Category: News
Ford To Lay Off 1,600 Workers As Kentucky EV Battery Plant Pivots To Data Center Storage
Ford To Lay Off 1,600 Workers As Kentucky EV Battery Plant Pivots To Data Center Storage
Ford will lay off all 1,600 workers at its newly built electric-vehicle battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky, as it pivots away from EV production and converts the facility to make battery-storage systems for data centers, utilities, and renewable-energy developers, according to WDRB.
The company said Monday it plans to begin shipping battery energy-storage systems from plants in Kentucky and Michigan in late 2027, calling the move a shift toward “higher-return opportunities,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Ford estimates the transition away from its EV strategy will cost $19.5 billion and disclosed that it has lost about $13 billion on EVs since 2023.
“Instead of plowing billions into the future knowing these large EVs will never make money, we are pivoting,” CEO Jim Farley told the Journal.
In a video message to employees, Michael Adams, CEO of BlueOval SK—the former Ford–SK On joint venture—said the move would mark “the end of all BlueOval SK positions in Kentucky.” Workers will continue to receive pay and benefits for 60 days, though no firm layoff date was given. Ford said it plans to hire about 2,100 workers for the revamped facility and that displaced employees will be eligible to apply.
WDRB writes that the Hardin County project was originally pitched as a $5.8 billion investment to supply batteries for Ford’s EVs, including the F-150 Lightning. But slowing EV demand, excess capacity, and changes in emissions policy forced a rethink. Ford recently canceled production of the electric pickup and paused work on a second battery plant next door, which remains unfinished.
Industry analysts say the problem goes deeper than demand. “They built the wrong kind of battery and the wrong chemistry for that here in Kentucky,” said WSJ automotive reporter Chris Otts, adding that retooling the plant requires a full overhaul and years of lead time.
Ford and SK On formally ended their partnership last week. Ford will take full ownership of the Kentucky plants, while SK On will run a nearly completed Tennessee facility focused on similar energy-storage products. Under Ford’s revised plan, the Glendale site is expected to operate at just 23% of its original planned capacity when production begins in 2027.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the state is renegotiating its incentive agreement with Ford and prioritizing support for displaced workers through job fairs and other resources. Republican state lawmakers representing the area said they would closely monitor Ford’s commitments as the project shifts toward grid-scale energy storage.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/17/2025 – 14:40
Brad Keller, the Chicago Cubs’ top reliever in 2025, signs a 2-year, $22M deal with the Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies added Brad Keller to their pitching staff Wednesday, agreeing to a two-year, $22 million contract with the right-hander, a person familiar with the deal confirmed to The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a successful physical.
Keller is coming off a terrific season with the Chicago Cubs, going 4-2 with a career-low 2.07 ERA in 68 appearances. He struck out 75 in 69 2/3 innings.
Keller, 30, worked out of the bullpen last season but he was a starting pitcher at the beginning of his career. Ranger Suárez, a key member of the Phillies rotation this season, is a free agent.
Keller’s guarantee matches the two-year, $22 million deal Luke Weaver struck Wednesday with the New York Mets, also subject to a successful physical.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/brad-keller-signs-philadelphia-phillies/
Patrick Mahomes inicia rehabilitación tras cirugía de rodilla. Chiefs esperan que jugará en 2026
Por DAVE SKRETTA
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, EE.UU. (AP) — El quarterback Patrick Mahomes comenzó la rehabilitación tras someterse a una cirugía para reparar dos ligamentos desgarrados en su rodilla izquierda, y los Chiefs están optimistas de que el dos veces MVP podría estar de regreso a principios de la próxima temporada, quizás incluso para cuando Kansas City juegue en la Semana 1.
Rick Burkholder, su vicepresidente de medicina deportiva y rendimiento, dijo el miércoles que el procedimiento realizado en Dallas por el doctor Dan Cooper el lunes por la noche salió bien. La operación ocurrió unas 24 horas después de que el quarterback se rompiera el ligamento cruzador y el ligamento colateral lateral en una derrota ante los Chargers.
El tiempo de recuperación para una lesión de este tipo es de aproximadamente nueve meses, aunque podría variar varios meses dependiendo de diversos factores. Se espera que la próxima temporada comience el 10 de septiembre de 2026, y los Chiefs podrían disputar su primer partido unos días después.
