Issuu

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD

@riversidebrookfield_landmark

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

$1.00

Vol. 41, No. 39

September 30, 2026

It took 14 years, but RB and the zoo make a deal on field

Strand Theater finds a home on Grand Boulevard

Under a lease, RB will create multipurpose field to usher in new era for D208 sports

The community theater is acquiring the former homes of Burger Antics and Prairie Path Vintage Market

By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

A new era is coming for RiversideBrookfield High School softball, and head varsity coach Emma Jarrell is understandably jazzed. She’ll have a literal home field for her team, instead of boarding a school bus to play games at Ehlert Park in Brookfield. The lower levels typically bus over to Veterans Park in North Riverside. The Bulldogs’ softball, and baseball, programs will begin play on a multipurpose synthetic turf field located immediately north of school, likely in spring 2027. The field will be used for physical education classes and other extra-curricular activities, like band and soccer, among others. “It’s going to be awesome,” Jarrell said. “All the girls are super-excited. See ZOO on page 3

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

GREGG VOSS

The east end of the grass field north of Riverside-Brookfield High School features a baseball diamond. Brookfield Zoo currently uses the area for overflow parking.

Before the end of the year, Brookfield’s own bona fide community theater and performance space is set to open. The Brookfield Theater Corporation is on contract to purchase the buildings at 3740 and 3742 Grand Blvd., formerly the homes of Burger Antics and Prairie Path Vintage Market, respectively. The group will close the sale in October with plans to open the Strand Theater and run it out of the two buildings starting in early December, said John Dumas, the group’s leader. The corporation is paying $725,000 for the See THEATER on page 11

The Landmark, September 30, 2026 MEMORY CARE

SHELTERED CARE

SKILLED NURSING

RESPITE CARE

You can relax knowing we care. Receive $500 off sheltered care & memory care every month for 12 months.

Call us at 708-447-5092 to learn more about sheltered care and memory care at Caledonia Senior Living.

CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

ZOO

Field of Dreams from page 1 We don’t have to drive anywhere. It means a lot. It’s going to be really convenient and nice for the girls to have a home.” Perhaps best of all, Jarrell is a math teacher and smiled when she noted her classroom overlooks that space. Thus, she’ll have plenty of time to watch the field unfold, with shovels likely to hit the ground after Jan. 1, according to District 208 superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis.

Agreement details RB and the Brookfield Zoo announced Friday a partnership that will bring the field to life after 14 years of discussions between those two entities. The Cook County Forest Preserve technically owns that land and leases it to the zoo. Over time multiple legislators helped advance Senate Bill 637 which was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker in spring 2025. That legislation gave the zoo the flexibility to sublease the land and also the ability for it and the high school to negotiate a deal for its use. On Sept.15, the Forest Preserve board approved a resolution supporting an agreement between the school and the zoo to sublease the land to the high school in a $3 million, 15-year agreement. Skinkis said the $3 million was in the form of working cash bonds that were taken out by the district in 2017 in anticipation of a deal then but eventually was nixed by the Forest Preserve. The global pandemic effectively put discussions on the matter on hold until 2024. The cost to develop the multipurpose area will not impact taxpayers, he added. “The $4.5 million that the board approved in 2025 did not increase property taxes,” he said. “The district’s outstanding debt service was decreasing due to the expiration of the referendum bonds. The additional bonding will maintain the downward step debt structure, continuing the annual reductions in property tax debt payments for D208 residents.” Deanna Zalas, the District 208 school board president, confirmed the board will formally approve the sublease agreement at one of its two October meetings. A Brookfield Zoo spokesperson said the zoo’s board of trustees was “involved with planning but do not need to approve anything for the relationship to advance at this time.”

GREGG VOSS

The west end of the grass field north of Riverside-Brookfield

Brookfield Zoo benefits Brookfield Zoo president and CEO Dr. Michael Adkesson said the road to the agreement was a long one between the zoo and RB, but ultimately fruitful for both entities. “This is something the zoo and the high school have been working on for many years,” he said. “It feels really good to have this wrapped up and have landed on a winwin for everyone. “It’s just been a really great relationship between the zoo and the high school we’ve got going right now.” The zoo owns the parking lot north of the high school’s front façade, which it rents to RB for approximately $35,000 annually. Overflow parking went into the grass field just north of what will become the multipurpose field. As part of the agreement, District 208 will add a minimum of 50 more spots to the existing lot. The rent for the parking lot will be $30,000 for the length of the 15-year agreement. “(Zoo guests) are parking on a paved lot; that’s important to us,” Adkesson said. “We’re looking to alleviate backup traffic into the community. We want guests to enter as quick as possible and enjoy their day at the zoo.” The new parking is “a benefit to everyone. It gives (the high school) parking in the evening for events and on those busy days for us, it gives us additional parking we can utilize.”

for overflow parking, mostly because it owned it. There was an understanding that it wouldn’t do that during the school year, but times change. Fast-forward, then, to Skinkis’s first year as superintendent in spring 2012. “Sitting in my office, it’s a beautiful spring day in March, and our girls softball team is playing and our boys baseball team had a game after,” he recalled. “Every once in awhile I’m peaking out the window, watching the game, and then all of a sudden, I get a rap on the window. “It’s one of the zoo police officers, and he was letting me know, ‘Hey, we’re going to have to stop the game because due to the nice weather, we’ve having overflow.’ They literally gave us five minutes and they started putting cars in the outfield. We had to cancel the game mid-game.” The agreement removes that problem and allows softball and baseball to have true home games like football and boys and girls soccer and track and field in the stadium. Undoubtedly, it will make athletic director Fil Torres’ job easier, though the lower levels of the softball and baseball programs will still play at Veterans and Ehlert parks, respectively. “We don’t have to worry about rides or buses when we can host on campus and it will help with practices,” he said. Assistant Superintendent Kristin Smetana added marching band, soccer and football vie for time in the stadium, especially in the fall. Those sports could easily shift practices to the new multipurpose field. She also said not to discount the academic benefits. “Students get time back,” she said. “Not being on buses to go offsite, they can gain all that time. I think its’ a win-in for everybody.”

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 General Manager Max Reinsdorf Editorial & Audience Strategist Matthew Schwerha Staff Reporters Stella Brown, Jackie Pisano, Bob Skolnik, Gregg Voss Sports Reporters Bill Stone, Melvin Tate Contributing Editor Donna Greene Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Designer Susan McKelvey Sports Photographer Steve Johnston Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley

HOW TO REACH US

P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 PHONE: (708) 613-3300 E-MAIL: dhaley@newswellchicago.org ONLINE: www.RBLandmark.com

Long path to the field Like Jarrell, Skinkis smiled a bit when he thinks about the long and winding road to the agreement. He said he’s spoken with RB alumni that played many decades ago on the old softball and baseball diamonds that will become the new mutlitpurpose field. As the zoo grew, he said it utilized that space

IN THIS ISSUE

GREGG VOSS

The sign that faces the south entrance of Brookfield Zoo.

Riverside Brookfield Landmark is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No. 19-585). Riverside Brookfield Landmark 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 $57 and $95 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates available by contacting our office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Riverside Brookfield Landmark, NEWSWELL Chicago P.O. Box 6670 River Forest IL, 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Some Riversiders spark concerns over Flock use ‘It’s collect first, investigate later,’ says a critic of the license plate reader cameras

By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

For the past two and a half years, Riverside’s police department has made use of Flock cameras, the license plate readers that have been embroiled in national controversy due to reports of misuse and concerns over unwarranted surveillance. Officials maintain that the technology bolsters police’s ability to track criminals and solve crimes, but some residents say they think the cameras represent an encroachment on their right to privacy. In an interview with the Landmark, Village President Doug Pollock said he has kept up with the controversy surrounding Flock, but he attributed many of the issues to abuse of the data by individuals, as in cases where police officers in other jurisdictions have been accused of using Flock data to stalk people. “It’s all about having internal guardrails and controls. Most of everything I’ve heard in the national news about Flock is people misusing the technology,” Pollock said. “[Public Safety Director] Matt [Buckley] and [Village Manager] Jessica [Frances] will nod their heads: Every time I see something in the national news or local or state news, I bring it to their attention,” he said. “I say, ‘How does this affect Riverside?” They’ve been able to say, ‘Doug, here’s what we’ve got to control to make sure that doesn’t happen here,’ and I’ve been very satisfied with their responses.” With the approval of the village’s 2027 budget by the end of the year looming in the distance, Pollock said Riverside’s attorney is looking into the changes to Flock’s standard terms and conditions the company made earlier this year. “So far, I’ve not seen anything that would lead me to believe that Flock can take our data and use it without our permission or knowledge, but we’re still reviewing that,” he said. “I don’t think those new terms and conditions, from what we can tell so far, affect Riverside, our contract and our ability to control our data.” The ACLU said the new terms and conditions could allow Flock to sell and control data collected from municipalities, including a perpetual right for Flock to use that data to “support and improve” its services even after a customer terminates its contract. Pollock said Riverside’s contract with Flock specifies that the company shall not sell the village’s data.

