FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— House Speaker Mike Johnson says President Donald Trump’s $5,000 ‘dividend’ needs congressional approval.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/13/johnson-trumps-5000-dividend-congrssional-approval/
— Decision on Aurora recall referendum expected Monday.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260913/local-politics/decision-on-aurora-recall-referendum-expected-monday/
— Illinois farmers are farming the government for cash.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/14/farm-bill-china-farmers-illinois-soybeans/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Under the Democrats, poverty ever-increasingly increases in Chicago.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2026/09/14/new-report-finds-35-of-chicago-households-dont-have-sufficient-food
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/arts-and-culture/2026/09/13/mexican-independence-day-parade-operation-midway-blitz-year-later
NPR ILLINOIS
— Trump returns home to drum up voter support for GOP candidates ahead of midterms.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-09-14/trump-returns-home-to-drum-up-voter-support-for-gop-candidates-ahead-of-midterms
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— DD: Democrat ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/hill-politics/republicans-fearing-voter-anger-about-costs-clash-over-economic-strategy/
POLITICO ILLINOIS
— Johnson’s reelection bet: the left
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS
— Radical IL Dems Running For Office and Don’t Ignore The Lessons of 9/11.
https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com/read/2026/09/13/radical-il-dems-running-for-office-and-dont-ignore-the-lessons-of-9-11
— Socialism 2026 Conference Worse Than Expected.
https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com/read/2026/09/10/socialism-2026-conference-worse-than-expected
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— House Speaker Mike Johnson calls Trump’s $5,000 checks an ‘idea’ Congress will consider.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/13/house-speaker-mike-johnson-calls-trumps-5000-checks-idea-congress/
— Most colleges ignored the Declaration’s 250th anniversary. Higher education missed a chance to examine the nation’s founding principles.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/13/colleges-ignored-declarations-250th-anniversary/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Happy Constitution Day: The states retain responsibilities, not just rights. DD: Under the Democrats, more and more and more Democrat states are moving toward secession.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/premium/4719179/constitution-day-please-check-your-assignment/
NEW YORK POST
— Charlie Kirk statue vandalized outside TPUSA’s Phoenix HQ days after it was unveiled.
https://nypost.com/2026/09/13/us-news/new-charlie-kirk-statue-vandalized-outside-tpusas-phoenix-hq/
— Hollywood’s crusade against Jews and Israel is unconscionable.
https://nypost.com/2026/09/13/opinion/hollywoods-bias-against-jews-and-israel-is-unconscionable/
— Left’s push to delay deporting illegal-migrant criminals imposes huge costs on taxpayers.
https://nypost.com/2026/09/14/opinion/lefts-push-to-delay-deporting-illegal-migrant-criminals-imposes-huge-costs-on-taxpayers/
1819 NEWS
— Americans have got to wake up. The leftist takeover of Democrat Party must rouse voters.
https://1819news.com/news/item/the-american-people-have-got-to-wake-up-strong-argues-leftist-takeover-of-democrat-party-must-rouse-voters
AMERICAN THINKER
— Increasingly obvious: Islam is incompatible with Western Civilization. Democrats are embracing Islam’s incompatibility with civilization.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/09/increasingly-obvious-islam-is-incompatible-with-western-civilization/
— Shall we be a socialist paradise like France? Let’s take a look at what France is actually like.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/09/shall-we-be-a-socialist-paradise-like-france/
BREITBART
— Brandon Johnson Will Seek Second Term as Mayor of Homicide-Plagued Chicago.
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/09/13/brandon-johnson-will-seek-another-term-as-mayor-of-homicide-plagued-chicago/amp/
COLLEGE FIX
— Universities are embedding DEI concepts into AI programs.
https://www.thecollegefix.com/universities-are-embedding-dei-concepts-into-ai-programs-watchdog-warns/
COLLEGE VOICE
— Why I Started a Turning Point USA Chapter. DD: What are the Turning Point USA chapters in Illinois?
https://thecollegevoice.org/2026/03/26/why-i-started-a-turning-point-usa-chapter/
DAILY WIRE
— Charlie Kirk Statue Defaced With Red Paint After Unveiling. The eight-foot bronze statue was unveiled just three days earlier to mark the anniversary of Kirk’s assassination.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/charlie-kirk-statue-defaced-with-red-paint-after-unveiling
FEDERALIST
— Schools, Corporate Media Rewrite Islamic Terrorists Out Of 9/11.
https://thefederalist.com/2026/09/12/schools-corporate-media-rewrite-islamic-terrorists-out-of-9-11/
FOUNDATION FOR GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
— Government dependency. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government. According to them, you cannot succeed in America without massive government assistance. According to my critics/opponents, I owe all my successes in life to my working for the federal government. But my federal employers did not reimburse the money I spent to earn my job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license. Many big private sector employers reimburse such expenses. If I had not earned the aforesaid degrees, certifications, and license, the Democrats who ran IRS in 1971 would not have hired me or promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974 and the Democrats who ran GAO in 1980 would not have hired me or promoted me in 1986. I would not have become a postal employee in 1966 if my high school friend had not asked me to join him in taking the postal employment test. Further, I would not have become an IRS employee in 1971 if Oldsmobile had not withdrawn a job offer that I had accepted because Oldsmobile had just agreed to stop hiring Whites to settle an EEOC complaint.
https://thefga.org/blog/if-work-is-punitive-what-is-a-lifetime-of-government-dependency/
FOX BUSINESS
— Millennials may believe in socialism but they BENEFIT from capitalism.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/am-uc35on54
FOX NEWS
— Democrat leaders punish Democrats who put working Americans ahead of party loyalty. DD: RINOs leaders punish Republicans who promote planks in the Republican Party platform that they reject. Most commonly, RINO leaders reject the personal responsibility, traditional marriage and family, right to life, immigration, anti-vice, Second Amendment, and/or equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/democrats-punish-members-put-working-americans-ahead-party-loyalty
— Trump DEMANDS Smithsonian replace ‘WOKE’ exhibits.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6405008476112
— DSA-backed candidates are winning primaries and their vision for America is very different
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dsa-backed-candidates-winning-primaries-vision-america-different
— There is no ‘moderate socialism.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6405017175112
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Vandals Deface Charlie Kirk Memorial, Cross Out Jesus.
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/09/vandals-deface-charlie-kirk-memorial-cross-out-jesus/
HERITAGE FOUNDATION
— Why the U.S. Has a Culture of Dependency. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government. According to them, you cannot succeed in America without massive government assistance. According to my critics/opponents, I owe all my successes in life to my working for the federal government. But my federal employers did not reimburse the money I spent to earn my job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license. Many big private sector employers reimburse such expenses. If I had not earned the aforesaid degrees, certifications, and license, the Democrats who ran IRS in 1971 would not have hired me or promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974 and the Democrats who ran GAO in 1980 would not have hired me or promoted me in 1986. I would not have become a postal employee in 1966 if my high school friend had not asked me to join him in taking the postal employment test. Further, I would not have become an IRS employee in 1971 if Oldsmobile had not withdrawn a job offer that I had accepted because Oldsmobile had just agreed to stop hiring Whites to settle an EEOC complaint.
https://www.heritage.org/poverty-and-inequality/commentary/why-the-us-has-culture-dependency
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Pushing Back Against DEI Capture of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/09/pushing-back-against-dei-capture-of-mandatory-continuing-legal-education/amp/
NATIONAL REVIEW
— The March of School Choice. DD: My parents sent me to Missouri Synod Lutheran grade schools. That put me on track to earn 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.nationalreview.com/magazine/2026/10/the-march-of-school-choice/
— Personal Responsibility in Modern American Life. DD: My parents sent me to Missouri Synod Lutheran grade schools. That put me on track to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license.
https://natlawreview.com/press-releases/why-shit-matters-challenges-readers-rethink-responsibility-modern-american
(FROM THE ARTICLE: At 72, Jim Crupi draws on a lifetime of experiences that inform the perspectives explored throughout the book. He credits a strong family upbringing, a 50-year marriage, two successful children, and a career spanning more than 40 years in aviation as important foundations for his observations about responsibility and character.)
— Trump’s Reckless $5,000 ‘Dividend.’
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/trumps-reckless-5000-dividend/
PJ MEDIA
— What Happens When We Elect People to Congress Who Hate America. DD: Under the Democrats, more and more and more Democrat states are moving toward secession.
https://pjmedia.com/robert-spencer/2026/09/13/what-happens-when-we-elect-people-who-hate-america-to-congress-this-n4957200
— The American Left Is Irredeemable. DD: The American Left is ever-increasingly anti-American.
https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/09/13/is-the-american-left-irredeemable-n4957198
REAL CLEAR MARKETS
— Socialists Are Sapping U.S. Cities: Money Is Running Out.
https://www.realclearmarkets.com/2026/09/14/socialists_are_sapping_us_cities_money_is_running_out_1205673.html
REASON
— Americans Grow Increasingly Dependent on Government Payments. Many citizens of the land of the free are hooked on government checks. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government. According to them, you cannot succeed in America without massive government assistance. According to my critics/opponents, I owe all my successes in life to my working for the federal government. But my federal employers did not reimburse the money I spent to earn my job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license. Many big private sector employers reimburse such expenses. If I had not earned the aforesaid degrees, certifications, and license, the Democrats who ran IRS in 1971 would not have hired me or promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974 and the Democrats who ran GAO in 1980 would not have hired me or promoted me in 1986. I would not have become a postal employee in 1966 if my high school friend had not asked me to join him in taking the postal employment test. Further, I would not have become an IRS employee in 1971 if Oldsmobile had not withdrawn a job offer that I had accepted because Oldsmobile had just agreed to stop hiring Whites to settle an EEOC complaint.
https://reason.com/2024/10/04/americans-grow-increasingly-dependent-on-government-payments/
TOWNHALL
— Charlie Kirk Statue Vandalized Days After Unveiling at TPUSA HQ.
https://townhall.com/news/scott-mcclallen/2026/09/13/charlie-kirk-statue-vandalized-days-after-unveiling-at-tpusa-hq-n2682903
— America Has Not Learned the Right Lessons From Charlie Kirk’s Murder.
https://townhall.com/columnists/joshhammer/2026/09/11/america-has-not-learned-the-right-lessons-from-charlie-kirks-murder-n2682802
— Why People Prefer Socialism to Capitalism. DD: To get ahead under socialism, all you have to do is be a socialist. To get ahead under Democrats, all you have to do is be a Democrat. To get ahead under RINOs, all you have to do is be a RINO. To get ahead under Affirmative Action and DEI, all you have to be is a minority or a female.
https://townhall.com/columnists/marklewis/2026/09/14/why-people-prefer-socialism-to-capitalism-n2682900
U.S. HOUSE
— More Americans Dependent on Welfare Checks, at the Expense of Work. DD: To avoid welfare, I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license. I took bad jobs that my peers would never stoop to take. I did yard work 1962-1964. I delivered newspapers 1962-1966. I washed dishes 1964-1966. I cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966. I delivering mail 1966-1969. I worked on an automotive assembly line in 1970. I sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971. I pumped more gasoline 1971-1972. I collected delinquent federal taxes 1971-1980. I audited federal agencies 1980-1997. I would not have become a postal employee in 1966 if my high school friend had not asked me to join him in taking the postal employment test. Further, I would not have become an IRS employee in 1971 if Oldsmobile had not withdrawn a job offer that I had accepted because Oldsmobile had just agreed to stop hiring Whites to settle an EEOC complaint.
https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/01/08/new-report-shows-more-americans-dependent-on-welfare-checks-at-the-expense-of-work/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote socialism.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/12/us/politics/trump-democrats-communism-midterms.html
USA TODAY
— DD:: Democrat leaders blast Trump and the GOP convention.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/09/11/trump-republican-midterm-convention-pledge-allegiance-takeaways/91656650007/
SARASOTA HERALD TRIBUNE
— Trump, MAGA saved America. Don’t let socialism ruin it.
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/letters/2026/09/14/trump-maga-socialists-left/91754827007/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Yes, Children Really Are Getting Dumber. Covid shutdowns, grade inflation and now AI are degrading the quality of American education.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/yes-children-really-are-getting-dumber-fa4cb20c
— The Road to a Universal Basic Income. An expanded child tax credit is the first step. The bidding is underway.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-road-to-a-universal-basic-income-ee06f422
— Andrew M. Cuomo: Antisemitism Surges 25 Years After 9/11.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/antisemitism-surges-25-years-after-9-11-2327f95c
FORBES
— ‘I Like The Candidate From Illinois’: Trump Praises GOP Candidate For IL Governor Darren Bailey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QnJGu0Q09o
FORTUNE
— Amazon workers on food stamps have tripled despite its record revenue—and it’s just the latest evidence of the new economy of shrinking labor shares. DD: In Illinois, you qualify for food stamps if you earn less than $25,824/year or $12.42/hour. In today’s dollars, I worked for $12.74/hour washing dishes 1964-1966.
https://fortune.com/2026/09/13/amazon-workers-food-stamps-tripled-record-revenue-labor-share/
— Life Lessons Learned From Saving for Retirement. DD: My wife and I always made saving for our retirement a top priority.
https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/wsj-readers-share-the-life-lessons-learned-from-saving-for-retirement-494cf093
FORBES
— Mike Johnson Blasts ‘Marxist Socialist Left,’ Urges Americans To Vote For GOP in Midterms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIsTK4KZBpE
NPR
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote reparations in Evanston.
https://www.npr.org/2026/09/14/nx-s1-5869793/evanston-illinois-reparations-trump-administration
YALE DAILY NEWS
— First campus Turning Point USA event nods to Charlie Kirk’s legacy. On the one-year anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Yale’s chapter of Turning Point USA hosted its first public event with Nick Shirley, a conservative influencer, who highlighted the importance of independent journalism.
https://yaledailynews.com/articles/first-campus-turning-point-usa-event-nods-to-charlie-kirk-s-legacy
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Yale’s chapter of Turning Point USA invited Nick Shirley, an independent journalist and conservative influencer, on Thursday, the one-year anniversary of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Turning Point USA was founded in 2012 by Kirk and his mentor, Bill Montgomery, to advocate for conservative principles on high school and college campuses across the United States. Kirk was killed in a shooting last September at a speaking event at a university in Utah, and Turning Point USA’s Yale chapter was founded this spring. During the off-the-record event, Shirley detailed his investigations into fraud and emphasized the importance of independent journalism, which he predicted would become increasingly popular in the future, according to audience members. . .Turning Point USA has over 800 college chapters, according to its website.)
