminiscing about the good old days and good people will be the weekend theme, along with the tagline, “Come home. Reconnect. Celebrate. Give back.” The event came together in a twomonth span, Sims said, including a private Facebook page that has grown to over 800 members. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the community,” he said. “I think we made it look easy, but it came together as quickly as it did because of the community.” Pride said the event has grown into the social event of the fall. “The biggest mission was to get everyone to believe in it,” she said. “The biggest challenge was making sure we got everyone in one place.” Community partners including Forest Park School District 91, the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park, Mohr Oil, Forest Park Bank, Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs and State Farm agent Mark Hanson. Homecoming weekend will kick off, literally, with alumni, faculty, staff, friends and families enjoying the current middle school co-ed soccer game against Hillside. JV starts at 4:15 p.m. with varsity at 5:15 p.m. at 7501 Har- David Sims

PHOTO PROVIDED

the New School team will be players from 2007 to the present. Admission to the event is simply two non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Forest Park Food Bank and contribute to the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park food drive which is happening this weekend. “The idea is to make the basketball game more than just a reunion activity,” Sims said. “It gives everyone attending an opportunity to help give back to the community that helped shape many of us.” On Saturday there will be the FPMS alumni allclass picnic from noon to 7 p.m. at Miller Meadow, Victoria Pride Grove 1 and 2. Once again, canned goods and other non-perishable food items will be collected for the Forest Park Food Bank but be sure to bank on fun and laughs connecting generations of graduates. Four hundred people, at minimum, are expected for the picnic, Sims said, mostly due to the community chatter in person and online that’s grown over the last 8 weeks. “They’re excited about the event,” Pride said. “Some of these people have not spoken to each other in a long time. People learned about this and reached out to their own circle of people.” Sims said FPMS alumni, friends and family can simply drop by the picnic, but they are encouraged to join the Facebook page. Doubtless Pride will spend her time talking about her favorite before-school memories. Sims has his own stories, one in particular. “My best memory, I think it was home

PHOTO PROVIDED

arts,” he said. “We had to take turns taking the baby simulator home. You only got it for a day, but the day I got it, we had a basketball game. It was an away game, three hours away, in Charleston. “It was just funny to have that baby and the uncles there,” he said, referring to his basketball teammates. District 91 spokesperson Rachelle Ernst said that Forest Park Middle School, 925 Beloit Ave., opened in January 1987. Previously, the current Field-Stevens Intermediate Elementary School, which is linked to the middle school, was a K-8 school. “District 91 is so excited to see a group of FPMS alumni organizing what we hope will be an annual event that will bring together alumni and families,” Ernst said, “and we hope it is something that will go forward with our current graduates and their families.”

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

O U R

Q U I E T E S T

N E I G H B O R S

Max Malini, King of Magicians, rests at Jewish Waldheim

uried in Jewish Waldheim is a man who was famous around the world for his sleight of hand and impromptu “miracles.” Ask a magician, or anyone familiar with magicians, if they’ve heard of Max Malini and watch their eyes light up. He was known as “the greatest card manipulator in the world,” “the last of the itinerant mountebanks,” and the “crowned king of magic.” A recent book published about his life and work is titled, “King of Magicians, Magician of Kings.” Not to be outdone, Malini himself said he was “the Napoleon of magic.” Malini, who was short in stature and said to have had hands too small to “palm” cards, astonished and amazed a dazzling roster of celebrities and world leaders. He performed for U.S. Presidents: McKinley, Harding, Coolidge, and Theodore Roosevelt; English Kings: Edward VII, George V, George VI; other political figures: the King of Siam, the Mikado of Japan, Chiang Kai-shek, the presidents of Cuba and Chile; millionaires: John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, John Jacob Astor; inventors: Alexander G. Bell, and celebrities: Sir Arthur Conon Doyle, Shirley Temple. The list goes on. He was said to have circled the globe eight times. His 1913 passport application lists Japan, China, Java, Siam, Manila, Sumatra, and Australia as destinations. Born Max Katz Breit in 1875 (or 1871, or perhaps 1873), on the border of Russia and Austria, he came to the U.S. at a young age. Malini never quite mastered the English language, which he used to his advantage during his routines, disarming audiences with his thick accent and malapropisms. He was not known for elaborate stage performances, but rather personal, close-up illusions. Max learned his craft in the saloons of the Bowery in New York City where he was mentored by the magician/ventriloquist/fire-eater/Badchen (Yiddish wedding performer) “Professor Seiden.” Max took on the name, Malini, and from an early age, exuded self-confidence and moxie, perfecting seemingly spontaneous acts of magic conjured from items at hand (i.e. drinking glasses, fruit). Keeping his act small also enabled Malini to travel light. Not wanting to perform similar illusions in the same city as his mentor, Malini left New York for Chicago in the late 1890s, where he met his wife, Lizzie. When Malini first asked for Lizzie’s hand, her father refused because he considered Max, a hustling magician, to be beneath her social status. Max went on the road to build his reputation. When he returned, Lizzie’s father was still unimpressed, so the couple

AMY BINNS-CALVEY

A photo of Max from the Oregonian, 6/10/1920

A photo of Max from the Honolulu Star Bulletin, 1925

eloped. Lizzie joined Max on the road, giving birth to their son, Oziar while touring the Philippines. The family lived for years in the far east and Australia. (Oziar, or Ozzie, joined his father’s act as soon as he was old enough.) Malini knew how to cultivate a following among influential people. One of his strategies was to walk up to someone important, such as U.S. Senator Mark Hanna, and bite a button off of their coat, only to later make it magically reappear, changing the target’s dismay to astonishment. This stunt often resulted in invitations to private engagements and so Malini became known as a “society magician.” Of course, what seemed like completely impromptu magic was, in fact, the product of careful planning, patience, and tim-

ing. Malini was also proficient at self-promotion. At times, he would astonish people in public with his magic and then invite them to a ticketed performance later. (It didn’t matter if he used his best illusions for the free performance, what mattered was that crowds showed up later to buy tickets.) One of Malini’s best known tricks involved spinning a coin, quickly covering it with a borrowed hat (usually a woman’s), and asking the woman to guess which side of the coin had landed up (“Lady or Eagle?”) Later, when Malini picked up the hat, instead of a coin, a block of ice (or a brick) would be revealed under the hat. Other magicians said that

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026 they watched him carefully when he performed this stunt but could not figure out how he did it. Another famous routine was the blindfolded card stab. Malini would spread out a deck of cards on a table, face down, then an audience member would blindfold him. Malini would ask for someone to shout out a card, then stab at the table using a pen knife, impaling the exact card the audience member had named. In 1919, the family returned to Chicago and a daughter was born, but perhaps because of the rigors of traveling, the daughter, Bernice, was given to a foster family. The family then moved to San Francisco but soon returned to Chicago when Lizzie’s health failed. She died in 1921 and is also interred in Jewish Waldheim. Malini remarried in 1922, but that marriage ended in divorce a few years later. Malini was rumored to have earned and lost several fortunes, spending money on expensive suits, cigars, and alcohol. He also performed at many charitable events for sick children at the Shriners’ hospital, children’s homes, and for service members at the USO. In the 1930s, he went on a “farewell tour” with his son Ozzie assisting him. They then settled in Hawaii, a favorite spot of Malini’s. Because of his health, Malini had to be seated for his

last performances and died in 1942 either at the age of 67 (or 69 or 71). Ever the illusionist, it was said that even his son, Ozzie, was not quite certain how old his father was. Malini is buried in an unmarked grave beside his first wife, Lizzie. If he had a headstone, it’s tempting to think it might include an inscription of a saying he was reported to use, “You will wonder when I’m coming. You will wonder more when I’m gone.” References: The Calgary Albertan; Deadconjurers. blogspot; Elkslodge616.org; Erudite Magic YouTube Channel; Max Malini – Bigger Than Life, by David Ben; Honolulu Star-Advertiser; Honolulu Star-Bulletin; Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women by Ricky Jay; Littleegyptmagic.com; Magicpedia; Magicorthodoxy YouTube Channel; The Magic Word Podcast: Steven Cohen; The Oregonian; San Francisco Examiner; The Sphinx. Thank you to David Ben for his incredible research and help with this article. For some amazing images, and to read further go to: https://davidben.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Max-Malini-by-David-BenCourtesy-Genii-Magazine-Sept-2012.pdf

AMY BINNS-CALVEY

A photo of Lizzie’s headstone and Max’s unmarked grave

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Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

Chalk up one year at Spilt Milk

New owners are thankful and ready to roll out more By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

When Sam and Nikos Liargovas took the reins at Oak Park’s Spilt Milk Pastry, 811 South Blvd., they knew they had big shoes to fill. They will celebrate their first year as owners on Oct. 1. They say it has been a joy and an exploration. “Before we got the store, it had a name, a story,” Sam Liargovas said. “We wanted to be very intentional, to respect what the customers really love about this place.” “But also we’re trying to find our identity into it as well,” Nikos Liargovas said. “Like put our own touches too. People have been very supportive.” The couple point out the importance of the staff. “We have staff that was working here before us, way before us even,” Sam Liargovas said. “They know the recipes. They know what they’re doing, so we trusted them.”

“We give a heartfelt thank-you to our entire team. They have stood by us through both the challenging times and the good ones, showing us so much patience, understanding, and grace along the way,” Sam Liargovas said. Kayla Scatton is the front of house manager. She is responsible for drink innovations and customer service, among other things. Metric Coffee supplies the beans. “For the coffee all our drink syrups and ganaches are made from scratch,” Sam Liargovas said. “I think that does make a big difference.” M e g a n Samelak joined as kitchen manCOURTESY OF SPILT MILK ager in June. She added her Staff: Sam & Niko Liargovas, Megan Samelak, Kayla own ideas to Scatton the pastry case, including her take on pop trying to get Liargovas said. “Then we can play with tarts, Danishmore into it, adding our recipes into the ice cream, like es, cheesecake especially now chop up an apple pie, mix it in the vanilla. bars, banana that she can Or swirl our own caramel ganache in bread. take a little bit there.” “She came up There have been ups and downs over more on.” with the idea to Spilt Milk has the past year. add pumpkin “Dealing with the (road) construcrebooted Friday RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR spice donuts,” Night Dinner, a tion going on during almost all summer, Sam Liargovas Debut of Spilt Milk ice cream – on passion fruit way to order a I would be lying to you if I would say that said. “I’m like, cheesecake meal earlier in didn’t affect us because it did. And I know go for it!” the week, pick that so many businesses around, not just “People are up on Friday us,” Sam Liargovas said. “But I’m excited loving them,” Nikos Liargovas said. “Do- and have a stress-free meal. about the holidays. I want everyone to get nuts are flying right now. It’s pumpkin do“We’re working with smaller businesses their pies. I also want them to try us after for our dinner ingredients,” Nikos Liargo- one year, then I want all the feedback. I nuts. It’s right on the season.” Early on, the owners were supported by vas said. “We’re hoping to be able to do that just can’t wait to see customers enjoying other businesses in the community. Candy- with farmers, butcheries, other places that the holidays!” copia did a collaboration. Another nearby support us – we support them.” Coming soon will be more collaborabusiness lent a ladder. The village was easy to work with too, according to the owners, tions. There is a plan afoot to activate the when they had questions such as whether shop’s outdoor patio space to make it even spiltmilkpastry.com they could paint their windows with sea- more family friendly with events and regusonal displays. It was a gift that they want lar activities. 811 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302 Another innovation is house made ice to pay forward. Operating Hours “We want to keep working with small cream. Since they sell pie, it’s a natural Monday thru Saturday: 8am-5pm businesses, as we are a small business as extension of their offerings. A la mode, well,” Nikos Liargovas said. And with Sam anyone? Sunday: 8am-2pm “Vanilla is going to be the base,” Nikos now joining the business full-time, “We’re

Spilt Milk

COURTESY OF SPILT MILK

Pastry case at Spilt Milk

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

Join us for an unforgettable evening

Kiwanis Award Dinner

Recognizing the meritorious service to our community honoring DAN WATTS Commonwealth Award KEN SNYDER Ed O’Shea Award October 15th doors open at 6pm Jimmy’s Place 7411 Madison Tickets $60 in advance Kiwanis Club of Forest Park is a service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening our community.

337 Marengo Ave., Forest Park The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Clerk from August 2026. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk.

MEMORY CARE

SHELTERED CARE

SKILLED NURSING

RESPITE CARE

FOREST PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

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337 Marengo Ave 7300 Harvard St 1102 Marengo Ave 604 Hannah Ave 1032 Marengo Ave 537 Ferdinand Ave 220 Elgin Ave 1101 Beloit Ave 7226 Washington St 838 Elgin Ave 7243 Madison St 7235 Roosevelt Rd 839 Lathrop Ave 600 Elgin Ave 8200 Roosevelt Rd 850 Des Plaines Ave 7637 Jackson Blvd 314 Lathrop Ave 833 Harlem Ave 1541 Harlem Ave

$764,000 $725,000 $561,500 $540,000 $522,500 $515,000 $485,000 $475,000 $383,000 $285,000 $275,000 $205,000 $197,000 $165,000 $16,520,500 $145,000 $142,500 $140,000 $133,000 $125,000

Jacknow Matthew G Tr Benjamin Hallie Buel Tanner R Beckler Larry Tr Outcault Lucas Noren Tanja Tr Bredrup Marjory Mcmahon Murphy Nolan Zahdan Ghassan Ashcroft Mitchell D Sanders Julie Claudia Cobb 7235 Roosevelt Partners Llc Conwell Micheal Chavez Edith Varela Forest Pk Prop Llc Wilson Linda Snyder Matthew Steward Hagins Michael Latocha David Perez Migdalia

Kelly Jonathan Fitzpatrick Ryan Nguyen Sim Kinney Amy E Ruggiero Robert Zayas Devin Andres Carlson Peter R Wright Brent James Lugowski Michael Chairez Jr Ruben Vipa Morelli Trust Williams And Eaton Investments Llc Carabio Dinah Orta Ruben 8200 W Roosevelt Rd Llc Mcclinton Murelene W Rounds Emerson Walker Wesley Mit Systems Llc Valdivia Socorro Noemi Pacheco

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Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

ENTLER

Filling in during leave from page 1 and implements regulations and directives approved by the village council. Roach said she regularly communicates with Entler by phone or email on pressing matters or those she’s uncertain about. That includes preparations for council meetings, ensuring commissioners have required documents and that every agenda item can legally be discussed and passed. For example, at the last council meeting, commissioners unanimously approved four items involving TIF districts. “After that, there’s a lot of things that have to happen. Certified copies have to be filed with the county, they have to be sent out to all taxing districts, and it all has to happen in a timely manner,” Roach said. “I was able to contact her, and there was something she was able to walk me through that I had missed.” In Entler’s absence, Roach said employees working in Village Hall have been incredibly helpful.

SAMANTHA BAHENA

Megan Roach

“All village staff have been stepping up trying to make sure nothing falls through the cracks,” Roach said. “I’ve just been running more things by the mayor and the department heads.” She added that Finance Director Letitia Olmsted has been especially helpful, since she knows the ins and outs of Forest Park’s economics and has worked for the village for over 20 years. Roach said, besides Entler’s workload, the most challenging part about stepping up to fill her role has been communicating with people outside the village giving sales pitches, “people who want an answer immediately, and it’s not an emergency.” After getting more of an inside look into village administration, Roach said she’s happy in her behind-the-scenes position as executive assistant. In that role, Roach writes and sends out the village’s weekly newsletter, interacts with residents, serves as deputy clerk in council meetings, and handles public relations for Hoskins and Entler. “I thought I was busy,” Roach said. “There’s a lot going on that [Entler] takes care of. … She wears many hats.” She added, “It will be a wonderful day when she comes back.”