Residents’ concerns Riverside resident Mark Shevitz said he was “surprised” when he learned Riverside had Flock cameras. Shevitz wrote a Letter to the Editor on the topic that the Landmark published last week. He was a village trustee from 2009 to 2013. “Riverside is a low-crime community. Obviously, our pub-

lic safety teams do a great job to help keep us safe, so it was perplexing to me to find out that we had a couple of cameras in town,” Shevitz told the Landmark in an interview. After learning about Riverside’s use of Flock, Shevitz said he looked deeper into how the technology operates. “What concerns me most is the basic model. In my mind, it’s collect first, investigate later,” he said. “Information is collected about people who aren’t suspected of anything so it can be searched later if it becomes useful, and I don’t think that should be the default relationship between citizens and government in a free society. To me, that’s backwards.” Critics of Flock beyond Riverside’s borders have espoused similar concerns. DeFlock, an organization aimed at raising awareness of the “threats [Flock] poses to personal privacy and civil liberties,” described the database created by the network of cameras as “dragnet surveillance” designed to coordinate police resources targeted in large part at civilians who are not suspected of a crime. DeFlock pointed to a 2021 study by the Independent Institute that found that license plate readers “endanger the civil rights of innocent citizens” while failing to deter crimes like theft or give police an edge in investigative cases based on 16 years of data on stolen vehicles in Piedmont, California. The report found that less than 0.3% of license plate reader hits turn into useful leads for investigations, according to DeFlock. Brian Lester is another Riverside resident who said the village’s use of Flock has raised eyebrows. With 10 years’ experience in computer science and machine learning research, he professed “a decent understand of how Flock [could be] implemented.” Lester said he began researching Flock once he noticed the license plate readers in Riverside, leading him to request Flock data from the Riverside police department through the Freedom of Information Act. Lester, too, described Flock’s databases as dragnet systems designed to track civilians’ movements over long distances. “One of the things that Flock loves to hide behind on why this is OK is, ‘Your car is being tracked. You’re not being tracked. We’re not sure if it’s you in the car.’ They love to use that as their defense, but that’s never going to be something that stops you from getting pulled over when Flock misidentifies your car,” Lester said. He said the collection of data on where people are and when could be used to construct patterns on where people could be or would allow police to profile people based on their movements, like if they’re a frequent visitor to a gun range or a dispensary. “The only way to keep this data really safe is to not collect this data,” Lester said. He made reference to the 2025 case of a Texas sheriff ’s office searching Mount Prospect Flock data to track down a woman who had obtained an abortion and fled Texas, but

not to Illinois. “[State officials] were talking about, ‘We are putting all these safeguards into the data so that people who go against our values can’t access it.’ It’s like, they’re always going to find a way to access it. The only way to have kept this woman safe is to not have written down that she came here,” Lester said. “I don’t think there’s a safe or constitutional way to have this kind of stuff. I think, very clearly, the costs outweigh the gains.”

STELLA BROWN

One of Riverside’s two Flock cameras, located at the intersection of Longcommon and Byrd roads

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Berwyn orders shutdown of Flock cameras Riverside discusses renewal of Flock as part of current budget talks By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

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

JOIN US JOIN US TO O CELEBRAT C CELEBRATE A E AT JOIN US TO CELEBRATE TO CELEBRATE

JOINUS US TO TO CELEBRATE JOIN CELEBRATE

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 immigration officers. In a Facebook post on Sept. 23, Ald. Micah Caldwell of Berwyn’s First Ward st mentioned the issue had first been raised st 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 st 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 st its eight license plate reading cameras the cantatafest.org next day. Riverside is discussing the renewal of its cantatafest.org contract with Flock for the use of two camIndependent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care eras as village staff and officials solidify Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care the village’s budget for 2027. st 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 st 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 Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care 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 Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care is worth the value the cameras provide to cantatafest.org c antatafest.org police rather than residents demonstrating an abuse of the technology. Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home

Saturday, October 3rd JOIN US Adult TOOctober CELEBRATE Cantata Life Services Saturday, 3rd

8700 31 Life Street Cantata Adult Services Brookfield, IL 8700 31 Street Brookfield, IL 11am-12pm Open House Saturday, October 3rd 12pm-2pm Entertainment & Food 11am-12pm Open House JOIN US TO CELEBRATE Cantata Adult Life Services 12pm-2pm Food Saturday, S atu8700 rdaEntertainment y31 ,O October cStreet toKids ber&3 3rd rd Funfor Family& US TO Cantata C anJOIN tata A Adult dFreeEntry uFamily& ltCELEBRATE L Life ifIL eKids S Services ervices Brookfield, Funfor sstt Saturday, 8700 31 Street 8700FreeEntry 31October S tree3rd t

Cantata Adult Life Services 11am-12pm Open House Brookfield, B r o o k f i e l d , IIL L 31 Street 12pm-2pm8700 Entertainment & Food Brookfield, IL 11am-12pm OpenKids House Saturday, October 3rd Funfor Family& Cantata Life 111am-12pm 1amEntertainment -1FreeEntry 2Adult pm O Open penServices H House ouse& Food 12pm-2pm Entertainment Food 112pm-2pm 2pm-2Saturday, pm8700 E nte31 rOctober taStreet inme3rd nt & F Fo ood Brookfield, Adult LifeIL Services Cantata Funfor Family& Kids Funfor Kids 8700Family& 31 Street 11am-12pm OpenIL House FreeEntry FreeEntry Brookfield, 12pm-2pm & Food cantatafest.org Fun forEntertainment Family & Kids 11am-12pm Open Kids House Free Entry Funfor Family& 12pm-2pm Entertainment & Food FreeEntry cantatafest.org Funfor Family& Kids cantatafest.org FreeEntry

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-T Short-Term -Te -T Term Rehab • Long-T Long-Term -Te -T Term Care r • Home Care re r re

cantatafest.org

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Hop Stop bubbles over in Riverside

The annual beer festival came to Guthrie Park Saturday afternoon By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Riverside’s Hop Stop craft beer festival took to Guthrie Park and the Riverside train station on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 3-6 p.m.

Featuring offerings from 15 breweries, cideries and distilleries and five or six more for food, music and entertainment, the annual festival offered a chance for residents of all ages to share in good company for an afternoon of fun, with alcoholic offerings for the adults and face painting, balloon art and lawn games for the kids. “The weather was perfect,” said Tim Ozga, an organizer of the event through the Olmsted Society. “A lot of young families were there. I saw a lot of kids having a great time, and I really think that the non-children, the adults, were having an equally good time. Our vendors again provided a fabulous assortment of some interesting, crafted beers that you might not get on the shelf.” Hop Stop is organized jointly each year by Riverside Foods and the Olmsted Society, which receives all of the revenues generated by the festival to fund its workdays and other conservation efforts. “The fact that we have more of a communal, family-approach beer festival is what sets the bar above and [makes it] a great fit for Riverside,” said Peter Boutsikakis, the co-owner of Riverside Foods and another of Hop Stop’s main organizers. “We’re doing it in Guthrie Park and

Sponsored by Riverside Township Sponsored by Riverside Township Sponsored by Riverside Township Sponsored by Riverside Township

the train station, which is a great space, and in benefit of the Olmsted Society. Literally, you’re enjoying this festival, and then your community benefits after from the funds raised from it.” General adult admission, which included a commemorative wristband and tastings from all of the alcohol vendors, cost $65, while designated driver tickets without access to tastings were available for just $5. Children got in free, but it cost $5 for a ticket that included face painting and balloon art. Red tartan blankets with the event’s logo were also available for purchase ahead of time and at Hop Stop for $25. Ozga said Hop Stop is a great fit for Riverside’s ethos. “I’ve been working with the Olmsted Society for 25 years now, and a lot of people think of us as, Olmsted was the designer of Riverside, so there’s a lot of history, or we do things with the trees. But at the same time, a lot about what Olmsted was doing was for the community,” Ozga told the Landmark. “Having an event outside in the center of Riverside with the entire community is what it’s become.” The event got its start in 2015 inside the train station before expanding outward

PROVIDED BY PETER BOUTSIKAKIS

An attendee shows off a sample of beer in their commemorative Hop Stop 2026 glass.

Meet the Candidates at our RCC Member Social

Saturday, October 3rd 9:00 am – Noon Saturday, October 3rd 9:00 am – Noon Saturday, October 3rd 9:00 am – Noon rd Riverside Masonic Lodge parkingam lot – Noon Saturday, October 3 9:00

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside This FREE event is only for Riverside Township

This FREE event only for Riverside Township residents and only is for personal, confidential This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail.than Each 3 household is paper. no more boxes of restricted to documents. Nojunk shredding, magazines, mail.than Each 3 household restricted toor nobusiness more boxes ofis paper. magazines,Your or junk mail. Each household is will3 be securely on site by restricted to nodocuments more than boxes of destroyed paper. Your documents will3be securely on site by restricted to noAmerican more than boxes of destroyed paper. Mobile Shredding and Recycling. Your American documents will beShredding securely destroyed on site by Mobile and Recycling. Your American documents will be securely destroyed onof site by This is a drive-up event; no need get out Mobile Shredding andtoRecycling. American Mobile Shredding andtoRecycling. This is a drive-up event; no need get signs out ofat the event, and your car. Place the documents in your trunk, follow the your Place the documents your trunk, follow event, and This is a drive-up event; no the need to the get signs out from ofat the thencar. simply pop the trunk. Wein will remove documents your vehicle This is a drive-up event; nofor need to the get signs out from ofat the thencar. simply pop the trunk. Wein will remove the documents your vehicle your Place the documents your trunk, follow event, and and shred them you. your Place the documents your trunk, follow the signs at the event, and shred them for you. thencar. simply pop the trunk.and Wein will remove the documents from your vehicle then simply pop thePlease trunk.bring We shred will remove theyou. documents your vehicle a non-perishable, unexpired from food item and them for and shred them for you. to bring donate the Riverside Township Pantry! Please a to non-perishable, unexpired Food food item to bring donatea to the Riverside Township Pantry! Please non-perishable, unexpired Food food item bring non-perishable, unexpired food item For more Please eventtoinfo, callaRiverside Township at (708) 442-4400 donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry! donate towww.riversidetownship.org the Riverside Township Food Pantry! or event visit to our website: For more info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or event visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org For more info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 For more info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or event visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org or visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

Wednesday, Oct. 7 • 5:30 p.m. Vinette - 90 Bloomingbank Rd., Riverside Please join the Riverside Community Caucus as we host a social to introduce the candidates interested in running for the Riverside Village Board. Here’s your chance to talk with neighbors and current trustees about issues important to our village. This event is open to the community – Bring a friend! Save the Date:

Sunday, Oct. 18 RCC Candidate Forum Riverside Township Hall

2026-RCC-Social-forum-ad.indd 1

rccil.org 9/25/26 1:54 PM

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Top stories, local government, features, events, art, and sports right at your fingertips!

