WHITE HOUSE
— NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH, 2026 DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/02/national-black-history-month-2026/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Suspect charged in mother’s ‘execution-style’ killing at Momence bar she owned: sheriff. The sheriff’s office said Courtney Drysdale complied when Julius Burkes Jr. demanded money, but he still shot her.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/kankakee-sheriffs-office-released-images-person-interest-homicide-momence-bar-owner-courtney-drysdale/18534545/
— Jill Biden’s first husband charged with killing wife in domestic dispute at their Delaware home
https://abc7chicago.com/post/jill-bidens-first-husband-charged-killing-wife-domestic-dispute-delaware-home/18535620/
— Chicago’s DuSable museum has special schedule for Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/dusable-black-history-museum-education-center-chicagos-hyde-park-has-special-schedule-2026-month/18537199/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/minneapolis-ice-shooting-live-updates-county-medical-examiner-lists-alex-prettis-death-homicide/18528885/
NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Marimar Martinez to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/marimar-martinez-testifies-on-capitol-hill-after-being-shot-by-immigration-agents/3886052/
CBS2
— Suspect in custody for fatal shooting of Momence bar owner Courtney Drysdale
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/owner-of-bar-near-momence-illinois-shot-killed-robbery/
— Judge restricts federal agents from using tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland immigration protests
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-restricts-federal-agents-use-tear-gas-projectile-munitions-portland-immigration-protests/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Turning Point USA plans Super Bowl alternative to Bad Bunny with Kid Rock
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/tpusa-super-bowl-turning-point-usa-kid-rock-bad-bunny/
— East Aurora students walk out from class Tuesday to protest against ICE. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to get students to do their bidding. What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/east-aurora-students-ice-walkout/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Marimar Martinez to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/border-patrol-bodycam-video-marimar-martinez/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Marimar Martinez to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/03/marimar-martinez-goes-to-washington-wants-trump-officials-to-admit-not-a-domestic-terrorist
— Mayor Johnson defends executive order aimed at holding ICE accountable for alleged abuses
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/03/mayor-brandon-johnson-executive-order-accountability-ice-agents-operation-midway-blitz-states-attorney-eileen-oneill-burke
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use their protesters to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/03/ice-deportation-campaign-facial-recognition-global-entry-cards-protesters-punishment
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Blacks to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/03/black-history-month-democracy-civil-voting-rights-politics-ben-jealous
DAILY HERALD
— Voting by mail? Don’t wait until the last minute
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/news/voting-by-mail-dont-wait-until-the-last-minute/
— GOP state House candidate says he’s not a Holocaust denier
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/news/lapinski-denies-holding-holocaust-denying-views/
— Republican candidate for 8th Congressional District hammers opponents over their religious beliefs
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/us-congress-politics/republican-candidate-for-8th-congressional-district-hammers-opponents-over-their-religious-beliefs/
— League hosts forum for Republican primary hopefuls for 11th Congressional District
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/submitted-content/league-hosts-forum-for-republican-primary-hopefuls-for-11th-congressional-district/
STATELINE
— Teachers union urges delay of Turning Point USA assembly at Genoa High School
https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/teachers-union-urges-delay-of-turning-point-usa-assembly-at-genoa-high-school/
SHAW LOCAL
— Your guide to the March 2026 primary in DuPage County
https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/02/03/your-guide-to-the-march-2026-primary-in-dupage-county/
BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Durbin, LaHood to kick off ‘Democracy Dialogues’ series at Illinois State
https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/article_d571a098-c50d-4c06-bc87-42504b75e530.html
WSJD
— New “Still a DUI” Campaign Targets Rising Misconceptions on Cannabis-Impaired Driving Among Youth
https://wsjd.fm/new-blog-1/2026/2/3/new-still-a-dui-campaign-targets-rising-misconceptions-on-cannabis-impaired-driving-among-youth
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
— WIU Celebrates Black History Month with a Month-Long Series of Events. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.wiu.edu/news/newsrelease.php?release_id=21127
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-child-care-funding-freeze-could-worsen-shortage-in-illinois-providers-say/
CHICAGO TREACHERS UNION
— Our union stands with the people of Minnesota, #ICEOutNow
https://www.ctulocal1.org/posts/ctu-stands-with-mn-iceoutnow/
DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— Due to unresolved candidate objections currently pending before the Appellate Court, early voting and vote-by-mail in DuPage County is expected to begin early next week. The commencement date will be updated on the County Clerk’s website upon receipt of the court rulings and finalization of the ballot.
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/elected_officials/county_clerk/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/03/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-461/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— GOP candidates for Illinois governor challenge Pritzker on state finances
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_17ea3557-8c1f-4186-bc7e-f79ad6f3a165.html
ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Pritzker’s Ever-Growing Passion. When it comes to abortion, Governor J.B. Pritzker has only one goal: expand. In Illinois, he has consistently removed commonsense barriers to abortion.
https://illinoisfamily.org/life/pritzkers-ever-growing-passion/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Republicans launch caucus to stop spread of shariah in U.S.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/3/republicans-launch-caucus-stop-spread-shariah-us/
NEW YORK POST
— Crazed agitators attacking DHS vehicles at an alarming rate: ‘Incited violence’
https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/crazed-agitators-attacking-dhs-vehicles-at-an-alarming-rate-incited-violence/
— Vance explodes at NY Dem Rep. Jerry Nadler ‘openly calling’ for shooting ICE agents
https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/jd-vance-explodes-at-ny-dem-rep-jerry-nadler-openly-calling-for-shooting-ice-agents/
— Stop demonizing ICE; you’re hurting innocent people
https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/opinion/stop-demonizing-ice-youre-hurting-innocents/
BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Teacher proudly forces kindergartners to participate in anti-ICE rally in their classroom. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/03/teacher-proudly-forces-kindergartners-to-participate-in-anti-ice-rally-in-their-classroom-2-1619860/
NEWSMAX
— No Peace, Love, or Understanding from Minneapolis ICE Haters
https://www.newsmax.com/murdock/good-king-pretti/2026/02/02/id/1244547/
TOWNHALL
— How You Know Chicago Isn’t That Worried About ‘Gun Violence’
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/tomknighton/2026/02/03/how-you-know-chicago-isnt-that-worried-about-gun-violence-n2670587
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CNN
— Turning Point USA announces rival Super Bowl halftime show
https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/entertainment/video/turning-point-usa-kid-rock-halftime-show-bad-bunny-nfl-digvid-vrtc
ABC LOS ANGELES
— 11 must-read children’s books by black authors in honor of Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://abc7.com/post/black-history-month-2026-11-childrens-books-tell-stories-americans/18524737/
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to promote chaos.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/technology/minneapolis-ai-disinformation-misinformation-truth.html
— 10 Movies to Stream for Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/movies/black-history-month-movies-streaming.html
HOUSTON CHRONNICLE
— Texas Education Agency warns it will discipline teachers who help students protest ICE. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/teachers-ice-protests-tea-21332079.php
FLORIDA TODAY
— Brevard students will be disciplined for ICE walkouts despite state guidance. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/education/2026/02/03/florida-education-commissioner-gives-guidance-on-student-ice-protests/88495396007/
USA TODAY
— Turning Point USA unveils alternative Super Bowl halftime show lineup with Kid Rock. Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice will headline Turning Point USA’s alternative halftime show, airing as Bad Bunny takes the Super Bowl halftime show stage Sunday.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/02/02/super-bowl-turning-point-usa-alternative-halftime-show-lineup/88414387007/
— Student walkouts. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to get students to do their bidding. What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/03/student-walkouts-protests-ice-videos-photos/88492929007/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Parents Must Take Back School Boards. Too many fail to serve children. Unless parents commit, nothing will improve. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/parents-must-take-back-school-boards-e867047d
INSTITUTE ON TAXATION AND ECONOMIC POLICY
— Why Should States and Localities Have Progressive Tax Systems? DD: How much real estate tax do you pay? My critics/opponents are furious that my wife and I pay only $12.493.96/year for our Wheaton home and only $8,592.96/year for our Naperville car condo. According to them, my wife and I can and should pay much more a) because we never had dependents, b) because we have no debts, c) because we have substantial retirement savings, d) because we inherited some money, e) because they believe that the federal government grossly overpaid me, f) because they believe that my $68,640/year Civil Service Retirement System pension is much too generous, g) because they believe that my $18,711.60/year Social Security is much too generous, h) because the federal government pays $21,000/year (72%) of our $30,000/year healthcare insurance premiums because I am a federal retiree, and i) because I avoided the Vietnam War draft. According to my critics/opponents, those who share our demographics and can pay more taxes should pay more taxes. According to them, we have what we have because we benefitted tremendously from discrimination against those who do not share our demographics. Comments?
https://itep.org/why-should-states-and-localities-have-progressive-tax-systems/
REASON
— OUTRAGEOUS: The NRA and NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) Unite To Oppose the Federal Gun Ban for Marijuana Users. Drug policy reformers and Second Amendment advocates team up in a case before the Supreme Court. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to ban the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://reason.com/2026/02/02/the-nra-and-norml-unite-to-oppose-the-federal-gun-ban-for-marijuana-users/
Tag: retirement
January 28, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Pritzker speaks on growing calls to reform or abolish ICE after Pretti killing
https://abc7chicago.com/post/minneapolis-shooting-illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-speaks-growing-calls-reform-abolish-ice-killing-alex-pretti/18495453/
WGN9
— Arlington Heights GOP office vandalized again, second incident in 2 months
https://wgntv.com/news/arlington-heights/arlington-heights-gop-office-vandalized-again-second-incident-in-2-months/
FOX32
— Duckworth clashes with Rubio in tense Senate hearing
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/duckworth-clashes-rubio-tense-senate-hearing
WTTW
— DD: Democrat leaders use Pretti to get nurses and veterans a) to promote their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/27/chicago-area-nurses-and-veterans-honor-alex-pretti-who-was-killed-federal-agents
— DD: Democrat leaders get faith leaders to do their bidding.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/27/cardinal-blase-cupich-us-foreign-policy-uplifting-dignity-immigrants
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Mayor Brandon Johnson tells DC crowd he will ‘set up a pathway’ to prosecute Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with their illegals against Americans.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/28/mayor-brandon-johnson-hold-bovino-accountable/
— DD: Per IPI: 44K international migrants offset 40K Illinoisans leaving last year. Illinois Democrat leaders ever-increasingly replace citizens of America with citizens of foreign countries.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/27/illinois-population-census/
— Illinois’ universities graduate a workforce that still sets the state apart. DD: I have graduate degrees from Loyola (busuness-1976), DePaul (accounting 1980), and IIT (finance-1997). According to my Democrat GAO superiors, degrees from non-Ivy League universities are worthless.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/editorial-illinois-universities-graduate-workforce-110000597.html
— No need for a mandatory retirement age in Washington. The voters can do what’s needed. DD: Federal employees who are Democrat, minority, female, and/or veteran do not oppose their superiors using “up-or-out” for federal employees because they use it only to get rid of their employees who are Republican, White, male, and non-veteran.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/28/editorial-age-limit-washington-eleanor-holmes-norton-nancy-pelosi-rahm-emanuel/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Mayor Johnson ever-increasingly calls ICE employees criminals.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/01/28/mayor-brandon-johnson-ice-agents-accountability-criminal-conduct-minneapolis-alex-pretti-renee-good
— Duckworth, Illinois Democrats blast Vance for likening senator to ‘Forrest Gump’ Vance wrote on X, “Watching Tammy Duckworth obsessively interrupt Marco Rubio during this hearing is like watching Forest Gump argue with Isaac Newton.” Illinois Democrats are calling the comparison an “ableist insult.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2026/01/28/tammy-duckworth-marco-rubio-jd-vance-forrest-gump-remark-illinois-democrats
— Paywall-free news coverage of ICE raids, deportation campaign aids those who need it most. Paywalls create a two-tiered citizenry — one that can afford to be informed, and one that cannot. DD: www.gopillinois.com has never been paywalled, and it never will be. Further, GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters have always been free and with no advertising or donation requests, and they always will be. All the time and money needed for the newsletters and website comes from my Civil Service Retirement System pension, Social Security, and retirement savings. He who pays the piper calls the tunes. No one calls my tunes.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2026/01/28/ice-raids-government-crackdowns-news-paywall-free-immigrants-low-income-first-amendment-john-cusack
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly get those who are the following to protest: anti-conservative, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-heterosexual, anti-married people, anti-non-poor-people, anti-gun owners, anti-Protestant, anti-German American, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/27/minneapolis-shootings-america-250-birthday-freedom-ben-jealous
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with Russia and China against America.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2026/01/22/donald-trump-greenland-ambitions-scorn-allies-could-wreck-20th-century-pacts-heflin-tufts
DAILY HERALD
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with Russia and China against America.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260128/syndicated-columnists/as-president-disses-our-allies-smith-offers-a-recap/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DD: Illinois Democrat leaders ever-increasingly replace citizens of America with citizens of foreign countries.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/immigration-decline-slows-illinois-population-growth-census
ALTON TELEGRAPH
— DD: Democrat mayors ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/politics/article/mayors-warn-that-trump-s-hardline-immigration-21320812.php
DAILY LINE
— Bailey increases fundraising in fourth quarter, still trails behind Dabrowski, Heidner
https://www.thedailyline.com/bailey-increases-fundraising-fourth-quarter-trails-behind-dabrowski-heidner
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— Pritzker expands abortion access with Prairie State Access Fund. Fund is described as a philanthropic public-private partnership.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-guv-expands-abortion-access-with-prairie-state-access-fund/
BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in promoting hatred against ICE, that is, against Trump.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/28/abolish-ice-submitted-9200-times-for-chicago-snowplow-naming-contest-records-show/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/28/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-457/
— Republican organizations respond to Lapinski Holocaust denier story
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/28/only-one-republican-organization-responds-to-holocaust-denier-story/
(FROM THE POSTING: Isabel reached out to both Cook County party and state party organizations, legislative leaders in both parties, all the major gubernatorial and US Senate candidates, etc. for comment on our Ed Lapinski Holocaust denialism story. Lapinski is an Illinois House candidate, a Cook County Republican township committeeperson and sits on the county party’s executive committee. Isabel reached out to both Cook County party and state party organizations, legislative leaders in both parties, all the major gubernatorial and US Senate candidates, etc. for comment on our Ed Lapinski Holocaust denialism story. Lapinski is an Illinois House candidate, a Cook County Republican township committeeperson and sits on the county party’s executive committee.)
