Tag: Republican

March 3, 2026

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Will Kaczmarek’s March 2 news conference cause Trump to get involved in the March 17 Illinois Republican primary? DuPage county has about 937,000 people in it. That is more people than Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, Montana, and the District of Columbia. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
— In Illinois, Democrats run elections. For the March 17 primary, how successful have the Democrats who run elections in your county been a) encouraging Democrats to vote and b) discouraging Republicans from voting? Everyone knows that the more ballots that are cast for a party in primaries strongly indicates that candidates of that party will win in general elections. Will Democrats publish the names of voters who have voted and a) reward those who cast Democrat ballots and b) punish those who cast Republican ballots? How many have voted so far in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct? How many Democrat, Republican, and NA ballots have been cast so far? Who does not want the aforesaid information to be reported and why? – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
— What is the DuPage County Republican Central Committee’s (DCRCC) position on the threats that DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek made at her March 2 news conference, a news conference that I was not notified of? SEE: https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/news/dupage-clerk-to-ice-stay-away-from-polling-places/ Kaczmarek ever-increasingly makes it clear that she despises if not hates registered Republican voters, and especially those who share Trump’s demographics: conservative, White, male, older, non-poor, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time. I share all the aforesaid demographics with Trump. Kaczmarek ever-increasingly hints/implies/argues that Republican voters are racists and even worse things. I am sure that Kaczmarek is furious about what I have done to encourage Republican primary ballots to be cast in my precinct. I recently hand-delivered DCRCC envelopes to the 400 residences in my precinct that have at least one registered Republican or NA voter. Those envelopes contained a copy of the sample ballot, a Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) Voter Guide, and campaign literature from the five candidates who provided literature to the MTRO. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
(FROM THE AFORESAID DAILY HERALD ARTICLE: DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek made it clear Monday that federal immigration agents are not welcome at polling places. She announced her office has set up a special phone number, (630) 407-5634, for people to report if they see U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal agents at or near a polling place. “Today, my office has a message for the voters of DuPage County and for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and that message is that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not be allowed to interfere with DuPage County elections in any way,” Kaczmarek said at a news conference. She said it is a federal crime for military or federal agents to interfere in elections or intimidate voters. “Those crimes will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Not on my watch,” Kaczmarek said. “ICE, go away. Do not even try. You will fail.” Early voting began several weeks ago at five sites and expanded to 24 on Monday. When asked if immigration agents had been seen at any of the sites, Kaczmarek said, “No.” She said it is a myth that non-citizens vote on Election Day. Kaczmarek also reminded voters that if they feel unsafe at a polling place on the day of the March 17 primary election, they can go to another of the 248 polling places because DuPage residents can vote anywhere in the county. If the clerk’s office receives a report about federal agents, it will notify election judges at that polling place. It will also alert community “rapid response” teams who monitor agents and report their presence to the public, Kaczmarek said. The clerk said she will also notify the appropriate authorities. She said election judges can ask agents to leave. Kaczmarek said she did not consult with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin or DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick about enforcing any such requests.)
— What positions do DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and DuPage County election judges have on Kaczmarek potentially ordering them to take adverse actions against ICE? What powers do Kaczmarek’s community “rapid response” teams have? Will they be as aggressive as those in Minneapolis? – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
— I am vehemently against crossover voting in primaries. How many crossover votes do you estimate there will be in the March 17 primary in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct and why? – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
— The DuPage County Election Commission should not have been merged the DuPage County Clerk’s office. That merger dramatically reduced bipartisan oversight of elections in DuPage County. SEE:
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/dupage-county-votes-yes-to-consolidate-rare-unit-of-local-government/

http://www.gopillinois.com


PR NEWSWIRE
— Media Advisory vs. Press Release. DD: Since 2000 when I became the Illinois reporter for GOPUSA, I have repeatedly asked DuPage County to keep diersen@aol.com on its press advisory and press release lists. I did not receive a press advisory or press release for Kaczmarek’s March 2 news conference. According to my critics/opponents, a) GOPUSA is not a legitimate news organization and b) I am not a legitimate reporter. According to my critics/opponents, to be a legitimate member of the news media, you have to a) claim to be nonpartisan, b) get paid for what you do, and c) have a degree in journalism. My critics/opponents ignore/dismiss/belittle/badmouth that what GAO Analysts do is very similar to what reporters do. I worked for GAO as an Analyst for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $118,984-$$154,682/year. My critics/opponents 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. I should write about my critics/opponents. I would focus on those who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois. I would focus on those who have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me lately.
https://www.prnewswire.com/resources/articles/media-advisory-vs-press-release/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A media advisory, also called a press advisory or a media alert, is a brief notice that invites journalists to cover an upcoming event. Unlike a media pitch, which suggests story angles to specific journalists, or a press release, which provides complete news coverage, a media advisory simply gives reporters the essential details they need to decide whether to attend an event. . .A press release is a formal written announcement that shares news about your organization with the media and public. It tells a complete story about company growth, new hires, product launches or other newsworthy developments that matter to your audience. Think of it as a ready-to-publish news article that gives journalists all the information they need to cover your story.)

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with Iran against America.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/03/column-iran-war-donald-trump-depetris/

DAILY HERALD
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with criminals.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/news/arlington-heights-first-in-illinois-to-add-financial-penalties-for-police-camera-data-misuse/

SHAW LOCAL
— DuPage clerk to ICE: Stay away from polling places
https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/news/2026/03/02/dupage-clerk-to-ice-stay-away-from-polling-places/

EVANSTON ROUNDTABLE
— Several hundred voters cast ballots on first day of early voting. DD: How many have voted so far in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct? How many Democrat, Republican, and NA ballots have been cast so far? Who does not want the aforesaid information to be reported and why?
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/03/02/vote-like-your-life-depends-on-it/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with Iran against America.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2026/03/02/springfield-protesters-chide-trump-over-war-in-iran/88942864007/

POLITICO ILLINOIS
— Stratton knocked for Israel trip
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/03/03/stratton-knocked-for-israel-trip-00808349

CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— U.S. shuts down its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as Iran’s retaliation expands
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/3/us-closes-embassies-saudi-arabia-kuwait-irans-retaliation-expands/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Michigan firm that called DEI lawsuit ‘frivolous’ removes race-based scholarship criteria. DD: The Democrats who ran GAO never argued that my lawsuit against them was frivolous. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf  They were proud of the many big adverse actions that they took against me a) because I complained about their political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination and b) because I became an active member in a class action lawsuit that charged them with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4477666/michigan-firm-dei-lawsuit-removes-race-based-scholarship-criteria/

BREITBART
— Oklahoma’s Republican governor says states should be allowed to provide work permits to migrants — whatever the inevitable damage to citizens and workplace investment. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. My critics/opponents cannot say that because they had wealthy parents. Employers want cheap labor. Noncitizens are easier to exploit.
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/03/02/gop-gov-wants-state-import-migrants-boeing-jobs/amp/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Democrat Vows Retribution Against ICE While Sponsoring Bill to Block Agents From Getting Jobs. DD: I should write about a) what my Democrat IRS superiors did to get my Democrat GAO superiors to offer me a transfer only if I took a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars and b) what my Democrat GAO superiors did to stop me from getting a job after they forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/03/02/colorado-bill-preventing-ice-agents-joining-state-local-police-stirs-direct-conflict-with-feds-republican-warns/

EPOCH TIMES
— US Sending More Forces to Middle East Amid Iran Conflict. Trump began the U.S. force buildup in the Middle East in January in anticipation of hostilities with Iran.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/us-sending-more-forces-to-middle-east-amid-iran-conflict-5992819

FOX NEWS
— Illinois reparations commission releases lengthy report of state’s ‘harms’ against Black citizens. State commission releases comprehensive report examining slavery’s impact on Black residents as foundation for legislative recommendations. DD: How successful have Democrat leaders been blaming Republicans for the problems that Blacks have in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://www.foxnews.com/media/illinois-reparations-commission-releases-lengthy-report-states-harms-against-black-citizens

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Trump on Iran: ‘The Big Wave Hasn’t Even Happened. The Big One is Coming Soon.’  “We’re knocking the crap out of them. I think it’s going very well. It’s very powerful.”
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/03/trump-to-cnn-on-iran-the-big-wave-hasnt-even-happened-the-big-one-is-coming-soon/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump Says He Will End Boycott of White House Correspondents’ Dinner. DD: I should write about my critics/opponents who have used former GOPUSA White House correspondent Jeff Gannon against me the most since 2005. (SEE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Gannon )
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/02/us/politics/trump-white-house-correspondents-dinner.html

USA TODAY
— Stereotypes. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders a) stereotype as being HIGH PERFORMERS those who are liberal/moderate, minority, female, younger, non-Protestant, non-German American, have ancestors who have not been in America for a long time, and noncitizen and b) stereotype as being LOW PERFORMERS those who are conservative, White, male, older, Protestant, German American, have ancestors who have been in America for a long time, and noncitizen.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/2026/02/24/how-to-confront-gender-stereotypes-sexism-work/88778694007/

DAILY TEXAN
— Primary like a pro: The Daily Texan explains primary elections. DD: Should I write about those Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct since 2000 who have blamed me and who have blamed my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters the most for their defeats? I would focus on those who rejected the most planks in the Republican Party platform. I would focus on those who had the most/biggest skeletons in their closets. I would focus on those who have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me.
https://thedailytexan.com/2026/03/03/primary-like-a-pro-the-daily-texan-explains-primary-elections/

MOORE COUNTY
— Early voting analysis: More voted in Democrat than Republican primary elections. DD: How many have voted so far in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct? How many Democrat, Republican, and NA ballots have been cast so far? Who does not want the aforesaid information to be reported and why?
https://www.moorenews.com/news/state/early-voting-analysis-more-voted-in-democrat-than-republican-primary-elections/article_7680845d-b728-5da6-9184-7c591cefec6b.html

WSHU
— The fall of the meritocracy. DD: According to my critics/opponents, a) I owe none of my successes to meritocracy and b) I owe all my successes to my benefitting from discrimination against those who do not share my demographics.
https://www.wshu.org/david-bouchier-a-few-well-chosen-words/2026-03-02/the-fall-of-the-meritocracy

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— America’s Ranks of Immigrant Truckers Find a Roadblock: English Tests. Over the past year, more than 10,700 truckers failed an English test, disqualifying them from driving.
https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/americas-ranks-of-immigrant-truckers-find-a-roadblock-english-tests-c1a40428
— Performance and Stereotypes. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders a) stereotype as being HIGH PERFORMERS those who are liberal/moderate, minority, female, younger, non-Protestant, non-German American, have ancestors who have not been in America for a long time, and noncitizen and b) stereotype as being LOW PERFORMERS those who are conservative, White, male, older, Protestant, German American, have ancestors who have been in America for a long time, and noncitizen.
https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/churn-review-performance-and-stereotypes-592ac1d7

FORBES
— Rubio Says Sudden Strike On Iran ‘Needed To Happen’ To Prevent More Casualties
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yieeWcH77c4