PROVIDED BY PETER BOUTSIKAKIS

The sunny, crisp weather made for another great Hop Stop in the books. into Guthrie Park in subsequent years, he said. The first Hop Stop had about 150 attendees, Boutsikakis said, while last year’s 10th endeavor saw attendance of about 750. This year, about 700 people attended, Ozga said, raising more than $10,000 for the Olmsted Society. “There was a fellow, Rob Dixon, who was on our board of the Olmsted Society and also had a little bit of a beer tooth, if that’s such a thing, and he always envisioned a fundraiser that was like a craft beer festival,” Ozga said. “He was always kind of nudging [Boutsikakis] to see what [his] level of interest was.” “This is a generational business here, Riverside Foods, and when I first started getting involved, craft beer” — which Boutsikakis described as a “personal interest” — “started getting involved. Back then, you could count the craft breweries available on two hands,” he said. “When I found out more of what the Olmsted Society did, it was a perfect [beneficiary], and Rob Dixon’s enthusiasm helped us put it on, the first one.” From then on, “We couldn’t stop,” Boutsikakis said. “People wouldn’t let us stop.” Hop Stop made use of about 30 volunteers, Ozga said, for setup, takedown and

to pour beer for some of the vendors who could spare product but not people or even for those with attending staff, allowing them to mingle and enjoy the afternoon, too. “All these brewers are ones that we carry every single week and have relationships with, so it’s really a reciprocal effort,” Boutsikakis said. “There are a couple breweries that don’t have the boots on the ground, but they’re able to send the stuff, so these volunteers are great.” Boutsikakis said he looks forward to a special feeling that finds him at every Hop Stop. “There’s a moment, like three-quarters of the way in the festival. It’s always in Guthrie Park where the sun hits the right way, and you see everybody having a great time, and you’re like, ‘Shit, this is it,’” he said. “You just see neighbors and kids, people enjoying a nice beer, and it all makes sense. It’s very Riverside.” Ozga said he most enjoys the sense of community that Hop Stop fosters each year. “It’s that feeling of being in a backyard party with your friends,” he said. “I see all the smiling faces. You have children dancing around to the music. If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, I don’t know what will.”

@forestparkreview @wednesdayjournal @riversidebrookfield_landmark @austinweeklynews @forestparkreview

Serving your Community Since 1982

Replace that old water heater! Professional Installation www.Sullivans-Plumbing.com

50.00 OFF

Limit 1 coupon per Heater

7018 W. 16th St, Berwyn, IL 60402

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Prayer and protest one year after Broadview Six

Community religious leaders, activists, students and local officials gather outside of Broadview detention facility By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter

Hand in hand, heads bowed and eyes closed, over 30 people gathered outside of the Broadview ICE detention facility this Friday as has been done every Friday for the past 20 years. However, this day marked one year since the clash between protesters and agents resulting in the infamous “Broadview Six” prosecution. Village of Oak Park Trustee Brian Straw, Michael Rabbitt, Kat Abughazaleh and Andre Martin, four of the six protesters who were arrested outside of the facility on Sept. 26, 2025, reunited once again at the detention center. “It was really important to me to come back and show we’re not afraid,” said Straw. “I think me and the rest of the members of the Broadview Six who are out here understand better than most that this administration wants us to be afraid, wants us to be afraid to stand up, but it’s important to show that we’re still standing and we’re still standing for the rights and dignity of the humans who are being detained inside this facility where the conditions just aren’t appropriate for human detention.”

SYDNEY LOVAN

Attendees of a protest and prayer circle hold an American flag at the Broadview ICE Facility on Sept. 25. As people prayed and sang, multiple masked agents walked into the facility past the group. Protesters also called out as agents drove through the gates, at one point witnessing an individual be loaded into a car and a string of vehicles drive out together. One federal officer recorded media and protesters as the officer walked into the facility, and another car slowed as it exited with claims that the driver was showing pepper spray, but no other direct interaction between protesters and officers occurred. Straw and Abughazaleh both echoed that they do face fear, especially when re-

Ivins /Moravecek

Funeral Home & Cremation Services Family owned since 1885 David Moravecek - Owner Additional Suburban Chapel Locations Available Specializing in Pre Need & Veteran Care

80 E. Burlington St., Riverside (708) 447-2261 | www.ivinsfh.com

turning to the facility, but feel it is important to rise above. “I’m afraid all the time,” said Abughazaleh. “I was 10 minutes late getting to the car because I had nightmares last night. What I think isn’t okay is cowardice, and bravery isn’t not being afraid; it’s showing up despite being afraid...Mace and tear gas are temporary, but ruined lives are forever.” During the 2025 demonstration, protesters surrounded a vehicle driven by a federal immigration officer. It was reported that federal officers deployed tear gas and pepper balls during the conflict. The Broadview Six were arrested and

federally prosecuted on the charge of conspiracy, but the case ultimately unraveled amidst charges of prosecutorial misconduct earlier this year. “The reason freedom of speech is important is it’s our right, it’s our right from birth, from existence, and that’s for everyone. That’s not just for people born here. That’s not just for a specific class. That’s for all of us,” said Abughazaleh. “The last year was meant to intimidate not only myself, Brian Straw, the rest of our co-defendants, but other people from speaking out, and it didn’t work.” U.S. District Judge April Perry set a court hearing for Oct. 1, 2026, to hear arguments as the defendants push for a special prosecutor to investigate potential wrongdoing that led to the initial case being dismissed. “We’re going into court next Thursday attempting to actually see real justice. That is transparency and accountability

SYDNEY LOVAN

Attendees of a protest and prayer circle hold hands at the Broadview ICE Facility on Sept. 25, 2026.

Follow Follow us us on Instagram! Follow onus Instagram! stories, local government, features, events, Top stories,Top local government, features, events, on Instagram! art, and sports right at your fingertips!

art, and sports right at your fingertips! Top stories, local government, features, events, art, and sports right at your fingertips!

@riversidebrookfield_landmark @wednesdayjournal @forestparkreview @austinweeklynews

@forestparkreview @forestparkreview

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

SYDNEY LOVAN

People gather outside of the Broadview ICE Facility to join in prayer and protest on Sept. 25, 2026.

A masked federal agent records media and protesters as they walk into the Broadview ICE Facility on Sept. 25.

on behalf of the U. S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, which exercised gross prosecutorial misconduct,” said Straw. Jenna Leving Jacobson, another Oak Park village trustee, joined protesters

son. “If we don’t keep standing together and don’t keep standing up, we won’t see an end to the violence, so it’s going to take all of us.” Pastor Heidi Torgerson, an Oak Parker who regularly meets with people

SYDNEY LOVAN

outside of the facility to show support for her fellow elected official and continue to speak out against immigration enforcement tactics. “I’m really proud just to stand in solidarity with Brian Straw,” said Leving Jacob-

detained in the facility, was also in attendance to support Straw, and other Broadview Six members, who she described as her “friend and brother.” She reflected on the difference between this year and last. “All of our lives are prayer, and the protests that unfolded here last year on this day were, in my estimation, also a form of prayer,” said Torgerson. “This kind of prayer this morning that you just experienced looks different than it did last year, but all of that activity is sort of toward the same goal of a more just and peaceful and humane world.” Recently, over a dozen Illinois residents, including Oak Park Township Trustee Juan Muñoz, took legal action against the Trump Administration for alleged violence and abuse by federal agents. Muñoz was arrested outside of the Broadview facility just one week after the “Broadview Six” incident. Last week, on Sept. 19, federal agents pepper-sprayed at least 10 protesters outside of the facility. A candlelight vigil is being held on Sept. 26, 2026, at the Broadview detention center to remember and reflect on the past year. The event begins at 6 p.m.

12 Month Certificate of Deposit

4.25% APY*

adno=STM000115931401

7820 West 26th Street, North Riverside, IL 60546 P: 708.447.3330 | capitalbankmd.com/cd

*Disclosure: APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is accurate as of September 23, 2026, and is subject to change without notice. Minimum opening deposit and balance required to earn the APY is $10,000. Offer available for new money only, meaning funds must come from an account outside of Capital Bank, N.A. An early withdrawal penalty equal to six (6) months’ interest on the amount withdrawn may be imposed. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional terms and conditions apply.

