FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— DHS increasing self-deportation stipend from $1,000 to $2,600. DD: How many will come to America illegally to get a stipend to go back home?
https://abc7chicago.com/post/dhs-increasing-deportation-stipend-1000-2600/18444117/
NBC5
— Here’s who’s running for governor of Illinois in the 2026 election
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/heres-whos-running-for-governor-of-illinois-in-the-2026-election/3879200/
— ICE officers authorized to enter homes without a judge’s warrant ICE memo says. The memo authorizes ICE officers to use force to enter a residence based solely on a more narrow administrative warrant to arrest someone with a final order of removal.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/ice-officers-enter-homes-without-warrant-memo/3879382/
CBS2
— U.S. Rep. for Illinois Robin Kelly has introduced an amendment to the defense funding bill to prevent President Trump from taking over Greenland.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-rep-robin-kelly-amendment-prevent-trump-greenland-takeover/
— Bremen High School students in Midlothian launch closet to help students in need. DD: Back in the good old days, back in the 1950s and 1960s, extremely few of my grade school and high school classmates were in need. Virtually all of them, if not all of them, were products of traditional marriages.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/bremen-high-school-midlothian-closet-students-in-need/
FOX32
— Chicago’s homeless population far higher than official count
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/report-chicago-homeless-population-far-higher-than-official-count
CHICAGO TRIBUNE & CHICAGO SUN-TIMES & WTTW
— Immigration Officers Assert Sweeping Power to Enter Homes Without a Judge’s Warrant. DD: I was an IRS Revenue Officer for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $100,059-$113,402/year. According to Google AI: IRS Revenue Officers are specialized, field-based personnel who handle high-priority, complex, and delinquent tax cases, exercising broad, legally authorized enforcement powers to secure payments. These officers possess greater discretion and authority compared to automated systems, allowing them to take direct, in-person action. Core Collection Powers Levies and Seizures: They can place levies on bank accounts, investment funds, and wages, and have the authority to seize property to satisfy tax debts. Summons Authority: Under IRC 7602(a), they may issue a summons to the taxpayer or third parties (banks, employers, etc.) to produce books, papers, or testimony, a power upheld by the Supreme Court. Liens: They can file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, which acts as a public claim against a taxpayer’s property. Direct Interaction: They can visit a taxpayer’s home or place of business to demand payment or investigate financial situations. Employment Tax Enforcement: They are specifically assigned to cases involving unpaid payroll tax deposits.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/immigration-officers-entering-homes-warrant/
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/21/immigration-customs-enforcement-warrant-memo
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/21/immigration-officers-assert-sweeping-power-enter-homes-without-judge-s-warrant-memo-says
— DD: Anticipate/expect that Democrat leaders will ever-increasingly flood their day care centers and their churches with their illegals.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/minnesota-st-paul-cities-church-renee-good-protesters/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Judge denies former Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau’s attempt to dismiss order regarding his political blog
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/judge-denies-orland-park-mayor-keith-pekau/
— Chicago paid $26.5M in OT to ineligible employees
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/chicago-26-5-million-overtime-ineligible-employees/
— New Melissa Conyears-Ervin ad in Illinois’ 7th District race highlights federal campaign spending loophole
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/21/melissa-conyears-ervin-loophole-federal-campaign-spending/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— More than 58,000 Chicagoans were homeless in 2024. DD: The Democrat Party platform destroys traditional marriage and family, that is, it promotes homelessness.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2026/01/21/more-than-58-000-chicagoans-experienced-homelessness-new-report-says
— DD: Soon, under the Democrats, everyone in Illinois will be a) handing out welfare and/or b) receiving welfare.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2026/01/21/new-snap-work-requirements-cook-county-warn-health-consequences-cut-off-congress-donald-trump-food-stamps
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2026/01/21/congress-must-pass-older-americans-act-reauthorization-meals-services-caregivers-michael-pessman
DAILY HERALD
— What’s the holdup?: Six months in, county is still waiting for an attorney’ general’s ruling with widespread implications
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260121/editorials/daily-herald-opinion-whats-the-holdup-six-months-in-county-is-still-waiting-for-an-attorney-ge/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DuPage County Board members had good reason to grumble last week as they reflected on a sluggish response from the state attorney general’s office to an appeal regarding the county clerk’s refusal to abide by county purchase and accounting policies. The county’s hit on the legal bills in this yearslong standoff has reached nearly $280,000 and counting, the county already has a judge’s ruling in its favor and the Attorney General’s Office has been doing whatever it is doing in its investigation since last July — without yet even having interviewed the central figure in the case, DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek.)
— Davis, Rice try to differentiate themselves at debate in 8th Congressional District GOP primary
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260121/us-congress-politics/davis-rice-try-to-differentiate-themselves-at-debate-in-8th-congressional-district-gop-primary/
JOURNAL COURIER
— GOP governor hopefuls in unison against sanctuary policies, state spending
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/governor-candidates-sanctuary-policies-state-21307412.php
SOUTHERAN
— DHS increasing self-deportation stipend from $1,000 to $2,600
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/21/dhs-increasing-self-deportation-stipend-from-1000-to-2600/
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— GOP: You won’t find ‘affordability’ in Dem-run Illinois. McCombie: IL spends big bucks on illegal immigrants while inflation is down 70 percent under Trump.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-gop-you-wont-find-affordability-in-dem-run-illinois/
DAILY ILLINI
— Champaign protesters rally against Trump administration
https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/champaign-urbana/2026/01/21/champaign-protestors-trump-administration/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/21/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-452/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CHICAGO CONTRARIAN
— Chicago parents expect Chicago Public Schools educators to teach reading, writing, and critical thinking skills — not to use classrooms as staging grounds for foreign and domestic political activism.
https://www.chicagocontrarian.com/blog/cant-spell-sign-dont-wave-chicago-schools
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Jeanne Ives Condemned the Irvin Playbook, Now She’s Using It In The Dabrowski Campaign
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/jeanne-ives-condemned-the-irvin-playbook-now-shes-using-it-in-the-dabrowski-campaign.html
ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Weaponized Compassion: How Federal Food Programs Undermine Culture
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/weaponized-compassion-how-federal-food-programs-undermine-culture/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump calls for ‘immediate’ talks to acquire Greenland. Says Denmark couldn’t defend it in WWII, and can’t protect it now.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/21/trump-calls-immediate-talks-acquire-greenland/
— Vance to visit Minneapolis as tensions rise over ICE operations
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/21/jd-vance-visit-minneapolis-tensions-rise-ice-operations/
WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— New York Times Hiring a Reporter To Cover US Jews. Expert understanding of Judaism required. DD: What do you have an expert understanding of? I have an expert understanding of how the leaders of the following treat conservatives: Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization.
https://freebeacon.substack.com/p/new-york-times-hiring-a-reporter
NEW YORK POST
— House committee finds Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after skipping Epstein depositions
https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/us-news/house-committee-finds-bill-and-hillary-clinton-in-contempt-of-congress-after-skipping-epstein-depositions/
BREITBART
— Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Tries to Stop Sheriffs from Turning Criminal Illegal Aliens Over to ICE Agents
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/21/minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-tries-to-stop-sheriffs-from-turning-criminal-illegal-aliens-over-to-ice-agents/
EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Right About Arctic Security
https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/trump-right-about-arctic-security-natos-rutte-says-5974139
JUDICIAL WATCH
— Americans Pay Over a Billion Dollars a Year to Subsidize Illegal Aliens’ College Education. DD: Where did the money come from to pay for your college expenses? The money to pay for my bachelor’s degree in 1970 and for my master’s degrees in 1976, 1980, and 1997 came from what I earned a) doing yard work 1962-1964, b) delivering newspapers 1962-1966, c) washing dishes 1964-1966, d) cleaning golf shoes and chipping slag in 1966, e) pumping gasoline in 1966, 1971, and 1972, f) delivering mail 1966-1969, g) working on an automobile assembly line in 1970, h) selling tires, automotive services, and major appliances in 1971 and 1972, i) collecting delinquent taxes for IRS 1971-1980, and j) auditing federal agencies for GAO 1980-1997.
https://www.judicialwatch.org/subsidize-illegal-aliens-education/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
MOTLEY FOOL
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation. While I worked for IRS in 1971, my superiors had me make phone calls for 2 weeks as part of Nixon’s “Wage & Price Freeze” program. What has helped you deal with inflation.? For me, it has been COLAs, step increases, and promotions. I have gotten federal wage, Civil Service Retirement System pension, and/or Social Security COLAs almost every year since 1966. I got step increases in 1967, 1968, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1987-1996. I got promotions in 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1986.
https://www.fool.com/retirement/2026/01/18/im-not-counting-on-social-security-colas-to-carry/
GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— New Duckworth Senate bill would bar administration officials from serving as an inspector general. Most IGs confirmed since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term have experience working in his administration. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, I often worked with the Chicago offices of inspector generals. Democrats do not want Republicans to audit Democrats.
https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2026/01/new-senate-bill-would-bar-administration-officials-serving-inspector-general/410829/?oref=ge-author-river
NPR
— How ICE grew to be the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency
https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5674887/ice-budget-funding-congress-trump
Tag: second
January 20, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump’s record set to be major talking point in Illinois gubernatorial race
https://abc7chicago.com/post/2026-midterms-ahead-primary-election-illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-republican-hopeful-darren-bailey-field-trump-talk/18439825/
WGN9
— Trump touts accomplishments in first year, Illinois critics point to failures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV4ga81sj-M
FOX32
— Trump says he’ll cut funding to ‘sanctuary’ states like Illinois
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAwa7oDJH8M
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Republican hopeful Ted Dabrowski defends TV ad likening Gov. JB Pritzker to communist Poland, Ecuador turmoil
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/20/ted-dabrowski-defends-tv-ad-pritzker-communist/
— Gov. JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul look back on first year of Trump 2.0
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/20/pritzker-raoul-trump-one-year/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— One year and 51 lawsuits later, Illinois Democrats lament ‘chaos’ of second Trump administration. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said he’s “optimistic” heading into Year Two of sweeping legal fights with the White House.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/donald-trump/2026/01/20/trump-one-year-kwame-raoul-illinois-lawsuits-jb-pritzker
25 NEWS NOW
— Illinois lawmakers’ 2026 theme: affordability. Democrats seeking to capitalize on Trump-driven chaos during election year session.