ACLU
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/bans-against-trans-athletes-will-not-save-womens-sports

FROM FOREIGN SOURCES

MORNING STAR
— ‘I am not inferior to you.” DD: I should write about my critics/opponents who look down on others the most. Of course, I would focus on those who look down on me the most. I would focus on those who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois. I would focus on those who have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me lately.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/morning-star/20260303/281775635645145

KOREAN TIMES
— Most Koreans see poverty as matter of discipline, not predetermined. DD: According to my critics/opponents I owe all my successes in life to my benefitting from discrimination against those who do not share my demographics. They ignore/dismiss/belittle the fact that a) neither of my parents attended college, b) my father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma, c) he never earned more than $50,000/year in today’s dollars, d) he died suddenly when he was 47 and I was 21, e) my mother never attended high school, and f) I had to work my way through college.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/southkorea/society/20260303/most-koreans-see-poverty-as-matter-of-discipline-not-predetermined
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Public attitudes in Korea toward poverty remain sharply divided, with a majority of respondents attributing hardship to a lack of individual effort, while low-income families point instead to structural barriers that keep them at the margins, according to a survey released Tuesday. The 2025 Korean Welfare Panel Study, conducted jointly by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs and the Seoul National University Social Welfare Research Institute, found that 89.6 percent of 2,661 respondents cited insufficient motivation and effort as the main cause of poverty. Nearly nine out of 10 respondents, or 88.3 percent, pointed to a lack of frugality or poor household financial management, suggesting that for a majority of Koreans, economic hardship is still seen largely as a matter of personal responsibility and discipline. Because the survey allowed participants to weigh multiple contributing factors independently, the total percentages exceed 100 percent. In contrast, only 62.8 percent blamed inborn ability or talent, and just 12 percent viewed it as a “very important” factor, indicating that poverty is rarely regarded as unchangeable or predetermined. The perception gap widened when broken down by income level. Among middle- and high-income households, 90.2 percent said personal effort was central in determining poverty, compared with 85.5 percent of low-income households. The share who said effort is “very important” dropped from 37.8 percent in the general group to 27.9 percent among low-income respondents, while those who saw a lack of frugality as a very important cause also fell from 40.0 percent to 30.3 percent. Experts warn that this heavy emphasis on individual responsibility can serve as a secondary form of punishment for those already struggling. Labeling poverty primarily as the result of laziness or weak will risks isolating low-income Koreans, undermining their self-worth and weakening social cohesion, they noted. To meaningfully tackle poverty, they added, personal initiative must be supported by stronger safety nets and structural reforms so that individual efforts are not hindered by barriers beyond people’s control.)

March 2, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— US nationals urged to leave 14 countries in Middle East. The U.S. and Israel are continuing strikes on targets across Iran.
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/iran-live-updates-trump-says-major-combat-operations-have-begun/18660347/
— Strait of Hormuz is ‘closed.’ An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said the Strait of Hormuz is “closed.”
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/iran-live-updates-trump-says-major-combat-operations-have-begun/18660347/entry/18669060/

NBC5
— Trump won’t rule out sending U.S. troops into Iran if ‘necessary.’  Iran escalated attacks on Israel and targets across the Middle East, with six U.S. service members killed.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/iran-us-israel-middle-east-conflict-march-03-2026-live-updates/3901981/

CBS2
— Iranians in Chicago express mixed emotions to U.S.-Israel attacks in Iran
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/iranians-chicago-express-mixed-emotions-u-s-israel-attacks-iran/

FOX32
— ICE won’t be tolerated at Chicago-area polling places, clerk says. DD: Why do Democrats insist that their illegals do not vote?
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/ice-wont-be-tolerated-chicago-area-polling-places-clerk-says
— Trump speaks on conflict in Iran: ‘Intolerable threat.’  The conflict in Iran is expanding on several fronts. President Donald Trump just spoke moments ago about the conflict in the Middle East.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-dijowlt27oaaz7kr
— Trump says Iran war could last 4 to 5 weeks
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-e0upx1cmkdwtix71

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Primary voting pickings grow slimmer in Lake County
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/02/column-charles-selle-primary/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: For those of Republican persuasion, the coming election should be dispiriting for a party that once ruled the Lake County political roost. In the home county of state GOP Chair Kathy Salvi of rural Mundelein, it should be downright depressing for party regulars. The party has no primary candidates listed in several Illinois House districts within county boundaries and no candidate in the 30th Senate District, a seat currently occupied by Democrat incumbent Adriane Johnson of Buffalo Grove. Of the four countywide offices, Republicans have posted only two candidates: The treasurer’s race and for sheriff. It is at the Lake County Board-level where the party truly shows its continuing minority status in the county. Of the 12 seats up in the Nov. 3 general election, the party has primary candidates in but two districts, and they are unopposed.)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Voters turn out across Chicago’s 50 wards, suburbs ahead of March 17 primary. With early voting expanding across the Chicago area Monday, election officials gathered at the new South Loop Supersite to provide voters with an update ahead of the primary.  DD: How many have voted so far in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct? How many Democrat, Republican, and NA ballots have been cast so far? Who does not want the aforesaid information to be reported and why?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/03/02/chicago-early-voting-wards-suburban-counties
— Illinois Democrats call for state commission to probe Epstein files for local ties
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2026/03/02/epstein-commission-illinois-bill-abdelnasser-rashid-kwame-raoul

DAILY HERALD
— DuPage clerk to ICE: Stay away from polling places. DD: How strongly will this a) discourage Republicans from voting and b) encourage voters to cast Democrat ballots?
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/news/dupage-clerk-to-ice-stay-away-from-polling-places/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek made it clear Monday that federal immigration agents are not welcome at polling places. She announced her office has set up a special phone number, (630) 407-5634, for people to report if they see U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal agents at or near a polling place. “Today, my office has a message for the voters of DuPage County and for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and that message is that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not be allowed to interfere with DuPage County elections in any way,” Kaczmarek said at a news conference. She said it is a federal crime for military or federal agents to interfere in elections or intimidate voters. “Those crimes will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Not on my watch,” Kaczmarek said. “ICE, go away. Do not even try. You will fail.” Early voting began several weeks ago at five sites and expanded to 24 on Monday. When asked if immigration agents had been seen at any of the sites, Kaczmarek said, “No.” She said it is a myth that non-citizens vote on Election Day. Kaczmarek also reminded voters that if they feel unsafe at a polling place on the day of the March 17 primary election, they can go to another of the 248 polling places because DuPage residents can vote anywhere in the county. If the clerk’s office receives a report about federal agents, it will notify election judges at that polling place. It will also alert community “rapid response” teams who monitor agents and report their presence to the public, Kaczmarek said. The clerk said she will also notify the appropriate authorities. She said election judges can ask agents to leave. Kaczmarek said she did not consult with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin or DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick about enforcing any such requests.)
— Early voting kicks into high gear as more polls open across the suburbs. DD: How many have voted so far in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct? How many Democrat, Republican, and NA ballots have been cast so far? Who does not want the aforesaid information to be reported and why?
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/local-politics/early-voting-kicks-into-high-gear-as-more-polls-open-across-the-suburbs/
— Feud with county board a key issue in DuPage County clerk primary race
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/local-politics/feud-with-county-board-a-key-issue-in-dupage-county-clerk-primary-race/

WAND TV
— Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is ‘not endless’ while warning more casualties are likely. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has spoken to widening concerns the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq.”
https://www.wandtv.com/news/national/hegseth-insists-the-iran-conflict-is-not-endless-while-warning-more-casualties-are-likely/article_83e6eb23-8e7c-5f45-b218-74bb1bf22595.html

NPR ILLINOIS
— Trump defends Iran strikes, offers objectives for military operation
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-03-02/trump-defends-iran-strikes-offers-objectives-for-military-operation

ELMHURST PATCH
— DuPage Undersheriff Charged In Bar Disturbance In 2021. He was described as the “primary aggressor.” He said he was targeted with a racial slur.
https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/dupage-undersheriff-bar-disturbance-2021-police

BLACK CHRONICLE
— Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says $21 million in state capital funds will unlock more than $83 million in private investment to restore a historic hotel area in the Pullman State Historic Site on Chicago’s South Side. According the governor’s office, the public-private partnership will redevelop the 1881 Hotel Florence, Pullman Car Works building and surrounding grounds into a boutique hotel, dining destination, and cultural and performing arts hub. DD: In 1973, when I was a 24-year-old IRS Revenue Officer, I collected delinquent taxes from a resident in that hotel.
https://blackchronicle.com/midwest/illinois/illinois-quick-hits-state-taxpayers-to-help-restore-historic-chicago-hotel/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/03/02/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-478/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Pentagon insists no ‘regime-change war’ as Iran conflict spreads across Mideast. Trump says war could last a month or longer, maps out four specific U.S. objectives.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/2/pentagon-insists-no-regime-change-war-iran-conflict-spreads-across/
— Trump says Tehran’s long support of terrorism justifies Operation Epic Fury attack
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/2/trump-says-tehrans-long-support-terrorism-justifies-operation-epic/
— After briefing, lawmakers disagree on whether Iran threat to U.S. was imminent
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/2/briefing-lawmakers-disagree-whether-iran-threat-us-imminent/

NEW YORK POST
— Trump won’t rule out sending US troops into Iran ‘if necessary’— tells The Post war is progressing ‘way ahead of schedule’
https://nypost.com/2026/03/02/us-news/trump-wont-rule-out-sending-us-troops-into-iran-if-necessary-tells-the-post-i-dont-care-about-polling/

Febuary 28, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— US-Israel attack on Iran: Illinois leaders react, demonstrations held downtown Chicago. Strikes celebrated by many in Chicago’s Iranian community, demonstrators against US troops on ground.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/us-israel-attack-iran-illinois-leaders-react-demonstration-held-downtown-chicago-president-trump-says-irans-leader-is-dead/18662172/

NBC5
— Dozens gather in downtown Chicago for protest after U.S., Israel strike on Iran. “They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” Trump said after the attack.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/dozens-gather-in-downtown-chicago-for-protest-after-u-s-israel-strike-on-iran/3901470/

FOX32
— Illinois elected leaders blast Trump’s military strikes in Iran: ‘No justification’
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-elected-leaders-blast-trumps-military-strikes-iran-no-justification

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Leading Illinois Democrats denounce President Donald Trump’s military strikes in Iran
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/28/illinois-democrats-pritzker-iran-trump/

DAILY HERALD
— Endorsement: Tracy for Republicans in U.S. Senate race
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260228/endorsements/endorsement-tracy-for-republicans-in-u-s-senate-race/

STATELINE
— Illinois Department of Labor analyzes wage gaps based on race and gender. DD: If IDL analyzed such gaps for federal employees, it would find that for federal employees who have similar education, work experience, professional certifications, and professional licenses, those who are minority and/or female are paid more than federal employees who are White and/or male.
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/nation-world/a-supreme-court-case-over-whether-marijuana-users-can-own-guns-is-creating-unusual-alliances/article_90ee8794-aca8-5782-8ec4-bac0157895c1.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YROHKZ2llfM

CHAMPAIGN/URBANS NEWS GAZETTE & CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— A Supreme Court case over whether marijuana users can own guns is creating unusual alliances. DD: I side with Trump. I led the successful effort to ban the sale of pot in Wheaton in 2019.
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/nation-world/a-supreme-court-case-over-whether-marijuana-users-can-own-guns-is-creating-unusual-alliances/article_90ee8794-aca8-5782-8ec4-bac0157895c1.html
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-a-supreme-court-case-over-whether-marijuana-users-can-own-guns-is-creating-unusual-alliances/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Republican Trump administration will be defending a firearm restriction, with backing from gun-control groups typically more aligned with Democrats. On the other side is a pairing of the National Rifle Association and the American Civil Liberties Union.)