— IPI dumps Republican candidate after Holocaust denial evidence surfaces. The Illinois Policy Institute confirmed this week it no longer supports 56th House District Republican candidate Ed Lapinski.
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/28/ipi-dumps-republican-candidate-after-holocaust-denial-evidence-surfaces/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— ‘GO ICE’ social media post sparks GOP-Dem clash in West Chicago
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_90589712-6565-4297-af67-f04867d9b5b6.html
— State rep questions Pritzker move to ‘expand and expand and expand’ on abortion
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_3b7e4f11-7cc1-498d-88ea-28705977caa1.html
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— 44K international migrants offset 40K Illinoisans leaving last year
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/44k-international-migrants-offset-40k-illinoisans-leaving-last-year/
— Waste watch: Illinois spends $700K on decolonization activism
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/waste-watch-illinois-spends-700k-on-decolonization-activism/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Gun rights advocates counter Trump team’s shot at Alex Pretti’s pistol
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/28/gun-rights-advocates-counter-trump-teams-shot-alex-prettis-pistol/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Duckworth Claims Trump Admin Is Torturing and Deporting ‘Innocent People’ in Heated Exchange With Rubio
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/28/duckworth-claims-trump-admin-is-torturing-and-deporting-innocent-people-in-heated-exchange-with-rubio/
FEDERALIST
— Democrats Want To Keep Illegals In America To Rig The Census And Congressional Apportionment
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/28/democrats-want-to-keep-illegals-in-america-to-rig-the-census-and-congressional-apportionment/
YELLOWHAMMER NEWS
— Majority of Americans want illegals to be deported, despite the onslaught of biased media coverage
https://yellowhammernews.com/a-majority-of-americans-want-illegals-to-be-deported-despite-the-onslaught-of-biased-media-coverage/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Duckworth fires back at Vance over Forrest Gump quip
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5711910-duckworth-responds-to-vance/
CBS NEWS
— Video appears to show Pretti in scuffle with federal agents 11 days before his death
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-alex-pretti-scuffle-federal-agents-minneapolis-11-days-before-his-death/
NEW YORK TIMES
— 2 Agents Who Shot Pretti Are on Leave
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/28/us/minneapolis-shooting-ice-minnesota
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly sue Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/us/trump-administration-lawsuits.html
January 26, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/minneapolis-shooting-anti-ice-protests-held-downtown-chicago-federal-agent-killing-alex-pretti-minnesota/18472513/
CBS2
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/protesters-gather-rally-against-federal-agents-trump-admin-loop/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG PICTURE: DD: Democrat leaders use polar bears to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/26/brookfield-zoo-leads-effort-to-protect-polar-bears-as-trump-opens-arctic-refuge-to-oil-drilling/
CHICAGO SUN_TIMES
— ‘Clean Slate’ law helps former inmates find work while boosting Illinois’ economy. DD: My Democrat GAO superiors not only did not help me find work after they forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997, they did everything that they could to stop me from finding work. It was easy for them. They stressed a) that they had always ranked me at the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance, b) that they delayed my promotions and never promoted me beyond GS-13, c) that they kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for them, and d) that they forced me to take a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-the-editor/2026/01/26/clean-slate-act-former-inmates-independents-libertarians-trump-greenland-bears
DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE WITH PICTURE: DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly call Republicans Nazis. I am 100% German American. I have always stressed that my grandfather on my father’s fought the Germans in WWI, that my uncles on my mother’s side fought the Germans in WWII, and that my father would have fought the Germans in WWII if he had not been 4-F.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260125/news/remembrance-is-an-act-of-moral-courage-holocaust-memorial-sign-dedicated-in-northbrook/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly hint/imply/argue/shout that if you vote for Democrats, soon, your healthcare will be free.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-safety-net-hospitals/safety-net-hospitals-set-lose-critical-lifeline
WGLT
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.wglt.org/2026-01-25/videos-challenge-the-trump-administrations-account-of-the-minneapolis-killing
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-01-25/rep-lahood-calls-latest-minneapolis-shooting-deeply-concerning-and-demands-local-and-state-role-in-investigation
NAPERVILLE PUBLIC TELEVISION
— DuPage County Clerk files appeal on rulings; County Board weighs in
https://www.nctv17.org/news/dupage-county-clerk-files-appeal-on-rulings-county-board-weighs-in/
CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION
— Join our People Over Billionaires action this Wednesday. DD: To get more votes from those who have less money than others, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn those who have more money than others. It is called class warfare.
https://www.ctulocal1.org/posts/join-our-people-over-billionaires-action-this-wednesday/
AXIOS CHICAGO
— Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/26/illinois-abortion-law-trump-funding-threat
POLITICO ILLINOIS
— Minnesota shooting puts Illinois politics on edge
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/01/26/ice-shooting-puts-illinois-politics-on-edge-00746036
(FROM THE NEWSLETTER: Illinois GOP governor’s race: Former state Sen. Darren Bailey and former Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski didn’t respond to a request for comment about the developments in Minneapolis. Businessman Rick Heidner’s campaign pointed to a statement he posted Jan. 15, urging Trump to “immediately invoke the Insurrection Act and restore order in Minnesota.” Sanctuary status: DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick blamed sanctuary status laws, which prevent police officers from assisting in federal immigration enforcement. He said, if ICE were allowed in Illinois’ jail system, for example, “it wouldn’t otherwise have the manpower to do proactive raids” because they would be visiting 92 correctional facilities across the state. Echoing that: President Donald Trump blamed sanctuary laws for the Minneapolis protests and late Sunday called on Congress to “immediately pass legislation to END” sanctuary status. . .Jim Oberweis and Catalina Lauf, who previously ran for congressional seats in Illinois, are running for a Florida congressional seat.)
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Secret recordings reveal Cruz ripping Trump and Vance to donors
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4432782/secret-recordings-ted-cruz-trump-vance-donors/
NEW YORK POST
— More martyrs for cynical Dems after fatal Alex Pretti shooting. DD: Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://nypost.com/2026/01/25/opinion/miranda-devine-more-martyrs-for-cynical-dems-after-alex-pretti-shooting/
AMERICAN THINKER
— Minnesota Shows Why the Left Will Win America’s 2026 Civil War. The saddest thing about this is that the Republicans will work with the left to ensure Democrat victory. DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Their illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/minnesota_shows_why_the_left_will_win_america_s_2026_civil_war.html
BREITBART
— Tim Walz Compares ICE Enforcing U.S. Immigration Laws to Nazi Germany. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly equate their illegals with their runaway slaves and Jews in Germany under Hitler.
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/01/25/tim-walz-compares-ice-enforcing-u-s-immigration-laws-to-nazi-germany/
— GOP Probes How Democrats Use Illegals and Refugees to Rig Elections
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/01/19/nolte-gop-probes-how-democrats-use-illegals-and-refugees-to-rig-elections/
COLLEGE FIX
— Trump administration abandons court fight to ban DEI in schools and universities. DD: My critics/opponents have always used Affirmative Action and DEI to get rid of me.
https://www.thecollegefix.com/trump-administration-abandons-court-fight-to-ban-dei-in-schools-and-universities/
DAILY WIRE
— Tim Walz Compares Immigration Agents To Nazis, Says Minnesota Is Home To New ‘Anne Frank’ Story. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly equate their illegals with their runaway slaves and Jews in Germany under Hitler.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/tim-walz-compares-immigration-agents-to-nazis-says-minnesota-is-home-to-new-anne-frank-story
FOX NEWS
— White House accuses Walz of undermining law enforcement, blocking ICE cooperation
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-accuses-walz-undermining-law-enforcement-blocking-ice-cooperation.print
— The far-left network that helped put Alex Pretti in harm’s way, then made him a martyr. Encrypted Signal messages show ‘rapid responders’ mobilized demonstrators to harass federal agents, then socialist groups capitalized on killing to foment protests. DD: Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/far-left-network-helped-put-alex-pretti-harms-way-made-him-martyr
— Greenland is ‘unsecure’ because Denmark ‘cannot afford’ to protect it.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6388307346112
NEWSMAX
— Trump Issues Urgent Call: End Obstruction, Sanctuary Cities
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/donald-trump-ice-enforcement/2026/01/25/id/1243499/
TOWNHALL
— It’s Time to End ICE Enforcement in Blue States. DD: I vehemently disagree.
https://townhall.com/columnists/scottmorefield/2026/01/26/its-time-to-end-ice-enforcement-in-blue-states-n2670056
WESTERN JOURNAL
— Omar Calls Border Patrol Shooting ‘Execution,’ Demands ICE Give Up Arresting Violent Illegals and Leave Minnesota
https://www.westernjournal.com/omar-calls-border-patrol-shooting-execution-demands-ice-give-arresting-violent-illegals-leave-minnesota/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Their illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5705837-greene-maga-shooting-minnesota/
CNN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/minneapolis-shooting-ice-protests-01-25-26
https://edition.cnn.com/us/live-news/minneapolis-shooting-ice-protests-01-25-26?post-id=cmktu90zl00053b6qleh6xakk
AOL
— Paycheck to paycheck: A quarter of US households struggling to cover essentials. DD: Because I have never had to struggle to cover essentials, my critics/opponents have always demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as being privileged and filthy rich. In my defense, I stress that I a) did yard work 1962-1964, b) delivered newspapers 1962-1966, c) washed dishes 1964-1966, d) cleaned golf shoes and chipped slag in 1966, e) pumped gasoline in 1966, 1971, and 1972, f) delivered mail 1966-1969, g) worked on an automobile assembly line in 1970, h) sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances in 1971 and 1972, i) collected delinquent taxes for IRS 1971-1980, and j) audited federal agencies for GAO 1980-1997. I should write about my critics/opponents. I would focus on those whose parents had the most money.