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/01/20/illinois-lawmakers-2026-theme-affordability/
WSIU
— Darren Bailey/Aaron Del Mar launch ‘Take Back Illinois’ Bus Tour
https://www.wsiu.org/politics-elections/2026-01-20/darren-bailey-aaron-del-mar-launch-take-back-illinois-bus-tour
ELMHURST PATCH
— DuPage Candidates To Take Questions In Elmhurst. County Board, clerk, sheriff and forest preserve hopefuls are expected to attend the local League of Women Voters forum.
https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/dupage-candidates-take-questions-elmhurst
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/20/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-451/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNT BLOG
— Senator Darby Hills on Human Trafficking Panel
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/20/senator-darby-hills-on-human-trafficking-panel/
— Dems Have $50,000 in the Bank
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/dems-have-50000-in-the-bank/
— Democratic Party $50,000 Not the Only Available Money
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/20/democratic-party-50000-not-the-only-available/
— McLaughlin Critiques Dems’ Energy Law
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/mclaughlin-critiques-dems-energy-law/
— Democrat Rolls Out Tax Sale Solution
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/democrat-rolls-out-tax-sale-solution/
— Illinois Budget Has Risen Five Times Our Economic Growth
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/illinois-budget-has-risen-five-times-our-economic-growth/
— Governor Jim Edgar’s Pension Timebomb
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/governor-jim-edgars-pension-bomb/
— Ted Dabrowski’s First and Second TV Ad During Bear’s Games
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/18/ted-dabrowskis-second-tv-ad-during-bears-game/
— Mandatory Mental Health Screening in Schools (Passed in Illinois) Found to Make No Difference
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/18/mandatory-mental-health-screening-in-schools-passed-in-illinois-found-to-make-no-difference/
— Kat TV Ad
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/17/kat-tv-ad/
— UPDATE: Referendums on School Choice Scholarships on One-Third of Illinois Counties’ Ballots WITH MAP
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/17/referendums-on-school-choice-scholarships-on-one-third-of-illinois-counties-ballots/
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— What is your position on equal opportunity? As time goes on, it is ever-increasingly clear that my critics/opponents have always and continue to reject the equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) plank in the Republican Party platform, that is, they have always and continue to promote Affirmative Action (AA) and DEI, that is, they have always and continue to promote race and gender based preference giving, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, and national origin discrimination. That ever-increasingly explains why they have had their operatives and their dupes take so many big adverse actions against me. They have personally benefitted from AA and DEI and/or want to personally benefit from AA and DEI and/or have used AA and DEI to curry favor with minorities and/or females and/or want to use AA and DEI to curry favor with minorities and females. They applaud my Democrat superiors in the federal government for their wasting my career and their forcing me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997 because I opposed their race and gender based preference giving, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, and national origin discrimination. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump settles scores in epic review of year in office
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/20/trump-settles-scores-epic-review-year-office/
— 100,000 illegal immigrants have taken DHS’ self-deportation bonus. DHS official says ‘foreign interference’ is fueling anti-ICE protests.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/20/100000-illegal-immigants-taken-dhs-self-deportation-bonus/
— Newly sworn-in Gov. Spanberger turns Virginia into a sanctuary state
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/19/editorial-newly-sworn-gov-spanberger-turns-virginia-sanctuary-state/
— China owns America. From your food to your alma mater, the CCP is omnipresent.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/20/china-owns-america/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Minnesota and the battle to cripple ICE
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/daily-memo/4425299/minnesota-battle-cripple-immigration-customs-enforcement/
NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani calls to abolish ICE
https://nypost.com/2026/01/20/us-news/zohran-mamdani-calls-to-abolish-ice-in-gushing-interview-on-the-view/
AMERICAN THINKER
— Compassion Cannot Be The Basis Of Immigration Policy
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/compassion_cannot_be_the_basis_of_immigration_policy.html
FEDERALIST
— Because Libraries Push Racism And Queer Extremism, They Deserve Their Massive Federal Funding Cuts
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/20/because-libraries-push-racism-and-queer-extremism-they-deserve-their-massive-federal-funding-cuts/
FOX NEWS
— Chicago kids are dying while Mayor Johnson fights Trump, ICE and reality. Rooftop Revelations: Surrendering our values to elite agendas leaves nothing for the rest of us. Only folks like Mayor Johnson benefit. Our kids deserve leaders who fight for them
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/chicago-kids-dying-while-mayor-johnson-fights-trump-ice-reality.amp
STEVE SCALISE
— Scalise Highlights Democrats’ Radical Agenda, Trump’s Record of Delivering for American People
https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/scalise-highlights-democrats-radical-agenda-trumps-record-of-delivering-for-american-people
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— Trump touts first-year accomplishments in lengthy White House briefing
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/trump-white-house-press-briefing-davos-greenland/
— Republican senators demand end to visa program they say encourages Chinese “birth tourism”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-birth-tourism-visa-waiver-program-republican-senators/
VILLAGES NEWS
— Illegals are criminals because they are here illegally
https://www.villages-news.com/2026/01/20/illegals-are-criminals-because-they-are-here-illegally/
GAO
— Financial Audit: IRS’s FY 2025 Financial Statements
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107977
(FROM THE REPORT: The Internal Revenue Service collects taxes to fund federal programs and services. In FY25, IRS collected more than $5.3 trillion in taxes and paid out about $639 billion in tax refunds, credits, and other payments. We audit and issue opinions annually on IRS’s financial statements and on related internal controls (e.g., processes to reasonably assure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded). In FY25, we found the statements were reliable and that controls over financial reporting were effective—although some controls over unpaid assessments could be improved.)
NEW YORKER
— DD: How successful have Democrats been taking over your church?
https://www.newyorker.com/news/fault-lines/can-american-churches-lead-a-protest-movement-under-trump
January 18, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Large crowds return to Broadview ICE facility, protesting against immigration enforcement operations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj7rt2x9oS0
NBC5
— Protesters brave bitter cold for mass demonstration at Broadview ICE facility
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTFAI6DJhkk
WGN9
— Demonstrators brave cold in Broadview to protest ICE actions
https://wgntv.com/news/operation-midway-blitz/no-kings-protest-broadview-ice-shooting-minneapolis/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8tqIYrzNiU
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn ICE.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/18/column-ice-immigrants-minnesota-native-americans-page/
— An expressway that went nowhere. Massive citizen revolt spelled doom for Richard J. Daley’s Crosstown Expressway dream. DD: During the early 1980s, I worked for GAO of a year on an audit of how the money from the withdrawal of the Crosstown Expressway was being spent. Rostenkowski killed the audit. No audit report was issued.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/15/vintage-tribune-crosstown-expressway-richard-j-daley/
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG PICTURE IN THE NAPERVILLE SUN: Soon, under the Democrats, everyone in Illinois will be a) handing out welfare and/or b) receiving welfare.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/17/naperville-student-shat-empower-food-english/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly unite those who are the following against those who are not the following: liberal/moderate, non-Republican, non-citizen, minority, female, younger, LGBTQ, unmarried, have less money than others, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or have ancestors who have not been in America for a long time.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/18/martin-luther-king-mission-uniting-poor-across-racial-lines-remains-unfinished-ben-jealous
DAILY HERALD
— Paprocki: Illinois needs spending restraint to help businesses thrive in 2026
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260117/business/illinois-needs-spending-restraint-to-help-businesses-thrive-in-2026/
SOUTHERN
— DD: Democrat leaders want to impeach Trump.
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/17/democrats-grapple-with-rising-clamor-for-trump-impeachment-ahead-of-midterms/
NPR ILLINOIS
— Escalating tensions in Minnesota
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-17/escalating-tensions-in-minnesota
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— In Illinois, women earn about 91-93 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts, while Black and Hispanic workers each earn 6-10% less than comparable white workers. DD: I am a White male Republican. While I worked for the Democrats who ran IRS 1971-1980 and GAO 1980-1997, virtually all my coworkers were Democrats. All those who my Democrat superiors promoted over me and who were minority and/or female a) had less work experience than I had, b) had less education than I had, c) had no professional certifications or fewer than I had, and/or d) had no professional license like the one I had. I earned job-related master’s degrees in 1976 when I was 27, 1980, and 1997. I earned job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997. I earned a job-related professional license in 1981.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinois-wage-inequities-improve-slightly-persist-despite-transparency-efforts-report/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
JOHN KASS
— Vallas: The Radical Left’s Moral Inversion: From Class Politics to Identity Dogma Is a Trojan Horse with Dangerous Consequences
https://johnkassnews.com/the-radical-lefts-moral-inversion-from-class-politics-to-identity-dogma-is-a-trojan-horse-with-dangerous-consequences/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
AMERICAN THINKER
— Pritzker signs bill to allow criminals to hide their records. Pritzker puts criminals, not the public, first.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/01/in_illinois_gov_pritzger_signs_bill_to_make_it_easier_for_criminals_to_hide_their_records.html
BREITBART
— Chuck Schumer Says Democrats Will Restore Most of’ DOGE Cuts. DD: Republicans gutted GAO, but Democrats have never restored GAO. GAO is just a shell of what it once was.
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/17/chuck-schumer-says-democrats-will-reverse-most-of-doge-cuts/amp/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Here’s Why There Are More ICE Raids in Blue States. DD: How many illegals have Democrats brought into Illinois, your county, your township, your municipality, your school district, and your precinct?
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/17/heres-why-there-are-more-ice-raids-in-blue-states/
FOX NEWS
— Trump has authority to send troops to Minneapolis to stop attacks on ICE. Trump’s power to invoke the Insurrection Act is manifest, but the wisdom of doing so may not be.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/gregg-jarrett-trump-has-authority-send-troops-minneapolis-stop-attacks-ice.amp
NEW AMERICAN
— Immigrant Congressman With Trouble Speaking English Introduces Bill to Abolish ICE
https://thenewamerican.com/us/immigration/immigrant-congressman-with-trouble-speaking-english-introduces-bill-to-abolish-ice/
NEWS BUSTERS
— New York Times Hits Mamdani for Slighting Blacks in His New Mayoral Regime
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/tim-graham/2026/01/17/new-york-times-hits-mamdani-slighting-blacks-his-new-mayoral-regime
PJ MEDIA
— Will Minnesota Lose a Congressional Seat After Illegal Alien Deportations? DD: How many illegals have Democrats brought into Illinois, your county, your township, your municipality, your school district, and your precinct?