WGLT
— Duckworth calls Iran strikes ‘illegal’ as LaHood points to ‘direct consequence of Iran’s actions’
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-02-28/duckworth-calls-iran-strikes-illegal-as-lahood-points-to-direct-consequence-of-irans-actions

INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE
— Indiana keeps bucking marijuana legalization, tightening related laws instead. DD: I led the successful effort to ban the sale of pot in Wheaton in 2019.
https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/02/indiana-keeps-bucking-marijuana-legalization-tightening-related-laws-instead/

ILLINOIS TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use the Republican Party’s BIG TENT policy to destroy the Republican Party. Far too many Republican organizations and candidates seek, accept, and/or give money to/from organizations and candidates that reject some, many, most, if not virtually all the planks in the Republican Party platform. Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend their platform. The Republican Party platform is conservative. I should write about the aforesaid organizations and candidates. I would focus on those that have sought/accepted/given the most aforesaid money and that have made it the most clear that they reject the personal responsibility, traditional marriage and family, right to life, immigration, anti-vice, Second Amendment, and/or equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks in the Republican Party platform. I would focus on the aforesaid that have taken the most/biggest adverse actions against me. since 2000.
https://www.illinoistimes.com/news/illinois-republicans-need-diversity-of-views-a-bigger-tent-20101601/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

NEW YORK POST
— Democrats rage over Trump’s ‘illegal’ war in Iran, demand Congress return to Washington for ‘immediate’ vote
https://nypost.com/2026/02/28/us-news/trumps-iran-attack-sets-off-furious-debate-in-congress-on-whether-war-is-necessary-or-illegal/
— Black voters should reject Newsom’s ‘I’m as dumb as you’ shtick
https://nypost.com/2026/02/27/opinion/black-voters-should-reject-newsoms-act/

WESTERN JOURNAL
— Black Republican Nukes Liberal for Implying the SAVE Act Targets Minorities: We’re ‘Educated Enough’ to Get an ID
https://www.westernjournal.com/black-republican-nukes-liberal-implying-save-act-targets-minorities-educated-enough-get/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump’s Attack on Iran Is Reckless
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/opinion/iran-attack-trump-war.html
— Only 21% of Americans Support the United States Initiating an Attack on Iran.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/us/politics/poll-americans-support-iran-attack.html
— Trump’s Decision to Strike Iran Opens New Fissures in Midterms. Republicans largely supported the decision, while Democrats mostly opposed it — but divisions appeared in both parties.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/us/politics/trump-iran-attack-midterms.html
— Legalizing Marijuana Is a Big Mistake. DD: I led the successful effort to ban the sale of pot in Wheaton in 2019.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/17/opinion/marijuana-legalization-disaster.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Trump Enforces His Red Line on Iran. His war aims suggest a long campaign that could topple the regime.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/trump-enforces-his-red-line-on-iran-a2ad85ab?mod=opinion_lead_pos1

AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL
— DD: Democrat leaders reject America’s immigration laws, that is, Democrat leaders reject America.
https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/did-my-family-really-come-legally-todays-immigration-laws-created-a-new-reality/

February 25, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Trump’s State of the Union address sparks debate over SAVE Act voting proposal. Illinois GOP says there is widespread support, League of Women Voters says law could disenfranchise millions of Illinois voters.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/president-donald-trumps-state-union-address-sparks-debate-save-act-voting-proposal-voter-id-election-rules/18650683/
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/president-donald-trump-speech-today-fact-checking-state-union-sotu-2026-address/18646901/

NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/state-of-the-union-fact-check-what-president-trump-said-during-the-address/3899928/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— As primary looms, Illinois Republican governor candidates say they oppose abortion-is-murder bill
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/25/illinois-gop-candidates-oppose-aborton-murder/

CHICAGIO SUN-TIMES
— In fiery meeting, Rep. Delia Ramirez issues demands, reminds DHS head Noem of plans to pursue her impeachment. Ramirez came equipped with specific requests, including barring federal agents from churches, schools and hospitals — and revoking a controversial policy that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to enter homes without a judicial warrant.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/25/rep-delia-ramirez-homeland-security-secretary-kristi-noem-meeting-dhs-actions-impeachment-plans
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly promote more hatred against Trump.  How successful have they been in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/25/trumps-state-union-low-approval-immigration-economy-s-e-cupp
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/25/state-union-speech-trumps-lies-immigrants-america-chicago-natalie-moore

DAILY HERALD
— Who’s the real Republican? And does Trump make mistakes? Gov hopefuls debate (sans Bailey)
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/illinois-state-politics/whos-the-real-republican-and-does-trump-make-mistakes-gov-hopefuls-debate-sans-bailey/
— Edmond (Eddie) Moore: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Sheriff
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/local-politics/edmond-eddie-moore-2026-candidate-for-dupage-county-sheriff/
— Sean T. Noonan: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Sheriff
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/local-politics/sean-t-noonan-2026-candidate-for-dupage-county-sheriff/
— Gary Vician: 2026 candidate for 14th Congressional District
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/us-congress-politics/gary-vician-2026-candidate-for-14th-congressional-district/
— GOP candidate deletes video of fake Trump endorsement
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/us-congress-politics/gop-candidate-deletes-video-of-trump-that-white-house-calls-fake/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Asked this week to comment, Kim said he didn’t know about the video until the Daily Herald asked about it. Kim said five people manage his social media accounts and that he rarely posts messages. On Wednesday, campaign manager Karolyn Radulovich said Kim requested his team remove the clip. “Charlie likes to be positive about our campaign, and he does not wish to deceive voters nor be negative,” Radulovich said in an email. The video was created using a stock video template through an online editing service, Radulovich said. The goal was to promote Kim’s campaign “and make people smile,” she said, not to make people believe Trump had endorsed Kim.)

WGN RADIO
–DD: Democrat leaders want Pat Brady to lead the Illinois Republican Party.
https://wgnradio.com/lisa-dent/pat-brady-reviewing-the-state-of-the-union/

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more pot.
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/danvilles-first-cannabis-consumption-lounge-opens/article_36f1f02a-7e82-4dde-bdd9-6f5882e0a62d.html

DAILY ILLINI
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote foreign languages.
https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/culture-diversity/2026/02/24/arabic-program/

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Republican candidates for governor — minus Bailey — try to distance themselves
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/republican-candidates-for-governor-minus-bailey-try-to-distance-themselves/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/25/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-475/
— Dabrowski pledges to issue emergency order with the goal of killing SAFE-T Act, TRUST Act and ‘unite everybody who wants to take on the legislature’
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/25/dabrowski-pledges-to-issue-emergency-order-with-the-goal-of-killing-safe-t-act-trust-act-and-unite-everybody-who-wants-to-take-on-the-legislature/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump endorses slate of Indiana Republicans running against anti-redistricting state senators
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4471964/trump-endorses-indiana-republicans-primary-redistricting-state-senate/

BREITBART
— CNN Poll: 64% of SOTU Viewers Say Trump’s Policies Move U.S. in Right Direction
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/25/watch-trump-won-over-cnn-viewers-contradicting-networks-own-abby-phillips-post-speech-grading/
— Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR) says President Donald Trump’s asking lawmakers to stand for American citizens over illegal aliens was “thinly veiled racist language.”
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/25/democrat-congresswoman-trump-asking-lawmakers-stand-americans-over-illegals-was-racist/

CENTER SQUARE
— Illinois racial wealth gap among largest in country
https://www.fwbusiness.com/news/national/article_584e4cde-63cb-58bb-a59e-3b6c57964eed.html

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Mamdani, AOC Offer Taxpayer-Funded Child Care to Illegal Immigrants in Spanish-Language Video
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mamdani-aoc-offer-taxpayer-funded-child-care-to-illegal-immigrants-in-spanish-language-video/

NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE
— Illinois launches new fund to pay for more abortions
https://nrlc.org/nrlnewstoday/2026/02/illinois-launches-new-fund-to-pay-for-more-abortions/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NBC NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/state-of-union-fact-check-trump-speech-2026-rcna259900
https://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-lays-into-congress-members-over-inflation-you-caused-that-problem-258243653574

NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/25/us/fact-check-state-of-the-union-trump

WASHINGTON POST
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/25/trump-democrats-you-caused-that-problem/

NPR
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.npr.org/2026/02/24/nx-s1-5716277/trump-state-union-fact-check

February 24, 2026

WHITE HOUSE
— President Trump Honors Angel Families, Remembers American Lives Lost to Illegal Immigration
https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/02/president-trump-honors-angel-families-remembers-american-lives-lost-to-illegal-immigration/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

FOX32
— Illinois GOP governor primary debate: How to watch on Fox Chicago
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-gop-govenor-primary-debate

WTTW
— Illinois Increasingly Becomes Destination for Abortion
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/23/illinois-increasingly-becomes-destination-abortion-access-new-public-private-partnership

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Ex-strip club owner with ties to reputed mob figures a big campaign donor to Alexi Giannoulias. Perry Mandera, his family and companies have contributed more than $100,000 to Giannoulias’ campaign fund over the last few years as he contemplates a run for Chicago mayor. Mandera owned a strip club for years on the Near North Side that was involved in a long-running legal battle with City Hall — and that employed two men with alleged organized crime connections.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/02/24/perry-mandera-campaign-contributions-alexi-giannoulias-potential-candidate-chicago-mayor
— Woman calls police on congressional candidate Mike Simmons as he canvassed in apartment building. In a video, state Sen. Mike Simmons, a Democrat who is running for Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s seat, can be seen asking a woman if she’s calling the police and telling her he’s “disappointed” in how she handled the situation. The incident occurred Friday in Buena Park. No arrests were made. DD: I am happy to report that only one Democrat voter in my precinct, albeit an aggressive, nasty, wealthy, and prominent realtor with a common name, shouted threats at me while I hand-delivered envelopes to residences in my precinct that have at least one Republican or one NA voter without knocking on any doors. He shouted at me in a very threatening tone that he had thrown my envelope in his trash, that I should not deliver anything there anymore, that he knew who I was, that he knew where I lived, and that if I ever did deliver anything there again, he would come to my home and dump it on my driveway. While I did not realize who he was until after the incident, he had known who I was for many years. He had been a registered D in my precinct very near my home years ago. I now know that after he sold that home, he bought a very expensive and prominent home in the new part of my precinct. I delivered to his new home only because there was a registered NA in his home. To avoid future threats like this from Ds, I will identify those homes in my precinct that have NAs and not deliver to those homes that also have Ds but no Rs, something I did not take the time to do this time. There are limits on the time that I can spend. I spend 10+ hours a day 7 days a week putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters together and sending them out. I spent many hours putting 800 mailing labels and 400 return address labels on 400 envelopes, putting them into walk order, stuffing them with a sample ballot, a Milton Township Republican Organization flyer, and five candidate campaign literature pieces, dividing them into 5 batches, and hand-delivering them. I used 400 DuPage County Republican Central Committee envelopes and I used my photocopier, paper, and ink to copy the sample ballot 400 times 2-sided back-to-back. If I spent 6 minutes getting each envelope ready, that would be 40 hours. I spent about 15 hours hand-delivering the envelopes, or about 3 hours per batch.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/02/23/woman-calls-police-on-congressional-candidate-mike-simmons-as-he-canvassed-in-apartment-building
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Simmons says in the video, “I’m gonna let you know that it is against the law to call the police on an elected official who’s knocking doors, I know because I passed the law in 2021. So if you’d like me to leave the building, I would leave the building, but I am so disappointed in how you chose to handle the situation at a time when police have been known to get into deadly altercations with people of color.”)

DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG PICTURE: Who’s going to the State of the Union and who’s boycotting it? Illinois lawmakers are split.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260223/nation-and-world-politics/whos-going-to-the-state-of-the-union-and-whos-boycotting-it-illinois-lawmakers-are-split/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Trump funding cuts and threats to Illinois reach $61.5B and counting
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/trump-funding-cuts-threats-illinois-615b-and-counting

SHAW LOCAL
— Which Illinois lawmakers are attending the State of the Union address, and who are their guests?
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/02/24/which-illinois-lawmakers-are-attending-the-state-of-the-union-address-and-who-are-their-guests/

CHICAGO MAGAZINE
— Fighting the Losing Population Battle. Young people are heading out of state for college and career. To reverse the trend, we need to make Illinois schools more affordable and attract more employers.
https://www.chicagomag.com/news/fighting-the-losing-population-battle/

POLITICO ILLINOIS
—  In IL-08: Republican Jennifer Davis has been endorsed by Milton Township Republican Organization Chair Jeff Castle in her bid for Congress in the 8th District.
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/02/24/budzinski-eyes-a-red-blue-reset-00794602

CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/24/isabel%e2%80%99s-morning-briefing-685/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

NEW YORK POST
— Melania Trump to host stand-out young women as guests for the State of the Union address
https://nypost.com/2026/02/24/us-news/melania-trumps-guests-for-state-of-the-union-address-include-stand-out-scholars/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Newsom tells Black crowd he’s like them, bad at reading and low SAT scores. DD: My critics/opponents have always stressed that my ACT score was only 24 and that I only just barely made it into the upper 20% of my high school class.
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/23/newsom-tells-black-crowd-hes-like-them-bad-at-reading-and-low-sat-scores-1623797/

BREITBART
— Trump Declares ‘Angel Family Day’ for Victims of Migrant Crime
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/02/23/watch-president-trump-declares-national-angel-family-day-honoring-victims-of-illegal-alien-crime/amp/

CAMPUS REFORM
— North Dakota State pushes ‘Safe Zone’ trainees to sign LGBTQ ‘ally’ pledge
https://www.campusreform.org/article/north-dakota-state-pushes-safe-zone-trainees-sign-lgbtq-ally-pledge/29452

CENTER SQUARE
— New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a proposal named after the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk that would restrict the teaching of “leftist indoctrination” in the state’s public schools. DD: My parents sending me to Missouri Synod Lutheran grade schools enabled me to avoid leftist indoctrination. My majoring in business, accounting, and finance enabled me to avoid leftist indoctrination.
https://www.aol.com/articles/hampshire-bill-targets-leftist-teachings-183600131.html

COLLEGE FIX
— Arcadia University launches racism minor to train students in ‘antiracist advocacy.’ DD: To get more votes from minorities, females, and younger people, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly shout at them that Republicans cause all their problems.
https://www.thecollegefix.com/arcadia-u-launches-racism-minor-to-train-students-in-antiracist-advocacy/

DAILY SIGNAL
— 7 Times Democrats Had a Meltdown Over Trump’s State of the Union Speeches
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/24/7-times-democrats-had-meltdown-over-trumps-state-union-speeches/
— The Media Lie About Trans Shooters
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/23/the-media-lies-about-trans-shooters/

FEDERALIST
— California Democrats Pile Out Of Clown Car At Their Convention
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/california-democrats-pile-out-of-clown-car-at-their-convention/
— Basing College Admissions On Merit Instead Of Skin Is Good For Everyone. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran the federal government for almost 30 years, they used Affirmative Action to give tremendous preference to my Democrat coworkers who were minority and/or female. That ever-increasingly rendered worthless my job-related bachelor’s degree, my three job-related master’s degrees, my six job-related professional certifications, and my job-related professional license.
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/surprise-basing-college-admissions-on-merit-instead-of-skin-is-good-for-everyone/

FOX NEWS
— House Dem compares Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown to ‘terrorism,’ vows to abolish ICE. Rep. Maxine Dexter promises to ‘dismantle and abolish ICE altogether’ if Democrats regain power.
https://noticias.foxnews.com/politics/house-dem-compares-trumps-illegal-immigration-crackdown-terrorism-abolish-ice
— Trump has sealed the border. Now, Democrats are hell-bent on ending immigration enforcement. Nine consecutive months of zero illegal alien releases at border while blue cities resist immigration enforcement.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/trump-has-sealed-border-now-democrats-hell-bent-ending-immigration-enforcement
— White House calls CNN a ‘total disgrace’ for skipping event honoring victims of illegal immigrant crime. ‘CNN doesn’t care about the victims of illegal alien crime,’ the White House press secretary wrote.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/white-house-calls-cnn-total-disgrace-skipping-event-honoring-victims-illegal-immigrant-crime

TOWNHALL
— About Those Detroit Officers Facing Termination for Contacting Border Patrol
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2026/02/23/detroit-police-chief-reverses-decision-to-fire-police-officers-for-contacting-ice-n2671720
— Newsom Continues to Lie About His Privileged Childhood. DD: Were you privileged? Ever since May of 1966 when I was 17 years old and bought a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint ( https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1965-12-CD-1966-Pontiac-Tempest-Sprint-Test-1-4.pdf ), my critics/opponents have demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as having filthy rich parents. But I bought that car with money I earned washing dishes for the minimum wage in the basement of the SS Kresge in Chicago Heights, 28 hours a week during my junior and senior years at Crete-Monee High School, and 40 hours a week during the summer in between.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/print/2671745

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

THE HILL
— Democrats prepare to protest Trump State of the Union: What to know.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5751650-democrats-protest-trump-state-of-the-union/

NEW YORK TIMES
— State of the Union May Be a Trial for ‘Barely Invited’ Justices. If tradition holds, members of the Supreme Court will attend Trump’s annual speech, just days after ruling against the legality of his tariffs.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/us/politics/supreme-court-state-of-the-union.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Democrats’ Latest Anti-Trump Tactic: Skipping the State of the Union. Some 50 Democratic members of the House and Senate plan to forgo annual speech in unusual rebuke of sitting president.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/democrats-latest-anti-trump-tactic-skipping-the-state-of-the-union-93aeebe4
— Federal Worker Sues Government. DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that the federal government can force its employees to retire, that is, it can fire its employees, for doing things that are specifically protected, that is, opposing political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination.
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/federal-worker-fired-after-hanging-trans-flag-at-yosemite-sues-government-0ef5aed2

DAILY CAMPUS
— The Death of the Republican Party. DD: I am for Trump when he promotes conservative principles and the Republican Party platform.
https://dailycampus.com/2026/02/24/the-death-of-the-republican-party/

NATIONAL TODAY
— Musk Warns of ‘Woke AI’ Threat as Trump Admin Struggles to Respond. Elon Musk highlights dangers of morally compromised AI models, but the Trump administration’s efforts to combat ‘woke’ tech face challenges.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/ca/san-francisco/news/2026/02/23/musk-warns-of-woke-ai-threat-as-trump-admin-struggles-to-respond/

CONSTRUCTION COVERAGE
— Where Are U.S. Property Taxes Highest and Lowest? A State, County, and City Analysis. Midwest and Northeast states levy the highest rates, led by Illinois and New Jersey.
https://constructioncoverage.com/research/average-property-tax-by-state-county-city

FROM FOREIGN SOURCES

MEAWW
— Dozens of Democrats plan to boycott Trump’s State of Union to attend counterprogramming events
https://news.meaww.com/dozens-of-democrats-plan-to-boycott-trumps-state-of-union-to-attend-counterprogramming-events
— Newsom tells Black crowd ‘I’m like you, I can’t read.’
https://news.meaww.com/right-wing-influencers-troll-gavin-newsom-for-telling-black-crowd-im-like-you-i-cant-read

February 23, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— How to watch Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address and what to know. The address will be Trump’s first State of the Union during his second term.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/2026-state-union-how-watch-pres-donald-trumps-address-what-know/18640790/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: ABC News will air the State of the Union live at 9 p.m. EST, ABC News Live will stream special coverage starting at 7 p.m. EST and ABC News Digital will have a live blog with up-to-the-minute updates, key takeaways of the address and analysis.)
— DD: Democrat leaders say how Trump will use his State of the Union address to sell skeptical midterm voters on his plans
https://abc7chicago.com/post/how-trump-will-use-state-union-address-sell-skeptical-midterm-voters-plans/18638547/

NBC5
— When is President Trump’s State of the Union address? Time, how to watch and more. Planning to watch Tuesday’s State of the Union? Here’s the scheduled time, details on planned boycotts and more.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/president-trump/when-is-president-trumps-state-of-the-union-address-time-how-to-watch-and-more/3898899/
— Illinois lawmakers plan to boycott Trump’s State of the Union address
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-lawmakers-plan-to-boycott-trumps-state-of-the-union-address/3898881/

CBS2
— Casten, Ramirez, Schakowsky boycotting Trump’s State of the Union address
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/sean-casten-delia-ramirez-jan-schakowsky-state-of-the-union-boycott-president-donald-trump/
— Why some Democratic congresswomen will wear white to Trump’s State of the Union
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-state-of-the-union-democrats-wearing-white/
— U.S. women’s hockey team declines State of the Union invitation
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-womens-hockey-team-declines-state-of-the-union-invitation/
— “Abolish ICE” among six winners of Chicago snow plow naming contest
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/abolish-ice-wins-snow-plow-naming-contest/
— ICE whistleblower warns new recruits are receiving “defective” training. DD: In 1971, the first 6 months that I worked for IRS as a Revenue Officer was classroom training. IRS provided me with lots of training while I worked for it 1971-1980. GAO provided me with lots of classroom training while I worked for it 1980-1997.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-whistleblower-new-recruits-receiving-defective-training/