— The class of 2030, by the numbers. DD: 11.7% are bisexual, 8.9% are gay/lesbian, 3.4% are queer, 3.2% are questioning/curious, 1.2% are asexual, .6% are pansexual, 56.8% are not very religious or spiritual, 19.5% are agnostic, 15% are Protestant, 13.3% are Catholic, 8.9% are Jewish, 52% speak more than one language, 54.1% receive financial aid, 10% took out loans, 20.9% receive full financial aid, 94% receive partial financial support from their parents, 4% are working their way through college, 17% of their parents have at least a bachelor’s degree, 23.8% a doctoral degree, and 42.8 a master’s or professional degree, and of those who submitted their ACT score, only .6% had a score of 24 or lower.
https://yaledailynews.com/articles/the-class-of-2030-by-the-numbers
LIVING WAGE
— Calculator. DD: The living wage for a single person with no dependents in Will County is $55,952/year. In today’s dollars, when I was 22 in 1971 and living with and helping support my mother and brother in Crete, my IRS salary was $56,409/year. I had earned a bachelor’s degree in business from NIU in 1970. In today’s dollars, my IRS salary increased to $68,999/year when I got promoted in 1972. That enabled me to buy a new townhome in University Park in 1972. Previously, with my full-time Firestone Store salary 1970-1971 and then part-time salary 1971-1972, I was able to buy a new 1972 Corvette in 1971 and to pay for tuition and books for graduate evening business courses at Loyola in 1972.
https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/17043
FROM OTHER SOURCES
BEST COLLEGES
— 40 Companies That Pay for College With Tuition Reimbursement. DD: I worked for Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997. My entire life would have been different if they had reimbursed my tuition expenses. Except for some small token amounts, they did not reimburse the money I spent to earn my job-related bachelor’s degree in 1970, my job-related master’s degrees in 1976, 1980, and 1997, my job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and my job-related professional license in 1981. Many big private sector employers including UPS, FedEx, Fidelity, and JP Morgan Chase, reimburse such expenses. Further, to get rid of me, my Democrat IRS superiors disallowed my education expenses in 1978. They outrageously, disgustingly, falsely, and unethically argued that the courses I took a) did not relate to my job duties, b) did not maintain or improve my job skills, c) were taken by me to get a job in the private sector, and d) qualified me for a new trade or business. They ignored/dismissed/belittled the fact that my IRS employee manual encouraged me to take the courses. They ignored/dismissed my job descriptions and the Loyola and DePaul course descriptions.
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/companies-with-tuition-reimbursement/
Tag: rino
September 8, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS2
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/one-year-later-operation-midway-blitz-lawsuits/
FOX32
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/immigration-enforcement-fears-impact-chicago-mexican-independence-day-celebrations
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Pritzker launches congressional PAC and heads to Texas to rally Democrats as GOP holds Dallas convention.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/08/pritzker-federal-pac-texas/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Pritzker-backed PAC plans to bankroll anti-Trump candidates nationwide.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics-policy/ccb-pritzker-pac-anti-trump-candidates-20260908/
— ABA repeals diversity standards for law schools amid pressure from Trump administration.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/law/ccb-aba-law-school-dei-standards-20260908/
— Trump threat puts Bombardier’s Chicago-area operation in spotlight.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/manufacturing-logistics/ccb-bombardier-trump-20260908/
SOUTHERN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly push more pot.
https://thesouthern.com/news/siu-hosting-7th-annual-hemp-cannabis-symposium/article_d44251c9-6c75-5a4c-8efb-7fc74ed15eea.html
WSIU
— Aaron Del Mar, Republican Lt. Gov. candidate campaigns across Illinois.
https://www.wsiu.org/politics-elections/2026-09-08/aaron-del-mar-republican-lt-gov-candidate-campaigns-across-illinois
BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation. How dependent on Democrat illegals are your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/08/chicago-area-businesses-lost-1-2-billion-because-of-immigration-enforcement-report-says/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/09/08/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-590/
— Pritzker launches $20 million PAC for national midterm push.
https://capitolfax.com/2026/09/08/pritzker-launches-20-million-pac-for-national-midterm-push/
— ILGOP circular firing squad makes a feeble return.
https://capitolfax.com/2026/09/08/the-ilgop-circular-firing-squad-makes-a-feeble-return/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— U.S. Illinois Democratic Party Members of Congress Who Voted For Socialism.
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/09/06/u-s-illinois-democratic-party-members-of-congress-who-voted-for-socialism/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— A Muslim NATO? Concerns over U.S. reliability, Israel’s rise fuel new Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi alliance.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/4/muslim-nato-concerns-us-reliability-israels-rise-fuel-new-turkey/
— America’s millionaire boom proves capitalism works. Millions of households have built wealth through work, investment and opportunity.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/8/americas-millionaire-boom-proves-capitalism-works/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Here’s what socialists are actually saying.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op-eds/4714856/how-to-speak-socialist/
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY
— AFP at Chicago Socialism Convention to Contrast More Government with More Freedom.
https://americansforprosperity.org/press-release/icymi-afp-at-chicago-socialism-convention-to-contrast-more-government-with-more-freedom/
DESERT REVIEW
— The Promise of Socialism Is Misery for All.
https://www.thedesertreview.com/opinion/columnists/the-promise-of-socialism-is-misery-for-all/article_f864052d-0b56-4b18-a870-388baa2842ac.html
FOX BUSINESS
— Dallas mayor warns of ‘grave threat’ to cities from socialism movement.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6404769012112
— Why socialism turns on Gen Z.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6404765437112
NEWSMAX
— Newsom, Harris cozy up to socialists ahead of 2028.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pDp0coY2iw
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Trump is using the IRS and nonprofit status to chill affirmative action.
https://thehill.com/opinion/education/6073732-new-regulations-target-diversity-admissions/
CBS NEWS
— Why some battleground GOP candidates are skipping this week’s Trump-backed midterm convention.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-gop-convention-republican-house-senate-candidates/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Pritzker, Eyeing 2028, to Help Midterm Democrats With a $20 Million Group. JB Pritzker, the billionaire governor of Illinois, is continuing to expand his national footprint, this time by using a new group to target Republicans in battleground races.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/us/politics/jb-pritzker-2028-brandon-herrera-max-miller.html
WFMD
— Newsom: Democratic socialist ideas are mainstream in Democrat party and pretty aligned.
https://www.wfmd.com/2026/09/08/newsom-admits-democratic-socialist-ideas-mainstream-in-democrat-party-pretty-aligned/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Children learn a great deal about race and gender in schools these days, but not nearly enough about reading and math. A big reason is the colleges that teach the teachers, and a new report forthcoming Wednesday brings more insight into how they promote politics instead of the basics of instruction.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/graduate-schools-of-education-critical-theory-aei-report-daniel-buck-d3fc6285
BLOOMBERG LAW
— America’s Disgruntled Youth Sell Democratic Socialism to Masses
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/americas-disgruntled-youth-sell-democratic-socialism-to-masses
GAO
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly push more pot.
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107498
NPR
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation. How dependent on Democrat illegals are your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://www.npr.org/2026/09/08/nx-s1-5955787/new-report-shows-the-economic-toll-of-ice-raids
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
NEWS24
— US schools blasted for teaching victimhood instead of the dangers of socialism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=robqIurAZYc
September 4, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS2
— House of Representatives adopt resolution condemning socialism. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism. What positions on socialism do each of the Democrat candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot in your precinct have on socialism?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVgo6G5hURc
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/04/will-county-grant-immigration-services-unpaid/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more hatred against Hegseth.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/09/04/pete-hegseth-iran-wars-military-dei-woke-trump-s-e-cupp
— ALL OF THE FRONT PAGE: ComEd customers pay billions to keep the lights on during storms. Will it be enough? The Gary power debacle is a warning of what can go wrong with the electric system as extreme weather fueled by climate change upends disaster planning. DD: The more that overhead lines bring power to your home, the more that those lines are near trees, the more that I recommend getting a whole-house backup electric generator.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/environment/2026/09/02/chicago-comed-power-grid-outage-storms-electric-bills-weather-gary-indiana-climate-change
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/bearing-the-blitz/2026/09/04/south-shore-immigration-raid-midway-blitz-resident-is-still-homeless
DAILY HERALD
— DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism. What positions on socialism do each of the Democrat candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot in your precinct have on socialism?
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260904/syndicated-columnists/arthurdale-and-the-socialism-debate/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Illinois hospitals to lose billions through Medicaid policy change.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/ccb-illinois-hospitals-medicaid-cuts-20260903/
WGN RADIO
— Trump promises to campaign for Republicans and says they have a winning midterm message.
https://wgnradio.com/news/political-news/ap-trump-promises-to-campaign-for-republicans-and-says-they-have-a-winning-midterm-message/
COOK COUNTY RECORD
— Sheriffs: ‘Assault weapon’ bans in Cook County, elsewhere endanger law-abiding citizens.
https://www.legalnewsline.com/cook-county-record/sheriffs-assault-weapon-bans-in-cook-county-elsewhere-endanger-law-abiding-citizens/article_9474f606-f270-4963-ab38-a34458dbacef.html
NORTHERN STAR
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote non-Whites because non-Whites overwhelming vote for Democrats.
https://northernstar.info/137437/opinion/diversity-is-more-than-a-celebration/
DAILY EGYPTIAN
— Del Mar pitches affordability, ‘energizes Republican base’ at Du Quoin State Fair.
https://dailyegyptian.com/124993/showcase/del-mar-pitches-affordability-energizes-republican-base-at-du-quoin-state-fair/
NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: IRS targets private schools that discriminate.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-09-04/irs-targets-private-schools-that-help-racial-minority-students
WFMD
— DOJ threatens to cut billions in welfare funding from states for failing to report illegal migrants.
https://www.wfmd.com/2026/09/03/doj-threatens-to-cut-billions-in-welfare-funding-from-states-for-failing-to-report-illegal-migrants/
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/2026/09/04/isabel%e2%80%99s-morning-briefing-801/
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/09/03/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-588/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
BAILEY FOR ILLINOIS
— PRESS CONFERENCE: On Friday, September 4, at 10:00 AM, former state senator and candidate for governor, Darren Bailey, and his running mate, Aaron Del Mar, will host a press conference in front of the JB Pritzker-owned Hyatt Hotel in Chicago to discuss the socialist takeover of the Democratic Party ahead of the Socialism Conference being held this weekend.
https://baileyforillinois.com/news/
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism. What positions on socialism do each of the Democrat candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot in your precinct have on socialism? Sooner or later, the Democrat Party will officially rename itself the Socialist Party. What did capitalism allow/encourage you to do? It allowed/encouraged me a) to work my way through college, b) to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, c) to earn three job-related master’s degrees, d) to earn six job-related professional certifications, and e) to earn a job-related professional license. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Pritzker’s record: Over $35 billion in personal income left Illinois during his first term.
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-outmigration-irs-income-loss/
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Crystal Lake, Harvard & Marengo Score “Teacher Vacancy” Grants (Link to Other 97 Winning School Districts)
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/09/03/crystal-lake-harvard-marengo-score-teacher-vacancy-grants/
— Circuit Clerk Announces Amnesty Week to Help People Pay Past-Due Court Fines
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/09/03/circuit-clerk-announces-amnesty-week-to-help-people-pay-past-due-court-fines/
— Pritzker Rolls Out New Commercial Attacking Curriculum of Bailey School, Labeling Him “Extreme” Again
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/09/03/pritzker-rolls-out-new-commercial-attacking-curriculum-of-bailey-school-labeling-him-extreme-again/
— Dems Enact Bill for “Women and Individuals Who Menstruate”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/09/03/dems-enact-bill-for-women-and-individuals-who-menstruate/
— Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Releases Ad Attacking Democratic Party Candidate
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/09/02/republican-u-s-senate-candidate-releases-ad-attacking-democratic-party-candidate/
— You Couldn’t Find New Posts Yesterday Because I Was Reading a Really Funny Political Book
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/09/02/you-couldnt-find-new-posts-yesterday-because-i-was-reading-a-book/
— Chicago Tribune Joins Bob Anderson’s Campaign Against Double Dippers
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/31/chicago-tribune-joins-bob-andersons-campaign-against-double-dippers/
— Jeanne Ives Does the Math on Another “Affordable” Housing Project
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/31/jeanne-ives-does-the-math-on-another-affordable-housing-project/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— IRS says it will deny tax-exempt status to private schools that practice affirmative action. DD: Affirmative Action is discrimination against Whites and males.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/3/irs-says-deny-tax-exempt-status-private-schools-practice-affirmative/
— ICE whistleblower warned of ‘unprecedented lowering of standards’ during hiring spree. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran the federal government for almost 30 years, to hire, retain, and promote young Democrat minorities and young Democrat females, they ever-increasing lowered standards. That ever-increasingly rendered worthless my job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/3/ice-whistleblower-warned-unprecedented-lowering-standards-hiring/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The rapid pace of the hiring, fueled by a $50,000 signing bonus, raised concerns about the quality of the new employees. An investigation by The Associated Press found that some of the new hires had serious financial problems in their backgrounds, had been accused of misconduct in prior jobs, and had checkered employment histories. . .The whistleblower complaint said that “systemic breakdowns in vetting” violated several federal rules and standards designed to ensure candidates are suitable for sensitive law enforcement and national security positions.
