FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS2
— Chicago volunteers hold 11th annual Sleepout for Homelessness. DD: The Democrat Party platform promotes homelessness.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/chicago-volunteers-hold-11th-annual-sleepout-for-homelessness/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Ted Dabrowski
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/candidate-questionnaires/ted-dabrowski-carrie-mendoza-illinois-governor-primary
— DD: Robin Kelly, U.S. Congresswoman and candidate for U.S. Senate, is a member of the Illinois Democrat Party State Central Committee (SCC). Seventeen members of the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) SCC, one from each congressional district, govern the IRP. What congressional district do you live in? Who represents you on the IRP SCC? Are they/can they run again? If they are not running again, who is? What do you know about them? What are their qualifications? Application information is at: https://illinois.gop/2026-state-central-committee-application/ Beyond tragically, the application form does not ask applicants to list what they have done a) to defend and advance the Republican Party platform or b) help elect Republican candidates. If I would run for IRP SCC for the 3rd Congressional District, which I am not, I would stress a) that I have been a Republican Precinct Committeeman (RPC) since 1999, b) that I have been the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, c) that I served as the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012, d) that I served as an Illinois Center Right Coalition (ICRC) officer 2003-2007, e) that I served on the IRP State Convention Platform and Resolution Committee and promoted direct election of IRP SCC members in 2008, f) that I have attended as a delegate all the IRP State Conventions since 2000, g) that I served as the Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) webmaster 2000-2004 and 2008-2010, h) that I served as a director of the American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter 2001-2004, i) etc. Application requires a letter of recommendation from an elected Republican official who resides in Illinois. My critics/opponents in the IRP, DuPage County Republican Central Committee (DCRCC), and MTRO would stress the many big adverse actions they have their operative and their dupes take against me since 2000 including a) baring me from attending their DCRCC fundraiser on February 27 as the GOPUSA Illinois Editor unless I paid $75, b) throwing me off their IRP State Convention Platform and Resolutions Committee in 2024, c) ending my role as the Republican Party fundraiser for Wheaton Independence Day parades and fireworks in 2021, d) gerrymandering my precinct in 2015, e) ending my TAPROOT chairmanship in 2012, f) ending my service as the MTRO webmaster in 2010 and 2004, g) ending my ICRC Steering Committee membership in 2007, h) almost getting ICRC to censure me for my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters in 2006, i) defeating my bid to serve as MTRO treasure in 2004, j) having someone run against me for RPC in 2000. My critics/opponents would also stress the many big adverse actions that my Democrat superiors in the federal government took against me. They would stress not only that I am not a veteran but that I avoided the Vietnam War draft. My “Republican” critics/opponents have a lot in common with my Democrat superiors in the federal government. My critics/opponents reject some, many, most, virtually all, if not all the planks in the Republican Party platform. My critics/opponents blame me and blame my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems. They especially blame me and blame my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters for all the defeats that Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct have suffered since 2000. Although not recently, I have attended many IRP SCC meetings since 2000. I promote direct election of IRP SCC members. My critics/opponents vehemently oppose that. My critics/opponents have their operatives and their dupes destroy those like me a) who they cannot manipulate or dominate, b) who refuse to glorify and praise them, c) who refuse to pander to them, d) who refuse to serve as one of their operatives or dupes, e) who refuse to coverup their wrong doing, and/or f) who refuse to give them money.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/candidate-questionnaires/robin-kelly-illinois-primary-united-states-senate
— ALL OF THE FRONT PAGE: DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/20/ofelia-giselle-torres-hidalgo-funeral-cancer-battle-immigration
RIVER BENDER
— DD: Democrat Leaders Praise Supreme Court Decision On Tariffs
https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/illinois-leaders-praise-supreme-court-decision-on-tariffs-president-trump-says-he-will-sign-a-10percent-global-tariff-order-90976.cfm
WRMJ
— Local State Sen. Anderson Pushes To Outlaw Abortion, Loses Republican Leadership Spots. DD: Because I support the Hyde Amendment, my critics/opponents have always demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as being an extremist. I should write about my critics/opponents. I would focus on those who are/were: a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization, b) Republican elected officials in Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, c) Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct, d) conservative leaders, and e) religious leaders.
https://wrmj.com/local-state-sen-anderson-pushes-to-outlaw-abortion-loses-republican-leadership-spots/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A local Illinois lawmaker pushing to end abortions in the state has stepped down from Illinois Senate GOP leadership. State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) filed a bill that would define preborn children at any stage of biological development as people. The measure also says that anyone who has an abortion could be charged with murder. Anderson also filed a bill to reinstate the death penalty for first-degree murder. Illinois Senate Republican leader John Curran says the bill has no support. “I don’t support his proposal; no other Republican legislator supports his proposal, House or Senate,” said Curran. “It’s an extreme proposal. I do not view it as a pro-life proposal; I view it as an anti-woman proposal about punishment.” As a result of both proposals, Anderson was forced to resign from Senate Republican leadership.)
FOX ILLINOIS
— Supreme Court ruling offers little relief for Republicans divided on Trump’s tariffs. Some Republicans seemed relieved at the news that the Supreme Court had struck down President Donald Trump’s global tariff regime.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/supreme-court-ruling-offers-little-relief-for-republicans-divided-on-trumps-tariffs/article_99e67e6f-b323-52bc-82b6-b80abb115784.html
JOURNAL & TOPICS
— DD: Are/were you a member of any underperforming group? My critics/opponents have always attributed my successes in life to my benefitting from discrimination against underperforming groups. They ignore/dismiss/belittle the fact a) that neither of my parents attended college, b) that my father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma, c) that he never earned more than $50,000/year in today’s dollars, d) that he almost always worked second jobs to pay the family’s bills, e) that he died suddenly when he was 47 and I was 21, f) that my mother never attended high school, and g) that I had to work my way through college.
https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/dist-62-schools-all-rated-commendable-as-district-sheds-underperforming-labels/
(ACCORDING TO GOOGLE AI: Commonly Identified Underperforming Demographic Groups: Race/Ethnicity: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Native American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities are frequently cited as underperforming due to systemic, historical disadvantages. Socioeconomic Status: Students from low-income households or families with lower education levels (first-generation). Language Proficiency: English Language Learners (ELL) or multilingual learners. Disability: Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other disabilities.)
Location: Residents in rural areas or specific high-poverty area
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— The DuPage County Election Division should highlight early voting data on its website. That data should include how many votes have been cast the day before, the week before, and cumulatively broken out by the number of Republican, Democrat, and NA ballots that were cast. Further, voters should be able to see the aforesaid data for their township and their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. – Dave Diersen
http:/www.gopillinois.com
ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Pritzker’s Budget Address: The Rhetoric and the Reality
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2026/02/pritzkers-budget-address-the-rhetoric-and-the-reality/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
NEW YORK POST
— IVF: DD: My Democrat GAO superiors viciously used against me my and my wife’s giving up trying to have children without trying IVF. They not only stressed that IVF was covered by my wife’s insurance, they hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I lied about our trying to have children. They ignored/dismissed/belittled our big fertility problems and our doctor’s advising us against it. They all decried the time and money they spent raising their children. They all decried their spouses having little or no income. According to them, if we had children, I would not have been able to a) pass the CPA examination, let alone pass it on my first attempt, b) earn a master’s degree in accounting, c) pass the Certified Internal Auditor examination, let alone pass it on my first attempt, d) become a licensed CPA, e) have a home built in Wheaton, f) buy collector cars, g) etc. They viciously demonized, denigrated, and condemned us as being disgusting selfish filthy rich DINKs. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, minority, female, or veteran.
https://nypost.com/2026/01/30/us-news/florida-couple-sues-fertility-clinic-after-alleged-embryo-mix-up-results-in-birth-of-non-caucasian-child-not-biologically-theirs/
BREITBART
— HUD Sec’y Turner Announces Crackdown on Illegal Aliens in Public Housing. DD: How many illegals do Democrat leaders have in public housing in your county, township, municipality, and school district?
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/02/20/exclusive-hud-secy-turner-announces-crackdown-on-illegal-aliens-in-public-housing/
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
— DHS Proposes Rule to Prioritize Americans’ Safety by Strengthening Screening of Asylum Seekers
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/02/20/dhs-proposes-rule-prioritize-americans-safety-strengthening-screening-asylum
FOX BUSINESS
— Transportation secretary orders sweeping CDL test changes in trucking crackdown: ‘English only’ DD: I doubt that I could ever had gotten a CDL or a truck driving job because my eyesight could never be corrected to 20/20 and I have partial red/green color blindness.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/transportation-secretary-orders-sweeping-cdl-test-changes-in-trucking-crackdown-english-only
— Is corporate America breaking up with DEI, or just taking its relationship underground?
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/corporate-america-happy-abandon-dei-practices
FOX NEWS
— Trump admin slams Dems’ ‘call 911 on ICE’ push as reckless, links policy to riots and violent arrests
https://www.aol.com/articles/trump-admin-slams-dems-call-100018688.html
— Washington Post joins other news outlets in laying off race-based journalists. DD: Democrat and RINO employers use Affirmative Action and DEI a) to not hire Republicans and b) to get rid of their Republican employees.
https://www.aol.com/articles/washington-post-joins-other-news-120017755.html
TOWNHALL
— In Record Time, Voters Are Regretting Electing Socialist Mamdani. DD: Of course, I take as a badge of honor that my critics/opponents had not been able to get anyone to run against me for Republican Precinct Committeeman since 2000.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/02/20/voters-revolt-against-mamdanis-tax-plan-n2671635
— DC Water CEO: ‘We Had Too Many White Men in Charge’
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2026/02/20/based-on-these-remarks-no-wonder-why-dc-water-is-a-total-trainwreck-n2671547
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— Trump administration unveils plans to dramatically restrict work permits for asylum-seekers. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. My critics/opponents cannot say that because they did not have to take bad jobs like I did.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/asylum-seeker-work-permits-trump-administration-restrictions/
NBC NEWS
— IVF: DD: My Democrat GAO superiors viciously used against me my and my wife’s giving up trying to have children without trying IVF. They not only stressed that IVF was covered by my wife’s insurance, they hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I lied about our trying to have children. They ignored/dismissed/belittled our big fertility problems and our doctor’s advising us against it. They all decried the time and money they spent raising their children. They all decried their spouses having little or no income. According to them, if we had children, I would not have been able to a) pass the CPA examination, let alone pass it on my first attempt, b) earn a master’s degree in accounting, c) pass the Certified Internal Auditor examination, let alone pass it on my first attempt, d) become a licensed CPA, e) have a home built in Wheaton, f) buy collector cars, g) etc. They viciously demonized, denigrated, and condemned us as being disgusting selfish filthy rich DINKs. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, minority, female, or veteran.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/couple-alleges-ivf-clinic-mixed-embryos-continue-court-battle-find-chi-rcna259738
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/20/us/texas-ban-lgbtq-clubs.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight efforts to stop voter fraud, that is, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote voter fraud.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/17/us/politics/republicans-vote-fraud-id-midterms.html
LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Trump administration plan could restrict work permits for asylum seekers for years. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. My critics/opponents cannot say that because they did not have to take bad jobs like I did.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-20/trump-administration-plan-could-indefinity-restrict-work-permits-for-asylum-seekers
KXAN
— Texas’ most populous counties see higher numbers of early voters. DD: The DuPage County Election Division should highlight early voting data on its website. That data should include how many votes have been cast the day before, the week before, and cumulatively broken out by the number of Republican, Democrat, and NA ballots that were cast. Further, voters should be able to see the aforesaid data for their township and their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/texas-most-populous-counties-see-001131314.html
KDH NEWS
— Nearly 5,000 Bell County early voters cast ballots in first two days. DD: The DuPage County Election Division should highlight early voting data on its website. That data should include how many votes have been cast the day before, the week before, and cumulatively broken out by the number of Republican, Democrat, and NA ballots that were cast. Further, voters should be able to see the aforesaid data for their township and their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends.
https://kdhnews.com/news/region/nearly-5-000-bell-county-early-voters-cast-ballots-in-first-two-days/article_e7e44375-c3ea-5259-a022-bc8e8ec8c6b7.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Data Crusader Trying to Save Illinois. Ted Dabrowski knows how the state got off track, but he’s the underdog in the GOP primary for governor.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-data-crusader-trying-to-save-illinois-30426ef7
— Trump Demeans Himself as He Attacks the Supreme Court
He calls the Justices who ruled against him ‘very unpatriotic’ and ‘fools.’
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/donald-trump-supreme-court-tariffs-ieepa-john-roberts-brett-kavanaugh-90daf559
— DD: Democrat and RINO employers use Affirmative Action and DEI a) to not hire Republicans and b) to get rid of their Republican employees.
https://www.wsj.com/business/dei-rules-that-changed-corporate-boards-are-vanishing-cab9ec12
BLOOMBERG LAW
— DHS Plans to Restrict Work Authorization for Asylum. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. My critics/opponents cannot say that because they did not have to take bad jobs like I did.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/dhs-plans-to-restrict-work-authorization-for-asylum-seekers
PRINCTON
— What Counts as Relevant Work Experience? DD: GAO audits IRS. I worked for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2/years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $100,059-$113,402/year. After I transferred from IRS to GAO, my Democrat GAO superiors succeeded in keeping me off audits of IRS for my first 6 years. But then, the GAO manager who had arranged for my transfer was finally able to assign me to audits of IRS for 3 years and to promote me to GS-13, currently $118,984-$154,684year. But then, my Democrat GAO superiors forced him to retire and pulled out all the stops to get rid of me. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, minority, female. or veteran.
https://spia.princeton.edu/blogs/what-counts-relevant-work-experience-0
INDEED
— Education vs. Experience: What Do Employers Value More? DD: My Democrat superiors always ignored/dismissed/belittled/badmouthed my education and work experience. They ignored/dismissed/belittled/badmouthed what I learned earning a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license. They ignored/dismissed/belittled/badmouthed what I learned working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2/years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $100,059-$113,402/year. They ignored/dismissed/belittled/badmouthed what I learned working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 Levels, currently $118,984-$154,682/year. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, minority, female. or veteran.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/experience-vs-education
HUFFINGTON POST
— F-Bomb After F-Bomb Dumped On Donald Trump In U.S. Senate Hopeful’s Campaign Ad. Juliana Stratton’s supporters — including a couple of high-profile names — let rip on the president in the video.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/juliana-stratton-campaign-ad-donald-trump_n_69981445e4b041f92b400e3b/amp
FROM OTHER SOURCES
EXP REALITY: DD: FOR SALE IN MY WHEATON PRECINCT:
— 1519 Foothill Drive – $1,799,000
https://leeernst.exprealty.com/details.php?mls=103&mlsid=12516679
— 1021 Greenwood Drive – $1,685,000
https://leeernst.exprealty.com/property/103-12488277-1021-greenwood-drive-wheaton-IL-60189
Tag: political
February 19, 2026 Evening Edition
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Tudor Dixon, former Michigan gubernatorial candidate, will keynote the DuPage County Republican Central Committee annual Lincoln Day fundraiser on February 27. Event sponsors are: HYDE SPONSOR: Rick Heidner For Illinois Governor, LINCOLN SPONSOR: AM560 TheAnswer, PATRIOT SPONSOR: El Gerson for Ted Dabrowski for IL Governor, John Curran, IL Senate Republican Leader, James Zay, DuPage County Board Member 5, Seth Lewis, State Senator 24th District, Jennifer Davis, Candidate for Congress IL-08, Gary Grasso, Candidate for DuPage County Board Chairman, Patricia Kladis-Schiappa, Candidate for DuPage County Clerk, AMERICA SPONSOR: Bob Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney, Don Tracy, Candidate for US Senate, Jeff Walter, Candidate for Congress IL-11, Sean Noonan Candidate for DuPage County Sheriff, Kari Galassi, DuPage County Board Member 3, Jeff Castle Milton Township Republican Chairman & DuPage County GOP Secretary, Josh McBroom Financial Group, DUPAGE SPONSOR: Hon. S. Louis Rathje, Hon. Kirk Dillard, Former State Rep. & DuPage County GOP Chairman, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, Candidate for IL Governor, Amber Quirk, Regional Superintendent of Schools, Dan Ugaste, State Rep. 65, Greg Boltz, Downers Grove Township Assessor, Krishna & Meghna Bansal, Bryan Drew, Candidate for IL Comptroller, Niki Conforti, Candidate for Congress IL-06, Julie Berkowicz, Candidate for State Senate 21, Laura Hois, Candidate for State Rep. 81, Robert “Rusty” Stevens, Candidate for State Rep. 46, Ajay Gupta, Candidate for State Rep. 41, Eddie Moore, Candidate for DuPage County Sheriff, Carl Schultz, Candidate for DuPage County Forest Preserve President, Daniel Lomeli, Candidate for DuPage County Board 5, Theresa McClear, Candidate for DuPage County Board 2, Mark Senak, Candidate for Illinois 3rd District Appellate Court, Roger Claar, Former Bolingbrook Mayor, Bill Eagan, CPA, Steve Milltello, TABLE SPONSORS: Kevin Coyne, DuPage County GOP Chairman, Gwen Henry, DuPage County Treasurer, Carol Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Michael Flynn, IL SCC-03 Deputy, Michael Pierce, Candidate for Congress IL-11, Bloomingdale Township Republicans, Downers Grove Township Republicans, Milton Township Republicans, Naperville Township Republicans, Wayne Township Republicans, York Township Republicans, Jennifer Sanalitro, State Rep. 48, Nicole LaHa, State Rep. 82 – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
DAILY HERALD
— School shooting survivor and gun control advocate David Hogg will be the keynote speaker at the Democratic Party of DuPage County’s annual gala on Sunday. Other scheduled speakers include U.S. Senate candidates Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly and Kevin Ryan, as well as other candidates in the March 17 primary election.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260219/us-congress-politics/school-shooting-survivor-to-speak-at-dupage-democratic-event-sunday/
— Krishnamoorthi among nation’s top U.S. Senate fundraisers
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260219/us-congress-politics/krishnamoorthi-among-top-u-s-senate-fundraisers-with-weeks-until-primary/
— Cook County’s top prosecutor lays out road map for charging federal agents
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260219/crime/cook-countys-top-prosecutor-lays-out-road-map-for-charging-federal-agents-2/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Cook County top prosecutor circulates policy outlining process for charging federal immigration agents
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/law-enforcement-charging-protocol-immigration/
ABC7
— DD: Democrats fought to keep slavery. Republicans fought to end it. Today’s Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Republicans for slavery. My critics/opponents have always stressed that all my ancestors immigrated during the 1840s and 1850s. In their defense, I have always stressed that they always lived in northeast Illinois and that they always voted Republican.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/slavery-displays-are-being-restored-presidents-house-site-philadelphias-independence-mall/18620820/
NPR ILLINOIS
— HUD rule could push families with undocumented immigrants out of their homes. DD: How many illegals are Democrats harboring in their homes in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-19/hud-rule-could-push-families-with-undocumented-immigrants-out-of-their-homes
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote their foreign students.