FOX32
— Chicago-area members of Congress to boycott Trump’s State of the Union speech
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-members-of-congress-boycott-trump-speech

WTTW
— DD: Responses to an Illinois Education Association survey indicate that the majority of respondents are anti-Trump and anti-those who share his demographics. Trump is American, Republican, conservative, White, male, older, non-poor, Protestant, German American, and his ancestors have been in America for a long time.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/23/illinois-residents-oppose-ice-activity-schools-support-pay-raises-educators-new-teachers

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Responses to an Illinois Education Association survey indicate that the majority of respondents are anti-Trump and anti-those who share his demographics. Trump is American, Republican, conservative, White, male, older, non-poor, Protestant, German American, and his ancestors have been in America for a long time.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/23/poll-shows-illinoisans-oppose-ice-near-schools/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Durbin to bring original Dreamer to Trump’s State of the Union speech, as several Illinois Dems boycott it. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, along with U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley, Sean Casten, Delia Ramirez, Jan Schakowsky and Eric Sorensen, say they won’t attend the annual address, with Duckworth calling it “another campaign rally full of lies.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/donald-trump/2026/02/23/dick-durbin-original-dreamer-guest-president-donald-trumps-state-of-the-union-speech-illinois-democrats-boycott
— Familiar foes line up in Republican primary for chance against Gov. JB Pritzker. Darren Bailey is eyeing a second round with Pritzker, while Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner and James Mendrick each have their own history with the Democratic governor.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/02/23/illinois-republican-primary-governor-candidates-preview-bailey-dabrowski-heidner-mendrick

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Chicago’s largest employers 2026: Government tops list. DD: I worked for GAO in Chicago 1980-1997, for IRS in Chicago, Joliet, and Harvey 1971-1980, and for the Park Forest Post Office 1966-1969
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/data-center/chicagos-largest-employers-2026-government-tops-list

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Illinois congressman Eric Sorensen says he will skip Trump’s State of Union address
https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/23/eric-sorensen-of-illinois-says-he-will-skip-trump-state-of-the-union/88829828007/

CHICAGO READER
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://chicagoreader.com/?mc_cid=93c2310c71&mc_eid=c968c7978e

COD COURIER
— DD: Democrat leaders promote Bad Bunny
https://codcourier.org/bad-bunnys-super-bowl-halftime-show-sparks-pride-and-conversation-on-campus/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/23/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-473/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Bailey Points to Illinois Truck Driver Licensing Scandal
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/21/bailey-points-to-illinois-truck-driver-licensing-scandal/
— Keicher’s Pitch for Nuclear Energy
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/22/17194/
— Where Company Headquarters Are Moving From and To
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/22/where-company-headquarters-are-moving-from-and-to/
— Illinois Municipal League Attacks Pritzker’s Push to Put Housing Under State Control
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/22/illinois-municipal-league-attacks-pritzkers-push-to-put-housing-under-state-control/
— Feds to Penalize Illinois for Bad Management
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/22/feds-to-penalize-illinois-for-bad-management/
— Questionnaires from Two GOP U.S. Senate Candidates: R. Cary Capparelli and Don Tracy
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/22/questionnaires-from-two-gop-u-s-senate-candidates-r-cary-capparelli-and-don-tracy/
— Juliana Stratton’s F-Bomb-Laden TV Commercial Not Mentioned in USA Today’s Article on Coarse Political Language
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=17233&action=edit
— Ness Relates Supreme Court Decision to Illinois Constituents
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/17298/
— Senate Democratic Party Newsletter Says Budget Will Have Bi-Partisan Conservations
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/senate-democratic-party-newsletter-says-budget-will-have-bi-partisan-conservations/
— Sosnowski introduces Bill to Base Assessed  Valuation on Original Purchase Price
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/sosnowski-introduces-bill-to-base-assessed-valuation-on-original-purchase-price/
— 9th District Democrat Mike Simmons Goes After Laura Fine
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/9th-district-democrat-mike-simmons-goes-after-laura-fine/
— In 9th District Leading Candidate Daniel Biss Attacked by Super PAC Supporting Laura Fine
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/in-9th-district-leading-candidate-daniel-biss-attacked-by-super-pac-supporting-laura-fine/
— Stratton Hit with Negative TV Ad by Raja
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/stratton-hit-with-negative-tv-ad-by-raja/
— Bill Foster Invites McHenry County College Board Chair Suzanne Hoban to State of the Union Speech
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/bill-foster-invites-mchenry-county-college-board-chair-suzanne-hoban-to-state-of-the-union-speech/
— Pritzker Has Fun with Trump over U.S. Supreme Court Tariff Decision
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/pritzker-has-fun-with-trump-over-u-s-supreme-court-tariff-decision/
— DeVore v. Mendrick
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/23/devore-v-mendrick/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— ICE whistleblower testifies about ‘secretive orders,’ curtailed officer training program.  DD: In 1971, the first 6 months that I worked for IRS as a Revenue Officer was classroom training. IRS provided me with lots of training while I worked for it 1971-1980. GAO provided me with lots of classroom training while I worked for it 1980-1997.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/23/ryan-schwank-ice-whistleblower-testifies-secretive-orders-cuts/
— Trump seeks reset on economy in State of the Union address
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/23/trump-seeks-reset-economy-state-union-address/

NEW YORK POST
— Dozens of Dems plan to skip Trump’s State of the Union as party can’t decide on rival programming
https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/us-news/dozens-of-dems-plan-to-skip-president-trumps-state-of-the-union-as-party-splits-on-how-to-protest/

CENTER SQUARE
— Illinois ranks near bottom in social mobility. DD: Notwithstanding that, back in the good old days, while neither of my parents attended college, while my father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma, and while my mother never attended high school, I was able to work my way through college and earn three master’s degrees, six professional certifications, and a professional license.
https://www.aol.com/news/illinois-ranks-near-bottom-social-160000632.html

DAILY WIRE
— Trump Torches ‘Sick’ Democrats Who Ignore Americans Murdered By Illegal Immigrants. “There’s something wrong with them.”
https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-torches-sick-democrats-who-ignore-americans-murdered-by-illegal-immigrants

FEDERALIST
— Woke School ‘Segregated’ Middle Schoolers By Race Without Parents’ Knowledge. DD: Democrats used to promote integration. Now they promote segregation to consolidate minority power. How soon will they segregate LGBTQers?
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/report-woke-school-segregated-middle-schoolers-by-race-without-parents-knowledge/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NEWSWEEK
— Democrats Introduce F*** ICE Act. DD: Democrats ever-increasingly put citizens of foreign countries ahead of citizens of America.
https://www.newsweek.com/democrats-introduce-f-ice-act-11566450

USA TODAY
— DD: Democrat leaders have always used Black History Month against Republicans.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2026/02/23/black-history-month-dei-crt-education-america/88742245007/

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
— DD: Affirmative Action (AA) and DEI are race and gender based preference giving, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, national origin discrimination, and even worse things. Democrats and RINOs use AA and DEI to destroy Republicans who are White, male, older, non-poor, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://hbr.org/2026/02/the-upside-of-opening-up-dei-programs-to-everyone

GAO
— Workforce Innovation And Opportunity Act: Actions Needed to Ensure People with Disabilities Can Access DOL Job Programs. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO’s Chicago office 1980-1997, they assigned me to supervise all their disabled employees.
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107473

ATLANTIC
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly call Republicans Nazis. To call someone a Nazi in America today is like calling someone a Jew in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. For their self-defense, Republicans should buy more and more and more firearms and ammunition. America declared war on Nazis in the 1940s. Democrats have declared war on Republicans today.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/04/republican-party-nazi-problem/686055/

February 22, 2026

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CBS2
— Republican Illinois U.S. Senate candidate Jeannie Evans shares her agenda
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/republican-illinois-u-s-senate-candidate-jeannie-evans-shares-her-agenda/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE WITH PICTURE: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/22/japanese-americans-incarceration-broadview/
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD IN NAPERVILLE SUN: Naperville D203 to offer teacher retirement incentives as $12.4M deficit looms. DD: In 1993, when I was 45 years old, to deal with Gingrich’s ever-increasing budget cuts, the Democrats who ran GAO “offered” its employees like me who had 25 years or more of federal service a $25,000 ($56,000 in today’s dollars) buyout and early retirement. Virtually all my coworkers who took that “offer” were White males who had not made GS-15 ($165,386-$197,200/year in today’s dollars). Their buyout “offer” expired September 30, 1994 and their early retirement “offer” expired September 30, 1997. They led me to believe they would let me work until I was 55 in 2003 and eligible for regular retirement. But in August of 1997, they made it clear that they were going to force me to retire by September 30, 1997 and they succeeded in doing that. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, female, or veteran. By forcing me to retire, they flushed down their toilets what I had learned a) working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 Levels ($118,984-$154,682/year in today’s dollars), b) working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels ($100,069-$113,402/year in today’s dollars), c) earning three job-related master’s degrees, d) earning six job-related professional certifications, and e) earning a job-related professional license. By forcing me to retire, my Democrat GAO superiors forced the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to pay me a $68,640/year pension in today’s dollars to stop me from coming to work. So far, that has been $1.95 million in today’s dollars. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/20/teacher-retirement-incentives-naperville-203-deficit/
— Illinois lawmakers push university funding overhaul amid regional enrollment drops and U. of I. opposition
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/22/illinois-lawmakers-push-university-funding-overhaul-amid-regional-enrollment-drops-and-u-of-i-opposition/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ALL OF THE FRONT PAGE: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/20/operation-midway-blitz-effects-latino-neighborhoods-pilsen-little-village-southeast-side
— As Stratton airs ad with anti-Trump expletive, Krishnamoorthi launches first negative TV ad attacking her
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/02/21/us-senate-democratic-primary-stratton-krishnamoorthi-negative-tv-ads
— DD: What do you stress in defense of your ancestors? I stress that my ancestors always lived in northeast Illinois.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2026/02/21/black-artists-express-complicated-relationship-with-u-s-flag-in-show-honoring-nations-250th-anniversary
— Unions demand more from Pritzker for education
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/20/pritzker-state-budget-proposal-education-evidence-based-funding-rich-miller

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Sanctuary cities and the New Confederacy. Sanctuary cities were always a bad idea. The notion that city or state leadership can declare a jurisdiction exempt from federal law is antithetical to core American principles.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/fairness-justice/4439839/sanctuary-cities-and-the-new-confederacy/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Omar shows up to ‘support’ detainees but ICE deported them first
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/21/rope-a-dope-rep-ilhan-omar-shows-up-to-support-detainees-but-ice-deported-them-first-1623546/

FOX NEWS
— Bureaucrats hide true price of Obama Presidential Center as taxpayers hit with infrastructure bill
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bureaucrats-hide-true-price-obama-presidential-center-taxpayers-hit-infrastructure-bill
— Scrapping SAT/ACT in name of ‘inclusivity’ is leaving students unprepared
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cal-state-prof-warns-scrapping-sat-name-inclusivity-leaving-students-unprepared