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Brookfield’s annual duck race is a quacking success

Duck sales raised more than $22,000 to support low-income families’ engagement with village activities By STELLA BROWN Staff Reporter

Brookfield made way for ducklings on Saturday, Sept. 26, as rubber ducks streamed down Salt Creek in the village’s fourth annual duck race fundraiser. A crowd gathered by the Washington Street bridge before the rubber ducks were released into the water by a small construction excavator. Then, spectators made their way south on Forest Avenue or through the Oak Savannah to join a larger crowd of a couple hundred by the canoe launch behind Brookfield Village Hall, where a net was set up to capture the ducks. After the ducks lackadaisically drifted on Salt Creek’s current, the first three to reach the net were recorded, with the winners later called out: George Ulrich in third place, Laura Kirk in second place and Pam Kosey in first place. They won $500, $750 and $1,000, respectively. Dorothy Nava, Grace Williamson and Jessica Yovich were named winners, too, as the owners of the first three golden ducks that reached the finish and received gift cards to businesses in Brookfield. The duck race serves as a fundraiser for the organizing Brookfield Parks and Recreation Foundation, a nonprofit that covers up to half the cost of enrollment in park programs for low-income families in town who cannot afford the full costs. Kyle Whitehead, a board member of the foundation, said ducks were sold all summer at $5 each. Anyone who bought 10 ducks, donating $50, earned a golden duck to bolster their chances of winning. “We set a new record this year of more than 3,300 ducks sold,” Whitehead announced to the crowd on Saturday af-

LISA STEFANO

The rubber ducks are loaded into the claw of an excavator to be dumped into Salt Creek.

JULIE NARIMATSU

The ducks pour out of the excavator into Salt Creek to begin the fourth annual duck race. ter the end of the race. “We are still tallying the final numbers, but with sponsorships and duck sales, we can say we raised more than $22,000 for the Brookfield Parks and Recreation Foundation.” So far this year, the foundation raised and gave more than $16,000 to local families in the form of scholarships, Whitehead said. In an email to the Landmark on Monday, Sept. 28, Whitehead confirmed the duck race raised $22,565 in gross revenue for the foundation through the sale of 3,343 ducks and 185 golden ducks. “All of these figures are new records for the foundation,” he wrote. With temperatures in the mid-to-high-60s and bright sunlight warming the canoe launch right next to the ongoing farmers market, many attendees described Saturday as a perfect day for the duck race. Sandy Garvey is a member of the Brookfield Women’s Club, which helped the Parks and Recreation sell ducks throughout the summer. “I’ve never seen [the duck race] before, and I have a grandbaby now, so I was checking it out for her. She’s a little too young right now to get it, but I took a video for her. [I wanted to] be part of the community on such a nice day,” Garvey said of her reasons for attending. “It was a lot of fun selling ducks. It’s a lot of fun seeing all the people come out and all the kids.” The event was staffed by foundation board members Whitehead, Lisa Stefano, Julie Narimatsu, Paul Cozza,

Jaime Agnello, Tony Chavez and Beth Damon, who sold t-shirts at a booth by the canoe launch. So-called “Quack Master” Adam Schauer preceded the cabal of rubber ducks down the river, alerting spectators before the winner, while John Chmura, Patrick Chmura and Nicholas Jacobucci scooped the ducks out of the river at the end of the route. Schauer, who joked about being certified by the fictional “International Quack Master Association,” said he looks forward to the duck race “all year long.” “It’s just such a thrill to see the competitiveness of the ducks,” he said.

STELLA BROWN

Kyle Whitehead and Lisa Stefano consult the duck sale records to determine the third, second and first place winners of Brookfield’s duck race on Sept. 26.

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

THEATER

Coming to Grand Blvd. from page 1 two buildings with loan financing from the First National Bank of Brookfield of about $500,000, Dumas said. “We’re so incredibly confident about the finances. We’re not the least bit worried about it,” he said. The former Burger Antics building will become the performance space with seating and a stage while the Prairie Path building will hold the lobby, bathrooms, box office and concessions booth, he said. “The Burger Antics building … is really empty at this point. All of the kitchen equipment and everything has been removed already, so all that’s really left are the restrooms and a couple other things. That’ll be easily demoed,” Dumas told the Landmark. “We’re planning, ultimately, on putting a connection between the two buildings. It would be just a doorway; we’re not talking about opening it up into one giant space.” He said the connector will be easy to remove down the line if the buildings one day no longer house the Strand and new owners wish to separate them again. The connection may not be ready for the grand opening on Dec. 4 or the debut Christmas-

themed performances on Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, but it will come, Dumas said. The Strand Theater will be the home of the Glaser Players theater troupe as well as a myriad of performances, from local theater troupes to film screenings, spoken word performances, musical performances, dance parties, religious services, and pretty much any other programming people are interested in putting on, Dumas said. “We’re a nonprofit. We look at it as a community facility, and we want it to be used,” he said. “We’ve been inundated [with requests]. It’s been funny. We’ve had people contact us to say, ‘Can I do this there?’ We’re like, ‘We never thought of that. That’s a great idea.’” The purchase marks a landing pad for the Strand Theater, the corporation’s brainchild that has been seeking a home for nearly two years. It got its inception in September 2024 when Brookfield officials first discussed possible businesses that could occupy a rehabbed Theater Building, the historic structure at 3723 Grand Blvd. just up the block that the village acquired earlier that month. While Dumas argued then to return the Theater Building, which formerly operated as a movie theater called the Strand, to its roots, the village went on to purchase the adjacent residential property at 3717 Grand Blvd. in December 2024. Village officials have since made plans to demolish the two structures to make way for one of

two proposed developments of a high-rise luxury apartment building. The Strand made stop-start progress in settling down over the next two years. Dumas in October 2025 announced plans to purchase 8916 Fairview Ave., the building that belongs to Rodriguez Auto Repair, with an opening scheduled for May 2026. Adelfo Rodriguez, who runs Rodriguez Auto Repair, told the Landmark this summer of his own plans to purchase the building from his landlord so his 16-year-old business can continue under the supervision of his son after he eventually retires, marking the end of the Strand’s efforts to open there. Earlier this month, for lack of a permanent home, the Strand’s native Glaser Players staged Neil Simon’s “California Suite” out of St. Paul’s Parish in Riverside. Dumas said his crew was excited by the proximity to the still-standing Theater Building that started them on the quest to find a home for a community theater space in Brookfield. “There’s definitely a connection there. We never thought we would get onto Grand Boulevard. We never thought we’d be that close to it because most of those places had not been available. When we started this, Burger Antics was a thriving business,” he said. “It’s been amazing that we’re going to end up on Grand Boulevard after all this. Our dream was to be right in the heart of it all.”

YOUR

BEST

LIFE F FE

withLisaCapone w wi itith thL hLi Lis isa saC aCa Cap apon one ne Experiencing Caregiver C aregiver Burnout?? Caregiver burnout is a growing concern, especially for f r those caring fo fforr aging loved ones. The demands of fo caregiving, while rewarding, g can become overwhelming and d lead lead to emotional, and mental physical, y exhaustion.It’s exh haustion.It’s essential to recognize the signs early y and consider options exhaustion to prevent p exh haustion and ensure quality qual lity care for f r all involved. fo f r Signs. Common signs fo • Look Out for f tigue, irritability, fa y include chronic fatigue, f elings of helplessness, and a decline fe declline feelings in personal health. Caregivers may also experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and withdrawal fr ffrom om social activities. • Strategies to Reset: It’s important f r caregivers to seek support fo p for and living practice self-care. Senior living communities and respite care services off ffe ff fer relief by providing p profe f ssional fe offer professional f r their loved fo loved ones, allowing care for caregivers time to rest and recharge. Taking a break doesn’t mean giving up on caregiving; rather, it ensures caregivers remain healthy and strong enough g to continue caring for f r their fo loved d ones in the long term. Recognizing g the signs of burnout and seeking hel lp is crucial fo fforr caregivers help and their fa ffamilies. milies.

Visit Cantata.org for more information or call ((708) 708) 3 87-1 1030. 387-1030.

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support Short-Term Shortt-tTerm Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care

STELLA BROWN

The Strand Theater is set to open in December out of 3740 Grand Blvd., the former home of Burger Antics, and 3742 Grand Blvd., the former home of Prairie Path Vintage Market.

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Brookfield restaurant charged for illegal alcohol sale

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 presentation will be followed by a conversation with Jetson and members of the Oak Park Aging in Communities Commission and audience Q+A

Food provided. Admission is free. The Book Loft Oak Park will have copies of Aging While Black available to purchase.

Sponsored by the Village of Oak Park Aging in Communities Commission

Brookfield police cited a 53-year-old Brookfield woman and a 56-year-old LaGrange man on Sept. 18 for illegally selling alcohol without a liquor license. Around 5:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to La Cabañita on Ogden Avenue for an alcohol compliance check after village administration told police the business was reportedly serving alcoholic beverages without a valid liquor license, having been cited in June for the same offense. The officer entered the restaurant and spoke to two employees to ask about the sale of alcoholic beverage without a license, which one of the employees confirmed. A male employee told the officer it was his fault the alcohol was sold and turned over the $5.50 the restaurant had earned from the sale of a beverage. The officer informed the employee that the restaurant’s liquor license remained invalid and that he and the owner would receive local ordinance citations. The officer charged the man for selling alcohol without a license and set an Oct. 5 adjudication date. The officer told him the restaurant could not serve alcohol without a valid liquor license, which the man acknowledged. Police undertook efforts to reach the owner of the restaurant in order to issue her citation to her, finally making contact on Sept. 25 at her residence. Police charged her under village code for being the licensee whose employee violated village code by selling alcohol without a license and set an Oct. 5 adjudication date for her as well.

