January 6, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Trump demands Venezuela kick out China and Russia, partner with US on oil
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-demands-venezuela-kick-china-russia-partner-us-oil-exclusive/18364005/

NBC5
— Trump administration freezes social safety net money to Illinois, 4 other states
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/trump-administration-freezes-social-safety-net-money-to-illinois-4-other-states/3872383/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more illegal drugs.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/could-a-u-s-military-raid-on-mexico-cut-chicagos-illicit-drug-supply/3872422/

WTTW
— Charged With ‘Impeding’ Federal Agent at Broadview ICE Facility, Cook County Board Candidate Drops Out
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/06/charged-impeding-federal-agent-broadview-ice-facility-cook-county-board-candidate-drops

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump says US to get 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela at market price
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/06/venezuela-barrels-oil-trump/
— Democrat leaders say “Dabrowski fills news conference with contradictions.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/06/republican-candidate-for-illinois-governor-ted-dabrowski-fills-news-conference-with-contradictions/
— Rampant fraud is undermining faith in government. Gov. Tim Walz was right to exit.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-theft-ppp-wirtzburg-chicago-medicaid-fraud/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Trump administration freezing $10 billion in social service funding for Illinois, four other blue states
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2026/01/06/trump-administration-freeze-social-service-funding-illinois
— Appeals court sides with Illinois, 21 other states against White House on cuts in medical research funding
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2026/01/06/appeals-court-kwame-raoul-trump-administration-medical-research

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Darren Bailey promises a DOGE for Illinois
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/darren-bailey-promises-doge-illinois

WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly side with Maduro against America.
https://www.wbez.org/politics/2026/01/06/venezuela-occupation-not-good-for-venezuela-america-chicago-uchicago-professor-says
— DD: Many if not most of my Democrat older White male GAO superiors were big drinkers.
https://www.wbez.org/food-drink/2025/12/03/chicago-is-a-drinkers-paradise-even-for-the-sober-and-the-sober-curious-among-us

SHAW LOCAL
— Duckworth calls Trump ‘a coward and a liar’ with no clear plan in harsh rebuke over Venezuela strikes. ‘If Donald Trump wants to run a country, he should think about running the United States of America.’
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/01/07/duckworth-calls-trump-a-coward-and-a-liar-with-no-clear-plan-in-harsh-rebuke-over-venezuela-strikes/

STATELINE
— Illinois allocates $50M to combat systemic racism and disinvestment
https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/illinois-allocates-50m-to-combat-systemic-racism-and-disinvestment/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump tells Republicans to be ‘flexible’ on abortion restrictions to get a health care deal
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-trump-tells-republicans-to-be-flexible-on-abortion-restrictions-to-get-a-health-care-deal/

WSIU
— DD: Democrats ever-increasingly push more pot in Carbondale.
https://www.wsiu.org/2026-01-06/carbondale-dispensary

WFIW RADIO
— JEFFERSON COUNTY REPUBLICANS TO HOST GOVERNOR CANDIDATE FORUM IN JANUARY
https://www.wfiwradio.com/2026/01/06/jefferson-county-republicans-to-host-governor-candidate-forum-in-january/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/06/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-443/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS
— Another $1.5M Democrat-Socialist Boondoggle In Illinois
https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com/read/2026/01/04/another-1-5m-democrat-socialist-boondoggle-in-illinois

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Illegal immigrants cost IL taxpayers more than enforcement
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_8317cd33-b4e7-4017-9404-ee5336eddd97.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani stands by radical ‘housing justice’ appointee Cea Weaver — as Trump admin warns NYC ‘should be on notice’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/06/us-news/zohran-mamdani-stands-by-housing-justice-appointee-cea-weaver/
— Mom of Mamdani aide who said owning a home fuels ‘white supremacy’ has $1.6M house in Tennessee
https://nypost.com/2026/01/06/us-news/mom-of-zohran-mamdani-aide-who-said-owning-a-home-fuels-white-supremacy-has-1-6m-house-in-tennessee/

BREITBART
— Rand Paul, Mike Lee Sound Alarm over $5.7 Billion for Refugees in Spending Bill
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/06/rand-paul-mike-lee-sound-alarm-over-5-7-billion-for-refugees-in-spending-bill/

FOX NEWS
— Chicago Teachers Union promotes Venezuela regime change protests organized by socialist groups. Chicago Teachers Union promoted rally organized by ANSWER Coalition and Party for Socialism and Liberation.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-teachers-union-promotes-venezuela-regime-change-protests-organized-socialist-groups
— Mamdani’s top housing pick once called homeownership a ‘weapon of white supremacy’
https://wfin.com/fox-political-news/mamdanis-top-housing-pick-once-called-homeownership-a-weapon-of-white-supremacy/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CBS NEWS
— Maduro capture will go down in history as the day “justice defeated tyranny”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maria-corina-machado-maduro-capture-us-operation/

