David Jackson, Author at Injustice Watch

David Jackson

David Jackson has reported on judges, elder financial exploitation, and the court system. Before joining Injustice Watch in 2023, he was an investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune and the Washington Post, where he won a Pulitzer Prize, a senior editor at Chicago magazine, and a writer for alternative weeklies. His stories have sparked legislative hearings, exposed official corruption, and lifted the voices of neglected people. He was born and raised in Chicago.

A man sits behind a voting booth in a park building with historical photos on the wall behind him.

2026 Primary

Judicial election results: Three appointed judges rejected by voters in Cook County judicial primaries

Voters had no choice in more than half the races, which were uncontested. Several candidates won despite negative ratings from local bar groups.

by David Jackson March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

Voters stand at voting booths in front of a wall of dryers at a laundromat.

2026 Primary

No contest: Cook County judicial primary elections draw dwindling field of candidates

For the second straight primary season, more than half the races for Cook County circuit judge on the March 17 ballot are uncontested, with just 45 candidates vying for 28 open seats.

by Dan Hinkel and David Jackson February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Court Administration

Troubled county tech firm used insider lobbyist who was later convicted in ComEd corruption scheme

Tyler Technologies’ major county contracts – peppered with delays and cost overruns – were shepherded by well-connected lobbyist Jay Doherty, who is set to be sentenced this summer for his role in the unrelated utility scandal.

by David Jackson and A.D. Quig June 11, 2025

Illustration showing two people shoveling money into a furnace.

Court Administration

Costs triple, delays mount in vital tech contracts

Elected officials in three Cook County and Illinois agencies have spent a quarter of a billion dollars after hiring a Texas company to overhaul outdated court and government computer systems. The three projects are taking years and are mired in accusations of incompetence.

by David Jackson, A.D. Quig and Kristen Axtman April 6, 2025April 7, 2025

Judicial Conduct

Property records raise new questions about influential Cook County judge

Judge E. Kenneth Wright Jr. acquired a handful of Chicago homes from the estates of deceased clients when he was a solo law practitioner in the 1990s. Now, two families claim he took advantage of his elderly clients.

by David Jackson December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

Clips from the order by Chief Judge Timothy Evans referring E. Kenneth Wright and Shannon O'Malley to the Judicial Inquiry Board.

Judicial Conduct

Powerful Cook County judge referred to judicial misconduct board over residency conflicts

Judge E. Kenneth Wright, who presides over the first municipal district, and Judge Shannon O’Malley were referred for investigation after Injustice Watch reported they had claimed homeowner’s exemptions on houses they owned in Will County.

by David Jackson and Kelly Garcia November 6, 2024November 6, 2024

2024 Retention

Bar groups reconsider ratings of powerful Cook County judge, citing Injustice Watch report

Running for retention Nov. 5, Judge E. Kenneth Wright Jr. faces criticism from two prominent bar groups after disclosures of inappropriate tax exemptions he took on a house in Will County. Since the Injustice Watch report earlier this month, the veteran judge moved to rescind the tax breaks.

by David Jackson and Kelly Garcia October 17, 2024October 17, 2024

Juvenile Courts

Illinois lawmakers demand probe of Chicago center for troubled youth

When foster children were physically and sexually abused at a South Side facility, state officials tried to backdate documents. Injustice Watch exposed the abuses and shoddy oversight – and now state lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive audit

by David Jackson October 4, 2024October 5, 2024

A judge mowing the lawn in front of a suburban house in his judicial robes.

2024 Retention

Two Cook County judges claim homestead exemptions in Will County

One of the judges says he is living apart from his wife, who still lives there; and the other, the presiding judge of the First Municipal District, declined to answer questions. The law requires judges to live in the jurisdiction they serve.

by Kelly Garcia and David Jackson October 2, 2024October 8, 2024

Juvenile Courts

Abuse allegations went unchecked for years at state-funded center for troubled foster kids

Once held out as a national model, a politically connected Chicago center for troubled youths was quietly shut down by state officials in June after allegations of sexual assault by staffers, sex trafficking of young girls, thousands of reports of violence, and years of failed oversight.

by David Jackson September 20, 2024October 5, 2024

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