https://www.aol.com/articles/paycheck-paycheck-quarter-us-households-153346010.html
— The biggest trend in Gen Z dating is the search for a steady life with financial stability. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly destroy traditional marriage. What helped you become marriage material? By the time I got married when I was 29 in 1978, I had worked for IRS for almost 7 years and my salary was $110,066/year in today’s dollars. I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976 and I was taking graduate evening accounting courses at DePaul. I lived in a one bedroom condo in the Outer Drive East building that I had bought in 1976. I was renting out a town home in University Park that I had bought new in 1972. I owned a 1972 Corvette that I had bought new in 1971. Things that impressed me about my outstanding wife included that her first job after high school was working for the FBI. She soon became the Corporate Secretary for the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. She did much to help elect Big Jim Thompson governor in 1976. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul in 1986.
https://www.aol.com/articles/biggest-trend-gen-z-dating-000801733.html
REUTERS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/federal-officials-dig-minneapolis-shooting-narrative-despite-video-evidence-2026-01-25/
NEWSWEEK
— DD: To get more and more and more citizens of foreign countries to come to America, Democrat and RINO leaders give them more and more and more welfare and preference over citizens of America. Democrat leaders because they vote for Democrats. RINO leaders because they want cheap labor.
https://www.newsweek.com/benefits-stripped-non-us-citizens-proposed-bill-11411452
— Kash Patel Sparks Fury From Gun Rights Groups Over Alex Pretti Remarks
https://www.newsweek.com/kash-patel-sparks-fury-from-gun-rights-groups-over-alex-pretti-remarks-11415842
(FROM THE ARTICLE: National Association for Gun Rights questioned Patel’s comments in a post on X, writing “carrying a magazine implies nothing.” “Holsters designed to carry spare magazines are common and widely sold. Training resources and guides across the internet actively recommend it. Thousands of law-abiding Americans do this every day. This is standard, not overkill,” it said. “Claiming otherwise sets a dangerous precedent for Second Amendment rights and creates an easy backdoor argument for magazine bans and similar legislation.” The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus also countered Patel’s remarks, writing on X: “This is completely incorrect on Minnesota law. There is no prohibition on a permit holder carrying a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines at a protest or rally in Minnesota.”)
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/us/politics/minneapolis-killing-trump-defiant-response.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/us/politics/bill-cassidy-minneapolis-investigation.html
— America Is Waving the White Flag in the New Cold War. DD: In WWIII, which countries will side with China and Russia against America?
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/21/opinion/us-china-cold-war-tariffs-trump.html
WASHINGTON POST
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/01/24/minneapolis-shooting/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/01/25/live-updates-minneapolis-shooting-alex-pretti/
— Trump tries to reset — again — on affordability. DD: My critics/opponents have always stressed a) what I could not have afforded if I had not avoided the Vietnam War draft and b) what my wife and I could not have afforded if we had children. What helped you afford more things? For me, it was my always earning money since I was 14 years old. For me, it was my earning a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/01/26/trump-affordability-midterms/
USA TODAY
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly turn the Pope against America.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/21/catholic-church-trump-administration-at-odds/88275266007/
ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION
— DD: Democrats and RINOs use Affirmative Action and DEI to get rid of Republicans who are conservative, White, male, older, non-veteran, non-poor, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://www.ajc.com/opinion/2026/01/civil-rights-act-of-1964-is-under-attack-history-shows-why-us-still-needs-it/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Fraud Allegations That Fueled Minneapolis’s Immigration Crackdown
https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/minneapolis-shooting-alex-pretti/card/the-fraud-allegations-that-fueled-minneapolis-s-immigration-crackdown-ugSjlp88fGudvEDX0Hvd
— Trump Says Administration Is ‘Reviewing Everything’ About Minneapolis Shooting
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-says-administration-is-reviewing-everything-about-minneapolis-shooting-a501f48e
— Is a Four-Year Degree Worth It? DD: If I had not earned a bachelor’s degree in business from NIU in 1970, Firestone Stores would not have hired me in 1970 and IRS would not have hired me in 1971. If I had not been taking graduate evening business courses, IRS would not have promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974. If I had not earned an MBA in 1976, GAO would not have hired me in 1980.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/is-a-four-year-degree-worth-it-6af09e3b
— DD: WSJ sides with Democrat leaders and with Pretti
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/time-for-ice-to-pause-in-minneapolis-e9ecf097
MINNESOTA HOUSING NEWS
— Hotline operators report flood of calls for rental assistance as residents hide during ICE surge. DD: How many illegals are hiding from ICE in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/23/tenant-advocates-hope-for-eviction-moratorium-during-ice-surge
FED SMITH
— DD: My retirement income and savings are dramatically less because my Democrat superiors in the federal government wasted my career and forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997.
https://www.fedsmith.com/2024/07/17/can-federal-employees-retire-on-600k-in-tsp/
PBS
— Supreme Court case on Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook. DD: Trump will win if the Supreme Court goes with the decision in Diersen v. GAO.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/listen-live-supreme-court-case-on-trumps-attempt-to-fire-federal-reserve-board-member-lisa-cook
HUFFINGTON POST
— Minnesota Governor Likens State’s Immigration Crackdown To Nazi Occupation. “We have got children in Minnesota hiding in their houses, afraid to go outside,” the governor said during a Sunday speech. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly equate their illegals with their runaway slaves and Jews in Germany under Hitler.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tim-walz-anne-frank-minnesota-immigration-raids_n_69769a2de4b00d7771d76ce3
BEAST
— DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Their illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/ice-civil-war-breaks-out-over-bogus-claims-about-icu-nurse/
DAILY KOS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote their martyr Alex Pretti. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/1/25/2365438/-I-Will-Honor-Our-Martyr-Alex-Pretti
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
GUARDIAN
— DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Their illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/25/minneapolis-shooting-ice-trump-analysis
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for ICE shootings. Those who reject America’s immigration laws use enforcement tragedies to fight America’s immigration laws.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/26/trump-administration-alex-pretti-shooting-statements
AL JAZEERA
— DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Their illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/25/minneapolis-live-us-federal-agents-shoot-dead-nurse-alex-pretti
January 21, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— DHS increasing self-deportation stipend from $1,000 to $2,600. DD: How many will come to America illegally to get a stipend to go back home?
https://abc7chicago.com/post/dhs-increasing-deportation-stipend-1000-2600/18444117/
NBC5
— Here’s who’s running for governor of Illinois in the 2026 election
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/heres-whos-running-for-governor-of-illinois-in-the-2026-election/3879200/
— ICE officers authorized to enter homes without a judge’s warrant ICE memo says. The memo authorizes ICE officers to use force to enter a residence based solely on a more narrow administrative warrant to arrest someone with a final order of removal.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/ice-officers-enter-homes-without-warrant-memo/3879382/
CBS2
— U.S. Rep. for Illinois Robin Kelly has introduced an amendment to the defense funding bill to prevent President Trump from taking over Greenland.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-rep-robin-kelly-amendment-prevent-trump-greenland-takeover/
— Bremen High School students in Midlothian launch closet to help students in need. DD: Back in the good old days, back in the 1950s and 1960s, extremely few of my grade school and high school classmates were in need. Virtually all of them, if not all of them, were products of traditional marriages.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/bremen-high-school-midlothian-closet-students-in-need/
FOX32
— Chicago’s homeless population far higher than official count
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/report-chicago-homeless-population-far-higher-than-official-count
CHICAGO TRIBUNE & CHICAGO SUN-TIMES & WTTW
— Immigration Officers Assert Sweeping Power to Enter Homes Without a Judge’s Warrant. DD: I was an IRS Revenue Officer for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $100,059-$113,402/year. According to Google AI: IRS Revenue Officers are specialized, field-based personnel who handle high-priority, complex, and delinquent tax cases, exercising broad, legally authorized enforcement powers to secure payments. These officers possess greater discretion and authority compared to automated systems, allowing them to take direct, in-person action. Core Collection Powers Levies and Seizures: They can place levies on bank accounts, investment funds, and wages, and have the authority to seize property to satisfy tax debts. Summons Authority: Under IRC 7602(a), they may issue a summons to the taxpayer or third parties (banks, employers, etc.) to produce books, papers, or testimony, a power upheld by the Supreme Court. Liens: They can file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, which acts as a public claim against a taxpayer’s property. Direct Interaction: They can visit a taxpayer’s home or place of business to demand payment or investigate financial situations. Employment Tax Enforcement: They are specifically assigned to cases involving unpaid payroll tax deposits.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/immigration-officers-entering-homes-warrant/
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/21/immigration-customs-enforcement-warrant-memo
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/21/immigration-officers-assert-sweeping-power-enter-homes-without-judge-s-warrant-memo-says
— DD: Anticipate/expect that Democrat leaders will ever-increasingly flood their day care centers and their churches with their illegals.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/minnesota-st-paul-cities-church-renee-good-protesters/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Judge denies former Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau’s attempt to dismiss order regarding his political blog
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/judge-denies-orland-park-mayor-keith-pekau/
— Chicago paid $26.5M in OT to ineligible employees
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/chicago-26-5-million-overtime-ineligible-employees/
— New Melissa Conyears-Ervin ad in Illinois’ 7th District race highlights federal campaign spending loophole
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/melissa-conyears-ervin-loophole-federal-campaign-spending/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— More than 58,000 Chicagoans were homeless in 2024. DD: The Democrat Party platform destroys traditional marriage and family, that is, it promotes homelessness.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2026/01/21/more-than-58-000-chicagoans-experienced-homelessness-new-report-says
— DD: Soon, under the Democrats, everyone in Illinois will be a) handing out welfare and/or b) receiving welfare.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2026/01/21/new-snap-work-requirements-cook-county-warn-health-consequences-cut-off-congress-donald-trump-food-stamps
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2026/01/21/congress-must-pass-older-americans-act-reauthorization-meals-services-caregivers-michael-pessman
DAILY HERALD
— What’s the holdup?: Six months in, county is still waiting for an attorney’ general’s ruling with widespread implications
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260121/editorials/daily-herald-opinion-whats-the-holdup-six-months-in-county-is-still-waiting-for-an-attorney-ge/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DuPage County Board members had good reason to grumble last week as they reflected on a sluggish response from the state attorney general’s office to an appeal regarding the county clerk’s refusal to abide by county purchase and accounting policies. The county’s hit on the legal bills in this yearslong standoff has reached nearly $280,000 and counting, the county already has a judge’s ruling in its favor and the Attorney General’s Office has been doing whatever it is doing in its investigation since last July — without yet even having interviewed the central figure in the case, DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek.)
— Davis, Rice try to differentiate themselves at debate in 8th Congressional District GOP primary
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260121/us-congress-politics/davis-rice-try-to-differentiate-themselves-at-debate-in-8th-congressional-district-gop-primary/
JOURNAL COURIER
— GOP governor hopefuls in unison against sanctuary policies, state spending
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/governor-candidates-sanctuary-policies-state-21307412.php
SOUTHERAN
— DHS increasing self-deportation stipend from $1,000 to $2,600
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/21/dhs-increasing-self-deportation-stipend-from-1000-to-2600/
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— GOP: You won’t find ‘affordability’ in Dem-run Illinois. McCombie: IL spends big bucks on illegal immigrants while inflation is down 70 percent under Trump.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-gop-you-wont-find-affordability-in-dem-run-illinois/
DAILY ILLINI
— Champaign protesters rally against Trump administration
https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/champaign-urbana/2026/01/21/champaign-protestors-trump-administration/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/21/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-452/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CHICAGO CONTRARIAN
— Chicago parents expect Chicago Public Schools educators to teach reading, writing, and critical thinking skills — not to use classrooms as staging grounds for foreign and domestic political activism.
https://www.chicagocontrarian.com/blog/cant-spell-sign-dont-wave-chicago-schools
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Jeanne Ives Condemned the Irvin Playbook, Now She’s Using It In The Dabrowski Campaign
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/jeanne-ives-condemned-the-irvin-playbook-now-shes-using-it-in-the-dabrowski-campaign.html
ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Weaponized Compassion: How Federal Food Programs Undermine Culture
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/weaponized-compassion-how-federal-food-programs-undermine-culture/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump calls for ‘immediate’ talks to acquire Greenland. Says Denmark couldn’t defend it in WWII, and can’t protect it now.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/21/trump-calls-immediate-talks-acquire-greenland/
— Vance to visit Minneapolis as tensions rise over ICE operations
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/21/jd-vance-visit-minneapolis-tensions-rise-ice-operations/
WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— New York Times Hiring a Reporter To Cover US Jews. Expert understanding of Judaism required. DD: What do you have an expert understanding of? I have an expert understanding of how the leaders of the following treat conservatives: Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization.