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— DEI isn’t dead. It’s mutating.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op-eds/4709530/dei-survival-higher-education-mutating/
AMAC
— 192 Democrats Vote Against Resolution Condemning Socialism. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://amac.us/newsline/192-democrats-vote-against-resolution-condemning-socialism-supporting-constitution-and-secure-elections
AMERICAN DECENCY
— El-Sayed: Harbinger of Perilous Times.
https://americandecency.org/2026/el-sayed-harbinger-of-perilous-times/
BLAZE
— Sorry, socialists: The internet saved your homework. Abdul El-Sayed, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and others are learning that political maturation requires more than just scrubbing the awkward bits. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.theblaze.com/columns/opinion/sorry-socialists-the-internet-saved-your-homework
— AOC made socialism cool. Now the socialists want her gone. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.theblaze.com/columns/opinion/aoc-made-socialism-cool-now-the-socialists-want-her-gone
CHRISTIAN POST
— Episcopal Church celebrates first trans dean — woman in lesbian marriage to trans-identified pastor. DD: How strongly have Democrats taken over your church? The Democrat Party platform is extremely anti-religious.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/wisconsin-cathedral-gets-episcopal-churchs-first-trans-dean.html
DAILY SIGNAL
— Times Square Massacre Ends Bank of America VP’s Life— Socialists Call It ‘Justice.’ DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-QQGnMirow
DAILY WIRE
— China, DSA, And Unions Are Teaming Up To Transform America.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/exclusive-china-dsa-and-unions-are-teaming-up-to-transform-america-conservative-group-warns
FEDERALIST
— Wealth gap. DD: Who are you peers? One could argue that your peers are your high school classmates who share your demographics and graduated with you. Why do you have more money than your peers? None of my peers did what I did. I earned three job-related master’s degrees. I earned six job-related professional certifications. I earned job-related professional license.
https://thefederalist.com/2026/09/03/the-wealth-gap-is-real-and-washington-created-it/
FOX BUSINESS
— Fetterman calls to ‘divorce’ Democratic Party from far-left socialists. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6404545654112
— Socialism’s rising influence in the Democratic Party. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6404540105112
— 81% of Americans support capitalism. To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6404539086112
FOX NEWS
— America’s quiet socialist takeover is spreading from town halls to classrooms. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/americas-quiet-socialist-takeover-spreading-town-halls-classrooms
— DD: What did capitalism allow/encourage you to do? It allowed/encouraged me a) to work my way through college, b) to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, c) to earn three job-related master’s degrees, d) to earn six job-related professional certifications, and e) to earn a job-related professional license.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/cure-socialism-giving-more-americans-stake-capitalism
— Talarico brings a touch of Trotsky to the Texas Senate race. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/jonathan-turley-talarico-brings-touch-trotsky-texas-senate-race
NEWSMAX
— Wealthy brats who tout socialism. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MICPYHSJEZE
— Socialism Destroys Freedom, Economic Opportunity. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/young-kim-newsmax-socialism/2026/09/03/id/1268288/
— Social Security Crisis Is a Ruse for Socialists to Impose a Wealth Tax. DD: The more money that you spend on immediate pleasures, the less wealth that you will have.
https://www.newsmax.com/finance/peter-morici/social-security-crisis-democratic-socialists/2026/09/03/id/1268299/
POST MILLENNIAL
— Only 8 Democrats back House resolution condemning socialism. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://thepostmillennial.com/only-8-democrats-back-house-resolution-condemning-socialism
REAL CLEAR MARKETS
— Zohran Mamdani’s Socialist Revolution Care of ‘Influencers.’ DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism. My critics/opponents are soft on socialism if not pro-socialism. They do not want me to be an anti-socialist influencer. My critics/opponents destroy those like me a) who they cannot manipulate or dominate, b) who refuse to glorify or praise them, c) who refuse to pander to them, d) who refuse to serve as one of their operatives or dupes, e) who refuse to cover up their wrong doing, and/or f) who refuse to give them money. I should write about my critics/opponents.
https://www.realclearmarkets.com/2026/09/04/zohran_mamdanis_socialist_revolution_care_of_influencers_1204240.html
TOWNHALL
— Mamdani Says Capital Flight Is a Myth As New Yorkers Flee His Socialist Affordability Crisis. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://townhall.com/news/dmitri-bolt/2026/09/03/mamdani-myth-of-capital-flight-n2682420
WESTERN JOURNALISM
— Dems Admit They Might Sanction Moderates in Their Party Who Voted With GOP Because They’re Afraid of Socialists. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.westernjournal.com/dems-admit-might-sanction-moderates-party-voted-gop-afraid-socialists/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: To get more votes from non-Whites, Democrats ever-increasingly promote race based preference giving.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/business/economy/trump-irs-college-nonprofits.html
— Jay Leno’s Classic Car Bill Passes in California Legislature. The bipartisan bill, backed by Mr. Leno, the comedian and car collector, would exempt some older vehicles from having to meet California’s stringent emissions rules.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/us/jay-leno-law-classic-cars-emissions.html
LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL
— Democrat leader saves wrath for moderates, not socialists. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-democrat-leader-saves-wrath-for-moderates-not-socialists-3881588/
ROCKEY MOUNTAIN VOICE
— Mamdani’s socialism leaves private property perpetually insecure. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism. I promote capitalism. When did you start buying property? I bought a 1958 Chevy BelAir when I was 16 in 1964. I bought a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint when I was 17. I bought a new townhome when I was 24.
https://rockymountainvoice.com/2026/09/03/sloan-mamdanis-socialism-leaves-private-property-perpetually-insecure/
FLORIDA VOICE
— 192 House Democrats refuse to denounce socialism. DD: To vote for Democrats is to vote for socialism.
https://flvoicenews.com/192-house-democrats-refuse-to-denounce-socialism-reject-election-security-bill-ahead-of-midterms/
FORBES
— Pushing Their Party Further And Further Left. DD: Democrat plant and RINO leaders have ever-increasingly pushed the Illinois Republican Party (IRP), DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization to the left, that is, to dump more planks in the IRP platform.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gty_0gS-2lU
INSIDE HIGHER EDUCATION
— DD: To get more votes from minorities and from females, Democrats and RINOs ever-increasingly give minorities and females more preference over Whites and males.
https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2026/09/04/latest-trump-move-threatens-colleges-seeking-promote-equality
PEOPLE’S WORLD
— DD: Sooner or later, Democrats will call you a red-baiter if you do not vote for Democrats, that is, if you do not promote socialism.
https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/house-approves-anti-socialist-red-baiting-resolution/
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
ECONOMIST
— Woke 1 was about identity. Woke 2 is about class. DD: What class were you born into? Neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. He never earned more than $75,000/year in today’s dollars. My mother never attended high school.
https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/09/03/woke-1-was-about-identity-woke-2-is-about-class
September 2, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Survey shows Naperville residents highly satisfied with city.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/01/naperville-survey-satisfied-affordability-mobility/
— Barred from speaking, Trump to skip 9/11 25th anniversary ceremony in NYC. DD: I organized Wheaton’s 2003 and 2004 9/11 ceremonies. Sadly, my critics/opponents boycotted the events.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/28/trump-snubs-911-25th-anniversary-ceremony-ground-zero/
SOUTHERN
— Del Mar’s message to Southern Illinois targets cost of living, business growth.
https://thesouthern.com/people/del-mars-message-to-southern-illinois-targets-cost-of-living-business-growth/article_84fa8859-786e-582b-8c19-92f409b054b0.html
— Six objections filed to Republican caucus nominating Anthony Decker for Marion County sheriff.
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/09/01/six-objections-filed-to-republican-caucus-nominating-anthony-decker-for-sheriff/
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
JOHN KASS
— Vallas: SANCTUARY BOONDOGGLE
https://johnkassnews.com/sanctuary-boondoggle/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— House Democrats vow repercussions for centrists who bucked Jeffries and helped GOP force socialism vote.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/4708980/democratic-leadership-exploring-repercussions-gluesenkamp-perez-golden/
NEW YORK POST
— ICE nabs over 2K illegal migrants across NY in ‘Operation Rotten Apple’ — including child rapists, killers.
https://nypost.com/2026/09/01/us-news/ice-nabs-more-than-2k-illegal-migrants-across-new-york-in-operation-rotten-apple-including-child-rapists-murderers/
— Zuckerberg hatched secret jobs bloodbath plan to ax 60% of staff — and then it blew up in his face.
https://nypost.com/2026/08/28/tech/mark-zuckerbergs-secret-project-aimed-to-replace-60-of-staff-with-ai/
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— The Manufacture of the Left’s ‘White Adjacent’ Tactic.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/09/02/the-manufacture-of-the-lefts-white-adjacent-tactic/
DAILY WIRE
— ‘Operation Rotten Apple’: ICE Nabs Hundreds Of Illegals Released By Sanctuary New York.
“These individuals should’ve never been on our streets.”
https://www.dailywire.com/news/operation-rotten-apple-ice-nabs-hundreds-of-illegals-released-by-sanctuary-new-york
https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ew-260901
FOX NEWS
— Woke stunt goes horribly wrong as Michigan Dems open convention with brutal ‘land acknowledgment.’ Michigan Democratic Convention vice chair botched a land acknowledgement, mispronouncing Anishinaabe and Potawatomi. DD: My critics/opponents have never forgiven me for my ancestors on my father’s side homesteading a 240-acre farm in southeast Crete Township and my ancestors on my mother’s side sharecropping a 180-acre farm in Grant Park along the Indiana border.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/woke-stunt-goes-horribly-wrong-michigan-dems-open-convention-brutal-land-acknowledgment
— UN pushes nations to consider slavery reparations but legal group says idea ‘not going to fly in the US.’
https://www.foxnews.com/media/un-pushes-nations-consider-slavery-reparations-legal-group-says-idea-not-going-fly-us
HOMELAND SECURITY
— More than 120 Illegal Aliens Arrested at Memphis Nightclub.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/09/01/more-120-illegal-aliens-arrested-memphis-nightclub
LAW ENFORCEMENT TODAY
— Chicago Mayor Takes Aim At Businesses With ICE Ties.
https://lawenforcementtoday.com/chicago-mayor-businesses-ice-law-enforcement
NEWSMAX
— 192 House Democrats Vote No on Anti-Socialism Measure.
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/house-democrats-condemn/2026/09/01/id/1268063/
PJ MEDIA
— House Democrats refuse to condemn socialism, giving Republicans a strong midterm advantage.
https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/09/01/the-democrats-just-gave-republicans-a-huge-gift-before-the-midterms-n4956795
TOWNHALL
— Is He Running? Rahm Emanuel’s Comments on Education Sure Sound Like a 2028 Campaign Pitch.
https://townhall.com/news/amy-curtis/2026/09/02/rahm-emanuel-on-education-n2682269
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— ‘No polling’ where Trump is popular.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6063375-trump-haberman-approval-polls/
NEW YORK TIMES
— More Mail Ballots Are Arriving Late This Cycle, and They’re Getting Tossed. State officials say they worry about the Postal Service’s ability to deliver votes this fall. They are urging voters to mail their ballots early or use drop boxes so their votes count.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/us/politics/postal-service-mail-ballots-delays-midterms-voting.html
— It’s a Great Time to Be Rich in New York City. For pretty much everyone else, the picture is bleak. Income inequality is as entrenched as ever. DD: According to my critics/opponents, I have always been undeservedly rich. They stress that I was able to buy a) new cars when I was 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 29, etc., b) buy real estate when I was 24, 25, 27, 29, and 35, c) buy collector cars when I was 40 and 45, d) etc. In my defense, a) I worked my way through college, b) I earned college degrees when I was 21, 27, 31, and 48, c) I earned professional certifications when I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48, and d) I earned a professional license that I earned when I was 32.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/nyregion/new-york-income-inequality.html
BUSINESS
— Competition in the Workplace. DD: All my coworkers who my Democrat superiors in the federal government promoted over me were Democrats a) who had less education than I had, had less work experience than I had, had no professional certification or fewer than I had, and/or had no professional license like the one I had and/or b) who were minority, female, younger, veteran, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or had ancestors who had not been in America for a long time. To get promoted, they a) stressed that they were Democrat, minority, female, younger, veteran, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or had ancestors who had not been in America for a long time, b) stressed that they were blindly loyal to the Democrat Party platform, c) painted themselves as being yes-men and yes-women, d) stressed that their spouse, if they had one, had little or no income, e) stressed if they had children, the tremendous amount of time and money they spent raising their children, and f) destroyed their fellow coworkers who were Republican, White, male, older, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, and/or had ancestors who had been in America for a long time.
https://www.business.com/articles/gal-rimon-workplace-competition/
INVESTOPEDIA
— Average Salary by Age: See How Earnings Progress and When Pay Peaks as You Advance in Your Career. DD: According to my critics/opponents, I was always grossly overpaid. They stress that while I was a federal union member for almost 12 years, almost 3 years while I worked for the Post Office 1966-1969 and almost 9 years while I worked for IRS 1971-1980, a) my Post Office salary increased from $19.57/hour to $20.87/hour and b) my IRS salary increased from $56,409/year to $113,402/year in today’s dollars. In my defense, during that time, I earned a bachelor’s degree in management in 1970, I earned an MBA in 1976, I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979, and I almost completed the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting. They stress that while I worked for GAO 1980-1997, my salary increased from $89,703/year to $154,682/year in today’s dollars. In my defense, during that time, a) I earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, b) I passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt and became a licensed CPA in 1981, c) I earned four more job-elated professional certifications in 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and d) I earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading in 1997.
https://www.investopedia.com/average-salary-by-age-see-how-earnings-progress-and-when-pay-peaks-as-you-advance-in-your-career-12066343
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Workers ages 35 to 44 earn the highest median income at $72,020 per year, according to Federal Reserve data. Median earnings rise from about $40,092 for ages 16 to 24 to a peak in mid-career, before falling slightly as retirement nears. Comparing your salary to others your age can offer useful context on your career progress and earning potential over time.)
CATO
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.cato.org/testimony/re-sanctuary-policies-tragic-consequences
SLATE
— Voters Are Rejecting Elderly Politicians. So What’s This 80-Year-Old Senator’s Secret? Tonight’s big Senate primary is scrambling a national trend. DD: My Democrat IRS superiors started using my age against me big time when I was 25 in 1974, that is, they started using “up-or-out” against me big time when I was 25 in 1974. According to them, if you were the following, you had to make GS-13, currently $118,984/year, by the time you were 25, or you were out: Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran. I had only made GS-12, currently $100,059/year by the time I was 25. I finally did make GS-13, but it was not until I was 38 in 1986. By then, I had a) earned an MBA when I was 27, b) passed the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30, c) transferred to GAO and earned a master’s degree in accounting when I was 31, and d) passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt and became a licensed CPA when I was 32. I never would have made GS-13 if the GAO manager who had arranged my transfer had not gotten back into power in 1985.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/09/ed-markey-seth-moulton-massachusetts-senate-primary-age.html
NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— John Fetterman’s Party-Switch Calculus. DD: Sooner or later, all my critics/opponents who claim to be Republican will officially announce that they really always have been Democrats.
