Latest news with #JamesMendrick
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Controversial Illinois ‘sanctuary' law at center of Pritzker's testimony in Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker prepares to testify before a Congressional committee on Thursday morning, he'll face questions about the state's TRUST Act. The controversial law limits the degree to which local police can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The backstory In 2017, Illinois enacted the TRUST Act under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. The law bans local police from complying with federal requests to detain or arrest a person in the country illegally, unless ordered by a judge. Local law enforcement also cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based solely on their immigration or citizenship status. In 2021, the state legislature passed laws expanding protections for immigrants in Illinois. Mark Fleming of the National Immigrant Justice Center helped craft the bill and said the point is to keep immigration enforcement in the hands of federal agents. "State and local governments are making a decision not to participate in civil immigration enforcement," Fleming said. Fleming said that doesn't mean local law enforcement can't help out in some cases. "We're not allowed to ask where you're from. They made that part of the act," he said. The other side DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, who recently announced a run for governor as a Republican, said the Trust Act has forced police officers to choose between conflicting sets of state and federal laws. "They've got the cops scared to death," Mendrick said. "Cops are worried that if they take action, they're gonna get sued." Mendrick believes Illinois communities would be safer if police shared immigration status of criminal suspects right away, so ICE could apprehend them while in custody – as opposed to raiding homes, schools and businesses. But Fleming says the idea is to allow residents to come out of the shadows without fear of being deported by local police. "Every study that has looked at it has uniformly found that TRUST Act doesn't diminish community safety, and that in areas like domestic violence laws like the TRUST Act enhance community safety," Fleming said. But Mendrick says he believes the TRUST Act violates federal law and is calling for the Department of Justice to investigate. "You can't shield them from detection," Mendrick said. "Giving them housing and putting 44 million into housing, sounds like shielding to me, sounds like harboring, sounds like participating." Fleming says the courts have already spoken and ruled in favor of the state's implementation of the law. "Frankly, this issue has been litigated over and over first in the first Trump administration and now in the second Trump administration," he said.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Daywatch: DuPage County, sheriff agree to $11M payout for jail death
Good morning, Chicago. DuPage County and county Sheriff James Mendrick have reached an $11 million settlement with the estate of Reneyda Aguilar-Hurtado, a 50-year-old mother who died in June 2023 after being held in the county jail for 85 days while awaiting transfer to a state-run mental health center. The settlement caps a federal lawsuit brought by Aguilar-Hurtado's daughter, Cristal Moreno Aguilar, accusing the county, Mendrick and 11 jail medical staff members or corrections officers of repeatedly failing to act as her mother's health rapidly deteriorated. A county pathologist determined her death was due, in part, to 'medical neglect.' Mendrick, who recently announced his intent to forgo a third term as sheriff and instead seek the Republican nomination for Illinois governor in 2026, declined to comment through his spokesperson. So, too, did County Board Chair Deborah Conroy. 'Reneyda's tragic death never should have happened,' said Michael Mead, an attorney for the family, in a statement. 'It was preventable and the loss that her family experienced cannot be made whole. We hope that the settlement provides justice and some closure for her family.' Read the full story from the Tribune's Jonathan Bullington. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day. Today's eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History As the Department of Government Efficiency continues to make cuts, one Northwest Indiana agency is affected. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Griffith lease will be terminated, according to DOGE's website. The Griffith location's annual lease is $85,467, according to the agency, and the cancellation will lead to $370,357 in total savings. Top US health agency makes $25,000 buyout offer to most of its employees Scholars stranded in America and abroad amid funding freeze of state department programs As the five-year anniversary of the pandemic approaches, the threat of the virus has been drastically reduced, with low rates of transmission and hospitalization across much of the nation. Yet local medical experts and scientists caution against letting down the nation's guard against the ever-evolving virus as well as other health epidemics — and even another potential pandemic — that might emerge in the future. Across the Chicago area — and, indeed, the country — thousands of people are ramping up their political activity in response to the whirlwind early days of the second Trump administration. Some members of Congress are feeling the public outrage in the sheer volume of people calling their offices, attending virtual gatherings and appearing at rallies and public events. Information from hundreds of thousands of current and former Chicago Public School students has been exposed following a data breach, according to district officials. In a letter to parents Friday, they said there was no evidence suggesting