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Rachell Entler

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Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

C R I M E

2 juveniles sent to detention center after stealing cigars from 7-Eleven By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Around 9:45 p.m. on Sept. 22, police were dispatched to the 7-Eleven on Harlem for a strong-armed robbery. The victim told police that he saw two teenagers loitering inside the store and confronted them, so they exited to the parking lot. As soon as other customers left the store, the two returned. One grabbed the 7-Eleven employee and pushed him away from the cashier’s counter before going behind the counter, grabbing several cigars and leaving. While conducting a premise check on South Boulevard in Oak Park, police saw two young men matching the offenders’ description and detained them. The 7-Eleven employee positively identified the two 16-year-olds and the cigars they stole. As police placed the two teens in custody, one of them fled on foot. Police caught him after a brief pursuit, according to the police report. He was charged with resisting an officer and robbery, and the other offender was also charged with robbery. Both teenagers were taken to a juvenile detention center.

DUI Before 1 a.m. on Sept. 25, police saw a two-car accident at Harlem and Harrison. The driver of one of the cars said he was turning left when the other car hit him. Police reported that the offending driver smelled of alcohol. Police found cannabis and a bottle of partially consumed liquor in the driver’s car. At the police station, the man provided a breath sample that showed his blood alcohol concentration was 0.14. He was charged with driving under the influence, having a BAC over 0.08, possession of cannabis in a car, improper lane usage, having an expired vehicle registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Dog bite On Sept. 24, a woman called the police department to report that she was walking near the intersection of Elgin and Madison when she was bit by a dog. She said a woman was walking her dog down the same side of the street as her, and the dog bit her in her right breast. When the victim approached the woman, she said the woman walked away from her as she spoke. Oak Park EMS arrived at the woman’s place of work and took her to Rush Oak Park Hospital for small lacerations from the bite. The woman said she didn’t want to sign complaints against the unknown woman but wanted the incident documented in case of future incidents involving the dog.

Aggravated battery Just before 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 23, police checked the registration of a vehicle traveling down Des Plaines and found it was

expired. Police pulled over the driver, who was unable to provide her license or proof of insurance and said she was driving because the passenger was intoxicated. When police told the two that the vehicle would be towed because of the woman’s suspended license, they both became upset. When police guided the passenger away from the car, she snatched her arm away and hit police. Police performed an emergency takedown on the woman, and the driver attempted to intervene, so police also performed an emergency takedown on her too. During the drive to the police department, the passenger freed one hand from her handcuffs and repeatedly ignored commands to place her hands behind her back. The driver was charged with having a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle, having expired registration, and three counts of resisting or obstructing police. The passenger was charged with aggravated battery and four counts of resisting police.

Retail theft Before noon on Sept. 22, police were dispatched to the Dollar Tree on Roosevelt for a retail theft. Dispatch told police the same woman also stole from 7-Eleven on Roosevelt shortly after robbing Dollar Tree, then got on a PACE bus. Police pulled over the PACE bus and escorted the offender off the bus. Police found stolen bars of soap in the woman’s bag, and the Dollar Tree manager said she’d sign complaints against the woman. She was charged with retail theft. These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated Sept. 21 - 25 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

L E T T E R T O T H E E D I T O R

Chief Ken Gross says his goodbyes This is my final sign off or as we say in the law enforcement world, “I am going 10-42 for the last time.” My last day with the Forest Park Police Department is Sept. 30, 2026, having served as the Chief of Police since November of 2021, after beginning my career with the Village of Forest Park in April of 2000. Thank you all for a fulfilling 26-plus-year career and for giving me the opportunity to serve the community in a myriad of positions -- from patrol officer, tactical officer, patrol sergeant, patrol commander, detective lieutenant, deputy chief, and ultimately police chief. I have always done my best for you and the community no matter how big or small the task. I have sacrificed many holidays, family events, parties and countless hours of sleep to serve the village. I have nothing but pride in the Forest Park Police Department and the law enforcement profession as a whole. I leave you in good hands. The police department has a superior training cadre, an experienced and professional administrative staff and a young group of officers that impress me with their work ethic day in and day out. The men and women are there to serve and protect you around the clock and will continue to run towards chaos to keep the peace while most are running from it. Know that you have a great team at the village. The most visible department heads -- Director Stella with Public Works, Chief Hankus of the Fire Department, Director Glinke of the Building Department and I (soon my successor) -- work closely together to ensure that your quality of life is the best that it can be. They care about you, and they care deeply about Forest Park. My best to you all. Be well. Stay safe. And thank you, again, for allowing me to be part of the greatest show on earth -- policing.

Chief Ken Gross

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

CAMERAS

Concerns about misuse from page 1 license plate reader cameras — which record and log license plates of passing vehicles and store searchable data. They are “surveilling all of us, not just people with vulnerable immigration statuses,” Betty Alzamora previously told the Review about license plate reader cameras. Last month, the Forest Park resident created a petition to create ICE-free zones in the village and hopes to eliminate the cameras in Forest Park. Alzamora was a part of the effort that successfully did so in Oak Park last year after residents cited concerns with privacy and the potential to use the cameras for immigration enforcement, which violates state law. Police Chief Ken Gross declined to comment on the village’s license plate readers, since he is retiring from his position on Sept. 30. “I do not believe that it is fair to the Village of Forest Park Police Department for me to make any statements related to this hot topic technology or discuss my position on it since my thoughts are, in my opinion, ultimately soon moot,” Gross told the Review in an email. “I think this is a subject that should be discussed with my successor and/or Village Hall, as their answers have more longterm value at this time.” Gross did say Forest Park’s license plate reader data has been stored for 10 years, but he recently requested to change it to six months. Chief Designate Daniel Pater — who’s been with the Forest Park Police Department for 20 years and, for the last three-and-a-half years, served as a lieutenant leading the investigations division — said the license plate reader cameras are “paramount for investigations.” The Forest Park Police Department uses the license plate reader cameras to track possible criminals that use the village’s main thoroughfares and that they help police to see patterns of crime. The cameras “are definitely needed. They’ve helped identify offenders of cases. Without them, it’d definitely hurt our job,” Pater said. Pater added that he doesn’t see many downsides of the license plate readers. “They’re more beneficial than not,” he said. There’s also been cases where Forest Park police are pursuing what they believe is an offending vehicle, and license plate readers have helped confirm it’s not. When it comes to federal surveillance of license plates, Pater said the police department is no longer sharing data with ICE and has put in place processes to ensure the data sharing that started in 2024 doesn’t happen again. Though Pater oversees Forest Park Police Department’s investigations, he did not say who was responsible for sharing the data. “That was an oversight that was looked at and remedied. We ensure that we’re not sharing information or any license plate stuff with anyone without it being gone

FILE PHOTO

License plate reader cameras through and verified,” Pater said. “That situation was handled and administrators have figured out who can share and who can’t share.” Though Forest Park police are unsure how many license plates were shared with ICE, “I don’t think any license plate readers in Forest Park were utilized by those agencies,” Pater said. But that doesn’t mean local license plate data isn’t shared elsewhere, since there are cameras in surrounding communities that track cars as they pass by. For example, River Forest has 44 license plate reader cameras and 75 street surveillance cameras The Riverside Police Department stores data from its two license plate reader cameras for 30 days, which is decreasing for most records to seven days in January. Alzamora — a volunteer advocate with PASO West Suburban Action Project, where she helps lead the rapid response team — previously told the Review that, last year when ICE came to the Chicagoland area, one of the first people that the team helped was located through cameras that capture license plates. “I’m dead certain that was license plate reader data,” Alzamora said of how ICE found the person. Alzamora is an elected member of the Park District of Forest Park’s board.

Where are license plate readers located? Forest Park has 22 street cameras — which record footage of public areas but don’t automatically scan license plates — and six Motorola Solutions license plate reader cameras. The license plate readers are located at Harlem and Randolph, Harlem and Washington, Harlem and Madison, Harlem and Roosevelt, Des Plaines and Roosevelt, and Roosevelt and 1st Avenue. According to an interactive map on deflock.org, there’s a FLOCK-brand license plate reader camera on 1st Avenue just west of Proviso East High School and three Motorola Solutions cameras near 1st Avenue — one at Madison and 2nd Avenue, one at 1st Avenue and Green Street, and one at 1st Avenue and Quincy Street. There are also two license plate readers on the Eisenhower Expressway on either side of Des Plaines, which are property of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

Berwyn orders shutdown of Flock cameras

Riverside discusses renewal of Flock as part of current budget talks

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Mayor Robert J. Lovero of Berwyn issued an executive order this week calling for the suspension of the city police’s use of Flock cameras and the prohibition of city employees accessing the network of stored Flock data. The executive order, signed and filed on Tuesday, Sept. 22, calls for Police Chief Michael Fellows to “immediately” suspend the Flock program and prevent city staff from operating or accessing the license plate reading cameras. The order is set to last through June 2028, which is the conclusion of Berwyn’s five-year contract with Flock that began in June 2023. In a letter to Berwyn’s residents and city council also dated Sept. 22, Lovero said the city’s legal department and counsel will review the contract with Flock and “related state grant criteria” to make sure the city “can reasonably meet [its] obligations” moving forward. Lovero said he had conducted an internal audit alongside police administration prior to the issuance of the executive order, in which they found “no issues or inconsistencies” with “how the technology and its data were used” by Berwyn police. A press release from the city dated Sept. 23 described Lovero’s decision to shut down the use of Flock cameras as a “proactive decision” that “does not reflect an accusation of misconduct by Berwyn police personnel.” In his letter, Lovero attributed his decision in part to the “many residents [who] are asking” Berwyn to discontinue its use of Flock cameras, which have attracted national attention for the data they collect, sparking concerns around the surveillance of civilians without reasonable suspicion and the potential for misuse by police, both in the community where the cameras are located or in one of the potentially many other police departments the data may be shared with. There have also been instances where local police have shared data with federal immi-

STELLA BROWN

One of Riverside’s two Flock cameras, located at the intersection of Longcommon and Byrd roads. gration officers. In a Facebook post on Sept. 23, Ald. Micah Caldwell of Berwyn’s First Ward mentioned the issue had first been raised more than a year ago. While Caldwell said he was “glad the mayor took this step,” he urged the city council to take further action in the form of an ordinance, as the executive order does not cancel the Flock contract or call for the covering, deactivation or removal of the cameras themselves. Berwyn is not the first municipality in the region to disown Flock as the cameras come under increasing scrutiny across the country. In August 2025, Oak Park’s village board voted 4-3 to cancel the village’s contract with Flock and shut down its eight license plate reading cameras the next day. Riverside is discussing the renewal of its contract with Flock for the use of two cameras as village staff and officials solidify the village’s budget for 2027. Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley said Riverside’s use of Flock since March 2024 is primarily to track vehicles involved in crimes that pass into or out of the village. Village President Doug Pollock said he has been “satisfied” with Riverside’s use of internal safeguards to prevent the misuse of the cameras or data they collect. At least one Riverside resident, former trustee Mark Shevitz, has spoken out against the use of Flock in a Letter to the Editor of the Landmark arguing the burden should fall to village government to prove the surveillance of civilian residents is worth the value the cameras provide to police rather than residents demonstrating an abuse of the technology.

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Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

New West Sub owners, Insight Health Systems, struggle to reopen hospitals in Ohio Financial concerns for Insight Chicago are also raised

ments in Steward Health Care’s bankruptcy proceedings and the mounting lack of transferred dollars owed for healthcare services” The closure was only supposed to last for about six months. An inspection from the Ohio Department of Health for both faciliBy SYDNEY LOVAN ties in September 2025 stopped the plans to Staff Reporter reopen after it found conditions to be insufficient citing several improvements that Insight Health Systems, originally were needed, according to reporting from founded in Flint, Michigan, recently took multiple local news outlets in the area. over ownership and operation of West Just a month later, the Suburban Medical Center, 24/7 emergency room was sharing its intentions to allowed to reopen at Inrehabilitate and reopen the sight Hospital and Medistruggling hospital. Howcal Center Trumbull. That ever, this is not its first time same month, the federal taking over a failing mediCenter for Medicare and cal provider, and those are Medicaid Services termiyet to successfully reopen. nated their agreement with In November 2024, Inthe hospital for not complysight was officially aning with Medicare Condinounced as the new owner tions for Participation and for Trumbull Regional not following requirement Medical Center and Rehafor the Emergency Medical bilitation Hospital Hillside Treatment and Labor Act. in Warren, Ohio, after the About a year after Informer parent company sight gained ownership of Steward Health Care filed the hospitals, in Novembankruptcy and planned to ber 2025, Insight Trumbull close. had to close the emergenJust a few months into cy room once again after their ownership in March NICK SANTUCCI the Ohio Department of 2025, the doors for both faOhio Representative Health moved to revoke its cilities closed, and all 143 state license. The hospital employees from Insight Reeventually agreed to surhabilitation Hospital Hillrender its license in Januside were furloughed. ary of this year. The rehabilitation hospital’s website The hospitals have remained closed and displays the closure announcement saying local officials continue to advocate for it was “Due to additional abrupt develop- their reopening.

“The decision by Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull to relinquish its license back to the State of Ohio is deeply concerning for the people of Warren, Trumbull County, and the surrounding communities.”

TODD BANNOR

West Suburban Medical Center “The decision by Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull to relinquish its license back to the State of Ohio is deeply concerning for the people of Warren, Trumbull County, and the surrounding communities,” wrote Ohio Rep. Nick Santucci in a statement. Rev. Dr. Henry Barlow, a board member for Insight Hospital and Medical Center Chicago, formerly Mercy Hospital on the Near South Side, declined to comment on the Ohio hospital closures and what it could mean for West Suburban Medical Center and Weiss Memorial Hospital. Insight media and public relations also did not respond to an inquiry about the closures. In a press conference on Sept. 17, Barlow was asked about media transparency. “It’s the policy of Insight, we shoot straight from the hip. We’ll always do that, or I won’t be a part of it,” said Barlow.

Concerns over the finances of Insight’s Chicago hospital have also been raised. Chicago Public Media reported that Insight lost almost $30 million and received about $50 million in advances from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in order to remain open. The American Hospital Directory report shows a net loss of about $9.2 million for Insight Chicago from the hospital’s most recent Medicare Cost Report ending in 2025. A group of doctors from West Suburban Medical Center conducted a vote in August to say they have no confidence in Insight Health Systems ability to run the hospital. Barlow was asked about the vote of no confidence at the press conference. “Those individuals were led astray by some individuals who didn’t know what they’re talking about,” said Barlow.

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NEWSFLASH!

OPINION

Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

Interview with a death doula

uring our interview I told Tiffany Johnson that a neighbor of mine said, “That’s depressing” when I told her I was going to interview a death doula for the Review. Tiffany laughed and replied, “Do I look depressed?!” Indeed, throughout the hour-long conversation she was upbeat and excited about her work. The International End-of-Life Doula Association defines an end-of-life doula “as a nonmedical companion who provides personalized and compassionate support to individuals, families, and their circles of care as they encounter and navigate death, loss, and mortality. An end-of-life doula advocates self-determination and imparts psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and practical care to empower dignity throughout the dying process.” “I’m so deeply honored to be invited and trusted,” Tiffany explained, “during a time when people are most vulnerable. I get to be present to such profound moments.” She pointed out that people in our culture often talk about living well, but avoid learning how to die well — or getting help doing so. That is the vocation of a death doula. The term “doula” comes from the Greek word for servant. Doulas don’t fix things like mechanics or surgeons do. They don’t primarily teach techniques or exercises like physical therapists did to me in the hospital after surgery to repair my fractured femur. What she does is begin her relationship with a new client by what she calls “reading the room,” i.e. sensing where those who are actively dying are on their journeys as well as their loved ones who accompany them.