https://www.nprillinois.org/equity-justice/2026-02-19/international-college-students-have-to-balance-education-with-political-realities
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat employers use Affirmative Action and DEI a) to not hire Republicans and b) to get rid of their Republican employees.
https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7559/505255094
CHICAGO MAGAZINE
— The 50 Most Powerful Chicagoans. DD: Uihlein is No. 2, Fuentes is No. 7, Tom Ricketts is No. 24, James Perry Jr. is No. 28
https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/march-2026/the-50-most-powerful-chicagoans/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/19/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-471/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
JEFF CASTLE
— VIDEO: Important Information regarding the Milton Twp Highway Dept Tax Increase
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1433273224862229
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Both Republican candidates for Illinois Secretary of State are Republican Precinct Committeemen (RPC). I might not have been elected RPC in 2000 if Peter Roskam and Randy Hultgren had not endorsed me in writing. Anti-conservative DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton “Republican” leaders had recruited a woman who had never been active in Republican politics to run against me even though I was officially serving as the precinct’s appointed RPC and I had served as the precinct’s Assistant RPC before that. I should write about the aforesaid “Republican” leaders who have taken and continue to take the most/biggest adverse actions against me since 2000. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— New DHS policy allows for refugees to be rearrested after a year in U.S.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/new-dhs-policy-allows-refugees-rearrested-year-us/
— Trump cracks down on illegal immigrants getting housing assistance
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/trump-cracks-illegal-immigrants-getting-housing-assistance/
— DOGE defeat: Congress has rejected most of Trump’s spending cuts
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/doge-defeat-congress-rejected-trumps-spending-cuts/
— The District’s DEI hiring obsession led to largest wastewater spill in U.S. history. DC Water focused more on race, gender and sex than sewer maintenance.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/districts-dei-hiring-obsession-led-largest-wastewater-spill-us/
— Young Americans deserve real history, not political indoctrination. Declining national pride reflects failures in education, civic teaching and historical truth.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/young-americans-deserve-real-history-political-indoctrination/
— Was climate change the greatest financial scandal in history? Many people got very rich, with no measurable public benefit.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/climate-change-greatest-financial-scandal-history/
— It’s time to take a stand against ‘woke AI’ before it compromises our reality
https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/opinion/miranda-devine-its-time-to-take-a-stand-against-woke-ai-before-it-compromises-our-reality/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Democrat Juliana Stratton gets direct in Illinois Senate ad: ‘F*** Trump’
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/4464034/democrat-juliana-stratton-illinois-senate-trump-ad/
BREITBART
— Democrats Lambasted for Ignoring Christian Ash Wednesday to Highlight Islamic, Chinese Tradition
https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2026/02/19/heathens-democrat-party-lambasted-for-ignoring-christianitys-ash-wednesday-to-highlight-islamic-and-chinese-traditions/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Democrats to Boycott State of the Union With Progressive Activists
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/19/12-democrats-announce-boycott-of-trump-state-of-the-union/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— DD: Pritzker ever-increasingly blames Trump for inflation.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5746275-pritzker-attacks-trump-policies/
NBC NEWS
— Illinois Democrat tries to bleep her way through a tough Senate primary with a new expletive-laden anti-Trump ad. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton’s new ad full of F-bombs is the latest move in a contest that has centered on the president.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/illinois-democrat-juliana-stratton-senate-primary-trump-ad-rcna259761
OKLAHOMAN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly hint/imply/argue/shout a) that Jesus loves illegals and b) that therefore, Jesus despises/hates/condemns Americans who are conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-poor, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/religion/2026/02/19/citing-biblical-principles-oklahoma-clergy-call-for-immigration-reform/88741635007/
February 18, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— In State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker pitches affordability and Illinois resilience to Trump
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/pritzker-illinois-2026-state-of-the-state/
— League of Women Voters of Central Kane County urges early mail-in voting amid USPS changes
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/league-of-women-voters-of-central-kane-county-urges-early-mail-in-voting-amid-usps-changes/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Arrigo Park’s Columbus statue to be replaced by one of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. A statue of Cabrini, the first American saint, will stand upon a pedestal left vacant since 2020, when the city removed the park’s Christopher Columbus statue.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/02/18/arrigo-parks-columbus-statue-saint-frances-xavier-cabrini
DAILY HERALD
— Three of the four Republicans running for Illinois’ 11th Congressional District seat have expressed doubts that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260218/us-congress-politics/gop-congressional-candidates-express-doubts-about-bidens-2020-white-house-win/
— GOP candidates in 6th Congressional District differ on immigration; one says close borders to all
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260218/us-congress-politics/gop-candidates-in-6th-congressional-district-differ-on-immigration-one-says-close-borders-to-all/\\
— Woman’s hospitalization following Bailey campaign launch stirs questions within GOP
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260218/illinois-state-politics/womans-hospitalization-following-bailey-campaign-launch-stirs-questions-within-gop/
ABC7
— Pritzker proposes $56B budget with minimal new spending, tax on social media companies. State faces challenging financial future amid federal funding cuts and new mandates.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-deliver-budget-address-springfield/18615380/
NBC5
— Pritzker: Trump ‘illegally confiscating’ federal money from Illinois
https://www.nbcchicago.com/video/news/local/pritzker-trump-illegally-confiscating-federal-money-from-illinois/3895916/
FOX32
— Illinois given 30 days to fix CDL violations or risk $128M in funding
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-klu0fo3j5euq3c92
— US Senate candidates spar over $25 minimum wage. DD: I did not start earning $25/hour in today’s dollars until after I had earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in 1970. My critics/opponents have always painted me as being overpaid.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-g35txz1b449jg0cu
— Illinois bill would lower legal blood alcohol limit for drivers
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-bill-lower-legal-blood-alcohol-limit-drivers
— Bill would guarantee paid sick leave for all US workers if passed. DD: I had paid sick leave all during the almost 30 years that I worked for the federal government. My Civil Service Retirement System pension is higher because I got credit for my many unused sick days like I had worked them. My critics/opponents have always been furious about that. According to those on the right, the benefit was too generous. According to those on the left, federal jobs and their benefits should only be given to Democrats.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/guaranteed-paid-sick-leave-bill-healthy-families-act-bernie-sanders
WGN RADIO
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly treat Pat Brady like he is still the chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.
https://wgnradio.com/lisa-dent/pat-brady-jb-pritzkers-budget-address/
BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Rick Heidner touts Trump ties in bid to unseat Pritzker
https://pantagraph.com/news/local/government-politics/article_643b216f-62e7-4082-8718-187d90b12eb8.html
STATELINE
— Pritzker criticizes ICE raids; Republicans say governor encourages illegal immigration
https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/pritzker-criticizes-ice-raids-republicans-say-governor-encourages-illegal-immigration/
25 NEWS NOW
— Democrats praise Pritzker’s ‘roadmap,’ Republicans call budget ‘empty promises’ in partisan split
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/02/18/democrats-praise-pritzkers-roadmap-republicans-call-budget-empty-promises-partisan-split/
CWB CHICAGO
— 14-year-old boy shot as teen gathering turns violent in the Loop
https://cwbchicago.com/2026/02/14-year-old-boy-shot-as-teen-gathering-turns-violent-in-the-loop.html
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Democrats offer muted praise of Pritzker’s speech, Republicans dismiss ‘campaign’ rhetoric. Reactions largely fell along partisan lines, though there were some mixed feelings all around.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/democrats-offer-muted-praise-of-pritzkers-speech-republicans-dismiss-campaign-rhetoric/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/18/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-470/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois’ increased revenue because of federal economy, not state lawmakers
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-increased-revenue-because-of-federal-economy-not-state-lawmakers/
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— In your opinion, is it fair to stress the political positions that candidates’ spouses have? I have seen many cases in which once candidates are elected, they push their spouses’ political positions.
http://www.gopillinois.com
(GOOGLE AI: Spouses of political candidates often serve as influential, strategic partners who shape campaign narratives, engage voters, and expand outreach. While many spouses share aligned political views, they are not monoliths; they can hold independent opinions or, in some cases, bring diverse perspectives that create internal or public conflict.)
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump celebrates Black History Month at the White House. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors rudely replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events. He had less work experience than I had. He had less education than I had. He had one professional certification while I had six. He had no professional license like the one I had.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/18/trump-celebrates-black-history-month-white-house/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump endorsement tracker: Here’s who the president has picked in GOP midterm election primaries. DD: There are six U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/4460164/trump-endorsement-tracker-gop-2026-election-primaries/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Illinois will hold a Senate race this election cycle, though the field mainly consists of Democratic candidates. Trump has not endorsed the lone Republican, Don Tracy. Trump has endorsed Reps. Mike Bost, Mary Miller, and Darin LaHood for reelection. The three incumbents represent Illinois’ three Republican voting districts, which are primarily south of Chicago.)
— The canonization of Jesse Jackson
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/4462248/the-canonization-of-jesse-jackson/
— Jesse Jackson was not controversial, or liberal, according to the obituaries
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/4460851/jesse-jackson-death-obituary-nbc-controversial/
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Teachers Are Fomenting Anti-ICE Hysteria. Alleged ICE activity at schools is being used as a pretext to indoctrinate children.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/02/17/teachers-are-fomenting-anti-ice-hysteria/
BREITBART
— Illinois Illegally Issued One-in-Five Trucker Licenses to Non-Residents
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/02/18/report-illinois-illegally-issued-one-in-five-trucker-licenses-to-non-residents/
DAILY CALLER
— Professors Furious Over Being Told Not To Indoctrinate Students
https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/18/professors-furious-told-not-to-indoctrinate-students-out-of-control/
EPOCH TIMES
— More Than 550 Commercial Driving Schools to Close After Checks
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/more-than-550-commercial-driving-schools-to-close-after-checks-transportation-department-5987313
FEDERALIST
— While Democrats’ Anti-ICE Fury Escalates, Americans Show They Want Immigration Laws Enforced
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/18/while-democrats-anti-ice-fury-escalates-americans-show-they-want-immigration-laws-enforced/
— Affluent White Female Liberals Are Living In A Made-Up World
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/18/affluent-white-female-liberals-are-living-in-a-made-up-world/
FOX NEWS
— Duffy gives Illinois 30-day ultimatum after audit finds 1 in 5 noncitizen truck licenses issued illegally. Transportation secretary gives Pritzker 30-day ultimatum after audit finds drivers from El Salvador to Ukraine received improper commercial licenses.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/duffy-gives-illinois-30-day-ultimatum-after-audit-finds-1-5-noncitizen-truck-licenses-issued-illegally
NEW YORK POST
— Education Department scraps Biden-era race-based rules for doctoral degree grants
https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/education-department-scraps-biden-era-race-based-rules-for-doctoral-degree-grants/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ROLL CALL
— Vance pledges anti-abortion policies after White House deemed soft. DD: I should write about those abortion advocates who have taken the most/biggest adverse actions against me since 2000 because I oppose abortion. I would focus on those who are/were a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization, b) Republican elected officials in Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, c) Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct, d) conservative leaders, and e) religious leaders.
https://rollcall.com/2026/01/23/vance-pledges-anti-abortion-policies-after-white-house-deemed-soft/
MOTLEY FOOL
— What causes unemployment? DD: QUESTION: Why have I been unemployed since I was 49 in 1997? ANSWER: The many big adverse actions that my Democrat superiors in the federal government took against me. QUESTION: Why did they take those adverse actions against me? ANSWER: Because I opposed their political affiliation discrimination, their reverse discrimination, and their age discrimination. I became an active participant in a class action lawsuit that charged them with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation when I was 40 in 1988.
https://www.fool.com/terms/u/unemployment/
OKLAHOMAN
— Schools discipline over 100 students for anti-ICE walkout. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use their high school students to promote more hatred against Republicans. Have Democrat leaders already or will they promise high school students free rides in Ivy League universities if they walkout?
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/18/over-100-mustang-public-schools-students-given-in-school-suspension-for-anti-ice-walkout/88738114007/
FEDERAL NEWS NETWORK
— Lawmakers eyeing changes to federal benefits, hiring, pay. DD: I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO for almost 18 years, who ran IRS for almost 9 years, and who ran the Post Office for almost 3 years. You had to commit to promoting Affirmative Action (AA) and DEI big time to get promoted to GS-14 at GAO, to GS-13 at IRS, and to GS-5 at the Post Office. To promote AA and DEI is to promote race and gender based preference giving, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, and national origin discrimination.
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/congress/2026/02/lawmakers-eyeing-changes-to-federal-benefits-hiring-pay/
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
— How to Judge a Candidate. DD: If you ran for a government office, which of your qualifications would you stress. I would stress a) that I worked for GAO as an Analyst for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 Levels, currently $118,984-$154,682/year, b) that before that, I worked for IRS as a Revenue Officer for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $100,059-$113,402/year, c) that I became a CPA and a certified internal auditor (CIA), fraud examiner, government financial manager, financial services auditor, and forensic accountant, d) that I passed the CPA and CIA examinations on my first attempt, e) that I became a licensed CPA, and f) that I earned master’s degrees in business, accounting, and finance.
https://www.lwv.org/blog/how-judge-candidate
February 15, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/icirr-2026-illinois-coalition-immigrant-refugee-rights-summit-launching-state-campaign-ice-border-patrol-agenda/18601453/
https://abc7chicago.com/post/donald-trump-deportation-news-us-spent-40m-roughly-300-deportations-nations-other-own-democratic-report-says/18599935/
WGN9
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://wgntv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/bad-bunny-represents-u-s-better-than-trump-americans-say-in-poll/
FOX32
— ICE ramps up deportation push with 92,600 new beds in $38.3B expansion
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/ice-ramps-up-deportation-push-92600-new-beds-38-3b-expansion
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/14/protest-broadview-ice/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/14/chicago-teen-fought-cancer-dies/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Neighborhood, Loop protests are part of nationwide ‘spring surge to melt ICE’ Campus walkouts and a large cross-city gathering in Federal Plaza spotlight the continuing actions of the Trump administration against immigrants and U.S. citizens. “We’re just telling ICE to get out of our streets,” a high school freshman says. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use their high school students to fight deportation of their illegals.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/13/immigration-ice-trump-administration-protest-students-walkouts
— DD: Democrat leaders say that as Trump administration holds back funding, new taxes could be in store for Illinois.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/14/illlinois-democrats-budget-address-federal-tax-trump-rich-miller
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly equate their runaway slaves with their illegals.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/13/chicago-resistance-ice-operation-midway-blitz-deportation-campaign-fugitive-slave-act
DAILY HERALD
–DD: In its Sunday, February 15, 2026 hardcopy edition, the Daily Herald indorsed Bailey for governor.
https://www.dailyherald.com/
KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
— Kane County GOP to host annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser
https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/02/14/kane-county-gop-to-host-annual-lincoln-dinner-fundraiser/
— Kane County Democrats’ Truman Dinner speaker lineup includes Durbin, Duckworth, Krishnamoorthi
https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/02/14/kane-county-democrats-truman-dinner-speaker-lineup-includes-durbin-duckworth-krishnamoorthi/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly have their students walkout to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://www.aol.com/news/second-aurora-school-walkout-remains-005959824.html
SHAW LOCAL
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly have their students walkout to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2026/02/13/oswego-east-h-s-students-walk-out-of-school-friday-to-protest-actions-of-ice-agents/
CHICAGO TODAY
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly have their students walkout to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/il/chicago/news/2026/02/14/chicago-area-students-walk-out-to-protest-trump-policies/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— What would have sold more tickets for the DuPage County Republican Central Committee (DCRCC) February 27 fundraiser? Many more tickets would have been sold if the event included a straw poll. If I had been asked, I would have conducted one for the contested statewide and countywide races (U.S. Senate, Illinois Governor, Illinois Secretary of State, DuPage Sheriff, and 3rd District Appellate Court) like I did for the Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) in the past. DuPage County straw polls have had big impacts on races. Jack Ryan’s winning MTRO’s 2003 Oktoberfest fundraiser U.S. Senate straw poll helped him win the 2004 Illinois U.S. Senate primary. 600 attended the fundraiser and 400 voted in the straw poll. The fundraiser’s profit was $20,000+, that is, it was $35,000+ in today’s dollars. SEE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_United_States_Senate_election_in_Illinois – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS
— Wheaton College Professor Really Didn’t Like My Bad Bunny Article
https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com/read/2026/02/12/wheaton-college-professor-really-didnt-like-my-bad-bunny-article
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— New bill offers police and firefighters pension buyout option. DD: When I was 45 years old In 1993, my Democrat GAO superiors “offered” my coworkers including me a $25,000 ($56,000 in today’s dollars) buyout to get rid of us. We had to have at least 25 years of federal service which I did. Virtually all my workers who took that “offer” were older White males.