any information had been misused. Gray wolves represent a success story for conservationists after the species almost went extinct in the lower 48 states by the mid-20th century due to rampant hunting and trapping. They are also an example of how the Endangered Species Act of 1973 has become a political football. Last week, Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Committee on Natural Resources argued at an oversight meeting that the Endangered Species Act was an overreach of federal authority and an ambiguous statute, as part of a broader reexamination of conservation laws. Unrivaled offers WNBA players plenty of perks — warm weather, shiny new facilities, a lucrative contract without the need to play abroad. But for Angel Reese, the league's most important benefit is the opportunity to develop her game ahead of her second season with the Sky. Reese is dominating in her comfort zone in Unrivaled, averaging 13.3 points and a league-high 12.1 rebounds. But with only one week left in the Unrivaled season, Reese faces a new question: Can that success translate to the WNBA? The Chicago Cubs enter 2025 as the consensus favorites to win the National League Central, thanks to the addition of Kyle Tucker and a general lack of offseason spending by their division counterparts. While it should be a given considering the team's many resources and big-market status, this is a new feeling for some in the organization, writes Paul Sullivan. Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman, infielder Vidal Bruján informed they are part of Cubs' Japan roster Cubs notes from camp: Pete Crow-Armstrong shows off power — and Justin Steele's track for Tokyo start Grab your banners and get ready for some English football, Chicago. The Premier League announced it is coming to Soldier Field in July for its Summer Series exhibition tournament, the first time its storied teams will meet head-to-head in Chicago, and the latest high-profile event to put the city on the international sports stage. Actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease a full week after his wife died from hantavirus in their New Mexico home, likely unaware that she was dead because he was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, authorities revealed. Here's a timeline of events surrounding the couple's deaths. Long before women could vote, the Chicago Woman's Club was a vocal champion of social reform. In 1904, its president offered a newspaper reporter an assessment of the organization that must have seemed candid, or self-serving, depending on the eye of the beholder. 'While men's clubs spend their time drinking, smoking, telling stories, and perhaps gambling, women are planning in their organizations for the establishment of kindergartens and for caring for their unfortunate sisters,' Ellen Martin Henrotin wrote in the Tribune under the headline, 'Superiority of Women's Clubs.' With the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and Chicago River dyeing happening at 10 a.m. Saturday and the actual holiday falling Monday, the Windy City is going to be spending a long weekend celebrating its Irish heritage this year. Bars and restaurants are getting into the spirit by serving traditional food, hosting bashes with spectacular riverfront views and bottomless drinks and bringing in Irish musicians and dancers. Wear something green and celebrate St. Patrick's Day Chirish style at one of these 57 spots. 30 best corned beef sandwiches around Chicago in 2025, featuring That Jerk at The Corned Beef Hideout
Chicago Tribune
28-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Daywatch: The economic impact of Blackout Friday
Good morning, Chicago. A grassroots organization is encouraging U.S. residents not to spend any money today as an act of 'economic resistance' to protest what the group's founder sees as the malign influence of billionaires, big corporations and both major political parties on the lives of working Americans. The People's Union USA calls the 24 hours of spending abstinence an 'economic blackout,' a term that has since been shared and debated on social media. The activist movement said it also plans to promote weeklong consumer boycotts of particular companies, including Walmart and Amazon. Other activists, faith-based leaders and consumers already are organizing boycotts to protest companies that have scaled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and to oppose President Donald Trump's moves to abolish all federal DEI programs and policies. 'The time for silence is over,' the Rev. Ira Acree with the Greater St. John Bible Church said. 'We refuse to stand by while corporate greed devours our communities, while diversity and inclusion efforts are dismantled and justice is trampled under our foot.' Here are some details about the various events and experts' thoughts on whether having consumers keep their wallets closed is an effective tool for influencing the positions corporations take. And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day. Judge finds mass firings of federal probationary workers to likely be unlawful A federal judge in San Francisco yesterday found that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to a coalition of labor unions and organizations that has sued to stop the Trump administration's massive dismantling of the federal workforce. DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick seeking GOP bid for Illinois governor in 2026 James Mendrick, who has been DuPage County sheriff since late 2018, announced yesterday he intends to run for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor in 2026 and not seek a third term as sheriff of the state's second-largest county. Measles is one of the world's most contagious viruses. Here's what to know and how to avoid it. Measles is rarely seen in the United States, but Americans are growing more