“I don’t impose my journey on my clients,” she said. “It’s not my journey. I’m here to bear witness. It’s not my job to change anybody’s experience other than to show love and have dignity and autonomy. I want to show up and help do whatever they want and make sure they don’t do it alone.” Although Tiffany does not impose her belief system on her clients, she does like the holistic approach of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche, the major themes of which are: Death: Framing it not as a final crisis, but as a natural stage of existence and an opportunity for spiritual awakening. The Four Bardos: Exploring the continuous realities of life, the process of dying, the after-death state, and rebirth. Practical Tools: Teaches meditation, compassion practices like tonglen, and ways to support loved ones through dying and grief. “Whatever you believe regarding the after, there’s the truth that this body has an expiration. People die the way they live. What happens after this body is individual. I don’t tell anyone what is for them, and I get to pick it for myself. I’m here to keep them safe and loved during that experience.” Her role as an educator includes providing options. For example, in Illinois medically assisted dying is legal under the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (Senate Bill 1950), also known as “Deb’s Law,” which officially went into effect on Sept. 12, 2026. Illinois is the first Midwestern state and the 13th U.S. jurisdic-

tion to authorize medical aid in dying. Another option is water cremation, which many people have never heard of. Tiffany also weaves willow caskets. She urges people to begin the planning process well before they begin “actively dying” because you don’t want to make big decisions when you are in trauma.” When clients visit Tiffany well in advance, she provides them a checklist, including everything from legal matters to where you would like memorials to go.

TOM HOLMES

Read & Support

Vocation Growing up in the woods along Lake Superior was a big influence, both on her vocation and her perspectives on life and dying. “It started in childhood in the forest very closely related to the environment around me and always having animals coming and going — a natural part of living and dying in the woods. We had a lot of pets that we rescued — birth, life and death built into the framework, attachment and grief. It wasn’t hidden. Today we separate a lot of that. “I grew up with reservation friendships, with Ojibwe people as friends of mine who had a deep reverence for land and life. I talked to the trees. I’m in communion with everything around me. I was definitely raised with a different perspective.” One of her heroes is Robin Wall Kimmerer, a scientist who is also a registered

member of the Potawatomi Tribe. Kimmerer wrote Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Some of her core themes are reciprocity: Nature gives us gifts, like food and clean water, so humans must give back by caring for the Earth. Ecological Consciousness: Healing the planet starts with listening to the natural world and recognizing our connection to all living things. Tiffany sees plants as teachers. “I grew up in Ashland, a town with a population around 8,000 and just one major nursing home. On weekends, instead of going to church, we would go to the nursing home and find residents who didn’t have family members around. A lot of people put their elders in nursing homes and walk away, leaving people who are lonely. “We sat and listened and talked and listened. When I was 12 my dad had a massive stroke resulting in permanent damage. During my teenage years, my dad was on the brink of dying and then recovered. I got to witness what hospital care looks like. Tiffany is opening a nonmedical, nonprofit hospice house. She will create a “cocoon” in each room and each person will come in with their own hospice team. “I went to a trade school in Chicago and became a massage therapist, which informs the work I do now. For example, one daughter was afraid to touch her father because of his physical pain. She thought touching him would hurt him. I gave her permission to touch him and hold his hand. She didn’t know what to say to him but he didn’t need that.” Check out Tom’s ongoing substack posts about the fiction life of Pastor Walter Mitty at https://tomholmes10.substack.com.

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Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW General Manager Max Reinsdorf Editorial & Audience Strategist Matthew Schwerha Staff Reporters Jessica Mordacq, Hector Cervantes, Bill Dwyer, Jackie Pisano Contributing Editor Donna Greene Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Tom Holmes Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona

L O O K

B A C K

I N

T I M E

When drug stores were the hub

arone Drug (or Barone Pharmacy) was a local corner store, pharmacy and hub in the neighborhood. Located at Harrison and Beloit directly across from The Park and down the street from Field Stevenson, it was perfectly positioned to be a “go to” refreshment spot for Forest Park youth for generations. By 1948 there were seven local pharmacies throughout the village. Joseph Barone came from Sicily and owned the popular drug store from 1924 to 1971, when it changed hands to Anzalone Pharmacy. Ted Anzalone, shown here, worked at the Barone counter in 1936.

Jill Wagner

Visual Designers Susan McKelvey, Darby Godman Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Ted Anzalone at Barone Drug in 1936

Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 PHONE: (708) 613-3300 EMAIL: dhaley@newswellchicago.org CIRCULATION: Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE: ForestParkReview.com Forest Park Review is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160). Forest Park Review NEWSWELL Chicago is located at 1011 Lake Street St 307, Oak Park IL 60301. The newspaper is available at newsstands for $1. Annual subscription rate in Cook County is $48 and $82 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates available by contacting our office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Forest Park Review, NEWSWELL Chicago P.O. Box 6670 River Forest IL, 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL

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PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, 19 October, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a planned development, conditional use for a drive thru restaurant and a preliminary and final plat of consolidation at the following subject location: PARCEL 1 LOTS 10 TO 14 INCLUSIVE IN LEHMAN AND STARK’S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 28 IN DUNLOP’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK SOUTH ½ OF SECTION 13 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIIS PARCEL 2 LOTS 15, 16,17,18 AND 19 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 28 IN DUNLOP’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ AND THAT PART OF THE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHWEST ¼ LYING EAST OF DES PLAINES AVENUE IN SECTION 13. TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, iLLINOIS Commonly known as 7737 Roosevelt Rd. Forest Park, IL. 60130 PIN(s) 15-13-313-014, 15-13-313015, 15-13-313-016, 15-13-313017, 15-13-313-018, 15-13-313019,15-13-313-020 The applicant is Andy’s Frozen Custard. The owner of property is J Patrick Malone Trust and Shirley M. Malone Trust . Signed: Marsha East, Chair Planning and Zoning Commission Published in Forest Park Review September 30, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, 19 October, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Village of Forest Park Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider a request for a relief from Section 9-9-4C2 to add a second floor without increasing the building footprint for the following property: LOT 6 BLOCK 15 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 4 AND THE NORTH 199.9.5 FEET OF THE EAST 197.10 FEET OF BLOCK 5, BLOCK 6 AND THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF BLOCK 7, BLOCK 8, BLOCK 15 AND BLOCK 18 (EXCEPT THE WEST 50 FEET OF THE SOUTH 125 FEET THEREOF) IN JOSEPH K. DUNLOP SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST ½ OF SOUTH EAST ¼ AND THAT PART OF THE EAST 1/3 OF TILE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHWEST ¼ LYING SOUTHEAST OF THE CENTER OF DES PLAINES AVENUE SECTOIN 13, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE

Commonly known as 1011 Ferdinand Ave. Forest Park Il. 60305 PIN: 15-13-416-026-0000 The petitioner/owner Pellettieri

Mark

Marsha East, Chairman Planning and Zoning Commission, Chairperson Published in the Forest Park Review on 30 September 2026 Published in Forest Park Review September 30, 2026

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MAMIE MAY, MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR AEGIS WHOLESALE CORPORATION, AEGIS WHOLESALE CORPORATION, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 16 CH 11376 3411 MADISON ST. BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 20, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 2, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 3411 MADISON ST., BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-321119-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $346,911.13. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 422-1719. Please refer to file number 240702. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 240702 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 16 CH 11376

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

TJSC#: 46-946 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 16 CH 11376 I3293671

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.JACQUELINE DESHANA GILES, DEBRINA TARINA RANSON, RICKY R GILES, HELEN GILES, OSCAR GILES, NAPOLEON GILES, JR, CHERYL GILES, VICTOR GILES, RODNEY GILES, PATRICIA GILES, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NAPOLEAN GILES, DECEASED, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF NAPOLEON GILES, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2022 CH 04195 1916 S 17TH AVE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 21, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 4, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1916 S 17TH AVE , MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-15-315023-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $179,796.99. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-022095. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901 E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM Attorney File No. 22-022095 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2022 CH 04195 TJSC#: 46-2139 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2022 CH 04195 I3295021

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREDDIE MAC SEASONED LOANS STRUCTURED TRANSACTION TRUST, SERIES 2021-1 Plaintiff vs. CIRENIO SOLIS; ALICIA SOLIS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendant 26 CH 2840 CALENDAR 59 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on November 9, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-235-044-0000. Commonly known as 135 S. 10th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection(g-1) of Section 189.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563. (630) 453-6960. 1496-230707 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3295007

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, PLAINTIFF, VS. YOLANDA BAILEY; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; ABSOLUTE RESOLUTIONS INVESTMENTS, LLC; THE 30 KING ARTHUR COURT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS., DEFENDANTS. CASE NO.: 2026CH00235 30 King Arthur Ct, Unit 6 Northlake, IL 60164 CALENDAR: 64 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 28, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 28, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 30 KING ARTHUR CT. UNIT 6, NORTHLAKE, IL 60164 Property Index No. 12-30-402064-1006 The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $22,542.27. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 100% of the bid amount shall be paid in certified

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale. The certified check must be made payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Johnny Dale Frevert, Jr., KELLEY KRONENBERG, P.A. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 20 N CLARK STREET SUITE 1150, CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 216-8828. Please refer to file number 5117.000126. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. Johnny Dale Frevert, Jr. KELLEY KRONENBERG, P.A. 20 N CLARK STREET SUITE 1150 CHICAGO, IL 60602 312-216-8828 E-Mail: jfrevert@kelleykronenberg. com Attorney File No. 5117.000126 Attorney ARDC No. 6305960 Attorney Code. 49848 Case Number: 2026 CH 00235 TJSC#: 46-2004 I3294441

18 Forest Park Review, September 30, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Your right to know...In print • Online

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3360 | BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Newrez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing Plaintiff, -v.John Hill Jr. as Supervised Administrator of the Estate of John H. Hill Sr.; John H. Hill; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants; John Hill Jr.; Kelyn Hill; LaTonya Davis; Dorothy R. Hill Morrow; Rosa Mae Hill Sealey; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of John H. Hill Sr. Defendants. 2025CH12091 624 Marshall Ave, Bellwood, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 9/3/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 10/26/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 624 Marshall Ave, Bellwood, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-306073-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $182,172.19 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www. auction.com by entering 624 Marshall Ave into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium

Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES PC (630) 794-5300 please refer to file number 14-25-07516. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 14-25-07516 Case Number: 2025CH12091 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3294546

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 333 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1820, Chicago, IL, 60606. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC 333 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1820 Chicago IL, 60606 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 24-17727IL Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2025 CH 01742 TJSC#: 46-1953 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2025 CH 01742 I3293955

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff, -v.YVONNE A WINT, MYRON WINT Defendants 2025 CH 01742 218 SOUTH 23RD AVENUE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 12, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 19, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 218 SOUTH 23RD AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-10-114-0180000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

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injusticewatch.org/judges

Your nonpartisan guide to Cook County’s November 2026 judicial elections

W H AT TO K N OW

Early voting This year’s general election is Nov. 3, but early voting in Chicago’s 50 wards and sites around suburban Cook County starts Oct. 19 (and earlier in downtown Chicago and at suburban courthouses). To find your polling place and check your voter status: • Chicago residents, visit chicagoelections.gov • Suburban Cook County residents, visit cookcountyclerkil.gov/ elections

About the court system

Court and legal terms

COURT LEVELS

Administrative law judge: Lawyers hired by city or state agencies to conduct hearings on administrative issues, such as municipal code violations or decisions made by agency representatives. May also be called “hearing officers.” These are not judicial positions but are often a stepping stone for attorneys who want to gain quasi-judicial experience before running for judge.

Illinois has three levels of courts: • Circuit courts are the front line of the legal system. Circuit court judges hear a variety of cases, from traffic tickets to personal injury to child welfare to criminal cases. They serve six-year terms. • Appellate courts hear appeals of cases initially decided by the circuit courts, usually in panels of three judges. Appellate judges serve 10-year terms. Circuit court judges also can be temporarily assigned to the appellate court by the Illinois Supreme Court. • The Illinois Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. Its seven justices serve 10-year terms, with three of the justices chosen by Cook County voters. In addition to ruling on cases appealed from the lower courts, the Supreme Court appoints judges to fill vacancies, creates rules that courts must follow, and oversees attorney licensing and discipline and judicial discipline. DIVISIONS OF THE CIRCUIT COURT The Cook County Circuit Court is made up of three departments, which oversee a total of 16 divisions and districts, based on case type and geography.

Who can vote? Voters must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen, and reside in their voting precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. People with felony convictions can vote in Illinois as long as they are not currently incarcerated. People in jail pre-trial and people on mandatory supervised release are eligible to vote.

About Injustice Watch Injustice Watch is a nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the Cook County court system. Our team of investigative journalists produce humancentered, data-driven investigations with a real impact in our community. Our journalism has led to policy changes, people in power resigning or being fired, innocent people being freed from prison, increased participation in judicial elections, and more. We also create resources, such as this guide, and host events to help our community better understand how the court system works. To learn more about our work, visit injusticewatch.org. 2

COUNTY DEPARTMENT Chancery division: Handles lawsuits in which one party sues another to force them to stop or engage in a specific action. Cases involving mortgage foreclosures, mechanics liens, contracts, and other matters are also heard here. County division: Hears cases involving elections, adoptions, mental health proceedings, and real estate taxes. Criminal division: Presides over felony cases, which are those that could result in a prison term of at least a year. This division also handles issues related to felony trials, including record expungement and petitions to review prior criminal convictions and sentences. Domestic relations division: Hears cases involving divorce, child support, and other family law matters. Domestic violence division: Handles matters involving orders of protection, nocontact orders, and certain criminal cases related to domestic violence. Law division: Focuses on lawsuits for monetary damages larger than $30,000 in the city and larger than $100,000 in the suburbs. Examples of cases include personal injury, medical malpractice, and property damage. Pretrial division: Handles initial proceedings in criminal cases, such as detention hearings and out-of-state warrants. This division also oversees some specialty programs, including the deferred prosecution court. Probate division: Hears matters involving wills, estates, and guardianship of minors and/or those with disabilities.

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

JUVENILE JUSTICE AND CHILD PROTECTION DEPARTMENT Child protection division: Hears cases involving child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, and orders of protection concerning children. Juvenile justice division: Conducts trials for minors charged with crimes and proceedings for minors addicted to alcohol or drugs and those who are runaways. MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT The Municipal Department is divided into six geographical districts. First municipal district (Chicago): This district handles felony preliminary hearings, misdemeanor cases, evictions, small claims, lawsuits seeking damages under $30,000, marriages, and civil unions within the city. The traffic section, which is where judges who are new to the bench are assigned, hears misdemeanor and other traffic cases from Chicago. Second through sixth municipal districts: These suburban districts handle the same types of cases as the first district, but also oversee felony criminal cases and juvenile justice cases, traffic cases, orders of protection, some specialty courts, lawsuits seeking damages under $100,000, and name changes. These courts are located in Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, and Markham.

