Latest news with #Pappas
CBS News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
3 immigration judges speak out about their firings: "It was arbitrary, unfair"
Washington — George Pappas, Jennifer Peyton and Carla Espinoza were all federal immigration judges fired this month by email. The three ruled on thousands of immigration cases in Chicago and Boston. "It was arbitrary, unfair," Pappas told CBS News of his firing. "And it's an attack on the rule of law. It's an attack on judges." Pappas served as an immigration judge in Boston until this week, overseeing more than 2,000 cases during his two years on the bench. Peyton led Chicago's immigration court for nearly nine years, hearing thousands of cases until she was abruptly fired over the 4th of July weekend. Peyton oversaw Espinoza, who was appointed in 2023 and decided more than 1,000 cases in the last fiscal year, double the average for immigration judges. Peyton told CBS News she received no reason for her firing. Immigration judges are under the authority of the Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review. "My email was three sentences," Peyton said. "I had no cause. I had no explanation." "We as judges, were in fear, we were concerned," Espinoza added. "That makes it very difficult to be impartial. We were not succumbing to that pressure but it does feel like pressure." Both Pappas and Peyton disclosed that they were told how they should rule on immigration cases. "They told me: Grant the motions to dismiss," Pappas said. "This is when ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) was roaming the courthouses. Because if we dismissed the case, that person that responded then leaves the court vulnerable to immediate apprehension and expedited removal." CBS News has reported on the numerous cases where ICE agents detained immigrants as they exited their court hearings. "Once they left the courtroom, more often than not, they would be handcuffed and led away by the ICE officers,' Peyton added. According to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, Federal immigration courts now face a backlog nearing four million cases, with about 600 judges left to hear those cases. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, the union that represents immigration court judges, reports that since the Trump Administration took office, more than 100 immigration judges have either been fired, transferred, or have taken retirement offers. According to the union, immigration judges are considered Justice Department employees, and therefore do not have lifetime appointments like federal judges in the judicial branch. In a Truth Social post in April, President Trump argued that, "We cannot give everyone a trial, because to do so would take, without exaggeration, 200 years." It is my opinion that this administration could give a hoot about the backlog," Pappas said. In defending its immigration crackdown, the White House has repeatedly argued that undocumented immigrants are in the U.S. illegally. And in May, the Trump administration began an effort to halt the immigration court cases of certain migrants in order to fast-track their deportation process, government officials and attorneys told CBS News at the time. Espinoza counters that the court system exists to ensure the law is followed, and attempts to circumvent it could prove to be a slippery slope. "That's why they're in proceedings in court," Espinoza said of the immigrants. "There is law that we're applying, and they might have to go, and they might it's them, it's immigrants. What about tomorrow? Who's going to get due process denied next." "If you're attacking the very judges that adjudicate cases, there's not going to be a rule of law. That should concern everybody, not just immigrants, but U.S. citizens." When reached by CBS News, the Justice Department had no comment on the union's allegations that several immigration judges had been fired without cause. And in response to claims from former judges that the firings are a targeted attack on immigration courts, the Justice Department said, "To the contrary, the Trump Administration is vigorously enforcing our nation's immigration laws." And regarding the allegations from judges who spoke to CBS News that they were pressured to rule a certain way, the Justice Department said, "Although the Biden Administration did pressure Immigration Judges to rule a certain way, including to grant motions to dismiss, the Trump Administration has restored the rule of law and is ensuring that judges are adhering to the law."Camilo Montoya-Galvez contributed to this report.
