FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Large crowds return to Broadview ICE facility, protesting against immigration enforcement operations
https://abc7chicago.com/post/broadview-ice-protest-today-expected-draw-thousands-renee-good-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota/18421001/
NBC5
— Protesters stage demonstration against federal agents outside Broadview ICE facility. Among the speakers was a young woman from Miami who told NBC Chicago her father was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in October.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/protesters-stage-demonstration-against-federal-agents-outside-broadview-ice-facility/3877638/
CBS2
— “No Kings” protest held near Broadview ICE facility on Saturday
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/no-kings-protest-broadview-ice-facility-saturday/
FOX32
— Greenland latest: Trump charging tariff to 8 European countries
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/greenland-trump-control-us-tariff-european-countries-oppose
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Hundreds return to Broadview to denounce federal agents’ killings in Minneapolis, Chicago area
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/17/hundreds-return-to-broadview-to-denounce-federal-agents-killings-in-minneapolis-chicago-area/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Hundreds brave freezing temps at protest outside Broadview ICE facility. Protesters called for an end to immigration enforcement actions that have sparked protests nationwide, including over the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/17/broadview-protest-ice-renee-good
— Illinois Democrats join growing calls to ‘Abolish ICE’ Once a dicey political proposition, an increasing number of established Democrats are calling for a dissolution of the federal Immigration and Customs and Enforcement agency.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/17/abolish-ice-movement-illinois-democrats-delia-ramirez-juliana-stratton-patty-garcia
FOX ILLINOIS
— Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) criticizes Trump’s ICE tactics, compares them to Nazi raids and slave patrols
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/crockett-criticizes-trumps-ice-tactics-compares-them-to-nazi-raids-and-slave-patrols-ice-renee-good-trump-administration
NEW CHANNEL 20
— House Republicans launch investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar’s finances
https://newschannel20.com/news/nation-world/house-republicans-launch-investigation-into-rep-ilhan-omars-finances-wealth-money-probe-report-minnesota-fraud-somali-community-ethics-house-oversight-committee-gop-republicans-democrats-politicians
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Democrats bent on destruction pivot from ‘defund police’ to ‘defund ICE’
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/16/democrats-bent-destruction-pivot-defund-police-defund-ice/
DAILY CALLER
— Biden-Appointed Judge Limits ICE Tactics To Avoid ‘Retaliating’ Against Minnesota Protestors
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/17/joe-biden-appointed-federal-judge-limits-immigration-customs-enforcement-tactics-avoid-retaliating-minnesota-protestors/
EPOCH TIMES
— $4 Billion in Healthcare Fraud in California
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbn0sONnd_E
PJ MEDIA
— This Is How the Minneapolis Sanctuary City Policy Is Getting People Shot
https://pjmedia.com/tim-o-brien/2026/01/17/this-is-how-minneapolis-sanctuary-city-policy-is-getting-people-shot-n4948417
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— DD: Since the Civil War, to get more votes from Blacks, Democrat leaders have hinted/implied/argued/shouted at Blacks that Republicans cause all the problems that Blacks have.
https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/5693043-trump-reversing-mlk-legacy/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Help Wanted at the Obama Presidential Center. Here are some jobs the center should offer to provide a more complete picture of the Obama administration’s record.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/help-wanted-at-the-obama-presidential-center-6bbbe42c
FORBES
— Career success. DD: In retrospect, with benefit of hindsight, what could you have done, but you did not do, to avoid career setbacks? I worked for the Democrats who ran the federal government for almost 30 years. I could have enlisted, but I did not. I could have become a Democrat, but I did not. I could have given even more preference to my subordinates because they were Democrat, minority, female, and/or veteran, but I did not. I could have not complained about political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination, but I did. I could have not become an active member in a class action lawsuit that charged my superiors with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation when I was 40 in 1988, but I did. Consequently, my Democrat superiors wasted my career and forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997. Further, I have been a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999. I could have become a RINO, but I did not. I could nave not become the GOPUSA Illinois Editor in 2000, but I did. I could have supported in Republican primaries only those candidates who my Republican leaders endorsed, but I did not. I could have not served as an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, but I did. I could have not served as the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012, but I did. I could have not served as the Republican fundraiser for Wheaton Independence Day parades and fireworks 2005-2021, but I did. Consequently, I have never been asked to serve as an officer of the Milton Township Republican Organization.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2025/03/06/why-career-success-depends-on-embracing-failure/
BUSINESS INSIDER
— DD: AFL-CIO sides with illegals against Americans.
https://www.businessinsider.com/afl-cio-ice-raids-minnesota-day-truth-freedom-homeland-security-2026-1
POLITICO
— ‘Hands off Greenland’ protests sweep Denmark as Trump escalates takeover threat. DD: Of course, when Putin invades Denmark, Denmark expects Trump to drive Putin out. In WWIII, will Denmark side with Russia or America?
https://www.politico.eu/article/hands-off-greenland-protests-sweep-denmark-donald-trump-escalates-takeover-threat/
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
TIMES OF INDIA
— Minneapolis IN FLAMES: Anti-ICE Protests Directly Challenge Trump’s Federal Power | Streets On Fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3ls1COOuxM
Tag: township
January 14, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Illinois US Rep. Robin Kelly introduces articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
https://abc7chicago.com/post/minneapolis-ice-shooting-illinois-us-rep-robin-kelly-introduces-articles-impeachment-remove-dhs-secretary-kristi-noem/18403761/
— The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who shot Renee Good in the alleged car-ramming incident suffered internal bleeding
https://abc7chicago.com/post/ice-agent-shot-renee-good-suffered-internal-bleeding-officials-say/18402408/
— US to suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance concerns
https://abc7chicago.com/post/us-suspend-immigrant-visa-processing-75-countries-public-assistance-concerns/18403046/
— Federal judges allow California to use new US House map ahead of 2026 election
https://abc7chicago.com/post/federal-judges-allow-california-use-new-us-house-map-ahead-2026-election/18403705/
FOX32
— U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who represents parts of Chicago and the south suburbs, moved to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem on Wednesday in a major escalation, responding to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/kelly-impeaches-noem-dhs
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— US Rep. Robin Kelly launches long-shot impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over deportation tactics
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/14/robin-kelly-kristi-noem-impeachment-immigration/
— US Supreme Court says GOP congressman can challenge Illinois’ mail-in voting law but more legal fights remain
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/14/supreme-court-rules-bost-has-standing-mail-in-ballot-case/
— Trump Truth Store to reopen in Crystal Lake after summer shutdown amid eviction threat
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/14/trump-truth-store-reopen-crystal-lake-summer-shutdown-facing-eviction/
— After Supreme Court defeat, Trump administration looking to settle lawsuit over Illinois National Guard deployment
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/14/lawsuit-illinois-national-guard/
— CPS watchdog details a culture that failed to protect students
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/little-village-lawndale-high-school-brian-crowder-sexual-abuse-sexual-misconduct-philip-wagenknecht-oig-inspector-general/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Chicago law firm investigating Minneapolis shooting for Renee Nicole Good’s family. The Romanucci & Blandin law firm also represented the family of George Floyd after he was killed in 2020 by a Minneapolis police officer. That lawsuit resulted in a record settlement.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/14/chicago-law-firm-representing-renee-nicole-goods-family-romanucci-blandin
— Chicago to weigh paying $875K to settle claims tied to police handling of George Floyd protests. The proposed settlement is tied to a lawsuit that contends Chicago cops “responded to these protests with brutal, violent, and unconstitutional tactics that were clearly intended to injure and silence protesters.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/01/12/george-floyd-protests-chicago-police-department-response-lawsuit-proposed-settlement
DAILY HERALD
— Democrats see a path to win the Senate. It’s narrow and has little room for error
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260114/us-congress-politics/democrats-see-a-path-to-win-the-senate-its-narrow-and-has-little-room-for-error/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Supreme Court revives Bost challenge to Illinois mail ballot law
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/supreme-court-revives-illinois-gop-challenge-mail-ballot-law
NPR ILLINOIS
— Candidates have legal standing to challenge election laws, the Supreme Court rules
https://www.npr.org/2026/01/14/nx-s1-5677318/supreme-court-bost-decision-candidate-standing
NORTHERN STAR
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly promote more hatred against Trump.
https://northernstar.info/131472/opinion/opinion-ice-cold-hearts/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Milton Township Employees Paid To Work For Private Corporation
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2026/01/milton-township-employees-paid-to-work-for-private-corporation/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— FBI wrongly questioned agents’ support for Trump, religious beliefs, COVID vaccine status. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates often asked me questions to confirm my conservative beliefs and to use them against me.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/14/fbi-wrongly-questioned-agtents-support-trump-religious-beliefs-covid/
— How Minnesota became the center of the Somali community and fraud allegations
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/14/minnesota-became-center-somali-community-fraud-allegations/
— California’s new Democrat-dominated congressional map survives court challenge
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/14/californias-new-democrat-dominated-congressional-map-survives-court/
— Defining the midterm: What’s on the 2026 Republican agenda?
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/14/defining-midterm-whats-2026-republican-agenda/Defining the midterm: What’s on the 2026 Republican agenda?