Appointment: When a judge resigns, retires, or is removed from office, it creates a vacancy on the court. The Illinois Supreme Court appoints a replacement to serve until the next election. Associate judge: These judges serve the same roles as circuit judges, but they are selected by a vote of the circuit judges, rather than by the public. Assistant public defender: Attorneys who represent criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney and parents accused by the state of child abuse or neglect. Assistant state’s attorney: Attorneys who prosecute state crimes in the county and represent county departments and officials in civil lawsuits. Post-conviction: Petitions filed by someone who has been convicted of a crime asking a judge to overturn their conviction or change their sentence. The bar for successfully filing a postconviction petition is extremely high and usually requires petitioners to show they have access to new evidence that could not have been available to them at the time of the original trial. Postconviction petitions are different from appeals, which focus narrowly on challenges to judges’ procedural decisions and interpretation of the law during a hearing or trial. Presiding judge: Judges assigned by the chief judge to oversee administrative matters in each court division. In some divisions, presiding judges assign cases to other judges; in other divisions, cases are assigned randomly by a computer. The presiding judges, along with Chief Judge Charles Beach, are known as the Executive Committee and meet regularly to discuss courtwide matters. Reversal: When a party in a case believes the judge made the wrong decision, they can appeal to a higher court. If the higher court believes that the judge misapplied the law or abused their discretion, it can reverse the judge’s decision and send the case back with instructions. Usually cases get sent back to the same judge, but in rare circumstances higher courts order the case to be transferred to a new judge. Visit injusticewatch.org/judges for a full glossary of terms

About our judicial election guide Judges are powerful officials whose choices on the bench touch many aspects of our lives, from traffic tickets to divorces, lawsuits, evictions, and criminal cases. They have the power to take or restore someone’s freedom, enforce or overturn state laws, and perpetuate or correct injustices. Illinois voters elect judges every two years. This November, 60 circuit judges and one appellate judge are running for reelection in Cook County. To help you #CheckYourJudges, Injustice Watch created this guide to Cook County’s judicial elections. Voters will be asked whether each judge should be retained for another term. To keep their seat, each judge must receive 60% “yes” votes of all the votes cast in their race. You’ll also see races on your ballot for open seats, or vacancies, on the court. All the candidates who won in the March Democratic primary are running

unopposed, so they are not included in this guide. Our team of investigative journalists spent months researching each judge’s background, judicial record, legal experience, political connections, conduct, and controversies. We sent every judge a survey asking how they approach their work. We watched them in court and spoke with attorneys and litigants who have had cases in front of them. We don’t endorse or recommend candidates. We report the facts, so you can make your own decisions. Candidates appear in the order they will appear on your ballot, which is based on how long they’ve been on the bench. This is a condensed version of our guide, edited for space and clarity. For full profiles, including candidate survey responses and bar association evaluations, visit injusticewatch.org/ judges.

How to use this guide CANDIDATE ICONS Former public defender: This candidate has served as a public defender, representing clients in criminal cases who can’t afford a private attorney. Former prosecutor: This candidate has served as a prosecutor in criminal or quasi-criminal (such as traffic court) cases at the city, county, state, or federal level.

Former public defender

Notable reversals: Notable cases exist where the candidate’s decisions have been reversed by a higher court. Notable controversy: This candidate has been involved in some kind of personal or professional controversy. We report what we found in the “Notable” section and offer candidates an opportunity to respond to our reporting.

Former prosecutor

CANDIDATE PROFILES Age: We list each judge’s age as of Election Day. Judicial experience: We include the types of cases each judge has heard in their time on the bench. Every judge starts out in traffic court, so we’ve excluded that detail from most profiles.

Notable reversals

Previous work history: Information about the type of law the candidate practiced before they became a judge, with dates when they are known. Notable: We often find interesting information about candidates during our research, whether about cases they’ve been involved in as attorneys or judges, family or political connections, or newsworthy events. Candidate survey: We sent every judge a survey about their upbringing, professional experience, and values. We include an excerpt of their responses. (This year, 19 judges replied.) Full answers can be found online at injusticewatch.org/judges.

Notable controversy

R E T E N T I O N | I L L I N O I S A P P E L L AT E C O U R T BERTINA E. LAMPKIN Age: 77 Judge since: 1987 Judicial experience: Lampkin was appointed to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2009 and won election in 2016. She currently serves in the third division of the appellate court’s first district, hearing appeals out of Cook County. Before being appointed to the appellate court, she served for 22 years as a Cook County associate judge and circuit judge, including 12 years as a supervising judge in the criminal division. Previous work history: • Senior attorney, City of Chicago Law Department, defending the city against civil lawsuits (1985-1987) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting juvenile delinquency, sexual assault, and other felony cases (1974-1985) Law school: DePaul University (1974) Notable: Lampkin says she has written more than 400 opinions and orders as an appellate judge. In one recent example, she authored an opinion reversing the dismissal of a petition for postconviction relief filed by a 51-year-old man sentenced to life in prison without the opportunity for parole for killing two teenagers in a gang-related fight when he was 18. In his petition, the man argued he was eligible for resentencing in light of state and U.S. Supreme Court decisions finding mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles and young adults unconstitutional. Lampkin has served on five different Illinois Supreme Court committees related to issues including capital cases, criminal law, and appellate court administration. To alleviate a backlog of criminal appeals, she spearheaded the creation of a group of pro bono attorneys to take on some of those cases. “In one year, 65 cases were disposed of,” Lampkin told Injustice Watch, including two murder convictions that were eventually tossed out, she said. Lampkin was the lead prosecutor in the 1983 trial of Stanley Wrice, who was convicted in the brutal abduction and rape of a woman at his South Side home. Wrice was sentenced to 100 years in prison but was released in 2013 after a Cook County judge vacated his conviction based on Wrice’s claims that he was beaten into giving a statement by Chicago police lieutenants working under disgraced Cmdr. Jon Burge. Wrice’s case was significant in the Burge torture saga because it led the Illinois Supreme Court to establish that a confession coerced through torture must be thrown out, even if there is overwhelming evidence of a defendant’s guilt. Following his release, Wrice was denied a certificate of innocence, but he filed a federal civil rights lawsuit naming Lampkin as a defendant alongside Burge, his subordinates, and high-ranking law enforcement officials. The claims against Lampkin were dismissed, but she was made to sit for a deposition in 2016 and testify at the trial in 2020, records show. In her deposition, Lampkin was asked if she knew about the allegations of police torturing suspects on the South Side while she was a prosecutor. “Clearly some people were abused at Area 2, absolutely,” she said. “I don’t believe Stanley Wrice was.” In an interview with Injustice Watch, Lampkin continued to cast doubt on Wrice’s abuse claims and denied any wrongdoing. Wrice won a $5.2 million jury verdict against the city in March 2020. Candidate survey: “I saw the KKK burning a cross right off the highway and as a child, I watched TV with my parents as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lead marches throughout the south, and I saw African American men, women and children have fire hoses turned on them or vicious dogs actually attack some of them. My father always told me that education was the key to changing the lives of Black people and I have strived all my life to be the best I could be in every endeavor.”

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W H AT TO K N OW

About the court system

Court and legal terms

COURT LEVELS

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

Former public defender

Former prosecutor

Notable reversals

Notable controversy

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT LEWIS NIXON Age: 77 Judge since: 2001 Judicial experience: Nixon was appointed to the circuit court in 2001 and won election the following year. Since 2008, Nixon has served as the supervising judge for the mortgage foreclosure and mechanic’s lien section of the chancery division at the Daley Center. Previous work history: • Regional counsel in Chicago for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, overseeing fair housing discrimination cases (1983-2001) • Attorney for Burlington Northern Railroad, handling liability cases (19801983) • Associate at Conklin & Adler, handling aviation litigation (1979-1980) • Assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, prosecuting federal criminal cases (1975-1979) Law school: DePaul University (1974) Notable: Nixon is the longest-serving circuit judge running for retention this year. In an online tribute for a deceased former colleague in December, Nixon said if he wins retention, this will be his last term before he retires. However, in an email to Injustice Watch in August, Nixon walked back his comments, saying he had “not really thought that much about retirement at this time,” and that he would address it closer to his next retention election.

KERRY M. KENNEDY Age: 75 Judge since: 2002 Judicial experience: Kennedy was elected to the circuit court in 2002. Since 2021, he has been the presiding judge of the Bridgeview courthouse, where he has spent most of his judicial career hearing felony cases. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant public defender at the Markham and Bridgeview courthouses (1979-2002) Law school: Northern Illinois University (1978) Notable: During the past term, the Illinois Appellate Court has reversed Kennedy’s dismissals of two postconviction petitions filed by men convicted of murder. One of the petitions was filed by Ricky Schoen, 4

who was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2014 for a gang-related drive-by shooting. Schoen, who claims he is innocent and had ineffective counsel, is asking for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence. The appellate court ordered Kennedy in 2022 to hold a hearing on his claims, and the case is ongoing. In 2016, Kennedy increased the bond for an unemployed roofer from $2,000 to $50,000 without explanation after the man was charged with a DUI and battery against a police officer, the Sun-Times reported. The appellate court later reduced the bond, a decision Kennedy sneered at in open court, prompting the defendant’s lawyer to file a motion to substitute Kennedy for another judge, the Sun-Times reported. Kennedy instead recused himself from the case, court records show. Kennedy presided over a high-profile sexual assault trial in 2006 of one of several teenagers charged with raping a drunken 16-year-old girl and videotaping it. During the trial, Kennedy said he might hold the victim in contempt if she did not watch the video while on the witness stand, according to the Chicago Tribune. Defense attorneys had asked Kennedy to dismiss the charges if the girl would not watch it, arguing the defendant had a right to cross-examine his accuser. After an uproar from advocates, Kennedy the next day said he would not force the victim to watch the video, the Tribune reported. Kennedy did not respond to requests for comment.

JOAN E. POWELL Age: 78 Judge since: 2006 Judicial experience: Powell was appointed to the circuit court in 2006 and elected in 2008. She serves in the law division, where she presides over civil trials. Previous work history: • Assistant state’s attorney in the complex litigation division, handling medical malpractice defense, employment and labor law, and civil rights matters (20002006) • Law clerk for two Cook County circuit judges (1996-2000) • Solo practitioner, focusing on contract, family, and elder law (1992-1996) Law school: UIC Law (Formerly John Marshall Law School) (1992) Notable: The First District Appellate Court

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in 2025 sharply criticized Powell, vacating a jury’s $43.8 million car crash verdict against a trucking company and ordering that a new trial be held before a different judge, a rare move. The case involved a woman whose car had been rear-ended by a tractor-trailer while she was stopped at a traffic light, rendering her an incomplete quadriplegic. In 2023, during jury selection in a trial over the amount of damages the company would have to pay, the woman’s attorneys published a blog post titled, “What Jurors Should Know But Don’t,” that said jurors were being “kept in the dark” about important case evidence. The next day, Powell collectively questioned the jurors about whether they’d seen the post, using leading statements the appellate court found “too suggestive toward a negative answer.” The appellate court said “any reasonable judge” would have taken the jurors aside one by one to learn whether they’d seen the posts. Powell told Injustice Watch the language she used with jurors followed the Illinois Supreme Court jury instructions, but she has since started the practice of polling jurors one by one when issues arise. “We have higher courts for a good reason. It’s a double or triple check. This appellate court disagreed with me. It’s their job to review, and they did,” she said.

MAUREEN WARD KIRBY Age: 62 Judge since: 2007 Judicial experience: Kirby was appointed to the circuit court in 2007 and elected the following year. Since 2023, Kirby has been the presiding judge of the county division, where she has heard cases since 2009. Previously, Kirby heard orders of protection in the domestic relations division. Previous work history: • Associate and partner at a Chicago-based law firm, handling commercial litigation cases (1989-2008) Law school: Loyola University Chicago (1989) Notable: Kirby currently presides over a lawsuit fi led in 2024 by the nonprofit Reform for Illinois to force the Cook County clerk to allow the City of Evanston to hold ranked-choice voting, following a referendum on the issue that passed by a wide margin in 2022. Kirby dismissed the

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT lawsuit in November 2024 after the county clerk argued it couldn’t administer rankedchoice elections without state officials fi rst authorizing those types of elections. The Illinois Appellate Court ordered Kirby to reopen the case in 2025, ruling that no substantive rulings could be made because the City of Evanston was not a party to the lawsuit. Earlier this year, Reform for Illinois and the city refi led the lawsuit, adding the state board of elections and Dominion Voting Systems as defendants. Their attorney told the Evanston RoundTable they expect Kirby to issue a ruling before Evanston’s upcoming special mayoral election, with a primary likely to be held in February.

THOMAS J. BYRNE Age: 64 Judge since: 2008 Judicial experience: Byrne hears criminal cases at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago. He previously handled misdemeanor cases in Chicago. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney serving at courthouses in Chicago and Markham, eventually rising to supervisor at the Rolling Meadows courthouse (1989-2008) Law school: Loyola University Chicago (1989)

EDWARD A. ARCE Age: 67 Judge since: 2008 Judicial experience: Arce was appointed to the circuit court in 2008 and won election later the same year from the 14th Subcircuit. He currently hears cases in the domestic relations division. Previous work history: • Associate and partner at a small firm, handling a variety of civil cases, including family law, bankruptcy, and contract disputes (1985-2008) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1985) Notable: Arce is currently presiding over a parentage case filed in 2019 by then-59year-old Daryl Miller, who is seeking to establish that blues musician Buddy Guy is his biological father. Miller filed his petition after Guy voluntarily took a genetic test that established that Guy couldn’t be excluded as the father. After the Illinois Appellate Court reversed Arce’s decision to dismiss the case, he ordered Guy to submit to a new paternity test in July. Arce’s family owns Tropical Optical, a retail eyewear and optometry chain started by his father, and Sun Optics, an eyewear manufacturing company in which Arce is a shareholder. Arce said he draws no income from the businesses. The family has also been active in local politics, including through a now-defunct political action committee, the Mexican American PAC, which was managed by his brother Daniel between 1989 and 2019 and backed politicians allied with Mayor Richard M. Daley and disgraced former Ald. Ed Burke.

Notable: The Illinois Appellate Court has overturned Byrne’s judgments, rulings, or sentences at least 16 times over the last term, the second-highest number among the six criminal division judges up for retention this year, though far fewer than some judges running in past elections. Some reversals stemmed from the mistakes of defense attorneys or extraordinarily technical legal questions. In several others, the appeals court found he too quickly rejected people challenging their convictions. In one case last year, the appellate court criticized Byrne’s decision to prevent a jury from seeing police body camera video showing a witness giving statements that might have bolstered a defendant’s selfdefense claim in a 2020 brawl in Chicago. The witness, a 90-year-old man, testified at trial that he wasn’t sure whether the defendant or an alleged victim threw the fi rst punch. The defendant’s attorney sought to counter that testimony by showing the jury video of him telling a police officer at the scene that the fi rst thing he saw was the alleged victim punching her and “beating that woman like she was a dog.” After watching the video in his chambers, Byrne said the recorded statements were improper hearsay and barred them. The jury convicted the defendant of aggravated battery, and the judge sentenced her to 2½ years in prison. The appellate court reversed her conviction, saying Byrne should have let the jury see the video since it contradicted the testimony the witness gave in court. The case is still pending. Byrne declined to comment through a spokesperson.

DIANA L. KENWORTHY Age: 58 Judge since: 2008 Judicial experience: Kenworthy handles felony criminal trials at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago. She previously served in the domestic violence division and heard misdemeanor cases in the first municipal district. Previous work history: • Partner at a small family firm, arbitrator for the circuit court, and hearing officer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (2000-2008) • Cook County assistant public defender (1996-2000) Law school: Ohio State University (1995) Notable: In 2022, Kenworthy acquitted Jimmy Jackson in the murder of his on-andoff girlfriend, Daisy Hayes, citing a lack of physical evidence and saying video of him leaving her apartment with a suitcase he threw in the trash did not clearly establish guilt. Kenworthy said Hayes appeared intoxicated the day she was last seen and cited medications on her nightstand in finding there was reasonable doubt that Jackson killed her. Hayes’ body was never found. “I know that my ruling will be difficult and frustrating for Ms. Hayes’ family,” the judge said in delivering her verdict. “I want to be clear: My finding is not that Mr. Jackson is innocent, rather my finding is that the state is not able to meet the very high burden of proving the defendant guilty of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.” Hayes’ family members held a press conference after the verdict, and they continue to criticize Kenworthy years later. “As a Black woman, it just makes you feel that the system, the justice system, doesn’t care about us,” Teresa Smith, her daughter, told Injustice Watch recently. Kenworthy declined to comment through a spokesperson.