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Arizona State University Dean Admits to Rebranding DEI in Undercover Video. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly give preference to those who have demographics that vote for Democrats. That is why those who have demographics that vote for Republicans are ever-increasingly leaving Illinois.
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/02/arizona-state-u-dean-admits-to-rebranding-dei-in-undercover-video/

WESTERN JOURNAL
— D.C. Water Chief Said DEI Was a Top Priority – Now City Faces Historic Sewage Spill. DD: Since the 1960s, Affirmative Action and DEI has been the top priority for those above me. That ever-increasingly have rendered worthless my job-related bachelor’s degree, my three job-related master’s degrees, my six job-related professional certifications, and my job-related professional license.
https://www.westernjournal.com/flashback-d-c-water-chief-said-dei-top-priority-now-city-faces-historic-sewage-spill/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

MSN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in making people LGBTQ, that is, their success in destroying traditional marriage and family. How successful have Democrat leaders been in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/twice-as-many-lgbtq-people-in-us-than-in-2012-study-shows/ar-AA1Wxequ

WASHINGTON POST
— Why it’s becoming so expensive to buy a car in America. Prices are at record highs. More loans are going bad. It’s not an easy time to afford a new car in America. DD: Back in the good old days, I was able to earn enough money to a) pay for my undergraduate and graduate college expenses, b) buy new cars when I was 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 29, etc., and c) buy real estate when I was 24, 25, 27, 29, and 35.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/02/17/new-cars-high-prices/

PAXTON MEDIA
— Early voting continues. DD: The DuPage County Election Division (DCED) 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 easily see the aforesaid data for their township and for their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. According the DCED website, 2,406 have voted as of 2/21/26.
https://www.paxtonmedia.com/news/jonesboro_sun/early-voting-continues/article_542f3a10-3938-5265-bc98-1172c8fd68a9.html

FORTUNE
— 40% of Stanford undergrads receive disability accommodations—but it’s become a college-wide phenomenon as Gen Z try to succeed in the current climate
https://fortune.com/article/rise-in-elite-students-seeking-accomodation-gen-z-phenomenon-find-success-in-competitive-job-market-stanford-university-skills-based-hiring/

FAST COMPANY
— Careers aren’t ladders, they’re quilts. Why traditional career maps miss the real shape of growth, and what to do instead. DD: The Democrats who run the federal government use “up-or-out” to get rid of their employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who they do not promote to GS-13 ($118,984) by age 25, GS-14 ($140,604) by age 30, GS-15 ($165,386) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service ($197,200) by age 40. Extremely few federal employees make the aforesaid promotion deadlines.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91486024/careers-arent-ladders-theyre-quilts

INSIDE HIGHER EDUCATION & SLATE & AMERICAN EDUCATOR
— College material. DD: When I was a student at Crete-Monee High School 1962-1966, no one thought that I was college material. Nevertheless, to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, I took college preparatory courses, got an ACT score of 24, graduated in the upper 20% of my class, and got accepted by UIC. I did yard work 1962-1964 and delivered newspapers 1962-1966 and used the money I earned to buy a 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air I used to get to/from my parents’ home in Crete and a minimum wage job washing dishes in Chicago Heights 1964-1966. I used the money I earned to buy a new 1966 Pontic Tempest Sprint in May of 1966. I used that car to get to/from my parents’ home in Crete and classes at UIC 1966-1968. I got a part-time job working for the Park Forest Post Office in 1966 and used the money I earned to pay for my UIC expenses, to buy a new 1968 Oldsmobile 442 in 1967, to buy a new 1969 Dodge Charger SE in 1968, and to pay for my NIU expenses. I graduated debt-free from NIU with a bachelor’s degree in management and owning that Charger in August of 1970.
https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2021/04/12/colleges-should-reimagine-what-it-means-be-college-material-and-be-force-equity
https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/just-visiting/not-college-material
https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/03/college-isnt-for-everyone-lets-stop-pretending-it-is.html
https://www.aft.org/ae/fall2007/cushman

FROM FOREIGN SOURCES

INDEPENDENT
— ICE recruits are showing up for training with disqualifying criminal backgrounds. DD: The Democrats who ran the Post Office in 1966, IRS in 1971, and GAO in 1980 hired me because they could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. Since then, to hire Democrats who are minority, female, younger, and/or veteran, they have lowered standards. If I had not earned a high school diploma and passed the postal employment test, the Democrats who ran the Post Office in 1966 would not have hired me. If I had not earned a job-related bachelor’s degree and passed the Federal Service Entrance Examination, the Democrats who ran IRS in 1971 would not have hired me. If I had not earned a job-related master’s degree and passed the CPA examination on my first attempt, the Democrats who ran GAO in 1980 would not have hired me.
https://www.aol.com/articles/ice-recruits-showing-training-disqualifying-160752475.html

February 21, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Trump wants to impose 15% tariff, up from 10% he announced after Supreme Court decision
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-10-global-tariff-murky-outlook-businesses-supreme-court-ruling-tariffs-prompts-countermoves-donald/18629152/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— ICE’s purchases for big detention centers are marked by secrecy, frustrating towns
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/21/ices-purchases-big-detention-centers/
— Supreme Court ruling offers little relief for Republicans divided on President Donald Trump’s tariffs
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/21/supreme-court-ruling-republicans-trumps-tariffs/
— Indiana passes amendment to limit early voting without testimony. DD: The DuPage County Election Division (DCED) 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 easily see the aforesaid data for their township and for their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. According the DCED website, 2,406 have voted as of 2/21/26.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/21/indiana-passes-amendment-to-limit-early-voting-without-testimony/

DAILY HERALD
— Endorsement: Jennifer Davis in 8th District Republican primary
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260220/endorsements/daily-herald-endorsement-jennifer-davis-in-8th-district-republican-primary/

WBEZ
— Why did the FBI recruit Catholic high school girls in Chicago? DD: The FBI recruited my outstanding wife at her Catholic high school in 1968.
https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2026/02/18/why-did-the-fbi-recruit-catholic-high-school-girls-in-chicago
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones, author of the 2007 book The FBI: A History, said a strategy of hiring Catholic girls would line up perfectly with longtime FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover’s attitude in the post-World War II years, when the United States was in the grip of fears over communism. “He placed a huge emphasis on recruiting Catholics because he thought that Catholics would be reliably anti-communist,” said Jeffreys-Jones, a professor of American history at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. “They had the moral code and backbone. He went out of his way to praise the Catholic schools in America. He explicitly said that these schools have amongst their teaching staff not a single example of an atheist. And of course, communism, amongst other things, stands for atheism. That was his outlook.”)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Early voting turnout remains low across Central Illinois ahead of March 17 primary. DD: The DuPage County Election Division (DCED) 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 easily see the aforesaid data for their township and for their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. According the DCED website, 2,406 have voted as of 2/21/26.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/top-stories/central-illinois-early-voting-turnout/

NPR ILLINOIS
— A huge study finds a link between cannabis use in teens and psychosis later
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-21/a-huge-study-finds-a-link-between-cannabis-use-in-teens-and-psychosis-later

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Bailey Points to Illinois Truck Driver Licensing Scandal
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/21/bailey-points-to-illinois-truck-driver-licensing-scandal/

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Municipal League: Housing reform could strip authority from local communities
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_629f5e87-ba08-4226-b80f-e478cd6aad07.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Secretary of War-slash-Defense Pete Hegseth headlined the National Religious Broadcasters Freedom 250 Celebration on Thursday with a warning about the “godless left” that’s trying to destroy “Western Christian” values. And this is truly the war America faces in modern times.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/21/america250-pits-godless-left-versus-judeo-christian-right/
— Scott Walker: 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/

BREITBART
— Portland Anti-ICE Agitator Faces 20 Years in Prison for Assaulting Federal Agent with Large Rock
https://www.breitbart.com/border/2026/02/21/portland-anti-ice-agitator-faces-20-years-in-prison-for-assaulting-federal-agent-with-large-rock/

HOT AIR
— Due Process Means What They Say It Means. DD: Because GAO was not unionized in 1997, I did not get due process when my Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire. GAO unionized in 2007.
https://hotair.com/mitch_berg/2026/02/21/two-mns-part-ii-n3812009

WESTERN JOURNAL
— Trump Announces ‘Different Direction’ on Tariffs Following SCOTUS Decision, And Might Charge Countries More Than Before
https://www.westernjournal.com/president-trump-announces-different-direction-tariffs-following-scotus-decision-might-charge-countries/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NEW YORK TIMES
— JPMorgan Admits It Shut Trump’s Accounts After Jan. 6 Capitol Attack. Nation’s largest bank, in response to a lawsuit filed by the president, confirmed his longstanding complaint about “debanking.” DD: What attitude does JPMorgan have toward you?
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/21/business/jpmorgan-trump-debanking.html

K8 NEWS
— Early voting numbers in Lawrence County. DD: The DuPage County Election Division (DCED) 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 easily see the aforesaid data for their township and for their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. According the DCED website, 2,406 have voted as of 2/21/26.
https://www.kait8.com/2026/02/20/early-voting-numbers-lawrence-county/

February 20, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Letter from Pritzker campaign, Chicago-area company in SCOTUS tariffs case demand refunds. Pritzker says Trump stole $8.6 billion from Illinois families; Vernon Hills toy company was plaintiff in lawsuit.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/pritzker-campaign-letter-demands-86-billion-refund-illinois-families-scotus-strikes-down-trumps-sweeping-tariffs/18626044/
— House Speaker Mike Johnson denies request for Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor in US Capitol. Funeral services to be held at Rainbow PUSH in Chicago in March.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/rev-jesse-jackson-funeral-house-speaker-mike-johnson-denies-request-civil-rights-icon-lie-honor-us-capitol/18626155/
— DD: Democrat leaders demand FBI investigation into man’s September 12 ICE shooting death in Franklin Park.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-ice-protest-locals-seek-fbi-investigation-shooting-silverio-villegas-gonzalez-franklin-park-illinois/18626069/
— All truckers and bus drivers will be required to take commercial driver’s license tests in English
https://abc7chicago.com/post/truckers-bus-drivers-will-required-take-commercial-license-tests-english/18625801/

CBS2
— Illinois homeowners have highest property tax rate in country
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLCARLEctb0

WGN9
— Suburban toy company wins legal battle against Trump Administration’s tariffs
https://wgntv.com/news/north-suburbs/vernon-hills-toy-company-tariffs/
— Trump calls Supreme Court justices who ruled against tariffs ‘disloyal’
https://wgntv.com/news/trump-calls-supreme-court-justices-who-ruled-against-tariffs-disloyal/

FOX32
— U.S. Supreme Court sides with Illinois toy company in tariff case
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/u-s-supreme-court-sides-illinois-toy-company-tariff-case