“Cada jugador es diferente. Cada deporte es diferente. Cada posición es diferente”, comentó Burkholder. “(Mahomes) está tan en sintonía con lo que hace, que lo hace un poco más rápido. Aproximadamente son nueve meses, pero podría ser un mes o dos más, un mes o dos menos”.
La derrota ante los Chargers eliminó a los Chiefs de la contienda de postemporada, terminando una racha de una década. También habían ganado los últimos nueve títulos del Oeste de la AFC, alcanzado los siete campeonatos de conferencia anteriores y jugado en los últimos tres Super Bowls.
Ahora, el suplente Gardner Minshew será el mariscal de campo en los últimos tres juegos a partir del domingo en Tennessee.
“Rápido cambio de un juego muy emocional, y obviamente la situación con Pat, la situación con la imagen de los playoffs de nuestro equipo”, expresó Minshew. “¿Pero sabes qué? Estás donde estás. Tenemos que darle la vuelta a esto y conseguir una victoria este fin de semana”.
Los Chiefs podrían estar sin varios nombres importantes además de su mariscal de campo estrella.
Rashee Rice y su compañero receptor Tyquan Thornton están en el protocolo de conmociones tras recibir golpes fuertes en el juego contra Los Ángeles, mientras que el tackle izquierdo Jaylon Moore sigue fuera con una lesión de rodilla y el tackle derecho Jawaan Taylor está fuera por un problema en el codo.
En defensa, el cornerback Trent McDuffie sigue lidiando con una lesión de rodilla y el linebacker Leo Chenal con un problema en el hombro.
Ninguno de esos jugadores practicó el miércoles.
“Veremos cómo evolucionan en cuanto al tiempo para el juego”, dijo el entrenador de los Chiefs Andy Reid.
En cuanto a Mahomes, planea regresar a Kansas City para el viernes, donde continuará rehabilitándose con el personal de Burkholder. Liderando el esfuerzo estará Julie Frymyer, su asistente de entrenador y principal fisioterapeuta, cuyo nombre fue noticia durante los playoffs de 2022-23 por su papel en ayudar a Mahomes a superar un esguince severo de tobillo sin tener que perderse un juego.
Frymyer incluso apareció recientemente junto a Mahomes en un comercial de seguros de State Farm.
“Creo que ustedes saben, como jugador, su mentalidad es un poco diferente a la de la mayoría”, manifestó Burkholder. “Es tan disciplinado en lo que hace. Está aquí a las 6 de la mañana. Es el último en salir por la noche. Tomará la rehabilitación de esa manera. Cuando sumas todas las pequeñas cosas, eso permite que el jugador regrese más rápido. No se curan más rápido, simplemente vuelven al rendimiento más rápido”.
Reid dijo que ha hablado diariamente con Mahomes desde la lesión en los minutos finales del juego del domingo.
“Está muy positivo en este momento”, dijo Reid. “Como dijo Rick, tomó la iniciativa el mismo día. No esperarías menos. ‘Levántame, ponme en marcha’, básicamente está diciendo, una hora después del juego. ‘Ponme un soporte y déjame ir’. No es una de esas lesiones, obviamente, pero esa es su mentalidad. Creo que lo hará genial con la rehabilitación. Es un sanador bastante rápido de esa manera. Y su actitud es el 90% de las cosas, cómo lo abordas. Cómo estás dispuesto a superar el dolor para estar bien”.
Minshew reconoció una sensación extraña al caminar por las instalaciones del equipo sin Mahomes esta semana. Pero los dos mariscales de campo han estado en contacto, y el veterano de 47 partidos en siete temporadas de la NFL espera con ansias la contribución de Mahomes el resto del camino.
“Ha sido genial. Tan pronto como ha podido en medio de sus cosas, ha estado enviando mensajes al grupo de quarterbacks”, dijo Minshew. “Muy positivo. Tratando de motivarnos. Ese tipo todavía quiere que ganemos. Eso es lo que le importa”.
___
Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Comité del Senado de Georgia cuestiona a fiscal de distrito sobre el caso de Trump
Por JEFF AMY
ATLANTA (AP) — La fiscal de distrito Fani Willis se enfrentó a un senador estatal republicano de Georgia el miércoles sobre los motivos de un comité especial en una tensa audiencia mientras intentaban precisar detalles sobre cómo ella decidió enjuiciar a Donald Trump y financiar ese enjuiciamiento.
