Injustice Watch
@injusticewatch.org
Injustice Watch is a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the Cook County court system. https://linktr.ee/injusticewatch
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Injustice Watch
@injusticewatch.org
· Nov 12
Subscribe to Injustice Watch
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the Cook County court system.
www.injusticewatch.org
👋🏽 Hi new followers! We’re a nonprofit journalism org that focuses on the Cook County courts and the institutions that intersect with them — including immigration, policing, housing, and corrections.
📨 Our newsletter has our latest investigations and more: www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/
📨 Our newsletter has our latest investigations and more: www.injusticewatch.org/subscribe/
📻 Tune in to WCPT 820 AM today at 4 p.m. CT to hear Investigative Project on Race and Equity reporter Emeline Posner discuss their recent reporting for "Taken by Taxes," our joint project on property tax foreclosure in Cook County. buff.ly/KUDMpSt
Keeping an Eye on the People Who Shape Your Rights
Trusted reporting and powerful local voices revealing what’s happening in America’s statehouses — and how people can take action to strengthen democracy.
heartlandsignal.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:49 PM
📻 Tune in to WCPT 820 AM today at 4 p.m. CT to hear Investigative Project on Race and Equity reporter Emeline Posner discuss their recent reporting for "Taken by Taxes," our joint project on property tax foreclosure in Cook County. buff.ly/KUDMpSt
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Judicial appointments/elections are incredibly important and the work that @injusticewatch.org does to highlight this fact is just as important.
www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...
www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...
Illinois Supreme Court removes reinstated judge following rebuke of conspiracy-filled blog post
Weeks after two lawyer groups urged his removal over a blog post on a conservative opinion site, the state high court vacated retired Judge James R. Brown’s temporary assignment to the Cook County Cir...
www.injusticewatch.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Judicial appointments/elections are incredibly important and the work that @injusticewatch.org does to highlight this fact is just as important.
www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...
www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...
“I’m glad to see that the Supreme Court has paid attention to this matter and made an appropriate decision and removed Judge Brown from the bench,” said David Melton, the Chicago Council of Lawyer’s acting executive director. buff.ly/VephHAA
January 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM
“I’m glad to see that the Supreme Court has paid attention to this matter and made an appropriate decision and removed Judge Brown from the bench,” said David Melton, the Chicago Council of Lawyer’s acting executive director. buff.ly/VephHAA
An outside investigation into Leonard Dixon, the former head of the Cook County juvenile jail, determined he maintained legal residency in Illinois. The report followed Injustice Watch reporting last year showing Dixon owned property and voted in Michigan. buff.ly/QCIzhJ4
Former juvenile jail superintendent lived in Chicago, report says
Injustice Watch reported last year that Leonard Dixon owned property and voted in Michigan.
www.injusticewatch.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:13 PM
An outside investigation into Leonard Dixon, the former head of the Cook County juvenile jail, determined he maintained legal residency in Illinois. The report followed Injustice Watch reporting last year showing Dixon owned property and voted in Michigan. buff.ly/QCIzhJ4
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Porter wrote to the Cook Co. Conviction Integrity Unit -- prosecutors tasked with freeing the innocent -- in 2013. They rejected him. 13 years later, a judge tossed his case, and he's free pending retrial. This shares similarities with many cases detailed in my @injusticewatch.org series on the CIU.
January 28, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Porter wrote to the Cook Co. Conviction Integrity Unit -- prosecutors tasked with freeing the innocent -- in 2013. They rejected him. 13 years later, a judge tossed his case, and he's free pending retrial. This shares similarities with many cases detailed in my @injusticewatch.org series on the CIU.
We're looking for our next editor in chief. Apply by Jan. 30! buff.ly/gWaFfrT
January 27, 2026 at 6:01 PM
We're looking for our next editor in chief. Apply by Jan. 30! buff.ly/gWaFfrT
Judge James R. Brown’s removal, which is effective immediately, comes just days after Injustice Watch published a story about the outcry in response to Brown’s September blog post for John Kass News. buff.ly/VephHAA
January 27, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Judge James R. Brown’s removal, which is effective immediately, comes just days after Injustice Watch published a story about the outcry in response to Brown’s September blog post for John Kass News. buff.ly/VephHAA
Reposted by Injustice Watch
"Judge James R. Brown has been removed from the bench weeks after his reinstatement to the court drew objections from two lawyer groups."
"[H]e entertained the idea that the 2020 election was stolen, denounced the murders of U.S. citizens by 'illegal aliens.'"
#Illinois #USA #Voting #Courts
"[H]e entertained the idea that the 2020 election was stolen, denounced the murders of U.S. citizens by 'illegal aliens.'"