https://freebeacon.substack.com/p/new-york-times-hiring-a-reporter
NEW YORK POST
— House committee finds Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after skipping Epstein depositions
https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/us-news/house-committee-finds-bill-and-hillary-clinton-in-contempt-of-congress-after-skipping-epstein-depositions/
BREITBART
— Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Tries to Stop Sheriffs from Turning Criminal Illegal Aliens Over to ICE Agents
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/21/minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-tries-to-stop-sheriffs-from-turning-criminal-illegal-aliens-over-to-ice-agents/
EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Right About Arctic Security
https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/trump-right-about-arctic-security-natos-rutte-says-5974139
JUDICIAL WATCH
— Americans Pay Over a Billion Dollars a Year to Subsidize Illegal Aliens’ College Education. DD: Where did the money come from to pay for your college expenses? The money to pay for my bachelor’s degree in 1970 and for my master’s degrees in 1976, 1980, and 1997 came from what I earned a) doing yard work 1962-1964, b) delivering newspapers 1962-1966, c) washing dishes 1964-1966, d) cleaning golf shoes and chipping slag in 1966, e) pumping gasoline in 1966, 1971, and 1972, f) delivering mail 1966-1969, g) working on an automobile assembly line in 1970, h) selling tires, automotive services, and major appliances in 1971 and 1972, i) collecting delinquent taxes for IRS 1971-1980, and j) auditing federal agencies for GAO 1980-1997.
https://www.judicialwatch.org/subsidize-illegal-aliens-education/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
MOTLEY FOOL
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation. While I worked for IRS in 1971, my superiors had me make phone calls for 2 weeks as part of Nixon’s “Wage & Price Freeze” program. What has helped you deal with inflation.? For me, it has been COLAs, step increases, and promotions. I have gotten federal wage, Civil Service Retirement System pension, and/or Social Security COLAs almost every year since 1966. I got step increases in 1967, 1968, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1987-1996. I got promotions in 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1986.
https://www.fool.com/retirement/2026/01/18/im-not-counting-on-social-security-colas-to-carry/
GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— New Duckworth Senate bill would bar administration officials from serving as an inspector general. Most IGs confirmed since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term have experience working in his administration. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, I often worked with the Chicago offices of inspector generals. Democrats do not want Republicans to audit Democrats.
https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2026/01/new-senate-bill-would-bar-administration-officials-serving-inspector-general/410829/?oref=ge-author-river
NPR
— How ICE grew to be the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency
https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5674887/ice-budget-funding-congress-trump
January 11, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— 2nd day of Chicago-area protests held in response to fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting
https://abc7chicago.com/post/ice-protest-chicago-news-wicker-park-elk-grove-village-arlington-heights-protests-held-shooting-renee-good/18388299/
WGN9
— Chicago protesters join nationwide push against immigration enforcement
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/chicago-protests-call-for-end-to-immigration-enforcement/
FOX32
— Krishnamoorthi leads Dem Senate poll, Bailey leads GOP governor field
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-2026-emerson-polling-jan
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Minnesota shooting raises questions about who investigates federal agents
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/11/immigration-accountability-minnesota/
— Minnesota braces for what’s next amid immigration arrests and in the wake of Renee Good shooting
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/11/minnesota-renee-good-shooting/
— Congress is debating possible consequences for ICE and even Kristi Noem in the wake of Renee Good’s killing
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/10/congress-debates-ice-consequences-for-renee-good/
DAILY HERALD
— Minnesota braces for what’s next amid immigration arrests and in the wake of Renee Good shooting
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260111/news/minnesota-braces-for-whats-next-amid-immigration-arrests-and-in-the-wake-of-renee-good-shooting/
— Protests of ICE, Minneapolis shooting grow in the suburbs
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260111/news/protests-of-ice-minneapolis-shooting-grow-in-the-suburbs/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Maduro’s capture exposes an ugly alignment between Democrats and dictators. From Caracas to Beijing, shared power interests explain the outrage.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/11/maduros-capture-exposes-ugly-alignment-democrats-dictators/
— No, the Bible does not promote violence like the Quran does. Christians understand the difference between descriptive and prescriptive literature.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/11/no-bible-promote-violence-like-quran/
NEW YORK POST
— Somali scams expose a toxic brew of wokeness, welfare and immigration
https://nypost.com/2026/01/11/opinion/somali-scams-expose-a-toxic-brew-wokeness-welfare-and-immigration/
— With Cea Weaver, Mamdani signals the dangerous truth of his housing plan for NYC
https://nypost.com/2026/01/11/opinion/with-cea-weaver-mamdani-signals-the-dangerous-truth-of-his-housing-plan-for-nyc/
https://nypost.com/2026/01/11/opinion/cea-weavers-ghoulish-beliefs-anatomy-of-a-far-left-cult-and-other-commentary/
— Minnesota ICE operation continues, netting 10 killers, violent child rapists — but lefty pols want agents out
https://nypost.com/2026/01/11/us-news/minnesota-ice-operation-continues-netting-10-killers-violent-child-rapists-but-lefty-pols-want-agents-out/
EPOCH TIMES
— Protesters Continue to Clash With Federal Agents in Minnesota
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/protesters-continue-to-clash-with-federal-agents-in-minnesota-5969385
FEDERALIST
— When Can We Start Uprooting Domestic Terror Cells Attacking Law Enforcement?
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/09/when-can-we-start-uprooting-domestic-terror-cells-attacking-law-enforcement/
— Portland Suspects Who ‘Weaponized’ Vehicle Against CBP Agent Are Venezuelan Gang Affiliates
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/09/dhs-portland-suspects-who-weaponized-vehicle-against-cbp-agent-are-venezuelan-gang-affiliates/
— Democrats Want Anti-ICE Protesters To Die So They Can Protect Their Fraudulent Patronage With Riots
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/09/democrats-want-anti-ice-protesters-to-die-so-they-can-protect-their-fraudulent-patronage-with-riots/
FOX NEWS
— Obama Presidential Center promotes ‘far-left’ agenda on public land. Kathy Salvi calls employment practices ‘discriminatory’ at facility built on public land in $10 deal.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-presidential-center-slammed-for-promoting-far-left-agenda-on-public-land
— Left-wing group backs tens of thousands of anti-ICE agitators nationwide. Renee Good’s death in Minneapolis sparks weekend of demonstrations.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/left-wing-group-backs-tens-thousands-anti-ice-demonstrations-nationwide
— Impeding federal law enforcement is not protest, it’s just crime. Harassing federal agents doing their jobs is criminal behavior, and it got a woman killed.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-impeding-federal-law-enforcement-not-protest-its-just-crime
PJ MEDIA
— Yes, Renee Good’s Actions Meet the Legal Definition of Domestic Terrorism
https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/01/11/yes-renee-goods-actions-meet-the-legal-definition-of-domestic-terrorism-n4948156
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
MSN
— Trump’s National Park Service Brings Its Revisionist History to the Underground Railroad. DD: My critics/opponents have always demonized my hometown of Crete as being Lutheran, German American, conservative, and Republican. In Crete’s defense, I have always stressed the role that it played in the Underground Railroad. My ancestors have lived in Crete since 1854.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trump-s-national-park-service-brings-its-revisionist-history-to-the-underground-railroad/ar-AA1CoMar
— Trump administration lifts restrictions on ICE raids at farms, hotels and restaurants
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-administration-lifts-restrictions-on-ice-raids-at-farms-hotels-and-restaurants/ar-AA1H3vtY
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: How has Affirmative Action (AA) impacted you? Since the 1960’s, my critics/opponents have used AA against me.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/us/politics/trump-interview-white-people-discrimination.html
WASHINGTON POST
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly promote more hatred against Trump.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/01/11/frey-minneapolis-ice-shooting-trump/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Affirmative Action Is Finally Waning. DD: Since the 1960’s, my critics/opponents have used Affirmative Action against me.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/affirmative-action-is-finally-waning-28463fda
— The Dream of a Florida Retirement Is Fading for the Middle Class. The Sunshine State used to be where all walks of life could afford to retire. That’s changing as it grows pricier. DD: Because Democrat leaders ever-increasingly make things worse for Republicans in Illinois, Illinois Republicans are ever-increasing willing to pay higher prices to live in Florida.
https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/the-dream-of-a-florida-retirement-is-fading-for-the-middle-class-a29a5687
— Meet the 92-Year-Old Judge Presiding Over the Trial of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. Despite Judge Alvin Hellerstein’s respected record, his age is raising questions about his ability to preside over a matter that could drag on for years. DD: How old are you? I am 77. I have been fighting age discrimination since I was 25 in 1973. My Democrat IRS superiors used “up-or-out” to waste my career and get rid of me. According to them, if they had not promoted you to GS-13 by the time you were 25, you were forever too old to be promoted to GS-13. Of course, they applied that rule only to Republicans like me. They forced the IRS manager to transfer to Dallas who had promoted me to GS-9 in 1972, GS-11 in 1973, and GS-12 in 1974. They disallowed my travel vouchers in 1974 and my education deductions in 1978. They ignored/dismissed/belittled my earning an MBA in 1976 and my passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. Because of the aforesaid, I transferred to GAO in 1980. The Democrats who ran GAO finally promoted me to GS-13 when I was 38 in 1986. But that was not until after I had earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, I had passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, and I had because a licensed CPA in 1981. I never would have made GS-13 at GAO if the GAO manager who had arranged my transfer not gotten back into power in 1985. They forced him to retire in 1987.
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/alvin-hellerstein-maduro-judge-946f846e
— What Time Should You Wake Up? Probably Not 5 a.m. Sleep experts warn against rising too early if you’re not naturally a morning person, and provide tips for a better night’s sleep. DD: I wake up between midnight and 2 a.m. every day to put my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters together and send them out around 9:00 a.m.
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/sleep-productivity-wake-up-time-0dd6a621
— The Point of Retirement? DD: Everyone needs reasons to live. My Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. Ever-increasingly, since I became the GOPUSA Illinois Editor when I was 52 in 2000, putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters together and sending them out has been a reason for me to live.
https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/the-point-of-retirement-enlightenment-or-at-least-calm-f154749c
January 8, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Minneapolis ICE shooting: Tensions flare after ICE officer kills woman
https://abc7chicago.com/post/minneapolis-ice-shooting-community-edge-fatal-woman-federal-immigration-officer/18371827/
— DD: Pritzker calls for Noem to resign. Democrats oppose use of deadly force by federal agents.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/minneapolis-ice-shooting-illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-calls-dhs-secretary-kristi-noem-resign-chicago-groups-speak/18373900/
— House passes bill to extend health care subsidies in defiance of GOP leaders
https://abc7chicago.com/post/house-vote-aca-subsidies-extension-9-republicans-help-get-floor/18373443/
— Senate advances war powers resolution to rein in Trump on Venezuela
https://abc7chicago.com/post/senate-advances-war-powers-resolution-rein-president-trump-venezuela/18372940/
NBC5
— ICE officer who fatally shot Minnesota woman was dragged by car during June immigration arrest. In a June incident, the agent was dragged by a vehicle at least 50 yards and required stitches, according to DHS and court documents.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/ice-officer-fatally-shot-minnesota-woman-dragged-car-june-immigration-arrest/3873500/
CBS2
— Judge won’t yet dismiss lawsuit over use of force during Midway Blitz, citing deadly Minneapolis shooting by ICE agent
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/judge-ellis-force-lawsuit-noem-bovino-dhs-chicago-immigration-enforcement/
— Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly filing articles of impeachment for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/robin-kelly-impeachment-kristi-noem-ice-shooting/
— 2 people shot and wounded by Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/portland-oregon-shooting-federal-agents/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DHS said Border Patrol agents stopped a car searching for a Venezuelan they claim is in the country illegally and a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. DHS said after the agents identified themselves, the driver “weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.” “Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot,” DHS said. The department said the man drove off with his passenger. The shooting occurred around 2:20 p.m. local time in the Hazelwood neighborhood in East Portland, police said.)