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/17/will-minnesota-lose-a-congressional-seat-after-illegal-alien-deportations-n4948410
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Is there really an ‘affordability’ crisis? So why do people feel like so many things are unaffordable? It’s not because of the things they need to afford. It’s the things they want to afford. DD: When I was a Crete-Monee High School student 1962-1966, I ‘wanted’ to buy before I graduated a new car that I would use to commute to/from my parents’ home in Crete to classes at UIC. I succeeded in doing that. In May of 1966 I bought a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint ( https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1965-12-CD-1966-Pontiac-Tempest-Sprint-Test-1-4.pdf ). But to do that, and to pay for my UIC expenses, instead of studying, I worked 28 hours a week during my junior and senior years and 40 hours a week during the summer of 1965 washing dishes in the basement of the SS Kresge in Chicago Heights. Obviously, that Pontiac was a ‘want’ and not a need. What if I had not had that ‘want?’ My spending all those hours washing dishes instead of studying harmed my ACT score and GPA, but UIC accepted me anyway. Then, I ‘wanted’ a new 1968 Oldsmobile 442 ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_442 ); I sold the Pontiac and bought one in December of 1967. Then, I ‘wanted’ a new 1969 Dodge Charger SE ( https://www.americansteelclassiccars.com/vehicles/186/1969-dodge-charger-se ); I sold the Oldsmobile and bought one in December of 1968. But to buy the aforesaid new cars and to pay for my UIC and NIU expenses, instead of studying, I worked as many part-time hours that I could during the 1966-1969 school years and full-time during the summers of 1967, 1968, and 1969 delivering mail for the Park Forest Post Office. Obviously, that Oldsmobile and that Dodge were ‘wants’ and not needs. Not studying harmed my GPA. Nevertheless, I graduated debt-free from NIU in August of 1970 owning that Dodge. What if I had not had the aforesaid new car ‘wants?’
https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/5691609-wages-inflation-debate/
CNN
— Walz mobilizes state National Guard amid ongoing protests
https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/us/ice-shooting-minneapolis-protests-renee-good-hnk
ABC NEWS
— Israel to honor Charlie Kirk with award for fighting antisemitism
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-honor-charlie-kirk-award-fighting-antisemitism-129233134
CBS NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation. But Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for everything that is bad.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-inflation-cbs-news-poll/
— CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough; Republicans feel protesters have gone too far
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-trump-greenland-trump-poll/
NEWSWEEK
— ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds. DD: If Gingrich had reformed GAO instead of gutting it, there be no need for DOGE. If Gingrich had reformed GAO, my Democrat GAO superiors would not have been able a) to force me to take a $23,699 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO, b) keep me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, c) delay my promotions and never promoted me beyond GS-13, d) always rank me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance, and e) force me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. They flushed down their toilets what I learned earning a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job related professional license. They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, minority, female and/or veteran.
https://www.newsweek.com/ice-abolished-new-bill-dhs-responds-11376322
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The bill states that since “President Donald Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem have taken office, ICE has been weaponized to inflict terror and hysteria amongst American immigrant and non-immigrant communities. ICE has been deployed to major cities [to] aggressive enforcement policies that have brought fear to Americans. It is clear that ICE is not an organization bound by the rule of law, is past the point of reform, and must be abolished.”)
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Ever-increasingly, the Democrat Party’s top priority is regaining control of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate.
https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000010647503/will-2026-be-the-year-voters-pull-the-emergency-brake.html
— DD: The more anti-American a state is, the more that Democrat leaders promote that state.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/magazine/minnesota-liberalism-trump-ice.html
— DD: Of course, according to my critics/opponents, all the adverse actions that they had their operatives and dupes take against me were justified. I should write about the aforesaid.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/17/opinion/editorials/trump-second-term-vengence.html
— DD: The mainstream news media exists to destroy Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/17/opinion/donald-trump-conservatism-nationalism.html
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in making those who do not share Trump’s demographics hate him.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/opinion/republicans-ice-white-women.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/17/us/politics/white-women-conservatives.html
LOS ANGELES TIMES
— DD: The more anti-American a state is, the more that Democrat leaders promote that state.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-01-17/in-twin-cities-immigration-crackdown-has-made-chaos-new-normal
USA TODAY
— Media did Biden’s bidding. Now they freak out over Trump.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/01/29/trump-news-media-bias-biden/77968482007/
CARDINAL NEWS
— Spanberger rescinds Youngkin immigration enforcement order, issues orders on affordability.
https://cardinalnews.org/2026/01/17/spanberger-rescinds-youngkin-immigration-enforcement-order-issues-orders-on-affordability/
BANKRATE
— Homeownership: Dream vs. Reality. DD: Back in the good old days, I was able to buy a new townhome when I was 24 years old in 1972.
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/realities-of-homeownership/
GAO
— Reflections from Gene L. Dodaro, the 8th Comptroller General of the United States and Head of GAO. DD: My Democrat GAO superiors a) forced me to take a $23,699 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO when I was 31 years old in 1980, b) kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 (1986-1988) of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, c) delayed my promotions and never promoted me beyond GS-13, d) always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance, and e) forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. They flushed down their toilets what I had learned earning a job-related bachelor’s degree (management), three job-related master’s degrees business, accounting, and finance), six job-related professional certifications (accounting, internal auditing, fraud examination, government financial management, financial services auditing, and forensic accounting), and a job related professional license (CPA). They would not have done that if I had been a Democrat, minority, female and/or veteran.
https://www.gao.gov/blog/guest-spotlight-reflections-gene-l-dodaro-8th-comptroller-general-united-states-and-head-gao
USA JOBS
— Federal Internships. DD: Democrats do not want Republicans to audit Democrats. GAO audits IRS. My Democrat IRS and GAO superiors outrageously and disgustingly succeeded in forcing me to take a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars (a downgrade from GS-12 Step 5 to GS-9 Step 10) to transfer from IRS to GAO when I was 31 year old in 1980. But they really wanted me to take a $72,701/year (64%) pay cut in today’s dollars (a downgrade from GS-12 Step 5 to GS-4 Step 1) to transfer, that is, to transfer as an intern. By doing the aforesaid, my Democrat IRS and GAO superiors flushed down their toilets and rendered worthless what I had learned a) working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels, currently $100,059-$113,402/year, b) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979, c) almost completing the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting, and d) earning an MBA in 1976. The aforesaid monumentally damaged my GAO career. Nevertheless, GAO finally let me work on audits of IRS in 1986-1988, promoted me to GS-13 in 1986, and let me work until I was 49 years old in 1997. But that was not until after I had a) earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980 and a master’s degree in finance in 1997, b) passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt and became a licensed CPA in 1981, c) earned a professional certification in fraud examination in 1990, government financial management in 1994, financial services auditing in 1996, and forensic accounting in 1997. They would not have taken the aforesaid adverse actions against me if I had been a Democrat, minority, female and/or veteran.
https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?k=internships
LGBTQ NATION
— Landmark commission unanimously approves church’s rainbow steps: “This is religious expression.” The church is responding after a nearby Pride crosswalk was forcibly removed. DD: How strongly have Democrats taken over your church?
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/01/landmark-commission-unanimously-approves-churchs-rainbow-steps-this-is-religious-expression/
FROM OTHER SOURSES
REMAX
— FOR SALE: 1219 Golf Lane, Wheaton – $625,000 DD: This home is in my precinct.
https://ronlewis.remax.com/holp/listing/103/12467706?key=apurp5tiZWKjrqqgXmRnnKmq
January 13, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump says government will stop making payments to sanctuary cities, states, including Chicago, IL
https://abc7chicago.com/post/donald-trump-speech-today-detroit-michigan-president-says-government-will-stop-making-payments-sanctuary-cities-states/18397691/
— Trump is ending protected immigration status for Somalis
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-is-ending-protected-immigration-status-somalis-long-target-anti-immigrant-barbs/18396840/
— Pritzker defends SAFE-T Act, but leaves door open to possible changes in legislative session. Republicans are ramping up their push for a series of modifications.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/gov-jb-pritzker-defends-safe-act-illinois-law-eliminating-cash-bail-leaves-door-open-possible-changes/18397579/
WTTW
— Trump Threatens to Defy Court Ruling, Yank Funding From Chicago Over Immigrant Protections
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/13/trump-threatens-defy-court-ruling-yank-funding-chicago-over-immigrant-protections
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago video gambling legalization in flux as aldermen, Mayor Brandon Johnson weigh changes. DD: In 2009, I led the successful effort to ban video gambling in Wheaton. My critics/opponents have punished me ever since.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/chicago-video-gambling-legalization-aldermen-mayor-brandon-johnson-weigh-changes/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Mayor Johnson pushes back on Trump threat to halt U.S. funding for Chicago, other sanctuary cities. On Tuesday, the president said he would stop federal payments to cities resisting immigration policies and their states. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the threat “blatantly unconstitutional and immoral.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/13/brandon-johnson-donald-trump-sanctuary-cities
DAILY HERALD
— Tensions flare in Minnesota as protesters and federal agents repeatedly square off
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260113/nation-and-world-politics/tensions-flare-in-minnesota-as-protesters-and-federal-agents-repeatedly-square-off/
SOUTHERN
— Mendrick visits Southern Illinois
https://thesouthern.com/news/gop-governor-candidate-mendrick-visits-southern-illinois/article_37f1622d-4812-5d57-9e14-e67c7644d4e6.html
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— Pritzker: Blago hire reflects on Homer Glen. Pritzker is not done trying to hold down insurance premiums; he also says the state and the Bears have talked infrastructure.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-pritzker-blago-hire-reflects-on-homer-glen/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/13/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-448/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— The Property Tax Sale Problem That Could Cost McHenry County Taxpayers $13 Million
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/the-property-tax-sale-problem-that-could-cost-mchenry-county-taxpayers-13-million/
— It’s Public Radio Broadcasting Day
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/its-public-radio-broadcasting-day/
— Algonquin Township Refuses to Provide Recording of Last Meeting
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/algonquin-township-refuses-to-provide-recording-of-last-meeting/
— Daniel Biss Runs TV Ad in Quest for 9th District Democratic Party Congressional Nomination
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/daniel-biss-runs-tv-ad-in-quest-for-democratic-party-congressional-nomination/
— 9th District Democratic Party Hopeful Laura Fine Runs Second TV Ad
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/9th-district-democratic-party-hopeful-laura-fine-runs-second-tv-ad/
— Senator Darby Hills Calls for Budget Transparency
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/senator-darby-hills-calls-for-budget-transparency/
— State Legislative Pork in McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/state-legislative-pork-in-mchenry-county/
— Small “ICE Out” Demonstration on Route 14 – Photos
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/small-ice-out-demonstration-on-route-14/
— Two Views on the Democrats Energy Law
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/two-views-on-the-democrats-energy-law/