#Illinois #USA #Voting #Courts
Illinois Supreme Court removes reinstated judge following rebuke of conspiracy-filled blog post
Weeks after two lawyer groups urged his removal over a blog post on a conservative opinion site, the state high court vacated retired Judge James R. Brown's temporary assignment to the Cook County Circuit Court.
www.injusticewatch.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:50 PM
NEW: The Illinois Supreme Court removed Cook County Circuit Judge James R. Brown from the bench. The justices said Brown’s comments in a September blog post “clearly violate” a rule requiring judges to act in ways that “promote public confidence” in the judiciary. buff.ly/VephHAA
January 26, 2026 at 10:51 PM
NEW: The Illinois Supreme Court removed Cook County Circuit Judge James R. Brown from the bench. The justices said Brown’s comments in a September blog post “clearly violate” a rule requiring judges to act in ways that “promote public confidence” in the judiciary. buff.ly/VephHAA
Reposted by Injustice Watch
We're still taking applications! Let me know if you have any questions.
We’re hiring an editor in chief to execute a strategy for scrutinizing the Cook County court system, provide direction and supervision to our editorial team, and work across departments to maintain a standard of excellence that aligns with our mission. buff.ly/m2ySFTD
January 26, 2026 at 4:06 PM
We're still taking applications! Let me know if you have any questions.
The Cook County Bar Association condemned Judge James R. Brown’s statements and said they cast “great doubt whether he can serve impartially without political motives, debunked theories, and other biases against marginalized communities.”
‘Blatantly disrespectful’: Lawyer groups push for removal of reinstated judge
The Illinois Supreme Court brought Judge James R. Brown back to Cook County to address a judge shortage — but two bar groups say his recent comments in a conservative blog should disqualify him.
buff.ly
January 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM
The Cook County Bar Association condemned Judge James R. Brown’s statements and said they cast “great doubt whether he can serve impartially without political motives, debunked theories, and other biases against marginalized communities.”
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Defense lawyers have demanded an independent investigation into a Chicago detective’s alleged bullying of witnesses and defendants. His late wife was a prosecutor tasked with evaluating innocence claims.
Exonerations Grind to a Halt Under Chicago’s New Prosecutor
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has weakened her office’s already broken system for freeing the innocent, even as allegations of coercion mount against a former Chicago detective.
boltsmag.org
January 24, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Defense lawyers have demanded an independent investigation into a Chicago detective’s alleged bullying of witnesses and defendants. His late wife was a prosecutor tasked with evaluating innocence claims.
We spoke with legal experts to understand what happens when a child is arrested in Chicago and what protections are in place for children in the juvenile justice system. (Published July 2024)
Your child was arrested in Chicago. What happens next?
We spoke with legal experts about what happens after a child is arrested and what rights children have in the juvenile justice system.
buff.ly
January 23, 2026 at 9:01 PM
We spoke with legal experts to understand what happens when a child is arrested in Chicago and what protections are in place for children in the juvenile justice system. (Published July 2024)
Cook County lawyers are speaking out about Judge James R. Brown, who authored a guest column last fall in which he decried U.S. citizens being “senselessly murdered by illegal aliens” and parroted far-right conspiracy theories such as “Fauci lies.”
‘Blatantly disrespectful’: Lawyer groups push for removal of reinstated judge
The Illinois Supreme Court brought Judge James R. Brown back to Cook County to address a judge shortage — but two bar groups say his recent comments in a conservative blog should disqualify him.
buff.ly
January 23, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Cook County lawyers are speaking out about Judge James R. Brown, who authored a guest column last fall in which he decried U.S. citizens being “senselessly murdered by illegal aliens” and parroted far-right conspiracy theories such as “Fauci lies.”
NEW: The Illinois Supreme Court brought Judge James R. Brown back to Cook County to address a judge shortage — but local lawyers say his recent comments in a conservative blog should disqualify him. www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...
‘Blatantly disrespectful’: Lawyer groups push for removal of reinstated judge
The Illinois Supreme Court brought Judge James R. Brown back to Cook County to address a judge shortage — but two bar groups say his recent comments in a conservative blog should disqualify him.
www.injusticewatch.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:44 PM
NEW: The Illinois Supreme Court brought Judge James R. Brown back to Cook County to address a judge shortage — but local lawyers say his recent comments in a conservative blog should disqualify him. www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judic...
📻 Tune in to WVON 1690AM today at 10:30 a.m. to hear senior reporter Alejandra Cancino discuss her recent reporting on wage theft in Cook County. buff.ly/2F1O853
January 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM
📻 Tune in to WVON 1690AM today at 10:30 a.m. to hear senior reporter Alejandra Cancino discuss her recent reporting on wage theft in Cook County. buff.ly/2F1O853
Reposted by Injustice Watch
[email protected] is out with an excellent new report on Illinois' judicial FOIA exemption and all the information it keeps hidden from the public — plus, the proposed fixes that are currently pending in the state legislature. www.chicagoappleseed.org/2026/01/20/j...
NEW REPORT—What We Don't Know About the Courts: The Far-Reaching Consequences of the Judicial Exemption to the FOIA in Illinois - Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts
The judicial exemption to the Freedom of Information Act makes Illinois one of six states where courts and court-related entities don't have to comply with open records laws.
www.chicagoappleseed.org
January 21, 2026 at 9:43 PM
[email protected] is out with an excellent new report on Illinois' judicial FOIA exemption and all the information it keeps hidden from the public — plus, the proposed fixes that are currently pending in the state legislature. www.chicagoappleseed.org/2026/01/20/j...
