Mason County Judge Roger B. Thomson Appointed Chief Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit

QUINCY, Ill. — In a significant judicial reshuffle within Illinois, Mason County Resident Circuit Judge Roger B. Thomson has been elected by his peers to preside as the chief judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. His term, which commenced on January 1, is slated to span until November 30, 2027, indicating his long-term commitment to guiding the judiciary in this extensive circuit. Thomson steps into the role following Circuit Judge J. Frank McCartney, who led the circuit from December 1, 2018, through December 31, 2024. This transition marks a new chapter for the circuit as … Read more

Amy Mann Breaks Glass Ceiling as First Woman Appointed to West Virginia’s 30th Circuit Court

In a historic appointment, Amy Mann has been named the first female judge to preside over West Virginia’s 30th Circuit Court. This milestone is a significant advancement in gender representation within the state’s judiciary system. Mann, who has been an active legal practitioner in Beckley, West Virginia, brings a wealth of experience and a solid commitment to justice to her new role. The appointment marks not only a personal achievement for Mann but also symbolizes progressive change within the legal community of West Virginia. The 30th Circuit Court, which has historically been male-dominated, will witness … Read more

Attorney Annaleigh Porter Appointed as Judge in Cayuga Nation Tribal Court

SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Annaleigh Porter, a seasoned attorney from Syracuse with roots in Lyons, has recently been appointed as a judge at the Cayuga Nation Tribal Court. Nation officials confirmed her appointment this past Monday, signaling a significant addition to the court’s judicial panel. Porter, who earned her law degree from Syracuse University after graduating from the College of Charleston, practices law in downtown Syracuse. Her professional background is diverse, encompassing both criminal and civil law areas, and she has played a pivotal role as a Title IX sex discrimination hearing officer at Syracuse … Read more

Schumer Vows Judges Appointed by Biden Will Be Key to Thwarting Trump’s Agenda

WASHINGTON — As the U.S. faces a shift in political power, Democrats are preparing to rely on judges appointed by President Joe Biden to shield his administration’s policies from potential reversals under Donald Trump, who will soon return to the White House. Chuck Schumer, the outgoing Senate Majority Leader, emphasized the judiciary’s role as a critical barrier against Trump’s agenda, which could tilt toward extreme conservatism. Schumer explained that utilizing the judicial branch as safeguard aligns with strategies initiated during the George W. Bush administration, when Republican efforts shifted toward stacking the courts with conservative … Read more