Theft case leads to sex trafficking charges

An investigation that started in Mattoon resulted in two Decatur men arrested and behind bars awaiting trial on charges ranging from sex trafficking to promoting prostitution.

From: 
Belleville News-Democrat

Illinois BIPA suit targets AI note‑takers: practical lessons for meeting transcription

Another class action lawsuit—Cruz v. Fireflies.AI Corp.—puts a spotlight on potential legal risks associated with AI meeting assistants.

From: 
The National Law Review

Livingston County Judge Yedinak promoted to fill Bauknecht retirement

Judge Randy Yedinak has been promoted to circuit judge for Livingston County in the 11th Judicial Circuit.

From: 
WGLT

‘I will not back down’: DuPage clerk’s dispute with county board heads to appeals court

The DuPage County clerk’s office is taking its ongoing legal battle with the county board to the appellate court.

From: 
Daily Herald

Pritzker signs major energy reform bill amid projected shortages

Amid warnings of impending energy shortages, Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed a wide-ranging energy reform package into law aimed at bolstering the state’s power grids after years of negotiations.

From: 
Capitol News Illinois

Judge cites Minneapolis ICE shooting as she pauses dismissal of Chicago-area use-of-force lawsuit

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis on Thursday cited her obligation to protect the class governed by her preliminary injunction, telling lawyers she wants to do more research before closing the matter entirely.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Associate Judge Randy Yedinak as Eleventh Circuit Court Judge

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

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.