— Trump’s view of presidential power collides with America’s constitutional design
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/14/trumps-view-presidential-power-collides-americas-constitutional/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump retreats on abortion
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/4419300/trump-retreats-on-abortion/
NEW YORK POST
— Washington school district forces students to hide Bibles ‘sealed in an envelope’ in backpacks, federal lawsuit alleges
https://nypost.com/2026/01/14/media/washington-school-district-forces-elementary-students-to-hide-bibles-in-backpacks-federal-lawsuit-alleges/
— Woman dragged from car by ICE agents in Minnesota ID’d as LGBT and racial justice activist
https://nypost.com/2026/01/14/us-news/woman-dragged-from-car-by-ice-in-minnesota-idd-as-lgbt-and-racial-justice-activist/
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
— United States Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against Minnesota’s ‘Affirmative Action’ Regime
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/united-states-department-justice-files-lawsuit-against-minnesotas-affirmative-action-regime
NEWSMAX
— DOJ Sues Minnesota Over DEI ‘Regime’
https://www.newsmax.com/us/suit-minnesota-affirmative-action/2026/01/14/id/1242149/
PATRIOT POST
— Bill Clinton Faces Contempt Charges For Defying Epstein Subpoena
https://pjnewsletter.com/clinton-congress-epstein/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— Trump administration slashes grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-cuts-grants-mental-health-addiction-treatment/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Supreme Court Sides With Bost in Illinois Election Rules Challenge. The question in the case was not a mail-in ballot rule itself but whether political candidates have the right to challenge the rules governing the vote count in their election.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/us/politics/supreme-court-illinois-mail-ballot-rules.html
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
GUARDIAN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more hatred against Trump.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/jan/14/us-politics-live-latest-news-updates-supreme-court-donald-trump-tariffs-jd-vance-greenland
January 13, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump says government will stop making payments to sanctuary cities, states, including Chicago, IL
https://abc7chicago.com/post/donald-trump-speech-today-detroit-michigan-president-says-government-will-stop-making-payments-sanctuary-cities-states/18397691/
— Trump is ending protected immigration status for Somalis
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-is-ending-protected-immigration-status-somalis-long-target-anti-immigrant-barbs/18396840/
— Pritzker defends SAFE-T Act, but leaves door open to possible changes in legislative session. Republicans are ramping up their push for a series of modifications.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/gov-jb-pritzker-defends-safe-act-illinois-law-eliminating-cash-bail-leaves-door-open-possible-changes/18397579/
WTTW
— Trump Threatens to Defy Court Ruling, Yank Funding From Chicago Over Immigrant Protections
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/13/trump-threatens-defy-court-ruling-yank-funding-chicago-over-immigrant-protections
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago video gambling legalization in flux as aldermen, Mayor Brandon Johnson weigh changes. DD: In 2009, I led the successful effort to ban video gambling in Wheaton. My critics/opponents have punished me ever since.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/chicago-video-gambling-legalization-aldermen-mayor-brandon-johnson-weigh-changes/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Mayor Johnson pushes back on Trump threat to halt U.S. funding for Chicago, other sanctuary cities. On Tuesday, the president said he would stop federal payments to cities resisting immigration policies and their states. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the threat “blatantly unconstitutional and immoral.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/13/brandon-johnson-donald-trump-sanctuary-cities
DAILY HERALD
— Tensions flare in Minnesota as protesters and federal agents repeatedly square off
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260113/nation-and-world-politics/tensions-flare-in-minnesota-as-protesters-and-federal-agents-repeatedly-square-off/
SOUTHERN
— Mendrick visits Southern Illinois
https://thesouthern.com/news/gop-governor-candidate-mendrick-visits-southern-illinois/article_37f1622d-4812-5d57-9e14-e67c7644d4e6.html
CAPITOL CITY NOW
— Pritzker: Blago hire reflects on Homer Glen. Pritzker is not done trying to hold down insurance premiums; he also says the state and the Bears have talked infrastructure.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-pritzker-blago-hire-reflects-on-homer-glen/
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/13/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-448/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— The Property Tax Sale Problem That Could Cost McHenry County Taxpayers $13 Million
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/the-property-tax-sale-problem-that-could-cost-mchenry-county-taxpayers-13-million/
— It’s Public Radio Broadcasting Day
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/its-public-radio-broadcasting-day/
— Algonquin Township Refuses to Provide Recording of Last Meeting
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/algonquin-township-refuses-to-provide-recording-of-last-meeting/
— Daniel Biss Runs TV Ad in Quest for 9th District Democratic Party Congressional Nomination
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/daniel-biss-runs-tv-ad-in-quest-for-democratic-party-congressional-nomination/
— 9th District Democratic Party Hopeful Laura Fine Runs Second TV Ad
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/9th-district-democratic-party-hopeful-laura-fine-runs-second-tv-ad/
— Senator Darby Hills Calls for Budget Transparency
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/senator-darby-hills-calls-for-budget-transparency/
— State Legislative Pork in McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/13/state-legislative-pork-in-mchenry-county/
— Small “ICE Out” Demonstration on Route 14 – Photos
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/small-ice-out-demonstration-on-route-14/
— Two Views on the Democrats Energy Law
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/two-views-on-the-democrats-energy-law/
— Start of Most Dangerous Time for Taxpayers
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/start-of-most-dangerous-time-for-taxpayers/
— Candidates’ Night for Those Wishing to Oppose Foster, Plus Contested County Board Candidates
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/candidates-night-for-those-wishing-to-oppose-foster-plus-contested-county-board-candidates/
— Home Price Changes Since 2018
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/12/home-price-changes-since-2018/
— Taxpayers Provide Unrestricted $12 Million to NASCAR–Over 10% of NASCAR’s Profit
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/diersen%40aol.com?compose=GTvVlcSBmzlbpkcWVGRqKjnDXwPvQcFrcWBgjHKQJrXtkDhXCFhwqVwnmtkwXxbcKCQFgDFbmHcJF
— GOP US Senate Hopeful Taunts Democratic Party Hopefuls for Their Endorsement of Tim Walz
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/11/gop-us-senate-hopeful-taunts-democratic-party-hopefuls-for-their-endorsement-of-tim-walz/
— What a Difference Three Decades Make
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/11/what-a-difference-three-decades-make/
— If This Proposal Had Been Law in 1948, I’d Have Been in Big Trouble
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/11/if-this-proposal-had-been-law-in-1948-id-have-been-in-big-trouble/
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Bailey DOGE Tracker Drops Bombshell: $180M in Taxpayer Cash Funneled to Pritzker-Linked Hyatt Hotel
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/bailey-doge-tracker-drops-bombshell-180m-in-taxpayer-cash-funneled-to-pritzker-linked-hyatt-hotel.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
AMAC
— Democrats Push Anti-ICE Violence
https://amac.us/newsline/politics/democrats-push-anti-ice-violence/
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— George Floyd Redux: Renee Good. When activists obstruct lawful arrests and politicians shout “murder,” the truth is lost: weaponizing a car against police turns ideology into a fatal choice.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/13/george-floyd-redux-renee-good/
FOX NEWS
— Trump to cut federal payments to sanctuary cities starting Feb 1 over immigration policies. Move targets jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-cut-federal-payments-sanctuary-cities-starting-feb-1-over-immigration-policies
— JD Vance, ICE flip script on sanctuary city leaders as ‘chaos’ erupts across Minnesota: ‘This is dangerous’ ‘You’re only seeing chaotic ICE raids in blue sanctuary cities where local officials are fighting against federal law enforcement,’ VP Vance said.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jd-vance-ice-flip-script-sanctuary-city-leaders-chaos-erupts-across-mn-dangerous
TOWNHALL
— A Chicago Man Was Brutally Attacked in the Loop. Guess How Many Times (57) the Suspect’s Been Arrested.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/01/13/chicago-57th-arrest-n2669348
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— At least 6 Minnesota federal prosecutors resign amid pressure to treat Renee Good killing as assault on ICE agent
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/federal-prosecutors-minnesota-resign-joe-thompson/
REUTERS
— DD: To give preference to one demographic group is to discriminate against another demographic group. Life is a zero-sum game.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/naacp-says-trump-being-deceptive-about-history-after-reverse-discrimination-2026-01-13/
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— ICE, Minneapolis and the Rule of Law. Local officials encourage obstruction of federal agents and have now filed a meritless lawsuit.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/ice-minneapolis-and-the-rule-of-law-9b8b1410
January 10, 2026
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from freezing child care funding in Illinois, 4 other states. The temporary ruling comes a day after Illinois and the four other Democrat-led states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the federal government’s intention to freeze funding for social services programs in the states.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/09/judge-temporarily-blocks-trump-administration-from-freezing-child-care-funding-in-illinois-4-other-states
— Feds agree to halt proposed national youth gender care ban while court weighs motion. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agreed to hold off on communicating its new regulations regarding gender-affirming care, per documents filed this week in an ongoing suit from officials from 20 states, including Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2026/01/09/feds-agree-to-halt-proposed-national-youth-gender-care-ban-while-court-weighs-motion
BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRATY
— Trump admin to garnish wages of delinquent student loan borrowers, including IL residents. DD: Did you get a student loan? I did not. I did not try to get one. My critics/opponents would a) hint/imply/argue/shout that I was not college material and b) stress that my ACT score was only 24, that I only just barely made it into the upper 20% percent of my class, and that I displayed no leadership potential.
https://www.bnd.com/news/state/illinois/article314265869.html
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— DD: Democrat leaders say fractures are starting to show in Trump’s GOP at the start of this election year.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-fractures-are-starting-to-show-in-trumps-gop-at-the-start-of-this-election-year/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Weaponizing Tragedy: The Left’s War on Law and Order
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2026/01/open-borders-political-stunts-and-the-cost-in-innocent-lives/
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Chicago gets lowest employment score since 2009
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-gets-lowest-employment-score-since-2009/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Renee Good is a cautionary tale on the dangers of the Left’s cult of ideology. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4412656/renee-good-cautionary-tale-dangers-left-cult-ideology/
NEW YORK POST
— Trump admin blocked from freezing $10B in child care, social services funding to NY, 4 other blue states. DD: For Democrats, the federal government exists to provide social services to Democrats, that is, to provide welfare to Democrats.
https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/us-news/judge-blocks-trump-admin-from-freezing-10b-in-child-care-social-services-funding-to-five-blue-states/
BREITBART
— Seattle’s Socialist Mayor to Illegals: ‘This Is Your City’
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2026/01/09/seattles-socialist-mayor-to-illegals-this-is-your-city/
DAILY CALLER
— How American Leftist Groups Collaborated With Maduro For Over A Decade
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/09/maduro-venezuela-trump-black-lives-matter-blm-democratic-socialists-america-dsa-chavez-socialismmaduro-venezuela-trump-black-lives-matter-blm-democratic-socialists-america-dsa-chavez-socialism/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Minnesota Somali Fraud, Illegal Trucking Scandals Share One Thing: DEI
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/09/minnesota-somali-fraud-illegal-trucking-scandals-share-one-thing-dei/amp/
EPOCH TIMES
— Behind the Group That Controls Chinese Students in America. ‘Fight with all their might for the motherland.’ Chinese students are pressured into advancing Beijing’s interests in America.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/behind-the-group-that-controls-chinese-students-in-america-5962330
FOX NEWS
— NAACP posts split image comparing ICE agents to KKK members: ‘Different mask, same agenda’ DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly equate their runaway slaves with their illegals.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/naacp-posts-split-image-comparing-ice-agents-kkk-members-different-mask-same-agenda.print
— DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387438147112
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— School Must Allow Parent to Opt Kindergarten Student Out of LGBTQ+ Lessons, Court Rules. DD: How successful have Democrats been making the students in your school district sexually active LGBTQers?