CNN
— Mounting tensions in Venezuela as rights groups denounce repression
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/venezuela-maduro-trump-president-military-01-06-26?post-id=cmk2l9b8k0000356qhv3feyw3

WASHINGTON POST
— Fear grips Caracas as a new wave of repression is unleashed in Venezuela. Venezuela’s government launched a far-reaching crackdown after Maduro’s ouster, detaining journalists and civilians and sending armed gangs to the streets.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/06/venezulea-maduro-rodriguez-government-repression/

January 5, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Maduro declares ‘I am innocent’ and ‘still president’ in Manhattan court appearance
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuelas-nicols-maduro-arrives-manhattan-federal-court-arraignment/18354979/
— Local advocates ask Trump admin. to reinstate Venezuelans’ Temporary Protected Status, stop deportations amid uncertainty. An estimated 50,000 Venezuelan migrants settled in Illinois over the last three years after being bused there from Texas.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/advocates-ask-donald-trump-administration-reinstate-tps-venezuelans-stop-deportations-nicolas-maduro-captured/18357232/

WGN9
— Kelly fires back at Hegseth over demotion threat: ‘I will fight this with everything I’ve got’
https://wgntv.com/news/kelly-fires-back-at-hegseth-over-demotion-threat-i-will-fight-this-with-everything-ive-got/

FOX32
— Hegseth censures Sen. Mark Kelly after ‘illegal orders’ video
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/hegseth-censures-sen-mark-kelly
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Jan. 5 he has issued a letter of censure to U.S. Senator Mark Kelly. The censure stems from a video posted to social media where Kelly and other members of Congress called on troops to “refuse illegal orders.” In December, the Pentagon announced it was launching a full command investigation into Kelly over “serious misconduct” allegations.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois Democrats criticize Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and look to block further engagement
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/illinois-democrats-criticize-trump-administrations-actions-in-venezuela-and-look-to-block-further-engagement/
— Mysterious cannabis syndrome becoming more common. DD: Pot is poison.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/scromiting-cannabis-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome/

DAILY HERALD
— Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly after warning about following illegal orders
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260105/nation-and-world-politics/hegseth-censures-sen-kelly-after-warning-about-following-illegal-orders/
— Young Democrats of Illinois to host primary debate for 8th Congressional District. DD: If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois and a member of the Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee, the organizations would still be hosting candidate debates.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260105/submitted-content/young-democrats-of-illinois-to-host-primary-debate-for-8th-congressional-district/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Mike Tyson accuses ex-cannabis business partners of racketeering in $50M lawsuit
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/cannabis/mike-tyson-sues-ex-cannabis-business-partners
— Midway slips as O’Hare soars, but Southwest plans a rebound. DD: Most of the audits that I worked for GAO on 1980-1997 required taking flights  in/out of Midway and O’Hare.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/airlines-airports/midway-slips-ohare-soars-southwest-plans-rebound

COURIER JOURNAL
— The state of Illinois blocked the Louisville Metro Police Department’s access to its license plate surveillance system after an LMPD detective allegedly aided a federal agency in conducting immigration-related searches.
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2026/01/05/illinois-blocks-lmdp-from-flock-surveillance-camera-system/87995365007/

25 NEWS NOW
— Bailey appears to be front-runner again in GOP race for governor
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/01/05/bailey-appears-be-front-runner-again-gop-race-governor-says-iwu-political-scientist/

NPR ILLINOIS
— Amid fraud claims, Trump admin announces more changes to federal child care funding
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-05/amid-fraud-claims-trump-admin-announces-more-changes-to-federal-child-care-funding

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/05/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-442/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— More people continue leaving Illinois than arriving
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_9f59f645-6340-4756-8110-655dd4f6eeeb.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Democrats wanted Maduro gone — until Trump took him out
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/5/democrats-wanted-maduro-gone-trump-took/
— Sen. Mark Kelly on Monday vowed to fight efforts to cut his rank and pay as a retired U.S. Navy officer after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused him of making “seditious statements” in a video to military personnel.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/5/mark-kelly-vows-fight-back-retired-military-rank-pay-cut-seditious/
— HHS targets Biden-era rule that funds child care centers before verifying attendance. Kennedy seeks to cancel ‘loopholes’ in wake of Minnesota day care fraud allegations.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/5/hhs-targets-biden-era-rule-funds-child-care-centers-verifying/