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/new-bill-offers-police-and-firefighters-pension-buyout-option/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Minneapolis prosecutors charge few anti-ICE protesters amid mass unrest
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/4457253/minneapolis-prosecutors-charge-few-anti-ice-protesters/
— It’s getting harder to walk down the aisle with someone from across the aisle. DD: Things that impressed me about my outstanding wife included that her first job after high school was working for the FBI. She soon became the Corporate Secretary for the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. She did much to help elect Big Jim Thompson governor in 1976.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/community-family/4457813/its-getting-harder-to-walk-down-the-aisle-with-someone-from-across-the-aisle/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: According to a new poll, 60% of Americans aged 18 to 29 say it is important that a romantic partner share their political views. Among baby boomers, only one-third feel the same way. Research from 2016 onward shows that roughly 60% of both Democrats and Republicans prefer to marry within their own party. This is a dramatic leap from 1958, when just 33% of Democrats and 25% of Republicans expressed such a preference.)
NEW YORK POST
— California dreamin’ migrants better off in front of SF judges than LA ones
https://nypost.com/2026/02/14/us-news/big-gap-in-california-immigration-asylum-cases-in-la-sf/
— Educators need to stop radicalizing kids
https://nypost.com/2026/02/14/opinion/educators-stop-radicalizing-kids/
AMERICAN ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION
— India’s caste system determines much about an individual’s opportunities, from marriage prospects to occupation. Such a long history of rigid social norms has also created a stigma around certain jobs and tasks. Defying these stereotypes may come with social and psychological costs. DD: What caste were you born into? Neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. He never made more than $50,000/year in today’s dollars He almost always worked second jobs to pay the family’s bills. He died suddenly when he was 47 and I was 21. My mother never attended high school. Because that dramatically lowered her earning potential, she stayed home and raised me and my brother.
https://www.aeaweb.org/research/charts/labor-supply-castes-india
AMERICAN THINKER
— Trump ends the era of fake asylum claims. Suddenly, the law now means what it says, thanks to Trump.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/02/trump_ends_the_era_of_fake_asylum_claims.html
— Why haven’t there been protests at Mayorkas’s house? After all, he was the architect of the immigration disaster plaguing America, and he implemented his plan during both Obama’s and Biden’s terms.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/02/why_haven_t_there_been_protests_at_mayorkas_s_house.html
— Trump didn’t declare defeat in Minneapolis; he switched to a smarter strategy. What he did was take a pragmatic look at the current board and adjust the pieces so that he can win the midterm.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/02/trump_didn_t_declare_defeat_in_minneapolis_he_switched_to_a_smarter_strategy.html
BREITBART
— Concealed Carry Permit Applications ‘Nearly Double,’ Gun Sales Up in Minnesota
https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/02/14/concealed-carry-permit-applications-nearly-double-gun-sales-up-minnesota/
FOX NEWS
— Chicago Teachers Union budgeting millions for ‘political activities.’ CTU’s November fiscal report shows union plans ‘Environmental Justice Freedom School’ and anti-Trump protests while student proficiency declines.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/chicago-teachers-union-budgeting-millions-political-activities-according-fiscal-report
— San Francisco residents band together to shut down reparations fund, claiming it’s ‘dividing’ the city.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/san-francisco-residents-band-together-shut-down-reparations-fund-claiming-its-dividing-city
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Penn State’s DEI requirement for faculty promotion prompts lawsuit. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran the Post Office for almost 3 years, to keep your job and to get promoted, you had to be a Democrat. While I worked for the Democrats who ran IRS for almost 9 years, to keep your job and to get promoted to GS-13, you had to be a Democrat. While worked for the Democrats who ran GAO for almost 18 years, to keep your job and to get promoted to GS-14, you had to be a Democrat. Further, to get promoted, you had to be a minority, female, younger, and/or veteran.
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/02/penn-states-dei-requirement-for-faculty-promotion-typical-among-us-universities/
NEWSMAX
— 50 GOP Senators Co-sponsoring SAVE America Act
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/mike-lee-save-america-act-republicans/2026/02/14/id/1246189/
TOWNHALL
— What Is Harvard Trying to Hide? This DOJ Lawsuit Aims to Find Out
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2026/02/14/justice-department-sues-harvard-for-refusing-to-turn-over-admissions-data-n2671299
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Obama to fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-president-barack-obama-ice-shootings-minnesota/
ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Trump boasts of over $1.5B in political funds. His spending tactic could shape the midterms.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-boasts-of-over-1-5b-in-political-funds-his-spending-tactic-could-shape-the-midterms
MSN
— Chris Harrison is looking for ‘traditional’ singles. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly destroy traditional marriage. What helped you become marriage material? By the time I got married when I was 29 in 1978, I had worked for IRS for almost 7 years and my salary was $110,066/year in today’s dollars. I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976 and I was taking graduate evening accounting courses at DePaul. I lived in a one bedroom condo in the Outer Drive East building that I had bought in 1976. I was renting out a town home in University Park that I had bought new in 1972. I owned a 1972 Corvette that I had bought new in 1971. Things that impressed me about my outstanding wife included that her first job after high school was working for the FBI. She soon became the Corporate Secretary for the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. She did much to help elect Big Jim Thompson governor in 1976. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul in 1986.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/chris-harrison-is-looking-for-traditional-singles/ar-AA1VGdXz
— Finding a life partner will put you on the path to a richer retirement. DD: Since I got married when I was 29 years old in 1978, my critics/opponents have been furious, and especially my critics/opponents who are not married, whose spouses have little or no income, and/or who have children. When we got married, my wife had saved $20,000 ($102,000 in today’s dollars). She had a good job with the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. We used her savings to buy 1017 East Harrison in Wheaton ( https://www.redfin.com/IL/Wheaton/1017-E-Harrison-Ave-60187/home/18135528 ). For the next 14 years, we went on vacations 4 times a year following her business trips to luxury golf resorts across America. Her income helped us have 915 Cove Court built in Wheaton ( https://www.redfin.com/IL/Wheaton/915-Cove-Ct-60189/home/18126600 ) in 1984. My being married to her helped me a) pass the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979, b) afford to take a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980, c) earn a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, d) pass the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, e) become a licensed CPA in 1981, f) get promoted in 1986, g) buy collector cars in 1989 and 1994, h) etc.
https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/heres-how-much-more-singles-need-to-save-for-retirement-to-enjoy-the-same-lifestyle-as-couples/ar-AA1Wd1Tx
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/opinion/ice-congress-trump-dhs.html
— Maybe America Needs Some New Cities Built From Scratch. DD: HUD built Park Forest South (now University Park) from scratch. Between 1966 and 1969, I delivered mail in what is now University Park. I bought a new townhome in University Park ( https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/ ) in 1972. I lived in it full-time 1972-1974, part-time 1974-1976, rented it out 1976-1984, and sold it in 1984.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/business/economy/america-new-cities-irvine.html
— Want More Babies? Abolish Commutes. DD: My wife and I got married in 1978. We soon learned that we had fertility problems. Because of that, when I transferred from IRS to GAO in 1980, I asked my GAO superiors to assign me to in-town audits instead of out-of-town audits. My GAO coworkers overwhelming wanted to be assigned to out-of-town audits. When my wife and I gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents, my Democrat GAO superiors used that against me viciously. They hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I lied about are wanting/trying to have children and that we were disgusting filthy rich DINKs.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/
WASHINGTON POST
— Dr. Oz has a point about retirement. Spending healthy years in idleness isn’t good for you. DD: If you are not retired, what do you plan to do when you are retired? If you are retired, what are you doing? I was forced to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997. Since 2000, ever-increasingly, I spend more of my time and money putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters together and sending them out. Between 2000 and 2010, I spent a lot of my time helping the Milton Township Republican Organization and the DuPage County Republican Central Committee be successful. Between 2003 and 2007, I spent a lot of my time serving as an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member. Between 2005 and 2012, I spent a lot of my time serving as the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman. All of the aforesaid was to defend and advance conservative principles and the Republican Party platform.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/02/14/retirement-age-dr-oz-social-security/
— Job applicants scrub campus political activism from their résumés. DD: If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a Crete-Monee High School student 1962-1966, the Democrats who ran the Park Forest Post Office would not have hired me in 1966. If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a UIC student 1966-1968 and 1971 and/or a NIU student 1969-1970, the Democrats who ran IRS would not have hired me in 1971. If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a part-time Loyola student 1972-1976, the Democrats who ran IRS would not have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974. If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a part-time DePaul student 1976-1980, the Democrats who ran GAO would not have hired me in 1980 or promoted me in 1986.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/11/09/gen-z-job-applicants-campus-activism/
FOX SAN ANTONIO & WBALTV & KSWO
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly have their students walkout to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/east-central-hs-plans-walkout-friday-as-student-protests-against-ice-continue-immigration-customs-enforcement-trump
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/students-walk-out-of-two-baltimore-area-high-schools-to-protest-ice/70351166
https://www.kswo.com/video/2026/02/15/lawton-students-walk-out-ice-out-protests/
BUSINESS INSIDER
— DD: According to my critics/opponents, my wife and I can and should pay way more taxes a) because we never had dependents, b) because we have no debts, c) because we have substantial retirement savings, d) because we inherited some money, e) because they believe that the federal government grossly overpaid me, f) because they believe that my $68,640/year Civil Service Retirement System pension is much too generous, g) because they believe that my $18,711.60/year Social Security is much too generous, h) because the federal government pays $21,000/year (72%) of our $30,000/year healthcare insurance premiums because I am a federal retiree, and i) because I avoided the Vietnam War draft. According to my critics/opponents, those who share our demographics and can pay more taxes should pay more taxes. According to them, we have what we have because we benefitted tremendously from discrimination against those who do not share our demographics. Comments?
https://www.businessinsider.com/california-millionaire-support-billionaire-wealth-tax-higher-taxation-2026-1
TIME
— From Eisenhower to Trump: How Military Service Impacts the Presidency. DD: How has the draft impacted you? My avoiding the Vietnam War draft has had a tremendous negative impact on me. While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, many, most, virtually all, and at times, all of my superiors and supervisors were Democrat veterans who blamed Republicans for America losing the Vietnam War. They especially blamed Republicans like me who are White, male, and 1-A. They were furious that while my peers were dying in Vietnam, I earned college degrees, bought new cars, bought real estate, and went on vacations. Democrat veterans either orchestrated or carried out all the many adverse actions that the federal government took against me.
https://time.com/7221827/presidents-combat-veterans/
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
— Success in high school and college athletics often is influenced by race and gender, as well as socioeconomic status, including family wealth and education. DD: What limited your athletic success? For me, it was my not being able to run since I was in grade school because I have a hereditary bone disease. If I was been 4-F for the Vietnam draft because of that along with my eyesight not being correctable to 20/20 and my having partial red/green color blindness, my entire life would have been drastically different.
https://news.osu.edu/how-family-background-can-help-lead-to-athletic-success/
NEXT 25
— Your campus activism could destroy job prospects forever. New survey reveals troubling employer attitudes toward politically active college graduates seeking their first professional positions. DD: If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a Crete-Monee High School student 1962-1966, the Democrats who ran the Park Forest Post Office would not have hired me in 1966. If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a UIC student 1966-1968 and 1971 and/or a NIU student 1969-1970, the Democrats who ran IRS would not have hired me in 1971. If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a part-time Loyola student 1972-1976, the Democrats who ran IRS would not have promoted me in 1972, 1973, or 1974. If I had been active in Republican politics when I was a part-time DePaul student 1976-1980, the Democrats who ran GAO would not have hired me in 1980 or promoted me in 1986.
https://rollingout.com/2026/01/25/you-campus-activism-destroy-job-prospect/
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
TELEGRAPH
— How to avoid living with retirement regret. Choosing the right time, or what to do next, takes careful planning. DD: I should write about what my last 28 years would have been like if I had not succumbed to my Democrat GAO superiors’ threats to retire 6 years early. If I had survived until I was 55 in 2003 and took regular retirement, my Civil Service Retirement System pension and retirement savings would be much higher. But my last 6 years would have been a living hell. They would have constructively demoted me, assigned me to work for my former subordinates, given me adverse transfers, given me bad job assignments, assigned me to supervise their most problematic employees, given me unfair performance expectations, given me unfair performance appraisals, and always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/pensions/news/how-to-avoid-living-with-retirement-regret/
February 10, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
WGN9
— Senate Democratic candidates to face off in statewide debate on WGN. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, the organizations would still be hosting candidate debates.
https://wgntv.com/news/politics/senate-democratic-candidates-to-face-off-in-statewide-debate-on-wgn/
WTTW
— DD: Democrats ever-increasingly fight efforts to stop election fraud, that is, Democrats ever-increasingly promote election fraud.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/09/trump-s-claims-about-election-fraud-undermine-public-trust-uic-law-professor-says
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: How much money is Pritzker spending to manipulate Republican primary races?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/09/gov-jb-pritzker-endorses-margaret-croke-in-democratic-primary-for-illinois-comptroller/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/09/daywatch-bad-bunnys-super-bowl-halftime-show-was-close-to-art/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Moody’s sees Illinois slipping: Fewer jobs, fewer people
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/moodys-illinois-lose-jobs-population-year
DAILY NORTHWESTERN
— Congressional candidates face off at NAACP forum, marking start of Black History Lecture Series. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://dailynorthwestern.com/2026/02/09/city/congressional-candidates-face-off-at-naacp-forum-marking-start-of-black-history-lecture-series/
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— New legislation filed in Illinois includes billionaire wealth tax. Senate Bill 3376 would apply Illinois’ personal income tax to the appreciation of billionaires’ assets.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/state/2026/02/10/billionaire-wealth-tax-is-among-newly-proposed-illinois-legislation/88590925007/
WCIA
— Senate Democratic candidates to face off in statewide debate in Illinois. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://www.wcia.com/illinois-capitol-news/senate-democratic-candidates-to-face-off-in-statewide-debate-on-wgn/
WGEM
— League of Women Voters of Adams County hosting 2 upcoming candidate forums. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://www.wgem.com/2026/02/09/league-women-voters-adams-county-hosting-2-upcoming-candidate-forums/
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly push pot. How successful have Democrats been making everyone in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct stoners?
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/even-though-marijuana-is-legal-in-illinois-clearing-old-criminal-records-still-a-challenge/
CHICAGO MAGAZINE
— DD: Chicago Democrats demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republican Florida.
https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/six-reasons-not-to-move-your-business-to-florida/
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/10/isabel%e2%80%99s-morning-briefing-677/
— Rate the new Don Tracy digital ad
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/10/rate-the-new-don-tracy-digital-ad/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CHICAGO CONTRARIAN
— With the Border Secure, Federal Immigration Enforcement Should Go Where They’re Invited. DD: I disagree, ICE should go were the most illegals are.
https://www.chicagocontrarian.com/blog/with-the-border-secure-federal-immigration-enforcement-should-go-where-theyre-invited
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois gives $1.5M to ICE opponents
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/waste-watch-illinois-gives-1-5m-to-ice-opponents/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
AMERICAN THINKER
— Honoring ancient tradition means observing the Olympics’ political silence. The classlessness of the left is on full display in Milan.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/02/honoring_ancient_tradition_means_observing_the_olympics_political_silence.html
— What has feminism wrought?