Driver charged after car struck by BNSF train Brookfield police cited a 66-year-old Westchester man for failing to reduce speed and other code violations after his car drove onto the BNSF railroad and was struck by a train. On Sept. 19 around 9 p.m., an officer responded to the area of Eberly and Ogden

avenues on a report of a vehicle that had been struck by a train. The officer observed a vehicle located on the railroad tracks on the embankment north of Ogden Avenue. The officer speculated the car had “left the roadway, mounted the curb, continued up the embankment and become stuck on the tracks” before the train struck it. The officer saw LaGrange police assisting the driver down the embankment. The man said he was not injured but he was unsure of what happened. The man gave police permission to enter his vehicle to retrieve his ID. While interacting with the man and his car, police did not detect any usual indicators of impairment by alcohol, like an alcoholic odor in the car or on the man’s breath or his slurring words. After firefighters transported the man to the hospital for further evaluation, the officer reviewed video footage of the incident, which showed the man’s car heading north on Eberly Avenue. At the stoplight, the man’s car proceeded north through Ogden Avenue with a green light and continued on, appearing to brake before failing to stop and traveling up the embankment and onto the railroad tracks. Police issued citations to the man for failing to reduce his car’s speed, driving without insurance, reckless driving and stopping a vehicle on the railroad tracks. These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department reports dated Sept. 15-21; they 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.

Compiled by Stella Brown

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

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’s office.

ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

4533 Elm Ave 4121 Deyo Ave 4120 Prairie Ave 9123 Sherman Ave 9002 Sheridan Ave 9115 Sherman Ave 3335 Sunnyside Ave 2711 Maple Ave 9000 Monroe Ave 9024 30th St 3534 Morton Ave 4146 Park Ave 3326 Prairie Ave 4430 Raymond Ave 4156 Elm Ave 4153 Elm Ave 3841 Arthur Ave 4237 Park Ave 3644 Vernon Ave 3707 Prairie Ave 9529 Monroe Ave 3748 Morton Ave 2909 Prairie Ave 3119 Harrison Ave 4330 Blanchan Ave 4331 Eberly Ave

$870,000 $838,500 $625,000 $620,000 $615,000 $580,000 $550,000 $495,000 $495,000 $495,000 $465,000 $450,000 $449,500 $445,000 $426,000 $410,000 $370,000 $355,000 $340,000 $330,000 $325,000 $310,000 $305,000 $295,000 $219,000 $185,000

Blue Vision Real Estate Grp Llc Imx Grp Llc Freitag Travis Hafkey Brian Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Modern Living Space Inc Sabeckis Steve Cuellar Hortencia Mcdonald Michael Wenig Michael Vercillo Brittany Mccormack Michael J Fultz Lois Stremski Martin L Vimont Mary E Griffin Samuel Chavez Hugo Elizondo Jesus Vazquez Butler Diane Extr Cerutti Jose Esteban Covarrubias Mykhaylo Bezklubets Trust Easton Michael Beste Marilyn S Tr Dutton Kyle J Jbmm Investments Llc Sandoval Adolfo

Soshnin Vitally Aguilera Norma Rieger Patricia Azar Hasan G Bootstrap Llc Mcclearn Todd Bowie Patrick Brendan Rodriguez Efrain Dahms Jordan C Kichak Dylan Gosciejew Benjamin Olsen Jr Robert Michael Smilak Kaylee M Munoz Carlos Huxhold Marco P Sloman Laura Monterrosa Kerry Devine Ayla Ladewig Eric Tristano Nicole K Raju Abinaya Ha Sophia Sg Dev Soto Elizabeth D Amalfi Brookfield Llc Healy Renovations Llc

RIVERSIDE 317 Olmsted Rd 350 N Delaplaine Rd 142 Akenside Rd 112 Lincoln Ave 69 Lincoln Ave 475 Shenstone Rd 410 Repton Rd 389 Addison Rd 530 Uvedale Rd 450 Northgate Ct 404 Shenstone Rd 253 Northwood Rd 369 Addison Rd 208 Parkview Rd 172 Barrypoint Rd 166 Akenside Rd

$1,000,000 $1,125,000 $1,260,000 $150,000 $205,000 $225,000 $375,000 $445,000 $480,000 $495,000 $508,000 $575,000 $630,000 $739,000 $820,000 $896,500

Jackson Michael Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Prangle Genevie Tr Karas James Land Trust Co Tr Hatcher Annie P Jacobs Nicholas M Pollitz Carole Tr Raz Gerald P Von Heimburg Abby C Malagutti Anthony Kucera Susan E Tr Ringo Frank Tr Kielp Jason J Durkin Robert G Hrody Claudia

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CONCRETE

BROOKFIELD

Fleagle Michael Meraz Elizabeth Zamara Thickens John R Salinas Carlos D Barreda Julie W Brosnan Nicole T Kural Hood Sabrina Williams Ryan Heintzelman Scott Wall Christopher G Toubayly Nabeel Bergeron Jessica A Cai Qin Knox Kenneth J Anderson Dain Ramaswamy Vik Rum

CONCRETE

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720

DRIVEWAYS • FOUNDATIONS • PATIOS • STEPS CURB/GUTTERS • SIDEWALKS • SNOW PLOWING STAMPED, COLORED & AGGREGATE CONCRETE • FREE ESTIMATES • LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Installed We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS

HANDYMAN

KLIS FLOORING INC.

Mike’s Home Repair

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

MOVING

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060 MOVING

K MOVERS

Call for the BEST Moving Prices • Serving all of Chicagoland & Suburbs. $150/hour - 3 hour minimum.

Call: 901-640-5919

Thinking about a career in local government?

Community • Connection Service • Respect

The Village of Oak Park has job opportunities available. Please visit www.oak-park.us or scan the QR code

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

OBITUARIES

Rosemarie Balk Health care researcher Rosemarie “Rosie” Balk died peacefully at her home in Riverside on Sept. 19, 2026. She was an inspiration: overcoming every challenge head on with Sheridan-style determination, wisdom and passion. She was born in Chicago and remained in the same area her entire life. She excelled in academics and earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from the University of Illinois. Her intellectual curiosity led her to the world of health care, where she built a successful career as an inquisitive market researcher by distilling complex problems into actionable data. Her intellect was surpassed only by her boundless heart. She cherished and was devoted to her only son, Aidan. She was a supportive daughter to her mother, Philomena, and touched the lives of many with her warmth, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious, outgoing nature, and sharp wit. Most of all, she will be remembered for her boundless dedication and support to those she loved and grace for those who failed her. Rosie is survived by her mother, Philomena; her sister, Joanne; her brother, Allen; her sister-in-law, Lori; her niece, Dana; her son, Aidan; Aidan’s father, Keith; and many supportive cousins and friends. Visitation and Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, starting at 9:30 a.m. till time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 105 Herrick Road, Riverside. A reception will follow at La Barra, 2 E. Burlington Road, Riverside, Illinois. All are welcome to celebrate Rosie.

Patricia Bustos, 79 St. Marty of Celle librarian Patricia Ann Bustos (née Fliss), 79, of Brookfield, formerly of Berwyn, died on Sept. 23, 2026. She lived most of her life in Berwyn and Brookfield and worked for Bell Telephone Company, where she met her husband, Richard Gandara Bustos, who preceded her in death on Dec. 11, 1999. After starting her family, she went on to become a librarian at St. Mary of Celle, the same school and parish her children attended and where she remained an active part of the community.

She found deep joy in watching her children grow up, and later in being a loving presence in the lives of her grandchildren. She had a passion for gardening and baking, and she cherished being part of her family’s milestones and everyday moments alike — whether in person or cheering them on from afar. Patricia is survived by her three children, Kari (Kevin) Cantwell, and their children Teya and Tanner; Michele (fiancé William), and her children Aaron, Emma, and Noah; and Michael (Marybeth), and their daughter Kelsey; and her sisters, Catharine Fliss and Lee (Charles) Mitch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Gandara Bustos, and her brothers, Thomas Fliss and Ronald Fliss. Visitation was held on Sept. 27 at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept. 28 at St. Mary of Celle Church, Berwyn. Online condolences, photographs and memories may be shared with the family at www.JohnsonNosek.com.

Douglas Reed, 90 Learning, service, and friendship Douglas Harper Reed, 90, of Riverside, formerly of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he carried with him a strong sense of dedication, discipline, and service throughout his life. He was also a longtime member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, where he formed friendships and memories that remained meaningful to him. He had a curious and thoughtful mind and had a particular appreciation for business and finance, keeping up with the world of investments and financial affairs. He was also an avid football fan and could often be found following the game and discussing the teams and players. An enthusiastic reader, he valued the opportunity to learn, explore new ideas, and lose himself in a good book. Those who knew him will remember him for his intelligence, quiet interests, and the unique perspective he brought to the people and world around him. His life was shaped by a love of learning, a spirit of service, and the relationships he built along the way. Doug was the husband of Janet Mende

Reed; the father of Melissa Jo Kerswell and Douglas H. Jr. (Linda) Reed; the grandfather of Douglas H. Reed III, William James Reed, Nathan Garrett Reed and Emily Jo (Everett) Yeaw; brother of the late James Alexander Reed Jr.; brother-in-law of Barbara (Mick) Jolley, Patricia (Thomas) Keonig, Paula Kaye (late Paul) Rabidoux and Larry (Julie) Peterman; uncle of Traci (Terence) Williams, Frank Herbert, Graham (Sharon) Manges, Mary (Frank) Luyando, Tonya (Arthur) Duda, Joshua Koenig, Andres Malvarez, Kathryn Koenig and Jessica (John) Montalbano. Cremation private. Arrangements handled by Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home. Memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.KuratkoNosek.com.