La audiencia inició cuando el senador Greg Dolezal, vicepresidente del comité, cuestionó a la fiscal de distrito demócrata del condado de Fulton sobre su trayectoria y la composición de su oficina.
El Senado estatal, dominado por los republicanos, creó en enero de 2024 el Comité Especial de Investigaciones para examinar las acusaciones de conducta indebida contra Willis en relación con su caso, en el que busca condenas penales por los esfuerzos para revertir la derrota electoral de Trump en 2020 en Georgia. Aun antes de que el mandatario emprendiera una campaña de represalias contra sus enemigos, los republicanos del comité de Georgia estaban ansiosos por interrogar a la fiscal.
Willis afirma que no decidió enjuiciar a Trump antes de asumir el cargo
En un diálogo a menudo tenso con Dolezal, Willis negó haber decidido que iba a enjuiciar a Trump antes de asumir el cargo.
“Eso es lo que calificamos como una mentira”, dijo Willis.
“No sabía que él cometería un crimen antes de que yo asumiera el cargo. Es fácticamente imposible”, afirmó. Willis asumió el cargo el 1 de enero de 2021.
Al preguntarle cuánto dinero gastó su oficina en enjuiciar el caso de interferencia electoral contra Trump y otras personas, Willis dijo que no lo sabía.
“Independientemente de lo que haya costado, intentaron robar los derechos de miles de georgianos. No podría haber sido suficiente”, dijo.
En agosto de 2023, cuando Willis anunció la acusación contra Trump y otras 18 personas, utilizó la ley estatal contra el crimen organizado para alegar que existió una conspiración para intentar revertir ilegalmente la estrecha derrota de Trump ante el demócrata Joe Biden en las elecciones presidenciales de 2020 en Georgia.
El comité liderado por republicanos se ha centrado en la contratación de un fiscal especial por parte de Willis
A los republicanos no les gustó el enjuiciamiento de Trump, pero el comité se ha centrado en la contratación por parte de Willis del fiscal especial Nathan Wade para liderar el caso de interferencia electoral. La resolución que creó el comité señaló que una relación romántica entre ambos constituía un “claro conflicto de intereses y un fraude para los contribuyentes”. Pero ahora el caso está inactivo después de que ella fuera removida y otro fiscal lo desestimara.
Willis le dijo a Dolezal que contrató a Wade “porque estábamos ahogándonos” en otros casos. “Cada abogado que tenía con ese nivel de experiencia tenía un proyecto enorme”, afirmó.
“Tomé una decisión, la gente del condado de Fulton me eligió para tomar esa decisión, y lo hice”.
Mientras Dolezal cuestionaba cuánto se le pagó a Wade, Willis enumeró los pagos para abogados del fiscal general de Georgia, incluido el destacado abogado republicano Josh Belinfante, quien asesora al comité y estaba presente. Dolezal cortó el micrófono de Willis cuando ella habló mientras él intentaba continuar.
Senador estatal sugiere que Willis trabajaba con el gobierno de Biden
Dolezal mostró facturas que mostraban que Wade y otras personas viajaron a Washington, aparentemente como parte de un esfuerzo por sugerir que Willis trabajaba con el comité del 6 de enero de la Cámara o con la Casa Blanca de Biden para enjuiciar a Trump.
Willis dijo que Wade probablemente viajó a Washington para “obtener información sobre algunos de los criminales que terminé acusando”.
La fiscal dijo que las reuniones con funcionarios de la Casa Blanca de Biden eran parte de un procedimiento para solicitar documentos o testimonios del gobierno federal.
“Usted trata de insinuar que hubo alguna conducta indebida donde no existe”, dijo Roy Barnes, el exgobernador demócrata de Georgia que representa a Willis.
Los demócratas han denunciado al panel como una pérdida de tiempo partidista impulsada por la ambición política. Cuatro republicanos del comité se postulan para un cargo estatal en 2026. El presidente Bill Cowsert de Athens se postula para fiscal general, aunque no pudo asistir a la audiencia por razones médicas. Los senadores Dolezal de Cumming, Blake Tillery de Vidalia y Steve Gooch de Dahlonega buscan la nominación republicana para vicegobernador. Otro republicano que había estado en el comité, John Kennedy de Macon, renunció al Senado la semana pasada para buscar su propia candidatura para vicegobernador.