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/02/what_has_feminism_wrought.html
— Who built America? Now even the anarchist hookers want in on the act.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/02/who_built_america.html
COLLEGE FIX
— Elmhurst University Turning Point USA fights for recognition
https://www.thecollegefix.com/elmhurst-university-turning-point-usa-fights-for-recognition/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Turning Point USA represents a threat to campus and must not be approved, according to student government leaders at Elmhurst University in suburban Chicago. However, university officials say they are “monitoring the situation.” Campus club founder Tim Dudasik recently spoke to The College Fix via a phone interview about his fight to start a chapter of the free-market student club at the private college in Elmhurst. He said student government leaders believe TPUSA is an “unsafe threat to campus.” While the senior always had an interest in politics, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, inspired him to start his own chapter. He said he “immediately filed an application” to start a chapter after the September 10, 2025 assassination of Turning Point USA’s founder. He initially had problems finding a faculty sponsor, emailing at least 25 professors without success. However, he told The Fix that multiple professors reached out to him after a student newspaper story came out about the new organization. Yet, he ran into further problems when he had to present to the student government and his peers denied his request for official recognition. That means the club is not allowed to meet in classrooms or “congregate on campus in any way.” The denial also prevents the club from doing something Dudasik is passionate about: “The big idea [with Turning Point] is tabling – being able to be on campus, talk about politics, religion, and all these divisive topics,” he said. “But without being officially recognized by the school, you can’t do that.” The chapter’s next steps are to address a list of concerns that the Student Government had provided them. “We’re… essentially [going to] go through the same process we did last semester, [to] address their concerns,” Dudasik said. “And if denied again, our next step is to become loud and vocal […a]nd to really express the need and desire for an organization like this on campus, because the more the school realizes that it’s something that’s wanted, it becomes something that’s harder for them to deny.” Still, Dudasik has found ways to organize his like-minded peers – a virtual event with former Olympian Anthony Watson drew 52 interested students. The national Turning Point USA also recognizes the chapter. Elmhurst officials won’t commit to approving the club. The university confirmed to The Fix that the student government must first approve the club before the school will. “The University is monitoring the situation to ensure that the group’s application is treated fairly, and that it receives the same consideration as any other group applying for recognition as a student organization,” Desiree Chen, a spokeswoman for the school, told The Fix via email. She has not responded in the past week for clarification on what the restrictions are on the club and why the school does not just intervene and approve the application. While Turning Point USA has faced problems getting approved on college campuses before, there have been numerous examples in the past several months since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The national free-market student group reports more than 100,000 people signed up to start clubs. Chapters at Olivet Nazarene University, also in Illinois, as well as St. John’s University in New York City, have faced problems.)
DAILY SIGNAL
— Democrats Champion Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show, Attack Turning Point USA Alternative
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/09/democrats-champion-bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-attack-turning-point-usa-alternative/
FOX NEWS
— Hochul running mate voted to allow noncitizen voting in NYC elections. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. They wanted cheap labor.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hochul-running-mate-voted-allow-non-citizen-voting-nyc-elections.amp
NEWSMAX
— Democrats Sabotage American Safety in DHS Fight
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/mary-miller-dhs-funding/2026/02/10/id/1245554/
— Democrats Want Illegals to Vote in Elections. DD: Illegals have demographics that vote for Democrats: need/want/demand massive government assistance, liberal/moderate, minority, female, younger, poor, unmarried, LGBTQ, non-Protestant, and/or non-German American.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/byron-donalds-democrats-illegal-aliens/2026/02/09/id/1245516/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5729617-markey-resolution-trump-election-takeover/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5730286-trump-criticism-bad-bunny-performance/
ROLL CALL
— White House, Democrats negotiate as shutdown deadline nears. As Friday DHS funding deadline approaches, Senate Democrats, Trump wrangle over details
https://rollcall.com/2026/02/09/white-house-democrats-negotiate-as-shutdown-deadline-nears/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: With days left to pass a Homeland Security spending bill, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate dismissed a White House counteroffer to their own, calling it “insufficient.” . . . Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he was “aware” of the White House counteroffer, but couldn’t immediately provide more information. Kaine said his support for a continuing resolution would be dependent on the nature of the counteroffer the White House makes to Democratic demands. “Let’s see what the negotiation is like on the proposal the Dems have made and the counteroffer that the Republicans are making,” Kaine said. “We’ll know more after lunch tomorrow.”)
ABC NEWS
— DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/trump-pushes-save-act-calls-federalize-elections-midterms-130001274
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/bad-bunnys-super-bowl-show-full-symbolism/story?id=129992122
NBC NEWS
— DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/trumps-election-threats-shape-years-key-secretary-state-races-rcna257573
ASSOCIATED PRESS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-halftime-show-america-0f3534a06cc01fb7c5aae7487debe4fb
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
— DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.usnews.com/news/u-s-news-decision-points/articles/2026-02-09/can-feds-take-over-elections-heres-what-to-know
AOL
— DD: How did you meet your spouse? I met my outstanding wife at a social meeting for young adults at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. She was raised as a Catholic and I was raised as a Missouri Synod Lutheran. We were both looking for a traditional marriage. Our marriage in 1978 helped me a) pass the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979, b) afford to take a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980, c) earn a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, d) pass the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, e) become a licensed CPA in 1981, and f) get promoted to GS-13 in 1986. Our marriage helped us a) buy a home in Wheaton and two new cars in 1978 and b) have a home built in Wheaton in 1984. Our marriage helped my wife earn a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul in 1986.
https://www.aol.com/articles/chris-harrison-host-traditional-marriage-202255471.html
NEW YORK TIMES
— It’s Time for America to Admit That It Has a Marijuana Problem
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/opinion/regulate-legalized-marijuana.html
— DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.nytimes.com/article/trumps-nationalize-voting-elections-midterms-explainer.html
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/opinion/bad-bunny-super-bowl-americans.html
— Appeals Court Lets Trump Revoke Deportation Protections for 60,000 More Migrants. The court pointed to recent rulings by the Supreme Court as precedent to allow the protections for migrants from Nepal, Honduras and Nicaragua to expire.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/us/politics/appeals-court-lets-trump-revoke-deportation-protections-for-60000-more-migrants.html
LOS ANGELES TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2026-02-09/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-how-it-happened-stage-production
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/2026/02/09/bad-bunny-at-the-super-bowl-was-a-win-for-culture/88588620007/
FLORIDA TODAY
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/opinion/2026/02/09/bad-bunny-backlash-reveals-ignorance-many-still-face-super-bowl-halftime-torres/88589030007/
USA TODAY
— DD: Democrat leaders have no problem with their protesters bringing their loaded guns to their protests.
https://www.aol.com/articles/no-guns-protests-trump-says-225834337.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Minnesota Burning. Anti-ICE protesters sound more like George Wallace than Martin Luther King.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/minnesota-burning-efacf675
— The Blue State Population Bust. Journal Editorial Report: The 2030 census could spell doom for Democrats. DD: Ever-increasingly, Democrat and RINO leaders replace those who have demographics that vote for Republicans with those who have demographics that vote for Democrats.
https://www.wsj.com/video/series/journal-editorial-report/wsj-opinion-the-blue-state-population-bust/B83B099A-4704-4738-858F-CC510F88C5FF
— The Biggest Threat to Journalism? Journalists. Don’t blame rapacious owners for the loss of public trust. Blame biased, incompetent reporting. DD: I have always fully disclosed that I have always been a conservative Republican.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-biggest-threat-to-journalism-journalists-cf580513?mod=opinion_lead_pos6
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/music/bad-bunny-uses-joy-to-put-out-political-firestorm-at-super-bowl-halftime-6df796e7
BLOOMBERG
— DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-09/can-trump-nationalize-elections-how-the-constitution-limits-presidential-power
PBS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Bad Bunny to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-cultural-impact-of-bad-bunnys-super-bowl-halftime-show
JORDAN PETERSON
— People who succeed in almost everything they do always take full responsibility for these 7 areas of their life. DD: According to my critics/opponents, I owe all my successes in my life to my benefitting from discrimination against those who are: liberal/moderate, non-Republican, minority, female, younger, poor, unmarried, LGBTQ, non-Protestant, and/or non-German American. According to my critics/opponents, because of the aforesaid, I should pay the price of Affirmative Action and DEI big time.
https://vegoutmag.com/lifestyle/r-t-jordan-peterson-says-people-who-succeed-in-almost-everything-they-do-always-take-full-responsibility-for-these-7-areas-of-their-life/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: 1) Your physical health and vitality. . .2) Your emotional regulation and mental health. . .3) Your career and contribution to society. . .4) Your personal finances and resources. . .5) Your relationships and social connections. . .6) Your personal growth and education. . .7) Your meaning and life purpose)
February 9, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
DAILY HERALD
— Should U.S. nationalize elections? GOP governor candidates speak up. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260209/illinois-state-politics/should-u-s-nationalize-elections-gop-governor-candidates-speak-up/
— Early voting to begin Tuesday in DuPage County after delay
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260209/news/early-voting-to-begin-tuesday-in-dupage-county-after-delay/
— Virtual forum Tuesday for GOP candidates in 11th U.S. House District
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260209/us-congress-politics/virtual-forum-tuesday-for-gop-candidates-in-11th-u-s-house-district/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago Tribune offers 30% premium to buy Daily Herald suburban newspaper
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/09/chicago-tribune-daily-herald/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Cook County prosecutors drop charges against 19 arrested during clergy-led protest at Broadview ICE facility. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/09/cook-county-prosecutors-drop-charges-against-19-arrested-during-clergy-led-protest-broadview-ice-facility
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Bad Bunny
https://chicago.suntimes.com/music/2026/02/09/bad-bunny-superbowl-halftime-chicago-conductor-giancarlo-guerrero-lady-gaga-ricky-martin-music
— Cardinal Blase Cupich calls for White House to apologize for racist video depicting Obamas as primates
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/02/09/cardinal-blase-cupich-white-house-obama-racist-video-apology
ABC7
— Leadership exodus continues at Chicago’s US Attorney’s Office. DD: My critics/opponents stress that GAO works for Congress and that while Diersen v. GAO was pending a) the Chicago US Attorney’s Office was run by Republican Patrick Fitzgerald under Republican President Bush and Republican US Attorney General Ashcroft, b) Republican Gingrich and Republican Hastert were the Speakers of the House, c) Republican Peter Fitzgerald was my U.S. Senator, and d) Republican Hyde was my Congressman. According to my critics/opponents, Patrick Fitzgerald’s defending GAO and his success in getting the US Appellate Court for the 7th Circuit to deny me my 7th Amendment right to a jury trial proves a) that the aforesaid Republicans reject the equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) plank in the Republican Party platform and/or b) that they reject me personally. To reject the equal opportunity plank is to curry favor with minorities and with females. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf
https://abc7chicago.com/post/northern-district-illinois-us-attorneys-office-leadership-exodus-continues-andrew-boutros-donald-trump-administration/18575999/
WGN9
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Bad Bunny
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/bad-bunnys-halftime-show-sparks-pride-across-humboldt-park/
FOX32
— Chicago archbishop calls for Trump to apologize for “racist” video of Obamas. Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich called on President Donald Trump to apologize for sharing what he called a “racist” video on social media depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as apes.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-3m7ahb91ctyoq0pv
WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Bad Bunny
https://www.wbez.org/music/2026/02/09/bad-bunny-superbowl-halftime-chicago-conductor-giancarlo-guerrero-lady-gaga-ricky-martin-music
NORTHERN STAR
— DD: Democrat leaders have no problem with their protesters bringing their loaded guns to their protests.
https://northernstar.info/132817/opinion/opinion-the-death-of-alex-pretti-shows-trump-ublicans-true-colors/
CHICAGO TODAY
— Chicago Businesses Reject Calls to Relocate to Florida. Billionaire Ken Griffin’s pitch for Florida falls flat with Chicago’s business community. DD: What percent of Chicago businesses are run by Democrats?
https://nationaltoday.com/us/il/chicago/news/2026/02/09/chicago-businesses-reject-calls-to-relocate-to-florida/
DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek announces that five early voting sites in DuPage County will open on Tuesday, Feb. 10th from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm weekdays and 9:00 am to noon Saturdays. Early voting sites will be open on President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 16th.
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/county_clerk/EaryVoting_1637.php
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/09/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-465/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS
— The Waukegan HS Failure Factory. Waukegan High School Student Protest February 6, 2026.
https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com/read/2026/02/09/the-waukegan-hs-failure-factory
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— White House sends counteroffer to Democrats’ immigration enforcement demands
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/republicans-prepare-counteroffer-democrats-immigration-enforcement/
— Trump administration to make it harder for federal workers to appeal firing. DD: My critics/opponents stand with my Democrat superiors in the federal government who wasted my career, took many big adverse actions against me, and forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. My critics/opponents stand with the following who had their operatives and their dupes take many big adverse actions against me since 2000: a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Milton Township Republican Organization, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, and Illinois Center Right Coalition, b) Republican leaders of Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, c) unsuccessful Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct and their political consultants, fundraisers, pollsters, campaign managers, campaign staff members, and campaign volunteers, d) conservative leaders, e) religious leaders, and f) those who I have sued and their attorneys.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/trump-administration-make-harder-federal-workers-appeal-firing/
— Ford worker who heckled Trump won’t be disciplined or lose job. DD: I never heckled my Democrat GAO superiors, but I did become an active member in a class action lawsuit that charged them with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. Because of that, they forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. Federal employees who are Republican have no Civil Service protections.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/ford-worker-heckled-trump-wont-disciplined-lose-job/
— How states can fix America’s retirement access shortfall. DD: I started earning credits toward a Civil Service Retirement System pension when I was 18 in 1966. My critics/opponents have always been furious about that. They got more furious when my Democrat GAO superiors “offered” me early retirement when I was 45 in 1993 and that I took it when I was 49 in 1997.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/states-fix-americas-retirement-access-shortfall/
NEW YORK POST
— Bad Bunny slammed for controversial Super Bowl halftime show decision that ‘encourages’ division. He made no effort in his Spanish-only performance to include the 78% of American households that speak only English. He previously taunted that anyone annoyed with his selection as halftime performer had “four months to learn Spanish.”
https://nypost.com/2026/02/09/us-news/bad-bunny-slammed-for-controversial-super-bowl-halftime-show-decision-that-encourages-division/
— How voters fleeing California turn other states blue. DD: Democrats fleeing the Democrat Chicago and Democrat Cook County turned DuPage County blue.
https://nypost.com/2026/02/09/opinion/how-california-refugees-turn-other-states-blue/
FEDERALIST
— If SCOTUS Bans Illegals From The Census, Dems Could Lose Power For Years
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/09/if-scotus-bans-illegals-from-the-census-dems-could-lose-power-for-years/
FOX NEWS
— Trump administration pushes back on CBS claim very few arrested illegal aliens have ‘violent criminal records.’ DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said CBS’ report was an inaccurate reading of the numbers, pointing out that the article downplayed several serious crimes.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/trump-administration-pushes-back-cbs-claim-very-few-arrested-illegal-aliens-have-violent-criminal-records
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-arrests-violent-criminal-records-trump-first-year/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Immigration Raids in South Texas Are Starting to Hit the Economy. Trade groups are raising alarms about aggressive immigration enforcement hurting businesses in the region. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. They wanted cheap labor.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/texas-immigration-raids-economy-87e23e2e
FLORIDIAN PRESS
— Oberweis Donation to Hillary Clinton
https://floridianpress.com/2026/02/james-oberweis-donation-to-hillary-clinton-had-brush-with-illegal-immigration/
February 6, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— ABC7 Chicago to broadcast, stream 2026 Republican US Senate primary forum Wednesday
https://abc7chicago.com/post/abc7-chicago-league-women-voters-illinois-univision-broadcast-stream-2026-republican-us-senate-primary-forum-wednesday/18554376/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: ABC7 Chicago, the League of Women Voters of Illinois and Chicago and Univision Chicago will present live and without commercials the 2026 Republican U.S. Senate Primary Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11. ABC7’s Anchor Judy Hsu will lead the 60-minute forum, with questions also asked by the station’s political reporter Craig Wall and WGBO/Univision Chicago anchor/reporter Enrique Rodriguez. Three of the Republican candidates running for U.S. Senate in Illinois will participate in the forum: Republican Candidate Casey Chlebek, Republican Candidate Jeannie Evans, and Former Chair of the Illinois Republican Party Don Tracy. The 2026 Republican U.S. Senate Primary Forum will stream live on ABC7Chicago.com, on ABC7 Chicago’s news app and Facebook page, and on ABC7’s 24/7 streaming channels. It will be broadcast on ABC7 directly following the station’s late newscast at 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. The forum will also be translated and streamed live on Univision’s digital platforms, and it will air on Univision’s main channel at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.)