Reposted by Injustice Watch
We're taking applications for this position for another couple of weeks! I really can't say enough good things about working at IW, we have incredible benefits and fantastic pay and a really positive and healthy workplace culture. Apply and spread the word!
January 20, 2026 at 10:22 PM
We're taking applications for this position for another couple of weeks! I really can't say enough good things about working at IW, we have incredible benefits and fantastic pay and a really positive and healthy workplace culture. Apply and spread the word!
Illinois isn’t using all the tools at its disposal in court to enforce labor laws. For example, the Attorney General’s Office can ask for an arrest warrant when the employer fails to comply with court orders, but rarely does.
Illinois fails to collect wages owed to workers in Cook County
Wage theft cases get stalled out in Cook County Court, where it can take years for workers to receive payment they're owed — if they receive it at all.
buff.ly
January 21, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Illinois isn’t using all the tools at its disposal in court to enforce labor laws. For example, the Attorney General’s Office can ask for an arrest warrant when the employer fails to comply with court orders, but rarely does.
🎉 Senior reporter Aura Bogado was awarded Mission Telecom Giving’s 2025 Vision Prize for Social Impact. The award is given to leaders who demonstrate a relentless commitment to systemic social and racial justice and comes with $50k to sustain future work. missiontelecom.org/giving/visio...
Vision Prize - Mission Telecom
The Mission Telecom Vision Prize for Social Impact Each awardee brings a unique contribution to strengthening communities and expanding access to opportunity. We honor leaders who embody our core valu...
missiontelecom.org
January 20, 2026 at 5:23 PM
🎉 Senior reporter Aura Bogado was awarded Mission Telecom Giving’s 2025 Vision Prize for Social Impact. The award is given to leaders who demonstrate a relentless commitment to systemic social and racial justice and comes with $50k to sustain future work. missiontelecom.org/giving/visio...
Though he’s no longer Cook County’s chief judge, Timothy Evans hasn’t retired. He continues to work as a judge with the Restorative Justice Community Court program, the creation of which is among his proudest accomplishments.
How chief judge Timothy Evans shaped the Cook County courts
For 24 years, Timothy Evans led the Cook County Circuit Court through major reforms and policy changes.
buff.ly
January 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Though he’s no longer Cook County’s chief judge, Timothy Evans hasn’t retired. He continues to work as a judge with the Restorative Justice Community Court program, the creation of which is among his proudest accomplishments.
Ford Heights seized homes from residents who fell behind on property taxes. Then, the former mayor gave those homes away for free to his friends and political supporters. Read the latest in our “Taken by Taxes” series with @raceandequityproject.org.
Cook County allows tax foreclosures by municipalities. Poor oversight led to misuse by local officials.
Officials were able to use the county’s revitalization program for personal and political gain, neglected seized properties, and stripped homeowners of equity they had built up in their properties.
buff.ly
January 17, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Ford Heights seized homes from residents who fell behind on property taxes. Then, the former mayor gave those homes away for free to his friends and political supporters. Read the latest in our “Taken by Taxes” series with @raceandequityproject.org.
“You would hope you wouldn’t have to remind your representatives not to use a public program as their personal piggy bank, but apparently it needs to be made clear,” said Alisa Kaplan, executive director of watchdog group Reform for Illinois. (w/ @raceandequityproject.org)
Cook County allows tax foreclosures by municipalities. Poor oversight led to misuse by local officials.
Officials were able to use the county’s revitalization program for personal and political gain, neglected seized properties, and stripped homeowners of equity they had built up in their properties.
buff.ly
January 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM
“You would hope you wouldn’t have to remind your representatives not to use a public program as their personal piggy bank, but apparently it needs to be made clear,” said Alisa Kaplan, executive director of watchdog group Reform for Illinois. (w/ @raceandequityproject.org)
Reposted by Injustice Watch
Cook County allows municipalities to seize homes through tax foreclosure to help get them back on the tax rolls. But lax oversight of the program allowed one south suburban mayor to deed the homes to family and political donors. www.injusticewatch.org/project/take...
Cook County allows tax foreclosures by municipalities. Poor oversight led to misuse by local officials.
Officials were able to use the county’s revitalization program for personal and political gain, neglected seized properties, and stripped homeowners of equity they had built up in their properties.
www.injusticewatch.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Cook County allows municipalities to seize homes through tax foreclosure to help get them back on the tax rolls. But lax oversight of the program allowed one south suburban mayor to deed the homes to family and political donors. www.injusticewatch.org/project/take...
NEW from us and @raceandequityproject.org: Cook County allows municipalities to seize properties whose owners fall behind on their taxes. One former south suburban official gave the seized homes away to friends, family, and political supporters. buff.ly/VZ9JCNd
Cook County allows tax foreclosures by municipalities. Poor oversight led to misuse by local officials.
Officials were able to use the county’s revitalization program for personal and political gain, neglected seized properties, and stripped homeowners of equity they had built up in their properties.
www.injusticewatch.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:27 PM
NEW from us and @raceandequityproject.org: Cook County allows municipalities to seize properties whose owners fall behind on their taxes. One former south suburban official gave the seized homes away to friends, family, and political supporters. buff.ly/VZ9JCNd