Willis afirmó repetidamente que el comité la atacaba para obtener una ganancia política: “Se trata de varias personas sentadas aquí que tratan de ser elegidas”.
Hasta ahora, el comité ha descubierto pocos hechos nuevos sobre las actividades de Willis. Trump la ha calificado como “criminal” que debería ser “procesada” y “puesta en la cárcel”.
El exgobernador demócrata que representa a Willis dice que es una “cacería de brujas”
Barnes aconsejó a Willis que no respondiera algunas preguntas y también participó en algunos diálogos acalorados con Dolezal, diciendo en un momento dado: “Esto es una cacería de brujas. Esto siempre ha sido una cacería de brujas”.
Willis también criticó la decisión de los legisladores de crear una agencia para investigar a los fiscales: “Sé que quieren venir y asumir un rol dominante y crear comités de QANON que juzgarán a los fiscales”.
El enjuiciamiento de Trump por parte de Willis comenzó a desmoronarse en enero de 2024, cuando un abogado defensor en el caso alegó que ella tenía una relación romántica inapropiada con Wade.
En una audiencia extraordinaria, Willis y Wade testificaron sobre los detalles íntimos de su relación. Ambos negaron vehementemente las acusaciones de que ello constituía un conflicto de intereses.
El juez del juicio reprendió a Willis por una “tremenda falta de juicio”, dictaminando finalmente que ella podría permanecer en el caso si Wade renunciaba, lo cual hizo horas después.
Pero después de que los abogados defensores presentaran una apelación, la Corte de Apelaciones de Georgia citó una “apariencia de impropiedad” y retiró a Willis del caso. En septiembre, la Corte Suprema del estado se negó a escuchar la apelación de Willis.
___
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Trump Admin Demands Tim Walz’s Resignation After Another Fraud Discovery
Trump Admin Demands Tim Walz’s Resignation After Another Fraud Discovery
Authored by Luis Cornelio via Headline USA,
Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanded on Monday that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz step down over allegations that his administration allowed millions in taxpayer money to be stolen by “ghost students.”
Tim Walz / IMAGE: @AlphaNews via X
McMahon’s scathing letter, published on X, came after the Education Department reportedly uncovered at least 1,834 fraudulent college applicants in Minnesota received $12.5 million in grants and loans.
Overall, the Trump administration reportedly found that $90 million had been disbursed to alleged scammers in 2024 alone, in addition to $30 million in loans to dead people and over $40 million to companies using AI bots.
These suspected fraudsters, also known as “ghost students,” use stolen identities to obtain the funds.
Dear @GovTimWalz: pic.twitter.com/6VbvrcNdiY
— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) December 16, 2025
McMahon said a newly launched fraud control system had blocked “more than $1 billion in attempted financial aid theft by fraudsters,” including foreign rings and AI bots.
The letter comes as Walz faces scrutiny for failing to stop the theft of more than $1 billion in COVID-19-related relief funds since 2020.
One of the exploited programs, designed to provide meals for those in need during the pandemic, was reportedly targeted by a group of Somali Americans in Minnesota.
Whistleblowers said the Walz administration ignored red flags in some applications to avoid alienating the Somali community, a key Democratic voting bloc in the state.
“Shame on you, Governor Walz, for allowing this to happen—and for benefiting from it,” McMahon wrote, seemingly referring to the political advantages noted by whistleblowers.
“Stop defrauding American taxpayers,” she added. “No politician is above the law, and my department, alongside every other agency under the leadership of President Trump, will continue to ensure that you will not be able to dodge accountability for your actions.”
McMahon concluded with a scorching plea: resign.
“Given your dereliction of the office entrusted to you by Minnesotans, I implore you to resign and make way for more capable leadership,” she wrote.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/17/2025 – 14:20
Dozens of Waukegan students given chance to Shop With a Cop
Emma Enrique is a McCall Elementary School fourth grader who had the chance to go on a Christmas shopping spree with Waukegan police officer Berenice Ventura over the weekend, with the opportunity to buy $100 in toys or games for herself.