— Memo from state’s attorney’s office to Chicago mayor’s office criticizes fed investigation order. ‘(Order) jeopardizes our ability to effectively prosecute and secure convictions,’ memo says.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/memo-cook-county-states-attorneys-office-chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-criticizes-federal-investigation-executive-order/18555854/
WTTW
— Top Cop: COPA Should Probe Chicago Police Conduct During Immigration Raids Because Public Wouldn’t ‘Trust’ Internal Affairs
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/06/top-cop-copa-should-probe-chicago-police-conduct-during-immigration-raids-because-no-one
— Police Oversight Board to Top Cop: Explain Why CPD Officers Are Using Force More Often
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/05/police-oversight-board-top-cop-explain-why-cpd-officers-are-using-force-more-often
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders say Illinois GOP urges early, mail voting despite Trump’s baseless fraud claims and calls to nationalize elections.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/06/illinois-gop-urges-early-mail-voting-despite-trumps-baseless-fraud-claims-and-calls-to-nationalize-elections/
— West Chicago teacher resigns after being placed on leave for social media post supporting ICE. DD: Will anyone come to the teacher’s defense? Will anyone argue that his punishment was too severe? The message of all this is that Democrats can and will destroy you if you a) oppose their flooding America with their illegals and/or b) oppose their fighting their deportation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/06/west-chicago-teacher-resigns-after-social-media-supporting-ice/
— Judge rules Trump administration can’t withhold child care and social service funds to Illinois and 4 other states
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/06/illinois-child-care-federal-funding-ruling/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Democrats have 10 ICE reforms they want to see before agreeing to fund DHS. DD: Democrats want to stop deportation of their illegals. But failing that, they want to obstruct, cripple, disable, hinder, impede, hamstring, and undermine ICE.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/06/department-of-homeland-security-funding-democrats-10-demands
— Walmart, Amazon and CPS top list of employers where Illinois workers still need SNAP benefits. State data obtained by the Sun-Times identifies where SNAP recipients say they work as expanded employment requirements could push as 400,000 off the food assistance program this spring. DD: In today’s dollars, my part-time Post Office salary increased from $19.57/hour to $20.87/hour when I was 18-20 years old 1966-1969. According to my critics/opponents, I was grossly overpaid. They hinted/implied/argued/shouted that the job I had should have been given to a needy Democrat, minority, female, and/or veteran. They stressed that my parents provided me with room and board and that I had no dependents. They were furious that the money that I earned enabled me to pay for my UIC expenses 1966-1968, to pay for my NIU expenses 1969-1970, to buy a new 1968 Oldsmobile 442 in 1967, to buy a new 1969 Dodge Charger SE in 1968, and to graduate debt-free from NIU in 1970 owning that Charger.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/02/06/walmart-amazon-cps-top-employers-illinois-workers-still-need-snap-benefits-trump-work-requirements-lose-benefits
(FROM THE ARTICLE: At $18.42 an hour, she’s among the school district’s lowest paid staffers. . .Among the people in Chicago living in SNAP households who are 22 or older, she is among the 47% who are employed but still need government support to help buy groceries, according to 2024 U.S. Census data analyzed by WBEZ. . .Profile of a SNAP worker People who are employed but also need to rely on SNAP, like Brooks and Mendez, often fit a certain work profile. Their incomes are relatively low, making them eligible for the help — the monthly household income for a family of four has to be under about $4,400 or roughly $53,000 a year — and they are clustered in certain occupations. The fields with the greatest percentages of Chicago workers living in households receiving SNAP include nursing and home health aides, childcare workers and personal care aides, and a category that covers janitors, housekeepers and groundskeepers, according to 2024 American Community Survey Census data analyzed by WBEZ. SNAP recipients, along with people on Medicaid public health insurance, also receive fewer pay increases and face more volatility than other workers, according to a 2018 analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington D.C-based research and policy organization. Republicans said they pushed for the expanded rules that went into effect this month to get more SNAP recipients to work and to reduce what they called abuse of the program. A person who doesn’t meet the requirements can get benefits for only three months in a three-year period.)
DAILY HERALD
— West Chicago teacher in pro-ICE comment controversy resigns. DD: Will anyone come to the teacher’s defense? Will anyone argue that his punishment was too severe? The message of all this is that Democrats can and will destroy you if you a) oppose their flooding America with their illegals and/or b) oppose their fighting their deportation.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/education/west-chicago-teacher-in-pro-ice-comment-controversy-resigns/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A West Chicago District 33 teacher whose pro-immigration agent comment on social media was criticized by many people has resigned. On Thursday, the school board accepted the resignation and a separation agreement of the Gary Elementary School teacher. “This situation was never about politics. It has been about our responsibility to keep schools operating normally and to minimize disruption to learning,” board President Rita Balgeman said after the vote. The board did not discuss the terms of the settlement. As part of the separation agreement, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, the teacher will be paid his salary and health benefits through the end of the school year. It also states that the district will give a neutral reference about him to future employers. According to West Chicago Mayor Dan Bovey, the teacher commented, “go ICE!” in a social media post. Bovey, whose wife works at the school, said he spoke with the man when the controversy erupted. After the district learned of the comment Jan. 22, the teacher initially resigned that day but retracted it later that day. The district put him on leave while it investigated the matter. More than 81% of the district’s students are of Hispanic descent, according to its 2025 state school report card. Bovey said West Chicago schoolchildren have been traumatized because their parents were taken by immigration enforcement agents, and that the comment was hurtful and offensive. After the board voted, members of the public spoke about the matter. “We want our students to feel respected and valued, which is why we request that the seriousness of the comment be recognized,” one mother of a student said, speaking in Spanish. But another woman, Corinne Ingrum, urged the community to “pick your battles more wisely,” saying the action against the teacher will not resolve the community’s concerns with immigration agents’ actions. “You could have chosen to rally around one of your own beloved teachers, but instead you chose to bring more unwanted ICE attention to West Chicago,” Ingrum said. She suggested that people bring their concerns to elected officials. Timothy Lorman asked the school board whether it is a prerequisite of employment “to agree with the majority or the popular opinion of the day.” Another man urged the board to look at anti-ICE statements made by teachers and consider whether they were inappropriate.)
— Candidate exits Democratic primary for DuPage County sheriff
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/local-politics/candidate-exits-democratic-primary-for-dupage-county-sheriff/
— Democrats seeking to replace Mendoza offer various approaches to comptroller’s job. Bryan Drew, a Republican from southern Illinois, is running unopposed for his party’s nomination.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/illinois-state-politics/democrats-seeking-to-replace-mendoza-offer-various-approaches-to-comptrollers-job/
— DuPage group to build altars, hold vigil Saturday in Wheaton for those killed by immigration enforcement officers
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/news/dupage-group-to-build-altars-hold-vigil-saturday-for-those-killed-by-immigration-enforcement-office/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Casa DuPage Workers Center, together with community members, will honor three people killed by federal immigration officers by constructing Day of the Dead altars Saturday in Wheaton. Members of the group said in a news release that they’ll build altars to honor Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed in January in Minneapolis, as well as Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, who was fatally shot in September by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Franklin Park. The altars will be built from 1 to 4 p.m. at Casa DuPage, 311 S. Naperville Road in Wheaton, and then taken on the back of a pickup truck to the site in Franklin Park where Villegas-Gonzalez was killed near 25th and Grand avenues. A candlelight vigil will be held at the site. “We need to keep track of our humanity in this moment, as we feel to the marrow of our bones the pain that ICE has unleashed on us all by constantly remembering these martyrs,” Cristobal Cavazos, executive director of Casa DuPage Workers Center, said in a statement. “We will continue to struggle for justice, honoring their lives (and) legacy.” Casa DuPage Workers Center is a program of Immigrant Solidarity DuPage, a grassroots, community-funded, activist group whose goal is to build solidarity locally with the immigrant community.)
— Reliving the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, and discovering an Illinois connection. The first shot of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fired by a man from DuPage County.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/travel/reliving-the-civil-war-battle-of-gettysburg-and-discovering-an-illinois-connection/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DD: Democrat leaders say Illinois Republicans lend credibility to Trump’s voter-fraud fiction
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/illinois-gop-lends-credibility-trumps-voter-fraud-fiction-yohnka
HERALD NEWS
— Joliet student protesters say as they stage walk out over ICE actions. DD: Anticipate/expect that sooner or later, Democrat leaders will get most if not virtually all of the students in your school district to walkout to protest enforcement of federal immigration laws. Anticipate/expect that the students who walkout will overwhelmingly be illegals, females, and minorities. Of course, their walking out will be on their records for the rest of their lives. Anticipate/expect that Democrat colleges and employers will give preference to those students who walked out over those who did not. For Democrat leaders, education exists to crank out good little Democrats. Democrats exist to destroy Republicans.
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/06/joliet-high-school-students-stage-walkout-as-part-of-anti-ice-protests/
KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
— 2026 Election Questionnaire: Chris Lauzen, Kane County Treasurer
https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/02/06/2026-election-questionnaire-chris-lauzen-kane-county-treasurer/
NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat protest tactics are winning.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-06/trumps-harsh-immigration-tactics-are-taking-a-political-hit
FOX ILLINOIS
— Judge orders Trump administration to bring back 3 families deported to Honduras, other countries. A federal judge says the Trump administration must bring back three deported families who should have been allowed to remain in the United States under a court settlement involving the separation of children from their parents at the border.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/judge-orders-trump-administration-to-bring-back-3-families-deported-to-honduras-other-countries/article_b3d63ca5-88de-58cf-a5b2-b9a9781cb310.html
WSPY
— Plano High School students hold ICE protest walkout
https://www.wspynews.com/news/local/plano-high-school-students-hold-ice-protest-walkout/article_9b4ffc95-e041-4e53-9ec2-fba7064c00f6.html
https://www.wspynews.com/news/local/district-308-responds-to-planned-ice-protest-walkouts/article_a25b7cc5-8b64-40ec-8345-be642b2fed89.html
WGLT
— Rep. LaHood praises federal immigration policy
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-02-06/rep-lahood-praises-federal-immigration-policy
— DD: The mainstream news media exists to destroy Trump.
https://www.wglt.org/2026-02-05/media-faces-challenges-under-trump
— New Pantagraph owner takes over. The new owner of the parent company of the Bloomington Pantagraph newspaper said the chain’s flagship paper is “a little too far left.”
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-02-06/new-pantagraph-owner-takes-over
25 NEWS NOW
— Upstate Illinoisan vying for GOP gubernatorial slot remains off ballot after appellate court decision
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/02/06/upstate-illinoisan-vying-gop-gubernatorial-slot-remains-off-ballot-after-appellate-court-decision/
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders say conservative policy wonk Ted Dabrowski gets off sidelines with run for governor. Dabrowski said Republicans need to try something new to beat Pritzker in 2026.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/conservative-policy-wonk-ted-dabrowski-gets-off-sidelines-with-run-for-governor/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Governor candidate Ted Dabrowski argues he is uniquely positioned to unite the fractured Illinois GOP, raise the funds needed to compete statewide and win back suburban voters crucial to a Republican victory. Dabrowski is making electability his central argument, pointing to Darren Bailey’s decisive 2022 loss to Pritzker as evidence Republicans need a new standard-bearer. His policy platform includes capping property taxes at 1% of home value, cutting the state income tax rate, auditing state spending and repealing the SAFE-T Act.
He also said he’d like to see the income tax rate decreased from 4.95% to 3%.)
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/06/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-464/
— State GOP at cross-purposes with itself. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/06/state-gop-at-cross-purposes-with-itself/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CORTES INVESTIGATES
— The Foreign Student Crisis Destroying American College Admissions. While American students struggle to get acceptance letters, 6,000 Chinese nationals have found a home at the University of Illinois. Is this globalism gone wrong, or a financial necessity for American higher education? In this documentary, we investigate the shocking reality in America’s heartland. From Fighting Illini football games broadcast in Mandarin Chinese to the displacing of local students, we uncover why U.S. universities are prioritizing foreign tuition over domestic talent. Who is really funding our education system, and at what cost to national security?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ykPKDdZaL4
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois placed 38th nationally for social mobility. Its rank was pulled down by economic problems and corruption in its legal system. DD: Back in the good old days, even though my father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma and my mother never attended high school, I was able to earn bachelor’s degree, three master’s degrees, six professional certifications, and a professional license. With the money I earned, I was able to buy new cars when I was 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 29, etc. while my father was not able to buy a new car until he was 45 and it was a bottom of the line Chevrolet 2-door 6-cylinder with no air conditioning.
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-social-mobility-is-worst-in-midwest/
MCHENRY COUNTY
— Appellate Court Denies Severino Appeal to Appear on the GOP Gubernatorial Primary Election Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/appellate-court-denies-severino-appeal-to-appear-on-the-gop-gubernatorial-primary-election-ballot/
— West Chicago Democrat: “We Need To Tax”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/west-chicago-democrat-we-need-to-tax/
— Here Is a Distinctive Congressional TV Ad
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/here-is-a-distinctive-congressional-tv-ad/
— Cost of Subsidized Housing in Chicago
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/cost-of-subsidized-housing-in-chicago/
— Bailey Attacks Democrat’s Attempt to Banning Open Burning
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/bailey-attacks-democrats-attempt-to-banning-open-burning/
— Reminding Me of Elgin Legislator John Friedman Who Is on My Profiles in Courage List
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/reminding-me-of-elgin-legislator-john-friedman/
— State Treasurer Earns $1.5 Billion on Investments
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/state-treasurer-earns-1-5-billion-on-investimates/
— Ponzi Scheme Indictment for James Brothers, Whose Firm Owns McHenry’s Brake Parts
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/ponzi-scheme-indictment-for-james-brothers-whose-firm-owned-brake-parts/
— Opponents of Battery Farm Post Billboards
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/opponents-of-battery-farm-post-billboards/
— Politico Illinois Reports on 9th District Debate Among Democrats
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/politico-illinois-reports-on-9th-district-debate-among-democrats/
— Lakewood President, Under Oath, Says Village “Will Have $1.4 Million Deficit withing Four Years”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/lakewood-president-under-oath-says-village-will-have-1-4-milliondeficit-withing-four-years/
— Lauzen Lays Out Tax Hiking Politicians Promoting “Affordability”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/lauzen-lays-out-tax-hiking-politicians-promoting-affordability/
— SuperPAC Runs Ad for Laura Fine in the 9th Congressional District
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/superpac-runs-ad-for-laura-fine-in-the-9th-congressional-district/
— Hills Introduces Bill To Encourage Hiring Developmentally Disabled
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/hills-introduces-bill-to-encourage-hiring-developmentally-disabled/
— Illinois Death Tax Collection from Estates over $4 Million Soaring with Stock Market
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/illinois-death-tax-collection-from-estates-over-4-million-soaring-with-stock-market/
— LaHood’s Pork Excludes McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/lahoods-pork-excludes-mchenry-county/
— Illinois Anemic Job Growth
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/illinois-anemic-job-growth/
— Daily Herald Asks 9th District Democrats about Gaza
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/daily-herald-asks-9th-district-democrats-about-gaza/
— The Probable Motivation for Governor George Ryan’s Stopping of Executions
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/the-probable-motivation-for-governor-george-ryans-stopping-of-executions/
— Two 9th District Democratic Party Hopefuls Leave the Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/two-9th-district-democratic-party-hopefuls-leave-the-race/
— Laura Fine Poll Shows She Is Tied with Daniel Biss in 9th District
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/laura-fine-poll-shows-she-is-tied-with-daniel-biss-in-9th-district/
— Tribune Endorses John Elleson for GOP 9th District Congressional Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/tribune-endorses-john-elleson-for-gop-9rh-district-congressional-race/
— Tribune Endorses Laura Fine in 9th District Democratic Party Congressional Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/tribune-endorses-laura-fine-in-9th-district-democratic-party-congressional-race/
— Craig Wilcox Follows Darby Hills’ Example Offering $20 per Hour Internships
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/craig-wilcox-follows-darby-hills-example-offering-20-per-hour-internships/
— Senator Darby Hills Offers $20 per Hour for Spring Interns
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/02/senator-darby-hills-offers-20-per-hour-for-spring-interns/
— New Illinois Tax Proposed on Fuel and Natural Gas
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/new-illinois-tax-proposed-on-fuel-and-natural-gas/
— Tribune Looks at Congressional Races, Again Gives Kat Free Publicity
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/tribune-looks-at-congressional-races-again-gives-kat-free-publicity/
— Illinois Pork for Pickleball and Tennis Courts
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/illnois-pork-for-pickball-and-tennis-courts/
— Status of Federal School Choice Plan, Which Pritzker Has Refused to Join
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/02/16406/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
NEW YORK POST
— Turning Point Super Bowl halftime show with Kid Rock carries Charlie Kirk’s legacy — and Trump’s support. DD: My critics/opponents will watch Bad Bunny, not the Turning Point USA show.
https://nypost.com/2026/02/06/us-news/turning-point-super-bowl-halftime-show-with-kid-rock-carries-charlie-kirks-legacy-and-trumps-support/
— Mamdani blasts ICE in fiery speech at event meant to promote unity
https://nypost.com/2026/02/06/us-news/mayor-mamdani-blasts-ice-in-fiery-speech-at-event-meant-to-promote-unity-cruelty-that-staggers-the-conscience/
BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Could blue states boxing out ICE give Democrats upper hand in next census?