WTTW
— The University of Chicago is among dozens of universities and colleges that have reached agreements with the U.S. Department of Education to terminate their partnerships with a nonprofit that helps students from underrepresented groups get degrees in business. The Republican administration says school diversity programs often exclude White and Asian American students.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/20/uchicago-dozens-other-colleges-cut-ties-nonprofit-after-trump-administration

WBEZ
— Chicago’s Newberry Library gets $4 million to help tribal nations revitalize Indigenous languages. The research library received a Mellon Foundation grant to expand access to its vast Indigenous collections, including materials related to 300 languages. DD: My ancestors continuing to speak German held them back. All my grandparents spoke German. Consequently, my father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. My mother never attended high school.
https://www.wbez.org/museums/2026/02/20/chicagos-newberry-library-gets-4-million-to-help-tribal-nations-revitalize-indigenous-languages

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, ruling in favor of Vernon Hills toymaker
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/20/supreme-court-strikes-down-trump-tariffs/
— DD: The mainstream news media exists to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/20/president-trump-campaigning-georgia/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pritzker demands $8.6 billion for Illinois residents after Supreme Court strikes Trump tariffs. Pritzker, a longtime and frequent critic of Donald Trump, also called out the president during his State of the State address earlier this week.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-governor/2026/02/20/pritzker-illinois-refund-trump-tariffs-supreme-court-ruling
— 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

DAILY HERALD
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their Supreme Court victory.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260220/nation-and-world-politics/trumps-made-tariffs-central-to-his-presidency-chaos-may-come-next/

RIVER BENDER
— President Trump Says He will Sign A 10-Percent Global Tariff Order
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
— U.S. Military Leaders Agree with Duckworth: Expanding TRICARE Coverage of IVF Would Benefit Servicemembers and Strengthen Military. 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.riverbender.com/news/details/us-military-leaders-agree-with-duckworth-expanding-tricare-coverage-of-ivf-would-benefit-servicemembers-and-strengthen-military-90741.cfm

STATELINE
— Pritzker: Trump owes Illinois families $2K per household after Supreme Court tariff ruling
https://www.mystateline.com/news/pritzker-trump-owes-illinois-families-2k-per-household-after-supreme-court-tariff-ruling/

WAND TV
— What happens next after the Supreme Court slapped down Trump’s tariffs. There’s little that Donald Trump has cherished more in his second term than tariffs, a symbol of his imperious approach to the presidency.
https://www.wandtv.com/news/national/what-happens-next-after-the-supreme-court-slapped-down-trumps-tariffs/article_65c75d50-4187-56fe-bdbf-63e40180df3e.html

WGLT
— 7 key things to know about Trump’s tariffs after the Supreme Court decision
https://www.wglt.org/2026-02-20/7-key-things-to-know-about-trumps-tariffs-after-the-supreme-court-decision

CHICAGO READER
— Illinois officials decry proposed cuts to HIV care. President Donald Trump wants to strip hundreds of millions in public health funding from four states led by Democratic leaders—including $8 million from Illinois. DD: Democrat leaders ever increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://chicagoreader.com/news/trump-illinois-hiv-public-health-funding/

CAPITOL FAX
— Bailey only GOP gov candidate to denounce Sen. Anderson’s abortion bill; Heidner calls to end infighting; US Senate candidate Don Tracy, Cardinal Cupich oppose penalties
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/20/bailey-only-gop-gov-candidate-to-denounce-sen-andersons-abortion-bill-heidner-calls-to-end-infighting-us-senate-candidate-don-tracy-cardinal-cupich-oppose-penalties/
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/20/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-472/

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 REPUBLICAN PARTY
— 2026 State Central Committee Application
https://illinois.gop/2026-state-central-committee-application/

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois job openings drop by 100,000 since September with 302,000 unemployed
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-job-openings-drop-by-100000-since-september-with-302000-unemployed/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Stratton Gets Widespread Publicity with F-ck Trump Ad, See It Here
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/20/stratton-gets-widespread-publicity-with-f-ck-trump-ad-see-it-here/
— Citizen Action Urges Write-in: Max Solomon for State Treasurer on Republican Ticket
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/17/citizen-action-urges-write-in-max-solomon-for-state-treasurer-on-republican-ticket/
— Attack on Durbin’s Credit Card Bill
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/20/attack-on-durbins-credit-card-bill/
— Jeff Schwartz Makes Facebook Pitch for McHenry County Board
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/20/jeff-schwartz-makes-facebook-pitch-for-mchenry-county-board/
— Grafton Township GOP Endorsed Jeff Schwartz Over Incumbent Brian Sager
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/17/grafton-township-gop-endorsed-jeff-schwartz-over-incumbent-brian-sager/
— Republican U.S. Senate Hopeful Jeannie Evans Sends Mail
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/19/republican-u-s-senate-hopeful-jeannie-evans-sends-mail/
— Pritzker’s Budget Speech
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/19/pritzkers-budget-speech/
— Comptroller Susana Mendoza Breaks with Governor on Opting Into Big Beautiful Bill’s Scholarship Program
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/19/comptroller-susana-mendoza-breaks-with-governor-on-opting-into-big-beautiful-bills-scholarship-program/
— Threat of Federal Funding Cut for Ignoring Mandate for Motorcycle Helmets Did Not Succeed
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/19/threat-of-federal-funding-cut-for-ignoring-mandate-for-motorcycle-helmets-did-not-succeed/
— Pritzker Calls for More State Zoning Power
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/19/pritzker-calls-for-more-state-zoning-power/
— Daily Herald Endorses State Senator Laura Fine for 9th District Congressional Democratic Party Nominee
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/19/daily-herald-endorses-state-senator-laura-fine-for-9th-district-congressional-nominee/
— Democratic Party Establishment Backing Biss in 9th
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/14/democratic-party-establishment-backing-biss/
— Poll Still Shows Biss Running First
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/14/poll-still-shows-biss-running-first/
— Daily Herald Refuses To Endorse in the 9th District GOP Contest
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/17/daily-herald-refuses-to-endorse-in-the-9th-district-gop-contest/
— 9th District GOP Candidate Got Hawaiian Record Wiped Clean
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/16/9th-district-gop-candidate-gets/
— Jacqueline Garretson Uses Facebook and Yard Signs in Her Attempt to Win Precinct Committeeperson Race Against Jeanne Caifano
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/19/jacqueline-garretson-uses-facebook-and-yard-signs-in-her-attempt-to-win-precinct-committeeperson-race-against-jeanne-caifano/
— Reick’s Idea of Stripping DCFS of Day Care Licensing Makes Governor’s Speech
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/18/reicks-idea-of-stripping-dcfs-of-day-care-licensing-makes-governors-speech/
— A Conservative Reflects on the ICE Shootings
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/18/a-conservative-reflects-on-the-ice-shootings/
— McLaughlin Fundraiser March 16th
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/18/mclaughlin-fundraiser-march-16th/
— Dabrowski Has New Ad, See It Here
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/17/dabrowski-has-new-ad/
— McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio Replies to Ruth Scifo, Head of the Democratic Party
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/16/mchenry-county-clerk-joe-tirio-replies-to-ruth-scifo-head-of-the-democratic-party/
— A Rant about the McHenry County Conservation District’s Neglect of Taxpayers Living within the Crystal Lake Grade School District’s Boundaries
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/16/a-rant-about-the-mchenry-county-conservation-districts-neglect-of-taxpayers-living-within-the-crystal-lake-grade-school-districts-boundaries/
— Grafton Township GOP Endorses Mike Pierce for Congress
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/16/grafton-township-gop-endorses-mike-pierce-for-congress/
— Appellate Court Orders Teodora Brawn Back on the Ballot in 11th District GOP Race for Congress
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/13/appellate-court-orders-teodora-brawn-back-on-the-ballot-in-11th-district-gop-race-for-congress/
— Tribune Endorses Elburn Mayor Jeff Walter in GOP 11th Congressional District Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/11/tribune-endorses-elburn-mayor-jeff-walter-in-gop-11th-congressional-district-race/
— More Evidence That the Chicago Tribune Just Doesn’t Like Republicans
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/14/more-evidence-that-the-chicago-tribune-jjust-doesnt-like-repblicans/
— Sue Ness Makes Endorsements
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/12/sue-ness-makes-endorsements/
— Schakowsky Announced Pork: $4 Million Out of $12.5 Million for McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/11/schakowsky-announced-pork-4-million-out-of-12-5-million-for-mchenry-county/
— Echoes of Martin Luther King Holiday Being Introduced as a “Commemorative” Holiday
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/11/echoes-of-martin-luther-king-holiday/
— Appellate Court Confirms Severino Won’t Be on the GOP Gubernatorial Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=17190&action=edit
— Democratic Party Candidate for State Comptroller Holly Kim Holding Free Lunar New Year Celebration in Algonquin Saturday
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/20/democratic-party-candidate-for-state-comptroller-holly-kim-holding-free-lunar-new-year-celebration-in-algonquin-saturday/
— U.S. Senate GOP Hopeful Don Tracy Hits Democratic Party Hopefuls for Voting Against Bill That Cut Taxes on Tips and Overtime or Opposed the Legislation
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/20/u-s-senate-gop-hopeful-don-tracy-hits-democratic-party-hopefuls-for-voting-against-bill-that-cut-taxes-on-tips-and-overtime-or-opposed-the-legislation/
— Fear That New Mental Health Sales Tax Would Not Equal Old Real Estate Tax Take Unfounded
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/20/fear-that-new-mental-health-sales-tax-would-not-equal-old-real-estate-tax-take-unfounded/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— DHS wants to block asylum-seekers from working, cutting incentives to illegal immigration. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/20/dhs-wants-block-asylum-seekers-working-cutting-incentives-illegal/
— Despite government blowing $100 billion, Americans reject mass transit. DD: I used mass transit in 1971 and then 1973-1997.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/20/editorial-despite-government-blowing-100-billion-americans-reject/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Detroit police officers suspended for contacting Border Patrol during traffic stops
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/4465066/detroit-police-officers-suspended-contacting-border-patrol-traffic-stops/

NEW YORK POST
— Trump has lost the tariff battle but not the tariff war
https://nypost.com/2026/02/20/opinion/supremes-ruling-could-actually-be-a-win-for-trumps-tariff-program/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Illinois Dems slammed for intellectually lazy ‘F**k Trump’ campaign ad
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/20/youre-an-embarrassment-illinois-dems-slammed-for-intellectually-lazy-fk-trump-campaign-ad-1623354/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs Core to Trump Economic Agenda
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/20/breaking-supreme-court-strikes-down-tariffs-core-to-trump-economic-agenda/

DAILY WIRE
— Trump Seeks Tougher Work Permit Rules For Illegals With Asylum Claims. “We are proposing an overhaul of the asylum system.” DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-seeks-tougher-work-permit-rules-for-illegals-with-asylum-claims

FOX NEWS
— Some Republicans privately celebrate as Supreme Court blocks Trump policy
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/tariffs-suck-some-republicans-privately-celebrate-supreme-court-blocks-trump-policy.amp