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/john-fettermans-party-switch-calculus.html
BUZZ FEED
— DD: 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. See Money Magazine’s 4-page February 1978 article on my wife and I at https://gopillinois.com/documents/ 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 of 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.buzzfeed.com/jeremyhayes/reasons-why-men-want-to-date-women
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
NATIONAL TRIBUNE
— Tiny Homes Address Housing Affordability And Supply. DD: I was able to buy a new townhome in University Park when I was 24 in 1972. SEE: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/ . But it had only 1,000 square feet. In today’s dollars, I paid about $180,000 for it and the down payment would have been about $36,000. In today’s dollars, my IRS Revenue Officer salary had just increased from $56,409/year to $68,999/year. The down payment came from what I had earned working for IRS for 15 months and for a Firestone Store part-time for 18 months and full-time for 7 months before that. According to Zillow, the townhome is currently worth $92,700. That says worlds about real estate values in University Park.
https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/tiny-homes-address-housing-affordability-and-supply/
IG METALL
— The Younger Generation: No Longer Interested in Work?
https://www.igmetall.de/en/jugend/junge-beschaeftigte/interview-so-denkt-die-junge-generation
August 24, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— An ethics watchdog, such as our state’s legislative inspector general, should know when to say ‘no comment.’ Former judge Michael McCuskey has been talking too much.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/22/patrick-pfingsten-michael-mccuskey-legislative-inspector-general-harry-benton/
— Recall referendum issue seems like Laesch vs. Irvin round two.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/23/column-recall-referendum-issue-seems-like-laesch-vs-irvin-round-two/
— Data centers near O’Hare win nearly $100M in local tax breaks, leaving suburban homeowners to cover the gap.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/23/special-report-data-centers-taxes/
— Mandatory service can renew young people’s faith in America. DD: My initial plan was to enlist and to earn a bachelor’s degree with the GI Bill. But then I saw that my high school neighbor friend in Crete was on track to get accepted by UIC and to commute to/from classes there from his parents’ home. I adopted that plan, I took college preparatory classes, got an ACT score of 24, and I graduated in the upper 20% of my 1966 Crete-Monee High School class. My high school neighbor friend commuted in a new 1965 base Chevelle that his father bought for him. I commuted in a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint that I paid for with money that I earned washing dishes for 28 hours a week during my junior and senior years 1964-1966 and for 40 hours a week during the summer of 1965.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/24/opinion-national-service-renew-faith-america-patriotism/
— For tens of thousands in northwest Indiana, power outages mean much of August has been hell. ComEd took a few days to restore power after Aug. 11 storms. NIPSCO is taking two weeks. DD: The more that overhead lines bring power to your home, the more that those lines are near trees, the more that I recommend getting a whole-house backup electric generator.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/24/editorial-nipsco-commonwealth-edison-electricity-outages-storms/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ALL OF THE FRONT PAGE: ‘Why is this OK?’ With no power and a spotty generator, every day is a struggle for a family of seven as they approach two weeks without electricity in Northwest Indiana. DD: The more that overhead lines bring power to your home, the more that those lines are near trees, the more that I recommend getting a whole-house backup electric generator.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/graphics/weather/powerless/12-nights-without-power-in-Gary-Indiana/
DAILY HERALD
— Geneva Concours highlights rare, unusual vehicles. DD: There were three 1972 Corvettes in the concours. I have owned my 1972 Corvette since October 14, 1971.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260823/festivals-and-fairs/a-fashion-show-for-cars-geneva-concours-highlights-rare-unusual-vehicles/
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/great-lakes/5008067-genevais-concours-dielegance-car-show-pics-lots.html
ABC7
— At least 17 shot, 4 fatally, in weekend gun violence across Chicago.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-shootings-weekend-least-16-shot-4-fatally-gun-violence-city-police-department-says/19722721/
NBC5
— A $25-per-hour minimum wage? Some Illinois lawmakers are pushing for it. DD: I did not start earning $25/hour in today’s dollars until I had a) passed the Federal Service Entrance Examination and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from NIU when I was 21 in 1970 and b) got hired by IRS in 1971.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/a-25-per-hour-minimum-wage-some-illinois-lawmakers-are-pushing-for-it/3931575/
CBS2
— Frustration mounts for thousands still without power after deadly Indiana storms. DD: The more that overhead lines bring power to your home, the more that those lines are near trees, the more that I recommend getting a whole-house backup electric generator.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/deadly-indiana-storms-frustration-mounts-thousands-still-without-power/
— Illinois politics are to blame for failure to secure stadium for Chicago Bears in state.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/expert-illinois-politics-blame-failure-secure-stadium-chicago-bears/
WGN9
— Indiana Gov. Mike Braun criticizes NIPSCO over ongoing outages; more than 15K remain without power. DD: The more that overhead lines bring power to your home, the more that those lines are near trees, the more that I recommend getting a whole-house backup electric generator.
https://wgntv.com/northwest-indiana/nipscos-latest-outage-numbers-gary-mayor-provides-update-at-wgn/
WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders fight standardized testing because those who have demographics that vote for Democrats get lower test scores than those who have demographics that vote for Republicans. I passed many standardized tests a) to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, b) to earn three job-related master’s degrees, c) to earn six job-related professional certifications, d) to earn a job-related professional license, and e) to get hired by the Post Office, IRS, and GAO. Overwhelmingly, those who took and passed standardized tests with me had demographics that vote for Republicans. The Democrats who ran the Post Office in 1966, IRS in 1971, and GAO in 1980 hired me because they could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job.
https://www.wbez.org/say-more-with-mary-dixon-patrick-smith/2026/08/18/should-colleges-and-universities-require-standardized-test-scores-for-admission
NORTHWEST HERALD
— Trump store in Crystal Lake is closing, owner announces – but then seemingly takes it back.
https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/08/22/trump-store-in-crystal-lake-is-closing-owner-announces/
PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— What income is needed to live comfortably in Illinois: $244,109 for a family of 4 and $101,587 single
https://www.pjstar.com/story/business/economy/2026/08/24/salary-needed-to-live-comfortably-in-illinois-smartasset/91409434007/
ILLINOIZE
— Will there be gubernatorial debates?
https://www.theillinoize.com/articles/will-there-be-gubernatorial-debates
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Ocasio-Cortez endorses Massachusetts Senate incumbent Ed Markey. DD: I remember attending a meeting with Markey when I worked for GAO in the early 1980s.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4694506/ocasio-cortez-endorses-massachusetts-senate-incumbent-ed-markey-green-new-deal/
— California school district’s curriculum cites Osama bin Laden’s manifesto as proof US ‘targeted Muslim communities.’ DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly give more preference to Muslims.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/education/4696334/california-school-districts-curriculum-cites-osama-bin-ladens-manifesto-as-proof-us-targeted-muslim-communities/
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE
— Inflation Pressures. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation and for everything else that is bad.
https://www.aei.org/featured_data/inflation-pressures/
AMERICAN THINKER
— Colorado to constituents — no guns for you. Colorado leftists attempt an end run around the 2nd Amendment. DD: Colorado today, Illinois tomorrow.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/08/colorado-to-constituents-no-guns-for-you/
CATO
— Ten Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Arguments for Socialism and Why They’re Wrong. DD: What were you able to do under capitalism? I was able to buy a 1958 Chevy BeAir when I was 16 in 1964 with money I earned doing yard work and delivering newspapers. I was able buy a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint in 1966 with money I earned washing dishes for the minimum wage. I was able buy a new 1968 Oldsmobile 442 in 1967 and a new 1969 Dodge Charger SE in 1968 with money I earned delivering mail. I was able to graduate debt-free from NIU in 1970 owning that Charger with money I earned delivering mail. I was able to buy a new 1972 Corvette in 1971 with money I earned working for Firestone Stores and IRS. I was able to buy a new townhome in 1972 with money I earned working for Firestone Stores and IRS.
https://www.cato.org/blog/ten-democratic-socialists-america-dsa-arguments-socialism-why-theyre-wrong
CRISIS MAGAZINE
— In Defense of Private Property: Repelling the Rise of Socialism. DD: What were you able to do under capitalism? I was able to buy a 1958 Chevy BeAir when I was 16 in 1964 with money I earned doing yard work and delivering newspapers. I was able buy a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint in 1966 with money I earned washing dishes for the minimum wage. I was able buy a new 1968 Oldsmobile 442 in 1967 and a new 1969 Dodge Charger SE in 1968 with money I earned delivering mail. I was able to graduate debt-free from NIU in 1970 owning that Charger with money I earned delivering mail. I was able to buy a new 1972 Corvette in 1971 with money I earned working for Firestone Stores and IRS. I was able to buy a new townhome in 1972 with money I earned working for Firestone Stores and IRS.
https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/in-defense-of-private-property-repelling-the-rise-of-socialism
DAILY SIGNAL
— Immigration Under the New Left.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/08/23/immigration-under-the-new-left/
— Why Are So Many Young People Drawn to Communism?
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/08/23/why-are-so-many-young-people-drawn-to-communism/
EPOCH TIMES
— Why Are So Many Young People Drawn to Communism?
https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/why-are-so-many-young-people-drawn-to-communism-6077478
FOX NEWS
— Socialists don’t believe in liberty of any kind.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6403937012112
— Billions spent by key federal agency hasn’t made American dream of homeownership any easier. DD: I bought a new townhome in University Park when I was 24 in 1972. SEE: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/ . In today’s dollars, I paid about $180,000 for it and the down payment would have been about $36,000. In today’s dollars, my IRS Revenue Officer salary had just increased from $56,409/year to $68,999/year. The down payment came from what I had earned working for IRS for 15 months and for a Firestone Store part-time for 18 months and full-time for 7 months before that. According to Zillow, the townhome is currently worth $93,700. That says worlds about real estate values in University Park.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/billions-spent-key-federal-agency-hasnt-made-american-dream-homeownership-any-easier-report
NATIONALREVIEW
— Democratic Socialists of America Hate Billionaires — Except Fidel Castro.
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/08/the-democratic-socialists-of-america-hate-billionaires-except-fidel-castro/
REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— We Need To Remind Americans Why Capitalism’s Important. DD: What were you able to do under capitalism? I was able to buy a 1958 Chevy BeAir when I was 16 in 1964 with money I earned doing yard work and delivering newspapers. I was able buy a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint in 1966 with money I earned washing dishes for the minimum wage. I was able buy a new 1968 Oldsmobile 442 in 1967 and a new 1969 Dodge Charger SE in 1968 with money I earned delivering mail. I was able to graduate debt-free from NIU in 1970 owning that Charger with money I earned delivering mail. I was able to buy a new 1972 Corvette in 1971 with money I earned working for Firestone Stores and IRS. I was able to buy a new townhome in 1972 with money I earned working for Firestone Stores and IRS.
https://www.realclearmarkets.com/2026/08/24/we_need_to_remind_americans_why_capitalisms_important_1201914.html
— DEI Refuses To Die.
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/08/24/dei_refuses_to_die_154439.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
AOL
— Curfews, drones, and criminal charges: Cities differ on approaches to ‘teen takeovers.’ DD: What is your municipality doing to stop Democrat teen takeovers?
https://www.aol.com/articles/curfews-drones-criminal-charges-cities-140006000.html
NEW YORK TIMES
— Moving to Florida. DD: More and more and more of those who are the following are moving to Florida: conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-poor, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/15/realestate/florida-retirement-residency-taxes.html
USA TODAY
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: The Democrat Party platform is extremely anti-religious. How successful have Democrats been taking over your church?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/08/22/democrats-use-faith-to-challenge-red-state-gop/91340610007/
USA HERALD
— California Wants Corporations to Confess Their Ties to Slavery — Under Oath. DD: According to Democrat leaders, the more of the following that you are, the more that you are tied to slavery: conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time. I am all of the aforesaid. In my defense, I stress that even though all my ancestors immigrated during the 1840s and 1850s, they always lived in northeast Illinois, they never were in a position to discriminate against anyone, and they never did discriminate against anyone.
https://usaherald.com/california-wants-corporations-to-confess-their-ties-to-slavery-under-oath/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— A Socialist Surprise in Florida.
https://www.wsj.com/video/wsj-opinion-a-socialist-surprise-in-florida/7780BE57-7ACC-4DD7-A963-30D1C441AB05
FORBES
— Unfair Advantages. DD: What unfair advantages do your critics/opponents say you have? According to my critics/opponents, the following are unfair advantages and I have them: White, male, Protestant, German American, and my ancestors have been in America since 1844. In addition, a) my parents sent me to Missouri Synod Lutheran grade schools 1953-1962, b) my parents provided me with room and board while I attended UIC 1966-1968, weekends during my first semester at NIU in 1969, and the summer of 1969, and c) I avoided the Vietnam War draft. 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, and I had to work my way through college.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ruthgotian/2022/07/19/you-might-be-overlooking-your-unfair-advantage-heres-how-to-find-it/
MARKETPLACE
— Americans are retiring earlier than they’d like to. And not because they can afford to. DD: The more of the following that you are, the more that you should anticipate/expect that you will be forced to retire early: conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-poor, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, and/or if you have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/07/24/why-some-americans-are-forced-to-retire-too-soon
NEWS BREAK
— Sen. Duckworth Tells Hegseth to “Find a New Job and Let the Press Do Theirs” After Stars and Stripes Editor’s Firing. DD: Since 2000, my critics/opponents have hinted/implied/argued/shouted at the following that because I am a Republican Precinct Committeeman, they can and they should dictate the content of my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters: the leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization. I should write about the many big adverse actions that the aforesaid have taken against me since 2000.
https://www.newsbreak.com/combat-rated-361333999/4845203759286-sen-duckworth-tells-hegseth-to-find-a-new-job-and-let-the-press-do-theirs-after-stars-and-stripes-editor-s-firing
ATLANTIC
— High-School Reunions. Social media should have killed them. Instead, they’re popular again. DD: I just learned that my 1966 Crete-Monee High School class is going to have a reunion. Sadly, my interactions with my classmates was dramatically less during my junior and senior years because I spent 28 hours a week during the school years and 40 hours a week during the summer in between washing dishes in the basement of the SS Kresge in Chicago Heights. Sadly, that job did not paint me as being college material. Further, my not being able to run because I had a bone disease kept out of sports.