Donna Ribulotta, 78 Loved learning and creativity Donna Lynn Ribulotta (née Taylor), 78, died peacefully on Sept. 16, 2026, in Berwyn, surrounded by her husband of 60 years, Ronald Ribulotta, and her three daughters. Born on Sept. 29, 1947 in Berwyn, She gave freely of her love, warmth, and kindness. She loved learning about other cultures and ancient civilizations and found joy in art and creativity. She enjoyed crocheting, diamond art, baking, and jigsaw puzzles, and she especially loved teaching her grandchildren to bake and passing her treasured recipes on to them. She had an eclectic list of favorites, from Betty Boop and Jane Austen to Supernatural and The View. Music was one of her greatest loves. Her tastes ranged from The Bee Gees, Barry Manilow, the Moody Blues and Barbra Streisand to Garth Brooks, Metallica, Imagine Dragons, Train, AJR, and more. Above all, she was a source of love, strength, wisdom, and sometimes hard lessons that her family needed to hear. Donna is survived by her husband, Ronald Ribulotta; her daughters, Veronica Singleton, Laura Miller (Elliott), and Andrea Ribulotta; her grandchildren, Edessa Ribulotta, Taylor Singleton, Joseph Singleton, Christofer Singleton, Brian Miller, Stephanie Lawson, Katie Miller, Matthew

Lawson, Aleah Miller, Derek Ribulotta, and Malcolm Ribulotta; her great-grandchildren, Renley Ribulotta, Aurora Saunders, and Elliott Saunders; and her sister, Susan Bednar. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Dorothy Taylor; her siblings, Darlene Taylor, David Taylor, and Diane Taylor; and her son-in-law, James Singleton. She leaves a legacy of love, music, family traditions, creativity, and memories that will continue through the generations. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in her honor.

Daniel Kruzic, 82 Ceramic engineer Daniel T. Kruzic, 82, of Frankfort, Kentucky, formerly of North Riverside, died peacefully, leaving behind a life filled with family, friendship, music, and many interests that made him uniquely Daniel. He called Ashwood Place Senior Living home for 19 years, making him the longest resident on record. Over nearly two decades, Ashwood became much more than a place to live; it was a community where he built friendships, shared memories, and became a special part of the lives around him. He was a proud graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned his master’s degree in Ceramic Engineering. An intelligent and curious man he took pride in his education. Daniel was the father of Kathleen (Todd) Momper; grandfather of Bryce Momper; brother of Ron (Nancy) Kruzic; and uncle of Katy (Bobby) Brickman. His family will remember him not only for the role he played in their lives, but for the memories they shared and the unique person he was. Visitation will be held on Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. until time of prayers, 10 a.m., at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 S. Desplaines Ave., North Riverside. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chicago. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at www.KuratkoNosek.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) www.nami.org in Daniel’s memory.

Sports

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Runner-up Jesswein, Bulldogs step up to win UEC Meet RBHS ends up second overall; Lions’ Lee second at boys Silver Meet By BILL STONE Staff Writer

Riverside Brookfield High School junior Harper Jesswein hoped to contend for the individual title at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet Sept. 23. She and the Bulldogs more than rose to the occasion. Jesswein finished second with a 12-overpar 84 while the Bulldogs’ 370 impressively won the team title by 13 strokes at St. Andrews in West Chicago. “Throughout the meet I did know I was in the hunt for the title and when I realized that, I honestly got in my head more about my score so I didn’t help by performance,” Jesswein said. She still finished just two strokes behind the medalist, U46 sophomore Lexi Albertson (82). RBHS junior Fiona Lombardi was fourth (91) and junior Lily Martin (94) tied for fifth and awarded sixth on a scorecard tiebreaker, followed by sophomore Nicole Robertson (101, tied for 12th), senior Nikki Ritacca (105), juniors Ana Bacik (107) and Elly Dickerson (112) and senior Alexis Busse (125). “It was a good tournament for us. I think what happened is our girls were able to get out of any funks they were in in 18 holes versus nine (in duals) and able to correct any issues,” RBHS coach Doug Schultz said. Jesswein and Lombardi were among the 14 individual AllUEC honorees as the No. 4 and 6 finishers based on UEC Meet and dual results. She earned her third All-UEC honors and Lombardi her second. At the 2025 UEC Meet, Jesswein and Lombardi both shot 91s and were fourth and fifth on scorecard tiebreakers. “Finishing second was really exciting for me especially because this is the highest I’ve placed at the UEC Meet,” Jesswein said. “This is among my best performances ever. Something that I’ve been working on is my mentality and that helped a ton. I stayed more calm when I had a bad hole.” In the final overall standings, the Bulldogs weren’t able to capture their third straight conference title based on combined dual and UEC Meet results but they moved up second overall to champion U46 co-op (383) after entering third in the dual standings at 6-4 also behind Glenbard South (3rd, 385). In this year’s home and away format, RBHS lost both duals to those teams by only a few strokes. “Winning (the UEC Meet) by 13 strokes was really exciting. I think us winning by that much versus teams we lost to earlier in the season showed us what we can really do,” Jesswein said.

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Fiona Lombardi hits her tee shot during a match at Flagg Creek Golf Course, Aug. 31, in Countryside The Bulldogs took their momentum to Tuesday’s Class 2A St. Ignatius Regional at Cog Hill trying to advance to the Prospect Sectional Oct. 5 at Mt. Prospect Golf Club. The top three regional teams and 10 individuals not among those teams advance. Last year, the RBHS reached sectionals as a team for the first time. “Everyone stayed focused, competed hard and contributed to the team’s success (at the UEC Meet),” Martin said. “This was a very pleasing individual finish for me and definitely one of my stronger performances. It was meaningful because I was able to perform well while contributing to an important team victory.”

LTHS golf Lyons Township senior Grayson Lee found himself in unfamiliar territory at the WSC Silver Division Meet Sept. 22 at Prairie Bluff. Lee was battling for the individual title. His three-under-par 69 ended up second after losing a onehole playoff with Hinsdale Central sophomore Eli Havens. “In the summer tournaments, I hadn’t contended for a

win so that was fun,” Lee said. “It’s one of the better ones (for me). I putted well, didn’t have any bogeys.” Seniors Charlie Forrest (71, tied for 3rd) and Braxton Bonnevier (74, 11th) and junior Cohen Bloomfield (75, tied for 14th) also were All-WSC medalists with top-14 finishes, followed by senior Ben Hare (77), juniors Henry Niemiec and Adrian Rakvin (79s) and sophomore Colin Biebel (88). The defending overall Silver champions were third (289), just two strokes from first-place York, and third in the final overall standings after a 4-2 dual record with the dual loss to second-place Hinsdale Central by one stroke. “Probably one of the tightest (Silver Meets) over the years since I’ve been here,” LTHS coach Brian Kopecky said. “It’s nice to win conference but now is where you want to make a little bit of a run.” The Lions compete at the 3A Benet Regional at Naperbrook Sept. 30 with hopes of advancing to the Lincoln-Way Sectional Oct. 5 at Ravisloe. Top-three sectional teams advance to state. Last year, the Lions’ solid 1-over-par 289 was fourth at sectionals behind the top-three finishing teams at state. “We just have to keep doing what we’re doing and the results will come,” said Forrest, a 2025 state qualifier out early this season with a wrist injury. “It was frustrating. I wanted to be at the tournaments, especially the bigger ones, but I’m happy to be back and ready to play.” The LTHS girls finished fourth at the WSC Meet (362) Sept. 23 at Village Greens in Woodridge by winning a fifthscore tiebreaker with Oak Park River Forest and finished fourth overall. Junior Caroline McNaughton (11-over-par 83, 8th on tiebreaker), earned All-WSC medalist honors with a top-14 finish, followed by senior Mekayla Genovesi and sophomore Molly Collins (91s), sophomore Lucy Newton (97), sophomore Kate Carlstead (99), senior Mikaela Jones (107), junior Dagny Stromborg (111) and senior Lucy Heflin (119). McNaughton, who shot 94 at the 2025 WSC Meet, began with an even 36 over her first nine holes with two birdies and two bogeys. “Just being super focused on putting is a big one for me. I did that really good on the front nine and then on the back I was kind of like falling apart,” McNaugton said. “Oh yeah, I was nervous. I was excited (at 36). There was so much going through my head, like ‘Oh my gosh. This is the lowest I’ve ever shot for nine holes.’ It was all going through my head and then after you hit one bad shot, it just ruins the whole round pretty much.” The Lions competed at Tuesday’s 2A Reavis Regional with hopes of advancing to the Sandburg Sectional Oct. 5 at Silver Lake. “I feel great heading into the (postseason),” McNaughton said. “I’m excited for the team. We’ve got a bunch of younger girls who have all grown so much.”