But Emma saw a different opportunity. She went Christmas shopping for her three brothers and her sister.
“This year, we’re not going to be able to have a lot, and I want to make sure they have some of their favorite things,” she said. “I got one brother his favorite (toy) car, and a doll for my sister,” she added, as she continued to shop.
Enrique was one of 87 Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 students selected to participate in the Waukegan Police Department’s 16th-annual Shop With a Cop event Saturday at Walmart in Waukegan, designed for children who earn the chance to participate.
Sgt. Alejos Villalobos is in his 16th year of organizing the event. He said Shop With a Cop is for preschool through fifth graders. They are selected by school administrators and social workers based on their attendance, academic effort and need factors.
“These are kids whose families are in financial need, or who could use a boost,” Villalobos said.
Waukegan police officers take children from Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Christmas shopping during the 16th annual Shop With a Cop Saturday in Waukegan. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)
Each officer — between 45 and 50 donated their time this year — has $100 to spend on each child. Villalobos said when they encounter someone like Emma, they often dip into their own pocket to help the youngster pick out more.
“When they see a kid going for necessities like socks, pajamas or blankets, they’ll go into their own pocket to help,” he said. “They make sure they get to the toy aisles, too.”
Jocely Figueroa, Emma’s mother, said she was glad her daughter and a son, Jay’ceon Brown, a kindergartener, had the chance to participate. She enjoyed watching the youngsters, was thankful for their opportunity and surprised by her daughter’s generosity.
“She’s always been like that,” Figueroa said. “She always puts other people before herself.”
Santa Claus visits with Waukegan police officers before the start of the 16th annual Shop With a Cop Saturday in Waukegan. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)
Officer Berenice Ventura was the member of the police department pushing the shopping cart for Emma and Jay’ceon. Ventura was touched when she realized what Emma was doing, and helped the girl select gifts.
“My heart feels for her,” Ventura said, “She’s made it a giving experience. She’s made it a true Christmas experience.”
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham was walking through the store, watching the children and police officers on their shopping spree. He, too, was touched when he learned what Emma was doing for her family.
“Her awareness of the needs of other people for a child of her age, or even older, is remarkable,” Cunningham said, “She is showing her family what Christmas is about. She is demonstrating the good in our community.”
Shopping done, Waukegan police officers pay for the children during the 16th annual Shop With a Cop Saturday in Waukegan. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)
Nadio Acosta was watching her children — North Elementary School students Jaden and Deliliah — walking through aisles of the toy section with a police officer. She was pleased with the opportunity.
“Things have been more of a struggle this year,” Acosta said. “This is helping our kids, and it’s helping our family.”
Police Chief Edgar Navarro, who took a youngster shopping, said the day does not end with the shopping spree. The families are taken to People’s Choice Family Fun Center for a pizza lunch and some games. There was also a surprise for them when they arrived.
“Most Blessed Trinity brought 100 new winter coats to the police station,” Navarro said. “We’re giving them out at lunch. They’re all new.”
Children select Christmas gifts with the help of Waukegan police officers during the 16th annual Shop With a Cop Saturday in Waukegan. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)
The Rev. Tim O’Malley, the pastor of Most Blessed Trinity, said Monday, providing winter coats for people is a regular practice at both the food pantry and soup kitchen. He was impressed when he learned about Emma’s generosity.
“Kids are touched at the heart and continue to find ways to help others,” O’Malley said. When kids support us with their service, it touches the heart.”
Villalobos said the police officers donate some of the $13,000 to buy the gifts, and the rest is raised from members of the community. Walmart has made its space available for all 16 years of the event. The store also provides snacks and beverages for the participants.
Walmart store manager Rolando Sanchez said the annual Shop With a Cop event has become a holiday tradition for the store. Employees help serve the snacks and offer assistance throughout the morning.
“It’s important for us to be involved with the community,” he said.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/waukegan-shop-with-a-cop/
President Donald Trump keeping 300 Illinois National Guard troops federalized until April despite no missions
The 300 Illinois National Guard troops under Republican President Donald Trump’s control since early October — despite Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s objections — will remain federalized until mid-April, even though the Guard members have carried out no significant operational missions and have spent most of their time stationed at a northern Illinois base.