Boston Globe
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Ready or not, here comes the 2028 presidential campaign
She insisted she was simply supporting Pappas, who is running to replace retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Advertisement But her presence there pointed to a larger, albeit quiet truth: the 2028 campaign has essentially begun. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, visited Badger, a skin care product company in Gilsum, N.H., with Representative Chris Pappas, a New Hampshire Democrat running for senator, on July 11. Holly Ramer/Associated Press Last Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance was across the country in San Diego, making the rounds The following day, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego announced Advertisement That same afternoon Klobuchar was in Keene, it was announced that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker would headline the North Carolina Democratic Party's annual dinner, another move in a key swing state. He already spoke at a similar event in New Hampshire earlier this year. Six months into Donald Trump's second term, he's enjoying a high point. He just signed a sweeping tax cut into law ahead of his self-imposed July 4 deadline. He's pressured NATO countries to boost defense spending. And he's continuing to rack up wins in court, like Monday's ruling from the Supreme Court that he could But beneath the surface, a campaign to replace him is already taking shape. The 2028 election could feature the largest field of candidates in American history. That's why hopefuls are already trekking to early primary states and cozying up to donors, they know that in a crowded race, early attention is critical. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has also begun to make moves toward a more national profile. He'll travel to South Carolina to speak at an AFL-CIO conference in Greenville, then to a Democratic event along the coast. Asked on NBC's Meet the Press whether he's considering a run, Beshear said: 'We'll see... I will not leave a broken country to my kids or to anyone else's.' Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin greeted people during the grand opening ceremony of the first Buc-ee's location on the East Coast on June 30 in Mount Crawford, Va. Chip Somodevilla/Getty As for the Republicans, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will be in Iowa this week and in South Carolina next month to both headline events for local Republican parties. Texas Republican Representative Wesley Hunt, and former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo visited New Hampshire in June. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul was also supposed to appear in the state in late June, but the event was postponed due to Senate votes. Advertisement Not wanting to be overshadowed by other states, a group of New Hampshire Democrats announced Monday they're launching a town hall series featuring potential 2028 contenders. The effort, backed by longtime Democratic figures Jim Demers (an early backer of Barack Obama) and Billy Shaheen (Senator Shaheen's husband), will kick off next month with Representative Ro Khanna of California in Manchester. Of course, all of this is unfolding more than a year before the 2026 midterms, which can be a vehicle for potential presidential candidates to curry favor. Democrats haven't even filled out slates for major gubernatorial or congressional contests across the country. Still, none of that is slowing the race ahead. James Pindell is a Globe political reporter who reports and analyzes American politics, especially in New England.
Politico
14-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
Republicans lining up against Pritzker
Good Monday morning, Illinois. We're looking at a busy week. 🎤🌈 We'll be live at the Hideout on Thursday with Brian Johnson — a force in Chicago's LGBTQ+ scene. Come for the wisdom, stay for the vibes. Sign up here TOP TALKER THE NEXT BOUT: As Gov. JB Pritzker prepares to be formally slated for reelection by Cook County Democrats this week, a handful of Republican hopefuls are working to challenge him. It's no secret that unseating Pritzker will be an uphill battle. He's the incumbent and a billionaire who will be self-funding his third campaign at a time when Illinois Republicans face a dearth of GOP financial support. Still, a few Republicans are looking to get in the ring. Ted Dabrowski and Aaron Del Mar are testing the waters, speaking with GOP insiders and potential donors about mounting campaigns. They would face DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, who's already jumped in, and Joseph Severino who's posted in social media that he's running, too. Darren Bailey, who challenged Pritzker in 2024, hasn't made any decisions yet about 2026. Jeanne Ives, who ran in 2018, says she's not running. And though state Rep. Dan Ugaste and Posen Park District Supervisor Phil Perez toyed with the idea, neither will run for governor in 2026. Mendrick, a law-and-order candidate, has raised just $127,000 since he announced in February, according to filings with the state. Dabrowski and Del