Illinois quick hits: Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge’s removal

February 19, 2026/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge’s removal

The Liberty Justice Center has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Illinois Supreme Court justices for what the LCJ says was the unconstitutional removal of Judge James R. Brown.

The retired judge was recalled to Cook County circuit court in December 2025 to help fill judicial vacancies. Brown was removed six weeks later, after the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago Council of Lawyers objected to an opinion column and podcast appearance by Brown before he returned to the bench.

The lawsuit seeks to restore Brown to his recall position and to obtain damages for economic and reputational harm.

Renewable energy plan approved

The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the Illinois Power Agency’s 2026 plan to guide procurement of new renewable generation over the next two years.

The IPA’s plan encourages investment in both utility scale and community solar, utility-scale wind, hydropower and other projects.

A report issued last December by the IPA, ICC and Illinois EPA said the state would have an energy shortage in four years if it continued on its current path.

Sports betting bill advances

The Illinois House Gaming Committee has advanced legislation to ban Illinois home rule cities from regulating the sports betting industry.

State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, filed House Bill 4171 after Chicago enacted a city licensing requirement and imposed a 10.25% tax on sports wagers.

Illinois Gaming Board data shows that legal betting has declined for three consecutive months after the state imposed a per-wager tax last year.

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