KRISTYNA COLLEEN RYAN Age: 54 Judge since: 2008 Judicial experience: Ryan hears civil, misdemeanor, and felony cases at the fourth municipal district in Maywood, where she also presides over the mental health and veterans treatment courts. She previously oversaw the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court.

Previous work history: • Associate at a small law firm that handles insurance recovery work • Attorney in private practice (2003-2005) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (2000) Candidate survey: “I came to law through a non-traditional path; I have a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Development from Ohio State and worked in environmental consulting before my J.D. from Chicago-Kent. My earlier training taught me to think in terms of systems: how one intervention ripples through an ecosystem, how ‘right plant, right place’ matters as much as good intentions. I bring that same lens to the courtroom. A person in front of me is not a discrete legal problem to be resolved but someone embedded in a family, a neighborhood, a community, and a set of circumstances that a single ruling can’t rewrite on its own.”

URSULA WALOWSKI Age: 57 Judge since: 2008 Judicial experience: Walowski was elected in 2008 and serves in the criminal division, hearing felony cases at the George Leighton Criminal Courthouse. She previously presided over misdemeanor and felony cases in the domestic violence division. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, handling cases including gang crimes and murder trials (1994-2008) • Worked in commercial litigation for former First National Bank of Chicago (1993) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1993) Notable: The First District Illinois Appellate Court overturned Walowski’s judgments, rulings, or sentences at least 25 times over her most recent six-year term, sometimes in pointed language. That’s more than any other criminal court judge seeking retention this year, though fewer than some other judges in past years. Some of the appellate rulings stemmed from technical errors or failures by defense attorneys, but the court directly criticized her work repeatedly. In one case, appellate judges reversed Walowski’s guilty verdict at a bench trial and said the evidence simply was not strong enough to convict. In 2021, an appellate panel ruled unanimously that Walowski should not have forced an attorney to go forward with a trial in 2017 over his repeated objections that he couldn’t properly defend his client as he was recovering

from food poisoning and its aftereffects. The attorney, Bernard Shelton Jr., asked Walowski for time to recover after he’d gone to the emergency room the previous day with a swollen face, but she rejected him, saying he “did a fine job” despite his complaints earlier in the trial. Appellate Court Judge Mary L. Mikva wrote that Walowski abused her discretion and denied the defendant a fair trial by brushing aside Shelton’s complaints. In 2023, Appellate Court Judge Bertina Lampkin wrote a unanimous ruling criticizing Walowski for failing to explain the constitutional right to an attorney or the potential consequences of representing himself to a murder defendant, Wynton Stewart, who then disastrously acted as his own lawyer and was convicted. The appellate judges called Walowski’s work “a complete failure” to follow rules intended to guarantee Stewart a fair trial and reversed his conviction. Stewart was later convicted again. Walowski told Injustice Watch she thinks the reversals stem in part from her working efficiently through a high volume of cases in criminal court, where cases are frequently appealed. She declined to comment on specific cases, in keeping with court rules, but said, “I respect the appellate court’s decisions.” “I do try to get things right as much as possible in each particular case, but sometimes things can be missed,” she said. “Mistakes can happen, but I strive to avoid them.”

ANTHONY C. “TONY” KYRIAKOPOULOS Age: 63 Judge since: 2010 Judicial experience: Kyriakopoulos was first appointed to the bench in 2010 and won election in 2014. Since 2011, he has been assigned to the chancery division at the Daley Center, handling mortgage foreclosure and mechanic’s liens cases. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting narcotics and other felony cases (1990-2010) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1989) Notable: Kyriakopoulos was one of three judges who dropped out of primary races against candidates favored by the Cook County Democratic Party in 2012, only to be reappointed after the election by the state Supreme Court, the Chicago Tribune reported. By dropping out, Kyriakopoulos cleared the road for former Ald. Tom Allen, who ran unopposed and retired from the bench in 2018. Kyriakopoulos did not respond to a request for comment.

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT CAROLINE KATE MORELAND Age: 59 Judge since: 2010 Judicial experience: Moreland was first appointed to the circuit court in 2010 and won election in 2014. She currently serves in the chancery division, handling class-action lawsuits, business disputes, injunctions, and public records requests. She previously served in the domestic violence division. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting murders, sexual assaults, and other felony cases (1996-2010) Law school: Catholic University of America (1995) Notable: Moreland’s appointment to the bench played a role in the 2023 federal corruption trial of disgraced former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke. Prosecutors accused Burke of holding up the renovation of the city’s massive Old Main Post Office until the developer hired Burke’s law firm to handle its property tax appeals on the building. In a secretly recorded meeting with the developer, Burke dangled his relationship with Moreland’s father, then-Amtrak board vice-chairman Jeff rey Moreland, when discussing the challenges getting the railroad company to stop its trains from running under the building for the renovation to start. “We made his daughter a judge here in Cook County. … We’re family personal friends,” Burke says in the video from October 2016 played in court, according to news reports. Burke’s wife, Anne M. Burke, sat on the Illinois Supreme Court when it appointed Moreland to the bench. Burke was convicted in December 2023 of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion, and sentenced to two years in prison, plus a $2 million fine. A spokesperson for the Illinois Supreme Court refused to say whether or not the court investigated Burke’s comments. Emails to Ed Burke’s attorneys went unanswered. Moreland declined to comment. Moreland was one of three judges who dropped out of primary races against candidates favored by the Cook County Democratic Party in 2012, only to be reappointed after the election by the state Supreme Court, the Chicago Tribune reported. By dropping out, Moreland cleared the field for Michael T. Mullen, who’s currently the chancery division’s presiding judge. “I didn’t make any deals,” Moreland told the Tribune about her decision to withdraw from the race. “That was a personal and political decision that I made.” 6

Several of Moreland’s rulings in the past term have made the news. In September 2020, Moreland dismissed a lawsuit seeking class-action status against the city of Chicago for issuing thousands of Central Business District parking tickets to people who weren’t parked there, saying the plaintiff had failed to exhaust the administrative appeals process; the Illinois Supreme Court upheld her ruling. In 2025, Moreland ordered former Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau to take down confidential information about the village he had posted online after he lost re-election; the case remains ongoing. Also in 2025, Moreland granted class-action status to a lawsuit filed by a resident on Chicago’s East Side against an animal feed plant for blanketing the neighborhood in noxious odors. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office later filed its own lawsuit against the plant.

THOMAS J. CARROLL Age: 66 Judge since: 2011 Judicial experience: Carroll was appointed to the circuit court in 2011, and he won election in 2014. He is a supervising judge in the misdemeanor section at the Markham courthouse. Previous work history: • Attorney in private practice, working on criminal and civil cases in federal, state, and juvenile courts and serving as a hearing officer for municipal offenses in Merrionette Park (1992-2011) • Cook County assistant public defender, handling felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases (1988-1992) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1988) Notable: Carroll was one of three judges who dropped out of primary races against candidates favored by the Cook County Democratic Party in 2012, only to be reappointed after the election by the state Supreme Court, the Chicago Tribune reported. Carroll’s exit from that race cleared a path for Daniel R. Degnan, who had strong political connections but negative bar association ratings. The Illinois Supreme Court then reappointed Carroll, who has family ties to disgraced former Ald. Ed Burke, whose wife, Anne, served on the Supreme Court at the time. Since then, bar associations and attorneys who spoke to Injustice Watch have complimented Carroll on his easygoing temperament and legal ability. “Judge me on my record,” he told Injustice Watch. “I’ve

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really just tried very hard the last 15 years to do the right thing.” Candidate survey: “Helping my mom with my brother [who has Down Syndrome] and witnessing first hand the compassion and love for him gave me a great understanding of special needs children at an early age. I carried these values during my legal career and on the bench, showing compassion and understanding for everyone.”

ANDREA M. BUFORD Age: 70 Judge since: 2013 Judicial experience: Buford was appointed to the circuit court in 2013 and won election the following year. She currently serves as the presiding judge of the child protection division, where she has spent most of her judicial career hearing child abuse and neglect cases. Previous work history: • Attorney in private practice, representing corporations and municipalities in civil litigation (1987-2013) • Hearing officer for the Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Human Services (2009-2013) • Appointed commissioner on the Illinois Court of Claims, where she heard cases involving monetary demands against the state (2007-2013) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1986) Notable: Buford represented Joseph Miedzianowski, a former Chicago police officer, on behalf of the city in a 2007 federal civil rights trial filed by two former federal agents who claimed the Chicago Police Department retaliated against them for attempting to report him. Miedzianowski had previously been convicted on racketeering and drug conspiracy charges and sentenced to life in prison, and the U.S. attorney who prosecuted him called him the “most corrupt police officer ever prosecuted in this district.” A jury awarded the two federal agents $9.75 million. Buford declined to comment. Buford has previously served as president of the Cook County Bar Association and the Illinois Judicial Council. She has also served on several Illinois Supreme Court committees, including as chair of the Special Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Courts. Buford’s brother was Renault Robinson, a former Chicago police officer who founded the African American Patrolmen’s League and was chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority under Mayor Harold Washington. Robinson, who died in 2023, was also her campaign chair when she first ran for judge.

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT JOHN MICHAEL ALLEGRETTI Age: 61 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Allegretti hears civil cases, including consumer debt, personal injury, and contract disputes, in the first municipal district. Previous work history: • Attorney and general counsel, Cook County Treasurer’s Office (2011-2014) • Corporate counsel, North American Real Estate Management (2010-2011) • Legal director and general counsel, Cook County Assessor’s Office (2005-2010) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney defending the sheriff ’s office and individual correctional officers in civil rights lawsuits (2001-2005) • Associate attorney at a law firm focusing on property tax cases (2000-2001) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney in the real estate tax division (1998-2000) • Hearing officer, Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (1996-1998) • Associate attorney at two small law firms handling personal injury and domestic relations cases (1995-1996) Law school: St. Thomas University (1995) Notable: In 2012, Allegretti was involved with a push to outlaw alcohol sales in a precinct in the Northwest Side neighborhood of Galewood, the Chicago Tribune reported. The ballot measure would have impacted a few local businesses, including a longtime neighborhood tavern and a newer soul food restaurant with a large Black clientele, leading critics of the proposal to question whether it was racially motivated, the Tribune reported. Allegretti grew up in the area but lived at the time in suburban Riverside, where he was a Cook County Democratic Party committeeperson. The ballot initiative ultimately failed. In an email to Injustice Watch, Allegretti disputed the Tribune’s account. “The 193 neighborhood residents who signed the petition deserved to have their concerns fairly represented,” he wrote. “Longstanding concerns about late-night noise and nuisance — not race, organized crime, or a city-versussuburb dispute — prompted this diverse, grassroots community effort. I was asked to assist my former neighbors with the petition and did so without compensation or personal benefit more than a decade ago.”

KRISTAL R. RIVERS Age: 55 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Rivers was elected in 2014. She serves in the Bridgeview courthouse hearing misdemeanor and traffic cases. She previously served in the juvenile justice division. Previous work history: • Assistant attorney general in the Sexually Violent Persons Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office (2010-2014) • Attorney in private practice, focused on real estate sales and commercial property litigation (2001-2010) • Assistant criminal district attorney in Dallas, Texas, where she prosecuted homicide, assault, theft, and child sex crimes cases (1997-2000) Law school: Drake University (1996) Notable: Rivers spent her fi rst seven years on the bench in the juvenile justice division before transferring to the Bridgeview courthouse in 2021 upon her request. During her time in the juvenile justice division, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed several of her decisions, including

O N LI N E

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orders she issued for minors to scrub their social media of all gang and drug activity and to avoid all contact with gangs as terms of their probation, parts of which the court found to be too broad. Rivers has not been reversed since she moved to Bridgeview.

STEVEN G. WATKINS Age: 62 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Watkins was elected in 2014. He is a supervising judge in the criminal division at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago. Previous work history: • Solo practitioner, focusing on criminal defense, civil cases, and real estate law while also working as an arbitrator in the Cook County courts (2001-2014) • Partner at a small firm, handling civil, criminal, administrative law, and real estate cases (1991-2000) Law school: DePaul University (1991) Notable: Illinois State Police arrested Watkins on a drunken driving charge in 2012 after an accident on Interstate 57 in Chicago, according to police reports and court records. Watkins, who refused sobriety tests, was “argumentative,” smelled strongly of alcohol, and swayed when he walked, police reported. Circuit Judge Daniel R. Degnan acquitted him of drunken driving in a bench trial in 2013, saying the testimony of police and a witness didn’t prove strongly enough that Watkins was intoxicated. The judge fi ned him $200 for failing to reduce his speed and ordered court supervision. Watkins was elected judge the following year, and the case has not previously been publicized. Watkins declined to comment on the drunken driving arrest, as did his attorney, Howard Brookins Jr., a former Chicago alderperson. The judge sent Injustice Watch a statement asking voters to focus on his record on the bench. “I take my role as a judge very seriously and I strive to be diligent, prepared, know the law, and always treat everyone with respect and kindness. I base my rulings on the law and the evidence presented and temper my decisions with compassion,” he wrote. Watkins’s highest-profile moment on the bench came in 2019 when he accepted prosecutors’ motion to dismiss charges

accusing actor Jussie Smollett of faking a hate crime against himself. The decision by then-State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office to seek dismissal of the charges was the subject of heated controversy for years.

ABBEY FISHMAN ROMANEK Age: 65 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Romanek was elected in 2014 from the 9th Subcircuit and hears cases in the domestic relations division. Previous work history: • Attorney at a boutique suburban law firm, focused on business and commercial litigation (2012-2014) • Senior attorney in the Illinois attorney general’s Medicaid fraud division (2004-2006) • Associate attorney and partner at four law firms, specializing in defending physicians in medical malpractice cases (1990-2001) • Attorney in private practice, focused on criminal defense (1987-1990) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1987) Notable: In 2024, Fishman Romanek was sued in her official capacity by Connor Paris and Children of the Court, a judicial watchdog organization focused on divorce cases. According to the complaint filed in federal court, Romanek denied Paris, an adult whose parents had a case before her, access to a Zoom hearing, allegedly stating: “Conor Paris is here. He has no business being here and he shouldn’t be here and I am not letting him in. He shouldn’t know about court dates.” A federal judge dismissed the suit, ruling that Romanek was “entitled to absolute judicial immunity” and pointing to a U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing that “trial judges have wide latitude to control courtroom atmosphere and litigants who appear before them.” Paris has an appeal pending before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In a written statement, Romanek did not address Paris’ lawsuit directly, but said “I consider the best interest of the children of my litigants first and foremost. This includes keeping children from the courtroom who are not litigants and should not be testifying against family members. In decision making, I rely on the law and the evidence as well as experts such as guardians ad litem and mental health professionals.” Attorneys who spoke with Injustice Watch described Romanek as curt and easily annoyed, and some said she appeared unprepared

for hearings and sometimes delayed cases unnecessarily. Nevertheless, most attorneys described her as fair, knowledgeable about the law, and reasonable in her decisions. The attorneys spoke on condition of anonymity because they have cases before her. “I sit in a very volatile courtroom,” Romanek said in her statement. “All the litigants involved in domestic relations cases are angry and unhappy. Thus it is not surprising that some people are unhappy with the end result of their cases. Nevertheless, I take my role in the judiciary extremely seriously. I prepare for all of my cases prior to hearing. I also maintain a judicial demeanor at all times. If I find myself getting agitated, I take a break from the courtroom and walk for a few minutes.”