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/school-must-allow-parent-to-opt-kindergarten-student-out-of-lgbtq-lessons-court-rules/
NATIONAL REVIEW
— Scenes from Last Night’s Anti-ICE Protest in D.C. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/scenes-from-last-nights-anti-ice-protest-in-d-c/
NEWSMAX
— Judge Blocks Trump Freeze on Child Care Funds in 5 States. DD: For Democrats, the federal government exists to provide social services to Democrats, that is, to provide welfare to Democrats.
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/child-care-funding-freeze/2026/01/09/id/1241549/
TOWNHALL
— Mamdani Voters Shrug at Venezuelan Immigrant’s Warning Against Socialism
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2026/01/09/venezuelan-immigrants-vs-pro-mamdani-new-yorkers-n2669100
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC NEWS
— Protests against ICE planned across US after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/protests-ice-planned-us-after-shootings-minneapolis-portland-129078604
NBC NEWS
— Protests against ICE planned across US after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/protests-ice-planned-us-after-shootings-minneapolis-portland-129078604
REUTERS
— Fatal ICE shooting of Minneapolis activist sets stage for national protests. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis-activist-sets-stage-national-protests-2026-01-10/
MSN
— ‘You’re just an unqualified yes man’: Hegseth sat in silence as Duckworth gave a lengthy speech lambasting him. DD: Who has hinted/implied/argued/shouted that you were unqualified? My Democrat IRS superiors, supervisors, workers, and subordinates hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I was unqualified when an IRS manager a) promoted me in when I was 23 and 24, b) gave me a very high-profile developmental assignment when I was 25, and c) promoted me because of my performance on that assignment when I was 25. According to them, those promotions and that assignment should have been given to my Democrat coworkers who were veterans. They all blamed Republicans like me for America losing the Vietnam War. They all stressed that I got student draft deferments when I was 18-21 and a financial hardship draft deferment when I was 21-22. They all hinted/implied/argued/shouted that the real reason why I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU when I was 21 was to avoid the Vietnam War draft. According to them, if I had not avoided the Vietnam War draft, I would not have been a able to a) earn that degree, b) pay for graduate evening business courses at Loyola when I was 23-27 and accounting courses at DePaul when I was 27-31, c) buy new cars when I was 19, 20, 23, 25, 29, etc., d) buy real estate when I was 24, 25, 27, 29, 35, etc., and e) get married when I was 29. To punish me, they a) forced my aforesaid IRS manager to transfer to Dallas, b) disallowed my travel vouchers when I was 25, c) disallowed my education deductions when I was 29, and d) made it clear that they would never promote me again. They ignored/dismissed/belittled a) my earning an MBA from Loyola when I was 27, b) my passing the CPA examination on my first attempt when I was 30, c) my earning a master’s degree from DePaul when I was 31, d) etc.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/you-re-just-an-unqualified-yes-man-pete-hegseth-sits-in-silence-as-tammy-duckworth-gives-lengthy-speech-putting-him-in-his-place/vi-AA1TTm4h
NEW YORK TIMES
— Judge Blocks Trump Officials From Freezing Billions in Social Services Funds. DD: For Democrats, the federal government exists to provide social services to Democrats, that is, to provide welfare to Democrats.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/09/us/trump-news
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/us/politics/trump-minnesota-food-stamps-usda.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/us/politics/trump-child-care-funding-freeze.html
— What Happens if Federal Agents and Local Officers Stop Getting Along? DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Illegals are soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/federal-agents-law-enforcement-trump.html
WASHINGTON POST
— Protests against ICE planned across US after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2026/01/10/ice-protests-shootings-minneapolis-portland/f9fc2cd4-ede6-11f0-91a9-9928b22be817_story.html
LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Fast-food workers make $20 an hour. California’s other low-wage earners ask: What about us? DD: In today’s dollars, I started earning $19.57/hour when I was 18 in 1966 and started working part-time for the Park Forest Post Office. To get that job, I had passed the postal employment examination, earned a high school diploma, passed a physical examination, passed a background investigation, had a driver’s license, and had a car to use to deliver mail.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-09/fast-food-workers-now-make-20-an-hour-californias-other-low-wage-earners-ask-what-about-us
USA TODAY
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly side with Venezuela against America.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/10/trump-ousted-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-immigrants-safety/88034921007/
FORTUNE
— Did your career get a bad start? My career in the federal government sure did. My Democrat Post Office supervisor a) disapproved of my getting student draft deferments and b) disapproved of my being Protest, German American, and a Crete resident. He was a veteran who blamed Republicans for America losing the Vietnam War. He disallowed my sick leave requests and forced me to resign when I was 20 in 1969. According to him, I got student deferments to avoid the Vietnam War draft. I passed the test to get into a postal management program, but my score was not high enough to get into the program. My Democrat IRS and GAO superiors used the aforesaid against me.
https://fortune.com/2015/03/31/four-successful-business-tycoons-first-jobs/
PBS
— Shootings in Minneapolis and Portland spur protests over federal enforcement operations. — DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/shootings-in-minneapolis-and-portland-spur-protests-over-federal-enforcement-operations-after
NEW REPUBLIC
— DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://newrepublic.com/article/205067/renee-good-george-floyd-minneapolis-resistance-violence
NEW YORKER
— DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/an-ice-killing-puts-minneapolis-on-the-brink
CREATORS SYNDICATE
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly side with Venezuela against America.
https://www.creators.com/read/mona-charen
AXIOS
— Liberal media tries to curry favor with Trump. DD: I should write about those Republican candidates, elected officials, and party leaders in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who since 2000 have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me to curry favor with the Democrat news media.
https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/liberal-media-trump-favor-effort
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
GUARDIAN
— Six years after George Floyd, we must stand against an ICE killing in Minneapolis. DD: Will Democrat leaders succeed in making Renee Good George Floyd 2?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/09/george-floyd-ice-killing-minneapolis
January 9, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Renee Good’s wife speaks out after fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis: ‘She literally sparkled’
https://abc7chicago.com/post/renee-goods-wife-speaks-fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis-she-literally-sparkled/18378823/
— Illinois 5th worst state in US, Chicago 3rd worst city for fraudulent odometer rollback on used cars. DD: There were more than enough facts to make the Chicago Car Exchange (CCE) suspicious of the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T’s claimed mileage that CCE sold me, and therefore, CEE should have verified its claimed milage. The court left out many of those facts in its written decision. SEE: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/110/481/526770/ I argued this case before Chief Judge Posner. Further, CCE refused to offer to pay me the car’s loss in value because of the odometer discrepancy or the thousands of dollars of improvements that I had made to the car. The odometer exemption decision was rendered moot when the BIG THREE had Congress modify the Federal Odometer Act. I appealed the rest of the decision to the Supreme Court, but Supreme Court refused to hear it. According to Google AI: “Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange was a federal appeals court case that established that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not have the authority to exempt vehicles ten years or older from the Odometer Act’s disclosure requirements. Case Summary Plaintiff: David Diersen, who bought a 1968 Dodge Charger from Chicago Car Exchange (CCE). Defendant: Chicago Car Exchange (CCE), an automobile dealership. Allegation: Diersen claimed CCE violated the federal Odometer Act by providing an inaccurate odometer reading and intended to defraud him. The Odometer Act allows purchasers to sue for triple actual damages or $1500. Initial Ruling: The district court ruled for CCE, citing a 1988 NHTSA regulation that exempted vehicles ten years or older from the Act’s requirements. Appeals Court Ruling: The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, stating the NHTSA regulation was invalid as it lacked statutory authority. The court noted that Congress did not exempt any vehicle class in the Odometer Act, which aims to protect all purchasers from odometer tampering. Outcome: While finding the regulation invalid, the appeals court upheld the summary judgment for CCE because Diersen did not provide enough evidence that the dealership intended to defraud him, a required element for a claim under the Odometer Act. The court distinguished “mere negligence” from “intent to defraud” and noted that CCE had no reason to question the car’s original seller’s sworn statement. CCE had also offered Diersen a full refund, which he declined.”