concerned about the preventable virus as cases continue to rise in rural West Texas. Special prosecutor won't charge Jasper Co. deputy who killed Jan. 6 defendant in traffic stop, who feared violating parole, video shows An Indiana special prosecutor said yesterday he will not charge a Jasper County Sheriff's deputy who killed a former Jan. 6 defendant during a traffic stop last month. A 10-minute released bodycam video appeared to show Matthew Huttle, 42, of Hobart, feared getting arrested and violating his parole. He was pronounced dead at the scene. As distraught parents plead, school board votes to keep Acero charter schools open, despite financial warning The Chicago Board of Education approved an amended resolution at a board meeting yesterday requiring Chicago Public Schools to keep open several charter schools slated for closure. The last-minute change in the resolution to make it mandatory to absorb all schools and costs reflects the dynamics of a divided board — with several newly elected and appointed members — that is facing serious financial challenges. Police: Landlord called Palestinian-American boy and his mother 'infested rats' after being arrested for kindergartener's murder After being arrested in connection with 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi's fatal stabbing, Joseph Czuba said he had been afraid of the boy and his mother and likened them to 'infested rats,' according to a video shown at the Plainfield man's murder trial yesterday. Bears to submit traffic and financial studies for Arlington Heights stadium site, official says While downplaying online rumors that the Chicago Bears have reached a deal to move to Arlington Heights, a village official said the team will soon submit important traffic and financial studies of the proposal. Why NIU sees joining the Horizon League — and splitting up its sports — as 'the right fit and the right time' In front of a backdrop sporting the Northern Illinois and Horizon League logos yesterday at the NIU Convocation Center, Huskies athletic director Sean Frazier declared a second victory in two months for his department. 'We just got better again today,' Frazier said. 'This is really a massive, massive deal for us.' Column: The Oscars are Sunday. Who will win, who should win, and is 'Anora' the movie to beat? It's true most years, out of the last 96. The Academy Awards, judging from the films and artists nominated and by the eventual winners, divides itself into two groups, writes Tribune film critic Michael Phillips. One reminds us of a familiar moviegoing past. And one looks forward to whatever future the industry can make for itself. Take the 10 nominees for best picture this year. The front runner, with very real chances of not winning, is writer, director and editor Sean Baker's 'Anora.' Now, take 'Conclave,' which might very well end up the winner, because it's likely to end up as the second or third favorite choice on ballots. As might 'The Brutalist' or 'Emilia Pérez' or even 'A Complete Unknown.' In appreciation: In Gene Hackman, from Danville, the exquisite loneliness of the long-distance actor As recalled by Dustin Hoffman, his fellow struggling student at Pasadena Playhouse in California, Gene Hackman had a way of sidling, reluctantly, into a room, betraying his ingrained insecurities while attracting most of the eyeballs present. People leaned in, even as they kept their wary distance. That combination made for some singularly rich performances. As film historian David Thomson wrote, 'His energy is most interesting when suppressed.' Also around the area this weekend, comedian Tom Segura is at the United Center and Polar Plunge raises money for the Special Olympics.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DuPage County sheriff announces run for Illinois Governor
The Brief DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced his candidacy for Illinois Governor, citing concerns over state laws that he believes hinder public safety and contribute to budget issues. Mendrick criticizes the SAFE-T Act and sanctuary protections, arguing they endanger communities and lead to fiscal mismanagement. Mendrick, with nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, is seeking Republican support for a potential run against incumbent Governor JB Pritzker. CHICAGO - James Mendrick, who has served as the elected sheriff of DuPage County since 2018, declared his candidacy for governor of Illinois on Thursday morning via Facebook. He has worked in the DuPage sheriff's office for 29 years. What we know Mendrick expressed his dissatisfaction with state laws, particularly the SAFE-T Act and sanctuary protections, arguing they contribute to public safety concerns and lead to financial strain on the state's budget. He cited audits revealing that the state's healthcare program for undocumented immigrants has cost upwards of $1 billion and criticized the SAFE-T Act for allowing dangerous offenders to return to the streets. "Our governor has chosen to ignore the federal laws and have laws of his own. These laws have caused a side effect of a massive budget overage," Mendrick told FOX 32 Chicago. Mendrick also pointed to his leadership experience as DuPage County Sheriff, where he runs a prison with a focus on rehabilitation for offenders with substance abuse problems. He argued that the current system allows individuals to re-enter communities without addressing underlying issues, perpetuating a cycle of crime. "You could crash into one of our police cars, make us chase you, be a burgler in one event, and still be let go the next day. And in a criminal's mind, they feel like they're getting written a ticket," he said. Mendrick criticized Governor JB Pritzker for mismanaging Illinois' $55 billion budget, especially as lawmakers try to close a $3 billion gap. "I have 504 personnel. I have probably 300-400 contractors. I have