DuPage sheriff announces run for governor
A new candidate for the 2026 Illinois governor’s race has emerged.
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced Thursday that he is running for governor of Illinois. In a lengthy Facebook post, Mendrick cited frustration with the elimination of cash bail as well as sanctuary city laws as motivation for running.
Mendrick was elected DuPage County sheriff in 2018 and has been a member of the sheriff’s office for a total of 26 years.
Man charged with threatening Pritzker
A Crete man is facing charges alleging he threatened Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Will County prosecutors have charged 49-year-old Michael Dascenzo with threatening a public official and harassment by electronic communication.
According to Illinois State Police, a Jan. 9 email tied to Dascenzo allegedly contained threatening messages to Pritzker’s Office of Constituent Affairs.
Hackman’s Illinois roots
Actor Gene Hackman, who spent his childhood years in Danville while his father worked at the local newspaper, was found dead along with his wife and dog in Santa Fe, New Mexico Wednesday.
Foul play is not suspected, but police are investigating the circumstances.
Hackman, who was 95 years old, attended the University of Illinois to study journalism and television production before moving back to California.