— Start of Most Dangerous Time for Taxpayers
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/start-of-most-dangerous-time-for-taxpayers/
— Candidates’ Night for Those Wishing to Oppose Foster, Plus Contested County Board Candidates
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/candidates-night-for-those-wishing-to-oppose-foster-plus-contested-county-board-candidates/
— Home Price Changes Since 2018
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/home-price-changes-since-2018/
— Taxpayers Provide Unrestricted $12 Million to NASCAR–Over 10% of NASCAR’s Profit
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/diersen%40aol.com?compose=GTvVlcSBmzlbpkcWVGRqKjnDXwPvQcFrcWBgjHKQJrXtkDhXCFhwqVwnmtkwXxbcKCQFgDFbmHcJF
— GOP US Senate Hopeful Taunts Democratic Party Hopefuls for Their Endorsement of Tim Walz
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/11/gop-us-senate-hopeful-taunts-democratic-party-hopefuls-for-their-endorsement-of-tim-walz/
— What a Difference Three Decades Make
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/11/what-a-difference-three-decades-make/
— If This Proposal Had Been Law in 1948, I’d Have Been in Big Trouble
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/11/if-this-proposal-had-been-law-in-1948-id-have-been-in-big-trouble/
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Bailey DOGE Tracker Drops Bombshell: $180M in Taxpayer Cash Funneled to Pritzker-Linked Hyatt Hotel
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/bailey-doge-tracker-drops-bombshell-180m-in-taxpayer-cash-funneled-to-pritzker-linked-hyatt-hotel.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
AMAC
— Democrats Push Anti-ICE Violence
https://amac.us/newsline/politics/democrats-push-anti-ice-violence/
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— George Floyd Redux: Renee Good. When activists obstruct lawful arrests and politicians shout “murder,” the truth is lost: weaponizing a car against police turns ideology into a fatal choice.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/13/george-floyd-redux-renee-good/
FOX NEWS
— Trump to cut federal payments to sanctuary cities starting Feb 1 over immigration policies. Move targets jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-cut-federal-payments-sanctuary-cities-starting-feb-1-over-immigration-policies
— JD Vance, ICE flip script on sanctuary city leaders as ‘chaos’ erupts across Minnesota: ‘This is dangerous’ ‘You’re only seeing chaotic ICE raids in blue sanctuary cities where local officials are fighting against federal law enforcement,’ VP Vance said.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jd-vance-ice-flip-script-sanctuary-city-leaders-chaos-erupts-across-mn-dangerous
TOWNHALL
— A Chicago Man Was Brutally Attacked in the Loop. Guess How Many Times (57) the Suspect’s Been Arrested.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/01/13/chicago-57th-arrest-n2669348
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— At least 6 Minnesota federal prosecutors resign amid pressure to treat Renee Good killing as assault on ICE agent
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/federal-prosecutors-minnesota-resign-joe-thompson/
REUTERS
— DD: To give preference to one demographic group is to discriminate against another demographic group. Life is a zero-sum game.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/naacp-says-trump-being-deceptive-about-history-after-reverse-discrimination-2026-01-13/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— ICE, Minneapolis and the Rule of Law. Local officials encourage obstruction of federal agents and have now filed a meritless lawsuit.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/ice-minneapolis-and-the-rule-of-law-9b8b1410
January 10, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from freezing child care funding in Illinois, 4 other states. The temporary ruling comes a day after Illinois and the four other Democrat-led states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the federal government’s intention to freeze funding for social services programs in the states.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/09/judge-temporarily-blocks-trump-administration-from-freezing-child-care-funding-in-illinois-4-other-states
— Feds agree to halt proposed national youth gender care ban while court weighs motion. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agreed to hold off on communicating its new regulations regarding gender-affirming care, per documents filed this week in an ongoing suit from officials from 20 states, including Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2026/01/09/feds-agree-to-halt-proposed-national-youth-gender-care-ban-while-court-weighs-motion
BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRATY
— Trump admin to garnish wages of delinquent student loan borrowers, including IL residents. DD: Did you get a student loan? I did not. I did not try to get one. My critics/opponents would a) hint/imply/argue/shout that I was not college material and b) stress that my ACT score was only 24, that I only just barely made it into the upper 20% percent of my class, and that I displayed no leadership potential.
https://www.bnd.com/news/state/illinois/article314265869.html
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— DD: Democrat leaders say fractures are starting to show in Trump’s GOP at the start of this election year.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-fractures-are-starting-to-show-in-trumps-gop-at-the-start-of-this-election-year/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Weaponizing Tragedy: The Left’s War on Law and Order
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2026/01/open-borders-political-stunts-and-the-cost-in-innocent-lives/
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Chicago gets lowest employment score since 2009
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-gets-lowest-employment-score-since-2009/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Renee Good is a cautionary tale on the dangers of the Left’s cult of ideology. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4412656/renee-good-cautionary-tale-dangers-left-cult-ideology/
NEW YORK POST
— Trump admin blocked from freezing $10B in child care, social services funding to NY, 4 other blue states. DD: For Democrats, the federal government exists to provide social services to Democrats, that is, to provide welfare to Democrats.
https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/us-news/judge-blocks-trump-admin-from-freezing-10b-in-child-care-social-services-funding-to-five-blue-states/
BREITBART
— Seattle’s Socialist Mayor to Illegals: ‘This Is Your City’
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2026/01/09/seattles-socialist-mayor-to-illegals-this-is-your-city/
DAILY CALLER
— How American Leftist Groups Collaborated With Maduro For Over A Decade
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/09/maduro-venezuela-trump-black-lives-matter-blm-democratic-socialists-america-dsa-chavez-socialismmaduro-venezuela-trump-black-lives-matter-blm-democratic-socialists-america-dsa-chavez-socialism/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Minnesota Somali Fraud, Illegal Trucking Scandals Share One Thing: DEI
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/09/minnesota-somali-fraud-illegal-trucking-scandals-share-one-thing-dei/amp/
EPOCH TIMES
— Behind the Group That Controls Chinese Students in America. ‘Fight with all their might for the motherland.’ Chinese students are pressured into advancing Beijing’s interests in America.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/behind-the-group-that-controls-chinese-students-in-america-5962330
FOX NEWS
— NAACP posts split image comparing ICE agents to KKK members: ‘Different mask, same agenda’ DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly equate their runaway slaves with their illegals.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/naacp-posts-split-image-comparing-ice-agents-kkk-members-different-mask-same-agenda.print
— DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387438147112
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— School Must Allow Parent to Opt Kindergarten Student Out of LGBTQ+ Lessons, Court Rules. DD: How successful have Democrats been making the students in your school district sexually active LGBTQers?
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/school-must-allow-parent-to-opt-kindergarten-student-out-of-lgbtq-lessons-court-rules/
NATIONAL REVIEW
— Scenes from Last Night’s Anti-ICE Protest in D.C. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/scenes-from-last-nights-anti-ice-protest-in-d-c/
NEWSMAX
— Judge Blocks Trump Freeze on Child Care Funds in 5 States. DD: For Democrats, the federal government exists to provide social services to Democrats, that is, to provide welfare to Democrats.
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/child-care-funding-freeze/2026/01/09/id/1241549/
TOWNHALL
— Mamdani Voters Shrug at Venezuelan Immigrant’s Warning Against Socialism
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2026/01/09/venezuelan-immigrants-vs-pro-mamdani-new-yorkers-n2669100
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC NEWS
— Protests against ICE planned across US after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/protests-ice-planned-us-after-shootings-minneapolis-portland-129078604
NBC NEWS
— Protests against ICE planned across US after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/protests-ice-planned-us-after-shootings-minneapolis-portland-129078604
REUTERS
— Fatal ICE shooting of Minneapolis activist sets stage for national protests. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis-activist-sets-stage-national-protests-2026-01-10/
MSN
— ‘You’re just an unqualified yes man’: Hegseth sat in silence as Duckworth gave a lengthy speech lambasting him. DD: Who has hinted/implied/argued/shouted that you were unqualified? My Democrat IRS superiors, supervisors, workers, and subordinates hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I was unqualified when an IRS manager a) promoted me in when I was 23 and 24, b) gave me a very high-profile developmental assignment when I was 25, and c) promoted me because of my performance on that assignment when I was 25. According to them, those promotions and that assignment should have been given to my Democrat coworkers who were veterans. They all blamed Republicans like me for America losing the Vietnam War. They all stressed that I got student draft deferments when I was 18-21 and a financial hardship draft deferment when I was 21-22. They all hinted/implied/argued/shouted that the real reason why I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU when I was 21 was to avoid the Vietnam War draft. According to them, if I had not avoided the Vietnam War draft, I would not have been a able to a) earn that degree, b) pay for graduate evening business courses at Loyola when I was 23-27 and accounting courses at DePaul when I was 27-31, c) buy new cars when I was 19, 20, 23, 25, 29, etc., d) buy real estate when I was 24, 25, 27, 29, 35, etc., and e) get married when I was 29. To punish me, they a) forced my aforesaid IRS manager to transfer to Dallas, b) disallowed my travel vouchers when I was 25, c) disallowed my education deductions when I was 29, and d) made it clear that they would never promote me again. They ignored/dismissed/belittled a) my earning an MBA from Loyola when I was 27, b) my passing the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30, c) my earning a master’s degree from DePaul when I was 31, d) etc.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/you-re-just-an-unqualified-yes-man-pete-hegseth-sits-in-silence-as-tammy-duckworth-gives-lengthy-speech-putting-him-in-his-place/vi-AA1TTm4h
NEW YORK TIMES
— Judge Blocks Trump Officials From Freezing Billions in Social Services Funds. DD: For Democrats, the federal government exists to provide social services to Democrats, that is, to provide welfare to Democrats.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/09/us/trump-news
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/us/politics/trump-minnesota-food-stamps-usda.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/us/politics/trump-child-care-funding-freeze.html
— What Happens if Federal Agents and Local Officers Stop Getting Along? DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Illegals are soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/federal-agents-law-enforcement-trump.html
WASHINGTON POST
— Protests against ICE planned across US after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2026/01/10/ice-protests-shootings-minneapolis-portland/f9fc2cd4-ede6-11f0-91a9-9928b22be817_story.html
LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Fast-food workers make $20 an hour. California’s other low-wage earners ask: What about us? DD: In today’s dollars, I started earning $19.57/hour when I was 18 in 1966 and started working part-time for the Park Forest Post Office. To get that job, I had passed the postal employment examination, earned a high school diploma, passed a physical examination, passed a background investigation, had a driver’s license, and had a car to use to deliver mail.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-09/fast-food-workers-now-make-20-an-hour-californias-other-low-wage-earners-ask-what-about-us
USA TODAY
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly side with Venezuela against America.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/10/trump-ousted-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-immigrants-safety/88034921007/
FORTUNE
— Did your career get a bad start? My career in the federal government sure did. My Democrat Post Office supervisor a) disapproved of my getting student draft deferments and b) disapproved of my being Protest, German American, and a Crete resident. He was a veteran who blamed Republicans for America losing the Vietnam War. He disallowed my sick leave requests and forced me to resign when I was 20 in 1969. According to him, I got student deferments to avoid the Vietnam War draft. I passed the test to get into a postal management program, but my score was not high enough to get into the program. My Democrat IRS and GAO superiors used the aforesaid against me.