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/05/could-blue-states-boxing-out-ice-give-democrats-upper-hand-in-next-census-1620430/
CITY JOURNAL
— Blue States’ Demographic Nightmare. Recent migration numbers emphasize how population gains, economic growth, and political power are shifting toward Republican strongholds.
https://www.city-journal.org/article/blue-states-demographic-nightmare
FEDERALIST AND REAL CLEAR POLICY
— Dems Hate The SAVE Act Because They Want Illegals to Vote
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/06/democrats-hate-the-save-act-because-they-want-illegals-to-vote/
https://www.realclearpolicy.com/2026/02/06/dems_hate_the_save_act_because_they_want_illegals_to_vote_1163364.html
FEDERALIST
— Mass Amnesty In Spain Heralds The End Of Nationhood
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/06/mass-amnesty-in-spain-heralds-the-end-of-nationhood/
FOX BUSINESS
— Sanctuary cities are the ‘problem’, not ICE
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6388884907112
— How sanctuary cities have ‘gotten away’ with shielding criminals
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6388904300112
FOX NEWS
— Mamdani quotes the Quran, Bible to support sanctuary city status. Mamdani signed executive order barring federal agents from city property without judicial warrant. DD: The Democrat Party’s domination of all religions is almost complete.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/mamdani-quotes-quran-bible-support-sanctuary-city-status
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
REUTERS
— Bad Bunny’s hometown beams with pride ahead of Super Bowl halftime show
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/bad-bunnys-hometown-beams-with-pride-ahead-super-bowl-halftime-show-2026-02-06/
MSN
— Irish illegals fleeing Trump’s America to avoid being caught by ICE
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/irish-illegals-fleeing-donald-trump-s-america-to-avoid-being-caught-by-ice/ar-AA1VNAyB
NBC NEWS
— DHS warned its independent watchdog that Noem can kill its investigations, senator says. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth wrote that she fears “repeated tacit threats” could be weakening the Department of Homeland Security inspector general’s independence. DD: During the 1980s, while I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO, a powerful Democrat Representative killed a major GAO audit that I had worked on for more than a year.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dhs-independent-watchdog-noem-duckworth-investigations-rcna257846
— White House blames ‘staffer’ for racist Obamas post that Trump shared
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-nj-mejia-malinowski-elections-iran-dhs-immigration-live-updates-rcna256969
WASHINGTON POST
— Those seeking to sue ICE for injuries or damage face an uphill battle. Scores of claims are expected to arise out of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Experts say suing the government will be tough. DD: I knew that my successfully suing my Democrat GAO superiors ( https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf ) was not likely. But I nevertheless sued to get my evidence into the public record.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/02/06/ice-legal-claims-cost-lawsuits/
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— Jesse Jackson’s son appeals to Trump on ICE victims at Prayer Breakfast
https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/02/05/prayer-breakfast-jesse-jackson-son-trump-minneapolis-ice-victims/
BLOOMBERG
— Illinois Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Budget Pressure From Trump Cuts
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-06/illinois-sees-unprecedented-budget-pressure-from-trump-cuts
FORBES
— Republican Leaders Denounce Trump For Sharing Racist Video
https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2026/02/06/gop-members-want-trump-apology-for-racist-clip-of-obamas-he-shared-then-deleted/
February 5, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump says Good, Pretti killings ‘should not have happened’
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/minneapolis-ice-shooting-live-updates-county-medical-examiner-lists-alex-prettis-death-homicide/18528885/
— Education Secretary Linda McMahon visits Chicago private school to promote US history
https://abc7chicago.com/post/education-secretary-linda-mcmahon-visits-chicago-hope-academy-west-side-promote-history-us-approaches-250th-birthday/18549631/
NBC5
— 6 Illinois schools make list of ‘World’s Top Universities’ — and one ranked 5th. In total, 500 global institutions were ranked, with The University of Chicago landing high on the list at No. 5. DD: I attended 151st ranked University of Illinois Chicago 1966-1968 and 1971. I earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from 266th ranked Institute of Technology in 1997.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/worlds-top-unversities-full-list-illinois-chicago-schools-universities/3886976/
— Chicago residents wary as Trump promises ‘softer touch’ on immigration. DD: Any hint of a “softer touch” reopens the floodgates.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/video/news/local/chicago-residents-wary-as-trump-promises-softer-touch-on-immigration/3886854/
CBS2
— Early voting begins for some Illinois counties; DuPage County delayed to next week
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/early-voting-begins-some-illinois-counties/
WGN9
— Celebrating 100 years of Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events. He had less work experience than I had. He had less education than I had. He had one professional certification while I had six. He had no professional license like the one I had.
https://wgntv.com/news/black-history-month/celebrating-100-years-of-black-history-month/#/questions/5294859
FOX32
— President Trump’s proposal to nationalize elections faces major constitutional hurdles. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-mt88gazxykqugksv
WTTW
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/04/teen-brothers-why-they-became-ice-watchers-chicago-minneapolis
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trial set for May in ‘Broadview Six’ conspiracy case against Operation Midway Blitz protesters
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/05/trial-set-broadview-six/
— Government lawyer yanked from immigration detail in Minnesota after telling judge ‘this job sucks’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/05/justice-department-lawyer-removed/
— Marimar Martínez plans to attend Trump’s State of the Union speech
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/05/marimar-martinez-plans-to-attend-trumps-state-of-the-union-speech-lawyer-says/
— Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democrats’ ICE demands
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/05/homeland-security-shutdown/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Marimar Martinez, shot 5 times by Border Patrol in Chicago, plans to attend Trump’s State of the Union. Her attorney disclosed her plans in a fiery court filing, in which he also accused Chicago’s U.S. Attorney’s office of being “active enablers of an out-of-control client.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/05/marimar-martinez-shot-5-times-by-border-patrol-in-chicago-plans-to-attend-trumps-state-of-the-union
— Federal prosecutors fear tainted jury pool if public sees evidence in Broadview Six conspiracy case. DD: By denying me my 7th Amendment right to a jury trial, the judges and justices made it clear that they believed that no jury would rule in my favor. My demographics were terrible: conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-poor, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, my ancestors had been in America since 1844, Crete resident 1948-1972, and Wheaton resident since 1978.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2026/02/05/federal-prosecutors-fear-tainted-jury-pool-if-public-sees-evidence-in-broadview-six-conspiracy-case
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Mecklenburg predicted last week it could take three days for prosecutors to lay out their case against the Broadview conspiracy defendants. Mecklenburg wrote in a recent court filing that the feds are “concerned that unrestricted dissemination [of evidence] could taint the jury pool. Given the current climate, it will be very difficult to pick an unbiased jury.” In court Thursday, the prosecutor also said that “flooding the public way with all of this material is going to have jurors who form an opinion before they even get here.” Similar concerns were raised by U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow in the murder-for-hire trial of Espinoza Martinez. She predicted jury selection could be “pretty dicey” given how recently Bovino and his agents had been in Chicago. But attorneys managed to pick a dozen jurors and two alternates, out of a pool of 45 people, in less than a day.
— State Senate Republicans introduce bills addressing Illinois’ rise in domestic violence deaths. The lawmakers have proposed separate bills that would work to make it harder for individuals accused of domestic violence to be released pre-trial, and would increase penalties for domestic abusers.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-senate/2026/02/05/state-senate-republicans-legislative-package-domestic-violence
DAILY HERALD
— Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democrats’ ICE demands
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260205/nation-and-world-politics/homeland-security-shutdown-grows-more-likely-as-republicans-rebuff-democrats-ice-demands/
— Most GOP candidates for 9th Congressional seat oppose Trump’s suggestion to nationalize elections. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260205/us-congress-politics/most-gop-candidates-for-9th-congressional-seat-oppose-trumps-suggestion-to-nationalize-elections/
— DD: Democrat leaders push pot in Libertyville
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260205/marijuana/recreational-cannabis-dispensary-proposed-for-former-bakers-square-in-libertyville/
— League of Women Voters of Palatine Area introduces VOTE411.org, sets candidate forums. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260204/us-congress-politics/league-of-women-voters-of-palatine-area-introduces-vote411-org-sets-candidate-forums/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Perennial candidate Jim Oberweis is running again — but not in Illinois
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/jim-oberweis-running-office-again-not-illinois
WCIA
— U of I Title VI Office investigating Illini Republicans’ controversial social media post
https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/u-of-i-title-vi-office-investigating-illini-republicans-controversial-social-media-post/
CHICAGO REPORTER
— DD: Democrat leaders push minorities to be pot pushers.
https://www.chicagoreporter.com/what-illinois-got-wrong-about-legal-weed/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/05/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-463/
(FROM THE POSTING: Five days ago, Illini Republicans posted on Instagram that they “stand with ICE” while sharing a graphic image celebrating violence, prompting condemnation from elected officials, school leadership, and students across Illinois. Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez demanded that the Illinois Republican Party and every Republican candidate in our state denounce the post. ILGOP leadership has refused. Party Chair Kathy Salvi, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, Senate Republican Leader John Curran, gubernatorial front-runner Darren Bailey, and Senate GOP front-runner Don Tracy have all refused to condemn the post. By refusing to speak out, they’re sending a clear message that ILGOP leaders are willing to excuse rhetoric that celebrates violence against American citizens and puts students on college campuses at risk. With primary day just six weeks away, Illinois voters deserve answers. Will Republican leadership condemn this post and reject political violence, or will they continue to stay silent?)
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Chicago’s $41 billion financial hole exposes city’s pension crisis
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_e0a0c880-752f-40b3-9855-571716b4445f.html
ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Illinois Family Institute Voter Guide. 2026 Illinois Primary.
https://illinoisfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IFI-VG-Primary-2026-16-pages-web-Jan-26.pdf
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— According to my critics/opponents, it is never too late to start a career in accounting. SEE: https://www.google.com/search?q=%22never+too+late%22+start+career+accounting I disagree. You really need to major in accounting from the beginning, but I did not until I was 27 when I started taking graduate evening accounting courses at DePaul. I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30. I earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul when I was 31. I passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt when I was 32. I became a licensed CPA when I was 32. But by then, the accounting profession had no interest in me a) because it viewed me as being too old and b) because my demographics were terrible. The profession was under tremendous pressure to advance minorities and females. Why didn’t I major in accounting from the beginning? I erroneously believed that because I was not strong in math, I could never pass the CPA examination. But I belatedly learned that accountants do not use the types of math that I was not strong in. — Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Justice Department is investigating Baltimore’s health department for segregating employees by race during taxpayer-funded training sessions. The city paid consultants $50,000 between 2022-2024 for “Undoing Racism Workshop” with separate “White caucus” and “people of color caucus” groups. Officials spent over $2,000 on food and paid $150 per White caucus meeting through at least June 2025. Assistant Attorney General calls the practice “discriminatory, illegal, and un-American.”
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/5/justice-department-probes-taxpayer-funded-racial-equity-training/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— The legal case for and against nationalizing elections. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4446735/legal-case-for-against-nationalizing-elections/
— Trump renews push to nationalize elections and floats possibility of fraud in midterm elections. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4447075/trump-renews-push-nationalize-elections-fraud-midterm-elections/
CAMPUS REFORM
— Over 1,000 UCLA protesters participate in two anti-ICE walkouts in a week. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in getting students to walkout over ICE. The more walkouts, the more proof that for Democrats, education exists to crank out good little Democrats. How many students have Democrats gotten to walkout in your school district so far?
https://www.campusreform.org/article/1000-ucla-protesters-participate-two-anti-ice-walkouts-week/29367
DAILY CALLER
— Trump Says Immigration Enforcement Could Use ‘Softer Touch’ DD: Any hint of a “softer touch” reopens the floodgates.
https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/04/trump-immigration-enforcement-softer-touch/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Freedom Caucus Creates New PAC for 2026 Elections
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/04/freedom-caucus-fund-merges-conservative-pac-efforts-streamline-support-house-candidates-2026/amp/
FOX NEWS
— Sweeping bill to crush sanctuary cities, protect ICE agents unveiled in Senate. Sen Eric Schmitt’s Protect America Act would punish sanctuary cities, boost agent protections after anti-ICE protests.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sweeping-bill-crush-sanctuary-cities-protect-ice-agents-unveiled-senate
— Trump PIVOTS on ICE raids: ‘SOFTER TOUCH’ DD: Any hint of a “softer touch” reopens the floodgates.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6388812491112
— Noem deploys to both borders, says ICE won’t be deterred by sanctuary officials who ‘want to create conflict’
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/noem-deploys-both-borders-says-ice-wont-deterred-sanctuary-officials-want-create-conflict
HILLSDALE COLLEGIAN
— Can American journalism be saved?
https://hillsdalecollegian.com/2026/02/can-american-journalism-be-saved/
HOT AIR
— Illegals Driving Semis Kill Again
https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/02/05/illegals-driving-semis-kill-again-n3811591
LEGAL NEWSLINE
— Palatine teacher fired over anti-BLM posts turns to SCOTUS.
https://www.legalnewsline.com/cook-county-record/palatine-teacher-fired-over-anti-blm-posts-turns-to-scotus/article_6bb7d3a5-95a9-4225-87f7-04a04aeb6895.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A former Palatine High School teacher who was fired for posting anti-Black Lives Matter content to her personal Facebook page has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to tell lower courts they were wrong to allow the suburban school district for which she worked to toss her lawsuit because the district’s interest in mollifying angry students and community members outweighed the teacher’s First Amendment right to speak. And the effort by plaintiff Jeanne Hedgepeth to revive her lawsuit against District 211 has gained some hefty legal support from an attorney widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful lawyers to argue before the Supreme Court in the past quarter century.)
NATIONAL REVIEW
— The latest Census Bureau population estimates are in. Halfway through the 2020s, they show a tectonic shift in America’s population, a decided preference among Americans to vote with their feet for red-state over blue-state governance, and the dramatic demographic effects of replacing Joe Biden’s border policies with those of Donald Trump.