https://abc7chicago.com/post/fraudulent-odometer-rollbacks-used-cars-14-past-year-illinois-5th-worst-state-us-chicago-3rd-city/18379513/
CBS2
— Judge blocks Trump administration from freezing $10 billion in social services funding to 5 Democratic states
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/judge-blocks-trump-administration-freezing-social-services-funding/
— Illinois leaders reject claims of fraud, say Trump’s childcare funding freeze is politically motivated
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-child-care-funding-freeze-no-fraud-trump-politically-motivated/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pritzker, Illinois House Speaker Welch open to tweaking SAFE-T Act
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/09/pritzker-illinois-house-speaker-welch-open-tweaking-safe-t-act-electronic-monitoring-rich-miller
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Wife of Minnesota woman killed in ICE shooting: ‘We had whistles. They had guns’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/09/wife-of-minnesota-woman-killed-in-ice-shooting-we-had-whistles-they-had-guns/
— A needless death in Minneapolis
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/08/editorial-ice-minneapolis-shooting-renee-good-immigration-enforcement/
— Vivek Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard arrested on drug trafficking charges
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/09/vivek-ramaswamys-family-bodyguard/
DAILY HERALD
— DD: Democrat leaders push medial pot to push recreational pot.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260109/news/schaumburg-family-losing-access-to-daughters-medical-marijuana-patches-faces-pivotal-week/
— ‘Democracy in action’: Training teens as election judges — and encouraging them to vote — is a vital mission. DD: But Democrats run high schools and shout at teens that Republicans cause everyone’s problems.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260109/editorials/daily-herald-opinion-democracy-in-action-training-teens-as-election-judges-and-encouraging-the/
WGEM
— League of Women Voters’ candidate forums next month. DD: If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://www.wgem.com/2026/01/08/wgem-stream-league-women-voters-candidate-forums-next-month/
WFIW
— JEFFERSON COUNTY REPUBLICANS TO HOST GOVERNOR CANDIDATE FORUM IN JANUARY DD: If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://www.wfiwradio.com/2026/01/06/jefferson-county-republicans-to-host-governor-candidate-forum-in-january/
NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-08/renee-nicole-good-isnt-the-first-death-caused-by-ice-under-trump-administration
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/09/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-446/
— ILGOP Chair Salvi: ‘The partisanship of Democrats has reached the level of undeniable insurrection’
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/09/ilgop-chair-salvi-the-partisanship-of-democrats-has-reached-the-level-of-undeniable-insurrection/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Poll of Republican U.S. Senate Primary Shows Nobody above 6%, 84% Undecided
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/09/poll-of-republican-u-s-senate-primary-shows-nobody-above-6-84-undecided/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— New video shows protester taunting ICE officer before Minneapolis shooting
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/9/new-video-shows-protester-taunting-ice-officer-minneapolis-shooting/
NEW YORK POST
— Renee Nicole Good’s 6-year-old son attends ‘social justice’ school that teaches about George Floyd, warned staffers to report ICE
https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/us-news/renee-goods-kindergarten-son-attends-social-justice-school-that-teaches-about-george-floyd-warned-staffers-to-report-ice/
— Socialist politician turns LA City Hall into anti-ICE, abolish-police spectacle
https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/us-news/la-lawmaker-eunisses-hernandez-hosts-anti-cop-anti-ice-presentation/
BIZ PAC REVIEW
— NYC protesters chant, ‘Kristi Noem will hang… Save a life, kill an ICE’
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/01/09/nyc-protesters-chant-kristi-noem-will-hang-save-a-life-kill-an-ice-1614951/
BREITBART
— Democrats Defend Tren de Aragua Migrants Shot During Attack on ICE
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/01/09/democrats-defend-tren-de-aragua-migrants-shot-during-attack-on-ice/
FRC ACTION
— No “flexibility” on tax dollar funding for abortion
https://www.frcaction.org/get.cfm?c=CHECKOUT&dmy=75509402-9BEA-3BC3-82CFD1DCF3A7C4A1&srcItem=PT26A01&fromItem=AL26A01&x=0#gsc.tab=0
NATIONAL REVIEW
— Heed the Unforgettable Words of Henry Hyde
https://www.nationalreview.com/the-lifeline/heed-the-unforgettable-words-of-henry-hyde/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The controversy this week involving the president insisting that pro-lifers be flexible on the Hyde amendment in budget negotiations in Congress has me longing for the days of the late Illinois Republican Congressman Henry Hyde. He drew the line on taxpayer funding of abortion, and so much else.)
NEWSMAX
— Democrats ‘Demonized’ Agents Ahead of Minn. ICE Shooting
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/dan-meuser-democrats-ice/2026/01/09/id/1241481/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— DD: I should write about those Republican candidates, elected officials, and party leaders in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who since 2000 have had their operatives and their dupes take the most/biggest adverse actions against me to curry favor with the Democrat news media.
https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/5416852-elizabeth-warren-stephen-colbert-cbs/
CBS NEWS
— Prosecutors in DOJ’s Civil Rights Division will not investigate Minneapolis ICE shooting, sources say
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/doj-civil-rights-division-will-not-investigate-minneapolis-ice-shooting-sources-say/
DESERT REVIEW
— GOP, Pro-Life orgs forcefully defend Hyde Amendment amid Trump’s backpedaling
https://www.thedesertreview.com/news/national/gop-pro-life-orgs-forcefully-defend-hyde-amendment-amid-trump-s-backpedaling/article_fcfbf23d-4097-45fc-8151-ed09370a70d5.html
January 4, 2026 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Maduro to appear in Manhattan federal court on Monday for arraignment on alleged drug charges
https://abc7chicago.com/post/ousted-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-appear-manhattan-federal-court-monday-arraignment-alleged-drug-charges/18351236/
— Venezuelan communities meeting in Chicago area after US captures President Maduro
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-protest-chicago-protests-today-expected-nicolas-maduro-captured-saturdays-federal-plaza-demonstration/18350445/
FOX32
— What did Trump mean US will ‘run’ Venezuela? Rubio explains
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/trump-us-will-run-venezuela-rubio
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— How cocaine and corruption led to the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/cocaine-corruption-indictment-maduro/
— US intervention in Venezuela could test Donald Trump’s ability to hold GOP together in an election year
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/us-intervention-venezuela-trumps-gop-election/
— Secretary of State Marco Rubio says US won’t govern Venezuela but will press for changes through oil blockade
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/nicolas-maduro-arrives-in-us/
SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DD: Central Illinois Democrats protest against Trump’s military action in Venezuela
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2026/01/04/central-illinois-protests-against-trumps-military-action-in-venezuela/88007076007/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— YMCA Posts Sign Saying ICE Not Welcome
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/ymca-posts-sign-saying-ice-not-welcome/
— Dems Circling Like Vultures over Richmond Township Vacancies
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/dems-circling-like-vultures-over-richmond-township-vacancies/
— More Details on Sunday, January 25th, Gubernatorial Debate Sponsored by GOP Voter Information Project
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/more-details-on-sunday-january-25th-gubernatorial-debate-sponsored-by-gop-voter-information-project/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez: Either get on board or get out of the way
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/4/trump-venezuelan-vice-president-delcy-rodriguez-either-get-board-get/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Some cultures are simply not compatible with American values
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4375483/some-cultures-not-compatible-american-values/
NEW YORK POST
— Zohran Mamdani previously called to end sanctions on Venezuela, partly blamed penalties for US migrant crisis
https://nypost.com/2026/01/04/us-news/zohran-mamdani-previously-called-to-end-sanctions-on-venezuela-partly-blamed-penalties-for-us-migrant-crisis/
— Biden’s ‘extravagant’ pension is largest of any president in history – and even more than what he earned as prez
https://nypost.com/2026/01/04/us-news/bidens-pension-is-largest-of-any-us-president-in-history/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Former President Joe Biden’s long career in politics allowed him to retire with the largest taxpayer-funded pension of any ex-prez in US history — $417,000, or more than his presidential salary, an expert says. Biden, 83, was in line to rake in the massive amount from two pension funds in his first year as former president, according to an analysis by National Taxpayer Union Foundation Vice President Demian Brady. “It’s pretty unusual, historically unusual, to have such a large pension amount,” Brady told The Post. “I would have to say that it’s the largest,” the taxpayer advocate said when asked to compare Biden’s pension to his predecessors. The hefty estimated annual sum is double what Biden’s former boss, Barack Obama, has received in retirement pay after leaving the White House and $17,000 more than Biden’s $400,000-per-year presidential salary. It also reflects Biden’s “unique situation” as a former senator, vice president and president, a career path that has allowed him to take advantage of a “loophole” letting him tap into multiple taxpayer-backed retirement funds, Brady said. Biden, who once described himself as “one of the poorest members” of Congress, is able to collect the lucrative payouts by double-dipping in benefits established under the Former Presidents Act of 1958 as well as the Civil Service Retirement System for ex-senators. Annual pay in the CSRS pension plan is determined by a formula that takes into account Biden’s 44 years in the Senate and as vice president, as well as his three highest years of salary during that span. “Biden’s starting pension could be as much as $166,374, including an $18,186 set aside in the program for the spousal portion of benefit,” according to Brady, who noted his estimate assumes Biden sought to maximize the size of his Senate pension. The former prez would have raked in more than $254,000 in annual benefits from CSRS if not for a cap limiting his annual payouts to 80% of his highest salary, which was $230,700 a year as vice president and president of the Senate. Biden, who was elected to the upper chamber in 1972, entered office before the Senate retirement plan was tweaked to make it a bit less generous for newer members. On top of the check from his Senate and vice presidential service, Biden also receives a quarter of a million dollars annually from his presidential pension. Under the 1958 law, Biden’s presidential pension must be equivalent to the salary of a Cabinet secretary, which is currently $250,600. The law was enacted amid public concern over former President Harry Truman’s purported financial struggles after leaving office, although several historians and experts now believe Truman was actually a multi-millionaire after his presidency and not on the verge of becoming destitute. The FPA also established a number of additional taxpayer-funded perks for outgoing presidents, including money for staff, equipment and office space. For fiscal year 2026, the General Services Administration budgeted more than $1.5 million for Biden – $727,000 alone for office space – more than any other former president.)
AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Nine Reasons Why Trump’s Venezuela Operation Is Great for America
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/04/nine-reasons-why-trumps-venezuela-operation-is-great-for-america/
AMERICAN THINKER
— We’re Sleeping through a Chinese Takeover. The Chinese Communist Party doesn’t need to beat us on the battlefield. It only needs the West to stay asleep.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/we_re_sleeping_through_a_chinese_takeover.html
BREITBART
— Minnesota’s Somali Fraudsters Paid for Lamborghini, Rolls Royce Rentals, Luxury Resort in Kenya with Stolen Money
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/04/report-minnesotas-somali-fraudsters-paid-for-rich-lifestyles-with-stolen-money/
EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Praised for Bold, Unprecedented Venezuela Operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as ‘unbelievable and a tremendous success.’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-praised-for-bold-unprecedented-venezuela-operation-5965996
FOX NEWS
— Trump restores America as the world’s sole superpower. President embraces ‘Donroe Doctrine’ as Venezuela operation leaves Russia and China unable to protect their ally.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-trump-restores-america-worlds-sole-superpower
— Trump DOJ demands Minnesota voting records over same-day registration ‘vouching’ concerns. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon cited concerns about the vouching policy that lets one voter verify residency for 8 others.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-doj-demands-minnesota-voting-records-over-same-day-registration-vouching-concerns
PJ MEDIA
— New St. Paul Mayor Said She Was an Illegal Alien
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/04/new-st-paul-mayor-said-shes-an-illegal-alien-n4947884
TOWNHALL
— Democrats Can’t Help but Side With America’s Enemies
https://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2026/01/04/democrats-cant-help-but-side-with-americas-enemies-n2668830
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NBC NEWS
— Rubio says Maduro’s capture ‘not a war against Venezuela’
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/marco-rubio-says-maduro-s-capture-not-a-war-against-venezuela-full-interview-255365701900
— Rubio says elections in Venezuela would be ‘premature at this point’ after Maduro’s capture
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/marco-rubio-says-elections-in-venezuela-would-be-premature-at-this-point-after-maduro-s-capture-255365189663
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Venezuela’s New Leader Is a Hardline Socialist Like Maduro. Delcy Rodríguez is known as a political operator—someone Trump said is ‘willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.’
https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/venezuelas-new-leader-is-a-hardline-socialist-like-maduro-875336e9
— Trump Rolls the Dice on Nation-Building With Vow to ‘Run’ Venezuela. Swift military operation delivers Venezuelan strongman Maduro into custody, though his lieutenants say they remain in charge.
https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/trump-rolls-the-dice-on-nation-building-with-vow-to-run-venezuela-805a9e35
DESERT NEWS
— Shaping campaigns responsibly: The role of political consultants DD: My critics/opponents reject many, if not most, if not virtually all, if not all conservative principles and planks in the Republican Party platform. They reject my promotion of those principles and planks in my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. They reject many, if not most, if not virtually all, if not all of a) the articles that I link to in my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters and b) my opinions that express in those newsletters.
https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/12/31/behind-the-campaign-political-consultant-role-ethical-advice/
January 3, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— US strike on Venezuelan: Protesters gather in Chicago, Illinois and Indiana leaders speak out. Democrats condemn ‘illegal’ military operation, Republicans praise Trump for taking action.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-illinois-indiana-leaders-speak-trump-announces-us-captured-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-wife/18347741/
— Why Venezuela? Trump’s shifting explanations about military buildup
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-trumps-shifting-explanations-military-buildup/18346832/
NBC5
— Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, wife arrive in New York after capture by US military. Maduro’s government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an “imperialist attack” and urging citizens to take to the streets.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/watch-live-president-trump-to-address-nation-at-10-a-m-after-venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-captured/3870739/
— Illinois lawmakers react to US strikes in Venezuela, capture of Maduro. Illinois’ Republican members of Congress praised the mission, while Democrats largely condemned the U.S. military’s actions.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-lawmakers-react-to-us-strikes-in-venezuela-capture-of-maduro/3870791/
— Who will run Venezuela? U.S. will, Trump says, and tap its oil reserves. Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro’s capture, Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to “fix” the country’s oil infrastructure and sell “large amounts” of oil to other countries.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/u-s-plans-to-run-venezuela-and-tap-its-oil-reserves-trump-says/3870857/
CBS2
— Trump says “we’re going to run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture until peaceful transition takes place
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/trump-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-captured-transition/
— Illinois leaders, Chicago communities react to U.S military operation in Venezuela
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-reactions-military-operation-venezuela/
WGN9
— Rubio sends warning to Cuba’s leaders after Maduro’s removal: ‘I’d be concerned’
https://wgntv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/rubio-sends-warning-to-cubas-leaders-after-maduros-removal-id-be-concerned/
FOX32
— Can the U.S. ‘run’ Venezuela? What the law says about Maduro’s arrest
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/can-u-s-run-venezuela-what-law-says-about-maduros-arrest
— Illinois politicos criticize Trump for strike in Venezuela: ‘reckless and unconstitutional’ Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela until a new government is in place
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-politicos-criticize-trump-strike-venezuela-reckless-unconstitutional
— Who is Nicolás Maduro? Venezuelan president captured by US forces
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/who-is-nicolas-maduro-venezuelan-president-captured-us-forces
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— US plans to ‘run’ Venezuela and tap its oil reserves, Donald Trump says, after operation to oust Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/us-strikes-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/
— Venezuelans wonder who’s in charge as Donald Trump claims contact with Nicolás Maduro’s deputy
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/venezuelans-trump-maduros-deputy/
— After ousting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, Donald Trump commits himself to another foreign policy project
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/maduro-venezuela-trump-foreign-policy-project/
— How the US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/how-the-us-captured-nicols-maduro/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Chicago’s Venezuelan community applauds Maduro removal but question Trump’s motives. Illinois political leaders criticized the U.S. government’s attack on Venezuela as unconstitutional because of President Donald Trump’s failure to consult Congress.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/nation-world/2026/01/03/chicago-venezuelans-applaud-maduro-ouster-trump-attack-motives
DAILY HERALD
— With capture of Maduro, Trump claims successful operation as he treads into uncharted territory
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/with-capture-of-maduro-trump-claims-successful-operation-as-he-treads-into-uncharted-territory/
— ‘What comes next?’ Democrats warn U.S. could be walking into a quagmire after Maduro capture
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/what-comes-next-democrats-warn-u-s-could-be-walking-into-a-quagmire-after-maduro-capture/
— Thousands of mail-in ballots could be discounted under new post office policy
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/thousands-of-mail-in-ballots-could-be-discounted-under-new-post-office-policy/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Trump’s Venezuela move sparks sharp divide among area pols
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/trumps-venezuela-move-sparks-sharp-divide-among-area-pols
SUBURBAN LIFE
— Downers Grove Township group working to put 708 Mental Health Board referendum on November ballot
https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/01/02/downers-grove-township-group-working-to-put-708-mental-health-board-referendum-on-november-ballot/
SOUTHERN
— Republicans largely back Trump on Venezuela action, Democrats decry it as unjustified
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/03/republicans-largely-back-trump-on-venezuela-action-democrats-decry-it-as-unjustified/
NPR ILLINOIS
— ‘We are going to run the country,’ Trump says after strike on Venezuela
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-03/we-are-going-to-run-the-country-trump-says-after-strike-on-venezuela
25 NEWS NOW
— LaHood praises Trump for removing ‘thug’ while Sorensen worries about US running Venezuela
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/01/03/gops-lahood-praises-trump-team-removing-thug-while-sorensen-worries-about-us-plans-run-venezuela/
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Capture of Maduro and US claim that it will run Venezuela raise new legal questions
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-capture-of-maduro-and-us-claim-it-will-run-venezuela-raise-new-legal-questions/
— Democrats rip Trump administration for strikes on Venezuela: ‘Illegal’
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/national/democrats-rip-trump-administration-for-strikes-on-venezuela-illegal/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Pritzker: Trump’s military action in Venezuela is ‘unconstitutional’
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_f248d3b9-4a12-48ad-a416-17a640422fa6.html
ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Chicago Records Nearly 2,000 Shooting Victims in 2025, Outpacing New York and Los Angeles
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/chicago-records-nearly-2000-shooting-victims-in-2025-outpacing-new-york-and-los-angeles.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump’s arrest of Maduro is a victory over corruption, communism and isolationism. It’s time to secure the Western Hemisphere and let the criminal, communist dominoes fall.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/trumps-arrest-maduro-victory-corruption-communism-isolationism/
— Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela until a new government is in place
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/trump-says-us-run-venezuela-new-government-place/
— Democrats to force war powers vote to prevent escalation in Venezuela without congressional approval
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/democrats-force-war-powers-vote-prevent-escalation-venezuela-without/
— Rubio says administration notified Congress after grabbing Maduro
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/rubio-says-administration-notified-congress-grabbing-maduro/
— The ‘warmth of collectivism’ is a bloody lie
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/warmth-collectivism-bloody-lie/
— Democrats should get blame for health care costs, inflation. If Obamacare, economy decide 2026 midterms, Republicans will win.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/1/democrats-get-blame-health-care-costs-inflation/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘Illinois is worse’ as HHS enforces verification for child care funding: Trump
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/4400830/illinois-child-care-worse-hhs-funding-trump/
— This wasn’t an arrest in Venezuela. This was an unauthorized regime-change war
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4400798/this-wasnt-an-arrest-in-venezuela-this-was-an-unauthorized-regime-change-war/
— Mamdani’s collectivist vision for America
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4399614/mamdani-collectivist-vision-for-america/
WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Donroe Doctrine: Trump Nabs Maduro in Daring, Middle-of-the-Night Operation. US will run Venezuela until a legitimate government can be installed.
