SAFE-T Act, conservatism debated in race for 8th Judicial Circuit judge’s position

The heated race for a judge’s position in the 8th Judicial Circuit picked up more steam Tuesday evening. Candidates Tim Bass and Judge Chris Pratt debated in front of a jam-packed basement conference room at Tower of Pizza.

From: 
WGEM

On Day 2, new chief judge orders immediate review of troubled electronic monitoring programs

Cook County Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II yesterday issued his first public announcement since taking office Monday, unveiling a new committee that he said will urgently review how his office’s electronic monitoring program handles reported violations by people wearing ankle monitors.

From: 
CWB Chicago

Smith LaCien LLP Welcomes Litigation Attorney Matthew S. Leonard to Its Growing Personal Injury Practice

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

 

CHICAGO, IL — [November 25, 2025] — Smith LaCien LLP, a leading Chicago-based personal injury and mass tort law firm, is proud to announce that Matthew S. Leonard has joined the firm as its newest litigation attorney. Leonard, a former three-year law clerk with the firm, focuses his practice on representing individuals and families affected by catastrophic personal injuries and wrongful death.

ISBA Warns Members of Phishing Scam Impersonating ISBA Executive Director

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Marybeth Stanziola

The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is warning members about a phishing scam involving fraudulent emails that appear to come from Executive Director Robert E. Craghead.

The scam email, which has been reported by multiple members, is designed to look like an official communication from the ISBA. It uses a deceptive email address — robert.craghead@ isba.org.sendcrp.com — that is not affiliated with the ISBA.

New Cook County Circuit Court chief judge sworn in for first time in over 20 years

The new chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court was installed Monday morning. The Honorable Charles S. Beach II took the oath during a packed ceremony inside the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He was elected in September.

From: 
MSN

Upcoming SNAP benefit changes will raise ABAWD age, tighten work requirements

Under “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are happening. However, the dates for those changes to be enacted have been moved several times. This is due to lawsuits and delays in getting information out to impacted individuals.

From: 
Capitol News Illinois

Dynegy to refund some Ameren customers $38 million in settlement

Some Ameren Illinois customers in central and southern Illinois will receive a credit on upcoming power bills, the result of a $38 million settlement between the state and Dynegy Inc.

From: 
WVIK, Quad Cities NPR