Mar, who are better known around the state for their work in policy and politics, would likely have an easier time raising funds. Del Mar is recognized in party circles across the state as he's a former co-chair of the Illinois GOP and current Cook County Republican chair who ran as lieutenant governor alongside Gary Rabine in 2022. Dabrowski is president of Wirepoints Corp., the conservative-leaning media company. While he lacks campaign experience, he's a former banking executive and policy wonk whose fiscal message could resonate at a time of economic uncertainty. Severino has made two unsuccessful bids for Congress, first as a Republican and then as an Independent. Along with the money challenge, messaging will be an issue for GOP candidates as Pritzker and his Democratic Party will blame Republicans and President Donald Trump for the megabill that's giving tax breaks to the wealthy and cutting Medicaid and food assistance programs. THE BUZZ ABOUT 2027: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is running for reelection in 2026, but she also fueled rumors last week that she might make a run for Chicago mayor in 2027. No joke: Last week, Pappas was the surprise celebrity guest performing monologues at IO Theater's The Armando Diaz Experience, a weekly improv show. Armando, as it's called, started in 1995 and is billed as the longest running improv show in Chicago. What we hear: Pappas spoke about politics, fashion, bargain hunting and healthy living during her set. Actors then improvised scenes based on Pappas' monologues. During one segment, Pappas, an admitted exercise junkie, said she was going to challenge the mayor. She said it while doing the splits and a yoga move, so it's not exactly clear if the challenge is about athletics or the mayor's race. Watch it here If you are Gary Rabine, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON No official public events Where's Toni In Philadelphia for the National Association of Counties conference Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — SCOOP: U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton is expected to be endorsed today by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, as well as a group of south suburban Democratic leaders and the Proviso Township Democrats. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Raja Krishnamoorthi, another Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, is out with his list of suburban endorsements, which includes 40 elected officials from Cook County to downstate. The full list is here. Related: Krishnamoorthi says he's the right Senate candidate to take on Trump, by Lee Enterprises' Brenden Moore — Trump's 'big bill' takes center stage in Illinois' U.S. Senate race: 'Democratic candidates want Illinoisans to 'understand the ripple effects' of cuts, by Capitol News' Ben Szalinski. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Daniel Biss, a Democrat running for the open seat in the 9th Congressional District, has been endorsed by a group of suburban elected officials from Niles, Skokie and Morton Grove, including Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti. Details here — Endorsement: Heat and Frost Insulators Local 17 endorsed Robert Peters for Congress in the 2nd District Democratic primary. — In IL-13: Democratic candidate Dylan Blaha has been endorsed by Peace Action. Blaha is an Army National Guard captain challenging Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. — State Senate race: Will County Board member Julie Berkowicz, a Naperville Republican, has announced plans to run for the state Senate seat representing District 21, which covers portions of Will and DuPage counties. The position is currently held by Democratic state Sen. Laura Ellman, by the Tribune's Michelle Mullins. — Fundraising numbers: Nick Uniejewski, a candidate for Illinois state Senate in the 6th District, raised $34,281 from more than 200 individual contributors, according to a statement ahead of this week's quarterly filings. — State Sen. Julie Morrison, a Democrat from the 29th District in the northern suburbs, announced her campaign for re-election to the Illinois Senate. She's served in the General Assembly since 2013. — That's a lot: The Democratic National Committee and Association of State Democratic Committees wrapped up its 'People Town Hall' series after events in Illinois and all 49 other states, according to the DNC. The point: To call attention to health-care made by the GOP-controlled Congress. SPOTTED — Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders held a fundraiser in Barrington the other day at the home of Rick and Alisa Heidner. Among the attendees were Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, state Sen. Andrew Chesney, political strategist Brett Corrigan, businessman and 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Gary Rabine, possible 2026 gubernatorial candidate Aaron Del Mar, Illinois National Republican Committee member Dean White, former Chicago GOP Chair Eloise Gerson and McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio. THE STATEWIDES — Illinois Head Start leader tells providers to hold off on Trump edict: 