A spokesperson for the Pritzker administration and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth each told the Tribune that the Trump administration plans to keep the Illinois National Guard members federalized until April 15, and a Pentagon official said the troops would remain under federal control until that month. They were deployed to support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement personnel participating in the Republican president’s deportation efforts in the Chicago area.
The revelation comes as the Oct. 4 order by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth federalizing Guard troops to support the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Midway Blitz has long passed the initial 60-day deadline. It also comes as a wave of additional Border Patrol agents arrived in Chicago this week and began detaining and arresting people.
Last week, Pritzker’s office said the 60-day deployment had been “amended and extended an additional 32 days.” But since then, Duckworth, a Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said she learned of the extended federal activation to April 15, with her staff saying the information came from the U.S. Department of Defense. A Pritzker spokesperson this week said the Illinois Guard has been told “the extension is expected to last until April 15 but has not yet received the official orders with that date.”
And on Wednesday, a Pentagon official told the Tribune, “Consistent with the direction of the president, the Secretary of War has extended the federal protection mission into April 2026,” using Hegseth’s preferred title.
“This basically only continues to undermine the readiness of our nation’s military, of the Illinois National Guard, and it weakens our national security,” Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, told the Tribune during a brief interview last week. “Servicemembers signed up to defend the Constitution and our rights, not to be used as political props.”
The Trump administration’s decision will likely exacerbate tensions over his unprecedented move to oversee a group of state troops despite opposition from the governor. It also could signal the Trump administration’s desire to continue immigration enforcement actions well into 2026 and through the March 17 primary election.
“I just want to assure people that I’m going to do everything I can alongside state and local officials to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to stop Donald Trump and his administration’s assault on Chicago and their abuse of our servicemembers,” Duckworth said in the Tribune interview last week after questioning Defense Department officials about the recent military deployments in big U.S. cities at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
The Illinois Guard members in question have been staying at an Illinois Army National Guard training site in Marseilles, a state-owned military base about 75 miles southwest of Chicago, and have never deployed for the Trump administration’s stated purpose of protecting federal officers and assets.
The Marseilles National Guard Training Center in Marseilles, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
The ongoing federalization also drew heightened scrutiny after a federal judge in California last week ordered the Trump administration to return control of that state’s National Guard to California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The judge ruled that the White House overstepped its authority in extending a deployment in Los Angeles, a finding that could affect National Guard units in other states, such as Illinois, that the federal government has commandeered. An appeals court said the Trump administration must end its federal deployment of Guard troops in L.A. by next week. On Wednesday, a federal appeals court ruled that National Guard troops federalized to serve in Washington, D.C. could remain there while judges considered if the deployment was legal.
In Illinois, state officials have scored some lower-court victories barring the state’s National Guard contingent that was federalized from being deployed onto Chicago-area streets, although the case is now before the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court, which likely won’t issue a ruling until next year. Pritzker has often condemned Trump’s move as an abuse of power and unnecessary, noting that Illinois troops have neither patrolled streets nor guarded federal buildings, and pointing out that the president said he originally intended to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago to curb crime.
Many agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol assigned to the Chicago region, specifically as part of Operation Midway Blitz, left the area about a month ago. That was until Tuesday when at least 100 immigration enforcement agents were actively participating in deportation missions in parts of the city and suburbs, led by Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.
Officers under Bovino’s leadership have come under scrutiny in federal court for their use of tear gas and other controversial tactics on people protesting their actions in the streets.
Unlike the Illinois National Guard troops who have yet to be deployed to protect federal agents, about 200 Texas National Guard troops were sent to a U.S. Army Reserve training center in the Chicago area for that purpose in early October. But during their 41-day deployment, which ended in mid-November, the Texas troops spent less than 24 hours outside an ICE facility in near west suburban Broadview, which had been the site of tense demonstrations, as part of Midway Blitz.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/illinois-national-guard-federalized-april/
Aurora Mayor John Laesch’s proposed ethics reform package again sees delays
Aurora Mayor John Laesch’s proposed campaign financing ethics reform package, which was held for weeks but recently starting moving through the approval process again, has been further delayed.
Under the current proposal, Aurora would cap at $1,500 per year donations made to candidates running for city office from those doing business with the city. It would also expand economic interest disclosures required of candidates and elected officials.
