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Records dispute with WMAQ could cost Chicago police, panel rules
LEAH SCHROEDER
lschroeder@lawbulletinmedia.com
A penalty should be considered for the Chicago Police Department for violating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a state appellate panel held.
A panel of the 1st District Appellate Court reversed and remanded a decision by the Circuit Court of Cook County, which denied an NBC subsidiary's claim for civil penalties in a FOIA lawsuit.
Justice Clare J. Quish delivered the judgment of the court.
WMAQ-TV sued the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), alleging that they failed to adequately respond to three FOIA requests relating to a 2021 hit and-run crash.
The plaintiff sought a declaration that the defendants violated FOIA, an order that the defendants produce responsive records and civil penalties and attorney fees.
The defendants argued that they were not in violation of FOIA.
CPD asserted that the release of the records would have interfered with a pending law enforcement investigation, while OEMC said there were no responsive records to produce at the time of the request.
Following a hearing, the circuit court found that CPD and OEMC provided sufficient evidence that they completed a reasonable search for the records.
However, the court also found that CPD violated FOIA by not producing the requested records within five business days and by failing to explain why certain records were exempt from disclosure.
NBC then filed a petition for attorney fees and costs and civil penalties under FOIA. The circuit court awarded NBC attorney fees and costs but denied the claim for civil liberties.
At NBC's request, the court later held an evidentiary hearing on the plaintiff 's claims for civil penalties.
NBC argued that two decisions by the court, Williams v. Bruscato, 2021 IL App (2d) 190791, and Thomas v. County of Cook, 2023 IL App (1st) 211656, incorrectly decided how to define a FOIA violation.
The relevant section of FOIA law states that civil penalties should be imposed if a "public body willfully and intentionally failed to comply," with FOIA, "or otherwise acted in bad faith."
NBC argued that, if a public body has willfully and intentionally violated FOIA, a separate showing of bad faith is not required.
The circuit court denied NBC 's claim for civil penalties, citing Williams, which held that all criteria outlined in the FOIA law must be satisfied to constitute a violation.
The court found there was no evidence that CPD acted with a dishonest purpose, thus civil penalties were not warranted.
NBC appealed, and in the 1st District panel's nonprecedential Rule 23 order, filed Wednesday, Quish wrote that the circuit court's findings were sufficient to impose civil penalties.
The circuit court relied heavily on Williams , Quish wrote, but in the time since their ruling, the court issued two decisions which may be more applicable: Tobias v. City of Chicago Office of the Mayor, 2026 IL App (1st) 241435-U, and Lucy Parsons Labs v. Chicago Police Department, 2026 IL App (1st) 250205.
Both Tobias and Lucy Parsons Labs departed from Williams' strict standard for a FOIA violation. The cases held that willful and intentional noncompliance can alone constitute a violation.
The panel agreed that separate showings that a public body "willfully and intentionally " violated FOIA and did so "in bad faith" are not required to constitute a FOIA violation.
The court's decision in Williams , Quish wrote, "created a more demanding standard for the imposition of civil penalties than contemplated by the text of the statute."
The panel chose not to follow Williams , instead relying on Tobias and Lucy Parsons Labs.
The panel held that the circuit court's finding that CPD's violation of FOIA was "deliberate and by design" is sufficient to impose civil penalties.
Thus, the panel reversed the circuit court's order denying NBC's claim for civil penalties and remanded the case so an appropriate civil penalty could be decided.
Justices Bertina E. Lampkin and LeRoy K. Martin concurred in the judgment.
WMAQ-TV was represented by Shelley Geiszler of Loevy & Loevy. The Chicago Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications were represented by Mary B. Richardson-Lowry, Suzanne M. Loose, and Myriam Zreczny Kasper of Corporation Counsel of the City of Chicago.
The plaintiff 's attorney could not be reached and the city of Chicago declined to comment.