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/02/americans-vote-with-their-feet-for-red-states/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Trump tries ‘softer’ tact on immigration. DD: Any hint of a “softer touch” reopens the floodgates.
https://thehill.com/newsletters/morning-report/5723972-trump-immigration-strategy-shift/
— Trump moving toward Christopher Columbus statue installation on White House grounds. DD: How strongly anti-Italian are the Democrats in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5724408-trump-christopher-columbus-white-house/
— Trump finalizes rule making it easier to fire 50,000 federal workers. DD: If you read the filings in Diersen v. GAO, ( https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf ), you will see how easy it was for my Democrat GAO superiors to fire me, that is, to force me to retire. Their being able to force me to retire notwithstanding my three job-related master’s degrees, my six job-related professional certifications, and my job-related professional license speaks volumes.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5724661-trump-administration-rule-firing-federal-workers/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Trump administration on Thursday finalized a rule that gives it the power to more easily fire an estimated 50,000 federal workers who focus on policy, striking many civil service safeguards while also gutting their whistleblower protections. The rule, dubbed Schedule Policy/Career, converts a wide swath of federal workers into a status similar to that of political appointees who can be fired at will. Federal worker unions have staunchly opposed the switch, casting it as a way for President Trump to politicize a workforce tapped for its expertise to neutrally carry out their role across administrations. The administration has been clear that the goal of the rule is to more easily fire workers it argues are hindering Trump policies — a nod to the president’s claims of a “Deep State” within the federal government trying to undermine him. “This is not about people’s views or ideas. This is about whether they are refusing to actually affect their duties on behalf of the American people consistent with the objectives of this administration,” said Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which promulgated the rule. “The only impact Policy/Career has is if their disagreement leads them to then try to actively thwart or undermine the execution of those priorities, then that [is] behavior that we want to declare to people is not acceptable.” The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) on Thursday said the rule would open the door to political patronage. “This rule is a direct assault on a professional, nonpartisan, merit-based civil service and the government services the American people rely on every day,” Everett Kelley, the group’s president, said in a release. “When people see turmoil and controversy in Washington, they don’t ask for more politics in government, they ask for competence and professionalism. OPM is doing the opposite. They’re rebranding career public servants as ‘policy’ employees, silencing whistleblowers, and replacing competent professionals with political flunkies without any neutral, independent protections against politicization and arbitrary abuse of power.” The new rule would also make significant changes to how these federal workers could report waste, fraud, or abuse, barring them from going to another independent agency — the Office of Special Counsel — with their whistleblower complaint. Instead, Schedule Policy/Career employees would be required to make their complaint of wrongdoing within their agency. Kupor said those complaints will now be reviewed by the general counsel at the agency — a role filled by a political appointee — who will then ask someone not involved to investigate the complaint. “We are filling the gap by requiring that agencies create processes at their agencies to investigate these, including by somebody who wasn’t immediately involved in the action, which is really the best we can do,” Kupor said. The AFGE and other organizations previously sued to block the policy as it was being developed, and while litigation was paused as rulemaking progressed, it is expected to resume shortly. “This is a deliberate attempt to do through regulation what the law does not allow—strip public servants of their rights and make it easier to fire them for political reasons and harm the American people through doing so,” said Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, which is leading the suit. “We have successfully fought this kind of power grab before, and we will fight this again. We will return to court to stop this unlawful rule and will use every legal tool available to hold this administration accountable to the people.” Trump tried a similar move at the end of his first term in office, then calling it Schedule F, and also faced trouble in court. Former President Biden then also promulgated a rule that would block federal workers from being moved into a new classification without their consent, something Trump is undoing with the latest rule. The U.S. has since the 1800s relied on a merit-based hiring system designed to end a spoils system where jobs were doled out based on political loyalty. While the president can hire or nominate political appointees for a number of high-ranking roles, those positions are just a fraction of the federal workforce, which is otherwise required to carry out their nonpartisan work regardless of who is in office. “For decades, our nonpartisan civil service has set us apart from other countries and enabled us to have stability and continuity no matter who is in the White House. The Trump Administration’s move to reclassify federal employees to make it easier to fire them for political reasons will hurt these workers and their families, threaten our national security, and make it harder for Americans to access the services they need,” Virginia’s two Democratic senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, said in a statement. “If we want to continue to lead the world, then we must have a federal workforce based on merit, not politics. We will continue to do everything we can to protect these dedicated public servants, many of whom live in Virginia.” But an OPM official speaking with reporters slammed public servants, arguing that the earlier leaking of the rule demonstrates that federal employees are working against the administration. “We have a boatload of empirical data that supports the idea that there is misconduct and policy resistance among the career civil servants,” the official said. “We have numerous examples of that — career civil servants in policy-making roles. Just in the formulation of this rule, we had this rule — a confidential draft of it — was leaked to the media, so we know that that happens. We are inundated every day in the federal government, unfortunately, with misconduct and poor performance by civil servants. It’s a crisis.”)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
— DD: For Democrats, government exists a) to hire, retain, and promote Democrats and b) take opportunities, money, and everything else away from Republicans and to give it to Democrats.
https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/opinion/trump-elections-nationalizing-voting-citizens.html
CBS NEWS
— Frustrations from judge, prosecutor in Minnesota boil over amid Trump’s ICE surge: “Not above the law”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/frustrations-from-judge-prosecutor-minnesota-boil-over-amid-trump-ice-surge/
— Trump says his administration could use “softer touch” on immigration enforcement. DD: Any hint of a “softer touch” reopens the floodgates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaxZ9eQsfiE
— Students across North Texas walk out over ICE as state threatens consequences for districts. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in getting students to walkout over ICE. The more walkouts, the more proof that for Democrats, education exists to crank out good little Democrats. How many students have Democrats gotten to walkout in your school district so far?
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/north-texas-student-walkouts-ice-protests-tea-warnings/
NEW YORK SUN
— Texas Threatens To Investigate Teachers, School Districts That Allow Anti-ICE Walkout Protests. That state is warning that school districts could lose their funding if they encourage or ‘facilitate’ walkout protests. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in getting students to walkout over ICE. The more walkouts, the more proof that for Democrats, education exists to crank out good little Democrats. How many students have Democrats gotten to walkout in your school district so far?
https://www.nysun.com/article/texas-threatens-to-investigate-teachers-school-districts-that-allow-anti-ice-walkout-protests
MONTANA RIGHT NOW
— Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk and Governor Gianforte will announce a new statewide partnership to bring TPUSA Club America chapters to Montana high schools. DD: Who heads Turning Point USA in Illinois, your county, your township, your municipality, and your school district?
https://www.montanarightnow.com/montana/gov-gianforte-turning-point-usa-aim-for-conservative-groups-chapters-in-every-high-school/article_1ab1d938-4710-46c3-aa0d-c04fc236fda6.html
INDY STAR
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in getting students to walkout over ICE. The more walkouts, the more proof that for Democrats, education exists to crank out good little Democrats. How many students have Democrats gotten to walkout in your school district so far?
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2026/02/05/organizing-ice-walkouts-meet-indianapolis-students-risking-writeups/88365956007/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly promote Bad Bunny.
https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/music/bad-bunny-halftime-learning-spanish-tiktok-6b2f41ed?mod=djemwhatsnews
BROOKINGS
— DD: Ever-increasingly, Democrat and RINO leaders replace those who have demographics that vote for Republicans with those who have demographics that vote for Democrats.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/states-of-change-2019/
February 4, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
DAILY HERALD
— Elgin High School students protest immigration enforcement with walkout, march. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts? Democrats run education in America. Obviously, students in high schools in America who support enforcement of America’s immigration laws are ever-increasingly unwelcome.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260204/news/elgin-high-school-students-protest-immigration-enforcement-with-walkout-march/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Carrying signs with messages like “my parents aren’t criminals” and “kids shouldn’t live in fear,” more than a thousand Elgin High School students walked out of the school just after noon on Wednesday to march in protest of federal immigration enforcement. Multiple students estimated that about three-quarters of their roughly 2,500 classmates participated. “We want people to see that we can make a difference and that what we’re doing is important,” senior Silvia Scimonelli said. The roughly 2-mile march along frequently snow-covered sidewalks took the students from the school to Chicago Street, where they headed west to Willard Avenue, then south to Villa Street and back to the school. The protest follows a similar event at Elgin Area School District U-46’s Streamwood High School. Walkouts are also planned in the coming days at Larkin and South Elgin high schools. Freshman Jamison Vaskin said he took part because “what is happening in America is 100% not OK.” “I’m out here because of the dehumanization that’s happening in our country,” he said. “The attack on our Constitution and our rights, the constant abuse that ICE is inflicting on our citizens, the murder of American citizens. It is heinous.” Matthew Napoles donned a sombrero and carried a portable speaker while leading his classmates in songs and chants. He said he was there to “show ICE that we obviously don’t like them.” “They always try to take away the people that we love, and I’m just trying to keep them safe,” he said. A statement from the school district said the walkout was “initiated by a group of students who wished to express their views about an issue that is important to them.” The district sent a communication to parents on Tuesday to make them aware of the walkout and encouraged families to have conversations about “respectful expression, civic engagement, and making responsible choices while at school.” A spokesperson for the district said students who participated in the walkout were marked absent for missed instructional time, in accordance with district policy. Students were allowed back in after the protest.)
— Democrats demand ‘dramatic changes’ for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrants. DD: Democrats want to stop deportation of their illegals. But failing that, they want to cripple, disable, hinder, impede, hamstring, and undermine ICE.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260204/nation-and-world-politics/democrats-demand-dramatic-changes-for-ice-including-masks-cameras-and-judicial-warrants/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Cook County clerk urges early mail-in voting amid USPS postmark change before March 17 primary
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/04/cook-county-clerk-urges-early-mail-in-voting-amid-usps-postmark-change-before-march-17-primary/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— USPS postmark change could ‘threaten’ mail-in voters, Cook County officials warn. The Illinois primary election will be held March 17. All mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 14 days to be counted.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/02/04/usps-postmark-change-could-threaten-mail-in-voters-cook-county-officials-warn
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/04/federal-judge-orders-trump-administration-not-to-deport-chicago-man-cleared-of-bovino-murder-plot
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2026/02/04/trans-students-felt-threatened-by-this-symbol-of-the-far-right-why-didnt-northwestern-intervene
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more and more and more dependency on government, that is, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote socialism.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2026/02/04/nih-funding-cuts-science-life-saving-medications-research-northwestern-flies-genevieve-nemeth
ABC7
— US Postal Service changes could delay mail-in ballots for upcoming Illinois primary election
https://abc7chicago.com/post/us-postal-service-changes-could-delay-mail-ballots-upcoming-illinois-primary-elections-2026-march/18541796/
— A federal judge in Indiana ordered the Trump administration not to deport a Chicago carpenter cleared of accusations that he put a $10,000 bounty on the life of Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/indiana-federal-judge-orders-trump-administration-not-deport-juan-espinoza-martinez-acquitted-bovino-murder-hire-trial/18542149/
— Trump says his admin could use a ‘softer touch’ on immigration. DD: Democrat leaders and their illegals are overjoyed.
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/minneapolis-ice-shooting-live-updates-county-medical-examiner-lists-alex-prettis-death-homicide/18528885/
FOX32
— Trump’s call to nationalize elections ‘not possible,’ expert says. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-2ap9oe0guenrydon
— New bill would ban ICE agents from becoming law enforcement officers in Illinois. DD: Have you been banned? My their wasting my career, by their taking many big adverse actions against me, and by their forcing me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997, my Democrat superiors in the federal government banned me from getting any kind of employment appropriate for someone with my work experience, education, professional certifications, and professional license.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-4nnbispqzmtkxe1v
WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.wbez.org/education/2026/02/04/trans-students-felt-threatened-by-this-symbol-of-the-far-right-why-didnt-northwestern-intervene
WILL
— GOP U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek, Polish immigrant, talks immigration reform, taxes, ‘cultural Marxism’
https://will.illinois.edu/21stshow/story/republican-u.s-senate-candidate-casey-chlebek
NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-04/brothers-of-renee-good-call-for-action-in-congress
KFVS
— DD: Democrats and RINOs use Affirmative Action and DEI to get rid of Republicans.
https://www.kfvs12.com/2026/02/04/siu-celebrate-diversity-with-2026-international-festival/
PATCH ILLINOIS
— Peoria County Delays Early Voting Due To Court Case Involving Republican Gubernatorial Candidate
https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/il-county-delays-early-voting-due-court-case-involving-republican-gubernatorial
PROPUBLICA
— The Real Story Behind the Midnight Immigration Raid on a Chicago Apartment Building. DD: The owner of the low-income apartments that surround the Milton Township government building in Wheaton prohibited me from distributing flyers there that promote Republican participation in and Republican support of Wheaton Independence Day Parades. The parades stage there and start there. In 2007, many of the residents of those apartments came out to see the elephant that I had arranged to walk in the parade.
https://www.propublica.org/article/chicago-venezuela-immigration-ice-raid-landlord-tren-de-aragua
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/04/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-462/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— What do you get blamed for? According to my critics/opponents, I bring all my problems on myself. The following are things that I have done, that my critics/opponents have used to justify their taking adverse actions against me. I did not become a Democrat. I avoided the Vietnam War draft. I complained about political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination. I filed arbitration demands and lawsuits. My wife and I gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents. I became an active member in a class action lawsuit that charged my superiors with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. I have served as the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000 and I have always fought for direct election of Illinois Republican Party State Central Committee members. I served as the Milton Township coordinator for Pat O’Malley’s gubernatorial primary campaign in 2001 and 2002. I served as an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007. I served as the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012. I served as the Republican fundraiser for Wheaton Independence Day parades and fireworks 2005-2019. I led groups that stopped video gambling in Wheaton in 2009 and the sale of pot in Wheaton in 2019. I have always promoted conservative principles. My critics/opponents have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial power and clout. They use their operatives and their dupes to destroy people like me who they cannot manipulate or dominate, who refuse to glorify and praise them, who refuse to pander to them, who refuse to serve as one of their operatives or dupes, who refuse to cover up their wrong doing, and/or who refuse to give them money. I should write about my critics/opponents. I take the many big adverse actions that they have taken against me as badges of honor. But of course, my critics/opponents deny that they took their adverse actions against me for the aforesaid reasons. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— The blue-state model is failing
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4444096/blue-state-model-failing/
NEW YORK POST
— White House to scrap race, sex requirements for mortgage applications. DD: University Park was created by HUD. Ever since I bought a new townhome in University Park ( https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/ ) when I was 24 years old in 1972, my critics/opponents have hinted/implied/argued/shouted that my buying that townhome improperly/unethically stopped a Black and/or a female from buying that townhome.
https://nypost.com/2026/02/04/us-news/white-house-pushed-to-scrap-race-sex-requirement-for-mortgage-applications/
AMERICAN THINKER
— Europe Chooses Abortion and Suicide. If America can’t learn from Europe’s death, America will soon die, too.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/europe_chooses_abortion_and_suicide.html
FOX BUSINESS
— Ex-RNC chair Reince Priebus outlines the keys to victory for GOP in midterms
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6388777445112
FOX NEWS
— Trump doubles down on calls for GOP to ‘nationalize’ voting as congressional leaders balk. GOP leaders in the House and Senate say they don’t want to federalize elections. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-doubles-down-calls-gop-nationalize-voting-congressional-leaders-balk
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ice-gets-worse-ratings-polling-after-prettis-fatal/story?id=129859236
— What Democrats are demanding in the fight over Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding. DD: To vote for Democrats is to promote illegal immigration.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/democrats-demanding-fight-immigration-customs-enforcement-funding-129842937
ABC NEW YORK
— Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://abc7ny.com/post/what-is-black-history-month-important-heres-know-2026/18542088/
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders and their illegals crow that Homan is pulling 700 immigration agents out of Minnesota
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/04/us/trump-news
— 10 Movies to Stream for Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/movies/black-history-month-movies-streaming.html
WASHINGTON POST
— 12 ways to celebrate Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/04/black-history-month-events-concerts-dc/
WFAA
— Texas students could face discipline after immigration enforcement walkouts. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/immigration-news/texas-students-could-face-discipline-immigration-enforcement-walkouts/287-8bbe3097-38de-4940-95e5-06c32c9f2de6
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Nike Is Investigated for Alleged Discrimination Against White Workers. The EEOC is investigating allegations that Nike’s DEI objectives resulted in ‘a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against white employees.’ DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran the federal government for almost 30 years, they gave tremendous preference to their Democrat employees who were minority and/or female, that is, they discriminated tremendously against their Republican employees who were White and/or male.
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/workplace/nike-subpoenaed-over-alleged-discrimination-against-white-workers-e8f1bb0e
— Top Senate negotiators said that an effort to renew expired healthcare subsidies had effectively collapsed, likely ending the hopes of 20 million Americans that the tax-credit expansion could be revived and lower their monthly insurance premiums. DD: Because I am a retired federal employee, the federal government pays 72% of my and my wife’s healthcare insurance premiums. The 28% that we pay just increased from $600/month to $700/month.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/negotiators-say-talks-to-restore-aca-subsidies-likely-dead-a9c710b4
POLITICO
— Supreme Court won’t disturb new California congressional map. It seemed unlikely the justices would block Democrats’ gerrymandering effort after they kept Texas’ Republican map in place.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/04/supreme-court-california-prop-50-map-00764862
ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION
— ONA Condemns Arrests of Journalists Covering Anti-ICE Demonstration in Minnesota. DD: I should write about those who have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me since 2000 because of my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters.
https://www.journalists.org/news/ona-condemns-arrests-of-journalists-covering-anti-ice-demonstration-in-minnesota
(FROM THE POSTING: The Online News Association stands with journalists who have been threatened, physically assaulted, detained and arrested while doing their jobs covering immigration raids and protests in Minnesota, Portland, Chicago and elsewhere. We condemn the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort on Jan. 30, who have since been released. They were lawfully covering a Jan. 18 demonstration at a church in St. Paul, Minn., actions that are protected newsgathering activities and should have never resulted in arrest. To be clear, journalism is not a crime. These journalists were not committing unlawful acts; they were committing acts of journalism. ONA, alongside NABJ, NAHJ and other journalism support organizations, urges law enforcement and courts to uphold the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Press freedom is a cornerstone of that amendment and is essential for healthy, informed communities and a functioning democracy. When journalists are detained or arrested for doing their work, it sets a very dangerous precedent that undermines public trust and weakens the democratic bedrock we all rely on. The same constitutional protections apply to independent journalists as to those working within newsrooms. Independent journalists like Lemon and Fort play a vital role in documenting our communities and bearing witness during moments of profound public consequence, and they need our collective support now more than ever.)