https://freebeacon.substack.com/p/donroe-doctrine-trump-nabs-maduro
NEW YORK POST
— Trump tells Post that US troops won’t be in Venezuela if Maduro VP ‘does what we want’: ‘We have a second wave’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/trump-says-us-troops-wont-be-in-venezuela-if-nicolas-maduro-vp-delcy-rodriguez-does-what-we-want/
— Mamdani, other NY lefties rip Trump over Maduro arrest, condemning it as ‘act of war’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/mamdani-other-ny-lefties-rip-trump-over-maduro-arrest/
— World leaders gripe over US arrest of tyrant Nicolás Maduro, despite legal precedent: ‘Deeply alarmed’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/world-news/world-leaders-gripe-over-us-arrest-of-tyrant-nicolas-maduro-despite-legal-precedent-deeply-alarmed/
— Trump issues thinly veiled warning to Mexico, slams Cuba, Colombia after US strikes Venezuela, arrests Maduro
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/world-news/trump-issues-chilling-warning-to-colombia-cuba-after-us-strikes-venezuela-captures-maduro-he-does-have-to-watch-his-a/
BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Rubio details why Venezuela strike did not require congressional authorization, says no further action
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/01/03/rubio-details-why-venezuela-strike-did-not-require-congressional-authorization-says-no-further-action-1613609/
BREITBART
— ‘Brewing Discontent’ Among GOP Senators About Trump’s Misbehavior
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/01/02/whitehouse-brewing-discontent-among-gop-senators-about-trumps-misbehavior/amp/
DAILY CALLER
— Congressional Democrats Rage At Trump’s Venezuela Operation
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/03/congressional-democrats-donald-trump-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/
DAILY SIGNAL
— Trump Announces Major Victory in Venezuelan Drug War
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/03/trump-celebrates-capture-maduro-venezuela/
EPOCH TIMES
— There is No Such Thing as Being Transgender
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTtBHfiiQZo
FOX NEWS
— Republicans line up behind Trump after US strikes Venezuela, Maduro arrested: ‘Changed the course of history’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed a number of Republican lawmakers on the Venezuela strike Saturday morning.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republicans-line-up-behind-trump-after-us-strikes-venezuela-maduro-arrested-changed-course-history
LEGAL INSURRECTION
— DePaul University Offers Students Training on How to Run a Pot Dispensary
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/depaul-university-offers-students-training-on-how-to-run-a-pot-dispensary/amp/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CBS NEWS
— Venezuelan officials condemn Maduro’s capture, calling it a “kidnapping”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuelan-officials-condemn-maduro-capture-kidnapping-trump-delcy-rodriguez/
— U.S. seeks to tap Venezuela’s vast oil reserves after military strikes. Here’s what to know.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuela-oil-reserves-us-strike-trump-what-to-know/
— Photos show damage at Fuerte Tiuna, the military base where Maduro was captured
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fuerte-tiuna-satellite-images-after-maduro-captured/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Venezuela Live Updates: Maduro Arrives in N.Y.; Trump Says U.S. Will ‘Run’ Venezuela. Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, rejected the U.S. intervention and demanded President Nicolás Maduro’s return. Maduro and his wife were being brought to New York City to stand trial on drug and weapons charges.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/03/world/trump-united-states-strikes-venezuela
MIAMI HERALD
— After Maduro’s capture, Venezuelans in South Florida dream of going home
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article314149807.html
January 3, 2025
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— US strikes Venezuela and says its leader, Maduro, has been captured and flown out of country
https://abc7chicago.com/post/us-venezuela-news-strikes-country-says-venezuelan-president-nicols-maduro-captured-wife/18346121/
CBS2
— U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela, Trump says Maduro captured and flown out of the country
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/live-updates/venezuela-us-military-strikes-maduro-trump/
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— US strikes Venezuela and says leader Nicolás Maduro has been captured and flown out of the country
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/us-strikes-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/
DAILY HERALD
— New laws: Illinois expands job-protected leave for parents with a newborn in a neonatal intensive care unit
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260102/business/new-laws-illinois-expands-job-protected-leave-for-parents-with-newborns-in-nicu/
— Illinois’ electric grids may soon face power shortages and further price increases as fossil fuel plants go offline and data centers fueling the rise of artificial intelligence demand ever-increasing amounts of power.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260102/business/as-state-regulators-warn-of-impending-energy-shortfalls-capacity-prices-rise-again/
JOURNAL COURIER
— Morgan Republicans plan meet-and-greet with gubernatorial candidate. DD: If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, the organizations would still be hosting candidate forums.
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/morgan-republicans-set-gathering-gubernatorial-21272921.php
NPR ILLINOIS
— Naps, bruising, cognitive tests: Trump addresses aging questions. DD: How old are you? I am 77. What do you stress to defend your age? I stress the GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters that I put together and send out. Putting those newsletters together and sending them out takes lots of time and focus.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-02/naps-bruising-cognitive-tests-trump-addresses-aging-questions
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump tries to beat back questions about health: Key takeaways.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/hill-politics/trump-tries-to-beat-back-questions-about-health-key-takeaways/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— 9th Congressional District Democratic Party Hopeful Bushra Amiwala Joins Others in Attacking the American Israel Public Affairs Committee
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/03/9th-congressional-district-democratic-party-hopeful-bushra-amiwala-joins-others-in-attacking-the-american-israel-public-affairs-committee/
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois local governments lose out on $10.9B in state taxes
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-local-governments-lose-out-on-10-9b-in-state-taxes/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
BREITBART
— 41 Percent of Netflix Shows for Children Contain LGBTQ+ Content in 2025
https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/01/02/report-says-41-percent-of-netflix-shows-for-children-contain-lgbtq-content-in-2025/
CHRISTIAN POST
— Mamdani’s inaugural address: ‘Godless, rancid ideology’
https://www.christianpost.com/news/top-responses-zohran-mamdani-inaugural-address.html
EPOCH TIMES
— Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down California Ban on Open Carry of Firearms
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/federal-appeals-court-strikes-down-california-ban-on-open-carry-of-firearms-5965490
FOX NEWS
— Mamdani ignites fierce backlash on day one in office
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdL7ph03298
— Mamdani’s inauguration fuels debate over Gen Z shift toward socialism, away from free markets. Zohran Mamdani’s first moments in office embraced ‘collectivism’ as Republicans warn Gen Z is rejecting free markets.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mamdanis-inauguration-fuels-debate-over-gen-z-shift-toward-socialism-away-from-free-markets.amp
— Redistricting battles brewing across the country as parties compete for power ahead of 2026 midterms
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/redistricting-battles-brewing-across-country-parties-compete-power-ahead-2026-midterms.print
NATIONAL REVIEW
— Horse Therapy, Gender-Neutral Bathrooms, and Hate Crime Work Leave: The Wild Blue State Laws of 2025
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/horse-therapy-gender-neutral-bathrooms-and-hate-crime-work-leave-the-wild-blue-state-laws-of-2025/amp/
— Mamdani to Establish New ‘Office of Mass Engagement’ Led by Veteran Socialist Organizer
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mamdani-to-establish-new-office-of-mass-engagement-led-by-veteran-socialist-organizer/
— Let’s Hire Professors Purely on Merit. DD: My critics/opponents have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that I passed the following tests because standardized tests are biased in favor of those who share my demographics: a) the postal employment test when I was 17 in 1966, b) the ACT test with a score of 24 in 1966, c) all the tests that I needed to pass to graduate in the upper 20% of my high school class in 1966, d) the Federal Service Entrance Examination in 1970, e) all the tests that I needed to pass to earn a bachelor’s degree from NIU in 1970 and master’s degrees from Loyola in 1976, DePaul in 1980, and IIT in 1997, f) the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. and g) the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981. In my defense, neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. My mother never attended high school. I had to work my way through college.
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/lets-hire-professors-purely-on-merit/
TOWNHALL
— Socialism in the City
https://townhall.com/columnists/christalgo/2026/01/03/socialism-in-the-city-n2668789
— Pritzker’s Pretzels
https://townhall.com/columnists/alanjosephbauer/2026/01/02/pritzkers-pretzels-n2668747
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
THE HILL
— Trump insults Pritzker with AI-generated social media post
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5670567-trump-pritzker-ai-image-feud/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Mamdani Acts on Vow to Protect Renters With Move Against a Big Landlord. DD: Have you been a landlord? I was reluctant landlord 1976-1984 because I could not sell my University Park townhome ( https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/774-Sunset-Ct-5-University-Park-IL-60484/5451474_zpid/ ) unless I took a big loss.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/nyregion/mamdani-pinnacle-housing.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly replace those in America who have demographics that vote for Republicans with those who have demographics that vote for Democrats.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/28/business/us-immigration-trump-1920s.html
YAHOO
— Nobody Cares About Your Career. DD: During my federal career working for the Democrats who ran the Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, 1997, only two of my superiors cared about my career. I should write the IRS manager who promoted me to GS-9 in 1972, GS-11 in 1973, and GS-12 in 1974. Because he did that, my Democrat IRS superiors forced him to transfer to Dallas. I should write about the GAO manager who arranged my transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980 and who was finally able to assign me to audits or IRS and to promote me to GS-13 in 1986. Because he did that, my Democrat GAO superiors forced him to retire in 1987. To get rid of me, my Democrat IRS superiors disallowed my travel vouchers in 1974, disallowed my education deductions in 1978, and never promoted me to GS-13. To get rid of me, my Democrat GAO superiors a) forced me to take a $23,699/year (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars, a downgrade from GS-12 Step 5 to GS-9 Step 10, to transfer, b) delayed my promotions back to GS-12 Step 5, c) kept me off audits of IRS except 1986-1988, d) never promoted me to GS-14, e) always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance, and f) forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. In today’s dollars, my Civil Service Retirement System pension is less that what my IRS salary was when I was 23 in 1972.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nobody-cares-career-mcdonalds-ceo-000116698.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— The Corruption of the Welfare State
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/minnesota-welfare-fraud-immigrants-government-handouts-8076eb83
— Your Key Survival Skill for 2026: Critical Ignoring. DD: My critics/opponents want everyone to ignore my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. I should write about my critics/opponents. I would focus those who were/are a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization, b) elected Republican leaders in Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, c) Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct, d) conservative leaders, and e) religious leaders.