After some significant changes from the original proposal, a committee of the Aurora City Council recommended the ethics reform package for approval earlier this month. That recommendation meant the proposal was set to go before the Committee of the Whole before making its way to the City Council for final approval, which could have happened as early as Tuesday.
A City Council meeting took place just after this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, a rescheduling of a City Council meeting planned for Dec. 23. Other items on the Committee of the Whole meeting’s agenda were sent to the immediately following City Council meeting for final approval, but the ethics reform package was tabled until January.
Laesch said the item would be held at the Committee of the Whole level considering the back-to-back meetings and a lengthy two-and-a-half hour closed session earlier in the meeting. Aldermen agreed, and a discussion on the proposal was also delayed until it is brought up again.
The proposed changes to city code would limit contributions to candidates or elected officials from those doing business or looking to do business with the city to $1,500 per year. Counting towards the cap would be donations made by the business itself as well as any made by parent companies or subsidiaries, and in some cases donations made by employees themselves.
Those who do not follow the rules would be barred from doing business with the city for up to four years.
Campaign financing ethics reform was part of Laesch’s platform when he was running against former Mayor Richard Irvin. During the most recent campaign and in a previous unsuccessful run for mayor, Laesch claimed Irvin prioritized government contracts or incentives to those who donated to his campaign, which Irvin consistently denied.
According to Laesch, the campaign ethics reform package he proposed was designed to increase transparency and “reduce the influence that outside money has on city contracts.” But some aldermen have questioned if the new rules really would achieve that goal, particularly since there would be no limit on contributions from political figures or organizations.
Plus, other aldermen have voiced concerns about the potential increase in paperwork they said might come from the expanded disclosures that would be required of those in a city elected office, and those running for a city elected office, under the proposed code changes.
Those expanded economic interest fillings would ask not only their occupation but also if their employer has ever done work for or received any financial assistance from the city of Aurora, all real estate they own within the city or nearby, any organizations or businesses they own, any city-funded or affiliated organizations they are involved with and any gifts they’ve received from those doing business with the city or looking to.
The filings would only need to be turned in once per year, rather than each quarter, and would continue to be available for the public to view online.
The proposal considers as a candidate anyone who has begun circulating petitions or has started receiving donations, city staff have previously said. Candidates would then have 15 days to submit their disclosure statements to the city.
Recent changes to the proposal upped the donation limit from the originally-proposed $500 cap, removed further limits on cash donations and removed guidelines on how city property could be used for political purposes.
The donation limit was increased to be more in line with other cities, including Chicago, according to Aurora Chief of Staff Shannon Cameron. The guidelines for city property use were taken out to simplify things, since discussions around them got stuck in details that weren’t the “true meaning” of the ethics reforms, she said at the Aurora City Council’s Rules, Administration and Procedure Committee meeting on Dec. 2.
rsmith@chicagotribune.com
Tinley Park appoints Frederick Melean police commander, after predecessor arrested
The Tinley Park Village Board swore in Frederick Melean, a retired Chicago deputy police chief, as village police commander Tuesday after the previous commander, Patrick St. John, resigned and was charged with domestic battery and violating an order of protection.
Melean begins the position Jan. 5, and he said Tuesday he looks forward to gaining trust and establishing partnership with the Tinley Park community.
Village Manager Pat Carr congratulated Melean and commended his experience Tuesday. Carr said Melean was selected based on his 31 years of experience and exemplary record.
He highlighted Melean’s experience with emergency planning and operations, risk management, community policing and supersized street operations for 22 police districts. One police district, he said, is about the size of Tinley Park.
“The amount of personnel that Fred oversaw on a daily basis is extraordinary,” Carr said.
Carr said Melean has received several awards, such as four department commendations, a NATO Summit service award, a Democratic National Convention award, a presidential selection deployment award and several crime reduction awards.
“That’s why we selected Fred, and now he makes out a team of probably one of the most experienced suburban police departments in the state of Illinois,” Carr said.
St. John, the previous commander, was charged with domestic battery and violating an order of protection Friday. He turned himself in and appeared at the Cook County courthouse in Bridgeview Friday, where he was ordered to surrender his FOID card and firearms.