February 3, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ALL OF THE FRIONT PAGE: DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise their illegals and fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/03/marimar-martinez-shot-border-patrol-chicago-speaks-out-after-good-pretti-deaths-i-am-their-voice
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE WITH PICTURE: DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise their illegals and fight their deportation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/02/ecuatoriano-detenido-en-redada-en-minneapolis-niega-haber-abandonado-a-su-hijo-de-5-aos/
— Illinois joins World Health Organization network, after Trump administration withdraws from group.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/illinois-world-health-organization-trump/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Ken Griffin bankrolls $10M push to lure CEOs to Florida.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/finance-banking/ken-griffin-backs-10m-push-lure-ceos-florida
DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG PICTURE: DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise their illegals and fight their deportation.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260202/news/west-chicago-teens-on-ice-watch-in-minneapolis-this-is-nothing-like-chicago-this-is-so-much-worse-2/
— Dabrowski focused on property taxes
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/letters-to-the-editor/governor-candidate-focused-on-property-taxes/
— Watch for candidate forums. The General Election season is in full swing and the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County is in the process of scheduling forums for area candidates in contested races for Kane County, the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. Congress. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, those organizations would still be hosting candidate forums. FEBRUARY 16, 2012 FLASHBACK: 42nd House candidates (Dave Carlin, Chris Hage, Jeanne Ives and Laura Pollastrini) argue about who’s ‘in’ and who’s ‘out.’ SEE:
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120216/news/702169966/ MARCH 15, 2012 FLASHBACK: 42nd House candidates (Dave Carlin, Chris Hage, Jeanne Ives and Laura Pollastrini) trade jabs on ‘experience.’ SEE: https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120315/news/703159698/ At a Wheaton League of Women Voters (WLWV) candidate forum for that race, I unsuccessfully came to Hage’s defense when the WLWV stopped Hage from participating saying that he not responded to WLWV’s invitation, something that Hage denied. I approached the dais twice. The first time asking the forum leader to let Hage participate because he was there, and then a second time after she said no because it would be unfair to Carlin, Ives, and Pollastrini. I asked her to let him participate if Carlin, Ives, and Pollastrini agreed to let him participate, but the forum leader said no. At the time, Hage lived in a home in front of the polling place for my precinct and Ives lived a home behind it.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260202/letters-to-the-editor/keep-watch-for-candidate-forums/
FOX32
— Dabrowski calls for Indiana-style property tax cap in Illinois. DD: How much real estate tax do you pay? My critics/opponents are furious that my wife and I pay only $12.493.96/year for our Wheaton home and only $8,592.96/year for our Naperville car condo. According to them, my wife and I can and should pay much more a) because we never had dependents, b) because we have no debts, c) because we have substantial retirement savings, d) because we inherited some money, e) because they believe that the federal government grossly overpaid me, f) because they believe that my $68,640/year Civil Service Retirement System pension is much too generous, g) because they believe that my $18,711.60/year Social Security is much too generous, h) because the federal government pays $21,000/year (72%) of our $30,000/year healthcare insurance premiums because I am a federal retiree, and i) because I avoided the Vietnam War draft. According to my critics/opponents, those who share our demographics and can pay more taxes should pay more taxes. According to them, we have what we have because we benefitted tremendously from discrimination against those who do not share our demographics. Comments?
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/dabrowski-calls-indiana-style-property-tax-cap-illinois
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I3cGP3q4ak
MILWAUKEE MAGAZINE
— Milwaukee Cyclists Ride Out for Alex Pretti, VA Nurse Killed in Minneapolis. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly turn Good and Pretti into George Floyd.
https://www.milwaukeemag.com/milwaukee-cyclists-ride-out-for-alex-pretti-va-nurse-killed-in-minneapolis/
DETROIT NEWS
— Just as it ruled in the death of Renee Good last month, the Hennepin County medical examiner’s office said Monday that Alex Pretti was a homicide victim when he was shot on Jan. 24 during an encounter with federal agents. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly turn Good and Pretti into George Floyd.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/02/after-9-days-medical-examiner-classifies-alex-prettis-death-as-homicide/88481860007/
FOX ILLINOIS
— Trump’s $45 billion expansion of immigrant detention sites faces pushback from communities. State and local officials are pushing back against federal plans to expand immigrant detention facilities.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/trumps-45-billion-expansion-of-immigrant-detention-sites-faces-pushback-from-communities/article_a2b8e9e9-2b9a-50f2-b639-49670e3145d5.html
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump plans to lower tariffs on Indian goods to 18% after India agreed to stop buying Russian oil.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/national/ap-trump-says-he-plans-to-lower-tariffs-on-india-to-18-after-india-agreed-to-stop-buying-russian-oil/
WCIA
— Urbana High School students walk out of class in anti-ICE protest. DD: How successful have Democrat leaders been getting students to walk out in your county, township, municipality, and school district? Student walkouts prove Democrat dominate of education. What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATwBbFQd0zM
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— Thousands travel to Illinois for abortion care, advocates say access still limited. The American Civil Liberties Union found that 1 in 4 people nationwide traveled to Illinois for abortion care.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-thousands-travel-to-illinois-for-abortion-care-advocates-say-access-still-limited/
SMILE POLITELY
— OCTOBER 9, 2018 FLASHBACK: Trumpaganda, a new Journalism course at U of I, being offered this fall. DD: The mainstream news media exists to destroy Trump.
https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/trumpaganda_a_new_journalism_course_at_u_of_i_being_offered_this_fall/
BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— Hundreds Of CPS Students Protest Federal Immigration Crackdown During School Walk-Out. At least 400 Chicago Public School students from across the North Side organized an afternoon school walk-out over the targeting of families in immigration raids. “We are fed up,” one student said. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/02/hundreds-of-students-protest-federal-immigration-crackdown-with-a-school-walk-out-we-are-fed-up/
WHEATON RECORD
— What Happens in a Town Hall Meeting When It’s Not In Movie
https://thewheatonrecord.com/2026/02/02/what-happens-in-a-town-hall-meeting-when-its-not-in-a-movie/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Attending a City Council Town Hall meeting is not quite the hullabaloo one would expect from depictions in films like Field of Dreams or shows like Gilmore Girls. There are the fancy podiums and agendas, but the Wheaton Town Hall on Jan. 21 was over and done within 17 minutes. And in that time, the council approved more than $2 million in spending.)
POLITICO ILLINOIS
— Illinois joins WHO network
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/02/03/illinois-joins-world-health-org-00761603
(FROM THE NEWSLETTER: Miller, Bost, LaHood request answers from Illinois Elections Board on voter roll integrity: The three Congress members are questioning Illinois’ compliance with federal election laws ahead of early voting,” via RiverBender. Their letter is here. Meanwhile … The Illinois Republican Party is urging its voters to take advantage of early voting this spring, even as President Donald Trump has long discredited the process. In a message sent Monday, Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said, “Early voting gives you flexibility, convenience and certainty that your voice will be heard in this critical election.” She added that early voting aligns with the party’s “family values,” which is “at the heart of everything we do.”)
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
DAILY SIGNAL
— Minneapolis ICE Haters Are Not So Into Peace, Love, and Understanding
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/02/minneapolis-ice-haters-are-not-so-into-peace-love-and-understanding/
FOX BUSINESS
— Democrats would rather let ‘criminal illegal aliens’ run rampant than secure the nation
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6388690981112
FOX NEWS
— Bad Bunny’s religion is ‘liberal wokeism’
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6388701490112
— Casey Anthony claims US is racist and sexist, says White men have ‘never been marginalized.’ DD: Democrats and RINOs use Affirmative Action and DEI to get rid of Republicans, and especially Republicans who are White and/or male.
https://www.aol.com/articles/casey-anthony-claims-us-racist-162438408.html
JONATHAN TURLEY
— The Remaking of Alex Pretti: Imperfect Times Demand the Perfect Hero
https://jonathanturley.org/2026/02/02/the-remaking-of-alex-pretti-imperfect-times-demand-the-perfect-hero/comment-page-3/
NATIONAL REVIEW
— DOJ Challenges Minnesota’s Affirmative Action Hiring Program. DD: Democrats and RINOs use Affirmative Action and DEI to get rid of Republicans.
https://natlawreview.com/article/doj-challenges-minnesotas-affirmative-action-hiring-program?amp
NEWSMAX
— NYC Dem Pushing Newsmax Ban Has Radical Left Record. DD: I should write about my critics/opponents who have worked the hardest since 2000 to stop me from sending out my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters and to stop everyone from reading my newsletters. I would focus on past and present a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization, b) Republican elected officials in Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, c) Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct, d) major Republican donors, e) radio personalities, f) political consultants, fundraisers, and pollsters, g) conservative leaders, and h) religious leaders. I would focus on the aforesaid who reject the most planks in the Republican Party platform. I would focus on those who have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/newsmax-tv-new-york-city-democrats/2026/02/02/id/1244552/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the New York City leftist Democrat pushing to ban Newsmax from taxicab screens, has spent years embracing some of the most aggressive positions on the political left. From likening President Donald Trump’s supporters to Nazis to backing socialist candidates, defying federal immigration enforcement, and demanding sweeping gun, law enforcement, and climate restrictions, Hoylman-Sigal has a record that offers a clear window into the ideology behind his latest censorship push. Hoylman-Sigal, 60, on Jan. 21 sent a letter to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Midori Valdivia demanding that cabs should not carry Newsmax because of its “politically charged content.” New York City’s taxicabs are privately owned. The city issues licenses — called medallions — to cab owners. Last year, Newsmax signed with Curb a deal to provide a one-minute news update hosted by one of the network’s anchors to over 15,000 taxis across the country.)
REAL CLEAR HEALTH
— Health Care Costs Are Cannibalizing the Economy. DD: Because I am a retired federal employee, the federal government pays 72% of my and my wife’s healthcare insurance premiums. The 28% that we pay just increased from $600/month to $700/month.
https://www.realclearhealth.com/2026/02/02/health_care_costs_are_cannibalizing_the_economy_1162367.html
TOWNHALL
— New Poll Shows Democrats Are in for a Rude Awakening on Immigration
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/josephchalfant/2026/02/02/new-poll-shows-democrats-are-in-for-a-rude-awakening-on-immigration-n2670537
TURNING POINT USA
— All American Halftime Show’ Set to Air Sunday, February 8: Lineup and Streaming Details Announced. DD: Who heads Turning Point USA in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your School District?
https://tpusa.com/live/tpusa-s-all-american-halftime-show-set-to-air-sunday-february-8-lineup-and-streaming-details-announced/
(FROM THE ANNOUNCEMENT: Turning Point USA recently announced more details for its “All American Halftime Show,” which will be airing Sunday, February 8, around 8 p.m. Eastern time. The All American Halftime Show will be a unique, patriotic event proudly celebrating American culture, freedom, and faith. The show will feature musical performances from Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. This exclusive halftime performance can be streamed on Turning Point USA social media channels, including YouTube, X, and Rumble. In addition to social media, the program will air on partner platforms, including Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice, TBN, CHARGE!, The National News Desk, NTD.com, and OAN News. “The All-American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom,” Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said of the halftime show. “We set out to provide an entertainment option that will be fun, excellent, and exciting for the entire family while millions are gathered together for the big game. These performers will deliver exactly that, and we can’t wait to watch the incredible show they’re about to put on. We know millions around the country will be watching too.”)
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrats ever-increasingly use Affirmative Action and DEI to get rid of Trump and those who share his demographics.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/opinion/trump-backlash-politics-civil-war.html
LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to destroy America once and for all.
https://www.dailynews.com/2026/02/02/american-exceptionalism-is-now-at-a-crossroads/
USA TODAY
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG PICTURE: DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise their illegals and fight their deportation.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/29/immigrant-families-conditions-detention-sick-kids/88405597007/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/28/ice-agents-immigration-protesters-legal-questions/88366872007/
— Women are leaving the workforce because of caregiving responsibilities. DD: Back in the good old days, my father earned enough money that my mother could stay home and raise me and my brother. He never earned more than $50,000/year in today’s dollars. He almost always worked second jobs to pay the family’s bills. He died suddenly when he was 47 and I was 21. His earning potential was limited because he had brittle type 1 diabetes and did not have a college degree. My mother’s earning potential was limited because she never attended high school.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/01/29/women-leaving-workforce-caregiving-responsibilities/88370584007/
— Frugal budgets. DD: My wife has always had good jobs. When we got married in 1978, tried to live on just one of our salaries in anticipation of child raising expenses, but we gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents. Then, we tried to live on just one of our salaries to save for our retirement. Then, my Democrat GAO superiors forced me retire when I was 49 years old in 1997. In today’s dollars, my income dropped $86,042/year (56%), from a salary of $154,682/year to a pension of $68,640/year.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/01/30/cut-starbucks-doordash-save-money/88107052007/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— A U.S. Life Expectancy Milestone. It hit 79 years in 2024, which is a record and regains pandemic losses. DD: How old are you? I am 77. What is your life expectancy? According to Social Security, mine is 10.5 years.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/u-s-life-expectancy-2024-record-cdc-health-mortality-cancer-covid-60a171ee
FLORIDA TODAY
— Brevard Public Schools warns of discipline if students protest ICE. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/education/2026/02/02/school-board-superintendent-warn-brevard-students-not-to-protest-ice/88480606007/
ATLANTA CIVIC CIRCLE
— Thousands of Atlanta students walked out to protest ICE, undeterred by disciplinary threats. Cobb County and other school districts threatened disciplinary action. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://atlantaciviccircle.org/2026/02/02/thousands-atlanta-students-walk-out-protest-ice/
WTHR
— Hundreds of Indianapolis students walk out of school in protest of ICE. Around 400 high schoolers walked out of North Central High School Monday afternoon in protest of ICE policy and presence across the country. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/hundreds-north-central-high-school-indianapolis-students-walk-out-of-school-in-protest-of-ice-immigration/531-257834a6-c091-4b41-927b-5e3d953a193c
CBS AUSTIN
— Central Texas students continue walking out of class to protest ICE operations. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/central-texas-students-continue-walking-out-of-class-to-protest-ice-operations
FOX AUSTIN
— Hundreds of Hays CISD students leave campus to protest. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/hays-cisd-student-protests
KXAN
— Texas attorney general investigating Austin school district policies after anti-ICE student walkouts. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/texas-attorney-general-demands-policies-from-aisd-for-allowing-student-led-walkout-against-ice/
SUN COMMERCIAL
— Trump posts more endorsements of GOP challengers to Indiana redistricting foes. DD: Which candidates on March 17, 2026 Republican primary ballot in your precinct are seeking or have gotten Trump’s endorsement? Which ones are constructively running as anti-Trumps?
https://www.suncommercial.com/gcdailyworld/article_664e11c7-d765-5a4c-9d29-f47a151b05cd.html
PRESS HERALD
— Midcoast students walk out to protest ICE. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/02/02/were-fed-up-midcoast-students-walk-out-to-protest-ice/
COLLEGE RECRUITER
— The U.S. federal government hiring freeze is ending. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, the agency was almost always under hiring and/or promotion freezes because of Gingrich budget cuts.
https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2026/02/02/the-u-s-federal-government-hiring-freeze-is-ending
GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— DD: Democrats run the federal government. For Democrats, the federal government exists to hire, retain, and promote Democrats. While I worked for the Democrats who ran the federal government for almost 30 years, virtually all of my superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates were Democrats. They wanted their superiors to get rid of their Republican employees, and especially their Republican employees who were conservative, White, male, older, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, and/or had ancestors who had been in America for a long time. When I was 31 in 1980, I was one of the last Republicans GAO hired. The Democrats who ran GAO wasted my career and forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997.
https://www.govexec.com/management/2026/02/opms-challenge-creating-high-performance-culture/411101/?oref=ge-featured-river-top
HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
— Training Employees Pays Off. DD: All of the first 6 months that I worked for IRS in 1971 was training. Both IRS and GAO gave me lots of training. I have always been very grateful of that. But my Democrat IRS and GAO wasted what I learned, wasted my career, and forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997.
https://hbr.org/2026/01/why-training-employees-pays-off-twihttps://hbr.org/2026/01/when-theres-nowhere-to-promote-a-star-employee
— DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, the agency was almost always under promotion freezes because of Gingrich budget cuts.
https://hbr.org/2026/01/when-theres-nowhere-to-promote-a-star-employee
AFL-CIO
— We Proudly Celebrate Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://aflcio.org/2026/2/2/we-proudly-celebrate-black-history-month
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
INDEPENDENT
— The impossible choices facing millions of Americans as healthcare costs soar. DD: Because I am a retired federal employee, the federal government pays 72% of my and my wife’s healthcare insurance premiums. The 28% that we pay just increased from $600/month to $700/month.
https://www.independent.co.uk/us/money/obamacare-expired-subsidies-middle-class-b2912529.html
GLOBE
— Alex Pretti’s Cause of Death Officially Ruled a Homicide After ICE Agents Shot Him ‘Multiple’ Times.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/alex-pretti-cause-death-officially-214959276.html
BUSINESS STANDARD
— 2 senior officials sent on forced retirement. DD: What did you do to keep your job? My Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997. If I had not done the following, they would have succeeded in getting rid of me sooner than they did. I earned a master’s degree in finance in 1997. I earned professional certifications in forensic accounting in 1997, financial services auditing in 1996, government financial management in 1994, fraud examination in 1990, internal auditing in 1981, and accounting in 1979. I became a licensed CPA in 1981. I earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980. I earned an MBA in 1976.
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/corruption/2-senior-nbr-officials-sent-forced-retirement-over-graft-allegations-1118236