https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/critical-ignoring-social-media-7e236f52
FORBES
— Should An Experienced Professionals Take Internships To Change Careers? DD: Have you changed careers? Have you wanted to change careers? I have not. Due to circumstances, I have wanted to be a career federal employee since I was 18 years old in 1966. However, to waste my federal career and get rid of me, my Democrat Post Office, IRS, and GAO superiors outrageously, disgustingly, and unethically panted a) my earning a job-related bachelor’s degree when I was 21, b) my earning job-related masters degrees when I was 27 in 1976, 31, and 48, c) my earning job-related professional certifications when I was 30, 32, 41, 45, 47, and 48, and d) my earning a job-related professional license when I was 32 a) as being efforts by me to change my career and get a job in the private sector, b) as being justification to disallow my job-related education deductions in 1978, and c) to force me to take a $23,699 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980. I should write about the aforesaid
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2025/06/25/should-an-experienced-professional-take-internships-to-change-careers/
EDUCATION
— Professional Certifications Worth It in 2026. DD: What is your position on professional certifications? I sought and obtained professional certifications to defend/advance my federal career. I became a CPA when I was 30 in 1979, a Certified Internal Auditor when I was 32, a licensed CPA when I was 32, a Certified Fraud Examiner when I was 41, a Certified Government Financial Manager when I was 45, a Certified Financial Services Auditor when I was 47, and a Certified Forensic Accountant when I was 48. But my Democrat IRS and GAO superiors ignored/dismissed/belittled that a) because I was a Republican who complained about their political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination and b) because I became an active member in a class action lawsuit that charged them with the aforesaid when I was 40. I should write about the aforesaid.
https://vocal.media/education/is-investing-in-professional-certifications-worth-it-in-2026
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
DAILY MAIL
— Karoline Leavitt calls out Mamdani’s wife as White House quits playing nice with ‘communist’ mayor
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/karoline-leavitt-calls-out-mamdani-s-wife-as-white-house-quits-playing-nice-with-communist-mayor/ar-AA1Ttrwy
— Mamdani unveils plan conservatives claim will usher in communism
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15429711/amp/zohran-mamdani-warmth-collectivism-socialist.html
BUSINESS STANDARD
— Mamdani takes action against Israel with his oath?
https://www.tbsnews.net/videos/tbs-stories/mamdani-takes-action-against-israel-his-oath-1325186
NDTV
— “Antisemitic Gasoline On Open Fire”: Israel vs Mamdani Over Revoked Orders
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/zohran-mamdani-vs-israel-over-revoked-order-on-antisemitism-definition-10237972
TIMES OF ISRAEL
— Anti-Zionism Was Never Harmless. Now It Governs. DD: Have your critics/opponents painted you as being an antisemite? Democrats have always painted Republicans as being antisemites. Because of my demographics, Democrats have especially painted me as being an antisemite. Needless-to-say, my Democrat Chicago office GAO superiors’ efforts to paint me as being an antisemite were stymied when I volunteered to work for their only Jewish group manager in late 1989. In 1989, to get rid of me because in late 1988, I had become the office’s only active member in a class action lawsuit that charged them with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation, they had a) thrown me off the group that audited IRS, b) gave me a very bad job assignment, c) gave me unfair performance expectations, d) gave me a very unfair performance appraisal, and e) ranked me at the bottom of my coworkers for pay-for-performance. She managed the office’s group that audited federal financial industry regulators. She reluctantly had to accept me a) because very few of my coworkers would work for her because she was Jewish, b) because I had previously worked on audits of federal financial industry regulators, c) because I had become a licensed CPA in 1981, d) because I had passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, e) because I had earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, and d) because I had earned an MBA in 1976. She was very demanding. But beyond that, my coworkers were intimidated a) by her having an MBA from the University of Chicago, b) by her having passed the CPA examination on her first attempt, c) by her being wealthy, d) by her being younger, and e) by her being attractive. Because she demanded that her subordinates have master’s degrees in finance, I started taking graduate evening finance courses at IIT in 1992 and earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading in 1997. I succeeded in making her a member of IIT’s advisory group for that graduate program. Further, I became certified fraud examiner in 1990, government financial manager in 1994, financial Services Auditor in 1996, and forensic accountant in 1997. I was her only defender/promoter in the office. But nevertheless, when my Democrat GAO Chicago office superiors decided to force me to retire when I was 49 in 1997, she took the lead in doing that. I should write about the foresaid.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/anti-zionism-was-never-harmless-now-it-governs/
January 2, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/federal-employees-trump-administration-ban-gender-affirming-care/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/lesbian-couple-makes-history-as-cook-countys-first-marriage-of-2026/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/02/ice-detention-conditions-rey-estrada-broadview-michigan-landscapers
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/02/first-wedding-cook-county-melissa-nunez-elizabeth-brenske
FOX32 & WGN9
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/cook-county-first-marriage-2026
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/historic-first-female-couple-receives-cook-countys-first-marriage-license-of-2026/
WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.wbez.org/immigration/2026/01/02/operation-midway-blitz-parents-children-immigration-detention-mental-health
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_998815d3-0067-4fa4-80e4-18c3c8f9a2c2.amp.html
MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— State Spending Way Up under Pritzker, But Economic Growth Lags
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/state-spending-way-up-under-pritzker-but-economic-growth-lags/
— John Kass Endorses Ted Dombrowski
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/john-kass-endorses-ted-dombrowski/
— Richmond Cemetery District Spends $36,300 on “Special Services”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/richmond-cemetery-district-spends-36300-on-special-services/
— Hearing Officer Recommends Severino Ticket Be Thrown Off GOP Gubernatorial Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/hearing-officer-recommends-severino-ticket-be-thrown-off-gop-gubernatorial-ballot/
— Here’s a First: GOP Committeeperson Hosting Gubernatorial and Other Candidates Event DD: In 2003, all five of the announced Republican U.S. Senate candidates (John Cox, Chirinjeev Kathuria, Andrew McKenna, Jim Oberweis, and Jack Ryan) attended a picnic that I organized in the Prairie Path Park in my precinct. More than 200 attended. Back then, I was the GOPUSA Illinois Editor, the Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) webmaster, and an officer of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter. I organized a major MTRO straw poll later in 2003 that Ryan won. The Illinois GOP Establishment wanted McKenna to win that primary and blamed me for Ryan winning it instead. The Illinois GOP Establishment also blames me for Jim Ryan’s loss to Blagojevich. Also, later in 2003, and in 2004, I organized Wheaton’s 9/11 ceremonies.
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/heres-a-first-gop-committeeperson-hosting-gubernatorial-and-other-candidates-event/
— New McHenry County Administrator Scott Hartman Takes Office
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/new-county-administrator-takes-office/
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Over 600 Chicago teachers hit Sin City on taxpayers’ dime
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/over-600-chicago-teachers-hit-sin-city-on-taxpayers-dime/
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON TIMES
— Mamdani’s first moves as NYC mayor: Revoke Eric Adams’ orders, create task forces on housing
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/2/zohran-mamdanis-first-moves-mayor-revoke-eric-adams-orders-create/
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Tim Walz has been playing the ‘race card’ in the Somali fraud scandal
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/entertainment/4398065/tim-walz-playing-race-card-somali-fraud-scandal-joe-concha/
NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani, wife Rama Duwaji dressed for inauguration by controversial ‘anti-Israel’ stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson
https://nypost.com/2026/01/02/us-news/zohran-mamdani-and-wife-rama-duwaji-dressed-for-inauguration-by-anti-israel-stylist/
BREITBART
— 2,274 Shooting Incidents in Brandon Johnson’s Chicago During 2025
https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/01/02/2274-shooting-incidents-in-brandon-johnsons-chicago-during-2025/amp/
— Database Searches Show Somali Fraudsters Funding Democrat Politicians
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/02/database-searches-show-somali-fraudsters-funding-democrat-politicians/
DAILY CALLER
— Liberal Media Already Poking Holes In Mamdani’s Socialist Savior Story
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/02/washington-post-zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayor-socialists/
FOX NEWS
— Harvard alum blasts DEI policies after ‘woke’ values drive longtime professor’s exit. Shabbos Kestenbaum echoes concerns from professor James Hankins who left after 40 years over woke values.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/harvard-alum-blasts-dei-policies-after-woke-values-drive-longtime-professors-exit
NATIONAL REVIEW
— One Man’s ‘Warmth of Collectivism’ Is Another’s Inferno
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/01/one-mans-warmth-of-collectivism-is-anothers-inferno/
NEWSMAX
— We must stop socialism now, or it will spread across America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5uCb9IBzEM
TOWNHALL
— The Woke Collapse of Harvard Continues
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/01/02/harvard-prof-torches-school-over-woke-anti-white-policies-n2668759
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
REUTERS
— Mamdani vows to enact democratic socialist agenda
https://www.reuters.com/world/mamdanis-inauguration-new-york-new-year-new-mayor-2025-12-31/
NEW YORK TIMES
— Israeli Government Accuses Mamdani of Antisemitism Over Canceled Orders
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/nyregion/mamdani-israel-executive-orders.html
WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Tesla Falls Behind China’s BYD as Vehicle Sales Drop for Second Year. End of U.S. subsidy for electric vehicles and flagging European demand dented global EV sales.