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/09/high-school-reunion-attendance/684097/
August 19, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Democrats rally at Illinois State Fair ahead of midterms, decrying costs and corruption.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-state-fair-2026-governors-day-democrats-rally-springfield-ahead-midterm-election/19703516/
https://abc7chicago.com/videoClip/19704715/
— Illinois Tollway board votes to approve toll increases.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-tollway-board-vote-toll-increases/19701930/
CBS2
— Crowd turns out to honor U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin at brunch in Springfield.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/crowd-turns-out-honor-u-s-sen-dick-durbin-springfield/
— More than 83,000 buildings, homes still without power in Northwest Indiana. DD: The more that overhead lines bring power to your home, the more that those lines are near trees, the more that I recommend getting a whole-house backup electric generator.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/buildings-homes-still-without-power-northwest-indiana/
WGN9
— Democrats rally for Pritzker at Illinois State Fair ahead of gubernatorial rematch with Bailey.
https://wgntv.com/news/politics/democrats-rally-for-pritzker-at-illinois-state-fair-ahead-of-gubernatorial-rematch-with-bailey/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi7u2jipwuQ
FOX32
— Illinois sues Trump admin. over CDL records. Attorney General Kwame Raoul discusses Illinois’ lawsuit against the Trump administration over demands for personal information from millions of commercial drivers.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-unwo4l5f9wgl4sgv
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois Democrats tout party dominance at State Fair but it’s clouded by harassment scandal and fraud case.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/19/democrats-illinois-state-fair/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Welch skips Illinois State Fair, where Democrats focus on Trump instead of harassment scandal. Democrats headed into the home stretch of the campaign season by hammering a familiar foe, while Chicago mayoral politics also made their way downstate.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/springfield/2026/08/19/chris-welch-state-fair-illinois-house-sexual-harassment-harry-benton
— What about Trump’s obsession with his critics? DD: My critics/opponents have taken many big adverse actions against me. They assume that because they have lots of clout, I will not take adverse actions against them in response.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-the-editor/2026/08/19/trump-bears-illinois-indiana-stadium-ballys-city-council-traffic-stop
DAILY HERALD
— Illinois Democrats focused on Trump as they seek third sweep of statewide races.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260819/illinois-state-politics/illinois-democrats-focused-on-trump-as-they-seek-third-sweep-of-statewide-races/
— Tollway imposes 57% hikes on cars, 30% for trucks, with more to come.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260819/transportation/tollway-imposes-57-hikes-on-cars-30-for-trucks-with-more-to-come/
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— In Illinois, Warren urges Democrats to unite behind all party nominees. Massachusetts senator delivers keynote in event honoring retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/in-illinois-warren-urges-democrats-to-unite-behind-all-party-nominees/
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— Warren rallies Illinois Democratic troops. The US senator from Massachusetts praised Gov Pritzker as a fighter: “Go, JB!”
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-warren-rallies-illinois-democratic-troops/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/08/19/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-582/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY
— ILGOP Announces Jeff Castle as New State Central Committeeman for CD6
https://illinois.gop/news/
(THE PRESS RELEASE: Today, the Republican Party of Illinois announced that ILGOP Chairman Bob Grogan has resigned from his position as State Central Committeeman for the 6th Congressional District. Effective today, Grogan will be replaced by Jeff Castle, the Chairman of the Milton Republican Party and Secretary of the DuPage Republican Party. ILGOP Chair Bob Grogan released the following statement: “I always want to be replaced by someone better than me – and I have the perfect replacement in Jeff Castle. Jeff is the hardest-working volunteer in DuPage County and has been instrumental in moving the party forward, especially in the Collar Counties. Jeff will continue to be a fantastic champion for northern Illinois.” The Republican Party Chairs of the 6th Congressional District, consisting of Cook County and DuPage County, elected Castle unanimously. Castle was nominated by Cook County Chairman, Terrance Carr.)
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois Tollway board approves largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history.
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-tollway-hike-approved/
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Corbett Complains That State Fair Has Only Democrat and Republican Days
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/19/corbett-complains-that-state-fair-has-only-democrat-and-republican-days/
— Democrats Pass Another Law That Would Keep ICE from Putting Illegals in McHenry County Jail
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/19/democrats-pass-another-law/
— Law Allows More Flexibility When Dealing with Juvenile Domestic Violence Situations
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/19/law-allows-more-flexibility-when-dealing-with-juvenile-domestic-violence-situations/
— Algonquin Township Board Doesn’t Use Robert’s Rules of Order
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/19/algonquin-township-board-doesnt-use-roberts-rules-of-order/
— Next Spring’s Election Petitions Now Available
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/19/next-springs-election-petitions-now-available/
— Catalina Lauf Loses Third Congressional Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/18/catalina-lauf-loses-third-congressional-race/
— Facebook Marketplace Deal Goes Awry
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/18/facebook-marketplace-deal-goes-awray/
— Newsletter Following Florida Politics Awards Illinois Ex-Pat Catalina Lauf “The Apprentice: Carpetbagger Edition,” Latest Polling Shows Close Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/08/18/newsletter-following-florida-politics-awards-illinois-ex-pat-catalina-lauf-the-apprentice-carpetbagger-edition-latest-polling-shows-close-race/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Not so socialist: DSA leader lives in $1.5 million NYC row house purchased by his parents.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/19/not-socialist-dsa-leader-gustavo-gordillo-lives-15-million-nyc-row/
— Medicare for All: The Democratic Socialists of America’s Trojan horse. Government-run healthcare means rationing, fewer choices and more federal control.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/19/medicare-democratic-socialists-americas-trojan-horse/
— Who should control your life: You or the federal government? Young voters need more than warnings about communism’s bloody history.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/19/who-control-life-federal-government/
NEW YORK POST
— SF high school where 94% flunk math has California’s highest Berkeley acceptance rate.
https://nypost.com/2026/08/18/us-news/mission-high-boasts-top-berkeley-admit-rate-despite-math-failures/
— Deadbeat AOC’s student-loan mooching should be a red flag to her 2028 supporters.
https://nypost.com/2026/08/19/opinion/deadbeat-aocs-student-loan-mooching-should-be-red-flag-to-her-2028-supporters/
AARP
— What the Unemployment Rate Means for Older Adults. The rate for older workers increased in July as the nation lost jobs overall. DD: If you are forced to retire early, anticipate/expect that you will not be able to find a job appropriate for your work experience, education, and professional certifications/licenses. That is especially true if you are conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-veteran, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://www.aarp.org/work/job-search/unemployment-rate-older-workers/
— Unemployed Older Adults Encounter Age Discrimination.
https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/work-finances-retirement/employers-workforce/long-term-unemployment-survey/
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government, that is, they ever-increasingly destroy personal responsibility. My parents and teachers promoted personal responsibility. That put me on track to work my way through college, to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, to earn three job-related master’s degrees, to earn six job-related professional certifications, and to earn a job-related professional license.
https://americansforprosperity.org/policy-corner/the-upward-mobility-act-is-a-step-forward-on-welfare-reform/
DAILY CALLER
— Colorado faced a new legal hurdle to a permit-to-purchase system that took effect August 1 when the National Rifle Association joined a state affiliate in seeking an injunction blocking the scheme. In April 2025, Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation initially introduced as an outright ban on so-called “assault weapons” that required anyone wishing to buy a modern semiautomatic firearm, including the AR-15 rifle, to first receive a firearms safety course eligibility card, then complete a firearms safety course within five years.
https://dailycaller.com/2026/08/13/blue-states-planned-purchase-permit-system-for-semi-auto-guns-just-got-slapped-with-legal-hurdle/
HERITAGE FORNDATION
— U.S. Has a Culture of Dependency. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government, that is, they ever-increasingly destroy personal responsibility. My parents and teachers promoted personal responsibility. That put me on track to work my way through college, to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, to earn three job-related master’s degrees, to earn six job-related professional certifications, and to earn a job-related professional license.
https://www.heritage.org/poverty-and-inequality/commentary/why-the-us-has-culture-dependency
— The Rise in Dependency. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government, that is, they ever-increasingly destroy personal responsibility. My parents and teachers promoted personal responsibility. That put me on track to work my way through college, to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, to earn three job-related master’s degrees, to earn six job-related professional certifications, and to earn a job-related professional license.
https://www.heritage.org/commentary/the-rise-dependency
REASON
— Americans Grow Increasingly Dependent on Government Payments. Many citizens of the land of the free are hooked on government checks. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government, that is, they ever-increasingly destroy personal responsibility. My parents and teachers promoted personal responsibility. That put me on track to work my way through college, to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, to earn three job-related master’s degrees, to earn six job-related professional certifications, and to earn a job-related professional license.
https://reason.com/2024/10/04/americans-grow-increasingly-dependent-on-government-payments/
US HOUSE
— More Americans Dependent on Welfare Checks, at the Expense of Work. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government, that is, they ever-increasingly destroy personal responsibility. My parents and teachers promoted personal responsibility. That put me on track to work my way through college, to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, to earn three job-related master’s degrees, to earn six job-related professional certifications, and to earn a job-related professional license.
https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/01/08/new-report-shows-more-americans-dependent-on-welfare-checks-at-the-expense-of-work/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
MOUNTAIN DEMOCRAT
— Sheriffs, NRA oppose law requiring training for gun purchases. Opponents sue Colorado over new requirement for purchasers of semiautomatic firearms, rapid-fire devices.
https://www.mtdemocrat.com/news/national/sheriffs-nra-oppose-law-requiring-training-for-gun-purchases/article_6302cacf-de53-5865-a86c-4b42ff420a32.html
FORBES
— During a Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association event on Wednesday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) criticized the Republican Party.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eg0Ct7r1s8
FINANCIAL POST
— With $2.4 million in assets, does George need to double that to retire at 50? DD: My retirement income and savings are dramatically less because my Democrat superiors wasted my career and forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997.
https://financialpost.com/personal-finance/family-finance/does-george-need-double-assets-retire-50
PARADE MAGAZINE
— Being Forced Into Retirement Is One of the Most Damaging Things That Can Happen to You. DD: I should write about that.
https://parade.com/living/being-forced-into-retirement-can-negatively-impact-mental-health
ECONOMIC POLICY INSTITUTE
— Educated, experienced, and out of work. Long-term joblessness continues to plague the unemployed.
https://www.epi.org/publication/issuebriefs_ib198/
August 13, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for everything that is bad including bad weather.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/as-dc-aims-to-cut-weather-forecasting-illinois-takes-nations-tornado-warning-lead/3974563/
WGN9
— GOP candidate for Lt. Governor Aaron Del Mar defends abortion comments: ‘I was expressing my personal feelings’
https://wgntv.com/news/politics/wgn-the-point-politics-chicago-illinois/gop-candidate-for-lt-governor-defends-abortion-comments-i-was-expressing-my-personal-feelings/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— ‘Steel Across America’ tour brings 9/11 memorial to Chicago ahead of 25th anniversary. DD: I organized Wheaton’s 2003 and 2004 9/11 ceremonies.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/12/september-11-memorial-chicago-steel-across-america/
— As police response times grow, people are taking defense into their own hands. DD: What is the police response time where you live?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/03/opinion-chicago-911-response-time-firearms-concealed-carry/
DAILY HERALD
— College of DuPage to commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11. DD: I organized Wheaton’s 2003 and 2004 9/11 ceremonies.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260812/submitted-content/college-of-dupage-to-commemorate-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Ford to shift Lincoln production from China, potentially boosting Chicago plant.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/manufacturing-logistics/ccb-ford-china-lincoln-chicago-20260812/
WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.wbez.org/education/2026/08/12/colleges-scramble-after-court-strikes-down-in-state-tuition-for-illinois-undocumented-students
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Springfield food pantries struggle as SNAP cuts hit. DD: Democrat leaders want as many people as possible on SNAP because people on SNAP vote for Democrats.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2026/08/13/snap-cuts-strain-springfield-food-pantries/91235814007/
FOX ILLINOIS
— David Crowley’s razor-thin Wisconsin primary win sets up match against Trump pick.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/david-crowleys-razor-thin-wisconsin-primary-win-sets-up-match-against-trump-pick/article_63a00f27-53cd-5816-8c09-23a5d94f37be.html
— Republicans see Minnesota fraud scandal as a chance to go on offense in a blue state.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/republicans-see-minnesota-fraud-scandal-as-a-chance-to-go-on-offense-in-a-blue/article_1900df0e-d605-5312-a4fe-de1b007a9afd.html
GLEN ELLYN PATCH
— College of DuPage to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York. DD: I organized Wheaton’s 2003 and 2004 9/11 ceremonies.
https://patch.com/illinois/glenellyn/amp/34631685/college-of-dupage-to-commemorate-25th-anniversary-of-9-11
POLITICO ILLINOIS
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/08/13/bustos-puts-her-network-to-work-01035668
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/08/12/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-577/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
JOHN KASS
— Vallas: CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION’S SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS IS A SCAM
https://johnkassnews.com/chicago-teachers-unions-sustainable-community-schools-is-a-scam/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Democrats cannot escape their overeducated socialist wing. Voters remain wary of a party increasingly shaped by entitled collectivists. DD: I avoided Democrat indoctrination by majoring in business, accounting, and finance.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/12/democrats-cannot-escape-overeducated-socialist-wing/
— Far-left momentum meets resistance as energized Democrats search for winning formula.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/12/far-left-momentum-meets-resistance-energized-democrats-search-winning/
— Lindell refuses to concede in Minnesota’s GOP gubernatorial primary.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/12/mypillow-founder-mike-lindell-refuses-concede-minnesotas-gop/
— H-2A visa program should not become an amnesty, a permanent foreign-labor pipeline. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. My critics/opponents cannot say that because they had wealthy parents. Noncitizens work for less money and they are easier to exploit. I did yard work 1962-1964. I delivered newspapers 1962-1966. I washed dishes 1964-1966. I cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966. I delivering mail 1966-1969. I worked on an automotive assembly line in 1970. I sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971. I pumped more gasoline 1971-1972. I collected delinquent taxes 1971-1980. I audited federal agencies 1980-1997. Many, if not most, if not virtually all of my peers would not have stooped to take the aforesaid bad jobs that I took.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/12/h-2a-visa-program-not-become-amnesty-permanent-foreign-labor-pipeline/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Despite President Trump’s strong focus on immigration enforcement and protecting American workers, a bill to provide amnesty for illegal aliens and to broaden the use of work visas was recently introduced by the House Agriculture Committee chairman. The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 (H.R. 9535), which has more than 50 co-sponsors including 47 Republicans, dramatically expands the scope of the H-2A program. This would allow employers to more easily replace Americans with foreign workers and would suppress wage growth while reducing incentives to recruit domestic labor, improve working conditions, or invest in productivity-enhancing technology. Supporters portray the bill as a response to labor shortages. But when workers are scarce, wages rise. Employers improve conditions. Businesses innovate and automate. The purpose of a market economy though is not to guarantee employers access to labor at a price they prefer; it is to allow supply and demand to determine wages and encourage productivity growth. H.R. 9535 violates this healthy market dynamic. The bill broadens eligible work to include not only traditional agricultural jobs, but also packing, processing, transportation, aquaculture, logging, equine-related activities, and even portions of meat and poultry processing. It also redefines “temporary” work to include contracts lasting up to 349 days, regardless of the employer’s underlying need.)
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— How ‘pro-union conservatism’ is a win for the radical Left. DD: I was a union member for almost 12 years.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/4681478/pro-union-conservatism-win-for-radical-left-josh-hawley-labor-terms-mobilization/
— Mike Lindell lost because of immigration amnesty proposal despite Trump backing.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4685105/mike-lindell-loss-immigration-amnesty-steve-bannon/
WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— DEI Fellowship Pledging To Recruit ‘Underserved’ Legal Talent Accepted Most Privileged Students in US.
https://freebeacon.substack.com/p/dei-fellowship-pledging-to-recruit
NEW YORK POST
— How Democrats’ DEI kept homebuyers in the dark about crime and schools. DD: When Democrats move in, poverty and crime increase.
https://nypost.com/2026/08/12/opinion/how-democrats-dei-kept-homebuyers-in-the-dark-about-crime-schools/
— Vanity Fair profile on Usha Vance claims she ‘built JD’ Vance. DD: My outstanding wife helped me a) pass the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30, b) afford to take a $23,699 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO when I was 31, c) earn a master’s degree in accounting when I was 31, d) pass the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt when I was 32, e) become a licensed CPA when I was 32, f) earn four more professional certifications when I was 41, 45, 47, and 48, g) get promoted when I was 38, h) earn a master’s degree in finance when I was 48, and i) afford to take a $86,042/year (56%) loss in income in today’s dollars to retire in 1997. But before we got married, I had a) gotten promoted when I was 23, 24, and 25, b) earned an MBA when I was 27, c) earned $100,066/year in today’s dollars, and d) almost completed the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting.
https://nypost.com/2026/08/12/us-news/vanity-fair-profile-on-usha-vance-claims-she-built-jd-vance/
AMAC
— Air Traffic Control Hiring Surges Under Trump. A campaign targeting video gamers hired over 2,000 controllers and hit 94% of its goal, offering pay above $155,000 after three years of training. DD: 3 years after I started working for IRS in 1971, I was earning $100,000/year in today’s dollars. According to my critics/opponents, I was grossly overpaid. I did not earn $155,000/year in today’s dollars until after I had a) worked for GAO for almost 18 years, b) worked for IRS for almost 9 years, c) earned three job-related master’s degrees (business, accounting, and finance), d) I earned six job-related professional certifications (accounting, internal auditing, fraud examination, government financial management, financial services auditing, and forensic accounting), and e) I earned a job-related professional license (CPA).
https://amac.us/newsline/air-traffic-control-hiring-surges-under-trump
BLAZE
— Here’s the unfiltered truth about the ‘moderate’ who beat the America-hating socialist in Wisconsin.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/heres-the-unfiltered-truth-about-the-moderate-who-beat-the-america-hating-socialist-in-wisconsin
BREITBART
— Pro-migration activists have funded some 20,000 lawsuits to release roughly 17,300 illegal migrants — including many criminals — mostly with the aid of judges nominated by President Joe Biden.
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/08/12/pro-amnesty-groups-fund-wall-of-20000-lawsuits-to-block-migrant-deportations/
— Lindell Loses Minnesota Primary After Embracing Amnesty.
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/08/12/mike-lindell-loses-minnesota-primary-after-embracing-amnesty/
— The Radical Left Has Control of the Democratic Party.
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/08/12/exclusive-rep-jim-jordan-the-radical-left-has-control-of-the-democrat-party/
DAILY WIRE
— Why Socialism Is Winning With America’s Youth. DD: Socialists hint/imply/argue/shout at youth and at everyone else that all you need to do to advance under socialism is to be a socialist. Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout at youth and at everyone else that all you need to do to advance under Democrats is to be a Democrat. I worked for the Democrats who ran the Post Office, IRS, and GAO for almost 30 years. None of my Democrat coworkers came close to doing what I did to advance. I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree (management). I earned three job-related master’s degrees (business, accounting, and finance). I earned six job-related professional certifications (accounting, internal auditing, fraud examination, government financial management, financial services auditing, and forensic accounting). I earned a job-related professional license (CPA). But because my coworkers were Democrats, they were promoted them over me. They all a) had less education than I had, b) had less work experience than I had, c) had no professional certification or fewer than I had, and/or d) had no professional license like the one I had.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/why-socialism-is-winning-with-americas-youth
— Democrats’ ‘Moderate’ Wisconsin Nominee Has His Own Woke Skeletons In The Closet. DD: All my critics/opponents are woke to some degree, that is, they all reject some, many, most, virtually all, if not all conservative principles and planks in the Republican Party platform..
https://www.dailywire.com/news/democrats-moderate-wisconsin-nominee-has-his-own-woke-skeletons-in-the-closet
FOX BUSINESS
— Jonathan Turley warns of ‘DRESS UP’ socialism schtick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrqx_4QGXoo
FOX NEWS
— Biden-era directive for diplomats to peddle DEI on foreign governments scrapped by State Department. Trump administration says diplomats should advocate national interests, not ‘woke political dogmas,’ on the world stage.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-era-directive-diplomats-peddle-dei-foreign-governments-scrapped-state-department?lid=1ejfrqce3s10
— Hong’s defeat doesn’t mean we’re ‘out of the woods’ from the socialist threat.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6403305979112
— Internal fight exists between ‘regular’ Democrats and ‘crazy’ socialists.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6403291974112
— This is not the end of the socialist surge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnW24OghUSQ
NRCC
— Socialists Hijack the Democrat Party, America Is Next.
https://www.nrcc.org/2026/08/12/socialists-hijack-the-democrat-party-america-is-next/
NEWSMAX
— Why Socialist Hong Lost in Wisconsin.
https://www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/david-crowley-francesca-hong-wisconsin/2026/08/12/id/1265932/
TOWNHALL
— Democrats Blame Capitalism for America’s Problems. But America Isn’t As Capitalist As You Think. DD: Democrat and RINO employers put hiring, retaining, and promoting Democrats and RINOs ahead of making profits.
https://townhall.com/news/dmitri-bolt/2026/08/12/is-it-socialism-or-capitalism-that-has-failed-the-united-states-n2681127
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NBC NEWS
— One year in, the National Guard continues to patrol Washington, D.C. Taxpayers have spent at least $600 million on the federal deployment in the nation’s capital. President Donald Trump has declared victory, while residents call it an unnecessary “occupation.” DD: The Democrat Party platform promotes poverty and crime.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/one-year-national-guard-continues-patrol-washington-dc-rcna591956
NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Homeland Security Intensifies Pursuit of Noncitizens on Voter Rolls. Immigrants who said they inadvertently registered to vote while obtaining or renewing driver’s licenses are increasingly facing deportation under the Trump administration.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/us/politics/noncitizens-vote-crackdown.html
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Islam.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/11/us/politics/muslim-voters-candidates.html
USA TODAY
— America’s 10 best colleges. DD: According to my critics/opponents, degrees from non-Ivy League colleges are worthless, that is, my 1970 degree from NIU, 1976 degree from Loyola, my 1980 degree from DePaul, and my 1997 degree from IIT are worthless.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/08/09/best-colleges-ranking-linkedin/91215754007/
— A pay cut for a steady job? Economic anxiety fuels forever jobs. DD: Who do you know who voluntarily took a pay cut to get promoted? I voluntarily took a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO when I was 31 in 1980. I did that to get promoted to GS-13. My Democrat IRS superiors had made it very clear that they would never promote me to GS-13 because I refused to become a Democrat. They had gotten rid of the IRS manager who had promoted me when I was 23, 24, and 25. They had disallowed my travel vouchers when I was 25. They had disallowed my education deductions when I was 29. GAO ultimately did promote me to GS-13, but not until I was 38. By then, I had become a licensed CPA when I was 32, passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt when I was 32, earned a master’s degree in accounting when I was 31, passed the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30, and earned an MBA when I was 27. The Democrats who ran GAO would never have promoted me to GS-13 if the GAO manager who had arranged my transfer had not gotten back into power. They forced him to retire when I was 38.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personal-finance/2026/08/11/steady-job-pay-cut/91247904007/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Rove: Seven Steps to Defeat Dems and the DSA. Far-left candidates give an opening to the GOP in the midterms. Can they use it wisely?
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/seven-steps-to-defeat-dems-and-the-dsa-d113b12b
— The Badger State Says No to Socialism.
https://www.wsj.com/video/series/potomac-watch-strassel/wsj-opinion-the-badger-state-says-no-to-socialism/7A61C74D-F7F4-43B0-B5D7-B588C82EBEFB
— Welfare Benefits and the ‘Disincentive Desert.’ How Americans become ensnared in the system. DD: Democrat leaders want as many people on welfare as possible because people on welfare vote for Democrats.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/poverty-welfare-benefits-work-incentives-22850530
FORBES
— Our First Socialist President.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jameskglassman/2026/08/12/our-first-socialist-president/
WASHINTON REPORTER
— Catalina Lauf ahead in final days of Florida House primary.
https://washingtonreporter.news/exclusive-catalina-lauf-ahead-in-final-days-of-house-primary-poll-shows/
LOS ANGELES SENTINEL
— DD: To get more votes from Blacks, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly shout at them that Republicans cause all their problems.
https://lasentinel.net/the-american-dream-is-being-repossessed.html
HIGHER EDUCATION
— College costs for families up 10% from last year. DD: My critics/opponents ignore/dismiss/belittle my working my way through college because college costs were less back then.
https://www.highereddive.com/news/college-costs-for-families-up-10-from-last-year-poll-finds/827623/
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
— The Privilege Spectrum. DD: According to my critics/opponents, a) those who are White, male, older, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time are advantaged and b) those who are minority, female, younger, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or have ancestors who have not been in America for a long time are disadvantaged. But not only that, that a) those who are advantaged cause all the problems that those who are disadvantaged have.
https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/high-road/buffalo/privilege-spectrum
FEDWEEK
— Shared Hiring Certificates DD: I never applied to work for IRS. IRS offered me a job when I was 22 in 1971 because I had taken and passed the Federal Service Entrance Examination in 1970.
https://www.fedweek.com/careers/shared-hiring-certificates-what-you-need-to-know/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A “shared certificate” is a list of job candidates who have already applied to a federal job announcement, been assessed against the job’s qualifications, and been found eligible for hire but who were not selected by the original hiring agency. Agencies that ran the original hiring action can share that certificate of eligible candidates (known as a “cert”) with other federal agencies looking to fill a similar position without those agencies having to post their own announcement.)
— Within Grade Increases and Who Gets Them. DD: My critics/opponents have always been furious that I got within grade increases while I worked for the Post Office, IRS, and GAO. In today’s dollars, my Post Office salary increased from $19.57/hour to $20.87/hour 1966-1969. My IRS salary increased from $100,059/year to $113,402/year 1974-1980. My GAO salary increased from $118,984/year to $154,682/year 1986-1997.
https://www.fedweek.com/ask/federal-pay/within-grade-increases/
MY FEDERAL RETIREMET
— 2027 CSRS / Social Security COLA Estimate DD: My critics/opponents were furious that I got COLAs while I worked for the federal government 1966-1969 and 1971-1997 and that I have continued to get COLAs as a federal retiree since 1997.