St. John’s resignation is effective Dec. 19, according to Carr. He worked for Tinley Park police for nearly 27 years and was promoted to commander in December 2024, Carr said.
awright@chicagotribune.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/tinley-park-appoints-new-police-commander/
Los Mellizos cambian de propietario principal entre la familia Pohlad
Por DAVE CAMPBELL
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Los propietarios de los Mellizos de Minnesota finalizaron la compra de partes de la franquicia por tres diferentes inversores, asociaciones limitadas que la familia Pohlad buscó para una nueva inyección de efectivo y estrategia después de decidir a principios de este año retener el control del club.
Los Mellizos también anunciaron el miércoles un plan para que Tom Pohlad sea el propietario controlador y principal enlace con la liga en lugar de su hermano menor, Joe Pohlad, como parte de una nueva estructura de liderazgo ejecutivo que coincide con los nuevos inversores.
MLB aprobó la adquisición de intereses minoritarios no controladores en los Mellizos por parte de Glick Family Investments, una firma de capital de riesgo multigeneracional de Nueva York; un grupo de líderes empresariales de Minnesota encabezado por George Hicks; y el propietario del Minnesota Wild, Craig Leipold.
Ni los precios de compra ni el tamaño de las participaciones fueron divulgados. Un análisis financiero a principios de este año por parte de Forbes valoró la franquicia en 1.500 millones de dólares, ocupando el puesto 23 en MLB. Sportico (1.700 millones de dólares) y CNBC (1.650 millones de dólares) valoraron a los Mellizos un poco más alto.
Joe Pohlad, de 43 años, fungió como presidente ejecutivo durante tres años. Tom Pohlad, de 45 años, nunca ha tenido un papel en el club de béisbol antes, desempañándose previamente como presidente ejecutivo de Pohlad Companies supervisando la diversa cartera de negocios de la familia. Su tío, Jim Pohlad, fue presidente de los Mellizos hasta 2022. Su abuelo, Carl Pohlad, construyó su fortuna en la banca y compró los Mellizos en 1984 a Calvin Griffith por 44 millones de dólares. Falleció en 2009.
La MLB debe aprobar que Tom Pohlad se convierta en la persona de control.
“Es un profundo honor tener la oportunidad de continuar un legado que ha sido parte de mi familia —y de esta comunidad— durante los últimos 40 años”, dijo Tom Pohlad en un comunicado distribuido por los Mellizos. “Mi tío y mi hermano han liderado esta organización con integridad, dedicación y un amor genuino por el juego. Al asumir mi nuevo rol, lo hago con gran respeto por nuestra historia y un enfoque claro en el futuro, uno definido por la responsabilidad y la administración en nuestra búsqueda incansable de un campeonato”.
La familia Pohlad anunció el año pasado la exploración de una venta, una declaración que en gran medida deleitó a una base de fanáticos frustrada por el nivel de inversión en la nómina de jugadores. El principal impulsor de la decisión fue una carga de deuda que alcanzó los 500 millones de dólares este año, con la pérdida de público durante la pandemia y el colapso de su contrato de televisión regional pesando fuertemente en la operación financiera.
Los Mellizos ganaron la Serie Mundial en 1987 y 1991, pero sólo han alcanzado la Serie de Campeonato de la Liga Americana una vez desde entonces, en 2002.
En 2023, terminaron una racha de 18 derrotas en postemporada, un récord en el deporte profesional de América del Norte. Acabaron 70-92 en 2025 y despidieron al manager Rocco Baldelli, reemplazándolo con Derek Shelton.
Hicks es nativo de Minnesota, ex ejecutivo de Cargill Financial que cofundó Varde Partners, una startup en 1993 que ha crecido hasta convertirse en una firma de inversión global.
“Como fanático de los Mellizos de toda la vida, me siento honrado y emocionado de unirme a la familia Pohlad como administrador de esta querida franquicia”, expresó Hicks. “Como muchos en el estado, algunos de mis recuerdos favoritos son de tiempos pasados viendo y animando a los Mellizos. Los líderes que represento comparten estos valores y reconocen la importancia del béisbol de los Mellizos para nuestras comunidades. Esta es la oportunidad de una vida y una que vemos como un verdadero privilegio y responsabilidad”.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