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/tesla-sales-drop-for-second-year-in-a-row-958dec20
December 18, 2025 Evening Edition
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
ABC7
— Trump signs executive order that would reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/reclassification-weed-president-donald-trump-signs-executive-order-today-would-reclassify-marijuana-less-dangerous/18298372/
— Trump administration moves to cut off gender-affirming care for transgender youth
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-administration-moves-cut-off-gender-affirming-care-transgender-youth-new-hhs-restrictions/18298513/
— Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trumps-handpicked-board-votes-rename-washington-performing-arts-center-trump-kennedy/18298307/
NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) bring in more illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/new-illinois-laws-will-impact-thousands-of-students-in-the-new-year/3865125/
FOX32
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/buffalo-grove-volunteers-send-handwritten-support-cards-lgbtq-people-nationwide
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— President Donald Trump signs order that would reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/trump-executive-order-reclassify-marijuana/
— New Trump administration proposals could further reduce gender-affirming care for minors in Illinois. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly make children sexually active LGBTQers.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/gender-affirming-care-trump-proposals/
— State commission highlights ‘unjustified’ uses of tear gas, pepper spray by federal immigration agents
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/illinois-accountability-commission-pritzker-border-patrol/
— President Donald Trump’s Justice Department sues Illinois over sensitive state voter data
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/illinois-voter-data-lawsuit/
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Durbin, Duckworth seek criminal probe of Chicago’s immigration blitz — even after Trump leaves office
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/18/durbin-duckworth-criminal-investigation-operation-midway-blitz-ice-tactics
— New state panel takes shot at holding Trump immigration blitz to account: ‘We will not forget’ The chairman of the newly formed Illinois Accountability Commission acknowledged their eventual recommendations are likely to “fall on deaf ears” in the Trump administration.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/18/illinois-accountability-commission-trump-immigration-midway-blitz
DAILY HERALD
— Palatine Township trustees this week approved a $1.65 million tax levy for its community mental health board.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251218/local-politics/a-good-thing-for-people-palatine-township-levies-first-tax-for-community-mental-health-board/
CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Justice Department sues for access to Illinois voter rolls
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/justice-department-sues-access-illinois-voter-rolls
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly push more pot. Pot is poison.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/cannabis/trump-signals-marijuana-rescheduling-tax-relief-ahead
CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— The head of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has urged white men to report workplace discrimination based on race or sex. DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that discrimination against older White males was not only legal, but that it is what Congress wanted.
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/nation-world/head-of-workplace-rights-agency-urges-white-men-to-report-discrimination/article_6026fc17-ba43-52f4-98bc-f22f3c675724.html
NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn Trump
https://www.nprillinois.org/2025-12-17/with-costs-a-growing-worry-for-americans-trump-seeks-to-defend-his-economic-record
NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
— North Park University Invites Dreamers to Apply for TheDream.US Scholarship. DD: Did you get any scholarships? I did not. My critics/opponents have always used that against me.
https://www.northpark.edu/stories/north-park-university-invites-dreamers-to-apply-for-thedream-us-scholarship/
DUCKWORTH
— Duckworth-Led Provisions to Protect Rock Island Arsenal. DD: During the first 6 months of 1989, I worked for GAO at the Rock Island Arsenal on an audit of DOD’s 1990 ammunition budget request. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/assets/150/148194.pdf
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provisions-to-protect-rock-island-arsenal-support-illinois-quantum-technology-research-and-safeguard-care-for-veterans-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature
(FROM THE ARTICLE: By Constructing a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal: The bill authorizes $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare.)
CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2025/12/18/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-440/
FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Pritzker disputes Trump claims, says Illinois GOP backs president ‘100%’
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_594bb86c-7336-490e-936f-3e3c69b17fc0.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/pritzker-disputes-trump-claims-says-160400287.html
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES
WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Mamdani says free buses means fewer assaults over ‘fare collection’
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/3926075/mamdani-free-buses-fewer-assaults-fare-collection/
NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani appointee made vile antisemitic comments in unearthed social media posts
https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/zohran-mamdani-appointee-catherine-almonte-da-costa-made-vile-antisemitic-comments-in-unearthed-social-media-posts/
— NYC Council pushes bill to create Zohran Mamdani’s $1B ‘safety’ agency that would pull cops off some 911 calls
https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/nyc-council-pushes-bill-to-create-zohran-mamdanis-1b-safety-agency-that-will-pull-cops-off-some-911-calls/
BREITBART
— ‘It’s Open Season’: Antisemitic Attacks in NYC Highlight Broader Threat, ‘This is Mamdani’s NY’
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/18/its-open-season-antisemitic-attacks-in-nyc-highlight-broader-threat-this-is-mamdanis-ny/
— Inflation Unexpectedly Tumbles To 2.7%, Much Better Than Expected, Core Inflation Falls to Lowest Since Early 2021
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/12/18/inflation-unexpectedly-tumbles-to-2-7-much-better-than-expected/
DAILY SIGNAL
— EEOC Urges White Males to Report Discrimination—And Promptly. DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that discrimination against older White males was not only legal, but that it is what Congress wanted.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/12/18/eeoc-urges-white-males-report-discrimination-promptly/amp/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: White males who have faced discrimination should file a federal complaint, the head of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says. In a video posted on social media Thursday, EEOC Acting Chairwoman Andrea Lucas advised potential victims of discrimination to file complaints in a timely manner. “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?” Lucas said. “You may have a claim to recover money under federal civil rights laws.” The Trump administration has opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the government, and terminated DEI federal grants. A person has a deadline of 180 days from the alleged discrimination to make a complaint, according to the EEOC. “Contact the EOC as soon as possible. Time limits are typically strict for filing a claim,” Lucas continued. “The EOC is the federal agency charged with enforcing federal antidiscrimination law against businesses and other private sector employers.” “The EOC is committed to identifying, attacking, and eliminating all forms of race and sex discrimination, including against white male applicants, and employees,” Lucas clarified. The EEOC website says the 180-day deadline can be extended up to 300 days if a state or local agency enforces a law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis, and would have to first hear the case. Although the EEOC has frequently taken up discrimination cases on behalf of minority groups, earlier this year the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that someone who belongs to a “majority group” can sue for discrimination, in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. That case involved a straight woman who alleged she was passed over for employment due to her sexual identity, but the “majority group” principle would likely apply for a white male. During his first term, President Donald Trump appointed Lucas—a former labor and litigation lawyer at the firm of Gibson Dunn—to the EEOC, and the Senate confirmed her in 2020. After Trump returned for a second term in January, he designated her as the acting chair of commission. [Lucas is not related to The Daily Signal reporter who wrote this news story.] Lucas has not been confirmed by the Senate as chair. But, as previously noted in The Daily Signal, as acting chair she forced major law firms to stop using DEI to discriminate based on race. She further ordered the EEOC to be evenhanded in its enforcement priorities. Lucas made it easier for employees to report DEI discrimination and made it a priority to protect Americans from religious discrimination. This is move is a Trump administration “stunt,” said Markus Batchelor, national political director at People For the American Way, a liberal activist group. “Stunts like this demonstrate the lengths Trump is willing to go to dismantle institutions meant to do good and make them tools that once again unbalance the scales in favor of privilege and white supremacy,” Batchelor told The Grio. “A call for ‘color-blind, merit-based’ employment falls flat from a White House that is overwhelmingly white, wealthy, and unqualified to govern.”)
FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES
NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more foreign truck drivers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/business/trump-immigrants-trucks.html
WASHINGTON POST
— Trump’s unconvincing argument on affordability. Hyperbole is not a plan. DD: What did you do to help you afford things? To help me afford cars, college expenses, real estate, etc., I took bad jobs that my peers would never stoop to take. I a) did yard work 1962-1964. b) delivered newspapers 1962-1966, c) washed dishes 1964-1966, d) cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966, e) delivered mail 1966-1969, f) worked on an automotive assembly line in 1970, g) sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971, h) pumped more gasoline 1971-1972, i) collected delinquent federal taxes 1971-1980, and j) audited federal agencies 1980-1997. I earned a) a job-related bachelor’s degree in 1970, b) job-related master’s degrees in 1976, 1980, and 1997, c) job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and a job-related professional license in 1981. I was able to do the aforesaid even though I was not viewed as being college material. Neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. My mother never attended high school. I have never been able to run because I have a bone disease. My eyesight has never been correctable to 20/20. I have always had partial red/green color blindness. My ACT score was only 24. I only just barely made it into the upper 20% of my high school class. According to my critics/opponents, I have always been stupid. They stress that I got no scholarships or student loans and that had to work my way through college. One could argue that if I could do the aforesaid with the limitations that I had, just about anyone could do what I did academically and professionally.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/18/trump-speech-tariffs-economy-checks/
— How the end of extra Affordable Care Act subsidies could affect you. DD: Are/were your healthcare insurance premiums subsidized? Ever since I became a part-time postal employee when was 18 in 1966, my critics/opponents have been furious that the federal government has paid 72% of my healthcare insurance premiums. They have been even more furious ever since I got married when I was 29 and the federal government started paying 72% of my wife’s healthcare insurance premiums. That 72% subsidy is a major reason why people despise/hate federal employees, federal retirees, and their spouses. That 72% subsidy helped me withstand tremendous efforts by my Democrat superiors in the federal government to waste my career and to get rid of me.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/18/affordable-care-act-subsidies-expire/
FORTUNE
— Mamdani gets 74,000 resumes in sign of New York City’s job-market misery
https://fortune.com/2025/12/17/mamdani-gets-74000-resumes-in-sign-of-new-york-citys-job-market-misery/
FROM FOREIGN SOURCES
GUARDIAN
— FCC chair suggests agency is not independent amid fears of Trump power-grab. Brendan Carr’s declaration raises concerns amid Trump efforts to exert greater control over independent agencies. DD: GAO is not an independent agency. Congress funds it. It works for Congress.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/17/trump-fcc-brendan-carr