https://fortune.com/2015/03/31/four-successful-business-tycoons-first-jobs/
PBS
— Shootings in Minneapolis and Portland spur protests over federal enforcement operations. — DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/shootings-in-minneapolis-and-portland-spur-protests-over-federal-enforcement-operations-after
NEW REPUBLIC
— DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://newrepublic.com/article/205067/renee-good-george-floyd-minneapolis-resistance-violence
NEW YORKER
— DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/an-ice-killing-puts-minneapolis-on-the-brink
CREATORS SYNDICATE
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly side with Venezuela against America.
https://www.creators.com/read/mona-charen
AXIOS
— Liberal media tries to curry favor with Trump. DD: I should write about those Republican candidates, elected officials, and party leaders in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who since 2000 have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me to curry favor with the Democrat news media.
https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/liberal-media-trump-favor-effort
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
GUARDIAN
— Six years after George Floyd, we must stand against an ICE killing in Minneapolis. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/09/george-floyd-ice-killing-minneapolis
January 3, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— US strike on Venezuelan: Protesters gather in Chicago, Illinois and Indiana leaders speak out. Democrats condemn ‘illegal’ military operation, Republicans praise Trump for taking action.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-illinois-indiana-leaders-speak-trump-announces-us-captured-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-wife/18347741/
— Why Venezuela? Trump’s shifting explanations about military buildup
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-trumps-shifting-explanations-military-buildup/18346832/
NBC5
— Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, wife arrive in New York after capture by US military. Maduro’s government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an “imperialist attack” and urging citizens to take to the streets.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/watch-live-president-trump-to-address-nation-at-10-a-m-after-venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-captured/3870739/
— Illinois lawmakers react to US strikes in Venezuela, capture of Maduro. Illinois’ Republican members of Congress praised the mission, while Democrats largely condemned the U.S. military’s actions.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-lawmakers-react-to-us-strikes-in-venezuela-capture-of-maduro/3870791/
— Who will run Venezuela? U.S. will, Trump says, and tap its oil reserves. Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro’s capture, Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to “fix” the country’s oil infrastructure and sell “large amounts” of oil to other countries.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/u-s-plans-to-run-venezuela-and-tap-its-oil-reserves-trump-says/3870857/
CBS2
— Trump says “we’re going to run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture until peaceful transition takes place
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/trump-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-captured-transition/
— Illinois leaders, Chicago communities react to U.S military operation in Venezuela
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-reactions-military-operation-venezuela/
WGN9
— Rubio sends warning to Cuba’s leaders after Maduro’s removal: ‘I’d be concerned’
https://wgntv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/rubio-sends-warning-to-cubas-leaders-after-maduros-removal-id-be-concerned/
FOX32
— Can the U.S. ‘run’ Venezuela? What the law says about Maduro’s arrest
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/can-u-s-run-venezuela-what-law-says-about-maduros-arrest
— Illinois politicos criticize Trump for strike in Venezuela: ‘reckless and unconstitutional’ Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela until a new government is in place
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-politicos-criticize-trump-strike-venezuela-reckless-unconstitutional
— Who is Nicolás Maduro? Venezuelan president captured by US forces
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/who-is-nicolas-maduro-venezuelan-president-captured-us-forces
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— US plans to ‘run’ Venezuela and tap its oil reserves, Donald Trump says, after operation to oust Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/us-strikes-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/
— Venezuelans wonder who’s in charge as Donald Trump claims contact with Nicolás Maduro’s deputy
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/venezuelans-trump-maduros-deputy/
— After ousting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, Donald Trump commits himself to another foreign policy project
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/maduro-venezuela-trump-foreign-policy-project/
— How the US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/how-the-us-captured-nicols-maduro/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Chicago’s Venezuelan community applauds Maduro removal but question Trump’s motives. Illinois political leaders criticized the U.S. government’s attack on Venezuela as unconstitutional because of President Donald Trump’s failure to consult Congress.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/nation-world/2026/01/03/chicago-venezuelans-applaud-maduro-ouster-trump-attack-motives
DAILY HERALD
— With capture of Maduro, Trump claims successful operation as he treads into uncharted territory
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/with-capture-of-maduro-trump-claims-successful-operation-as-he-treads-into-uncharted-territory/
— ‘What comes next?’ Democrats warn U.S. could be walking into a quagmire after Maduro capture
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/what-comes-next-democrats-warn-u-s-could-be-walking-into-a-quagmire-after-maduro-capture/
— Thousands of mail-in ballots could be discounted under new post office policy
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/thousands-of-mail-in-ballots-could-be-discounted-under-new-post-office-policy/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Trump’s Venezuela move sparks sharp divide among area pols
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/trumps-venezuela-move-sparks-sharp-divide-among-area-pols
SUBURBAN LIFE
— Downers Grove Township group working to put 708 Mental Health Board referendum on November ballot
https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/01/02/downers-grove-township-group-working-to-put-708-mental-health-board-referendum-on-november-ballot/
SOUTHERN
— Republicans largely back Trump on Venezuela action, Democrats decry it as unjustified
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/03/republicans-largely-back-trump-on-venezuela-action-democrats-decry-it-as-unjustified/
NPR ILLINOIS
— ‘We are going to run the country,’ Trump says after strike on Venezuela
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-03/we-are-going-to-run-the-country-trump-says-after-strike-on-venezuela
25 NEWS NOW
— LaHood praises Trump for removing ‘thug’ while Sorensen worries about US running Venezuela
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/01/03/gops-lahood-praises-trump-team-removing-thug-while-sorensen-worries-about-us-plans-run-venezuela/
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Capture of Maduro and US claim that it will run Venezuela raise new legal questions
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-capture-of-maduro-and-us-claim-it-will-run-venezuela-raise-new-legal-questions/
— Democrats rip Trump administration for strikes on Venezuela: ‘Illegal’
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/national/democrats-rip-trump-administration-for-strikes-on-venezuela-illegal/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Pritzker: Trump’s military action in Venezuela is ‘unconstitutional’
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_f248d3b9-4a12-48ad-a416-17a640422fa6.html
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Chicago Records Nearly 2,000 Shooting Victims in 2025, Outpacing New York and Los Angeles
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/chicago-records-nearly-2000-shooting-victims-in-2025-outpacing-new-york-and-los-angeles.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump’s arrest of Maduro is a victory over corruption, communism and isolationism. It’s time to secure the Western Hemisphere and let the criminal, communist dominoes fall.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/trumps-arrest-maduro-victory-corruption-communism-isolationism/
— Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela until a new government is in place
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/trump-says-us-run-venezuela-new-government-place/
— Democrats to force war powers vote to prevent escalation in Venezuela without congressional approval
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/democrats-force-war-powers-vote-prevent-escalation-venezuela-without/
— Rubio says administration notified Congress after grabbing Maduro
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/rubio-says-administration-notified-congress-grabbing-maduro/
— The ‘warmth of collectivism’ is a bloody lie
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/warmth-collectivism-bloody-lie/
— Democrats should get blame for health care costs, inflation. If Obamacare, economy decide 2026 midterms, Republicans will win.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/1/democrats-get-blame-health-care-costs-inflation/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘Illinois is worse’ as HHS enforces verification for child care funding: Trump
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/4400830/illinois-child-care-worse-hhs-funding-trump/
— This wasn’t an arrest in Venezuela. This was an unauthorized regime-change war
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4400798/this-wasnt-an-arrest-in-venezuela-this-was-an-unauthorized-regime-change-war/
— Mamdani’s collectivist vision for America
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4399614/mamdani-collectivist-vision-for-america/
WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Donroe Doctrine: Trump Nabs Maduro in Daring, Middle-of-the-Night Operation. US will run Venezuela until a legitimate government can be installed.