The case is NBC Subsidiary v. Chicago Police Dept, 2026 IL App (1st) 250575-U.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week Oct. 18-24, 2026, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 23, to highlight the dedication of principals, assistant principals, and deans. This annual recognition has been recognized by Illinois governors since 1990. October is also National Principals Month, supported by the IPA, the National Principals Association (NPA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). Brian Faulkner, IPA president and principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School (Sugar Grove), shared: "During Principal Appreciation Week, we celebrate the dedicated school leaders across Illinois who work tirelessly to create schools where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Principals are lead learners, culture builders, advocates, and champions for both students and staff. We are grateful for the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment they bring to their schools and learning communities each and every day." “This year, we celebrate our state’s school leaders for what they do – unlocking the potential of those they serve,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.” IPA invites teachers, students, parents, and community members to show appreciation for school leaders on Friday, Oct. 23.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will host its 55th Education Leaders Annual Conference, “Unlocking Potential,” from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 in Peoria. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to help school leaders enhance their impact on schools and communities. 2026-2027 IPA President Brian Faulkner shared, “Unlocking Potential is grounded in the belief that leadership is not confined to a title. Leadership lives within every member of our school community, and when we create opportunities for others to lead, we unlock the collective potential of our students, staff, and communities.” The conference kicks off Sunday, Oct. 18, with a golf tournament, committee meetings, and a welcome reception honoring past IPA presidents. Keynote speakers include: Phil Januszewski, a 20-year educator turned full-time motivator, will deliver a keynote Monday morning titled “Less Tired. More Inspired: Three Actions Toward Thriving Instead of Surviving.” Januszewski will share three crucial actions that will allow leaders to leverage individual strengths and passions to reach higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and giving, all while avoiding burnout and a negative mindset. Brian Faulkner, 2026-2027 IPA president, and Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders will speak Monday afternoon. IPA Awards for Excellence, Herman Graves Awards, Reaching Out & Building Bridges Awards, and the Mr. John Ourth & Dr. Fred W. Singleton Professional Development Scholarships will also be presented at this session. Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, will open Tuesday morning with her session “Future-Proof Leadership: Unlocking Potential in a Skills-Based Economy.” Future-proof leadership will equip principals. assistant principals and deans with a practical framework for leading a skills-based economy, including actionable strategies to implement immediately for kindergarten through high school. Additionally, Tuesday’s IGNITE session will feature fast-paced presentations from school and district leader duos, including Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64; Dr. Courtney Goodman, principal, Eugene Field Elementary School (Park Ridge); Dr. Jill Griffin, superintendent, Bethalto Community Unit School District 8; and Justin Newell, principal, Civic Memorial High School (Bethalto). These leaders will share their perspectives on implementing the School Leader Paradigm and Illinois School Leader Evaluation Plan in their respective districts. The conference will conclude with IPA Deputy Executive Director Brian Schwartz and IPA Government & Public Relations Director Alison Maley, who will provide updates on new education-related laws passed during the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session, and offering insights on how school leaders can stay informed and advocate for their schools. For more information about the IPA or to register to attend, please visit ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026 Media Contact Information: Office of the Highway Commissioner Northfield Township Road District 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 724-8300 ntroad@northfieldtownship.com
Property acquisition moves the MWRD–Road District partnership closer to protecting 130 residential structures and critical roadways from flooding across Northfield Township NORTHBROOK — The Northfield Township Road District (NTRD) announced that the purchase of the nearly 16-acre property for the stormwater detention basin serving the Central Road Flood Control Project closed Sept. 8. The project is designed to reduce flooding affecting 130 residential structures and several roadways in South Glenview. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of the 15.82-acre site, along with a 0.91-acre temporary construction easement, from Ridgewood Cemetery Company, Inc., for $8.15 million plus closing costs. The property acquisition is a major milestone in the intergovernmental partnership between the Road District and the MWRD to deliver flood relief along the Central Road corridor from the Des Plaines River to Glenwood Lane. “For the families in South Glenview who have watched water come up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing — it is on its way to becoming real,” said Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. “When Central Road stays open and dry during a major storm, every resident of Northfield Township benefits, whether they are commuting, getting kids to school, or counting on first responders to get through.” The project will bring direct relief to residents of South Glenview and the surrounding unincorporated area, where flooding has repeatedly threatened homes, yards, and streets. Once operational, the project is expected to reduce flooding that impacts 130 single- and multi-family residential structures, as well as several roadways within and around the project area. The full project includes new mainline storm sewers under Central Road and Dearlove Road and lateral storm sewers on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road within the Road District’s jurisdiction. The approximately 16-acre detention basin site near Dee Road and Central Avenue will capture and temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the corridor’s existing drainage system. While the detention basin will capture and store stormwater at the west end of the corridor, the benefits extend across the entire Road District. Reduced flooding protects the pavement, culverts and drainage infrastructure the Road District maintains on behalf of all Township residents, lowers long-term repair costs, and keeps a vital east–west route reliable during severe weather. MWRD is leading and funding the $8.15 million land acquisition, along with the design and construction of the project. Once construction is complete, the Road District will assume long-term ownership and maintenance of the improvements within its jurisdiction. “Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District's collaboration on the Central Road Flood Control Project,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Together, we're expanding stormwater storage, reducing flood risks, and protecting our waterways while creating lasting benefits for Northfield Township residents.” Next steps include completing due diligence on the property, conducting survey and staking work, and continued progress on the project design. Aquatic biologists from the MWRD’s Monitoring and Research Department will also be assessing the potential transfer of turtles and fish. The aquatic biologists are conducting an environmental suitability assessment in September to evaluate that conditions are appropriate for this plan. The Road District will keep residents informed as the project advances toward construction. For updates on this project and other Road District programs, visit ntroad.com. About the Northfield Township Road District The Northfield Township Road District is an independent unit of local government organized under the Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5/), responsible for the construction, maintenance, and drainage of roads within its jurisdiction in Cook County, Illinois. The Road District is led by an elected Highway Commissioner and serves residents across Northfield Township, including unincorporated areas.
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