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

THE HILL
— Pritzker tells Trump to ‘cut the check’ after tariffs ruling
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5748630-pritzker-demands-trump-tariff-refunds/
— DD: The US needs a strong conservative press
https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/5746288-black-press-fight-white-supremacy/

NBC NEWS
— Trump to impose new tariffs after ‘deeply disappointing’ Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Court’s decision does not affect all of Trump’s tariffs but invalidates those implemented using a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/live-blog/-trump-tariffs-ruling-supreme-court-live-updates-rcna252655

NEWSWEEK
— Work Permits Could Change for Half a Million People. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have.
https://www.newsweek.com/asylum-work-permits-changes-trump-administration-11557927

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Pritzker Sends Trump an Invoice for $8.6 Billion in Tariff Refunds
https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-us-gdp-report-02-20-26/card/illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-sends-trump-an-invoice-for-8-6-billion-in-tariff-refunds-VphDZG8Ibo7rLjQBwu9s

February 20, 2026

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CBS2
— Candidate Rick Heidner discusses race for Illinois governor
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/candidate-rick-heidner-discusses-race-for-illinois-governor/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Juliana Stratton ad with anti-Trump expletive draws attention in Democratic primary race for US Senate
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/illinois-senate-race-stratton-ad-trump-expletive/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use religious leaders a) to glorify and praise their illegals and b) to fight their deportation. Judge Gettleman has helped them do that. When my lawsuit against GAO was transferred from Washington DC to Chicago in 2000, it was initially assigned to Gettleman. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/religious-leaders-allowed-into-broadview-ice-facility-for-ash-wednesday-after-judge-orders-dhs-to-grant-access/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: On Feb. 12, nearly three months into the legal battle, U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman issued a preliminary injunction allowing the coalition entry to the facility on Ash Wednesday to offer ashes and Holy Communion. “The court finds that the government has substantially burdened plaintiffs’ exercise of religion,” the order read. Gettleman ruled that allowing pastoral care to migrants and detainees “will improve the condition of those detained at Broadview.” . . . Gettleman last week ruled that with “reasonable notice and communication, addressing legitimate security and safety concerns, allowing plaintiffs to provide pastoral care to migrants and detainees does not pose any undue hardship on the government.” While the injunction specifically allowed access on Ash Wednesday, it also called on the Department of Homeland Security to confer with the coalition over how religious ministry could continue at the facility going forward. Gettleman set a status hearing in the case for next week.)

WAND TV
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more abortion.
https://www.wandtv.com/news/statehouse/democrats-bash-bill-banning-abortion-in-illinois/article_34a41482-8541-4441-b310-e5ab14b5bfcb.html

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— DD: Democrat leaders want their noncitizens to be counted for the census tor their congressional apportionment purposes.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-democrats-say-citizenship-question-could-derail-census-test-and-deter-immigrants-from-participating/

CAPITOL CITY NOW
— Pritzker focuses on affordability. DD: What has helped you afford things? For me, it has been my taking jobs that my peers would never stoop to take. I did yard work in Crete 1962-1964. I delivered newspapers in Crete 1962-1966. I washed dishes in Chicago Heights 1964-1966. I cleaned golf shoes in Flossmoor and chipped slag in Chicago Heights in 1966. I pumped gasoline in Chicago Heights in 1966, 1971, and 1972. I delivered mail in Park Forest 1966-1969. I worked on an automobile assembly line in Belvidere in 1970. I sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances Chicago Heights in 1971 and 1972. I collected delinquent taxes for IRS in Harvey, Joliet, and Chicago 1971-1980. I audited federal agencies for GAO in Chicago 1980-1997. To get those jobs, to keep those jobs, and to get promoted, I earned a diploma from Crete Monee High School in 1966. I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree from NIU in 1970. I earned job-related master’s degrees from Loyola in 1976, DePaul in 1980, and IIT in 1997. I earned job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997. I earned a job-related professional license in 1981.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-pritzker-focuses-on-history-affordability-in-8th-state-of-the-state-address/

POLITICO ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use religious leaders to glorify and praise their illegals and to fight their deportation. Democrat leaders ever-increasingly hint/imply/argue/shout that Jesus rejects the concepts of countries, borders, and laws. Democrat leaders ever-increasingly hint/imply/argue/shout that according to Jesus, when governments do exist, they should exist to hand out welfare. Anticipate/expect that Democrat leaders will ever-increasingly fill their churches with their illegals.
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/02/20/cardinal-cupich-meets-the-moment-00790538

CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— I have requested the DuPage County Election Division (DCED) to provide me with early voting data. It would be great if the DCED would provide me with the number of early votes cast daily, weekly, and cumulatively in DuPage County broken out by a) type of ballot (R,D,NA), b) township, and c) precinct. I would be great if the DCED would post the aforesaid data on its website. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois uses temporary federal aid to fund ongoing social programs
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/waste-watch-illinois-uses-temporary-federal-aid-to-fund-ongoing-social-programs/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump declares ‘I’ve won affordability’ during Georgia visit. DD: What has helped you afford things? For me, it has been my taking jobs that my peers would never stoop to take. I did yard work in Crete 1962-1964. I delivered newspapers in Crete 1962-1966. I washed dishes in Chicago Heights 1964-1966. I cleaned golf shoes in Flossmoor and chipped slag in Chicago Heights in 1966. I pumped gasoline in Chicago Heights in 1966, 1971, and 1972. I delivered mail in Park Forest 1966-1969. I worked on an automobile assembly line in Belvidere in 1970. I sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances Chicago Heights in 1971 and 1972. I collected delinquent taxes for IRS in Harvey, Joliet, and Chicago 1971-1980. I audited federal agencies for GAO in Chicago 1980-1997. To get those jobs, to keep those jobs, and to get promoted, I earned a diploma from Crete Monee High School in 1966. I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree from NIU in 1970. I earned job-related master’s degrees from Loyola in 1976, DePaul in 1980, and IIT in 1997. I earned job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997. I earned a job-related professional license in 1981.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4464558/trump-declares-ive-won-affordability-during-georgia-visit/

NEW YORK POST
— Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson calls out Clarence Thomas while defending city’s reparations task force. 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://nypost.com/2026/01/23/media/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-calls-out-clarence-thomas-while-defending-citys-reparations-task-force/
— Hollywood merger would scale up the ‘woke’
https://nypost.com/2026/02/19/opinion/glitzy-merger-would-scale-up-the-woke/

BLAZE
— Disney’s ‘Gay Days’ are canceled.
https://www.theblaze.com/columns/opinion/disneys-gay-days-are-canceled-dont-pop-the-champagne-just-yet

FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM
— Record Number of Immigration Proceedings Resulting in Voluntary Departures
https://www.fairus.org/legislation/executive/record-number-immigration-proceedings-resulting-voluntary-departures

FOX NEWS
— Illinois lieutenant governor seeking US Senate seat releases video of people saying ‘F— Trump’  ‘They said it. We’re all thinking it,’ Juliana Stratton wrote in a post on X.
https://noticias.foxnews.com/politics/illinois-lieutenant-governor-seeking-us-senate-seat-releases-video-people-saying-f-trump
— Lewis University moves classes online after learning ICE is operating in the same building. University says it has no control over leasing decisions involving other tenants in Oak Brook building.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/illinois-university-moves-classes-online-after-learning-ice-operating-same-building

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Contrived Coarseness Like Juliana Stratton’s Is Here to Stay
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/contrived-coarseness-like-juliana-strattons-is-here-to-stay/

POST MILLENNIAL
— Illinois Dem Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton releases ‘f*ck Trump’ Senate campaign ad vowing to ‘abolish ICE’
https://thepostmillennial.com/illinois-dem-lt-gov-juliana-stratton-releases-f-ck-trump-senate-campaign-ad-vowing-to-abolish-ice

TOWNHALL
— Based on These Remarks, No Wonder Why DC Water Is a Total Trainwreck
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

THE HILL
— Illinois Senate candidate Juliana Stratton launches campaign ad featuring people saying ‘F— Trump’
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5746907-juliana-stratton-trump-ad/

NBC NEWS
— New Trump administration order could lead to the detention of thousands of legal refugees. The Department of Homeland Security says in a memo that refugees applying for green cards must return to federal custody one year after they were admitted to the U.S.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-trump-administration-order-lead-detention-thousands-legal-refugees-rcna259838

CBS NEWS
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly destroy those who do not promote LGBTQ.
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/hate-crimes-against-lgbtq-community-on-the-rise-in-texas-across-the-u-s-report-says/

NEW YORK TIMES
— HUD Revives First-Term Trump Proposal to Eject Undocumented Immigrants from Public Housing
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/us/politics/hud-trump-immigrants-housing.html

BLOOMBERG LAW
— 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://news.bloomberglaw.com/legal-exchange-insights-and-commentary/employers-can-reduce-dei-risk-with-narrow-but-deep-equality-work

FORTUNE
— Stop waiting for the perfect job and just start working. DD: I did not wait. I took bad jobs that my peers would never stoop to take. I did yard work in Crete 1962-1964. I delivered newspapers in Crete 1962-1966. I washed dishes in Chicago Heights 1964-1966. I cleaned golf shoes in Flossmoor and chipped slag in Chicago Heights in 1966. I pumped gasoline in Chicago Heights in 1966, 1971, and 1972. I delivered mail in Park Forest 1966-1969. I worked on an automobile assembly line in Belvidere in 1970. I sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances Chicago Heights in 1971 and 1972. I collected delinquent taxes for IRS in Harvey, Joliet, and Chicago 1971-1980. I audited federal agencies for GAO in Chicago 1980-1997. To get those jobs, to keep those jobs, and to get promoted, I earned a diploma from Crete Monee High School in 1966. I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree from NIU in 1970. I earned job-related master’s degrees from Loyola in 1976, DePaul in 1980, and IIT in 1997. I earned job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997. I earned a job-related professional license in 1981.
https://fortune.com/2026/02/15/fox-news-host-dana-perino-gen-z-college-graduate-advice-start-working-build-network-career-advancement/

POST REGISTER
— Precinct Committeeman: Your neighborhood. Your voice. Your chance to serve. DD: I might not have been elected Republican Precinct Committeeman (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.
https://www.postregister.com/opinion/columns/opinion-your-neighborhood-your-voice-your-chance-to-serve/article_9ba15e59-f4e9-4d8c-8061-227759874257.amp.html

CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
— DD: Democrat colleges use Affirmative Action and DEI a) to not admit or hire Republicans and b) to get rid of their Republican students and employees.
https://www.chronicle.com/article/diversity-officers-must-be-clearer-about-goals-says-new-leader

FROM FOREIGN SOURCES

HINDUSTAN TIMES
— ‘F— Trump’: Democrat Juliana Stratton of Illinois under fire over ‘vulgar’ campaign ad for primaries. Juliana Stratton launched a blunt anti-Donald Trump Senate ad featuring a vulgar slogan, drawing backlash online as her primary bid heats up.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/f-trump-democrat-juliana-stratton-of-illinois-under-fire-over-vulgar-campaign-ad-for-primaries-101771541309782.html