Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court effective January 29, 2026. Justice Theis has served on the Supreme Court since 2010 and retires as one of the most prolific judges in Illinois history, having served in all levels of the judiciary in 40-plus years on the bench. She served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 2022 to 2025.

 

Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Randy Yedinak as a Circuit Judge for Livingston County in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Judge Yedinak is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the impending retirement of Judge Jennifer Bauknecht on March 17, 2026. The appointment is effective March 18, 2026, and will conclude on December 7, 2026. Judge Yedinak is running unopposed by a party candidate for the seat in the March 2026 primary and November 2026 general election.

Hancock County, Illinois, is accepting applications for the position of Public Defender. All applicants must provide proof of a valid Illinois law license, be in good standing with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, and have prior criminal law experience. Hancock County is located in West Central Illinois. The County Seat is Carthage, Illinois. The application is available online at www.9thjudicial.org and should be mailed to: