FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
WGN9
— Bailey addresses supporters
https://wgntv.com/video/darren-bailey-addresses-supporters/11617116/
— Chicago vets denounce Iran war, urge current service members to resist. DD: Many, most, virtually all, and at times all of my Democrat superiors and supervisors in the federal government were Democrat veterans who blamed Republicans for America losing the Vietnam War. They especially blamed me because I was a Republican, I was 1-A for the draft, and I had avoided the draft with four student deferments and a financial hardship deferment. Further, they hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I was an unmitigated disgusting coward because I probably would not have been sent into combat because I could not run because I had a bone disease, because my eyesight could not be corrected to 20/20, and because I had partial red/green color blindness. They took many big adverse actions against me.
https://wgntv.com/military/chicago-vets-denounce-iran-war-urge-current-service-members-to-resist/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Planned Parenthood of Illinois agrees to pay $500K over allegations of discrimination against white employees
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/19/planned-parenthood-illinois-eeoc-discrimination/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— FCC attempt to alter broadcast news is unconstitutional. Brendan Carr aims to reshape TV programming by requiring that broadcasters serve “the public interest” as he defines it, which evidently precludes news coverage that annoys the president. DD: My critics/opponents want to stop me from sending out my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. Failing that, they want to stop everyone from reading my newsletters. Failing that, they want to pressure/threaten me into a) including links in my newsletters only to article that they approve of and b) stop me from including my comments in the newsletters. They blame me and they blame my newsletters for all the losses that Republican candidates in ballots in my precinct have suffered since 2000.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/03/19/fcc-brendan-carr-tv-news-journalism-unconstitutional-trump-jacob-sullum
DAILY HERALD
— DuPage clerk’s election loss won’t end legal fight with county board
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260319/news/dupage-clerks-election-loss-wont-end-legal-fight-with-county-board/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Despite losing her reelection bid, DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek says she will continue with an appeal challenging recent court rulings in her ongoing feud with the county board. The Glen Ellyn Democrat has been locked in a yearslong battle with the board over how she runs the county clerk’s office and how bills get paid. That fight ended up in court and was a key factor in why the two-term incumbent found herself facing a challenger in the Democratic primary election. On Tuesday, DuPage County Board member Paula Deacon Garcia defeated Kaczmarek to become the Democratic nominee for county clerk. In November, she will face Republican Patricia Kladis-Schiappa, an attorney from Burr Ridge. Deacon Garcia and Kladis-Schiappa both say they would end the legal battle with the county board if they are elected. However, Kaczmarek will continue to serve as county clerk until the end of November. In the meantime, she says she intends to pursue an appeal she filed earlier this year. “The need for clear legal standards to govern the relationship between different elected offices is of much greater and wider consequence than the results of any individual election,” Kaczmarek said in a statement. Noting that a DuPage judge sided with the county in two recent rulings, a spokesman for the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office said the office will “continue to vigorously defend the county in this matter.” Kaczmarek has argued that multiple opinions issued by the Illinois attorney general’s office have supported the contention that elected officials have internal control over their office. In addition, Kaczmarek claims the county has tried to require her office to make unnecessary budget transfers in order for bills to be paid. County board members counter that they don’t want to tell Kaczmarek what to do. However, they say the county can require its elected officials and department heads to follow basic accounting procedures and state laws on bidding. Still, Kaczmarek insists that the county board and the state’s attorney’s office “continue to mislead the public regarding the fact that they are simply ignoring” everything that the attorney general’s office has advised. “There must be independence of county officers from county board interference,” Kaczmarek said. “Nothing has changed regarding the need for higher courts to clarify whether every attorney general’s opinion on these issues for decades has simply been wrong. The rest of the state is operating under different rules than DuPage County.” The county board filed a lawsuit in 2024 seeking a judge’s order to compel Kaczmarek into compliance with county accounting procedures for bill payments. At the time, Kaczmarek would not fill out the requested paperwork for budget transfers to get bills paid, arguing that it wasn’t necessary because there was enough money in her budget to cover the expenses. Last August, a judge ruled in the county’s favor and compelled Kaczmarek to follow the county’s accounting procedures. Then in December, the same judge ruled against Kaczmarek’s request for summary judgment, where she argued contracts with two election-related vendors were exempt from bidding rules because they fell under professional services. In January, Kaczmarek’s attorney filed the notice of appeal challenging both rulings. On Wednesday, Kaczmarek’s attorney, Ken Florey, said legal briefs from both sides should be filed in the coming months. He was hopeful a ruling could be issued before the November election. DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek released the following statement Wednesday after her election loss: “The DuPage County Board and State’s Attorney continue to mislead the public regarding the fact that they are simply ignoring everything the Attorney General’s Office has advised for over 40 years. There must be independence of county officers from county board interference. Nothing has changed regarding the need for higher courts to clarify whether every Attorney General’s opinion on these issues for decades has simply been wrong. The rest of the state is operating under different rules than DuPage County. The need for clear legal standards to govern the relationship between different elected offices is of much greater and wider consequence than the results of any individual election.”)
— What Americans are giving up to afford ACA health insurance. DD: Ever since I became a federal employee when I was 18 in 1966, my critics/opponents have been increasingly furious that the federal government has paid 72% of my health insurance premiums. Since I got married when I was 29 in 1978, they have been increasingly furious that the federal government has also paid 72% of my and my wife’s health insurance premiums. I should write about my critics/opponents. I would focus on those a) who never qualified themselves to become a federal employee, b) who would never stoop to take a federal job, and/or c) who despise/hate federal employees.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260319/nation-and-world/what-americans-are-giving-up-to-afford-aca-health-insurance-according-to-a-new-poll/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Lately, Priscilla Brown has had to choose between properly managing her Type 2 diabetes and affording other necessities, like gas in her car. Some days, she takes half or a third of her prescribed insulin dose — just to stretch it out longer. “Sometimes I don’t even take my medicine,” said the 48-year-old truck dispatcher in Orlando, Florida. “It’s so much with insurance, it’s crazy.” About 8 in 10 Americans, like Brown, who re-enrolled in Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage say their health care costs are higher this year, including about half who say their costs are “a lot” higher, according to a new survey from the health care research nonprofit KFF. A main reason for increased costs was the Dec. 31 expiration of enhanced tax credits that had offset premiums for most enrollees. For Brown and others, those spiking costs are having real impacts on daily life. Of the 1,117 Americans surveyed who had ACA marketplace coverage in 2025, including those who dropped coverage or changed plans, about 55% said they’re planning to deal with health care costs by cutting spending on food and other basic household needs.)
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Planned Parenthood of Illinois settles EEOC case alleging discrimination against white employees
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/ccb-planned-parenthood-eeoc-dei-discrimination-03192026/
WJBC
— Proposed bill would require Illinois high schools to offer voter registration. DD: Democrats use high schools to crank out good little Democrats.
https://www.wjbc.com/2026/03/19/proposed-bill-would-require-illinois-high-schools-to-offer-voter-registration/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/03/19/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-490/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Illinois Republicans Face Permanent Super Minority as Voter Turnout Collapses in 2026 Primary
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/03/illinois-republicans-face-permanent-super-minority-as-voter-turnout-collapses-in-2026-primary.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The headline number is stark: only about 33 percent of Illinois Republicans’ own modeled voter base showed up to vote. According to voter data, just 561,000 Republicans cast ballots in the primary. Campaign voter models estimate there are approximately 1.69 million Republican-leaning voters in Illinois. That means two out of every three Republican voters stayed home. By comparison, Republicans turned out about 47 percent of their base in 2022 – marking a 14-point drop in enthusiasm in just four years. Meanwhile, Democrats moved in the opposite direction.)
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Vehicle Emission Testing Available in Johnsburg on Saturday, March 21st and How Crystal Lake Got a Testing Station
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/19/vehicle-emission-testing-available-in-johnsburg-on-saturday-march-21st/
— With 100% of Precincts in McHenry County Board District 7 & 8, Challengers Jeff Schwartz and Marty Mohr Defeat Brian Sager & Larry Smith
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/with-100-of-precincts-in-mchenry-county-board-district-7-8-challengers-jeff-schwartz-and-marty-mohr-defeat-brian-sager-larry-smith/
— Misleading Headlines on Schwartz/Mohr Victories
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/19/misleading-headlines/
— UPDATE: Election Judge Dies in McCullom Lake, COUNTY CLERK JOE TIRIO’S STATEMENT
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/18/election-judge-dies-in-mccullum-lake/
— 56% Approve Referendum Seeking Opinion on Illinois’ Participation in Federal Scholarship Program
— https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/18/56-approve-referendum-seeking-opinion-on-illinois-participation-in-federal-scholarship-program/
— Biss Issues Victory Email
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/18/biss-issues-victory-email/
— Don Tracy on His GOP Senate Victory, Goes After Democratic Party Opponent Juliana Stratton
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/18/don-tracy-on-his-gop-senate-victory-goes-after-democratic-party-opponent-juliana-stratton/
— In the Two Hot GOP Committeeperson Contests Early & Absentee Ballots Show Interesting Results
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/in-the-two-hot-gop-committeeperson-contests-early-absentee-ballots-show-interesting-results/
— Contested McHenry Township GOP Precinct Committeeperson Results
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/contested-mchenry-township-gop-precinct-committeeperson-contest-results/
— Laura Fine Did Not Win the Democratic Party Nomination for Congress, But She Is Leading Daniel Biss for State Central Committeeperson, at Least in McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/laura-fine-did-not-win-the-democratic-party-nomination-for-congress-but-she-is-leading-daniel-biss-for-state-central-committeeperson-at-least-in-mchenry-county/
— Hebron Township Citizens Vote Down Road Money
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/hebron-township-citizens-vote-down-road-money/
— Raja Wins McHenry County in Early & Absentee Votes, While Stratton Wins the State
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/raja-wins-mchenry-county-in-early-absentee-votes-while-stratton-wins-the-state/
— The $66.50 Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/the-66-50-ballot/
— Mohr Innovates in Campaign for County Board
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/mohr-innovates-in-campain-for-county-board/
— Biss Gets Taken to the Woodshed after Former Student Tells of Uncomfortable Situation
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/biss-gets-taken-to-the-woodshed-after-former-student/
— Real Reason To Have Voted Early
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/a-real-reason-to-have-voted-early/
— Democrats Vastly Outnumber Republicans in Early and Mail In Ballots
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/17/democrats-vastly-outnumber-republicans-in-early-and-mail-in-ballots/
— Another Example of Excessive State Regulation
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/16/another-example-of-excessive-state-regulation/
— McHenry County Animal Cruelty Case Makes Kankakee-Area Newspaper
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/15/mchenry-county-animal-cruelty-case-makes-kankakee-area-newspaper/
— An Election Cartoon
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/15/an-election-cartoon/
— Paul Harvey Talking about 2026 in 1965
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/15/paul-harvey-talking-about-2026-in-1965/
— Critique of GOP Gubernatorial Candidates’ Nights
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/15/critique-of-gubernatorial-candidates-nights/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders asked to leave restaurant because it made people ‘uncomfortable’
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/19/sarah-huckabee-sanders-asked-leave-croissanterie-made-people/
— Trump faces internal sabotage as Iran war exposes disloyalty. Kent resignation, Gabbard questions and intelligence leaks raise alarms.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/19/trump-faces-internal-sabotage-iran-war-exposes-disloyalty/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Congress should reject Pentagon’s $200 billion Iran war request
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/courage-strength-optimism/4497964/congress-reject-pentagon-iran-war-request/
BREITBART
— Illinois Democrat Pushes Serial Number Requirement for Handgun Ammunition
https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/03/19/illinois-democrat-pushes-serial-number-requirement-for-handgun-ammunition/
CENTER FOR IMMIGRATION STUDIES
— Sanctuaries Are a Public Safety Disaster. Sanctuary policies strain taxpayers and shield illegal immigrants with criminal records.
https://cis.org/Oped/Sanctuaries-Are-Public-Safety-Disaster
DAILY SIGNAL
— Biden CIA Warned About ‘Traditional Motherhood’ and ‘Homemaking’ as White Extremist Tactics. DD: How successful have Democrats been destroying traditional marriage and family in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/03/19/biden-cia-warned-traditional-motherhood-homemaking-white-extremist-tactics/
FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM
— Sanctuary States Consider Bills to Hold ICE Officers Liable for Simply Doing Their Jobs
https://www.fairus.org/legislation/state-and-local/sanctuary-states-consider-bills-hold-ice-officers-liable
MINDING THE CAMPUS
— American Graduates Need Not Apply. DD: Under the Democrats and under the RINOs, ever-increasingly, those who are the following need not apply: conservative, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, heterosexual, married, Protestant, German America, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://mindingthecampus.org/2025/12/29/american-graduates-need-not-apply/
NEWSMAX
— Democrats Want to Make It Easy to Cheat at Polls
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/ron-johnson-election-integrity-donald-trump/2026/03/18/id/1249998/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Pritzker knocks AIPAC after pro-Israel group spent big in Illinois races
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5791548-jb-pritzker-aipac-illinois-races/
CBS NEWS
— In voting process, photo ID gets wide support, Republicans more likely to believe there’s fraud. DD: Illegals have false IDs.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/voting-process-photo-id-opinion-poll/
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Pritzker and Stratton
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/03/18/us/illinois-election-primary-midterms
Tag: township
March 18, 2026
Illinois Democrats ever-increasingly elect candidates who are further and further and further off the cliff to the left.
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— 2026 Illinois primary day election results
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/17/illinois-primary-day-election-results/
— Noonan tops Moore by nearly double the vote in DuPage sheriff primary
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/17/dupage-county-sheriff-primary-results-republican/
DAILY HERALD
— Harris beats Adamczyk in GOP primary race for secretary of state
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260317/illinois-state-politics/early-returns-show-adamczyk-leading-harris-in-republican-secretary-of-state-primary/
— GOP voters back Noonan over Moore in DuPage sheriff’s primary
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260317/local-politics/noonan-comfortably-leading-moore-in-dupage-sheriffs-primary/
— Newcomers win Democratic nod for DuPage County Board seats
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260317/local-politics/newcomers-win-democratic-nod-for-dupage-county-board-seats/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: District 4 Wheaton Democrat Paula McGowen is poised to take on incumbent Grant Eckhoff, the second-longest serving Republican on the board, this fall. McGowen, a Milton Township trustee who also sits on the DuPage regional school board, had 9,996 votes, while her opponent, Syed Hussain, had 7,905 votes.)
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: DuPage Democrats pick Deacon Garcia for county clerk. With all precincts reporting, unofficial vote totals showed Deacon Garcia with 54,761 votes and Kaczmarek with 42,670 votes.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260317/local-politics/dupage-democrats-pick-deacon-garcia-for-county-clerk/
CBS2
— Results for 2026 Illinois primary elections
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/live-updates/illinois-midterm-primary-election-results-2026/
— Illinois approves plan to lower proficiency scores for standardized tests
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-approves-plan-lower-proficiency-scores-standardized-tests/
WGN9
— Pritzker, Bailey set for Illinois governor showdown in November
https://wgntv.com/news/politics/pritzker-bailey-set-for-illinois-governor-showdown-in-november/
MUDDY RIVER NEWS
— Stratton defeats Krishnamoorthi, now faces Tracy in November for U.S. Senate seat
https://muddyrivernews.com/politics/stratton-defeats-krishnamoorthi-now-faces-tracy-in-november/20260318065419/
JACKSONVILLE JOURNAL COURIER
— Bailey wins west-central Illinois vote
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/darren-bailey-face-jb-pritzker-november-22079473.php
EDWARSVILLE INTELLIGENCER
— Illinois Senate race set as Stratton, Tracy win primaries
https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/illinois-senate-race-stratton-tracy-primary-result-22082841.php
TELEGRAPH HERALD
— Former Illinois Republican Party chairman Don Tracy wins GOP primary for US Senate seat
https://www.telegraphherald.com/ap/national/article_ecb0e744-7d46-5982-b60d-f254a5280cdf.html
STATELINE
— Illinois Senate battle set: Stratton vs. Tracy in 2026 showdown
https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/illinois-senate-battle-set-stratton-vs-tracy-in-2026-showdown/
FOX ILLINOIS
— Diane Harris wins Republican Illinois Secretary of State Primary
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/election/diane-harris-wins-republican-illinois-secretary-of-state-primary/article_a0ca61f4-3766-5863-b86b-e411a7a662ca.html
NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Darren Bailey wins Republican Illinois Governor Primary
https://www.newschannel20.com/news/elections/darren-bailey-wins-republican-illinois-governor-primary/article_778d4a16-6461-4fed-8007-ff6b544c99b0.html
WAND TV
— Stratton set for November General Election matchup against Tracy
https://www.wandtv.com/news/illinois/juliana-stratton-set-for-november-general-election-matchup-against-don-tracy/article_cb48e3ca-a8b0-491c-b446-739e728001b8.html
— Pritzker vs. Bailey Round 2: 2026 race is on
https://www.wandtv.com/news/statehouse/pritzker-vs-bailey-round-2-2026-race-is-on/article_8bb4ddff-5d68-4762-8d18-c517736e16a6.html
WREX
— Stratton vs. Tracy in Illinois U.S. Senate race, Bailey/Pritzker rematch for governor
https://www.wrex.com/news/election/stratton-vs-tracy-in-illinois-u-s-senate-race-bailey-pritzker-rematch-for-governor/article_5fba04c3-ada6-4070-b181-57006863c487.html
WIFR TV
— Stratton, Tracy to go head-to-head for Durbin’s Senate seat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36aIe9ONkNY
WMBD
— Illinois governor’s race will be a rematch in 2026
https://wmbdradio.com/2026/03/17/illinois-governors-race-will-be-a-rematch-in-2026/
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— Tracy: Elect me, and make Illinois a ‘two-party state’ again
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-tracy-elect-me-and-make-illinois-a-two-party-state-again/
— It’s Bailey v. Pritzker again
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-its-bailey-v-pritzker-again/
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Stratton defeats Krishnamoorthi with help from Chicago, downstate voters. Former Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy set to face Stratton in November.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/stratton-defeats-krishnamoorthi-with-help-from-chicago-downstate-voters/
DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— Election Results DD: About 105,000 voted for a Democrat U.S. Senate candidate while only about 46,000 voted for a Republican U.S. Senate candidate. About 100,000 voted for Pritzker while only about 47,000 voted for a Republican gubernatorial candidate. According to the DCED website, 331 (30.48%) of the 1,086 registered voters in my Milton 59 precinct voted. I got 120 votes. I anxiously await posting of how many Republican and Democrat ballots were cast in my precinct and how many votes each candidate got in my precinct. I anxiously await a listing of those voters who cast Republican ballots. I want to hand-deliver a precinct letter to them that thanks them for voting and gives them election results.
https://www.dupageresults.gov/IL/DuPage/
POLITICO ILLINOIS
— Stratton victory boosts Pritzker clout
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/03/18/stratton-victory-boosts-pritzker-clout-00833636
CAPITOL FAX
https://capitolfax.com/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— The outcome of Mark Senak v. Jason Helland for Illinois Third District Appellate Court will be posted at:
https://ballotpedia.org/Illinois_intermediate_appellate_court_elections,_2026 – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Stratton vs. Tracy to replace Durbin
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_2fa9ee45-aacb-4dae-896f-cc39b3b30f5f.html
— Illinois voters to see Pritzker, Bailey rematch in November
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_4c72a31a-1fba-4769-90f9-cea9d806b9d7.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
NEW AMERICAN
— American Women Are Struggling — With Rampant Sexual Confusion
https://thenewamerican.com/us/culture/american-women-are-struggling-with-rampant-sexual-confusion-exhibit-a/
PJ MEDIA
— Hollywood’s Climate Virtue Signaling Ends Where Personal Responsibility Begins
https://pjmedia.com/michaelcantrell/2026/03/17/hollywoods-climate-virtue-signaling-ends-where-personal-responsibility-begins-n4950752
SPEAKER JOHNSON
— Democrats Refuse to Reopen DHS for the American People Until They Can Reopen American Borders for Illegal Aliens
https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2856
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CNN
— Stratton scores ‘major victory’ in Illinois Democratic primary
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/18/politics/video/juliana-stratton-won-democratic-primary-illinois-david-chalian-hnk-vrtc-digvid
NEW YORK TIMES
— Stratton Wins
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/elections/illinois-primary-elections-takeaways.html
— How Many Americans Are Marriage Material? DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly destroy traditional marriage. What helped you become marriage material? By the time I got married when I was 29 in 1978, I had worked for IRS for almost 7 years and my salary was $110,066/year in today’s dollars. I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976 and I was taking graduate evening accounting courses at DePaul. I lived in a one bedroom condo in the Outer Drive East building that I had bought in 1976. I was renting out a town home in University Park that I had bought new in 1972. I owned a 1972 Corvette that I had bought new in 1971. Things that impressed me about my outstanding wife included that her first job after high school was working for the FBI. She soon became the Corporate Secretary for the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. She did much to help elect Big Jim Thompson governor in 1976. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul in 1986.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/29/opinion/marriage-kearney.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: It used to be that an overwhelming majority of Americans married, and an overwhelming majority of American children were raised within two-parent families. Over the past six decades this has changed. Now, roughly 40 percent of children are born outside of wedlock and about a quarter live in single-parent homes. The share of Americans who are married has fallen significantly since 1960, with a further decline portended by the marriage rates of the younger generations.)
— Florida University Bars Student G.O.P. Group. DD: I should write about my critics/opponents who had their operatives and their dupes destroy the Illinois Center Right Coalition (ICRC) in 2007 and TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois in 2012. They ever-increasingly blamed ICRC and TAPROOT for Republican defeats. They ever-increasingly blamed conservative principles and the conservative planks in the Republican Party platform for Republican defeats. I served as an ICRC officer 2003-2007 and as the TAPROOT chairman 2005-2012.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/us/politics/university-of-florida-republicans-antisemitism.html
WASHINGTON POST
— Stratton wins Illinois Senate primary in victory for Pritzker
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/03/17/illinois-senate-house-pritzker-stratton/
FORBES
— DD: Democrats and RINOs use Affirmative Action and DEI to get rid of Republicans.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/insider/2026/03/17/continued-considerations-for-corporations-on-the-dei-battlefield/
POLITICO
— King of Illinois: Pritzker swings Senate race as he targets Trump. Juliana Stratton’s victory in a heated Senate primary vindicates the governor’s political operation heading into 2028.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/18/pritzker-kingmaker-illinois-senate-stratton-00833545
— Stratton wins Illinois primary, giving Dems another Black female senator. Stratton won with the help of outside spending — much of it from Pritzker.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/17/juliana-stratton-wins-illinois-senate-democrat-primary-00833523
March 13, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS2
— DD: What happened to your mentors? My Democrat IRS superiors got rid of my IRS mentor because he promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974. My Democrat GAO superiors got rid of my GAO mentor because he arranged for my transfer from IRS in 1980 and was finally able to assign me to audits of IRS and promote me in 1986.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/former-marine-arlo-hotel-chicago-manager-kierra-moore/
FOX32
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight efforts to stop voter fraud.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/durbin-warns-voter-eligibility-bill-could-block-millions-from-voting
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote antisemitism and then blame it on Republicans.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-zqrunzj5dajvxekk
WTTW
— Chicago Teachers Union Officials Pass Resolution Pushing for May 1 Day of ‘No School, No Work.’ DD: To send your child to a Chicago public school is to make your child a Democrat protester.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/03/12/chicago-teachers-union-officials-pass-resolution-pushing-may-1-day-no-school-no-work
DAILY HERALD
— Facing a $12.4 million projected budget deficit in the coming school year, Naperville Unit District 203 this week notified teachers of pending staff reductions. The school board is expected to vote on the honorable dismissal of 38 educators at Monday’s meeting. The district notified those teachers of their pending dismissal this week. DD: The Democrats who ran GAO used Gingrich budget cuts to get rid of their employees like me who were Republican, White, male, older, and/or nonveteran. They forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997 and gave my job and my preferred corner office to my Black subordinate who had less work experience than I had, had less education than I had, had one professional certification while I had six, and had no professional license like the one I had.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260313/education/naperville-203-notifies-teachers-of-honorable-dismissals/
— The Milton Township Highway Department has a proposed levy on the March 17, 2026 ballot for a 3.5%, $2.2 million levy for the purposes of constructing an additional building for truck storage. That would include new offices, a lunchroom and conference room. Highway commission management have stated that the existing truck storage building will remain to be used for “dry storage.” The other two existing buildings that house equipment maintenance, offices and storage are in good condition. The Highway Department has spent over $24,000 for flyers promoting this tax increase and made presentations saying that this tax increase is only for two years. This is absolutely false as the proposition on the ballot as written is for a permanent tax increase. In addition, the proposed cost of this project has no detailed scope of work, no cost basis due to no engineering or architectural drawings, no bids, no site assessment for stormwater mitigation and no construction schedule. You could not get a loan from a bank for a commercial building without providing this information. Why should the tax payers as the “bank” deserve anything less? The highway department has estimated the cost of this project by a simple ratio size comparison to a proposed but never built storage building that DuPage County was considering building in 2022. Cost of construction has increased in four years due to inflation and cost of material and labor. I strongly encourage the taxpayers to vote “no” on this proposed tax increase.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260313/letters-to-the-editor/the-milton-township-highway-department-has-a-proposed-levy-on-the-march-17-2026-ballot-for-a-3-5/
NPR ILLINOIS
— Who will win the U.S. Senate primaries in Illinois?
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-03-13/who-will-win-the-u-s-senate-primaries-in-illinois-lets-look-at-the-data
ELMHURST PATCH
— DuPage Sheriff Hopefuls Clash Over Crash. The undersheriff defends his handling of the crash. His rival questions why the undersheriff referred the police to his lawyer.
https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/dupage-sheriff-hopefuls-clash-over-crash
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/03/13/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-486/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Only 1 in 6 primary races offer voters choice. DD: Far too many contested primary races turn negative.
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/only-1-in-6-primary-races-offer-voters-choice/
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Has the Illinois Democratic U.S. Senate Race Gone Gutter?
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/03/economos-has-the-illinois-democratic-u-s-senate-race-gone-gutter.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Media criticism of Iran war sounds like a wish for U.S. failure
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/12/media-criticism-iran-war-sounds-like-wish-us-failure/
— Why schools still desperately need conservative student groups. It’s critical that young people get more than the leftist viewpoint.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/12/schools-still-desperately-need-conservative-student-groups/
NEW YORK POST
— Trump is obliterating Obama’s Iran-appeasement plan — to America’s benefit
https://nypost.com/2026/03/13/opinion/trump-is-obliterating-obamas-iran-appeasement-plan-to-americas-benefit/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
BLOOMBERG LAW
— Guns Owners Challenge Illinois Law Restricting Concealed Carry
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/guns-owners-challenge-illinois-law-restricting-concealed-carry
ACLU
— DD: To get more votes from non-Whites, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn Whites, and especially Whites who are conservative, Republican, American, male, older, married, non-poor, non-veteran, Protestant, German American, and/or have ancestors who have been in America for a long time.
https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/white-supremacist-violence-rise-expanding-fbis?rel=outbound
March 12, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump Tower in Chicago makes improvements after failing health inspection
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-international-hotel-tower-chicago-makes-improvements-failing-health-inspection/18704241/
NBC5
— Oak Lawn School District 126 uses license plate readers to verify student residency. The school district is paying tens of thousands of dollars for the technology, that one mom says, is erroneously keeping her child out of public school.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/consumer/suburban-school-district-uses-license-plate-readers-to-verify-student-residency/3906703/
WGN9
— CTU pushing to cancel classes on May 1. DD: Democrat teachers ever-increasingly crank out not only good little Democrats, but good little protesters.
https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-investigates/ctu-petition-close-schools-may-1/
WTTW
— DD: Where are Democrat leaders putting their homeless encampments in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://news.wttw.com/2026/03/11/protesters-disrupt-park-district-board-meeting-tensions-flare-over-looming-encampment
— Key City Panel Rejects Bid to Ban Video Gambling in 6 Chicago Wards, Defying Local Alderpeople. DD: In 2009, I led the successful effort to ban video gaming in Wheaton.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/03/12/key-city-panel-rejects-bid-ban-video-gambling-6-chicago-wards-defying-local-alderpeople
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Ward-level bans on video gambling blocked by Chicago City Council committee. DD: In 2009, I led the successful effort to ban video gaming in Wheaton.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/12/ward-level-bans-video-gambling-chicago-city-council/
— Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordability. DD: I was able to buy a new townhome when I was 24 in 1972 because it was affordable. SEE: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/ According to Zillow, it is worth only $87,100 today.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/12/senate-passes-housing-bill/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/03/12/chicago-midway-blitz-immigration-trump-kat-abughazaleh-sharp-joselyn-walsh-broadview-six
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/03/12/chicago-cook-county-oneill-burke-trump-ice-border-patrol-midway-blitz-special-prosecutor
— New front opens in City Council battle over video gambling. DD: In 2009, I led the successful effort to ban video gaming in Wheaton.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/03/12/video-gambling-battle-chicago-city-council-brandon-johnson-license-committee-rejection
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for everything that is bad including bad weather.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026/03/12/tornadoes-weather-illinois-chicago-suburbs-indiana-hail-storm-flooding
— DD: From what I see, those who are liberal/moderate, minority, female, younger, non-rich, non-married, LGBTQ, non-Protestant, non-German American, have ancestors who have not been in America for a long time, and/or noncitizen ever-increasingly vote for those candidates who promise to use government to give them more preference. According to Democrat leaders, those who are the aforesaid are oppressed by Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/03/12/midterm-primary-election-illinois-importance-of-voting
DAILY HERALD
— Oak Brook police release details about crash involving DuPage County undersheriff
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260312/news/oak-brook-police-release-details-about-crash-involving-dupage-county-undersheriff/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260312/crime/group-accuses-cook-states-attorney-of-turning-blind-eye-to-ice-crimes-seeks-special-prosecutor/
— DD: Illinois Democrat leaders say the state is mostly insulated from Trump’s election threats.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260312/illinois/illinois-officials-say-the-state-is-mostly-insulated-from-trumps-election-threats/
WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for everything that is bad including bad weather.
https://www.wbez.org/weather/2026/03/12/tornadoes-weather-illinois-chicago-suburbs-indiana-hail-storm-flooding
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/03/12/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-485/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Ted Dabrowski Will Skip GOP Unity Breakfast, Won’t Back Nominee If He Loses
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/03/sources-ted-dabrowski-will-skip-gop-unity-breakfast-wont-back-nominee-if-he-loses.html
— ‘Part-Time Plummer:’ Constituents Fed Up as Illinois State Senator Skips Local Events Across His District
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/03/part-time-plummer-constituents-fed-up-as-illinois-state-senator-skips-local-events-across-his-district.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Illinois Has Most Blue-Haired State Lawmakers in the U.S.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/03/12/analysis-illinois-has-most-blue-haired-state-lawmakers-in-the-u-s/
March 10, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks ‘democracy zones’ outside polls to stop Trump interference. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly exist to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/10/mayor-brandon-johnson-democracy-zones-polls-trump/
— Crete Village Board annexes property for construction of 2,400-acre solar farm
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/10/crete-annexes-property-solar-farm/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote opposition to the War on Iran.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/10/iran-bombing-girls-school-war-israel/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Mayor Johnson defends push for ‘democracy zones’ at polling places as a lasting legacy to Jesse Jackson. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly exist to promote more hatred against Trump.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/03/10/mayor-brandon-johnson-democracy-zones-polling-places-jesse-jackson
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/03/10/white-privilege-racism-black-america-jesse-jackson-ben-jealous
WGN 9
— Erika Kirk appointed to Air Force Academy board
https://wgntv.com/politics-3/erika-kirk-appointed-to-air-force-academy-board/
WTTW
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote opposition to the War on Iran.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/03/10/time-war-iran-americans-unite-aggravation-over-sticker-shock-gas-pump-0
— DD: The Democrat Party platform ever-increasingly promotes more homelessness.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/03/09/report-outlines-premature-deaths-chronic-health-problems-among-homeless-illinois
WGN RADIO
— Dan Proft, co-host of “The Morning Answer” radio program 5-9 a.m. on WIND AM 560, is this week’s guest joining John Kass & Jeff Carlin to discuss the Illinois governor’s race, specifically the Republican primary that has seen second-time candidate Darren Bailey take umbrage with Dan being paid to work on behalf of first-time candidate, Ted Dabrowski. Plus, Kasso wonders why the Chicago Tribune isn’t endorsing anyone in the Republican primary?
https://wgnradio.com/wgn-plus/thechicagoway/chicago-way-w-john-kass-dan-proft-responds-to-darren-baileys-whining/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/03/10/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-483/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Chicago Appellate Court Slaps Down Obama Circuit Court Judge
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/10/chicago-appellate-court-slaps-down-obama-circuit-court-judge/
— Prairie Grove Village President Outlines Battery Farm Details and Pretty Much Predicts That State Law Will End Up Mandating Its Approval
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/10/prairie-grove-village-president-outlines-battery-farm-details-and-pretty-much-predicts-that-state-law-will-end-up-mandating-its-approval/
— Ted Dabrowski Puts Up Ad Directly Attacking Daren Bailey’s 2022
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/10/ted-dabrowski-puts-up-ad-directly-attacking-daren-baileys-2022-suburban-failure/
— Illinois Family Action Ignores Bailey in Its Endorsements, Citing His Lt. Governor as the Reason
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/10/illinois-family-action-ignores-bailey-in-its-endorsements-citing-his-lt-governor-as-the-reason/
— Raja Poll Shows Raja Leading the Pack, Here Come the Attack Ads
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/10/raja-poll-shows-raja-leading-the-pack/
— Wilcox, DeWitte & Hills Join Other GOP Senators Aiming at Homeowner Relief
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/10/wilcox-and-dewitte-join-other-gop-senators-aimed-at-homeowner-relief/
— Sosnowski Introduces Real Estate Tax Bill that Pulls from California’s Prop 13 and Florida’s Limit on Assessment Hikes at 3% per Year
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/09/sosnowski-introduces-real-estate-tax-bill-that-pulls-from-californias-porp-13-and-floridas-limit-on-assessment-hikes-at-3-per-year/
— Republican U.S. Senate Hopeful Ted Dabrowski Tags Democratic Party Candidates Serving in Congress with TSA Lines
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/09/republican-u-s-senate-hopeful-ted-dabrowski-tags-democratic-party-candidates-serving-in-congress-with-tsa-lines/
— State Paying Kaplan for Test Preparation Courses
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/09/state-paying-kaplan-for-test-preparation-courses/
— McHenry County Board Considering Paying Board of Health Members
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/09/mchenry-county-board-considering-paying-board-of-health-members/
— Pritzker’s Concern for Indiana Taxpayers Mocked by Dan Ugaste
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/05/pritzkers-concern-for-indiana-taxpayers-mocked-by-dan-ugaste/
— McHenry County GOP Board Candidate Jeff Schwartz Criticizes “Unreasonable Regulations” That Have “Gutted” Downtown Wonder Lake
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/05/mchenry-county-board-candidate-jeff-schwartz-criticizes-unreasonable-regulations-that-have-gutted-downtown-wonder-lake/
— Sheriff Receiving $195,000 State Grant to Buy Body Cameras
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/05/sheriff-receiving-195000-state-grant-to-buy-body-cameras/
— Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate Nomination Don Tracy Mails
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/04/republican-candidate-for-u-s-senate-nomination-don-tracy-mails/
— Republicans: Write-In Max Solomon for State Treasurer
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/03/04/republicans-write-in-max-solomon-for-state-treasurer/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— House Speaker Mike Johnson says Sharia law in the U.S. is contrary to Constitution
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/10/house-speaker-mike-johnson-says-sharia-law-us-contrary-constitution/
CENTER FOR IMMIGRATION STUDIES
— Sanctuary Cities: The Cost of Undermining Law and Order
https://cis.org/Testimony/Sanctuary-Cities-Cost-Undermining-Law-and-Order
DAILY SIGNAL
— Why Kristi Noem Failed at DHS. DD: What would your critics/opponents say you failed at? My critics/opponents would say I failed at a) being a Post Office, Firestone Store, IRS, and GAO employee, b) Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter Executive Committee member, c) holder of master’s degrees in business, accounting and finance, c) CPA, Certified Internal Auditor, licensed CPA, and certified fraud examiner, government financial manager, financial services auditor, and forensic accountant, d) FINRA arbitrator, e) conservative activist, Republican Precinct Committeeman, GOPUSA Illinois Editor, Milton Township Republican Organization webmaster, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member, Pat O’Malley for governor Milton Township campaign coordinator, Illinois Center Right Coalition officer, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, Republican fundraiser for Wheaton Independence Day parades and fireworks, Illinois Republican Party State Convention committee member, e) filer of grievances, arbitration demand, and lawsuits, f) etc. I should write about my critics/opponents and the adverse actions that they have taken against me and why.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/03/10/the-three-things-that-did-not-work-out-for-kristi-noem/
FOX NEWS
— Illinois governor warns Kristi Noem will ‘still be held accountable.’ Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker hints at repercussions for outgoing DHS secretary.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6390642408112
GINGRICH
— Democrats Hold America Hostage. The Democrats can’t defund ICE, so they are holding America hostage.
https://www.gingrich360.net/p/democrats-hold-america-hostage
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— TSA absences double during shutdown, 300 officers quit, as some airports see longer security lines
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-absences-double-shutdown-300-quit-airport-security-lines/
FEDERAL NEWS NETWORK
— After deep staffing cuts, agencies seek mix of hiring and AI tools to rebuild capacity. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, Republicans ever-increasingly cut the agency’s budget in relative terms if not absolute terms every year. In response, the Democrats who ran GAO declared that none of their employees who were young and/or who were veterans would suffer any adverse impacts of those budget cuts. Consequently, because I am not a veteran and because I was 31 years old when I started with GAO, they made me suffer the adverse impacts of those budget cuts. They forced me to take a $23,699 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS in 1980. They delayed my promotions and never promoted me beyond GS-13. They kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for them. They always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance. They forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997. They flushed down their toilets what I had learned a) working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 Levels ($118,984-$154,682/year in today’s dollars), b) working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years at the GS-12 Step 1-5 Levels ($100,069-$113,402/year in today’s dollars), c) earning three job-related master’s degrees, d) earning six job-related professional certifications, and e) earning a job-related professional license.
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2026/03/after-deep-staffing-cuts-agencies-seek-mix-of-hiring-and-ai-tools-to-rebuild-capacity/
GALLUP
— One in Four U.S. Employees Lack Advancement Opportunities. DD: What did you do to increase your advancement opportunities? I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license. But I did not earn the aforesaid soon enough. I did not earn the master’s degrees until I was 27 (16 courses), 31 (12 courses), and 48 (14 courses). I did not earn the certifications until I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48. I did not earn the license until I was 32. By then, I was viewed as being too old. I would have earned the aforesaid sooner if I had more money. I had to earn money to pay for the courses. In today’s dollars, my IRS salary was only $56,409/year when I was 22, only $68,999/year when I was 23, only $83,482/year when I was 24, and only $100,059/year when I was 25. My GAO salary was only $89,703/year when I was 31, only $108,533/year when I was 32, only $118,984/year when I was 38, and only $154,682/years when I was 49. Because of that and because I gave my job duties top priority, I took only one course at a time.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/695996/one-four-employees-lack-advancement-opportunities.aspx
March 7, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Illinois proposal to raise minimum wage to $27/hour sparks concern from small businesses. DD: I did not start earning $27/hour in today’s dollars until 10 months after I had earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in 1970.
https://www.newschannel20.com/news/local/illinois-proposal-to-raise-minimum-wage-to-27-sparks-concern-from-small-businesses/article_39e9c213-2654-4d5e-8f0b-ea92e5631721.html
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Amid a proposed record budget, lawmakers should put price tags on their bills
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/amid-a-proposed-record-budget-lawmakers-should-put-price-tags-on-their-bills/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Iranian Americans send message to White House: ‘Regime change in Iran by the people of Iran’ DD: To come to America is to come under America’s elected leaders. How many are in America who owe their allegiance to foreign countries?
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/7/iranian-americans-send-message-white-house-regime-change-iran-people/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— How our enemies are dividing US college campuses
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/patriotism-unity/4483543/how-enemies-dividing-american-college-campuses/
AMERICAN THINKER
— The mainstream media is obsessed with hoping Trump fails in Iran. Their hypocrisy is showing.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/03/the_mainstream_media_is_obsessed_with_hoping_trump_fails_in_iran.html
— Democrat party leaders make an ugly spectacle of themselves at Jesse Jackson’s funeral.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/03/democrat_party_leaders_make_an_ugly_spectacle_of_themselves_at_jesse_jackson_s_funeral.html
CENTER FOR IMMIGRATION STUDIES
— Hiring Illegals Is a Crime. DOJ is guilty of a pattern and practice of failing to seek criminal penalties for employers who knowingly employ illegal aliens.
https://cis.org/Report/Hiring-Illegals-Crime
FEDERALIST
— What’s Next In The Fight To Stop Schools From Transing Kids After SCOTUS Victory
https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/06/whats-next-in-the-fight-to-stop-schools-from-transing-kids-after-scotus-victory/
— Blue State Failure Is Destroying Federalism And The Constitution
https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/06/blue-state-failure-is-destroying-federalism-and-the-constitution/
— Why Islam Seeks Shelter Under The Banner Of The Left
https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/06/why-islam-seeks-shelter-under-the-banner-of-the-left/
FOX NEWS
— Biden opened our border to Iranian terrorism threats. Border Patrol data shows massive increase in Iranian nationals entering US as immigration enforcement weakened. DD: How many are in America who owe their allegiance to foreign countries?
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/ken-cuccinelli-biden-opened-our-border-iranian-terrorism-threats
— Parents, not bureaucrats, raise America’s children and the Supreme Court agrees. Parents have a Constitutional right to parent their children. DD: For Democrat leaders, education exists to crank out good little Democrats.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/parents-not-bureaucrats-raise-americas-children-supreme-court-agrees
LEGAL INSURECTION
— DePaul University Launches ‘Racial Justice’ Media Institute Aligned With Lori Lightfoot Anti-ICE Initiative
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/03/depaul-university-launches-racial-justice-media-institute-aligned-with-lori-lightfoot-anti-ice-initiative/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NBC NEWS
— How a Nebraska immigration raid tied to an identity theft investigation unfolded. DD: How many illegals are using their false identifications in Illinois, your county, your township, your municipality, your school district, and your precinct?
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/ice-omaha-worksite-immigration-raid-investigation-rcna214490
NEW YORK TIMES
— Democrats, Divided on Past Middle East Wars, Unite Against This One. Democrats were torn over military action in Iraq in 2002 and 1991 but are strongly united in opposition to President Trump’s foray against Iran without congressional approval. DD: Since the 1960s, Democrats have ever-increasingly united to blame Republicans for America losing the Vietnam War. Democrats especially blame 1-A Republicans like me who avoided the Vietnam War draft.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/07/us/politics/democrats-divided-middle-east-wars.html
LEGAL NEWSLINE
— Target sued for checking arrest records of new hires: Class action
https://www.legalnewsline.com/cook-county-record/target-sued-for-checking-arrest-records-of-new-hires-class-action/article_2af7d7bf-d506-44ea-8e81-a5d3320252a0.html
LAW AND THE WORPLACE
— DD: How many of the following protected groups are you a member of: Democrat, RINO, minority, female, younger, unmarried, LGBTQ, veteran, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or have ancestor who have not been in America for a long time?
https://www.lawandtheworkplace.com/2025/03/eeoc-and-doj-release-guidance-on-dei-and-workplace-discrimination/
ADVOCATE
— How a united message of ‘Tax the Rich’ could make life more affordable, and win elections. DD: According to my critics/opponents, my wife and I can and should pay way more taxes a) because we never had dependents, b) because we have no debts, c) because we have substantial retirement savings, d) because we inherited some money, e) because they believe that the federal government grossly overpaid me, f) because they believe that my $68,640/year Civil Service Retirement System pension is much too generous, g) because they believe that my $18,711.60/year Social Security is much too generous, h) because the federal government pays $21,000/year (72%) of our $30,000/year healthcare insurance premiums because I am a federal retiree, and i) because I avoided the Vietnam War draft. According to my critics/opponents, those who share our demographics can and should pay more taxes. According to them, we have what we have because we benefitted tremendously from discrimination against those who do not share our demographics. Comments?
https://www.advocate.com/voices/tax-the-rich
PEW RESEARCH
— Dual income, no kids: What we know about ‘DINKs’ in the U.S. DD: My Democrat GAO superiors were DINK-haters. Because my wife and I gave up trying to have children without trying IVF, because we did not adopt, and because we did not become foster parents, my Democrat GAO superiors viciously demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as being a filthy rich disgusting DINK. According to them, if we had children, I would not have been able to a) pass the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30, b) earn a master’s degree in accounting when I was 31, c) pass the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt when I was 32, or d) become a licensed CPA when I was 32. None of them had as many job-related master’s degrees or professional certifications as I had. None of them was a licensed CPA like I was. According to them, if we had children, we would not have been able to have a home built in Wheaton when I was 35. My Democrat GAO superiors complained about the time and cost needed to raise children. They decried their spouses having little or no income.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/11/03/dual-income-no-kids-what-we-know-about-dinks-in-the-us/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In the United States, 12% of married couples with at least one spouse in their 30s or 40s have two incomes and no kids, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of federal data. This group, often referred to as “DINKs,” has grown slightly over the past decade. In 2013, 8% of married couples in the same age range were DINKs.)
MONEYWISE
— Chicago ranks 1st for the most people in financial distress. DD: Democrats run Chicago. They shout at those in financial stress in Chicago that Republicans cause their financial distress.
https://moneywise.com/managing-money/debt/report-reveals-us-city-with-the-most-people-in-financial-distress
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
GUARDIAN
— How the sanctuary movement offers lessons for fighting ICE: ‘an impact that spans decades.’ DD: Democrats fight ICE. Who trains them in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, in your school district, and in your precinct?
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-guardian-usa/20260307/281767045720614
March 2, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— US nationals urged to leave 14 countries in Middle East. The U.S. and Israel are continuing strikes on targets across Iran.
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/iran-live-updates-trump-says-major-combat-operations-have-begun/18660347/
— Strait of Hormuz is ‘closed.’ An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said the Strait of Hormuz is “closed.”
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/iran-live-updates-trump-says-major-combat-operations-have-begun/18660347/entry/18669060/
NBC5
— Trump won’t rule out sending U.S. troops into Iran if ‘necessary.’ Iran escalated attacks on Israel and targets across the Middle East, with six U.S. service members killed.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/iran-us-israel-middle-east-conflict-march-03-2026-live-updates/3901981/
CBS2
— Iranians in Chicago express mixed emotions to U.S.-Israel attacks in Iran
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/iranians-chicago-express-mixed-emotions-u-s-israel-attacks-iran/
FOX32
— ICE won’t be tolerated at Chicago-area polling places, clerk says. DD: Why do Democrats insist that their illegals do not vote?
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/ice-wont-be-tolerated-chicago-area-polling-places-clerk-says
— Trump speaks on conflict in Iran: ‘Intolerable threat.’ The conflict in Iran is expanding on several fronts. President Donald Trump just spoke moments ago about the conflict in the Middle East.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-dijowlt27oaaz7kr
— Trump says Iran war could last 4 to 5 weeks
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-e0upx1cmkdwtix71
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Primary voting pickings grow slimmer in Lake County
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/02/column-charles-selle-primary/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: For those of Republican persuasion, the coming election should be dispiriting for a party that once ruled the Lake County political roost. In the home county of state GOP Chair Kathy Salvi of rural Mundelein, it should be downright depressing for party regulars. The party has no primary candidates listed in several Illinois House districts within county boundaries and no candidate in the 30th Senate District, a seat currently occupied by Democrat incumbent Adriane Johnson of Buffalo Grove. Of the four countywide offices, Republicans have posted only two candidates: The treasurer’s race and for sheriff. It is at the Lake County Board-level where the party truly shows its continuing minority status in the county. Of the 12 seats up in the Nov. 3 general election, the party has primary candidates in but two districts, and they are unopposed.)
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Voters turn out across Chicago’s 50 wards, suburbs ahead of March 17 primary. With early voting expanding across the Chicago area Monday, election officials gathered at the new South Loop Supersite to provide voters with an update ahead of the primary. DD: How many have voted so far in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct? How many Democrat, Republican, and NA ballots have been cast so far? Who does not want the aforesaid information to be reported and why?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/03/02/chicago-early-voting-wards-suburban-counties
— Illinois Democrats call for state commission to probe Epstein files for local ties
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2026/03/02/epstein-commission-illinois-bill-abdelnasser-rashid-kwame-raoul
DAILY HERALD
— DuPage clerk to ICE: Stay away from polling places. DD: How strongly will this a) discourage Republicans from voting and b) encourage voters to cast Democrat ballots?
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/news/dupage-clerk-to-ice-stay-away-from-polling-places/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek made it clear Monday that federal immigration agents are not welcome at polling places. She announced her office has set up a special phone number, (630) 407-5634, for people to report if they see U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal agents at or near a polling place. “Today, my office has a message for the voters of DuPage County and for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and that message is that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not be allowed to interfere with DuPage County elections in any way,” Kaczmarek said at a news conference. She said it is a federal crime for military or federal agents to interfere in elections or intimidate voters. “Those crimes will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Not on my watch,” Kaczmarek said. “ICE, go away. Do not even try. You will fail.” Early voting began several weeks ago at five sites and expanded to 24 on Monday. When asked if immigration agents had been seen at any of the sites, Kaczmarek said, “No.” She said it is a myth that non-citizens vote on Election Day. Kaczmarek also reminded voters that if they feel unsafe at a polling place on the day of the March 17 primary election, they can go to another of the 248 polling places because DuPage residents can vote anywhere in the county. If the clerk’s office receives a report about federal agents, it will notify election judges at that polling place. It will also alert community “rapid response” teams who monitor agents and report their presence to the public, Kaczmarek said. The clerk said she will also notify the appropriate authorities. She said election judges can ask agents to leave. Kaczmarek said she did not consult with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin or DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick about enforcing any such requests.)
— Early voting kicks into high gear as more polls open across the suburbs. DD: How many have voted so far in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your precinct? How many Democrat, Republican, and NA ballots have been cast so far? Who does not want the aforesaid information to be reported and why?
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/local-politics/early-voting-kicks-into-high-gear-as-more-polls-open-across-the-suburbs/
— Feud with county board a key issue in DuPage County clerk primary race
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260302/local-politics/feud-with-county-board-a-key-issue-in-dupage-county-clerk-primary-race/
WAND TV
— Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is ‘not endless’ while warning more casualties are likely. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has spoken to widening concerns the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq.”
https://www.wandtv.com/news/national/hegseth-insists-the-iran-conflict-is-not-endless-while-warning-more-casualties-are-likely/article_83e6eb23-8e7c-5f45-b218-74bb1bf22595.html
NPR ILLINOIS
— Trump defends Iran strikes, offers objectives for military operation
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-03-02/trump-defends-iran-strikes-offers-objectives-for-military-operation
ELMHURST PATCH
— DuPage Undersheriff Charged In Bar Disturbance In 2021. He was described as the “primary aggressor.” He said he was targeted with a racial slur.
https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/dupage-undersheriff-bar-disturbance-2021-police
BLACK CHRONICLE
— Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says $21 million in state capital funds will unlock more than $83 million in private investment to restore a historic hotel area in the Pullman State Historic Site on Chicago’s South Side. According the governor’s office, the public-private partnership will redevelop the 1881 Hotel Florence, Pullman Car Works building and surrounding grounds into a boutique hotel, dining destination, and cultural and performing arts hub. DD: In 1973, when I was a 24-year-old IRS Revenue Officer, I collected delinquent taxes from a resident in that hotel.
https://blackchronicle.com/midwest/illinois/illinois-quick-hits-state-taxpayers-to-help-restore-historic-chicago-hotel/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/03/02/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-478/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Pentagon insists no ‘regime-change war’ as Iran conflict spreads across Mideast. Trump says war could last a month or longer, maps out four specific U.S. objectives.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/2/pentagon-insists-no-regime-change-war-iran-conflict-spreads-across/
— Trump says Tehran’s long support of terrorism justifies Operation Epic Fury attack
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/2/trump-says-tehrans-long-support-terrorism-justifies-operation-epic/
— After briefing, lawmakers disagree on whether Iran threat to U.S. was imminent
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/2/briefing-lawmakers-disagree-whether-iran-threat-us-imminent/
NEW YORK POST
— Trump won’t rule out sending US troops into Iran ‘if necessary’— tells The Post war is progressing ‘way ahead of schedule’
https://nypost.com/2026/03/02/us-news/trump-wont-rule-out-sending-us-troops-into-iran-if-necessary-tells-the-post-i-dont-care-about-polling/
February 25, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump’s State of the Union address sparks debate over SAVE Act voting proposal. Illinois GOP says there is widespread support, League of Women Voters says law could disenfranchise millions of Illinois voters.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/president-donald-trumps-state-union-address-sparks-debate-save-act-voting-proposal-voter-id-election-rules/18650683/
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/president-donald-trump-speech-today-fact-checking-state-union-sotu-2026-address/18646901/
NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/state-of-the-union-fact-check-what-president-trump-said-during-the-address/3899928/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— As primary looms, Illinois Republican governor candidates say they oppose abortion-is-murder bill
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/25/illinois-gop-candidates-oppose-aborton-murder/
CHICAGIO SUN-TIMES
— In fiery meeting, Rep. Delia Ramirez issues demands, reminds DHS head Noem of plans to pursue her impeachment. Ramirez came equipped with specific requests, including barring federal agents from churches, schools and hospitals — and revoking a controversial policy that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to enter homes without a judicial warrant.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/25/rep-delia-ramirez-homeland-security-secretary-kristi-noem-meeting-dhs-actions-impeachment-plans
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly promote more hatred against Trump. How successful have they been in your county, township, municipality, school district, and precinct?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/25/trumps-state-union-low-approval-immigration-economy-s-e-cupp
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/25/state-union-speech-trumps-lies-immigrants-america-chicago-natalie-moore
DAILY HERALD
— Who’s the real Republican? And does Trump make mistakes? Gov hopefuls debate (sans Bailey)
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/illinois-state-politics/whos-the-real-republican-and-does-trump-make-mistakes-gov-hopefuls-debate-sans-bailey/
— Edmond (Eddie) Moore: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Sheriff
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/local-politics/edmond-eddie-moore-2026-candidate-for-dupage-county-sheriff/
— Sean T. Noonan: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Sheriff
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/local-politics/sean-t-noonan-2026-candidate-for-dupage-county-sheriff/
— Gary Vician: 2026 candidate for 14th Congressional District
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/us-congress-politics/gary-vician-2026-candidate-for-14th-congressional-district/
— GOP candidate deletes video of fake Trump endorsement
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260225/us-congress-politics/gop-candidate-deletes-video-of-trump-that-white-house-calls-fake/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Asked this week to comment, Kim said he didn’t know about the video until the Daily Herald asked about it. Kim said five people manage his social media accounts and that he rarely posts messages. On Wednesday, campaign manager Karolyn Radulovich said Kim requested his team remove the clip. “Charlie likes to be positive about our campaign, and he does not wish to deceive voters nor be negative,” Radulovich said in an email. The video was created using a stock video template through an online editing service, Radulovich said. The goal was to promote Kim’s campaign “and make people smile,” she said, not to make people believe Trump had endorsed Kim.)