https://www.myfederalretirement.com/cola-estimate/
https://www.myfederalretirement.com/fers-csrs-cola-watch/
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
— What the data says about food stamps in the U.S.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/11/14/what-the-data-says-about-food-stamps-in-the-us/
July 28, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Ethics report expected to scrutinize IL House Speaker Welch’s handling of harassment complaints.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/report-expected-detail-illinois-house-speaker-emanuel-chris-welchs-handling-harassment-complaint-harry-benton/19586740/
CBS2
— 3 men charged with stealing, vandalizing automated license plate reading cameras in Lisle.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/3-men-charged-stealing-alpr-cameras-lisle/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois GOP’s anemic fundraising underscores its life in the political wilderness
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/28/darren-bailey-jb-pritzker-margaret-croke-juliana-stratton-don-tracy/
(FROM THE EDITORIAL: Money talks, particularly in politics. And, right now, campaign donations are underscoring just how much of a one-party state Illinois has become. Democrats are dominating Republicans not just in the marquee races, but nearly every statewide contest. Consider the assets of our two major-party gubernatorial candidates. Incumbent JB Pritzker started July with over $3.1 million in his JB for Governor campaign fund. Republican Darren Bailey, on the other hand, began the month with less than $128,000. The fact that enthusiasm isn’t high given that Bailey lost to Pritzker in 2022 likely explains some of the disparity. So does billionaire Pritzker’s ability to self-finance — he has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars of his own fortune across his gubernatorial campaigns and seeded this reelection effort with another $25.5 million last fall. Not helping either is the shadow of an unpopular Trump administration. With conservative megadonor Richard Uihlein opting to observe from the sidelines, Republican funding has dried up. We’d argue that perhaps this is a prime opportunity for someone with more moderate conservative instincts to swoop in and fill the gap — Uihlein’s cash was both a blessing and a curse, as it tended to come with strings attached. In 2022, Uihlein gave more than $12 million directly to Bailey, doubling down on his commitment to oust Pritzker by pouring $42 million into an outside super PAC. This cycle, he has largely stayed out of statewide races. Among Bailey’s largest donors is former 2022 gubernatorial candidate Gary Rabine, who chipped in $25,000; a large sum, to be sure, but unless Bailey can start courting similar investments from other folks it won’t bridge the gap. But it’s not just the competition for governor, as Tribune reporting laid out last week. Don Tracy’s U.S. Senate bid has drawn far less financial support than his opponent, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. Stratton emerged victorious in a challenging primary thanks in large part to $10 million from Pritzker. From April 2025 through June 2026, Stratton accepted roughly $5.3 million in general-election campaign contributions, according to FEC records. Tracy’s campaign, on the other hand, took in less than $2.5 million from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, including a $2 million personal loan he made to his own campaign. In the race for comptroller, Democratic nominee Margaret Croke has double the cash on hand compared with her Republican opponent. In spite of this vast gulf, this is currently the most competitive race for a constitutional office, based on fundraising. The bigger question isn’t whether the GOP can close the fundraising gap, but whether Illinois’ increasingly one-sided political landscape is healthy for voters, who benefit most when both parties are capable of mounting a serious challenge. We don’t think so. When one party no longer worries about losing elections, the incentives change. The pressure to compromise weakens. Difficult reforms become easier to postpone. The opposition becomes less capable of forcing uncomfortable but necessary debates. That truth is made evident repeatedly. Weak political competition doesn’t affect only elections — it affects governing. A recent headline in this paper read, “Illinois Democrats’ single-party rule and diminished GOP may shield Springfield from Benton scandal reforms.” That’s our sad reality. Whether it’s Springfield’s failure to confront Illinois’ property tax burden, billion-dollar spending plans that avoid structural reform, or another legislative session that produces hundreds of new laws with comparatively little attention paid to tackling our most pressing fiscal and economic challenges, our lopsided state government isn’t yielding the results Illinois needs. A more competitive political playing field would offer voters something they’re perpetually lacking these days: Options. A little variety, which is said to be the spice of life. Or, in politics, the push and pull needed to rein in the worst impulses of both sides. It’ll take funding to give voters more of a choice in November. But cash requires confidence. And the Illinois GOP isn’t doing enough to inspire it.)
— Andy Shaw: The side of Illinois JB Pritzker would rather ignore.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/28/opinion-darren-bailey-jb-pritzker-illinois-bureaucracy/
— Chicago shouldn’t give up on addressing food deserts.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/28/editorial-save-a-lot-south-west-side-yellow-banana-grocery-food-deserts/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders want as many voters as possible on SNAP because they vote for Democrats.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/07/27/illinois-sees-16-drop-in-snap-enrollment-one-year-after-food-program-overhaul
DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG PICTURE: DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260727/news/daughters-fight-for-release-of-their-mother-a-green-card-holder-arrested-in-des-plaines-by-ice-last/
ALTON TELEGRAPH
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more vice.
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Godfrey-to-discuss-video-gaming-cannabis-kratom-14444276.php
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump defends his sweeping tariffs and watches ‘America First’ drag races during Michigan stop.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/business/ap-trump-is-set-to-defend-his-economic-policies-in-michigan-where-new-canadian-tariffs-may-sting/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Trump visited a sprawling General Motors facility in the Detroit suburb of Milford that is a testing ground for its vehicles. He pumped a fist after watching a trio of drag races that involved muscle cars and luxury vehicles like the Corvette Z06, Cadillac Escalade V, and EV Hummer — events the announcer promised were “all America First power.” It was the kind of thundering speed the president is expecting at an IndyCar race in Washington next month, which is part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.)
25 NEWS NOW
— Area lawmakers weigh in on speaker’s handling of allegations against disgraced representative.
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/07/28/area-lawmakers-weigh-speakers-handling-sexual-harassment-allegations-against-disgraced-representative/
ADVANTAGE NEWS
— GOP makes political push in House races amid lawmaker controversies.
https://www.advantagenews.com/news/local/gop-makes-political-push-in-house-races-amid-lawmaker-controversies/article_93f65954-1401-4498-8eb7-17992d93e599.html
CAPITOL CITY
— Brad Cole to retire from IL Municipal League. Rockford mayor Tom McNamara will succeed him.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-brad-cole-to-retire-from-il-municipal-league/
BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote mote LGBTQ.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/27/taylors-tacos-is-offering-tacos-and-lgbtq-representation-on-the-west-side/
NIC FLOSI
— Chicago man led police on 100 mph chase after Wheaton carjacking.
https://www.aol.com/articles/chicago-man-led-police-100-123804000.html
POLITICO ILLINOIS
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/07/28/governors-unlikely-group-chat-01013209
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/2026/07/28/isabel%e2%80%99s-morning-briefing-779/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Support for Cessation of Treating Illegals Better Than American Citizens.
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/07/27/support-for-cessation-of-treating-illegals-better-than-american-citizens/
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— DD: Pritzker ever-increasingly promotes more hatred.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_ad83d3c8-b90c-4305-84a9-572daef08c00.html
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois sales taxes near top in U.S.
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-sales-taxes-near-top-in-u-s/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE
— The Lingering Miasma of Marxism. No matter how many times it’s defeated, the politics of resentment always has an audience.
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-lingering-miasma-of-marxism/
AMERICAN THINKER
— Imagine America under Sharia.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/07/imagine-america-under-sharia/
BLAZE
— Rush University Medical Center still promoting DEI and trans ideology despite federal funding.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/trans-dei-hospital-federal-funds
BREITBART
— Wikipedia Labels Feminists Opposing Transgenderism Like J.K. Rowling ‘Exclusionary’
https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2026/07/27/terf-war-wikipedia-labels-feminists-opposing-transgenderism-like-jk-rowling-exclusionary/
COLLEGE FIX
— UBuffalo dental school forces freshmen through DEI training on ‘structural marginalization’
https://www.thecollegefix.com/ubuffalo-dental-school-forces-freshmen-through-dei-training-on-structural-marginalization/
DAILY CALLER
— US Medical Schools Still Promote DEI Efforts.
https://dailycaller.com/2026/07/27/university-iowa-medical-school-dei-do-no-harm/
DAILY WIRE
— ‘A Car Plowed’? NYT Shredded For Sanitizing Muslim Terrorist Attack. “Was the car a Chevrolet radicalized Muslim?”
https://www.dailywire.com/news/a-car-plowed-nyt-shredded-for-sanitizing-muslim-terrorist-attack
FOX NEWS
— GIANNO CALDWELL: We marched for every family blue city politicians left behind. The people of Chicago deserve leaders who show up, not just at election time, but when it matters most.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/gianno-caldwell-marched-every-family-blue-city-politicians-left-behind.amp
— Trump admin targets woke schools accused of hiding students’ gender transitions from parents.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-targets-woke-schools-accused-hiding-students-gender-transitions-parents
NATIONAL REVIEW
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more vice.
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/vice-in-america-the-new-issue-of-nr-is-out/
TOWNHALL
— Chicago Residents Are Livid After Losing More Grocery Stores.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/07/27/7-grocery-stores-shut-down-in-chicago-n2680171
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEW YORK TIMES
— Vice and the Crisis of Liberalism. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more vice.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/opinion/vice-liberalism-addiction-gambling-drugs.html
— DD: When you graduated from college, what frustrated your job search? For me, it was employers seeing me as being draft bait. They did not believe that my application for a financial hardship draft deferment would be approved. Further, my GPA was not that great because I had spent far too many hours working instead of studying. Further, I had the stigma of having been a federal employee for almost 3 years.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/05/business/college-graduates-job-market.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— America Is Awash in Vice. Gambling, drugs and pornography were once held at bay by the country’s Judeo-Christian moral consensus. Not any more. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more vice.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/america-is-awash-in-vice-a720daac
— It Bears Repeating: Your Life Is in Your Own Hands. DD: What do your critics/opponents hold you personally responsible for? My critics/opponents hold me personally responsible for my being forced to retire when I was 49 in 1997 and for all the other adverse actions that my Democrat superiors took against me. They hold me personally responsible for all the adverse actions that the defendants in the lawsuits I filed and their lawyers have taken against me. They hold me personally responsible a) for my being thrown off the Illinois Republican Party State Convention Platform and Resolutions Committee in 2024, b) for my being stopped from serving as the Republican fundraiser for Wheaton Independence Day parades and fireworks in 2021, c) for my precinct being gerrymandered in 2015, d) for my being dumped from my TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairmanship position in 2012, e) for my being dumped from the Illinois Center Right Coalition (ICRC) Steering Committee in 2007, f) for my almost being censured by ICRC for my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters in 2006, g) for my being dumped from my Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) webmaster position in 2004 and 2010, and h) for my being defeated 69 to 13 when I ran for MTRO Treasurer in 2004.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/it-bears-repeating-your-life-is-in-your-own-hands-a46aeee9
FORBES
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more vice.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2026/07/17/where-is-cannabis-legal-a-guide-to-all-50-states/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2022/09/29/mr-vice-guy-meet-the-hedge-fund-vulture-who-made-120-million-betting-on-casinos-and-cannabis/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2021/12/31/forbes-vices-awards-2020-circa-downtown-vegas-first-new-casino-in-40-years/
TIME
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders have always used demographic data to get rid of Republicans who are conservative, White, male, older, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://time.com/article/2026/07/22/trump-administration-eeoc-worker-demographic-data-requirement/
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
— The Case for Prohibiting Vice. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more vice.
https://nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/case-prohibiting-vice
DEFENSE SCOOP
— Hegseth directs removal of underperformers. DD: My Democrat superiors always hinted/implied that I underperformed and that was why they took adverse actions against me. They always used the subjectivity in their performance systems against me. In my defense, extremely few of my Post Office coworkers earned a job-related bachelor’s degree like I did. Very few of my IRS and GAO coworkers earned job-related master’s degrees and professional certifications like I did. None of my coworkers earned a job-related professional license like I did. All of my coworkers who my Democrat superiors promoted over me were Democrats who a) had less education than I had, b) had less work experience than I had, c) had no professional certification or fewer than I had, and/or d) had no professional license like the one I had. My Democrat GAO superiors used the subjectivity in their performance appraisal systems to a) force me to retire when I was 49 in 1997, b) always rank me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance, c) delay my promotions and never promoted me beyond GS-13, and d) force me to take a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980. My Democrat IRS superiors used that subjectivity to never promote me beyond GS-12, disallow my education deductions in 1978, and disallow my travel vouchers in 1974. My Democrat Post Office superiors used that subjectivity to force me to resign in 1969 and disallow my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, minority, female, and/or veteran. For Democrats, the federal government exists to hire, retain, and promote Democrats who are minority, female, younger, veteran, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or have ancestors who have not been in America for a long time.
https://defensescoop.com/2025/10/02/dod-civilian-employee-removal-procedures-underperformers-hegseth-tata-memos/
PSY
— What influences teens’ career expectations? DD: My father’s often decrying his not having a college degree had a big impact on me. It motivated me to work my way through college and to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license.
https://phys.org/news/2026-07-qa-teens-career.html
ATLANTIC
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly promote more vice.
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2025/11/american-vice-national-character/684785/
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/02/legalized-gambling-marijuana-use-addiction/673028/
ECONOMIST
— Knowing what your colleagues earn. DD: Federal employees have always known what their superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates earn, that is, what GS Grade and Step they were. My GAO, IRS and Post Office superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates always saw that those who my Democrat superiors promoted over me a) had less education than I had, b) had less work experience than I had, c) had no professional certification or fewer than I had, and/or d) had no professional license like the one I had.
https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/23/knowing-what-your-colleagues-earn
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
INDIA TIMES
— Four in 10 employees admit sabotaging colleagues to get ahead. DD: To get promoted, my Democrat GAO, IRS, and Post Office coworkers sabotaged me. They stressed that I was conservative, Republican, draft avoider, Protestant, German American, Crete resident 1948-1972, Wheaton resident since 1978, and my ancestors had been in America since 1844.
https://hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/four-in-10-employees-admit-sabotaging-colleagues-to-get-ahead-survey-finds/132574317
JUSTICE FOR ALL
— India: Caste And Implications. DD: What Caste were you born into? Neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. He never earned more than $50,000/year in today’s dollars. He almost always worked second jobs to pay the family’s bills. He died suddenly when he was 47 and I was 21, My mother never attended high school. All my grandparent spoke German. I had to work my way through college. Nevertheless, my critics/opponents have always outrageously, disgustingly, falsely, and unethically painted my parents as having been filthy rich. They have always known full-well that I did yard work 1962-1964, delivered newspapers 1962-1966, washed dishes 1964-1966, cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966, delivered mail 1966-1969, worked on an automotive assemble line in 1970, sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971, pumped more gasoline 1971-1972, collected delinquent taxes 1971-1980, and audited federal agencies 1980-1997. I should write about my critics/opponents. I would focus on those whose parents were the wealthiest.
https://www.justiceforall.org/india-caste-and-implications/
July 25, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Oak Park officials deny advisory referendum on ending single family housing zoning.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/24/oak-park-zoning-referendum-vote/
— Wheaton man busted in Naperville on meth, other drug charges.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/24/naperville-meth-drugs-man-charged-fleeing/
MUSCATINE JOURNAL
— Illinois Lt. Gov. candidate Aaron Del Mar wants to talk affordability, not abortion. DD: Because Democrat leaders ever-increasingly destroy traditional marriage and family, people ever-increasingly cannot afford things.
https://muscatinejournal.com/news/local/government-politics/article_08e1000f-5065-57e6-a97d-3112235b231b.html
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/07/24/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-563/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— How Our Republic Is Destroyed.
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2026/07/how-our-republic-is-destroyed/
— Federal Lawmakers Want to End Federal Welfare Benefits for Non-Citizens.
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2026/07/federal-lawmakers-want-to-end-federal-welfare-benefits-for-non-citizens/
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— The Quiet Killer of Illinois Conservatism.