https://freebeacon.substack.com/p/donroe-doctrine-trump-nabs-maduro
NEW YORK POST
— Trump tells Post that US troops won’t be in Venezuela if Maduro VP ‘does what we want’: ‘We have a second wave’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/trump-says-us-troops-wont-be-in-venezuela-if-nicolas-maduro-vp-delcy-rodriguez-does-what-we-want/
— Mamdani, other NY lefties rip Trump over Maduro arrest, condemning it as ‘act of war’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/mamdani-other-ny-lefties-rip-trump-over-maduro-arrest/
— World leaders gripe over US arrest of tyrant Nicolás Maduro, despite legal precedent: ‘Deeply alarmed’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/world-news/world-leaders-gripe-over-us-arrest-of-tyrant-nicolas-maduro-despite-legal-precedent-deeply-alarmed/
— Trump issues thinly veiled warning to Mexico, slams Cuba, Colombia after US strikes Venezuela, arrests Maduro
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/world-news/trump-issues-chilling-warning-to-colombia-cuba-after-us-strikes-venezuela-captures-maduro-he-does-have-to-watch-his-a/
BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Rubio details why Venezuela strike did not require congressional authorization, says no further action
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/01/03/rubio-details-why-venezuela-strike-did-not-require-congressional-authorization-says-no-further-action-1613609/
BREITBART
— ‘Brewing Discontent’ Among GOP Senators About Trump’s Misbehavior
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/01/02/whitehouse-brewing-discontent-among-gop-senators-about-trumps-misbehavior/amp/
DAILY CALLER
— Congressional Democrats Rage At Trump’s Venezuela Operation
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/03/congressional-democrats-donald-trump-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Trump Announces Major Victory in Venezuelan Drug War
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/03/trump-celebrates-capture-maduro-venezuela/
EPOCH TIMES
— There is No Such Thing as Being Transgender
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTtBHfiiQZo
FOX NEWS
— Republicans line up behind Trump after US strikes Venezuela, Maduro arrested: ‘Changed the course of history’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed a number of Republican lawmakers on the Venezuela strike Saturday morning.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republicans-line-up-behind-trump-after-us-strikes-venezuela-maduro-arrested-changed-course-history
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— DePaul University Offers Students Training on How to Run a Pot Dispensary
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/depaul-university-offers-students-training-on-how-to-run-a-pot-dispensary/amp/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— Venezuelan officials condemn Maduro’s capture, calling it a “kidnapping”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuelan-officials-condemn-maduro-capture-kidnapping-trump-delcy-rodriguez/
— U.S. seeks to tap Venezuela’s vast oil reserves after military strikes. Here’s what to know.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuela-oil-reserves-us-strike-trump-what-to-know/
— Photos show damage at Fuerte Tiuna, the military base where Maduro was captured
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fuerte-tiuna-satellite-images-after-maduro-captured/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Venezuela Live Updates: Maduro Arrives in N.Y.; Trump Says U.S. Will ‘Run’ Venezuela. Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, rejected the U.S. intervention and demanded President Nicolás Maduro’s return. Maduro and his wife were being brought to New York City to stand trial on drug and weapons charges.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/03/world/trump-united-states-strikes-venezuela
MIAMI HERALD
— After Maduro’s capture, Venezuelans in South Florida dream of going home
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article314149807.html
January 2, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/federal-employees-trump-administration-ban-gender-affirming-care/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/lesbian-couple-makes-history-as-cook-countys-first-marriage-of-2026/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/02/ice-detention-conditions-rey-estrada-broadview-michigan-landscapers
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/02/first-wedding-cook-county-melissa-nunez-elizabeth-brenske
FOX32 & WGN9
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/cook-county-first-marriage-2026
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/historic-first-female-couple-receives-cook-countys-first-marriage-license-of-2026/
WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.wbez.org/immigration/2026/01/02/operation-midway-blitz-parents-children-immigration-detention-mental-health
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_998815d3-0067-4fa4-80e4-18c3c8f9a2c2.amp.html
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— State Spending Way Up under Pritzker, But Economic Growth Lags
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/state-spending-way-up-under-pritzker-but-economic-growth-lags/
— John Kass Endorses Ted Dombrowski
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/john-kass-endorses-ted-dombrowski/
— Richmond Cemetery District Spends $36,300 on “Special Services”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/richmond-cemetery-district-spends-36300-on-special-services/
— Hearing Officer Recommends Severino Ticket Be Thrown Off GOP Gubernatorial Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/hearing-officer-recommends-severino-ticket-be-thrown-off-gop-gubernatorial-ballot/
— Here’s a First: GOP Committeeperson Hosting Gubernatorial and Other Candidates Event DD: In 2003, all five of the announced Republican U.S. Senate candidates (John Cox, Chirinjeev Kathuria, Andrew McKenna, Jim Oberweis, and Jack Ryan) attended a picnic that I organized in the Prairie Path Park in my precinct. More than 200 attended. Back then, I was the GOPUSA Illinois Editor, the Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) webmaster, and an officer of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter. I organized a major MTRO straw poll later in 2003 that Ryan won. The Illinois GOP Establishment wanted McKenna to win that primary and blamed me for Ryan winning it instead. The Illinois GOP Establishment also blames me for Jim Ryan’s loss to Blagojevich. Also, later in 2003, and in 2004, I organized Wheaton’s 9/11 ceremonies.
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/heres-a-first-gop-committeeperson-hosting-gubernatorial-and-other-candidates-event/
— New McHenry County Administrator Scott Hartman Takes Office
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/new-county-administrator-takes-office/
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Over 600 Chicago teachers hit Sin City on taxpayers’ dime
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/over-600-chicago-teachers-hit-sin-city-on-taxpayers-dime/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Mamdani’s first moves as NYC mayor: Revoke Eric Adams’ orders, create task forces on housing
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/2/zohran-mamdanis-first-moves-mayor-revoke-eric-adams-orders-create/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Tim Walz has been playing the ‘race card’ in the Somali fraud scandal
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/entertainment/4398065/tim-walz-playing-race-card-somali-fraud-scandal-joe-concha/
NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani, wife Rama Duwaji dressed for inauguration by controversial ‘anti-Israel’ stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson
https://nypost.com/2026/01/02/us-news/zohran-mamdani-and-wife-rama-duwaji-dressed-for-inauguration-by-anti-israel-stylist/
BREITBART
— 2,274 Shooting Incidents in Brandon Johnson’s Chicago During 2025
https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/01/02/2274-shooting-incidents-in-brandon-johnsons-chicago-during-2025/amp/
— Database Searches Show Somali Fraudsters Funding Democrat Politicians
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/02/database-searches-show-somali-fraudsters-funding-democrat-politicians/
DAILY CALLER
— Liberal Media Already Poking Holes In Mamdani’s Socialist Savior Story
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/02/washington-post-zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayor-socialists/
FOX NEWS
— Harvard alum blasts DEI policies after ‘woke’ values drive longtime professor’s exit. Shabbos Kestenbaum echoes concerns from professor James Hankins who left after 40 years over woke values.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/harvard-alum-blasts-dei-policies-after-woke-values-drive-longtime-professors-exit
NATIONAL REVIEW
— One Man’s ‘Warmth of Collectivism’ Is Another’s Inferno
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/01/one-mans-warmth-of-collectivism-is-anothers-inferno/
NEWSMAX
— We must stop socialism now, or it will spread across America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5uCb9IBzEM
TOWNHALL
— The Woke Collapse of Harvard Continues
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/01/02/harvard-prof-torches-school-over-woke-anti-white-policies-n2668759
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
REUTERS
— Mamdani vows to enact democratic socialist agenda
https://www.reuters.com/world/mamdanis-inauguration-new-york-new-year-new-mayor-2025-12-31/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Israeli Government Accuses Mamdani of Antisemitism Over Canceled Orders
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/nyregion/mamdani-israel-executive-orders.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Tesla Falls Behind China’s BYD as Vehicle Sales Drop for Second Year. End of U.S. subsidy for electric vehicles and flagging European demand dented global EV sales.
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/tesla-sales-drop-for-second-year-in-a-row-958dec20
December 23, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
https://abc7chicago.com/post/supreme-court-ruling-keeps-donald-trumps-chicago-national-guard-deployment-blocked-now/18309907/
— Pope disappointed over approval of assisted suicide legislation in his home state of Illinois
https://abc7chicago.com/post/pope-leo-xiv-news-catholic-church-leader-disappointed-approval-assisted-suicide-legislation-home-state-illinois/18310097/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Supreme Court deals Trump a defeat on bid to deploy National Guard in Illinois
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/23/supreme-court-trump-national-guard-illinois/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/20/november-us-consumer-goods-price-tracker/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pope disappointed by approval of Illinois’ assisted suicide legislation. Pope Leo XIV said he asked Gov. JB Pritzker not to sign legislation allowing assisted suicide in Illinois. “We were very clear about the necessity to respect the sacredness of life from the very beginning to the very end, and unfortunately … he decided to sign that bill.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv/2025/12/23/pope-disappointed-over-approval-of-illinois-assisted-suicide-legislation
DAILY HERALD
— Why three congressional candidates could be booted from the ballot
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251223/us-congress-politics/why-three-congressional-candidates-could-be-booted-from-the-ballot/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Three congressional candidates vying to serve different parts of the Northwest or West suburbs will find out early next month if they’ll appear on March 2026 primary ballots or be booted. On the hot seat are Democrat Mark J. Pasieka Sr., a Chicagoan running in the 3rd District; and two Republicans running in the 11th District, Tedora Brown of Palos Park and Michael Pierce of Naperville.)
— DuPagePads opens new warming center in Wheaton
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251223/news/dupagepads-opens-new-warming-center-in-wheaton/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Quantifying the Tax Local Officials Did Not Vote To Impose, a “Would Have Been, Could Have Been” Article
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2025/12/23/quantifying-the-tax-local-officials-did-not-vote-to-impose-a-would-have-been-could-have-been-article/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Supreme Court rules against Trump on deploying troops to Chicago
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/supreme-court-rules-trump-deploying-troops-chicago/
— Medicaid wasted more than $200 million on dead enrollees in single year
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/medicaid-paid-200-million-care-deceased-patients-single-year/
— White House rebuffs Catholic bishops’ appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/catholic-bishops-appeal-christmas-pause-immigration-enforcement/
— Military hits best recruiting numbers in 15 years
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/military-hits-best-recruiting-numbers-15-years-pentagon-says/
— Islam is still incompatible with America
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/december-2025-islam-still-incompatible-america/
— American families deserve real health care relief. There’s a better path than Obamacare.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/10/american-families-deserve-real-health-care-relief/
NEW YORK POST
— Toxic ideas fueling far-left terrorists came straight from our college campuses
https://nypost.com/2025/12/23/opinion/toxic-fuel-for-far-left-terrorists-came-straight-from-our-colleges/
AMERICAN THINKER
— The problem behind ‘affordability’
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/the_problem_behind_affordability.html
— NBC criticizes Trump admin for claiming ‘without evidence’ that white civilization is being erased
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/more_fake_news_nbc_criticizes_trump_admin_for_claiming_without_evidence_that_white_civilization_is_being_erased.html
— The ‘affordability crisis’ myth
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/11/the_affordability_crisis_myth.html
BREITBART
— SCOTUS Rules Against Trump Sending National Guard to Sanctuary Chicago
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/23/scotus-rules-against-trump-sending-national-guard-sanctuary-chicago/
CAMPUS REFORM
— Worst 5 examples of higher ed’s pro-abortion agenda in 2025. Abortion is celebrated and promoted on college campuses.
https://www.campusreform.org/article/worst-5-examples-higher-eds-pro-abortion-agenda-2025/29167
DAILY WIRE
— TPUSA Attendees Rally Around JD Vance At AmFest. “JD Vance represents the greatest conservative movement in over forty years.”
https://www.dailywire.com/news/tpusa-attendees-rally-around-jd-vance-at-amfest
EPOCH TIMES
— Federal Judge Strikes Down California’s Policies Hiding Gender Switches From Parents. The permanent injunction includes language that bars any employee in California’s education system from ’misleading the parent.’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/federal-judge-strikes-down-californias-policies-hiding-gender-switches-from-parents-5961936
FOX NEWS
— Mamdani FIRES BACK after report exposes anti-Zionist appointees
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6386869048112
— 20% of NYC mayor-elect Mamdani transition appointees have anti-Zionist ties
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/20-nyc-mayor-elect-mamdani-transition-appointees-have-anti-zionist-ties-adl.amp
NEWSMAX
— California Auditor Flags Newsom Admin as High Risk, Citing Billions in Exposure
https://www.newsmax.com/us/california-gavin-newsom-audit/2025/12/23/id/1239457/
PATRIOT POST
— Slouching Toward Open Season on Jews. To catalog all the recent violence against Jews in the Western world would fill a book.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/123805-slouching-toward-open-season-on-jews-2025-12-23
POST MILLENNIAL
— Vance overwhelmingly wins AmFest straw poll for 2028 GOP presidential nominee. The poll found that 84.2 percent of attendees want Vance for the spot, while no other figure in the poll received double-digit support.