'President Donald Trump's administration is proposing a ban on federally funded programs for anyone who can't show legal status, including babies in the Head Start child care program,' by the Sun-Times' Lauren FitzPatrick. — Illinois opioid settlements share could be at least $23M: 'Nine states will share in a total of $720 million in a deal with eight drug-makers. Illinois has collected about $1.4 billion of the $50 billion nationwide in opioid settlements,' by the Sun-Times' Kade Heather. — Helping in Texas: An Urban Search and Rescue team from Illinois is in Texas to assist after the recent deadly flooding there. This group includes 39 rescuers from fire departments deployed as part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, according to a statement. — Pritzker hammers State Farm, calls for legislative action after rate hike, via NBC 5 — Illinois could be at risk of a recession, by Scott Cohn for CNBC — State officials declare Illinois measles outbreak over, by the Sun-Times' Violet Miller CHICAGO — SPOTTED: Mayor Brandon Johnsons on the drums at Gospel Fest. Watch here — Upcoming Chicago budget looks to be the 'grimmest' for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council: 'The mayor's major options for finding new, significant money are limited without state approval, raising the possibility of a property tax hike,' by the Tribune's A.D. Quig. — Shootings, homicides in Chicago are both down more than 30 percent through the first half of 2025: police say, by WTTW's Matt Masterson — Chicago Public Schools lays off more than 1,450 staff — including teachers: CPS' gap is at about $500 million, which means 'additional cuts could still be on the horizon,' reports Chalkbeat's Reema Amin and Thomas Wilburn. — Chicago's safety net hospitals face potential service cuts, layoffs after signing of 'big, beautiful' tax bill: 'As a state, Illinois stands to lose about $48 billion in federal funding for Medicaid over 10 years, according to KFF, a nonprofit organization focused on health policy,' by the Tribune's Lisa Schencker. — Chicago father becomes face of lawsuit against ICE as judge hears challenge to warrantless arrests, by the Tribune's Laura Rodríguez Presa and Nell Salzman — PLAY BALL: Chicago aldermen will compete in a 16-inch charity softball game against the Chicago Police Knights Baseball Team on July 20. Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd) is organizing. Details here COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Legislation addresses municipalities' ability to demand real estate developers help fund school construction projects: The measure awaits governor's signature, by the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau — Red-light cameras losing steam in the suburbs, by the Daily Herald's Jake Griffin — After Northwestern scientist questioned for China ties died by suicide, family sues and speaks out, via NBC News PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — There's a move to remove tollway infrastructure, which can slow traffic, by the Daily Herald's Marni Pyke — China is working on a levitating train that could get you from New York to Chicago in 2 hours, via Futurism — How Meigs Field became a park, by Victoria Agronsky for Simple Flying TAKING NAMES — Deborah Rutter, former president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has been named Duke University's vice provost for the arts. Her term begins Sept. 1. Rutter is also the former president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. — Rod Blagojevich reminisced about Richard Nixon, 'a great guy & great president,' via post. Reader Digest We asked if politicians wore NASCAR-style suits with their donors' logos, whose outfit would stand out? Terry Poulos: 'Donald Trump and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).' Timothy Thomas: 'Brandon Johnson wearing a Chicago Teachers Union logo.' NEXT QUESTION: Whose political office would make the best reality TV show? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Robin Kelly on the Black maternity mortality crisis, by POLITICO's Cheyanne Daniels THE NATIONAL TAKE — Trump's landmark legislation is creating a budget nightmare for states, by POLITICO's Liz Crampton, Nick Reisman and your Playbook host — 5 big questions hanging over competitive U.S. Senate races, by POLITICO's Aaron Pellish, Jordain Carney and Elena Schneider — A surprise IRS move on political endorsements leaves faith leaders and legal experts divided, by The Associated Press' Deepa Bharath and Fatima Hussein WEEKEND WEDDING — Summer Lovin': Chicago Ald. Julia Ramirez and Victor Ramos tied the knot Saturday at the McKinley Community Play Garden before celebrating at SoLuna with family and friends, including Ramirez's fellow City Council members Mike Rodriguez, Nicole Lee and Jeylú Gutiérrez; state Rep. Theresa Mah; County Commissioner Alma Anaya; and Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar. Transitions — Brittney May is joining Ameren Corporation as a federal government relations representative. She most was the senior legislative affairs manager at the National Hydropower Association and is a State Department and House Ways and Means Committee alum. EVENTS — Aug. 1: 🌽 It's Sweet Corn Day in Savanna, courtesy of an event organized by House Republican Leader Toni McCombie. Details here TRIVIA FRIDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Rick Bryant for correctly answering that Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln, was president of the Pullman Company. TODAY's QUESTION: Who's the Illinois political leader enshrined in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for once out-wrestling Jack Armstrong? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Educational consultant William Hogan, Descript Content Marketing Director Brandon Copple, Hillel International Associate VP for Grantmaking Rachel Giattino, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel for the Cook County Clerk's Office James Gleffe, Codeverse co-founder Katy Lynch, Sun-Times political reporter Tina Sfondeles, journalist Phil Rosenthal and journalist and Nieman fellow Daniel Strauss -30-
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Milo's Deli in Franklinton to reopen after 11-year closure
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Franklinton deli is returning to the Columbus neighborhood more than 10 years after it closed. Milo's Deli is reopening later this summer at 401 W. Town St., owner Louie Pappas announced on social media. The deli is taking over the space previously home to Strongwater Food & Spirits, which closed in 2023 before being purchased by Pappas. Since then, Pappas has continued to operate Strongwater's event venue through his own catering business, Milo's Catering. Chapman's Eat Market in German Village to close after five years 'Franklinton has long been home for the Pappas family operations, and we're thrilled to be back with the reimagining of Milo's Deli,' the company's site states. The original deli opened in 1998 at 980 W. Broad St. but closed 16 years later in 2014 as the catering business continued to grow. The West Broad Street property remains under Pappas' ownership as the headquarters for Milo's Catering. Pappas is the brother of Michael Pappas, the owner of Franklinton's Tommy's Diner at 914 W. Broad St. The diner was founded more than 30 years ago by the brothers' father, Athanasios 'Tommy' Pappas, who died in December last year. Tommy's was featured earlier in 2024 on Guy Fieri's Food Network show 'Diners, Dive-ins and Dives.' What will happen to 5th Ave Floral Company's iconic neon sign in Columbus Milo's site states they're currently in the process of building out the space and menu, with an exact opening to be announced at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Christian Urrutia launches N.H. Democratic campaign for Congressional District 1
Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up Urrutia said leaders need to prioritize affordability for everyday Americans in housing, education, and childcare, and he emphasized his support for Advertisement In the Democratic primary, Urrutia is up against former Obama administration official Only one Republican candidate, Advertisement This contest is sure to be closely watched. The district has flipped back and forth between Republicans and Democrats over the past two decades, so it is generally regarded as a true battleground. The race also involves many well-known names in New Hampshire politics. Sullivan finished second behind Pappas in the 2018 Democratic primary, and Shaheen is the daughter of Urrutia acknowledged his copartisans in a When asked how he intends to build name recognition, Urrutia said he will spend the coming months connecting directly with voters, with a ground game that resembles that of presidential candidates who compete in New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation presidential primary. 'This is a state that loves grassroots candidates,' he said. 'We're going to run an unabashed grassroots campaign. … We're not going to hide behind any screens.' Urrutia, the son of immigrants, grew up in Hudson and now lives in Moultonborough with his wife, Jenn, and their dog, Winston, who attended his campaign kickoff event Tuesday morning at Arms Park in Manchester overlooking the Merrimack River. Urrutia spoke to a group of roughly a dozen supporters about his experience working on Advertisement 'If people are interested in a change candidate that doesn't hew to what the party insiders have said they have to say, that is willing to challenge convention, that is willing to speak boldly about the problems this country is facing, I think they will like what I have to say,' he said. Urrutia, a captain in the New Hampshire Army National Guard, serves as a judge advocate, who defends soldiers through trial defense services. He was previously appointed by Biden to serve as special counsel at the Pentagon, where he served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. So far Pappas has an unobstructed path to the Democratic nomination in the Senate race, as his potential challengers have opted not to run and Senator Shaheen has endorsed him as her preferred successor. Meanwhile, the leading contender for the Republican nomination in the Senate race is Steven Porter can be reached at