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/07/opinion-the-quiet-killer-of-illinois-conservatism.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Socialism moves from protest to power in American cities. What happens when DSA-aligned lawmakers actually have to govern.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/24/watch-susan-ferrechio-answers-questions-socialist-policies-reshaping/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ICE arrests under Trump top 602,000, DHS says, but some are skeptical.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/4661389/ice-arrests-trump-top-602k-some-are-skeptical/
— Mike Lindell urged to withdraw ‘absurd’ illegal immigration amnesty proposal.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4661937/mike-lindell-urged-withdraw-illegal-immigration-amnesty-proposal/
— How many illegal immigrant votes is too many?
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4660341/how-many-illegal-immigrant-votes-too-many-new-jersey-noncitizen-voting/
— Socialism is a ‘pie in the sky treatment’
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4662090/socialism-democratic-socialist-america-platform-byron-york/
— Genuinely Un-American: Socialists are telling us who they are — and we should believe them.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/magazine/4659723/genuinely-un-american-socialists-are-telling-us-who-they-are-and-we-should-believe-them/
— Black Democrats emerge as bulwark against socialist takeover.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4661824/black-democrats-bulwark-socialist-takeover/
— DSA endorsement tracker: Here are the socialists running for office across America.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/4657182/dsa-endorsement-tracker-socialists-running-for-office-across-america/
— DD: To get more votes from non-Whites, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn Whites.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/patriotism-unity/4660592/white-supremacy-culture-framework-subverts-american-values/
CITY JOURNAL
— DD: Ever-increasingly, since the 1960s, Democrat and RINO leaders have ever-increasingly forced everyone to give more preference to minorities and to females, that is, to ever-increasingly discriminate against Whites and males. I am a White male born in 1948. If I had been born later, I doubt that I would have been able to work my way through college and earn 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.city-journal.org/article/equal-employment-opportunity-commission-race-reporting
FOX BUSINESS
— Trump warns of socialism as Mamdani targets NYC’s wealthy homeowners.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6402023966112
— How the Republican Party can make the case for capitalism. DD: Under socialism, all you need to do to succeed is be a socialist. Under Democrats, all you need to do to succeed is be a Democrat. Under RINOs, all you need to do to succeed is be a RINO. I never was and never will be a socialist, Democrat, or RINO.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6402054837112
FOX NEWS
— Democratic socialists are outnumbering the centrist and moderates in the Democratic Party.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6402044327112
— Rahm Emanuel warns ‘Bernie bros’ could sink Democrats by saddling moderates with socialist agenda.
https://noticias.foxnews.com/media/rahm-emanuel-warns-bernie-bros-could-sink-democrats-saddling-moderates-socialist-agenda
PJ MEDIA
— Biden Regime Had Planned to Bring Millions More Illegal Migrants Into the Country.
https://pjmedia.com/robert-spencer/2026/07/24/biden-regime-had-planned-to-bring-millions-more-illegal-migrants-into-the-country-n4955430
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Democrats brush off fears within party about threat of democratic socialists.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5987225-democrats-democratic-socialists-midterms/
CNN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote socialism.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/ar-AA28yb43
NEWSWEEK
— Dare To Dream: Explore The American Dream Index. Don’t listen to the pessimists. The American Dream is thriving in places you might not expect—you just need to know where to look. Type in your ZIP code to find out, and explore all our interactives here. DD: I pursued the American Dream from 60417 (Crete) 1948-1972, then from 60484 (University Park) 1972-1976, then from 60601 (downtown Chicago) 1976-1978, and then from 60187/60189 (Wheaton) since 1978.
https://www.newsweek.com/dare-to-dream-explore-the-american-dream-index-12054194
NEW YORK TIMES
— He Got Fired From FEMA. His Return Could Mark a New Era for Disasters. Cameron Hamilton defended the agency last year when President Trump talked about eliminating it. Emergency managers hope for more stability if he’s confirmed as administrator.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/climate/cameron-hamilton-fema-trump.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Socialism’s Slippery Definitions. The hard left is whatever it needs to be at the moment.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/socialisms-slippery-definitions-51c11441
— Socialism Is Whatever You Want It to Be. Definitions are available on an as-needed basis.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/socialism-is-whatever-you-want-it-to-be-17f746d3
BLOOMBERG
— DD: To get citizens of foreign countries to come to America illegally and to stay in America illegally, Democrat and RINO leader give them big public benefits.
https://www.bloomberg.com/sessions/2026-07-28/live-q-amp-a-is-the-american-dream-fading-for-international-students
BLOOMBERG LAW
— EEOC, Texas Car Dealers Reach $925,000 Deal. DD: How has EEOC impacted you? EEOC had a tremendous impact on me. When I was 22 in 1971, I accepted a job offer from Oldsmobile. But Oldsmobile withdrew that job offer because it had just agreed to stop hiring Whites to settle an EEOC complaint. Because I had accepted that offer, my Firestone Store boss rudely fired me. Because of that, I accepted a job offer from IRS.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/eeoc-texas-car-dealers-reach-925-000-deal-in-harassment-case
BUSINESS
— Competition in the Workplace. DD: Virtually all my superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates were Democrats. Extremely few of my Post Office coworkers earned a job-related bachelor’s degree like I did. Very few of my IRS and GAO coworkers earned job-related master’s degrees and professional certifications like I did. None of my coworkers earned a job-related professional license like I did.
https://www.business.com/articles/gal-rimon-workplace-competition/
PBS
— American Dream and How It’s Changed Over Time. DD: What did you do to achieve the American Dream? I worked my way through college and earned 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.pbs.org/video/new-documentary-explores-the-american-dream-and-how-its-changed-over-time-nob9id/
BROOKINGS
— DD: To get citizens of foreign countries to come to America illegally and to stay in America illegally, Democrat and RINO leader give them big public benefits.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-growing-effort-to-restrict-immigrants-access-to-public-benefits/
— DD: To get more votes from non-Whites, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly shout at them that Republicans cause all their problems.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/sat-math-scores-mirror-and-maintain-racial-inequity/
NEA
— The Racist Beginnings of Standardized Testing. DD: My critics/opponents have always attributed my success in passing standardized tests to my benefitting tremendously from tremendous discrimination against those who share their demographics. I passed all the tests needed to earn a) a job-related bachelor’s degree, b) three job-related master’s degrees, c) six job-related professional certifications, and d) a job-related professional license. The Democrats who ran the Post Office in 1966, IRS in 1971, and GAO in 1980 hired me because I had earned a high school diploma and had passed the postal employment test and they could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. I would not have survived as a federal employee for almost 30 years if I had not a) passed that postal employment test when I was 17 in 1966, b) passed the Federal Entrance Examination when I was 21, c) earned a bachelor’s degree in business when I was 21, d) earned an MBA when I was 27, e) passed the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30, f) earned a master’s degree in accounting when I was 31, g) passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt when I was 32, h) became a licensed CPA when I was 32, i) earned four more job-related professional certifications when I was 41, 45, 47, and 48, and j) earned a master’s degree in finance when I was 48. Overwhelmingly those who took and passed tests with me were White males.
https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/racist-beginnings-standardized-testing
July 16, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Funding for commercial flights to small airports around the country, including to three communities in Illinois, could be reduced under President Donald Trump’s budget proposal.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/president-donald-trumps-budget-proposal-could-threaten-airline-service-several-illinois-airports-decatur-quincy-marion/19521773/
— Hegseth directs troops over 30 to have testosterone checked. Those diagnosed with a deficiency have an option to undergo replacement therapy.
https://abc7chicago.com/story/hegseth-directs-troops-30-have-testosterone-checked/19515685/
CBS2
— Poll finds few Chicago voters want Mayor Brandon Johnson to run for re-election.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/mayor-brandon-johnson-mayoral-reelection-poll-university-chicago-mansueto-institute/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Republicans for everything that is bad, including bad weather.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/climate-extremes-wildfires-canada-us-west/
FOX32
— University of Chicago poll: Under 14% of voters approve of Mayor Johnson reelection run.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-8wrcaz77phzhwyst
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Republican Darren Bailey treads water in governor’s race as GOP candidates struggle to raise campaign cash.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/16/illinois-governor-senate-gop-fundraising-struggles/
— Mayor Brandon Johnson bats away low fundraising: ‘My confidence will always remain strong’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/16/mayor-brandon-johnson-low-fundraising/
— Billions of dollars in spending has not saved Black Chicago from the scourge of gun violence.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/16/opinion-chicago-gun-violence-crisis-requires-leadership-not-more-money/
DAILY HERALD
— Kane County Board votes to put draft version of 2027 budget on display.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260716/news/kane-county-board-votes-to-put-draft-version-of-2027-budget-on-display/
WGN RADIO
— What is the best decade of life? DD: What was the best decade of your life? Things were looking up for me when I was 22-25 1971-1974 when IRS promoted me from GS-7 to GS-12, from $56,409/year to $100,059/year in today’s dollars. But then my Democrat IRS superiors got rid of the IRS manager who had promoted me, disallowed my travel vouchers, and disallowed my education expenses. Things were looking up for me when I was 37-40 1985-1988 when GAO assigned me to audits of IRS and promoted me to GS-13, $118,984/year in today’s dollars. But then my Democrat GAO superiors got rid of the GAO manager who had arranged for my transfer from IRS, got me assigned to audits of IRS, and promoted me.
https://wgnradio.com/john-williams/newsclick/the-john-williams-newsclick-what-is-the-best-decade-of-life/#/questions
FOX ILLINOIS
— Trump administration revives rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/trump-administration-revives-rule-that-could-deny-green-cards-to-immigrants-who-use-public-benefits/article_78dd61f3-1e49-5457-9487-5cf0ee495f1a.html
NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight efforts to fight voter fraud.
https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2026-07-16/after-years-of-false-claims-on-voting-trump-to-give-an-address-on-election-integrity
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Pritzker spends big in second fundraising quarter as Bailey struggles to keep up. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias also continued a hot fundraising streak.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-spends-big-in-second-fundraising-quarter-as-bailey-struggles-to-keep-up/
CIVIC FEDERATION
— Springfield’s unfunded mandates are paving the local government road to fiscal hell.
https://www.civicfed.org/blogs/joe-ferguson-springfields-unfunded-mandates-are-paving-local-government-road-fiscal-hell
ILLINOIZE
— Bailey Takes a Page from Pritzker’s Yearbook…But Why?
https://www.theillinoize.com/articles/bailey-takes-page-pritzker-yearbook
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/07/16/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-557/
— Republicans called out for voting against state budgets and celebrating in-district spending.
https://capitolfax.com/2026/07/16/repubs-called-out-for-voting-against-state-budgets-and-celebrating-in-district-spending/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Corbett Brags about Having Three Times as Much Cash as Bailey
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/07/16/corbett-brags-about-having-three-times-as-much-cash-as-bailey/
— McHenry County Libertarian Leader Trashes Home Rule & County Executive Form of Government by Asking Questions for Which No Answer Has Been Given
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/07/16/mchenry-county-libertarian-leader-trashes-home-rule-county-executive-form-of-government/
— Illinois Unemployment at 5.1%, Up Almost One Percentage Point from Last Year, Unemployed Up 16% Over Last Year
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/07/16/illinois-unemployment-at-5-1-up-almost-one-percentage-point-from-last-year-unemployed-up-16-over-last-yearr/
— $349,845 in Private Money for Each “Affordable Housing” Dwelling Unit Announced by Governor JB Pritzker
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/07/16/349845-affordable-housing-dwelling-united-announced-by-governor-jb-pritzker/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Black voters rejecting socialism. Democrats risk losing their most loyal voting bloc.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/16/black-voters-rejecting-socialism/
— Democratic governors want to destroy the economy over climate change. Leftists want to sue, legislate energy companies out of existence.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/16/democratic-governors-want-destroy-economy-climate-change/
— For the love of America, please stop calling them progressives.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/16/love-america-please-stop-calling-progressives/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Socialistic programs caused the affordability crisis. The DSA wants to double down.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op-eds/4650588/socialistic-programs-caused-affordability-crisis-dsa-double-down/
NEW YORK POST
— Blame immigration chaos on Biden and Harris — not Trump.
https://nypost.com/2026/07/16/opinion/blame-immigration-chaos-on-biden-and-harris-not-trump/
— Another California city plots becoming sanctuary city for illegal migrants.
https://nypost.com/2026/07/16/us-news/another-california-city-plots-becoming-sanctuary-city-for-illegal-migrants/
— Humiliation for hundreds of California colleges whose alumni earn less than high school grads.
https://nypost.com/2026/07/16/us-news/humiliation-for-hundreds-of-california-colleges-whose-alumni-earn-less-than-high-school-grads/
— Californians hate Gavin Newsom’s gas vehicle ban.
https://nypost.com/2026/07/16/lifestyle/californians-hate-gavin-newsoms-gas-vehicle-ban-poll-shows/
DAILY SIGNAL
— 7 Colleges Suggest That White Supremacy Persists in America. DD: Because of Democrat and RINO leaders, Affirmative Action and DEI persist in America, that is, race and gender based preference giving, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, and national origin discrimination persist in America.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/07/16/dei-entrenchment-7-colleges-suggesting-that-white-supremacy-persists-in-america/
FOX BUSINESS
— Antisemitism, socialism are reshaping Democratic Party.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6401313522112
NATIONAL REVIEW
— America’s Asylum System Is Broken.
https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2026/09/americas-asylum-system-is-broken/?amp
TOWNHALL
— Who Will Be Held Accountable for the Border Policies of 2021–2025?
https://townhall.com/columnists/joe-abraham/2026/07/15/who-will-be-held-accountable-for-the-border-policies-of-20212025-n2679434
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
WASHINGTON POST
— Socialists think wealth is stolen. They’re wrong.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/07/16/socialists-think-billionaires-steal-wealth/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Hinsdale, Where Million Dollar Homes Sell in a Week. Demand is high in Hinsdale, which draws wealthy buyers for its historic properties and walkability.
https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/hinsdale-illinois-home-prices-a3dccbdc
BUZZ FEED NEWS
— DD: He who sets the criteria determines the outcome.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/rondicker/laura-ingraham-worst-places-to-live-trump-won-fox-news