JUDITH C. RICE Age: 69 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Rice has been the presiding judge of the court’s domestic violence division since 2021. Before that, she heard divorce, domestic abuse, and eviction cases. Previous work history: • Senior vice president of BMO Harris Bank, overseeing the bank’s community development activities and serving as its Community Reinvestment Act officer to ensure equitable lending (2007-2014) • Deputy chief of staff to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, working on public housing and economic development issues (2006-2007) • Chicago city treasurer, an elected position overseeing the city’s investments (2000-2006) • Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation (1999-2000) • Commissioner, Chicago Department of Water (1996-1999) • Various roles in the Chicago departments of law and revenue and as executive assistant to Daley (1989-1996) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney in the criminal appeals and juvenile court divisions (1988-1989) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1988) Notable: Rice filed to run for retention even though she is running unopposed for an appellate court seat in this election. If she wins the appellate seat, which is nearly guaranteed, she will resign her circuit court seat.

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

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INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT PATRICK KEVIN COUGHLIN Age: 57 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Coughlin was elected in 2014. He hears felony cases at the Markham courthouse, where he has spent most of his judicial career. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, culminating in serving as deputy bureau chief in the narcotics division (1996-2014) Law school: DePaul University (1996) Notable: The Illinois Appellate Court last year overturned Coughlin’s 38-year prison sentence for Lavert Bonner, who shot and killed Lawrence Mack in Markham in 2010 when Bonner was 17. Coughlin had heard testimony and seen evidence that Bonner acted in self-defense after a childhood of neglect and instability, and he noted in court that Bonner had potential to be rehabilitated. Appellate Court Judge Ramon Ocasio III wrote for the majority that Coughlin abused his discretion, saying his explanation of the sentence didn’t justify its length. “Given the court’s express finding that Bonner has rehabilitative potential, we do not understand why or how it concluded that the appropriate sentence was one that, if served in full, will keep Bonner in prison until he is 55½ years old,” Ocasio wrote. Appellate Court Judge Mary K. Rochford dissented, suggesting her colleagues were improperly second-guessing Coughlin based on their own judgment of the case. Citing court rules, Coughlin told Injustice Watch he couldn’t comment on a pending case. Bonner, who turns 34 in October, has yet to be resentenced. He wrote a letter to the court asking for a shorter term and saying, “I was 17 years old when I made the most terrible mistake of my life. … I wish I could take it all back.” Candidate survey: “I believe that humility, patience, and respect for everyone you interact with are essential for maintaining a good judicial temperament. I always try to remember that what may be a routine court appearance for attorneys, can be a very confusing and stressful event for those unfamiliar with criminal proceedings.”

MEGAN ELIZABETH GOLDISH Age: 55 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Goldish was elected to the circuit court in 2014 from the 9th Subcircuit. She serves in the domestic violence division, handling criminal cases as well as orders of protection. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney in several divisions, including felony review, domestic violence, and felony trial (1997-2014) Law school: Northwestern University (1996) Notable: Since her retention in 2020, Goldish has had to answer questions under oath about her role in the separate wrongful prosecutions of John Velez and Omar Williams. As a felony review prosecutor, Goldish approved murder charges against Velez in 2001 and Williams in 2011. Velez was convicted but ultimately exonerated in 2017, after his girlfriend recanted a statement she gave to police, saying it was coerced. Williams was incarcerated pretrial for more than five years and eight months before a jury acquitted him, also in 2017. In both cases, key witnesses said statements prepared by Goldish contained falsehoods and they were made to sign the statements under duress, according to federal civil rights lawsuits filed by Velez and Williams. Federal judges in both lawsuits allowed claims against Goldish to proceed, and she was made to sit for hours-long depositions in each case and to testify in court during Willliams’ civil trial, records show. Williams’ attorneys eventually voluntarily dismissed the claims against Goldish, and a jury awarded Williams $100,000 in damages in 2021. Velez settled his lawsuit against Goldish and the county in 2024 for $2.4 million. In an email, Goldish downplayed her role in both prosecutions. “These matters are approximately 20 years old and my involvement in each was peripheral,” she said. “There has never been any finding that I engaged in misconduct.” Goldish has long been a prolific donor in Cook County politics. Since becoming a judge, she’s made more than 150 donations for a total of about $74,000, including dozens of donations to judicial candidates, records show. In an email, Goldish said the “overwhelming majority” of her

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

contributions were tickets she purchased for fundraising events “involving friends, colleagues, and people with whom I have worked over many years.” Goldish is married to Matthew Savage, a Chicago police sergeant. Two cases Goldish handled in recent years involving Chicago police have made the news. In August, Goldish granted an emergency order of protection for a woman who alleged she had been beaten and held against her will by her boyfriend, Chicago police officer Joseph Vecchio, records show. Vecchio was ordered detained at Cook County Jail by another judge a day later. In 2019, Goldish dismissed a misdemeanor domestic battery charge against a police officer on former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s security detail. The officer was accused by her ex-girlfriend of pushing her and pinning her against the wall of their home. Goldish sided with the accused, citing surveillance footage that didn’t show any physical altercation and noting the accuser took three days to report the incident to police, which Goldish said was “very telling,” according to the Chicago Tribune. Candidate survey: “Determining whether someone poses a danger to another person, whether contact between family members should be restricted, or whether conditions of release are necessary requires careful judgment. These decisions are among the most consequential a judge can make, and they demand both compassion and discipline. My responsibility is not to predict the future with certainty, but to faithfully apply the law to the facts presented, recognizing both the need to protect victims and the constitutional rights of those accused.”

ANJANA M.J. HANSEN Age: 54 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Hansen was elected from the 9th Subcircuit in 2014. She serves as a deputy presiding judge at the Skokie courthouse, where she hears felony cases. She previously heard misdemeanor and traffic cases in Skokie. Previous work history: • Attorney in private practice while also working as an administrative hearing officer for the City of Evanston, hearing cases related to police, property

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT standards, health, and fire issues (2010-2014) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, serving in several divisions including criminal, juvenile, and appellate. She also helped create an administrative hearings unit for the office. (1997-2010) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1997) Notable: Hansen served as 9th Ward alderperson in Evanston from 2005 to 2009. Hansen founded the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois. Earlier this year, the appellate court ruled that Hansen should not have denied a certificate of innocence to Frank Drew, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 24 years in prison before being exonerated in 2024 based on newly discovered evidence. The appellate court clarified that judges are required to automatically issue a certificate of innocence to people who meet certain requirements.

ROBERT D. KUZAS Age: 65 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Kuzas hears felony preliminary hearings in branch 44 on the West Side of Chicago. He previously heard misdemeanor cases in the same courthouse. Previous work history: • Attorney in private practice focused on criminal defense, personal injury, and labor relations, including representing the Chicago Police Sergeants Association Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1988) Notable: Before becoming an attorney, Kuzas was a Chicago police officer. He also served as the 46th Ward Democratic committeeperson and ran unsuccessfully for 46th Ward alderperson in 1995. In 2014, Kuzas, who is white, ran for election in the 7th Subcircuit, which covers much of the West Side of Chicago and was created to help elect more Black judges. He temporarily rented an apartment on the downtown edge of the subcircuit and was endorsed by powerful Black politicians, including then-Secretary of State Jesse White and Ald. Walter Burnett, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

JOHN J. MAHONEY Mahoney withdrew from the retention election in September, after the State Board of Election ballot certification deadline. Due to the timing, his name will still appear on the ballot, but votes for or against him will not be counted.

MARITZA MARTINEZ Age: 61 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Martinez was elected to the circuit court in a countywide race in 2014, and she serves in the domestic relations division at the Daley Center. She previously heard civil and criminal cases in the first municipal district. Previous work history: • Attorney in private practice at several small law firms, focused on civil matters and criminal defense (1989-1991 and 2004-2014) • Commissioner with the Illinois Court of Claims, presiding as a hearing officer over claims brought against the state (2007-2014) • Assistant corporation counsel, City of Chicago Law Department, where she defended city employees in civil lawsuits and prosecuted municipal ordinance violations (1991-2004) Law school: Loyola University Chicago (1989) Notable: In July 2025, during a Cook County Board of Commissioners hearing on improving court services for survivors of domestic violence, Martinez was accused of insensitivity and bias against survivors by several litigants whose domestic relations cases she had been hearing. Martinez had recused herself from one of the speakers’ cases before the hearing. Several litigants and advocates also contacted Injustice Watch with similar complaints, including one woman whom Martinez ordered to mediation with her ex despite acknowledging that she had an existing order of protection against him, which should have prevented mediation. Another woman who spoke at the hearing and to Injustice Watch unsuccessfully tried to have Martinez removed from her case after the judge reinstated her ex’s parenting time despite an arrest for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in front of their child. (The assault charges against him were dropped.) Martinez recused herself from the woman’s case about a month after the county board hearing. In interviews with Injustice Watch, attorneys who practice before her described Martinez as unpredictable at best. Some attorneys said they found her fair, hardworking,

TERRENCE J. MCGUIRE Age: 62 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: McGuire was elected to the circuit court in 2014. He serves in the probate division, hearing cases involving estates and wills of the deceased. Previous work history: • Solo practitioner, focusing on estate planning, probate, and property sales. He also served as an administrative law judge handling ordinance enforcement proceedings. (1991-2014) Law school: Loyola University Chicago (1991) Candidate survey: “I spend a great deal of time explaining the law and the consequences to unrepresented parties. Often this extra care operates to the irritation of some attorneys. I feel that the extra time is beneficial to the court and process in that the participants understand the role of the judge in the case.”

JAMES P. PIECZONKA Age: 70 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Pieczonka was elected in 2014 from the 12th Subcircuit as a Republican. He presides over civil matters, including evictions and consumer debt cases, in the third municipal district in Rolling Meadows. Previous work history: • Solo practitioner, focusing on a variety of civil cases, real estate, and misdemeanor criminal cases. He also served as a parttime hearing officer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. (1983-1985 and 1996-2014) • Administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Revenue, hearing cases related to income tax appeals and refund claims (1985-1996) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1983) Notable: In addition to his work as an attorney, Pieczonka was also a licensed real estate agent prior to becoming a judge. He owned a residential rental in Andersonville and two commercial properties, all of which he lost in foreclosure sales between 2013 and 2020. Asked how that experience, as well as going through personal bankruptcy in that period, impacts him as a judge, Pieczonka told Injustice Watch: “All of my life experiences have made me more aware of how important it is to bring a case to resolution as soon as practical within the requirements of the law.”

BRIDGET ANNE MITCHELL Age: 69 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Mitchell was elected in 2014 and serves in the law division, presiding over civil bench and jury trials. She previously handled foreclosures in the chancery division. Previous work history: • Solo practitioner and attorney at several local law firms, focused on tort defense, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases (1981-2014) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1981) Notable: Mitchell is the sister of Illinois Appellate Court Judge Raymond W. Mitchell.

PATRICIA O’BRIEN SHEAHAN Age: 57 Judge since: 2014 Judicial experience: Sheahan was elected to the circuit court in 2014. She is assigned to the law division, hearing trials in civil cases including personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability. Previous work history: • Associate general counsel of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (then the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), defending the facility in employment and labor matters and other litigation (1999-2014) • Attorney at Baker McKenzie, a large,

knowledgeable about the law, and highly attentive to details of cases. However, even the lawyers who said they like practicing before her said she has a tendency to lose her temper and “go off” on people. Those who said they don’t like appearing before her described her as rude, biased against survivors of domestic violence and pro se litigants, and inappropriately emotional in her decision making. The attorneys spoke on condition of anonymity because they have cases before her. Martinez did not respond to requests for comment.

global law firm, handling civil litigation, including medical malpractice, employment, products liability, and class action claims (1996-1999) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1996) Notable: Sheahan’s father-in-law is Michael F. Sheahan, the former Cook County sheriff and 19th Ward alderman.

MICHAEL A. FORTI Age: 72 Judge since: 2016 Judicial experience: Forti was appointed to the circuit court in 2016 and again in 2018, after losing an election. He was selected as an associate judge in 2019 and elected as a circuit judge in 2020. He currently hears cases in the domestic relations division. Previous work history: • Chief counsel and ethics officer, Illinois Department of Transportation (2012-2015) • Attorney, City of Chicago Law Department, rising to the rank of deputy corporation counsel (1994-2012) • Equity partner at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, a large firm handling a variety of complex civil cases (1980-1994) Law school: Northwestern University (1980) Notable: In June 2026, Forti was highlighted in a Chicago Sun-Times article about Steve Fanady, “one of the longestheld civil contempt detainees in recent Cook County history.” Forti held Fanady in indirect civil contempt of court and ordered him detained at the Cook County Jail in 2022 for failing to pay his ex-wife $10 million in stock she was awarded in their divorce proceedings. Fanady, a former options trader, has argued he cannot pay because he does not own the stock. Fanady’s lawyer, Laura Grochocki, has accused Forti of failing to hold substantive hearings to review Fanady’s continued incarceration. In 2025, the appellate court affirmed Forti and found that Fanady had failed to prove he can’t turn over the stock or that his incarceration had become punitive and not merely coercive. “Judges generally do not comment on ongoing cases,” Forti wrote in a statement to Injustice Watch. “I followed the law and I was affirmed. Numerous judges have ruled against Mr. Fanady based on the evidence in this multi-year saga at both the circuit court and appellate court levels.”

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT NICHOLE C. PATTON Age: 54 Judge since: 2018 Judicial experience: Patton was appointed to the circuit court in 2018 and elected in 2020. She is assigned to the law division, presiding over civil trials, including medical malpractice and commercial litigation. Previously, she served in the county division, hearing cases involving mental health law, real estate taxes, and elections. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting cases involving commitments and treatment for people involuntarily detained at Cook County mental health hospitals (2010-2018) • Administrative hearing officer for the Village of Matteson, where she reviewed housing code violations, and towing, compliance, and minor criminal offenses (2010-2015) • Solo practitioner, handling real estate matters, civil and criminal litigation, and securities law, and serving as an arbitrator (2003-2010) • Associate with a Chicago law firm, focused on medical malpractice and transportation defense (2002-2003) • Staff attorney with an insurance company, specializing in personal injury defense (2001-2002) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, working in divisions including appeals, traffic, child protection, delinquency, and real estate taxation (1996-2001) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1996) Notable: In 2025, Patton ran unsuccessfully to oust eight-term Chief Judge Timothy Evans in an election among judges. Before being appointed in 2018, Patton waged at least five unsuccessful judicial campaigns, including an abandoned bid for the appellate court. She served as president of the Chicago Bar Association from June 2025 to June 2026.

SONDRA N. DENMARK Age: 53 Judge since: 2018 Judicial experience: Denmark was appointed to the circuit court in 2018 and won election in 2020. She currently serves as a supervising judge in the civil jury section of the first municipal district, where she hears civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages of $30,000 or less. Previous work history: • Will County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases (2008-2018) • Solo practitioner, handling personal injury, product liability, real estate transactions, and eviction cases (2007-2008) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney assigned to the public interest bureau, handling misdemeanor and contempt cases (2004-2007) Law school: Northern Illinois University (2004) Notable: Denmark ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the 15th Subcircuit in 2014.