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

S P O R T S

Lee, defense look sharp in latest RBHS football win first six possessions. Elmwood Park (1-5, 0-3) terback Sean Ruckman added a 31-yard TD one game as he did during the Lions’ 56-6 vicUEC East co-leaders now scored 42 points the previous week against run with help from receiver Abraham Mur- tory over Proviso West. West Chicago and had at least two TDs in two phy’s downfield block. “Two? I like it but I wish it could have been 5-1; LTHS rolls to victory other losses. Lee was among leading tacklers in the first better,” Lee said. “I was just doing my job. We “It’s just a sign of how hard we play,” Lee half with a tackle for loss. were just doing our job. It so happened that at Homecoming “He’s obviously a phenomenal athlete and they came my way.” said. “No matter what, we just continue play-

By BILL STONE Staff Writer

Riverside Brookfield High School senior defensive back/safety Jayden Lee is noticeable on the football field. This season he’s switched to uniform No. 22 to honor his father, Timothy, a former football standout at the now-closed St. Joseph High School in Westchester. There’s also Lee’s new pink spikes, the color associated with breast cancer awareness month every October. “But I also feel I like the color. It stands out,” Lee said. “Last year, I had all blue. I don’t know. It’s different.” Then there’s Lee’s tenacious play and leadership as a returning starter. While the Bulldogs’ prolific offense rolled along as usual Friday in a 48-6 victory at Elmwood Park to remain unbeaten in the Upstate Eight Conference East Division, the defense had reason to boast, too. RBHS (5-1, 4-0 in UEC East) shut out the Tigers in the first half with 95 yards of offense while building a 42-0 lead with TDs on the

ing hard, but going fast at the start really improves our mood.” Sophomore Griffin Wojtulewicz and freshman Carlos Marcano contributed fumble recoveries on kickoff returns and sophomore Dean Mauban had an interception at the 2-yard line. In the second half, Julian Jimenez had two sacks for a combined 28 yards. “I thought (defensively) we played more sound in the secondary and up front we’ve got a lot of great, physical athletes. We knew we had to come out and execute,” RBHS coach Sam Styler said. “This week of practice was really about the defense hasn’t played our best football so far this year. Definitely a good morale boost for us but we know there’s still a lot of work left to be done.” Quarterback Braeden Novak was among many starters who only played in the first half. Novak still collected 123 passing yards with TDs of 30 yards to Tim Giacomelli and 23 yards to James Organ and also had a 4-yard TD run. Nico Caputo (1 yard), Lorenzo Burke (4 yards) and Tyler Schultz (6 yards) also had TD runs. In the fourth quarter, reserve quar-

guy that flies around the ball, extremely physical,” Styler said. “We’re just extremely blessed to have him back there, his great leadership.” Attire aside, Lee feels his biggest changes this season are improved skills and mindset. “I feel like I’m more patient, more aggressive,” Lee said. “I feel like our chemistry has improved, too. I get along with all of my teammates and I feel like I want it. Especially since it’s my last year, I want to show out. I want to win and also have fun with my boys.” Anthony Lembcke and Lee contributed to Wojtulewicz’s fumble recovery at the Tigers’ 30 to set up the Bulldogs’ fourth TD. Wojtulewicz also is the long-snapper for senior kicker Henry Jurgens with sophomore Georgie Kirsch the holder. Wojtulewicz nearly was on varsity last year but declined because he would not have also played receiver. “They talked to me before summer camp and asked if I wanted to come up and snap and also play receiver. Obviously I said yes,” Wojtulewicz said. Jurgens is a former soccer player encouraged to join the program this season by teammates and offensive coordinator Brad Vojcak. “Honestly, it’s been probably the best five months of my life just being out here with this team,” Jurgens said. “It’s a whole different game, a whole different mental game (than soccer). You’re trying to kick the ball straight every time. In soccer, you’re trying to get a little more finesse on the ball. It’s been an adjustment, but I feel like I’m getting there.” Marcano made his varsity debut. For his second-quarter fumble recovery and return to the 23, the ball deflected off the return player’s knee right to Marcano. “I was just staying in my lane. I don’t really remember what happened but it just fell out of his hands and bounced right to me. It was great,” Marcano said. “I was a little nervous but (varsity) was really exciting. Friday night lights is really fun.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

For his final homecoming game Saturday, Lyons Township senior defensive back Jack Lee happily had memories of freshman year. In 2024, Lee recalled his two interceptions in

LTHS football Riverside-Brookfield’s Nicholas Baca (12) gains yards after his catch against Fenton during an Upstate Eight Conference game, Sept. 18, 2026 in Brookfield.

Junior linebacker Charlie Lesner had the most exciting of the three interceptions in the second quarter by the Lions (5-1, 2-1 in West Suburban Silver), ranked No. 9 in Class 8A. Lesner returned the deflected pass 19 yards for a touchdown and 42-0 lead. The Lions led 49-0 and 49-6 at the half. “It felt awesome (to score). Everyone was coming up to me, high fiving me and hitting me in the head,” Lesner said. “I honestly was expecting (the receiver) to kind of hand it down, maybe even catch it. He tipped it up right to me. I have (senior Nate Fitzgerald) in front of me. I don’t play much so it felt good getting in.” Making his varsity debut, sophomore quarterback Quinn Carroll started in place of senior Brendan McCabe. Junior Tommy Leff played quarterback the second half. “I’ve been waiting for this for a while so it felt great,” Carroll said. Carroll completed 4 of 6 passes with his first three completions all for touchdowns – Aidan Webster (11 yards), EJ Kuhlman (36 yards) and Owen Matela (8 yards). “I was pleased that I got the reps that I was able to score those three touchdowns,” Carroll said. “I’ve got to thank the O-line for giving me time in the pocket. All the receivers ran crisp routes and the coaches put me in the right position to make those plays.” Jack Williams had 18- and 1-yard TD runs. Senior Caiden Kovel took over at running back and rushed for 128 yards on 16 carries with a 1-yard TD. Senior and honorary game captain Ethan Peto added a 2-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. Kicker Wolfie Ketterling was 8 for 8 on extra points with junior Owen Cornell (long snapper) and Leff (holder) taking the places of sidelined linebacker Cole Harris and McCabe, respectively. This continues to be a successful fall for Lee and twin sister Avery, a starting back-row player for the girls volleyball team. Jack is five minutes older. “Volleyball’s happening at the same time (as football),” Lee said. “At around the same time as football is ending, her game has like 10 minutes left. It’s hard to get to her games, but I get to as many as I can.”

S P O R T S

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Tougher defense is progress for RBHS soccer Sophomores among latest key contributors to RBHS volleyball

By BILL STONE Staff Writer

Senior Tomas Colon-Medina brings a colorful approach to his uniform as starting goalie for the Riverside Brookfield High School boys soccer team. “My favorite color is red,” said Colon-Medina about his matching shirt and shorts. “They call me a tomato or strawberry so I think it’s kind of funny.” On Sept. 22, Colon-Medina was excited about standing out with the starting defense of seniors Jack Luethje, Alex Robles and Max Kaplan and junior Aaron Garcia. The Bulldogs held off area-rated West Chicago before finally allowing a goal with 5:03 left in a 1-0 loss in Upstate Eight Conference East Division action. “I think this was our best game as a team. We were picking each other up. If someone made a mistake, we were supporting each other,” Colon-Medina said after the game. “I trusted my defense, all of them. They did their role really well. I couldn’t have asked for more from them at all.” Colon-Medina made roughly six saves but the Bulldogs (4-7-1, 0-2-1 in UEC East) minimized serious threats despite facing fairly consistent pressure in the attacking third, including seven second-half corner kicks. The Wildcats (7-3-4, 2-0) entered last week ranked a conference-high top-30 in the area by ChicagolandSoccer.org. “I feel like we continue to grow and get better and better each and every game. It’s part of the growing process. That was a fun one,” RBHS coach Ivek Halic said after the game. “Our guys hung in there, dug deep, played well. Just unfortunate the last five minutes, but all of the credit to West Chicago.” Luethje and Garcia play the interior defense. Kaplan is a team captain with junior Aaron Acevedo and senior Owen Wilson. “We have a good corps back there, good leadership,” Halic said. “We’ve been working a lot on the shape, positioning, possession in training.” The Bulldogs bounced back by beating Nazareth 2-1 Thursday. Michael Panduro scored twice with assists from Luis Alvarez and Acevedo. They are 2-2-1 in their last five games, tying Elmwood Park 1-1 Sept.

STEVE JOHNSTON

Riverside-Brookfield’s Karlo Stavlic (7) dribbles the ball up field against Downers Grove South during a nonconference game, Sept. 10, in Brookfield. 15 and winning 2-1 over Kennedy Sept. 18 with goals by Panduro and Ruben Briceno with Caleb Adame and Karlo Stavlic assisting. “(West Chicago was) maybe one of the best games we’ve seen. As long as we’re continuing to improve, that’s the message,” Halic said.

RBHS girls volleyball Libero Sage Roldan, setter Elsie Crist and defensive specialist Kelsy Callahan

are among sophomore newcomers to varsity who are keeping the Riverside Brookfield girls volleyball team on pace for another UEC East title. “So far I’m happy with the amount of energy and leadership I’ve shown. I’ve also definitely grown a lot more confident and I’m proud for being able to show it on and off the court,” Roldan said. “My teammates have brought so much positivity and energy before school even started, which has definitely made it easier and more fun to begin this season.”

The Bulldogs (13-8) moved to 2-0 in the UEC East Sept. 22 with their their third straight two-set victory, 25-20, 25-13 at West Chicago. While returning senior standouts Mackenzie Sloger (187 kills, 38 aces) and Asha Ponnappan (.392 attack percentage, 39 blocks) are among the stats leaders, Roldan leads with 163 digs and Crist with 393 assists in a one-setter offense. “My transition to varsity has been super smooth because of the really positive environment of RB volleyball,” Crist said. “I have been happiest by watching the success of my hitters and being a leader on the court. As a setter, it’s always important for me to put up the best ball I can. Allowing my hitters to make really great plays is something I am really proud of.” RBHS coach Caitlin Staib-Lipinski usually runs a 6-2 offense, but she has kept returning junior setter Nina Johnsen in the back row to take more advantage of those contributions. Callahan adds to back-row strength and with serving. Sophomore Ella Wilkowski (128 kills) also is emerging in her varsity return. Sophomore Ivana Zaper and junior Claire Evans also were in the starting rotation at West Chicago. “This is my fifth year (as head coach) and collectively, we’re getting better,” Staib-Lipinski said. “Teams now see us as a threat, which is good.” Crist has run a 5-1 offense before but last year was part of a 6-2 on last year’s junior varsity with senior Julia Szymczak. “Being able to spend more time on the court has definitely improved my game and connections with the team,” Crist said. “(In a 5-1) I’m responsible for setting, playing defense, blocking and I have the ability to attack. Our back row is great and they make my job so much easier. We have a phenomenal set of hitters, too, who are great at terminating the ball.” A defensive specialist in 2025, Roldan was “very surprised” when she recently was named all-tournament at Downers Grove South. “My team as a whole worked so hard that tournament and I’m proud of all of us,” Roldan said. “Being libero has challenged me greatly but also helped me develop more confidence, leadership and responsibility.”