https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-jd-vance-overwhelmingly-wins-amfest-straw-poll-for-2028-gop-presidential-nominee
REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— The NLRB Can Now Serve the American People, Not the Democratic Party
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/12/22/the_nlrb_can_now_serve_the_american_people_not_the_democratic_party_153661.amp.html
TOWNHALL
— Mamdani Chalks Up His Antisemitic Staff Problem As a ‘Wide Variety of Political Opinion’
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/12/23/mamdani-radical-staffers-wide-variety-of-political-opinion-n2668370
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
REUTERS
— US seeks to cancel thousands of asylum cases
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-seeks-cancel-thousands-asylum-cases-cbs-news-reports-2025-12-23/
CNBC
— Entry-level hiring is down 23% from March 2020. DD: What entry-level jobs did you have? I had three. I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU when I was 21 years old in 1970. My first entry-level job was a Retail Sales Manager for a Firestone Store. My salary was about $50,000/year in today’s dollars for a 44-hour workweek. In 1971, my second entry-level job was a GS-7 IRS Revenue Officer. The salary was $55,850/year in today’s dollars. To get that job, I had passed the Federal Service Entrance Examination. My taking graduate evening business courses at Loyola helped me get promoted to GS-9 ($68,315/year) in 1972, to GS-11 ($82,655/year) in 1973, and to GS-12 ($99,069/year) in 1974. I earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976. In 1980, my third entry-level job was a GS-9 Step 10 GAO Analyst. The salary was $88,808/year in today’s dollars. To get that job, I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and almost earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul. My salary was $153,151/year in today’s dollars almost 18 years later in 1997, after I earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, after I passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, after I became a licensed CPA in 1981, after I earned four more professional certifications in 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and after I earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/23/this-is-linkedins-no-1-piece-of-advice-for-entry-level-job-seekers-in-2026.html
USA TODAY
— Turning Point exposes Republican infighting when we need unity. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition officer, those organizations would still be hosting candidate debates today.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/12/23/turning-point-republican-infighting-conservative-movement/87855762007/
INC.
— The Top 15 Highest-Paying Jobs for 2026 That Don’t Require a College Degree. DD: Firestone Stores would not have hired me as a Retail Store Manager in 1970 and IRS would not have hired me as a Revenue Officer in 1971 if I had not earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1970. IRS would not have promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974 if I had not been taking graduate business evening courses. GAO would not have hired me as an Analyst in 1980 if I had not earned an MBA in 1976 and passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. GAO would not have promoted me in 1986 if I had not earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, and became a licensed CPA in 1981.
https://www.inc.com/kit-eaton/the-top-15-highest-paying-jobs-for-2026-that-dont-require-a-degree/91281103
TALKING POINTS MEMO
— GAO Has Been Calling Out Trump’s Illegal Impoundment. That May Soon Change.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/one-agency-has-been-calling-out-trumps-illegal-impoundment-that-may-soon-change
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Throughout 2025, the Trump administration has, time after time, simply refused to spend funds that Congress appropriated. The obstinacy was without precedent in modern American governance; congressional Democrats suggested it had put the country on track toward a constitutional crisis. Republicans, who controlled both chambers of Congress, largely did nothing. Piping up occasionally to affirm to those who were paying attention that they had not entirely lost their minds was a relatively small watchdog agency housed within the legislative branch: The Government Accountability Office (GAO). . .Following Dodaro’s retirement, Congress will establish a bipartisan panel to recommend a replacement to the president. President Donald Trump will then nominate a candidate subject to Senate confirmation. But experts worry that the ostensibly bipartisan process will not be enough to force Trump to appoint someone who will live up to the agency’s nonpartisan mission, which includes investigating improper, wasteful and fraudulent use of the money Congress allocates. “It is very likely that Gene Dodaro is replaced with a Trump lackey,” Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, told TPM. Kogan worries that if Dodaro is replaced by a Trump loyalist, the agency will stop doing the “important part of what they have been doing, which is investigations, public oversight and accountability.” “GAO investigations are extremely important,” Georgetown Law professor David Super told TPM. “In many respects, it provides a better and more independent version of what the inspectors general used to provide,” he said, referencing the watchdogs who sit within many executive branch agencies — and who Trump fired en masse in 2025. “Since Trump has gotten rid of the inspectors general, we don’t have that independent site,” Super continued. “So having an independent GAO looking at things is extremely important. And, certainly, Congress would have a harder time doing its job without GAO.”)
PEW RESEARCH
— The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources. DD: Since 2000, I have worked hard to fill an ever-increasing political news and commentary gap in Illinois with my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. Tragically, there are fewer and fewer and fewer conservative news and commentary sources in Illinois.
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2025/06/10/the-political-gap-in-americans-news-sources/
December 18, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump signs executive order that would reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/reclassification-weed-president-donald-trump-signs-executive-order-today-would-reclassify-marijuana-less-dangerous/18298372/
— Trump administration moves to cut off gender-affirming care for transgender youth
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-administration-moves-cut-off-gender-affirming-care-transgender-youth-new-hhs-restrictions/18298513/
— Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trumps-handpicked-board-votes-rename-washington-performing-arts-center-trump-kennedy/18298307/
NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) bring in more illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/new-illinois-laws-will-impact-thousands-of-students-in-the-new-year/3865125/
FOX32
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/buffalo-grove-volunteers-send-handwritten-support-cards-lgbtq-people-nationwide
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— President Donald Trump signs order that would reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/trump-executive-order-reclassify-marijuana/
— New Trump administration proposals could further reduce gender-affirming care for minors in Illinois. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly make children sexually active LGBTQers.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/gender-affirming-care-trump-proposals/
— State commission highlights ‘unjustified’ uses of tear gas, pepper spray by federal immigration agents
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/illinois-accountability-commission-pritzker-border-patrol/
— President Donald Trump’s Justice Department sues Illinois over sensitive state voter data
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/illinois-voter-data-lawsuit/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Durbin, Duckworth seek criminal probe of Chicago’s immigration blitz — even after Trump leaves office
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/18/durbin-duckworth-criminal-investigation-operation-midway-blitz-ice-tactics
— New state panel takes shot at holding Trump immigration blitz to account: ‘We will not forget’ The chairman of the newly formed Illinois Accountability Commission acknowledged their eventual recommendations are likely to “fall on deaf ears” in the Trump administration.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/18/illinois-accountability-commission-trump-immigration-midway-blitz
DAILY HERALD
— Palatine Township trustees this week approved a $1.65 million tax levy for its community mental health board.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251218/local-politics/a-good-thing-for-people-palatine-township-levies-first-tax-for-community-mental-health-board/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Justice Department sues for access to Illinois voter rolls
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/justice-department-sues-access-illinois-voter-rolls
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly push more pot. Pot is poison.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/cannabis/trump-signals-marijuana-rescheduling-tax-relief-ahead
CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— The head of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has urged white men to report workplace discrimination based on race or sex. DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that discrimination against older White males was not only legal, but that it is what Congress wanted.
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/nation-world/head-of-workplace-rights-agency-urges-white-men-to-report-discrimination/article_6026fc17-ba43-52f4-98bc-f22f3c675724.html
NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn Trump
https://www.nprillinois.org/2025-12-17/with-costs-a-growing-worry-for-americans-trump-seeks-to-defend-his-economic-record
NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
— North Park University Invites Dreamers to Apply for TheDream.US Scholarship. DD: Did you get any scholarships? I did not. My critics/opponents have always used that against me.
https://www.northpark.edu/stories/north-park-university-invites-dreamers-to-apply-for-thedream-us-scholarship/
DUCKWORTH
— Duckworth-Led Provisions to Protect Rock Island Arsenal. DD: During the first 6 months of 1989, I worked for GAO at the Rock Island Arsenal on an audit of DOD’s 1990 ammunition budget request. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/assets/150/148194.pdf
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provisions-to-protect-rock-island-arsenal-support-illinois-quantum-technology-research-and-safeguard-care-for-veterans-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature
(FROM THE ARTICLE: By Constructing a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal: The bill authorizes $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare.)
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2025/12/18/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-440/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Pritzker disputes Trump claims, says Illinois GOP backs president ‘100%’
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_594bb86c-7336-490e-936f-3e3c69b17fc0.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/pritzker-disputes-trump-claims-says-160400287.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Mamdani says free buses means fewer assaults over ‘fare collection’
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/3926075/mamdani-free-buses-fewer-assaults-fare-collection/
NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani appointee made vile antisemitic comments in unearthed social media posts
https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/zohran-mamdani-appointee-catherine-almonte-da-costa-made-vile-antisemitic-comments-in-unearthed-social-media-posts/
— NYC Council pushes bill to create Zohran Mamdani’s $1B ‘safety’ agency that would pull cops off some 911 calls
https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/nyc-council-pushes-bill-to-create-zohran-mamdanis-1b-safety-agency-that-will-pull-cops-off-some-911-calls/
BREITBART
— ‘It’s Open Season’: Antisemitic Attacks in NYC Highlight Broader Threat, ‘This is Mamdani’s NY’
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/18/its-open-season-antisemitic-attacks-in-nyc-highlight-broader-threat-this-is-mamdanis-ny/
— Inflation Unexpectedly Tumbles To 2.7%, Much Better Than Expected, Core Inflation Falls to Lowest Since Early 2021
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/12/18/inflation-unexpectedly-tumbles-to-2-7-much-better-than-expected/
DAILY SIGNAL
— EEOC Urges White Males to Report Discrimination—And Promptly. DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that discrimination against older White males was not only legal, but that it is what Congress wanted.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/12/18/eeoc-urges-white-males-report-discrimination-promptly/amp/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: White males who have faced discrimination should file a federal complaint, the head of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says. In a video posted on social media Thursday, EEOC Acting Chairwoman Andrea Lucas advised potential victims of discrimination to file complaints in a timely manner. “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?” Lucas said. “You may have a claim to recover money under federal civil rights laws.” The Trump administration has opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the government, and terminated DEI federal grants. A person has a deadline of 180 days from the alleged discrimination to make a complaint, according to the EEOC. “Contact the EOC as soon as possible. Time limits are typically strict for filing a claim,” Lucas continued. “The EOC is the federal agency charged with enforcing federal antidiscrimination law against businesses and other private sector employers.” “The EOC is committed to identifying, attacking, and eliminating all forms of race and sex discrimination, including against white male applicants, and employees,” Lucas clarified. The EEOC website says the 180-day deadline can be extended up to 300 days if a state or local agency enforces a law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis, and would have to first hear the case. Although the EEOC has frequently taken up discrimination cases on behalf of minority groups, earlier this year the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that someone who belongs to a “majority group” can sue for discrimination, in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. That case involved a straight woman who alleged she was passed over for employment due to her sexual identity, but the “majority group” principle would likely apply for a white male. During his first term, President Donald Trump appointed Lucas—a former labor and litigation lawyer at the firm of Gibson Dunn—to the EEOC, and the Senate confirmed her in 2020. After Trump returned for a second term in January, he designated her as the acting chair of commission. [Lucas is not related to The Daily Signal reporter who wrote this news story.] Lucas has not been confirmed by the Senate as chair. But, as previously noted in The Daily Signal, as acting chair she forced major law firms to stop using DEI to discriminate based on race. She further ordered the EEOC to be evenhanded in its enforcement priorities. Lucas made it easier for employees to report DEI discrimination and made it a priority to protect Americans from religious discrimination. This is move is a Trump administration “stunt,” said Markus Batchelor, national political director at People For the American Way, a liberal activist group. “Stunts like this demonstrate the lengths Trump is willing to go to dismantle institutions meant to do good and make them tools that once again unbalance the scales in favor of privilege and white supremacy,” Batchelor told The Grio. “A call for ‘color-blind, merit-based’ employment falls flat from a White House that is overwhelmingly white, wealthy, and unqualified to govern.”)