GERARDO TRISTAN, JR. Age: 56 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Tristan was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019 and won election the following year. He hears civil cases where parties have asked for a jury, including evictions, personal injury, and small claims, in the first municipal district. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney prosecuting felony and juvenile delinquency cases (2003-2019) • Attorney in his brother’s law firm, then Tristan Ports, focusing on incorporating businesses and defending employers in labor lawsuits (2002-2003) Law school: DePaul University (2002) Notable: In 2023, Tristan and a brother, Horacio, were sued by their parents’ caregiver, who alleged the brothers failed to pay her $240 for her last three days of work. The caregiver also alleged that on

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

her last day of work, Tristan berated her and stopped her from leaving his parents’ home after he accused her of not feeding the elderly couple. The caregiver, who had worked for the Tristans for more than two years, according to the lawsuit, said that “fearing for her safety” she called Horacio, who eventually called the police on his brother. Horacio told the 911 operator that Tristan “was blocking her way out of the house, is angry and agitated, and seems intox,” according to dispatch records obtained by Injustice Watch through a public records request. When officers arrived, they observed Tristan’s parents in “good spirits/health and no apparent issues with their caretaking,” and officers “did not observe any signs of intoxication on Tristan,” according to a heavily redacted police report. The suit was settled in May 2024 for an undisclosed amount. The caregiver, through her attorney, declined to comment. In an interview, Tristan denied that he was intoxicated or that he ever stopped the caregiver from leaving the house. “I just wanted an explanation of why my parents, who were in their 80s, were not fed, and that was her responsibility. That’s all,” he said. He acknowledged that he was angry but said he was not disrespectful. Tristan said he instructed his brother to pay the caregiver and he didn’t know she hadn’t been paid until he received a letter from the caregiver’s attorney. Tristan is also the brother of Homero Tristan, a well-known Chicago lobbyist and founder of the Chicago Latino Public Affairs Committee. Homero’s law firm, Tristan & Cervantes, is a city contractor hired to collect outstanding utility bills from Chicagoans. Both the political action committee and the law firm contributed to Gerardo Tristan’s 2020 run for judge.

LYNN WEAVER BOYLE Age: 61 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Weaver-Boyle was appointed to the circuit court in 2019 and won election in 2020. She currently serves in the chancery division, handling contract disputes, injunctions, insurance claims, and public records requests. Previous work history: • Partner at a boutique law firm, representing clients in state and federal court in commercial litigation and insurance claims (1999-2019)

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting felony, gang, and drugrelated cases (1990-1999) Law school: DePaul University (1990)

DANIEL EDWARD MALONEY Age: 50 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Maloney was appointed to the circuit court in 2019, and he won election the following year. He handles felony preliminary hearings at the Markham courthouse and presides over three specialty courts for veterans and those with substance abuse or mental health problems. Previous work history: • Division counsel for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s regional field office, working on legal matters, including open records requests and regulatory issues, as well as training agents (2017-2019) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, including eight years in the narcotics unit (2001-2017) Law school: Valparaiso University (2001) Notable: Maloney’s career has involved different approaches to drug enforcement. As a prosecutor, he worked on major drug cases that carried lengthy prison sentences. As a judge, he oversees Markham’s problemsolving courts, which offer treatment and supervision to people with substance abuse problems or mental illness, as well as struggling veterans. Maloney told Injustice Watch his past work informed his view that people with addiction issues were being preyed on by those who sold drugs. “The court system is inherently adversarial, right? But this is the one thing that is collaborative and builds to a positive outcome. So I feel lucky to be able to preside over it, and I find it incredibly rewarding,” he said. Candidate survey: “Because the courts are an adversarial process, litigants will not always be pleased with the results that take place. But if litigants feel they are being heard, that their position is being respected, and that the rulings that impact their lives are made with sincerity and an understanding of the gravity of the ruling, I believe that we have fulfi lled our duties as a judge.”

THOMAS M. CUSHING Age: 65 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Cushing was appointed to the circuit court in 2019 and was elected to a full term in 2020. He currently handles civil jury trials in the law division and previously heard cases in the domestic violence division.

and not enough on the evidence showing the woman was abused. The court found his error was “considerable.” In an interview, Cushing said the presiding judge of the domestic violence division asked him to discuss the reversal with fellow judges, and Cushing said he readily did so because the case touched on new legal issues. “This was a leading case, and I applied its lessons affirmatively and learned from it as I went forward,” he told Injustice Watch.

Previous work history: • Attorney at a small Evanston law firm, handling civil litigation and chancery cases (2013-2019) • Managing director of strategic partnership and policy at the Delta Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on environmental and conservation issues (2012-2013) • Solo practitioner, specializing in civil litigation and chancery matters (2005-2006, 2010-2011) • Senior vice president of the Chicago Climate Exchange, a digital platform that allowed corporations, cities, and organizations to trade greenhouse gas allowances and offsets (2006-2010) • Trial and appellate attorney at a firm where his brother was a principal. He litigated complex professional and municipal liability. (1988-2005) Law school: Loyola University Chicago (1988) Notable: In 2022, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed Cushing’s denial of an order of protection for a woman who alleged her former boyfriend punched her in the back of her head and had abused her in four previous incidents. Cushing said her credibility was damaged because her court testimony about one of the past incidents went beyond the allegations in her petition and she may have started that physical altercation. The appellate court said Cushing focused too much on who was the aggressor in the fight

JOHN G. MULROE Age: 67 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Mulroe was appointed to the circuit court in 2019 and won election the following year. He serves in the juvenile justice division, hearing delinquency cases from the 3rd police district, which encompasses several southeast and South Side neighborhoods. Previous work history: • Illinois state senator representing the 10th district, covering parts of Chicago’s far northwest side, Norridge, and Rosemont (2010-2019) • Solo practitioner, representing people in a variety of cases including criminal, civil, probate, and real estate (1995-2019) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases (1988-1994) Law school: Loyola University Chicago (1988) Candidate survey: “I try and put myself in the shoes of the litigants that appear before me. I do my best to follow the law and explain it the best I can in terms that the average person can understand it. I also do my best to answer any questions that any of the participants in the courtroom may ask.”

TYRIA B. WALTON Age: 55 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Walton was appointed to the circuit court in 2019, and she was elected the following year. She currently hears criminal cases at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago. She previously handled criminal and traffic cases in Chicago and Maywood. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant public defender, representing clients charged with murder and other crimes (1998-2019) • Solo practitioner in criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic, chancery, and real estate cases (1997-1998) Law school: Loyola University Chicago (1997) Notable: In 2024, Walton acquitted Whitley Temple of all charges after she dragged and injured a Chicago police officer with his own squad car, fi nding her not guilty of attempted murder and not guilty by reason of insanity on several other counts. Temple, who was partially naked during the incident, was “in a psychotic state,” her defense attorney argued in court. Allies of the police were furious over the acquittal, and Walton said in court she had received threats and seen racist online posts about herself. “I’m not moved by any of it. My decision was based on the evidence in this case and the law that supports my ruling in this case, period,” she said. “I needed to make a record just in the event that something happens to me.” Walton is the president of the Illinois Judicial Council, a professional group of Black judges. In August, she introduced a group of the judges seeking retention during Sunday services at a South Side church. “Go down and vote ‘yes’ for all of us.

Retention is not automatic. We need the ‘yesses’ because there are organizations that purposefully vote ‘no’ just to get us off the bench from the front of the ballot all the way to the back,” she told the congregation. Candidate survey: “I grew up in a loving home with both my parents and my older brother. We were poor and our economic struggles were extreme, but those humble beginnings were marked by experiences and lessons that made me who I am today, and proud of how I made it to where I am today.”

ERIN HAGGERTY ANTONIETTI Age: 60 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Antonietti was appointed to the circuit court in 2019, and she won election the following year. She serves as a floating judge at the Markham courthouse, filling in for other judges. She formerly heard traffic, eviction, and other civil cases at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, primarily in central bond court (1994-2019) • Associate at an insurance defense firm, working on cases involving product and property liability and medical malpractice (1991-1994) Law school: DePaul University (1991) Candidate survey: “I believe the best way for the legal system to be fair to everyone regardless of money, power and resources, is to focus on the presented evidence and apply the law to the facts. By making a clear and accurate record which supports my decisions, I hope to show that I will not permit the legal system to be used advantageously by some people at the expenses of others.”

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INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting felony, gang, and drugrelated cases (1990-1999) Law school: DePaul University (1990)

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INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT TERESA MOLINA-GONZALEZ Age: 52 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Molina-Gonzalez was appointed to the circuit court in 2019, and she was elected in 2020. She currently hears felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases at the Maywood Courthouse and previously heard small claims and eviction cases in the first municipal district. Previous work history: • Chief of real estate prosecutions, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (2016-2019) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, mainly in the felony trial division (2001-2016) Law school: Ohio State University (2001) Notable: Molina-Gonzalez received intense public criticism in 2025 after she granted pretrial release to a man who was charged with aggravated battery of a worker in a mental health facility. The man was reported to have a history of criminal arrests and mental illness. While on electronic monitoring, the man allegedly violated the conditions of his release and set a woman on fi re with gasoline while riding the CTA. She did not respond to requests for comment. Molina-Gonzalez was the fi rst Puerto Rican to be appointed and elected to a countywide judicial vacancy in Cook County, according to her biography and past interviews.

PATRICIA MARIA FALLON Age: 54 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Fallon was appointed judge in 2019 and won election in the 12th subcircuit against a Republican opponent in 2020. She is currently assigned to the domestic relations division at the Daley Center. Prior to that, she heard a variety of civil cases in the fi rst municipal district. Previous work history: • Chief of human resources, Cook County Recorder of Deeds (2017-2019) • Attorney and supervisor in the labor and employment litigation unit of the Cook 12

County State’s Attorney’s Office (2004-2017) • Contract attorney at Mayer Brown and for Abbott Laboratories (2000-2004) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (2000) Notable: After Fallon won her seat by 502 votes in 2020, her Republican opponent, Frank DiFranco, waged a years-long legal battle against her and county officials in state and federal court demanding a recount. He lost the state court case, and his federal lawsuit was dismissed by a district court judge, but his appeal to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals remains pending. Fallon said she could not comment on the pending federal case but added that she “gained valuable and unique insights to the court system and litigation process from the other side of the bench as a party in the State Recount Case and Federal Court Case. This has made me a better Judge. I appreciate and understand the importance each litigant places in their case and their expectations of me to address their cases in a thoughtful, fair, and timely manner.” Candidate survey: “While a judge is barred from giving legal advice, I try to explain procedure to self-represented litigants when feasible so they can understand the proceedings. I remind myself daily that being in court can create high anxiety for any litigant and the courtroom process can be intimidating and overwhelming to the people appearing before me.”

SHEREE D. HENRY Age: 57 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Henry was appointed to the circuit court in 2019, and she was elected the following year. She hears misdemeanor, traffic, and felony cases at the Maywood Courthouse and has presided over the mental health and veterans treatment courts. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant public defender, representing defendants charged with felonies and clients in specialty courts (1999-2019) • Cook County assistant public guardian, representing children in abuse and neglect cases (1995-1999)

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• Associate at a small law firm where she litigated discrimination cases (1995) Law school: Northern Illinois University (1994) Notable: Henry is a member of the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning. She served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1987 to 1995. Henry is married to Jeff rey Henry, a Cook County assistant public defender. Candidate survey: “The one thing that I have learned through practicing criminal law is that most people just want their day in court and to be truly heard. My experiences as a defense attorney and judge have taught me to listen to those who appear before me in court with my ears and eyes. I find that most people will understand and accept your decisions if you fully explain it to them. My goal is to always make sure that everyone in my courtroom is treated fairly and understands what happened when they leave.”

CELESTIA L. MAYS Age: 65 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Mays was appointed to the circuit court in January 2019, and she won election in 2020. She hears misdemeanor and traffic cases at the Maywood Courthouse. Previous work history: • Attorney in private practice, focused on family law, probate, and residential real estate cases (1997-2018) • Associate attorney at a law firm that handles criminal defense and federal litigation (1994-1997) • Law clerk for several California firms (1987-1994) Law school: University of Detroit Mercy (1986) Notable: Mays oversaw a high-profi le case involving far-right social media influencer Nick Fuentes, who was accused of misdemeanor battery for pepperspraying a woman who showed up at his door after his Berwyn address was leaked online. Fuentes received a deferred prosecution deal in which he was required to apologize to the victim, pay about $635 in restitution, take an anger management course, and complete 75 hours of community service.

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT LEVANDER SMITH, JR. Age: 63 Judge since: 2019 Judicial experience: Smith was appointed to the circuit court in 2019 and selected as an associate judge later that year. He won election in 2020. Smith serves in the child protection division, hearing child abuse and neglect cases. He was previously assigned to the domestic violence division. Previous work history: • Attorney for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, including roles as a supervisor in St. Clair County and litigation attorney (2011-2019, 1993-2000) • Assistant attorney general in Missouri, assigned to its labor division (2006-2011) • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, assigned to the child protection division (2003-2004) Law school: University of Kansas (1991) Notable: In 2022, the First District Illinois Appellate Court reversed Smith’s decision to remove an incarcerated mother from a Zoom hearing during which he ultimately ruled that she was unable and unwilling to care for her child. The hearing, in late 2021, took place while the woman was in the Cook County Jail. According to the appellate court’s review of the transcripts, Smith said that she had repeatedly interrupted him during an off-therecord portion of the hearing. In a unanimous opinion, Appellate Judge Oden Johnson wrote, “It is hard for this court to imagine what an incarcerated and muted parent could have done to disrupt a Zoom hearing to the point where her remote attendance and viewing of the proceeding was no longer possible.” The appellate court noted that Zoom hearings were still relatively new at the time, and “we do not imply or intend any criticism of the trial court.” In an interview with Injustice Watch, Smith said the mother had been unmuting herself to interrupt him. He said he didn’t know at the time that Zoom had a feature that allowed the host to fully mute all participants. “I would have operated differently now that I’ve received the instruction from the appellate court,” he said. Smith is a board member of the Alliance of Illinois Judges, an organization focused on LGBTQ+ issues in the judiciary. He also sits on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Courts.

JULIE BESS AIMEN Age: 69 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Aimen was elected in 2020 from the 9th subcircuit. She is currently assigned to the domestic relations division. Previous work history: • Solo practitioner focused on family law, civil rights, and criminal defense; represented defendants in death penalty cases through the Illinois Capital Resource Center. She also worked as an administrative hearing officer and as an arbitration officer for the Circuit Court of Cook County. (1986-2020) • Attorney with the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender, which represents criminal defendants in appeals when they cannot afford a lawyer (1984-1986) • Social worker at Travelers and Immigrant Aid in Chicago and the Park Ridge School for Girls (1979-1981) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1984) Notable: During a July 2025 Cook County Board of Commissioners hearing on improving court services for survivors of domestic violence, Aimen was criticized by two women whose divorce cases she had been hearing. One woman complained that Aimen had ordered her to participate in mediation with her ex-husband, who had repeatedly abused her. Another woman said Aimen was not granting her petitions for fee waivers even though she was on food stamps. In a written statement to Injustice Watch, Aimen said she could not comment on pending matters, citing judicial ethics rules. In reviewing the first woman’s case, Injustice Watch found no orders of protection, which are supposed to prevent mediation. Under Illinois law, Aimen could have exempted the woman from mediation based on her husband’s history of domestic abuse, which included a criminal conviction stemming from an incident where he strangled her in front of their child. But the woman’s attorney didn’t file a formal motion asking that mediation be avoided, and Aimen’s order for mediation noted both parties agreed to it. A review of the second woman’s case showed Aimen granted her fee waiver request the same week she spoke out at the county board hearing.

LAURA AYALA-GONZALEZ Age: 50 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Ayala-Gonzalez hears criminal cases at the George Leighton

Criminal Courthouse in Chicago. Previously, she handled traffic and eviction cases. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, who prosecuted serious criminal cases, including murder, and supervised felony trial attorneys (2003-2020) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (2002) Notable: In 2024, Ayala-Gonzalez handled the trial and sentencing of former Chicago high school basketball star Raekwon Drake, who was convicted of second-degree murder for killing a man who stole his French bulldog. She sentenced Drake to 14 years in prison. “I understand things happen so fast, and there are times that you are in such a rage that you leave all common sense and you leave all reason behind,” she said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “Two wrongs do not make a right. Whether or not you know that yet, you will have time to think about that.” Candidate survey: “The most important exercise of judicial power is restraint—listening carefully, applying the law faithfully, and never forgetting that every person who appears before the court deserves fairness, respect, compassion, and equal justice under the law.”