FOX32
— Illinois officials warn Minneapolis ICE shooting echoes Chicago incidents
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-officials-warn-minneapolis-ice-shooting-echoes-chicago-incidents
WGN9
— Orland Park vigil honors those killed amid ICE operations
https://wgntv.com/news/southwest-suburbs/orland-park-vigil-honors-those-killed-amid-ice-operations/
— Woman killed by ICE agent was a mother of 3, poet and new to Minneapolis
https://wgntv.com/news/national/woman-killed-by-ice-agent-was-a-mother-of-3-poet-and-new-to-minneapolis/
WTTW
— Illinois Families, Child Care Providers Brace for Cuts as Trump Administration Withholds Social Safety Net Funds
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/08/illinois-families-child-care-providers-brace-cuts-trump-administration-withholds-social
WGN RADIO
— Krishnamoorthi leads big in senate Dem primary, Bailey tops GOP field for governor
https://wgnradio.com/news/poll-krishnamoorthi-leads-big-in-senate-dem-primary-bailey-tops-gop-field-for-governor/
— Rep. LaHood: Not going to jump to conclusions on ICE shooting
https://wgnradio.com/john-williams/rep-lahood-not-going-to-jump-to-conclusions-on-ice-shooting/
WBEZ
— Child care funding freeze causes anxiety for Chicago-area parents. The Trump administration is cutting about $1 billion in funding to Illinois for child care and social service programs, citing alleged fraud. It’s mostly caused confusion and fear for parents who do and do not benefit from the subsidized programs.
https://www.wbez.org/education/2026/01/08/child-care-funding-freeze-causes-anxiety-for-chicago-area-parents
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Bailey distances himself from Trump but defends immigration crackdowns
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/08/darren-bailey-dismiss-loyalty-to-trump/
— Federal immigration officers shoot and wound 2 people in Portland, Oregon
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/08/federal-immigration-shooting-portland-oregon/
— Fatal ICE shooting sparks jurisdiction clash between state and federal authorities
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/08/ice-shooting-jurisdiction-clash/
— Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot launches ‘ICE Accountability Project’ to document immigration agents
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/08/former-chicago-mayor-lori-lightfoot-launches-ice-accountability-project-to-document-immigration-agents/
— Judge cites Minneapolis shooting by ICE agent in declining to immediately dismiss lawsuit over use-of-force tactics in Midway Blitz
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/08/lawsuit-dropped-tactics-immigration-agents/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Judge cites Minneapolis ICE shooting as she pauses dismissal of Chicago-area use-of-force lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis on Thursday cited her obligation to protect the class governed by her preliminary injunction, telling lawyers she wants to do more research before closing the matter entirely.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/08/judge-cites-minneapolis-ice-shooting-as-she-pauses-dismissal-of-chicago-area-use-of-force-lawsuit
— DD: Democrats ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/08/ice-shooting-minneapolis-renee-nicole-good-kristi-noem
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with Maduro
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/08/law-enforcement-rationale-invading-venezuela-license-war-donald-trump-marco-rubio-jacob-sullum
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blast Trump.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/08/donald-trump-america-first-imperialism-maduro-invasion-venezuela-greenland-charlie-kirk-cupp
DAILY HERALD
— GOP race for governor tightens up after Severino removed from ballot
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260108/illinois-state-politics/gop-race-for-governor-tightens-up-after-severino-removed-from-ballot/
— A suburban congressional candidate’s name was struck from upcoming primary ballots Thursday after the Illinois State Board of Elections decided her petitions fell one signature short of the legally required 799. Eleventh District hopeful Tedora M. Brown, a Republican from Palos Park, is expected to appeal the decision. Brown couldn’t be reached for comment after the ruling.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260108/us-congress-politics/gop-congressional-candidate-falls-one-signature-short-removed-from-ballot/
— Community members express anger, fear and frustration over immigration enforcement in Elgin
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260108/news/it-just-hurts-community-members-express-anger-fear-and-frustration-over-immigration-enforcement/
— ‘I will not back down’: DuPage clerk’s dispute with county board heads to appeals court
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260108/news/i-will-not-back-down-dupage-clerks-dispute-with-county-board-heads-to-appeals-court/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— A generation gives up on homeownership. That’s not the only thing they’re giving up on.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/housing-despair-affects-work-and-family-choices-paper-finds
JOURNAL COURIER
— University of Illinois Springfield offering cannabis education programs
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/uis-offering-cannabis-education-programs-21283840.php
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/08/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-445/
— Emerson College/WGN-TV Statewide Poll
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/08/poll-just-8-percent-of-illinoisans-think-crime-is-most-important-issue-plus-lots-more/
— Bailey, Dabrowski, Pritzker talk about Elon Musk’s DOGE, ‘forensic audits,’ federal funding freeze
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/08/bailey-dabrowski-pritzker-talk-about-elon-musks-doge-forensic-audits-federal-funding-freeze/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Signature shortfalls knock multiple candidates off Illinois ballot
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_45bde6ed-2f6e-416e-8742-fd05faf3f719.html
— An Illinois lawmaker and Air Force veteran says U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s call for troops to refuse “illegal orders” undermines the chain of command, as the Defense Department moves to downgrade his retirement rank and pay over the remarks. State Rep. David Friess, R-Red Bud, said former military and intelligence officials understand better than most the importance of discipline and lawful obedience in the armed forces.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_fa04d01c-c17e-410a-ac51-584f1561b4eb.html
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Tax-Exempt Wirepoints Breaks IRS Rules to Smear Bailey and Boost Dabrowski’s Governor Run
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/tax-exempt-wirepoints-breaks-irs-rules-to-smear-bailey-and-boost-dabrowskis-governor-run.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— George Floyd 2.0
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/8/george-floyd-20/
— Automobiles become weapons for anti-ICE protesters
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/8/automobiles-become-weapons-anti-ice-protesters/
— Vance says ICE officer’s fatal shooting of victim in Minneapolis was ‘tragedy of her own making’ Refuses calls to remove immigration officers: “We’re not going to give in to terrorism on this”
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/8/vance-says-ice-shooting-victim-tragedy-making-rejects-calls-leave/
NEW YOIRK POST
— Renee Nicole Good was Minneapolis ‘ICE Watch’ ‘warrior’ who trained to resist feds before shooting
https://nypost.com/2026/01/08/us-news/renee-nicole-good-was-minneapolis-ice-watch-warrior-who-trained-to-resist-feds-before-shooting/
— ICE agent who opened fire on Renee Good was dragged, hospitalized by illegal migrant driver last year
https://nypost.com/2026/01/08/us-news/ice-agent-who-opened-fire-on-renee-good-was-dragged-hospitalized-by-illegal-migrant-driver-last-year/
— Trump’s right about boosting US military spending — but he should threaten our enemies, not our allies
https://nypost.com/2026/01/08/opinion/trumps-right-about-boosting-us-military-spending-but-he-should-threaten-our-enemies-not-our-allies/
DAILY CALLER
— Wisconsin School District Cares More About Hiring ‘Diverse,’ ‘Culturally Competent’ Teachers Over Effective Ones
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/08/wisconsin-school-district-diverse-culturally-competent-teachers/
EPOCH TIMES
— Russia Says Western Troops Sent to Ukraine Would Be ‘Legitimate Targets’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/russia-says-western-troops-sent-to-ukraine-would-be-legitimate-targets-5967885
FOX NEWS
— These people’s ‘views of fairness’ rarely apply to themselves, Greg Gutfeld says. Fox News host Greg Gutfeld decries the hypocrisy of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top housing appointee calling homeownership a ‘weapon of White supremacy’ despite her family’s cushy quarters on ‘Gutfeld!’
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387392650112
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— More ICE protests in New York City day after Minneapolis shooting
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/ice-protests-nyc-minneapolis-shooting-immigration-enforcement/
— Trump says 5 GOP senators who voted to limit Venezuela war powers “should never be elected to office again”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-republican-senators-venezuela-war-powers/
January 5, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Maduro declares ‘I am innocent’ and ‘still president’ in Manhattan court appearance
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuelas-nicols-maduro-arrives-manhattan-federal-court-arraignment/18354979/
— Local advocates ask Trump admin. to reinstate Venezuelans’ Temporary Protected Status, stop deportations amid uncertainty. An estimated 50,000 Venezuelan migrants settled in Illinois over the last three years after being bused there from Texas.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/advocates-ask-donald-trump-administration-reinstate-tps-venezuelans-stop-deportations-nicolas-maduro-captured/18357232/
WGN9
— Kelly fires back at Hegseth over demotion threat: ‘I will fight this with everything I’ve got’
https://wgntv.com/news/kelly-fires-back-at-hegseth-over-demotion-threat-i-will-fight-this-with-everything-ive-got/
FOX32
— Hegseth censures Sen. Mark Kelly after ‘illegal orders’ video
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/hegseth-censures-sen-mark-kelly
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Jan. 5 he has issued a letter of censure to U.S. Senator Mark Kelly. The censure stems from a video posted to social media where Kelly and other members of Congress called on troops to “refuse illegal orders.” In December, the Pentagon announced it was launching a full command investigation into Kelly over “serious misconduct” allegations.)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois Democrats criticize Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and look to block further engagement
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/illinois-democrats-criticize-trump-administrations-actions-in-venezuela-and-look-to-block-further-engagement/
— Mysterious cannabis syndrome becoming more common. DD: Pot is poison.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/scromiting-cannabis-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome/
DAILY HERALD
— Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly after warning about following illegal orders
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260105/nation-and-world-politics/hegseth-censures-sen-kelly-after-warning-about-following-illegal-orders/
— Young Democrats of Illinois to host primary debate for 8th Congressional District. DD: If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, the organizations would still be hosting candidate debates.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260105/submitted-content/young-democrats-of-illinois-to-host-primary-debate-for-8th-congressional-district/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Mike Tyson accuses ex-cannabis business partners of racketeering in $50M lawsuit
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/cannabis/mike-tyson-sues-ex-cannabis-business-partners
— Midway slips as O’Hare soars, but Southwest plans a rebound. DD: Most of the audits that I worked for GAO on 1980-1997 required taking flights in/out of Midway and O’Hare.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/airlines-airports/midway-slips-ohare-soars-southwest-plans-rebound
COURIER JOURNAL
— The state of Illinois blocked the Louisville Metro Police Department’s access to its license plate surveillance system after an LMPD detective allegedly aided a federal agency in conducting immigration-related searches.
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2026/01/05/illinois-blocks-lmdp-from-flock-surveillance-camera-system/87995365007/
25 NEWS NOW
— Bailey appears to be front-runner again in GOP race for governor
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/01/05/bailey-appears-be-front-runner-again-gop-race-governor-says-iwu-political-scientist/
NPR ILLINOIS
— Amid fraud claims, Trump admin announces more changes to federal child care funding
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-05/amid-fraud-claims-trump-admin-announces-more-changes-to-federal-child-care-funding
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/05/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-442/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— More people continue leaving Illinois than arriving
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_9f59f645-6340-4756-8110-655dd4f6eeeb.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Democrats wanted Maduro gone — until Trump took him out
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/5/democrats-wanted-maduro-gone-trump-took/
— Sen. Mark Kelly on Monday vowed to fight efforts to cut his rank and pay as a retired U.S. Navy officer after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused him of making “seditious statements” in a video to military personnel.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/5/mark-kelly-vows-fight-back-retired-military-rank-pay-cut-seditious/
— HHS targets Biden-era rule that funds child care centers before verifying attendance. Kennedy seeks to cancel ‘loopholes’ in wake of Minnesota day care fraud allegations.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/5/hhs-targets-biden-era-rule-funds-child-care-centers-verifying/
NEW YORK POST
— Alleged JD Vance home vandal is son of wealthy doctor, Dem donor — who recently changed name to Julia
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/us-news/alleged-jd-vance-home-vandal-is-child-of-wealthy-local-doctor-who-recently-changed-name/
— Far-left, China-aligned groups organized pro-Nicolas Maduro protests in New York and other US states: ‘Unprecedented crime’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/us-news/marxist-peoples-forum-organized-pro-maduro-protests/
— Far-left Dems call Trump’s capture of Nicolas Maduro ‘an impeachable offense’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/us-news/far-left-dems-call-trumps-capture-of-maduro-an-impeachable-offense/
— ‘Diversion’ from prison is another way progressives keep getting people killed
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/opinion/progs-obsession-with-diversion-programs-keeps-getting-people-killed/
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Venezuela’s Interim Leader Vows to Work With U.S. After Trump Threats
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/05/morning-greatness-venezuelas-interim-leader-vows-to-work-with-u-s-after-trump-threats/
AMERICAN SPECTATOR
— Hegseth’s Pentagon delivered where others failed.