an $80 million budget. That experience has taught me how to tear everything, make sure it adds up and you don't go over," he said. What we don't know Mendrick has not yet filed formal paperwork with the State Board of Elections to make his candidacy official. While his campaign has gained attention, details on his specific policy proposals beyond public safety and budget issues remain unclear. The Pritzker campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment. What's next Mendrick will need strong Republican backing to mount a successful campaign against Governor Pritzker, who has a significant financial advantage with $323 million spent on past campaigns. "The backing I'm already getting is more than I expected. Will I be able to match a billionaire? No, probably not, but I just watched a presidential candidate (Kamala Harris) spend $2 billion and get nowhere with it," he said. Mendrick's next steps will likely include securing formal support from key Republican figures as he finalizes his candidacy paperwork.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick seeking GOP bid for Illinois governor in 2026
James Mendrick, who has been DuPage County sheriff since late 2018, announced Thursday he intends to run for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor in 2026 and not seek a third term as sheriff of the state's second-largest county. In a post on his political campaign's Facebook page, Mendrick played up his law-and-order credentials and noted his accomplishments as sheriff, writing, 'This was a very hard decision to make.' 'I will bring safety, security and fairness to the city of Chicago and the rest of our State,' he wrote. 'Our culture is being eliminated by senseless laws created by our current government that persecutes cops and empowers criminals. I'm here to stop the bleed.' Mendrick, of Woodridge, becomes the first candidate to formally announce an intent to run in the 2026 governor's contest, just shy of a year until the March 2026 primary. But he's unlikely to be the only GOP contender. Aaron Del Mar of Palatine, a member of the state GOP's central committee and an unsuccessful 2022 candidate for lieutenant governor, has expressed interest in running, as has former state lawmaker Jeanne Ives of Wheaton. Ives, also a member of the GOP central committee, lost a 2018 primary bid for governor. Two-term Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, a billionaire who has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to twice be elected to the state's highest office, has yet to reveal if he intends to seek a third term. Regardless of whether Pritzker seeks reelection, Mendrick faces the need to raise both his personal profile and campaign cash. A member of the DuPage County sheriff's office for about 30 years, including his six so far as sheriff, Mendrick is little-known outside law enforcement circles and county Republican politics. His sheriff's campaign fund, the only one he currently has, began the year with just $87,377. As sheriff, Mendrick oversees the DuPage County Jail. While touting his rehabilitation and drug treatment efforts at the jail, Mendrick also lashed out at the state's SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail for nonviolent offenders, and sanctuary laws that protect noncitizen immigrants by barring local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. In his social media post declaring his plan to run for governor, Mendrick also wrote that in his years as sheriff he's routinely questioned people and asked them if they think DuPage should be more like Chicago or if Chicago should 'be more like DuPage County and assimilate our attributes.' He said 'every single answer' he's received has been DuPage. 'We are DuPage strong. Let's be Illinois strong! What we have done can be done Statewide. Don't let them put you to sleep with 'it's always been this way' talk. We need a secure future for our State and we will make Chicago and Illinois safe again,' he wrote. Mendrick has faced controversy as DuPage County, once a hotbed of suburban Republicanism, has seen its demographics increasingly shift toward Democrats who control the County Board. He was among several county sheriffs who said he would not enforce provisions of the state's ban on the possession of certain high-powered semiautomatic weapons. Last year, a downstate federal judge ruled the gun ban violated the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, but the law remains intact while the state contests the ruling before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. At a February 2023 meeting of Wayne Township Republicans, Mendrick lashed out at the law as 'garbage' and an example of Democratic ideology and 'a furtherance of their socialist agenda.' 'This is a pattern, people. This is a pattern of taking away your freedom. It's a pattern toward socialism. It's a pattern of taking away everything that you know. Look at the economy. Look at what's going on in your schools. Look what's going on in law enforcement. I mean, is there a realm I am missing that they didn't touch? Your entire way of life is changing,' Mendrick said to an audience of about 35 people. 'I don't care if the Democrats hate me and the media hates me. Do you really think I'm gonna get their votes anyway? I mean, really. And this is the Republican problem. A lot will be, 'Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me join with …'' he told the GOP group. 'No. Absolutely not. Hold firm. Do your job. Be a Republican. And don't waver to these people just because they're crying and screaming at you.' At the township meeting, Mendrick also condemned Democrats for 'the way they've taken God out of society' and 'erasing history.' 'I am going to say it right now. I'm a strong believer in God. I believe that's how I get to where I go,' he said. Chicago Tribune's Jeremy Gorner contributed.