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

Let the sun shine in...

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Your right to know...In print • Online

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

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING Request of bids for the Oak Park Conservatory Green House Glass Replacement Project, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park 60302. Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for the Oak Park Conservatory Green House Glass Replacement Project, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. The project generally includes the removal and disposal of existing glazing and furnishing and installation of all glazing for the restoration of the Conservatory’s Citrus House, Tropical House and Desert House, including preparation of existing glazing bars, glass, aluminum bar caps, glazing hardware, glazing sealants (butyl rope bedding and top seal), and water test inspection upon completion of the project. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Wednesday, November 4th, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The Conservatory is open to view Tues- Friday from 11am-3pm. A non-mandatory pre-bid walkthru is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th, at 10am at the Conservatory at 615 Garfield St., Oak Park, IL 60304. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding documents and specifications will be available as of 1pm on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, via the Demand Star website at: pdop.org/rfps-bids For additional information, contact Bill Hamilton at bill.hamilton@ pdop.org or (708) 725 2052. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022. The Park District of Oak Park encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project. Park District of Oak Park By: Ade Onayemi, Treasurer Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal September 30, 2026

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.WILLIAM D. EDGAR, TD BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, AMY L. EDGAR, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ELLEN M. RAVITZ, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ELLEN M. RAVITZ (DECEASED) Defendants 2025CH04362 123 S EUCLID AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 21, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 26, 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 123 S EUCLID AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-400-0160000 The real estate is improved with a 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. 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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-25-02688 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2025CH04362 TJSC#: 46-1714 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 # 2025CH04362 I3294352

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know...In print • Online

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com•RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com AustinWeeklyNews.com • PublicNoticeIllinois.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

Events

Submit events and see full calendar at rblandmark.com/events

! " #$ $ % & $ & ' ()(* )

& ' ( ) *

+ , "

) & * $ ( . ( . * ( > 3 , 4%> 4 0& 0 " ; " F 1 2 + * 7 / < & & $ 6 # G < 2 0 6 ' 1 2 + $ 4 0& 0 ;1+% & $ & ' ()@ ()@ (

6 7 5 / < 5 = ")# & 70 ! + " # 6 ) & 2 # $ : # " + ! " # : 7 0 * ; " 2 ! " #$ 0 % 7 " # 7 0$ ' () (*) '

+ , #.

& - & $ ./ " 0 " 1 2 / " 0 "

*?5 . (9@(0 (9+?) 5696( 6 ,. A@65(90

#$% 3 4 / & 0 0 # " & " /# > 6 & # / 4 0 ; 0 " 5 # 4 < " ; " # 0 $ '? $ 5 # 4 5 # $ 0 0 % & $ & ( ') ( )*@*

+H4I-D1 :J AH- 46:G! ! /0

,566 - 77 8 9 : ) * & 0 ' ' " - " ;$% : A 5 6 & #0 ; = + # 0 B* ? ;5 6 C / # & / / & 2 @( : " @( : " $ % & #0 =$ & ' () *)'*

* * 1 2 1# ! /0

* ) & 6 & 7 0 7 " " # , $ / 7 / " 2 & & # 7 7 " " $ 1 2 + ; 7 : 7 0 ' * : 2 1 2 + $ #% 2 7 0$ ' () )*@ *

5 < * * B

( 6< $ = & <& + " 9 " - " 3 , 3 D 3 0 # 5 5 5 # 4 ? )E < 4 0)4 20 # 4 ! " : " ; " ' : " $ % 7 " " "$ & ' () *)

G +1DD 5 & #0 # 6 6 D D19 # # 0 6 & #0 ; = 6 & #0 6 7 6 & / & # 2 & # / " & / N 0 # # " $ 6 & #0 ; = 6 & #0 6 7 @( : " $ % & #0 =$ & ' () *)'*

@ B , ,

* 1 2 1 # ! /0

$% 3 4 1 0 & / 5 6 # 7 / # . 7 " 84 5 7 9 + 2 8 4 ! " : " ; " ' : " $ % 7 " " "$ & ' () *)

,566 ) * & 8 * *

! " #$% + ,- #. ! /0

> 3 & 1 2 # ; 7 : < 7 0 ! 1 # 1 2 # $ 4 1 2 # 6 6 7% & $ &

+ + " " * C J ! # ! " " : # " + ! " # : 7 0 * ; " 2 ! " #$ % 7 " # 7 0$ ' () (*) '

4 7 " # & 0 2 # $

$ > 4 2 5 0 6 ? < H& & H 6 K &7 @ @ L 3 < 0 @ @'M$ 4 A 6 < 0 6 7 '( + < 2 $ " & % 0$ ' () ( )@'@

2 ' * ;$% 9 / 6 # # $ 9 # 7 &< 7 # / & = & , = # $ " ; " & ( " ; " 2 $ % " " & $ & ' () ( )

/(D * E " # 6 0 5 & 2 " 7 . 6 . = 7 " ; " 1 2 + 5 & @ : " $ $ & & % $ ' ()( () '**

0*+ + & & '3 E B E '3 0( 6 -6* 65 +(:0 F +5 65 ! : =( =6 # +H4I-D1 :J ; 4H ! /0

+ , ;$% # ! + /) & = < & # # 0 / / 0 2 # 2 0 < & $ " ; " & ( " ; " 2 $ % " " & $ & ' () ( )

C$% D N 0 & & # / # &< 0 / 7 & $ 1 2 + ; 7 : 7 0 ' * : 2 1 2 + $ # % 2 7 0$ ' () )*@ *

( + " 5 & (F ! : * & * B C # # 1 0& # $ 3 / 7 # 2 2 ! " & 2 < & # 7 7 "? . ! "? 1 # 1 & # 1 & $. 4 A 6 0 6 7 < '( + 2 $ % 7 " " "$ & ' () *)

0 * & G 1 7 . # ' @ 5 # + ; "

5 < 5 * B ;$% 1 2 # 1 6 7 & 2 0 # 0 7 70 / / $ 3 & & N $ 1 2 # 4 / ; 2 1 2 # $ 4 1 2 # 1 6 7% & $ &

0 ' 7 ( @ 0 ' 7 8 ' 6 $% + J / , & ) 4 ! 4 & # 0 ) " ; " 4 " 7 # / < , 7 2 / & # 70 0 > 9 . " ; " ; 7 : 7 0 ) 5 , ! ( * - # 2 $ 0$" % & $ & ' () ' )(

5 & 8 $ 5 6 : 7 # # 0 / # 70 & : # " + < ! " # : 7 0 * ; " 2 ! "< #$ 0 % 7 " # 7 0$ ' () (*) ' 6 # & 2 # # 70 2 ,< $ 2 7N $ 4 7 7 0 & # # $

The Landmark, September 30, 2026

2 1 E . B U R L I N GTO N R OA D, R I V E R S I D E | 70 8 . 4 47.72 07 R T DE AC N U NTR CO

D OL S ST JU

R T DE AC N U NTR CO

D OL S ST JU

110 S Herbert Rd., Riverside $785,000

235 Longcommon Rd., Riverside $795,000

220 Northwood Rd., Riverside $850,000

176 Riverside Rd., Riverside $1,350,000

ER CT D A UNNTR CO

E AG LL I V

175 W Burlington St, Riverside $695,000

ER NT CE

10 E Burlington St, 2D, Riverside

E AG LL I V

ER NT CE

10 E Burlington St, 2J, Riverside $549,500

ST JU

LD SO

212 Gage Rd., Riverside $975,000

G IN M CO

ON SO

ST JU

3010 Harlem Ave, #3, Riverside NT ME TY T S R VE PE IN PRO

8223 W 30th St , North Riverside $395,000

When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the difference. Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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.”

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

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

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

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

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

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

Read more of our judicial election guide Learn more about each candidate and create a customized report you can take to your polling station via our online judicial election guide. Just scan the QR code or visit injusticewatch.org/judges.

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

O N LI N E

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.”

M O R E O N LI N E

Check out our comprehensive judicial election guide For more information about each candidate and to create a customized report you can take to your polling place, scan the QR code or visit injusticewatch.org/judges.

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)

M O R E O N LI N E

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)

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

• 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.”

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

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)

O N LI N E Read more of our judicial election guide: Learn more about each candidate and create a customized report you can take to your polling station via our online judicial election guide. Just scan the QR code or visit injusticewatch.org/judges.

INJUSTICE WATCH JUDICIAL ELECTION GUIDE • 2026

Injustice Watch is a nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the Cook County court system. We rely on donations from people like you. Our nonpartisan judicial election guides require months of research and reporting. If you find our guides useful, please consider making a donation to support our public service journalism.

Scan the QR code or visit injusticewatch.org/donate.

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