https://spectator.org/the-experts-were-wrong-about-pete-hegseth/
AMERICAN THINKER
— Confederacy of Enablers Downplays Somali Fraud
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/confederacy_of_enablers_downplays_somali_fraud.html
BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Two professors, one researcher advocated for reparations at University of Illinois-hosted committee meeting
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/01/05/two-professors-one-researcher-advocated-for-reparations-at-university-hosted-committee-meeting-1613971/
BLAZE
— DHS accuses Hilton Hotels of ‘siding with murderers and rapists’ over ICE — and the hotel chain responds
https://www.theblaze.com/news/dhs-ice-hilton-hotels-obstruct
BREITBART
— Hilton Hotels Responds: Hotel Highlighted by DHS Is ‘Independently Owned’
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/05/hilton-hotels-responds-hotel-highlighted-dhs-is-independently-owned/
COLLEGE FIX
— University of Maryland stands by security fees for Turning Point USA event
https://www.thecollegefix.com/university-of-maryland-stands-by-security-fees-for-turning-point-usa-event/
DAILY CALLER
— Harvard Dean Removed After Posts Trashing Police, ‘Whiteness,’ And Trump Resurface
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/05/harvard-dean-removed-after-posts-trashing-police-whiteness-and-trump-resurface/
— Democrats Just As Godless As You’d Imagine
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/05/democrats-republicans-ryan-burge-christians-atheists-trump-kamala-harris-study/
— Hegseth Takes Action Against Sen. Mark Kelly, Who Egged On Military To Defy Trump In Viral Video
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/05/pete-hegseth-mark-kelly-demotion-illegal-orders-video/
DAILY WIRE
— Why Venezuelans Are Dancing In The Streets. What Venezuelans feel today is not bloodlust or vengeance. It is relief, gratitude, and hope.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/why-venezuelans-are-dancing-in-the-streets
EPOCH TIMES
— Trucking Insiders Reveal How Licensing System Enabled Illegal Immigrant Drivers. Variance between state regulations and limited federal regulation also contributed to the proliferation of ‘CDL mills,’ multiple training providers said.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/trucking-insiders-reveal-how-licensing-system-enabled-illegal-immigrant-drivers-5961182
FEDERALIST
— Pentagon Moves To Demote Mark Kelly For ‘Seditious’ Video
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/05/pentagon-moves-to-demote-mark-kelly-for-seditious-video/
— Outrage From Dems Who Once Demanded Trump Target Maduro Is Completely Fake
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/05/outrage-from-dems-who-once-demanded-trump-target-maduro-is-completely-fake/
FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM
— How Sanctuary Cities Enable Benefit Fraud
https://www.fairus.org/opinion/how-sanctuary-cities-enable-benefit-fraud
FOX NEWS
— Illinois sheriff blames America’s ‘most dangerous’ law on spike in drugs, homelessness. Sheriff of Franklin County, Illinois delivers his take on the SAFE-T Act and it’s impact on his community after eliminating cash bail.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387258582112
— University of Illinois hosted state-funded committee meeting where professors advocated for reparations. Members of school community discussed ‘rectificatory justice’ and other reparations programs for African Americans.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/university-illinois-hosted-state-funded-committee-meeting-where-professors-advocated-reparations
— Tim Walz’s White guilt finally ends his career as Minnesota’s fraud explodes. Minnesota governor cites inability to focus on campaign while dealing with massive childcare fraud investigation. DD: This harkens back to George Ryan. My critics/opponents supported/promoted George Ryan.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-tim-walzs-white-guilt-finally-ends-his-career-minnesotas-fraud-explodes
— Celebrations erupt in Miami streets after Maduro’s capture
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387268560112
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— China, Russia, Iran Condemn Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro; Hezbollah Decries ‘American Arrogance’
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/china-russia-iran-condemn-capture-of-venezuelas-maduro-hezbollah-decries-american-arrogance/
NATIONAL REVIEW
— Teddy Roosevelt Would Be Proud
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/01/teddy-roosevelt-would-be-proud/
NEW AMERICAN
— Blue States Driving the “Affordability Crisis”
https://thenewamerican.com/us/economics/economic-blues-are-blue-states-driving-the-affordability-crisis/
— Charlie Kirk Coalition Falling Apart Amid MAGA Civil War?
https://thenewamerican.com/video/deep-state/charlie-kirk-coalition-falling-apart-amid-maga-civil-war/
NEWSMAX
— Mamdani Official: Homeownership Is ‘White Supremacy’
https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/zohran-mamdani-homeownership-official/2026/01/05/id/1240820/
PJ NEWS
— Turning Point USA Headquarters Renamed Following Record $10 Million Donation
https://pjnewsletter.com/tpusa-hq-erika-kirk/
REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— Who’s Responsible? Identity Theft Fueled by Government Inaction and Illegal Immigration
https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/video/2026/01/02/whos_responsible_identity_theft_fueled_by_government_inaction_and_illegal_immigration_1156510.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— 2028 Democrats rip Trump’s ouster of Maduro
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5673139-potential-2028-democrats-venezuela/amp/
CBS NEWS
— Judge in Maduro’s case has previously been a thorn in Trump’s side
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maduro-judge-previously-thorn-in-trumps-side/
— 2,000 federal agents deploying to Minneapolis in immigration crackdown, fraud probe
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minneapolis-federal-agents-crackdown/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Hegseth Moves to Downgrade Sen. Mark Kelly’s Military Rank. Potential reduction in retired rank follows Arizona Democrat’s participation in video calling on troops to resist illegal orders.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/hegseth-moves-to-downgrade-sen-mark-kellys-military-rank-56055879
ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasing
https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/affordability-is-the-political-buzzword-of-2026/
POLITICO
— Pentagon moves to punish senator for anti-Trump video
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/05/hegseth-kelly-punish-video-00710555
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Defense Department is taking steps to downgrade Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay in response to his November video warning servicemembers not to follow illegal orders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on social media, called the Arizona Democrat’s remarks “seditious statements” and claimed they are part of a “pattern of reckless misconduct.”)
ATLANTIC
— The college backlash is a mirage
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-college-backlash-is-a-mirage/ar-AA1TBfay
(FROM THE ARTICLE: If you were to judge by public-opinion polling, you might reasonably conclude that Americans have broadly given up on the idea of going to college. In 2013, 70 percent of adults surveyed by Pew said that a college education was “very important.” This year, only 35 percent did. Over the same time period, the share of Americans who believe that college is “not worth the cost” rose from 40 to 63 percent, according to NBC. If you were to judge, instead, by the choices that Americans are actually making, you might draw a different conclusion. Despite the reported skepticism of higher education, enrollment in four-year colleges and universities is growing. These institutions awarded 2 million bachelor’s degrees in 2023, compared with 1.6 million in 2010, and the fraction of 25-year-olds with a bachelor’s degree has steadily increased for the past 15 years. Even as Americans tell pollsters that college isn’t worth it, their behavior suggests that they still recognize the value of a degree for themselves and their children. And they’re correct to do so. For the overwhelming majority of graduates, the returns on going to college more than offset the cost of tuition. The college wage premium—the difference in earnings between people with only a high-school diploma and people with a four-year college degree—surged in the 1980s and ’90s and has remained close to those historic highs for the past two decades. One recent analysis found that the average person with a bachelor’s degree earns about 70 percent more than a high-school graduate with a similar amount of work experience. Researchers at the Cleveland Fed recently estimated that the college wage premium will stand at 76 percent in 2042. Even though plenty of young people struggle in the job market right after graduation, a college degree tends to unlock more lucrative career paths with greater long-term opportunities for advancement.)
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
INDIA TRIBUNE
— Raja Krishnamoorthi Builds Financial and Political Momentum in Illinois Senate Race
https://www.indiatribune.com/public/index.php/raja-krishnamoorthi-builds-financial-and-political-momentum-in-illinois-senate-race
January 4, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Maduro to appear in Manhattan federal court on Monday for arraignment on alleged drug charges
https://abc7chicago.com/post/ousted-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-appear-manhattan-federal-court-monday-arraignment-alleged-drug-charges/18351236/
— Venezuelan communities meeting in Chicago area after US captures President Maduro
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-protest-chicago-protests-today-expected-nicolas-maduro-captured-saturdays-federal-plaza-demonstration/18350445/
FOX32
— What did Trump mean US will ‘run’ Venezuela? Rubio explains
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/trump-us-will-run-venezuela-rubio
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— How cocaine and corruption led to the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/cocaine-corruption-indictment-maduro/
— US intervention in Venezuela could test Donald Trump’s ability to hold GOP together in an election year
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/us-intervention-venezuela-trumps-gop-election/
— Secretary of State Marco Rubio says US won’t govern Venezuela but will press for changes through oil blockade
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/nicolas-maduro-arrives-in-us/
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DD: Central Illinois Democrats protest against Trump’s military action in Venezuela
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2026/01/04/central-illinois-protests-against-trumps-military-action-in-venezuela/88007076007/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— YMCA Posts Sign Saying ICE Not Welcome
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/ymca-posts-sign-saying-ice-not-welcome/
— Dems Circling Like Vultures over Richmond Township Vacancies
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/dems-circling-like-vultures-over-richmond-township-vacancies/
— More Details on Sunday, January 25th, Gubernatorial Debate Sponsored by GOP Voter Information Project
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/more-details-on-sunday-january-25th-gubernatorial-debate-sponsored-by-gop-voter-information-project/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez: Either get on board or get out of the way
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/4/trump-venezuelan-vice-president-delcy-rodriguez-either-get-board-get/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Some cultures are simply not compatible with American values
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4375483/some-cultures-not-compatible-american-values/
NEW YORK POST
— Zohran Mamdani previously called to end sanctions on Venezuela, partly blamed penalties for US migrant crisis
https://nypost.com/2026/01/04/us-news/zohran-mamdani-previously-called-to-end-sanctions-on-venezuela-partly-blamed-penalties-for-us-migrant-crisis/
— Biden’s ‘extravagant’ pension is largest of any president in history – and even more than what he earned as prez
https://nypost.com/2026/01/04/us-news/bidens-pension-is-largest-of-any-us-president-in-history/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Former President Joe Biden’s long career in politics allowed him to retire with the largest taxpayer-funded pension of any ex-prez in US history — $417,000, or more than his presidential salary, an expert says. Biden, 83, was in line to rake in the massive amount from two pension funds in his first year as former president, according to an analysis by National Taxpayer Union Foundation Vice President Demian Brady. “It’s pretty unusual, historically unusual, to have such a large pension amount,” Brady told The Post. “I would have to say that it’s the largest,” the taxpayer advocate said when asked to compare Biden’s pension to his predecessors. The hefty estimated annual sum is double what Biden’s former boss, Barack Obama, has received in retirement pay after leaving the White House and $17,000 more than Biden’s $400,000-per-year presidential salary. It also reflects Biden’s “unique situation” as a former senator, vice president and president, a career path that has allowed him to take advantage of a “loophole” letting him tap into multiple taxpayer-backed retirement funds, Brady said. Biden, who once described himself as “one of the poorest members” of Congress, is able to collect the lucrative payouts by double-dipping in benefits established under the Former Presidents Act of 1958 as well as the Civil Service Retirement System for ex-senators. Annual pay in the CSRS pension plan is determined by a formula that takes into account Biden’s 44 years in the Senate and as vice president, as well as his three highest years of salary during that span. “Biden’s starting pension could be as much as $166,374, including an $18,186 set aside in the program for the spousal portion of benefit,” according to Brady, who noted his estimate assumes Biden sought to maximize the size of his Senate pension. The former prez would have raked in more than $254,000 in annual benefits from CSRS if not for a cap limiting his annual payouts to 80% of his highest salary, which was $230,700 a year as vice president and president of the Senate. Biden, who was elected to the upper chamber in 1972, entered office before the Senate retirement plan was tweaked to make it a bit less generous for newer members. On top of the check from his Senate and vice presidential service, Biden also receives a quarter of a million dollars annually from his presidential pension. Under the 1958 law, Biden’s presidential pension must be equivalent to the salary of a Cabinet secretary, which is currently $250,600. The law was enacted amid public concern over former President Harry Truman’s purported financial struggles after leaving office, although several historians and experts now believe Truman was actually a multi-millionaire after his presidency and not on the verge of becoming destitute. The FPA also established a number of additional taxpayer-funded perks for outgoing presidents, including money for staff, equipment and office space. For fiscal year 2026, the General Services Administration budgeted more than $1.5 million for Biden – $727,000 alone for office space – more than any other former president.)