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more foreign truck drivers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/business/trump-immigrants-trucks.html
WASHINGTON POST
— Trump’s unconvincing argument on affordability. Hyperbole is not a plan. DD: What did you do to help you afford things? To help me afford cars, college expenses, real estate, etc., I took bad jobs that my peers would never stoop to take. I a) did yard work 1962-1964. b) delivered newspapers 1962-1966, c) washed dishes 1964-1966, d) cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966, e) delivered mail 1966-1969, f) worked on an automotive assembly line in 1970, g) sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971, h) pumped more gasoline 1971-1972, i) collected delinquent federal taxes 1971-1980, and j) audited federal agencies 1980-1997. I earned a) a job-related bachelor’s degree in 1970, b) job-related master’s degrees in 1976, 1980, and 1997, c) job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and a job-related professional license in 1981. I was able to do the aforesaid even though I was not viewed as being college material. Neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. My mother never attended high school. I have never been able to run because I have a bone disease. My eyesight has never been correctable to 20/20. I have always had partial red/green color blindness. My ACT score was only 24. I only just barely made it into the upper 20% of my high school class. According to my critics/opponents, I have always been stupid. They stress that I got no scholarships or student loans and that had to work my way through college. One could argue that if I could do the aforesaid with the limitations that I had, just about anyone could do what I did academically and professionally.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/18/trump-speech-tariffs-economy-checks/
— How the end of extra Affordable Care Act subsidies could affect you. DD: Are/were your healthcare insurance premiums subsidized? Ever since I became a part-time postal employee when was 18 in 1966, my critics/opponents have been furious that the federal government has paid 72% of my healthcare insurance premiums. They have been even more furious ever since I got married when I was 29 and the federal government started paying 72% of my wife’s healthcare insurance premiums. That 72% subsidy is a major reason why people despise/hate federal employees, federal retirees, and their spouses. That 72% subsidy helped me withstand tremendous efforts by my Democrat superiors in the federal government to waste my career and to get rid of me.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/18/affordable-care-act-subsidies-expire/
FORTUNE
— Mamdani gets 74,000 resumes in sign of New York City’s job-market misery
https://fortune.com/2025/12/17/mamdani-gets-74000-resumes-in-sign-of-new-york-citys-job-market-misery/
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
GUARDIAN
— FCC chair suggests agency is not independent amid fears of Trump power-grab. Brendan Carr’s declaration raises concerns amid Trump efforts to exert greater control over independent agencies. DD: GAO is not an independent agency. Congress funds it. It works for Congress.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/17/trump-fcc-brendan-carr
December 15, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Nearly 23% of Illinois high school students say they drink. DD: If I had been a drinker, a) S.S. Kresge would not have hired me to wash dishes, b) my ACT score would have been lower, c) I would not have made it into the upper 20% of my class, and d) UIC would not have accepted me.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/15/alcohol-report-illinois-department-of-health/
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DD: Anticipate/expect that under Pritzker, homelessness will ever-increasingly increase in Illinois.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2025/12/15/gov-pritzker-announces-2m-in-state-funding-to-help-with-unhoused/87774489007/
WSIL TV
— Illinois’ first report on alcohol use reveals concerning trends
https://www.wsiltv.com/news/illinois/illinois-first-report-on-alcohol-use-reveals-concerning-trends/article_87bae20e-07b9-4e2e-8eea-86410235228b.html?
CITIES 92.9
— Illinois Freedom Caucus raises new questions about noncitizen police officer
https://www.cities929.com/2025/12/15/watch-illinois-freedom-caucus-raises-new-questions-about-noncitizen-police-officer/
CWB CHICAGO
— Man wearing ankle monitor attacked 3 women days after judge refused to detain him
https://cwbchicago.com/2025/12/man-wearing-ankle-monitor-attacked-3-women-days-after-judge-refused-to-detain-him-documents-show.html
DAILY ILLINI
— Trump administration moves to end student loan forgiveness program. DD: I could not have gotten a student loan. My ACT score was only 24. I only just barely made it into the upper 20% of my high school class. I could not run because I had a bone disease. My eyesight could not be corrected to 20/20. I was 1-A for the Vietnam War draft. I was not a minority or a female.
https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/university-news/2025/12/15/trump-student-loan-forgiveness/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2025/12/15/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-436/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
FREEDOMS JOURNAL
— Symbolism Is Not Salvation: A Black Conservative Response to Chicago’s Reparations Push
https://freedomsjournalinstitute.org/blog/2025/12/15/symbolism-is-not-salvation-a-black-conservative-response-to-chicago-s-reparations-push
ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Reclassifying Marijuana Ignores Science and Endangers Families
https://illinoisfamily.org/marijuana-2/reclassifying-marijuana-ignores-science-and-endangers-families/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Conservatives line up against Trump’s marijuana downgrade. DD: Pot is poison. I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton in 2019.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/15/conservatives-line-trumps-marijuana-downgrade/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Reclassifying marijuana will not make America great again. DD: Pot is poison. I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton in 2019.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3917642/reclassifying-marijuana-will-not-make-america-great-again/
— Democrats blame guns, not evil, for Bondi Beach and Brown University shootings
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3917487/democrats-blame-guns-not-evil-bondi-beach-brown-shootings/
BLAZE
— ‘Rents will come down’ — but not in sanctuary cities
https://www.theblaze.com/news/rents-come-down-sanctuary-cities
CAMPUS REFORM
— 5 times higher ed pushed socialism in 2025
https://www.campusreform.org/article/5-times-higher-ed-pushed-socialism-in-2025/29080
FOX BUSINESS
— Sanctuary cities accused of shielding dangerous offenders from ICE enforcement
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6386509733112
FOX NEWS
— Leaked lessons from first-year University of Illinois education course show extreme left bias: ‘Just so wrong.’ Student whistleblower shares PowerPoints from first semester education class riddled with far-left messaging.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/leaked-lessons-from-first-year-university-illinois-education-course-show-extreme-left-bias-just-so-wrong
FOX SPORTS
— Chicago radio host rips Cubs player for Turning Point event attendance, likens it to ‘Nazi-adjacent pep rally.’ Matt Shaw attended Kirk’s funeral during the season. DD: People’s attitudes toward Kirk and toward his assassination say a lot about them.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/chicago-radio-host-rips-cubs-player-turning-point-event-attendance-nazi-adjacent-pep-rally
TOWNHALL
— NBC News Stirs the ‘Systemic Racism’ Pot
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/12/15/nbc-news-systemic-racism-in-certain-activities-n2667899
WESTERN JOURNAL
— Chick-fil-A Doubles Down on Wokeness After Getting Backlash for Gay ‘Marriage’ Stunt
https://www.westernjournal.com/chick-fil-doubles-wokeness-getting-backlash-gay-marriage-stunt/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
WASHINGTON POST
— Chicago has lost its mind. The city’s fiscal situation is dire, and Mayor Brandon Johnson is determined to make things worse.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/15/chicago-budget-brandon-johnson-taxes/
FORBES
— DD: Anticipate/expect that under Pritzker, homelessness will ever-increasingly increase in Illinois.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQiCy48UMhQ
BANKING RATES
— 5 Expensive Items Everyone Should Sell Before Retiring. DD: When my Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997, I owned two collector cars, a 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS and 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. I held on to them until 2005. I wish I still owned them.
https://www.aol.com/finance/5-expensive-items-everyone-sell-000608065.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: “One of the first things I suggest to clients is to take a hard look at their vehicles,” said Kevin Marshall, CPA and personal finance professional at Amortization Calculator. That dream car in the garage or the second SUV might have been exciting at one point, but it also carries weight — insurance premiums, maintenance costs, and repairs that never come cheap. “Retirement often brings fewer commutes and a slower pace, so why keep paying for something that spends most of its time sitting still?” He’s seen people sell an extra car and use the money to fund an entire year of travel or home improvements. “It’s not about downsizing — it’s about reallocating your resources to what actually brings you joy now.”)
JD SUPRA
— DOJ Promulgates Final Rule Removing Disparate Impact Regulations Under Title VI. DD: Democrat and RINO leaders use disparate impact to get rid of Republicans who are conservative, White, male, older, nonpoor, nonveteran, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time. According to Democrat and RINO leaders, when those who are the aforesaid succeed, it is because they benefit from discrimination against those who are not aforesaid. According to my critics/opponents, because I am all of the aforesaid, a) I owe all of my successes in life to my benefitted from discrimination against those who are not the aforesaid and b) I should pay the price of Affirmative Action and DEI.
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/doj-promulgates-final-rule-removing-7150551/
PEW RESEARCH
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/12/15/growing-shares-say-the-trump-administration-is-doing-too-much-to-deport-immigrants-in-the-us-illegally/
MOTHER JONES
— Trump Is Hellbent on Crushing Federal Unions, But They’re Still Kicking. DD: My critics/opponents despise/hate past, present, and future federal employees, and especially those who are, were, or might be union members. I was a union member while I worked for the Post Office 1966-1969 and for IRS 1971-1980.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/12/trump-doge-layoffs-federal-unions-busting-resistance-strike-protest-collective-bargaining-rights/