WGN RADIO
–DD: Democrat leaders want Pat Brady to lead the Illinois Republican Party.
https://wgnradio.com/lisa-dent/pat-brady-reviewing-the-state-of-the-union/
CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more pot.
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/danvilles-first-cannabis-consumption-lounge-opens/article_36f1f02a-7e82-4dde-bdd9-6f5882e0a62d.html
DAILY ILLINI
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote foreign languages.
https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/culture-diversity/2026/02/24/arabic-program/
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Republican candidates for governor — minus Bailey — try to distance themselves
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/republican-candidates-for-governor-minus-bailey-try-to-distance-themselves/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/25/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-475/
— Dabrowski pledges to issue emergency order with the goal of killing SAFE-T Act, TRUST Act and ‘unite everybody who wants to take on the legislature’
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/25/dabrowski-pledges-to-issue-emergency-order-with-the-goal-of-killing-safe-t-act-trust-act-and-unite-everybody-who-wants-to-take-on-the-legislature/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump endorses slate of Indiana Republicans running against anti-redistricting state senators
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4471964/trump-endorses-indiana-republicans-primary-redistricting-state-senate/
BREITBART
— CNN Poll: 64% of SOTU Viewers Say Trump’s Policies Move U.S. in Right Direction
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/25/watch-trump-won-over-cnn-viewers-contradicting-networks-own-abby-phillips-post-speech-grading/
— Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR) says President Donald Trump’s asking lawmakers to stand for American citizens over illegal aliens was “thinly veiled racist language.”
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/25/democrat-congresswoman-trump-asking-lawmakers-stand-americans-over-illegals-was-racist/
CENTER SQUARE
— Illinois racial wealth gap among largest in country
https://www.fwbusiness.com/news/national/article_584e4cde-63cb-58bb-a59e-3b6c57964eed.html
NATIONAL REVIEW
— Mamdani, AOC Offer Taxpayer-Funded Child Care to Illegal Immigrants in Spanish-Language Video
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mamdani-aoc-offer-taxpayer-funded-child-care-to-illegal-immigrants-in-spanish-language-video/
NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE
— Illinois launches new fund to pay for more abortions
https://nrlc.org/nrlnewstoday/2026/02/illinois-launches-new-fund-to-pay-for-more-abortions/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NBC NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/state-of-union-fact-check-trump-speech-2026-rcna259900
https://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-lays-into-congress-members-over-inflation-you-caused-that-problem-258243653574
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/25/us/fact-check-state-of-the-union-trump
WASHINGTON POST
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/25/trump-democrats-you-caused-that-problem/
NPR
— DD: Democrat leaders cause America’s problems.
https://www.npr.org/2026/02/24/nx-s1-5716277/trump-state-union-fact-check
February 24, 2026
WHITE HOUSE
— President Trump Honors Angel Families, Remembers American Lives Lost to Illegal Immigration
https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/02/president-trump-honors-angel-families-remembers-american-lives-lost-to-illegal-immigration/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
FOX32
— Illinois GOP governor primary debate: How to watch on Fox Chicago
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-gop-govenor-primary-debate
WTTW
— Illinois Increasingly Becomes Destination for Abortion
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/23/illinois-increasingly-becomes-destination-abortion-access-new-public-private-partnership
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Ex-strip club owner with ties to reputed mob figures a big campaign donor to Alexi Giannoulias. Perry Mandera, his family and companies have contributed more than $100,000 to Giannoulias’ campaign fund over the last few years as he contemplates a run for Chicago mayor. Mandera owned a strip club for years on the Near North Side that was involved in a long-running legal battle with City Hall — and that employed two men with alleged organized crime connections.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/02/24/perry-mandera-campaign-contributions-alexi-giannoulias-potential-candidate-chicago-mayor
— Woman calls police on congressional candidate Mike Simmons as he canvassed in apartment building. In a video, state Sen. Mike Simmons, a Democrat who is running for Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s seat, can be seen asking a woman if she’s calling the police and telling her he’s “disappointed” in how she handled the situation. The incident occurred Friday in Buena Park. No arrests were made. DD: I am happy to report that only one Democrat voter in my precinct, albeit an aggressive, nasty, wealthy, and prominent realtor with a common name, shouted threats at me while I hand-delivered envelopes to residences in my precinct that have at least one Republican or one NA voter without knocking on any doors. He shouted at me in a very threatening tone that he had thrown my envelope in his trash, that I should not deliver anything there anymore, that he knew who I was, that he knew where I lived, and that if I ever did deliver anything there again, he would come to my home and dump it on my driveway. While I did not realize who he was until after the incident, he had known who I was for many years. He had been a registered D in my precinct very near my home years ago. I now know that after he sold that home, he bought a very expensive and prominent home in the new part of my precinct. I delivered to his new home only because there was a registered NA in his home. To avoid future threats like this from Ds, I will identify those homes in my precinct that have NAs and not deliver to those homes that also have Ds but no Rs, something I did not take the time to do this time. There are limits on the time that I can spend. I spend 10+ hours a day 7 days a week putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters together and sending them out. I spent many hours putting 800 mailing labels and 400 return address labels on 400 envelopes, putting them into walk order, stuffing them with a sample ballot, a Milton Township Republican Organization flyer, and five candidate campaign literature pieces, dividing them into 5 batches, and hand-delivering them. I used 400 DuPage County Republican Central Committee envelopes and I used my photocopier, paper, and ink to copy the sample ballot 400 times 2-sided back-to-back. If I spent 6 minutes getting each envelope ready, that would be 40 hours. I spent about 15 hours hand-delivering the envelopes, or about 3 hours per batch.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/02/23/woman-calls-police-on-congressional-candidate-mike-simmons-as-he-canvassed-in-apartment-building
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Simmons says in the video, “I’m gonna let you know that it is against the law to call the police on an elected official who’s knocking doors, I know because I passed the law in 2021. So if you’d like me to leave the building, I would leave the building, but I am so disappointed in how you chose to handle the situation at a time when police have been known to get into deadly altercations with people of color.”)
DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG PICTURE: Who’s going to the State of the Union and who’s boycotting it? Illinois lawmakers are split.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260223/nation-and-world-politics/whos-going-to-the-state-of-the-union-and-whos-boycotting-it-illinois-lawmakers-are-split/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Trump funding cuts and threats to Illinois reach $61.5B and counting
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/trump-funding-cuts-threats-illinois-615b-and-counting
SHAW LOCAL
— Which Illinois lawmakers are attending the State of the Union address, and who are their guests?
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/02/24/which-illinois-lawmakers-are-attending-the-state-of-the-union-address-and-who-are-their-guests/
CHICAGO MAGAZINE
— Fighting the Losing Population Battle. Young people are heading out of state for college and career. To reverse the trend, we need to make Illinois schools more affordable and attract more employers.
https://www.chicagomag.com/news/fighting-the-losing-population-battle/
POLITICO ILLINOIS
— In IL-08: Republican Jennifer Davis has been endorsed by Milton Township Republican Organization Chair Jeff Castle in her bid for Congress in the 8th District.
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/02/24/budzinski-eyes-a-red-blue-reset-00794602
CAPITOL FAX
— Morning briefing
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/24/isabel%e2%80%99s-morning-briefing-685/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
NEW YORK POST
— Melania Trump to host stand-out young women as guests for the State of the Union address
https://nypost.com/2026/02/24/us-news/melania-trumps-guests-for-state-of-the-union-address-include-stand-out-scholars/
BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Newsom tells Black crowd he’s like them, bad at reading and low SAT scores. DD: My critics/opponents have always stressed that my ACT score was only 24 and that I only just barely made it into the upper 20% of my high school class.
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/23/newsom-tells-black-crowd-hes-like-them-bad-at-reading-and-low-sat-scores-1623797/
BREITBART
— Trump Declares ‘Angel Family Day’ for Victims of Migrant Crime
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/02/23/watch-president-trump-declares-national-angel-family-day-honoring-victims-of-illegal-alien-crime/amp/
CAMPUS REFORM
— North Dakota State pushes ‘Safe Zone’ trainees to sign LGBTQ ‘ally’ pledge
https://www.campusreform.org/article/north-dakota-state-pushes-safe-zone-trainees-sign-lgbtq-ally-pledge/29452
CENTER SQUARE
— New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a proposal named after the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk that would restrict the teaching of “leftist indoctrination” in the state’s public schools. DD: My parents sending me to Missouri Synod Lutheran grade schools enabled me to avoid leftist indoctrination. My majoring in business, accounting, and finance enabled me to avoid leftist indoctrination.
https://www.aol.com/articles/hampshire-bill-targets-leftist-teachings-183600131.html
COLLEGE FIX
— Arcadia University launches racism minor to train students in ‘antiracist advocacy.’ DD: To get more votes from minorities, females, and younger people, Democrat leaders ever-increasingly shout at them that Republicans cause all their problems.
https://www.thecollegefix.com/arcadia-u-launches-racism-minor-to-train-students-in-antiracist-advocacy/
DAILY SIGNAL
— 7 Times Democrats Had a Meltdown Over Trump’s State of the Union Speeches
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/24/7-times-democrats-had-meltdown-over-trumps-state-union-speeches/
— The Media Lie About Trans Shooters
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/23/the-media-lies-about-trans-shooters/
FEDERALIST
— California Democrats Pile Out Of Clown Car At Their Convention
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/california-democrats-pile-out-of-clown-car-at-their-convention/
— Basing College Admissions On Merit Instead Of Skin Is Good For Everyone. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran the federal government for almost 30 years, they used Affirmative Action to give tremendous preference to my Democrat coworkers who were minority and/or female. That ever-increasingly rendered worthless my job-related bachelor’s degree, my three job-related master’s degrees, my six job-related professional certifications, and my job-related professional license.
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/surprise-basing-college-admissions-on-merit-instead-of-skin-is-good-for-everyone/
FOX NEWS
— House Dem compares Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown to ‘terrorism,’ vows to abolish ICE. Rep. Maxine Dexter promises to ‘dismantle and abolish ICE altogether’ if Democrats regain power.
https://noticias.foxnews.com/politics/house-dem-compares-trumps-illegal-immigration-crackdown-terrorism-abolish-ice
— Trump has sealed the border. Now, Democrats are hell-bent on ending immigration enforcement. Nine consecutive months of zero illegal alien releases at border while blue cities resist immigration enforcement.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/trump-has-sealed-border-now-democrats-hell-bent-ending-immigration-enforcement
— White House calls CNN a ‘total disgrace’ for skipping event honoring victims of illegal immigrant crime. ‘CNN doesn’t care about the victims of illegal alien crime,’ the White House press secretary wrote.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/white-house-calls-cnn-total-disgrace-skipping-event-honoring-victims-illegal-immigrant-crime
TOWNHALL
— About Those Detroit Officers Facing Termination for Contacting Border Patrol
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2026/02/23/detroit-police-chief-reverses-decision-to-fire-police-officers-for-contacting-ice-n2671720
— Newsom Continues to Lie About His Privileged Childhood. DD: Were you privileged? Ever since May of 1966 when I was 17 years old and bought a new 1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint ( https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1965-12-CD-1966-Pontiac-Tempest-Sprint-Test-1-4.pdf ), my critics/opponents have demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as having filthy rich parents. But I bought that car with money I earned washing dishes for the minimum wage in the basement of the SS Kresge in Chicago Heights, 28 hours a week during my junior and senior years at Crete-Monee High School, and 40 hours a week during the summer in between.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/print/2671745
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Democrats prepare to protest Trump State of the Union: What to know.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5751650-democrats-protest-trump-state-of-the-union/
NEW YORK TIMES
— State of the Union May Be a Trial for ‘Barely Invited’ Justices. If tradition holds, members of the Supreme Court will attend Trump’s annual speech, just days after ruling against the legality of his tariffs.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/us/politics/supreme-court-state-of-the-union.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Democrats’ Latest Anti-Trump Tactic: Skipping the State of the Union. Some 50 Democratic members of the House and Senate plan to forgo annual speech in unusual rebuke of sitting president.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/democrats-latest-anti-trump-tactic-skipping-the-state-of-the-union-93aeebe4
— Federal Worker Sues Government. DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that the federal government can force its employees to retire, that is, it can fire its employees, for doing things that are specifically protected, that is, opposing political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination.
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/federal-worker-fired-after-hanging-trans-flag-at-yosemite-sues-government-0ef5aed2
DAILY CAMPUS
— The Death of the Republican Party. DD: I am for Trump when he promotes conservative principles and the Republican Party platform.
https://dailycampus.com/2026/02/24/the-death-of-the-republican-party/
NATIONAL TODAY
— Musk Warns of ‘Woke AI’ Threat as Trump Admin Struggles to Respond. Elon Musk highlights dangers of morally compromised AI models, but the Trump administration’s efforts to combat ‘woke’ tech face challenges.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/ca/san-francisco/news/2026/02/23/musk-warns-of-woke-ai-threat-as-trump-admin-struggles-to-respond/
CONSTRUCTION COVERAGE
— Where Are U.S. Property Taxes Highest and Lowest? A State, County, and City Analysis. Midwest and Northeast states levy the highest rates, led by Illinois and New Jersey.
https://constructioncoverage.com/research/average-property-tax-by-state-county-city
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
MEAWW
— Dozens of Democrats plan to boycott Trump’s State of Union to attend counterprogramming events
https://news.meaww.com/dozens-of-democrats-plan-to-boycott-trumps-state-of-union-to-attend-counterprogramming-events
— Newsom tells Black crowd ‘I’m like you, I can’t read.’
https://news.meaww.com/right-wing-influencers-troll-gavin-newsom-for-telling-black-crowd-im-like-you-i-cant-read
February 21, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump wants to impose 15% tariff, up from 10% he announced after Supreme Court decision
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-10-global-tariff-murky-outlook-businesses-supreme-court-ruling-tariffs-prompts-countermoves-donald/18629152/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— ICE’s purchases for big detention centers are marked by secrecy, frustrating towns
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/21/ices-purchases-big-detention-centers/
— Supreme Court ruling offers little relief for Republicans divided on President Donald Trump’s tariffs
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/21/supreme-court-ruling-republicans-trumps-tariffs/
— Indiana passes amendment to limit early voting without testimony. DD: The DuPage County Election Division (DCED) should highlight early voting data on its website. That data should include how many votes have been cast the day before, the week before, and cumulatively broken out by the number of Republican, Democrat, and NA ballots that were cast. Further, voters should be able to easily see the aforesaid data for their township and for their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. According the DCED website, 2,406 have voted as of 2/21/26.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/21/indiana-passes-amendment-to-limit-early-voting-without-testimony/
DAILY HERALD
— Endorsement: Jennifer Davis in 8th District Republican primary
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260220/endorsements/daily-herald-endorsement-jennifer-davis-in-8th-district-republican-primary/
WBEZ
— Why did the FBI recruit Catholic high school girls in Chicago? DD: The FBI recruited my outstanding wife at her Catholic high school in 1968.
https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2026/02/18/why-did-the-fbi-recruit-catholic-high-school-girls-in-chicago
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones, author of the 2007 book The FBI: A History, said a strategy of hiring Catholic girls would line up perfectly with longtime FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover’s attitude in the post-World War II years, when the United States was in the grip of fears over communism. “He placed a huge emphasis on recruiting Catholics because he thought that Catholics would be reliably anti-communist,” said Jeffreys-Jones, a professor of American history at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. “They had the moral code and backbone. He went out of his way to praise the Catholic schools in America. He explicitly said that these schools have amongst their teaching staff not a single example of an atheist. And of course, communism, amongst other things, stands for atheism. That was his outlook.”)
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Early voting turnout remains low across Central Illinois ahead of March 17 primary. DD: The DuPage County Election Division (DCED) should highlight early voting data on its website. That data should include how many votes have been cast the day before, the week before, and cumulatively broken out by the number of Republican, Democrat, and NA ballots that were cast. Further, voters should be able to easily see the aforesaid data for their township and for their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. According the DCED website, 2,406 have voted as of 2/21/26.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/top-stories/central-illinois-early-voting-turnout/
NPR ILLINOIS
— A huge study finds a link between cannabis use in teens and psychosis later
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-21/a-huge-study-finds-a-link-between-cannabis-use-in-teens-and-psychosis-later
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Bailey Points to Illinois Truck Driver Licensing Scandal
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/21/bailey-points-to-illinois-truck-driver-licensing-scandal/
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Municipal League: Housing reform could strip authority from local communities
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_629f5e87-ba08-4226-b80f-e478cd6aad07.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Secretary of War-slash-Defense Pete Hegseth headlined the National Religious Broadcasters Freedom 250 Celebration on Thursday with a warning about the “godless left” that’s trying to destroy “Western Christian” values. And this is truly the war America faces in modern times.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/21/america250-pits-godless-left-versus-judeo-christian-right/
— Scott Walker: Young Americans deserve real history, not political indoctrination. Declining national pride reflects failures in education, civic teaching and historical truth.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/19/young-americans-deserve-real-history-political-indoctrination/
BREITBART
— Portland Anti-ICE Agitator Faces 20 Years in Prison for Assaulting Federal Agent with Large Rock
https://www.breitbart.com/border/2026/02/21/portland-anti-ice-agitator-faces-20-years-in-prison-for-assaulting-federal-agent-with-large-rock/
HOT AIR
— Due Process Means What They Say It Means. DD: Because GAO was not unionized in 1997, I did not get due process when my Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire. GAO unionized in 2007.
https://hotair.com/mitch_berg/2026/02/21/two-mns-part-ii-n3812009
WESTERN JOURNAL
— Trump Announces ‘Different Direction’ on Tariffs Following SCOTUS Decision, And Might Charge Countries More Than Before
https://www.westernjournal.com/president-trump-announces-different-direction-tariffs-following-scotus-decision-might-charge-countries/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEW YORK TIMES
— JPMorgan Admits It Shut Trump’s Accounts After Jan. 6 Capitol Attack. Nation’s largest bank, in response to a lawsuit filed by the president, confirmed his longstanding complaint about “debanking.” DD: What attitude does JPMorgan have toward you?
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/21/business/jpmorgan-trump-debanking.html
K8 NEWS
— Early voting numbers in Lawrence County. DD: The DuPage County Election Division (DCED) should highlight early voting data on its website. That data should include how many votes have been cast the day before, the week before, and cumulatively broken out by the number of Republican, Democrat, and NA ballots that were cast. Further, voters should be able to easily see the aforesaid data for their township and for their precinct. Voters should be able to see and analyze trends. According the DCED website, 2,406 have voted as of 2/21/26.
https://www.kait8.com/2026/02/20/early-voting-numbers-lawrence-county/