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Nine Reasons Why Trump’s Venezuela Operation Is Great for America
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/04/nine-reasons-why-trumps-venezuela-operation-is-great-for-america/
AMERICAN THINKER
— We’re Sleeping through a Chinese Takeover. The Chinese Communist Party doesn’t need to beat us on the battlefield. It only needs the West to stay asleep.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/we_re_sleeping_through_a_chinese_takeover.html
BREITBART
— Minnesota’s Somali Fraudsters Paid for Lamborghini, Rolls Royce Rentals, Luxury Resort in Kenya with Stolen Money
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/04/report-minnesotas-somali-fraudsters-paid-for-rich-lifestyles-with-stolen-money/
EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Praised for Bold, Unprecedented Venezuela Operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as ‘unbelievable and a tremendous success.’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-praised-for-bold-unprecedented-venezuela-operation-5965996
FOX NEWS
— Trump restores America as the world’s sole superpower. President embraces ‘Donroe Doctrine’ as Venezuela operation leaves Russia and China unable to protect their ally.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-trump-restores-america-worlds-sole-superpower
— Trump DOJ demands Minnesota voting records over same-day registration ‘vouching’ concerns. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon cited concerns about the vouching policy that lets one voter verify residency for 8 others.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-doj-demands-minnesota-voting-records-over-same-day-registration-vouching-concerns
PJ MEDIA
— New St. Paul Mayor Said She Was an Illegal Alien
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/04/new-st-paul-mayor-said-shes-an-illegal-alien-n4947884
TOWNHALL
— Democrats Can’t Help but Side With America’s Enemies
https://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2026/01/04/democrats-cant-help-but-side-with-americas-enemies-n2668830
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NBC NEWS
— Rubio says Maduro’s capture ‘not a war against Venezuela’
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/marco-rubio-says-maduro-s-capture-not-a-war-against-venezuela-full-interview-255365701900
— Rubio says elections in Venezuela would be ‘premature at this point’ after Maduro’s capture
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/marco-rubio-says-elections-in-venezuela-would-be-premature-at-this-point-after-maduro-s-capture-255365189663
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Venezuela’s New Leader Is a Hardline Socialist Like Maduro. Delcy Rodríguez is known as a political operator—someone Trump said is ‘willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.’
https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/venezuelas-new-leader-is-a-hardline-socialist-like-maduro-875336e9
— Trump Rolls the Dice on Nation-Building With Vow to ‘Run’ Venezuela. Swift military operation delivers Venezuelan strongman Maduro into custody, though his lieutenants say they remain in charge.
https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/trump-rolls-the-dice-on-nation-building-with-vow-to-run-venezuela-805a9e35
DESERT NEWS
— Shaping campaigns responsibly: The role of political consultants DD: My critics/opponents reject many, if not most, if not virtually all, if not all conservative principles and planks in the Republican Party platform. They reject my promotion of those principles and planks in my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. They reject many, if not most, if not virtually all, if not all of a) the articles that I link to in my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters and b) my opinions that express in those newsletters.
https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/12/31/behind-the-campaign-political-consultant-role-ethical-advice/
January 3, 2025
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— US strikes Venezuela and says its leader, Maduro, has been captured and flown out of country
https://abc7chicago.com/post/us-venezuela-news-strikes-country-says-venezuelan-president-nicols-maduro-captured-wife/18346121/
CBS2
— U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela, Trump says Maduro captured and flown out of the country
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/live-updates/venezuela-us-military-strikes-maduro-trump/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— US strikes Venezuela and says leader Nicolás Maduro has been captured and flown out of the country
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/us-strikes-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/
DAILY HERALD
— New laws: Illinois expands job-protected leave for parents with a newborn in a neonatal intensive care unit
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260102/business/new-laws-illinois-expands-job-protected-leave-for-parents-with-newborns-in-nicu/
— Illinois’ electric grids may soon face power shortages and further price increases as fossil fuel plants go offline and data centers fueling the rise of artificial intelligence demand ever-increasing amounts of power.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260102/business/as-state-regulators-warn-of-impending-energy-shortfalls-capacity-prices-rise-again/
JOURNAL COURIER
— Morgan Republicans plan meet-and-greet with gubernatorial candidate. DD: If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/morgan-republicans-set-gathering-gubernatorial-21272921.php
NPR ILLINOIS
— Naps, bruising, cognitive tests: Trump addresses aging questions. DD: How old are you? I am 77. What do you stress to defend your age? I stress the GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters that I put together and send out. Putting those newsletters together and sending them out takes lots of time and focus.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-02/naps-bruising-cognitive-tests-trump-addresses-aging-questions
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump tries to beat back questions about health: Key takeaways.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/hill-politics/trump-tries-to-beat-back-questions-about-health-key-takeaways/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— 9th Congressional District Democratic Party Hopeful Bushra Amiwala Joins Others in Attacking the American Israel Public Affairs Committee
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/03/9th-congressional-district-democratic-party-hopeful-bushra-amiwala-joins-others-in-attacking-the-american-israel-public-affairs-committee/
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois local governments lose out on $10.9B in state taxes
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-local-governments-lose-out-on-10-9b-in-state-taxes/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
BREITBART
— 41 Percent of Netflix Shows for Children Contain LGBTQ+ Content in 2025
https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/01/02/report-says-41-percent-of-netflix-shows-for-children-contain-lgbtq-content-in-2025/
CHRISTIAN POST
— Mamdani’s inaugural address: ‘Godless, rancid ideology’
https://www.christianpost.com/news/top-responses-zohran-mamdani-inaugural-address.html
EPOCH TIMES
— Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down California Ban on Open Carry of Firearms
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/federal-appeals-court-strikes-down-california-ban-on-open-carry-of-firearms-5965490
FOX NEWS
— Mamdani ignites fierce backlash on day one in office
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdL7ph03298
— Mamdani’s inauguration fuels debate over Gen Z shift toward socialism, away from free markets. Zohran Mamdani’s first moments in office embraced ‘collectivism’ as Republicans warn Gen Z is rejecting free markets.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mamdanis-inauguration-fuels-debate-over-gen-z-shift-toward-socialism-away-from-free-markets.amp
— Redistricting battles brewing across the country as parties compete for power ahead of 2026 midterms
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/redistricting-battles-brewing-across-country-parties-compete-power-ahead-2026-midterms.print
NATIONAL REVIEW
— Horse Therapy, Gender-Neutral Bathrooms, and Hate Crime Work Leave: The Wild Blue State Laws of 2025
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/horse-therapy-gender-neutral-bathrooms-and-hate-crime-work-leave-the-wild-blue-state-laws-of-2025/amp/
— Mamdani to Establish New ‘Office of Mass Engagement’ Led by Veteran Socialist Organizer
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mamdani-to-establish-new-office-of-mass-engagement-led-by-veteran-socialist-organizer/
— Let’s Hire Professors Purely on Merit. DD: My critics/opponents have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I passed the following tests because standardized tests are biased in favor of those who share my demographics: a) the postal employment test when I was 17 in 1966, b) the ACT test with a score of 24 in 1966, c) all the tests that I needed to pass to graduate in the upper 20% of my high school class in 1966, d) the Federal Service Entrance Examination in 1970, e) all the tests that I needed to pass to earn a bachelor’s degree from NIU in 1970 and master’s degrees from Loyola in 1976, DePaul in 1980, and IIT in 1997, f) the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. and g) the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981. In my defense, neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. My mother never attended high school. I had to work my way through college.
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/lets-hire-professors-purely-on-merit/
TOWNHALL
— Socialism in the City
https://townhall.com/columnists/christalgo/2026/01/03/socialism-in-the-city-n2668789
— Pritzker’s Pretzels
https://townhall.com/columnists/alanjosephbauer/2026/01/02/pritzkers-pretzels-n2668747
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Trump insults Pritzker with AI-generated social media post
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5670567-trump-pritzker-ai-image-feud/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Mamdani Acts on Vow to Protect Renters With Move Against a Big Landlord. DD: Have you been a landlord? I was reluctant landlord 1976-1984 because I could not sell my University Park townhome ( https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/ ) unless I took a big loss.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/nyregion/mamdani-pinnacle-housing.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly replace those in America who have demographics that vote for Republicans with those who have demographics that vote for Democrats.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/28/business/us-immigration-trump-1920s.html
YAHOO
— Nobody Cares About Your Career. DD: During my federal career working for the Democrats who ran the Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, 1997, only two of my superiors cared about my career. I should write the IRS manager who promoted me to GS-9 in 1972, GS-11 in 1973, and GS-12 in 1974. Because he did that, my Democrat IRS superiors forced him to transfer to Dallas. I should write about the GAO manager who arranged my transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980 and who was finally able to assign me to audits or IRS and to promote me to GS-13 in 1986. Because he did that, my Democrat GAO superiors forced him to retire in 1987. To get rid of me, my Democrat IRS superiors disallowed my travel vouchers in 1974, disallowed my education deductions in 1978, and never promoted me to GS-13. To get rid of me, my Democrat GAO superiors a) forced me to take a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars, a downgrade from GS-12 Step 5 to GS-9 Step 10, to transfer, b) delayed my promotions back to GS-12 Step 5, c) kept me off audits of IRS except 1986-1988, d) never promoted me to GS-14, e) always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance, and f) forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. In today’s dollars, my Civil Service Retirement System pension is less that what my IRS salary was when I was 23 in 1972.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nobody-cares-career-mcdonalds-ceo-000116698.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Corruption of the Welfare State
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/minnesota-welfare-fraud-immigrants-government-handouts-8076eb83
— Your Key Survival Skill for 2026: Critical Ignoring. DD: My critics/opponents want everyone to ignore my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. I should write about my critics/opponents. I would focus those who were/are a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization, b) elected Republican leaders in Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, c) Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct, d) conservative leaders, and e) religious leaders.
https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/critical-ignoring-social-media-7e236f52
FORBES
— Should An Experienced Professionals Take Internships To Change Careers? DD: Have you changed careers? Have you wanted to change careers? I have not. Due to circumstances, I have wanted to be a career federal employee since I was 18 years old in 1966. However, to waste my federal career and get rid of me, my Democrat Post Office, IRS, and GAO superiors outrageously, disgustingly, and unethically panted a) my earning a job-related bachelor’s degree when I was 21, b) my earning job-related masters degrees when I was 27 in 1976, 31, and 48, c) my earning job-related professional certifications when I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48, and d) my earning a job-related professional license when I was 32 a) as being efforts by me to change my career and get a job in the private sector, b) as being justification to disallow my job-related education deductions in 1978, and c) to force me to take a $23,699 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980. I should write about the aforesaid
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2025/06/25/should-an-experienced-professional-take-internships-to-change-careers/
EDUCATION
— Professional Certifications Worth It in 2026. DD: What is your position on professional certifications? I sought and obtained professional certifications to defend/advance my federal career. I became a CPA when I was 30 in 1979, a Certified Internal Auditor when I was 32, a licensed CPA when I was 32, a Certified Fraud Examiner when I was 41, a Certified Government Financial Manager when I was 45, a Certified Financial Services Auditor when I was 47, and a Certified Forensic Accountant when I was 48. But my Democrat IRS and GAO superiors ignored/dismissed/belittled that a) because I was a Republican who 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 the aforesaid when I was 40. I should write about the aforesaid.
https://vocal.media/education/is-investing-in-professional-certifications-worth-it-in-2026
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
DAILY MAIL
— Karoline Leavitt calls out Mamdani’s wife as White House quits playing nice with ‘communist’ mayor
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/karoline-leavitt-calls-out-mamdani-s-wife-as-white-house-quits-playing-nice-with-communist-mayor/ar-AA1Ttrwy
— Mamdani unveils plan conservatives claim will usher in communism
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15429711/amp/zohran-mamdani-warmth-collectivism-socialist.html
BUSINESS STANDARD
— Mamdani takes action against Israel with his oath?