KRISTA D. BUTLER Age: 61 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Butler was elected to the circuit court in 2020. She’s currently assigned to the civil jury section of the first municipal district, where she hears lawsuits seeking monetary damages of $30,000 or less. She previously heard eviction cases. Previous work history: • Worked as an attorney in various roles, including as a public service administrator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Office of the State Guardian (1994-2020) Law school: IIT-Chicago Kent (1993) Notable: In 2020, Butler ran unopposed for a seat in the 1st Subcircuit. She declined to participate in the bar association evaluation process at the time. Injustice Watch attempted to reach her multiple times to get more detailed information about her legal background but did not receive a response.

MARIE AILEEN DEMPSEY Age: 49 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Dempsey was elected in 2020 from the 10th Subcircuit. She currently handles pretrial motions in the law division at the Richard J. Daley Center. Previous work history: • Associate and partner at four small Chicago law firms, focused on medical malpractice and insurance defense (2002-2020)

Previous work history: • Senior counsel and supervisor, City of Chicago Law Department, defending individual police officers and the city in police misconduct and civil rights lawsuits (2003-2020) • Attorney in private practice, representing local and international clients (1997-2003) • Illinois assistant attorney general, primarily representing state police and corrections officers. He took a yearlong leave of absence to earn a master’s degree in international and comparative law from Georgetown University (1991-1997)

Law school: University of Illinois (2002)

• Attorney in private practice (1986-1991)

Notable: Before becoming a judge, Dempsey volunteered with the Syrian Refugee Network, helping a Syrian family for several years as they adjusted to life in Chicago, and with the Legal Assistance Foundation, counseling women in abusive relationships on matters including housing, divorce, and child custody proceedings.

Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1986)

JAMIE GUERRA DICKLER Age: 47 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Dickler won election to the circuit court in 2020. She currently serves in the probate division, handling cases involving guardianship of minors. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, ending as a first chair in the felony trial division, prosecuting murder, narcotics, fraud, and sexual assault cases (2005-2020) Law school: DePaul University (2005) Notable: Dickler’s mother, Grace Dickler, was a Cook County judge for 34 years before retiring in 2022 as presiding judge of the domestic relations division.

JONATHAN CLARK GREEN Age: 65 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Green was elected in 2020 from the 8th Subcircuit. He currently serves in the law division and previously was assigned to the domestic violence division.

Notable: Green was a senior attorney and division supervisor in the Chicago Law Department when he and the department were criticized by civil rights attorneys and the media for improperly withholding evidence of police abuse in lawsuits. The city revamped its records-disclosure policies in 2016 after then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel faced widespread criticism and protests for refusing to release videos of the murder of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by officer Jason Van Dyke. In 2016, Green was assigned as a liaison between the city law department and the newly created Civilian Office of Police Accountability. He specialized in writing and litigating the protective orders that restricted the dissemination of police records the city considered sensitive, including personal data and law enforcement information about ongoing cases. A 2016 report commissioned by the city attributed the courtroom disclosure issues primarily to poor record keeping and communications failures between city lawyers, police, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Injustice Watch research found no instance when Green was individually accused in court of withholding evidence. Green declined to comment on his work for the city law department. Green’s father, Albert Green, was a Cook County circuit court judge, and his mother, Virginia Bucko Green, was a prominent Chicago lawyer. Candidate survey: “I was also raised with three of five siblings with special needs and have personally experienced the constant demands and delights that families with developmentally disabled children regularly experience… I believe these experiences have provided me with increased patience and understanding in my day-to-day activities working with litigants on the bench.”

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LAURA AYALA-GONZALEZ Age: 50 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Ayala-Gonzalez hears criminal cases at the George Leighton

Law school: University of Illinois (2002)

• Attorney in private practice (1986-1991)

Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1986)

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT MARY CATHERINE MARUBIO Age: 56 Judge since: 2016 Judicial experience: Marubio was selected as an associate judge in 2016 and elected as a circuit judge in 2020. She currently serves as the presiding judge of the second municipal district in Skokie and deputy chief judge of fi rst appearance court operations, advising the chief judge and serving as a resource on detention hearings and the Pretrial Fairness Act. She was previously the presiding judge of the pretrial division, where she spent most of her judicial tenure. Previous work history: • Prosecutor and then administrative law judge and ethics officer for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, handling cases regarding professional standards in the medical, real estate, and banking sectors (2012-2016) • Attorney in private practice, handling state and federal criminal defense cases (1996-2011) Law school: DePaul University (1996) Notable: Marubio was tapped by former Chief Judge Timothy Evans to serve in the newly created pretrial division in 2017. When the Pretrial Fairness Act went into effect in 2023, Marubio played a pivotal role in implementing the new procedures countywide. When Charles Beach, a friend of Marubio’s since law school, was elected chief judge in late 2024, he elevated her to several leadership roles in his administration. Marubio has served since 2016 on the Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee, which publishes advisory opinions on judicial ethics; she currently teaches judicial ethics to incoming judges. She also serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Equal Justice and was president of the Alliance of Illinois Judges, an organization focused on LGBTQ issues in the judiciary, from 2019 to 2021.

REGINA A. MESCALL Age: 49 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Mescall was elected in 2020. She currently hears domestic relations cases at the Bridgeview courthouse. Previously, she heard eviction and felony 14

preliminary hearings in the first municipal district. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases (2007-2020) • Assistant district attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she prosecuted misdemeanors and felony crimes against children (2002-2007) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (2001) Notable: In 2025, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed Mescall’s ruling on a 2023 eviction case in which she entered a $75,000 judgment against a tenant whose landlord said they had failed to move out of their West Loop apartment after agreeing to do so. The appellate court found Mescall should have held an evidentiary hearing before ruling since the parties disagreed on whether the tenant had actually moved out. The court noted that this was a “case of first impression,” meaning it addressed novel legal issues. Mescall is married to Peter M. Kramer, who works as a special counsel for labor affairs in the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office. Candidate survey: “Coming from a single-parent household and now serving in Domestic Relations, I understand fi rsthand the stress and instability families can face, so I work carefully to explain my rulings, base them fi rmly in the law and the record, and remember the real lives—especially children—behind every case.”

LORRAINE MARY MURPHY Age: 50 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Murphy was elected to the circuit court in 2020. She hears felony cases and presides over the drug treatment court program in the Skokie courthouse. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant state’s attorney, prosecuting felony cases (2003-2020) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (2003) Notable: Murphy’s husband, James V.

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

Murphy III, was elected Cook County judge in 2024 from the 10th Subcircuit and serves in the pretrial division. Her father-in-law, James Murphy, was an associate judge in Maywood until his retirement in 2006.

EILEEN MARIE O’CONNOR Age: 46 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: O’Connor was elected from the 6th Subcircuit in 2020. She currently serves in the trial section of the law division, handling civil lawsuits seeking damages over $30,000. Previous work history: • Attorney at her family’s law firm, representing clients in personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, civil rights, and workers’ compensation cases (2010-2020) • Associate at a small law firm, focused on civil litigation (2006-2009) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (2006)

JILL ROSE QUINN Age: 71 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Quinn was elected to the circuit court in a countywide race in 2020. Since 2023, she has served in the domestic relations division, hearing divorce, parentage, and child support cases. She previously served for three years in traffic court. Previous work history: • Solo practitioner, handling civil cases, bankruptcy, and criminal defense (19972020) • Associate attorney in several small Chicago-area law firms, working on estate planning, bankruptcy, and family law (1983-1997) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1983) Notable: Quinn was the first openly transgender elected official in Illinois and, as of 2021, was one of just four openly transgender judges in the nation.

RETENTION | COOK COUNT Y CIRCUIT COURT Candidate survey: “I am careful to consider my background as I make a decision: the fact that I came from a functional family, that my father never came home drunk, that neither parent played psychological games on each other or their kids, that I have never had to sleep outside involuntarily, that bullets never fi red in my neighborhood — in other words that I have lived for the most part a life of emotional [and] relative economic privilege — and I do my best to address and eliminate any preconceived concepts I may have.”

PAMELA REAVES-HARRIS Age: 67 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Reaves-Harris was elected to the circuit court from the 7th Subcircuit in 2020. She hears small-claims cases in the fi rst municipal district. She was previously assigned to the housing section. Previous work history: • Special assistant for legal affairs at the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development (2017-2020) • Illinois state representative for the 10th District, covering much of Chicago’s West Side (2015-2017) • Solo practitioner, concentrating on real estate, child support, divorce, and estate planning. She also served as an administrative law judge for the City of Chicago and several suburban municipalities. (1995-2017) • Assistant vice president and compliance officer at CitiBank (1993-1995) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (1992) Notable: In 2019, Reaves-Harris spoke out against then-Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke’s appointment of a white woman to a vacant seat in the majority-Black 7th Subcircuit. At the time, Burke defended her decision, saying the Chicago Bar Association did not recommend Reaves-Harris for a spot on the bench because of her “limited practice and court experience.” In an interview with the Sun-Times, Reaves-Harris said she was “very offended by the disparaging statements that Justice Burke put out.” During the primary elections the following year, Burke’s appointed candidate declined to run, and Reaves-Harris, who was by then found qualified by the CBA, won a five-way race for the seat.

TIESHA L. SMITH Age: 51 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Smith was elected to the circuit court in 2020. She serves in the juvenile justice division, where she primarily rules on juvenile expungement petitions and previously heard cases involving children who were wards of the state. She was previously assigned to the child protection division. Previous work history: • Cook County assistant public defender, representing clients in felony cases (2010-2020) • Attorney at Chicago Legal Clinic, assisting homeowners facing foreclosure (2010) • Attorney at a small law firm, representing insurance companies in civil litigation (2009-2010) • Attorney for the Chicago Board of Education, handling truancy and expulsion hearings (2009) Law school: IIT Chicago-Kent (2006) Notable: Smith ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the 2nd Subcircuit in 2018. She ran again in 2020 and won in a countywide race against two candidates — including an appointed judge, Kerrie Maloney Laytin, who was the Democratic Party’s slated candidate — despite not participating in the bar evaluation process either time. In an emailed statement to Injustice Watch, Smith explained that she didn’t participate in the bar evaluation process in 2018 because she didn’t have enough experience to receive a qualified rating. She said she didn’t participate in 2020 because her previous negative ratings were valid for three years. Despite that, Smith said, voters chose her for her “professional, life, and community experience.” Candidate survey: “I grew up in a low-income housing project on Chicago’s South Side. My mother was a single parent who worked hard to provide for our family, while my father struggled with addiction and was in and out of prison throughout much of my childhood. Those experiences exposed me at an early age to many of the same challenges faced by the children and families who now appear in my courtroom.”

CHRIS STACEY Age: 69 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Stacey hears civil cases in which the parties have asked for a jury trial, including evictions, personal injury, and property damage lawsuits, in the first municipal district. Previous work history: • Attorney in private practice, focused on personal injury and commercial litigation (1983-2020) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1982) Notable: In 2020, Stacey, who was the Democratic Party’s pick, won a crowded countywide race that involved a potential “sham candidate,” allegedly placed on the ballot as a shill to draw votes from those running against the party’s pick, Injustice Watch reported. Stacey, who also goes by Christ, denied any involvement at the time. Earlier this year, the Illinois Appellate Court vacated Stacey’s criminal contempt order against a father whom Stacey had sentenced to seven days in the Cook County Jail. Stacey was presiding over an eviction trial where the man was representing himself, and Stacey took issue with the man repeatedly interrupting him, calling him biased, accusing him of spending a large sum of money on his judicial campaign, and saying “I’m going to make sure you get prosecuted.” The appellate court said the man’s statements didn’t meet the bar for criminal contempt. The court criticized Stacey, saying the father’s frustration “was exacerbated by the remarks and responses of the Judge,” adding, “judges are supposed to be people of fortitude and able to thrive in a hardy climate.” Attorneys interviewed by Injustice Watch said they found Stacey to be fair and patient. Stacey did not respond to a request for comment. Stacey, who hears evictions, owns several rental properties, mostly on the city’s North Side. Stacey is suing the City of Chicago over an injury he says he suffered after he fell on a broken sidewalk in the West Loop in 2023. He is seeking more than $50,000, according to court documents. After two Cook County judges recused themselves from hearing the lawsuit, it was assigned to Judge Kathy M. Flanagan in the court’s law division. A trial is scheduled for October. The city denies wrongdoing, according to court documents. Candidate survey: “I grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in a close-knit working-class family that valued

hard work, fairness and mindfulness of those less fortunate. My father worked in a factory and my mother was a key punch operator (before the digital age of computer) and then, secretary. I was taught that goodness was measured by how you treat someone that cannot do you any good, that it was important to forgive and not let the sun go down on your anger, and to remember that everything looks different in the perspective of the morning light.”

PERLA TIRADO Age: 50 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Tirado hears civil jury cases, including evictions and personal injury lawsuits, in the first municipal district. Previously, she heard consumer debt cases that passed through the Early Resolution Program and eviction cases. Previous work history: • Supervising attorney at Beyond Legal Aid (previously Community Activism Law Alliance), working on civil, criminal defense, immigration, and family law cases (2016-2020) • Attorney in private practice handling criminal defense, traffic, immigration, family law and civil cases (2007-2016) • Cook County assistant public defender focused on traffic and domestic violence cases (2005-2007) Law school: DePaul University (2005) Notable: Tirado’s election in 2020 was part of a push from Latinx political leaders to increase the number of Latinx judges, motivated in part by the Illinois Supreme Court’s appointment of a white male judge to a majority-Latinx subcircuit on the Southwest Side. At the time, some bar associations found Tirado not qualified, noting a lack of experience with complex litigation. Attorneys interviewed by Injustice Watch who have had cases before her said Tirado is “balanced,” adding that she is patient, organized, and fair. Tirado is one of two judges working to update the civil jury bench book, a resource guide for other judges. Candidate survey: “One of the first things I realized after taking the bench was that every decision I make has consequences for the people standing before me. Whether it involves housing, consumer debt, or a civil jury trial, my rulings can have a significant impact on someone’s life or livelihood. I never lose sight of that responsibility.”

ELIZABETH ANNE WALSH Age: 47 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: Walsh was elected to the circuit court in 2020. She serves in the law division’s motion section, handling pre-trial filings in civil cases for damages over $30,000. Previous work history: • Attorney at a corporate law and insurance defense firm affiliated with the State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (2007-2020) • Associate at an Arlington Heights law firm, where she defended personal injury actions (2006-2007) Law school: UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (2006)

MAURA MCMAHON ZELLER Age: 62 Judge since: 2020 Judicial experience: McMahon Zeller was elected countywide in 2020. She currently hears cases in the domestic relations division. Previous work history: • Solo practitioner, primarily as an appointed child representative and guardian ad litem in domestic relations cases (2003-2020) • Assistant public guardian and child representative, Office of the Cook County Public Guardian (1993-2003) Law school: DePaul University (1993)

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INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

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Research and reporting: Carlos Ballesteros, Alejandra Cancino, Maya Dukmasova, Kelly Garcia, Dan Hinkel, David Jackson, and Rita Oceguera Editing and project management: Jonah Newman Cover illustration: Verόnica Martinez Engagement and distribution: Danny Callison, Kat Keller, Charles Preston, Jason Schumer, and Maggie Sivit Web development: Monkruman St. Jules, Hayley Owens and Derek Eder (DataMade) Print guide design: Jeff Bowen