https://www.tbsnews.net/videos/tbs-stories/mamdani-takes-action-against-israel-his-oath-1325186
NDTV
— “Antisemitic Gasoline On Open Fire”: Israel vs Mamdani Over Revoked Orders
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/zohran-mamdani-vs-israel-over-revoked-order-on-antisemitism-definition-10237972
TIMES OF ISRAEL
— Anti-Zionism Was Never Harmless. Now It Governs. DD: Have your critics/opponents painted you as being an antisemite? Democrats have always painted Republicans as being antisemites. Because of my demographics, Democrats have especially painted me as being an antisemite. Needless-to-say, my Democrat Chicago office GAO superiors’ efforts to paint me as being an antisemite were stymied when I volunteered to work for their only Jewish group manager in late 1989. In 1989, to get rid of me because in late 1988, I had become the office’s only active member in a class action lawsuit that charged them with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation, they had a) thrown me off the group that audited IRS, b) gave me a very bad job assignment, c) gave me unfair performance expectations, d) gave me a very unfair performance appraisal, and e) ranked me at the bottom of my coworkers for pay-for-performance. She managed the office’s group that audited federal financial industry regulators. She reluctantly had to accept me a) because very few of my coworkers would work for her because she was Jewish, b) because I had previously worked on audits of federal financial industry regulators, c) because I had become a licensed CPA in 1981, d) because I had passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, e) because I had earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, and d) because I had earned an MBA in 1976. She was very demanding. But beyond that, my coworkers were intimidated a) by her having an MBA from the University of Chicago, b) by her having passed the CPA examination on her first attempt, c) by her being wealthy, d) by her being younger, and e) by her being attractive. Because she demanded that her subordinates have master’s degrees in finance, I started taking graduate evening finance courses at IIT in 1992 and earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading in 1997. I succeeded in making her a member of IIT’s advisory group for that graduate program. Further, I became certified fraud examiner in 1990, government financial manager in 1994, financial Services Auditor in 1996, and forensic accountant in 1997. I was her only defender/promoter in the office. But nevertheless, when my Democrat GAO Chicago office superiors decided to force me to retire when I was 49 in 1997, she took the lead in doing that. I should write about the foresaid.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/anti-zionism-was-never-harmless-now-it-governs/
December 23, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
https://abc7chicago.com/post/supreme-court-ruling-keeps-donald-trumps-chicago-national-guard-deployment-blocked-now/18309907/
— Pope disappointed over approval of assisted suicide legislation in his home state of Illinois
https://abc7chicago.com/post/pope-leo-xiv-news-catholic-church-leader-disappointed-approval-assisted-suicide-legislation-home-state-illinois/18310097/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Supreme Court deals Trump a defeat on bid to deploy National Guard in Illinois
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/23/supreme-court-trump-national-guard-illinois/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/20/november-us-consumer-goods-price-tracker/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pope disappointed by approval of Illinois’ assisted suicide legislation. Pope Leo XIV said he asked Gov. JB Pritzker not to sign legislation allowing assisted suicide in Illinois. “We were very clear about the necessity to respect the sacredness of life from the very beginning to the very end, and unfortunately … he decided to sign that bill.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv/2025/12/23/pope-disappointed-over-approval-of-illinois-assisted-suicide-legislation
DAILY HERALD
— Why three congressional candidates could be booted from the ballot
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251223/us-congress-politics/why-three-congressional-candidates-could-be-booted-from-the-ballot/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Three congressional candidates vying to serve different parts of the Northwest or West suburbs will find out early next month if they’ll appear on March 2026 primary ballots or be booted. On the hot seat are Democrat Mark J. Pasieka Sr., a Chicagoan running in the 3rd District; and two Republicans running in the 11th District, Tedora Brown of Palos Park and Michael Pierce of Naperville.)
— DuPagePads opens new warming center in Wheaton
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251223/news/dupagepads-opens-new-warming-center-in-wheaton/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Quantifying the Tax Local Officials Did Not Vote To Impose, a “Would Have Been, Could Have Been” Article
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2025/12/23/quantifying-the-tax-local-officials-did-not-vote-to-impose-a-would-have-been-could-have-been-article/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Supreme Court rules against Trump on deploying troops to Chicago
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/supreme-court-rules-trump-deploying-troops-chicago/
— Medicaid wasted more than $200 million on dead enrollees in single year
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/medicaid-paid-200-million-care-deceased-patients-single-year/
— White House rebuffs Catholic bishops’ appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/catholic-bishops-appeal-christmas-pause-immigration-enforcement/
— Military hits best recruiting numbers in 15 years
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/military-hits-best-recruiting-numbers-15-years-pentagon-says/
— Islam is still incompatible with America
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/december-2025-islam-still-incompatible-america/
— American families deserve real health care relief. There’s a better path than Obamacare.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/10/american-families-deserve-real-health-care-relief/
NEW YORK POST
— Toxic ideas fueling far-left terrorists came straight from our college campuses
https://nypost.com/2025/12/23/opinion/toxic-fuel-for-far-left-terrorists-came-straight-from-our-colleges/
AMERICAN THINKER
— The problem behind ‘affordability’
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/the_problem_behind_affordability.html
— NBC criticizes Trump admin for claiming ‘without evidence’ that white civilization is being erased
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/more_fake_news_nbc_criticizes_trump_admin_for_claiming_without_evidence_that_white_civilization_is_being_erased.html
— The ‘affordability crisis’ myth
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/11/the_affordability_crisis_myth.html
BREITBART
— SCOTUS Rules Against Trump Sending National Guard to Sanctuary Chicago
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/23/scotus-rules-against-trump-sending-national-guard-sanctuary-chicago/
CAMPUS REFORM
— Worst 5 examples of higher ed’s pro-abortion agenda in 2025. Abortion is celebrated and promoted on college campuses.
https://www.campusreform.org/article/worst-5-examples-higher-eds-pro-abortion-agenda-2025/29167
DAILY WIRE
— TPUSA Attendees Rally Around JD Vance At AmFest. “JD Vance represents the greatest conservative movement in over forty years.”
https://www.dailywire.com/news/tpusa-attendees-rally-around-jd-vance-at-amfest
EPOCH TIMES
— Federal Judge Strikes Down California’s Policies Hiding Gender Switches From Parents. The permanent injunction includes language that bars any employee in California’s education system from ’misleading the parent.’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/federal-judge-strikes-down-californias-policies-hiding-gender-switches-from-parents-5961936
FOX NEWS
— Mamdani FIRES BACK after report exposes anti-Zionist appointees
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6386869048112
— 20% of NYC mayor-elect Mamdani transition appointees have anti-Zionist ties
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/20-nyc-mayor-elect-mamdani-transition-appointees-have-anti-zionist-ties-adl.amp
NEWSMAX
— California Auditor Flags Newsom Admin as High Risk, Citing Billions in Exposure
https://www.newsmax.com/us/california-gavin-newsom-audit/2025/12/23/id/1239457/
PATRIOT POST
— Slouching Toward Open Season on Jews. To catalog all the recent violence against Jews in the Western world would fill a book.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/123805-slouching-toward-open-season-on-jews-2025-12-23
POST MILLENNIAL
— Vance overwhelmingly wins AmFest straw poll for 2028 GOP presidential nominee. The poll found that 84.2 percent of attendees want Vance for the spot, while no other figure in the poll received double-digit support.
https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-jd-vance-overwhelmingly-wins-amfest-straw-poll-for-2028-gop-presidential-nominee
REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— The NLRB Can Now Serve the American People, Not the Democratic Party
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/12/22/the_nlrb_can_now_serve_the_american_people_not_the_democratic_party_153661.amp.html
TOWNHALL
— Mamdani Chalks Up His Antisemitic Staff Problem As a ‘Wide Variety of Political Opinion’
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/12/23/mamdani-radical-staffers-wide-variety-of-political-opinion-n2668370
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
REUTERS
— US seeks to cancel thousands of asylum cases
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-seeks-cancel-thousands-asylum-cases-cbs-news-reports-2025-12-23/
CNBC
— Entry-level hiring is down 23% from March 2020. DD: What entry-level jobs did you have? I had three. I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU when I was 21 years old in 1970. My first entry-level job was a Retail Sales Manager for a Firestone Store. My salary was about $50,000/year in today’s dollars for a 44-hour workweek. In 1971, my second entry-level job was a GS-7 IRS Revenue Officer. The salary was $55,850/year in today’s dollars. To get that job, I had passed the Federal Service Entrance Examination. My taking graduate evening business courses at Loyola helped me get promoted to GS-9 ($68,315/year) in 1972, to GS-11 ($82,655/year) in 1973, and to GS-12 ($99,069/year) in 1974. I earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976. In 1980, my third entry-level job was a GS-9 Step 10 GAO Analyst. The salary was $88,808/year in today’s dollars. To get that job, I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and almost earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul. My salary was $153,151/year in today’s dollars almost 18 years later in 1997, after I earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, after I passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, after I became a licensed CPA in 1981, after I earned four more professional certifications in 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and after I earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/23/this-is-linkedins-no-1-piece-of-advice-for-entry-level-job-seekers-in-2026.html
USA TODAY
— Turning Point exposes Republican infighting when we need unity. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition officer, those organizations would still be hosting candidate debates today.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/12/23/turning-point-republican-infighting-conservative-movement/87855762007/
INC.
— The Top 15 Highest-Paying Jobs for 2026 That Don’t Require a College Degree. DD: Firestone Stores would not have hired me as a Retail Store Manager in 1970 and IRS would not have hired me as a Revenue Officer in 1971 if I had not earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1970. IRS would not have promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974 if I had not been taking graduate business evening courses. GAO would not have hired me as an Analyst in 1980 if I had not earned an MBA in 1976 and passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. GAO would not have promoted me in 1986 if I had not earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, and became a licensed CPA in 1981.
https://www.inc.com/kit-eaton/the-top-15-highest-paying-jobs-for-2026-that-dont-require-a-degree/91281103
TALKING POINTS MEMO
— GAO Has Been Calling Out Trump’s Illegal Impoundment. That May Soon Change.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/one-agency-has-been-calling-out-trumps-illegal-impoundment-that-may-soon-change
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Throughout 2025, the Trump administration has, time after time, simply refused to spend funds that Congress appropriated. The obstinacy was without precedent in modern American governance; congressional Democrats suggested it had put the country on track toward a constitutional crisis. Republicans, who controlled both chambers of Congress, largely did nothing. Piping up occasionally to affirm to those who were paying attention that they had not entirely lost their minds was a relatively small watchdog agency housed within the legislative branch: The Government Accountability Office (GAO). . .Following Dodaro’s retirement, Congress will establish a bipartisan panel to recommend a replacement to the president. President Donald Trump will then nominate a candidate subject to Senate confirmation. But experts worry that the ostensibly bipartisan process will not be enough to force Trump to appoint someone who will live up to the agency’s nonpartisan mission, which includes investigating improper, wasteful and fraudulent use of the money Congress allocates. “It is very likely that Gene Dodaro is replaced with a Trump lackey,” Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, told TPM. Kogan worries that if Dodaro is replaced by a Trump loyalist, the agency will stop doing the “important part of what they have been doing, which is investigations, public oversight and accountability.” “GAO investigations are extremely important,” Georgetown Law professor David Super told TPM. “In many respects, it provides a better and more independent version of what the inspectors general used to provide,” he said, referencing the watchdogs who sit within many executive branch agencies — and who Trump fired en masse in 2025. “Since Trump has gotten rid of the inspectors general, we don’t have that independent site,” Super continued. “So having an independent GAO looking at things is extremely important. And, certainly, Congress would have a harder time doing its job without GAO.”)
PEW RESEARCH
— The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources. DD: Since 2000, I have worked hard to fill an ever-increasing political news and commentary gap in Illinois with my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. Tragically, there are fewer and fewer and fewer conservative news and commentary sources in Illinois.
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2025/06/10/the-political-gap-in-americans-news-sources/