NEW YORK POST
— Alleged JD Vance home vandal is son of wealthy doctor, Dem donor — who recently changed name to Julia
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/us-news/alleged-jd-vance-home-vandal-is-child-of-wealthy-local-doctor-who-recently-changed-name/
— Far-left, China-aligned groups organized pro-Nicolas Maduro protests in New York and other US states: ‘Unprecedented crime’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/us-news/marxist-peoples-forum-organized-pro-maduro-protests/
— Far-left Dems call Trump’s capture of Nicolas Maduro ‘an impeachable offense’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/us-news/far-left-dems-call-trumps-capture-of-maduro-an-impeachable-offense/
— ‘Diversion’ from prison is another way progressives keep getting people killed
https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/opinion/progs-obsession-with-diversion-programs-keeps-getting-people-killed/

AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Venezuela’s Interim Leader Vows to Work With U.S. After Trump Threats
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/05/morning-greatness-venezuelas-interim-leader-vows-to-work-with-u-s-after-trump-threats/

AMERICAN SPECTATOR
— Hegseth’s Pentagon delivered where others failed.
https://spectator.org/the-experts-were-wrong-about-pete-hegseth/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Confederacy of Enablers Downplays Somali Fraud
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/confederacy_of_enablers_downplays_somali_fraud.html

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Two professors, one researcher advocated for reparations at University of Illinois-hosted committee meeting
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/01/05/two-professors-one-researcher-advocated-for-reparations-at-university-hosted-committee-meeting-1613971/

BLAZE
— DHS accuses Hilton Hotels of ‘siding with murderers and rapists’ over ICE — and the hotel chain responds
https://www.theblaze.com/news/dhs-ice-hilton-hotels-obstruct

BREITBART
— Hilton Hotels Responds: Hotel Highlighted by DHS Is ‘Independently Owned’
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/05/hilton-hotels-responds-hotel-highlighted-dhs-is-independently-owned/

COLLEGE FIX
— University of Maryland stands by security fees for Turning Point USA event
https://www.thecollegefix.com/university-of-maryland-stands-by-security-fees-for-turning-point-usa-event/

DAILY CALLER
— Harvard Dean Removed After Posts Trashing Police, ‘Whiteness,’ And Trump Resurface
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/05/harvard-dean-removed-after-posts-trashing-police-whiteness-and-trump-resurface/
— Democrats Just As Godless As You’d Imagine
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/05/democrats-republicans-ryan-burge-christians-atheists-trump-kamala-harris-study/
— Hegseth Takes Action Against Sen. Mark Kelly, Who Egged On Military To Defy Trump In Viral Video
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/05/pete-hegseth-mark-kelly-demotion-illegal-orders-video/

DAILY WIRE
— Why Venezuelans Are Dancing In The Streets. What Venezuelans feel today is not bloodlust or vengeance. It is relief, gratitude, and hope.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/why-venezuelans-are-dancing-in-the-streets

EPOCH TIMES
— Trucking Insiders Reveal How Licensing System Enabled Illegal Immigrant Drivers. Variance between state regulations and limited federal regulation also contributed to the proliferation of ‘CDL mills,’ multiple training providers said.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/trucking-insiders-reveal-how-licensing-system-enabled-illegal-immigrant-drivers-5961182

FEDERALIST
— Pentagon Moves To Demote Mark Kelly For ‘Seditious’ Video
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/05/pentagon-moves-to-demote-mark-kelly-for-seditious-video/
— Outrage From Dems Who Once Demanded Trump Target Maduro Is Completely Fake
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/05/outrage-from-dems-who-once-demanded-trump-target-maduro-is-completely-fake/

FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM
— How Sanctuary Cities Enable Benefit Fraud
https://www.fairus.org/opinion/how-sanctuary-cities-enable-benefit-fraud

FOX NEWS
— Illinois sheriff blames America’s ‘most dangerous’ law on spike in drugs, homelessness. Sheriff of Franklin County, Illinois delivers his take on the SAFE-T Act and it’s impact on his community after eliminating cash bail.
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387258582112
— University of Illinois hosted state-funded committee meeting where professors advocated for reparations. Members of school community discussed ‘rectificatory justice’ and other reparations programs for African Americans.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/university-illinois-hosted-state-funded-committee-meeting-where-professors-advocated-reparations
— Tim Walz’s White guilt finally ends his career as Minnesota’s fraud explodes. Minnesota governor cites inability to focus on campaign while dealing with massive childcare fraud investigation. DD: This harkens back to George Ryan. My critics/opponents supported/promoted George Ryan.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-tim-walzs-white-guilt-finally-ends-his-career-minnesotas-fraud-explodes
— Celebrations erupt in Miami streets after Maduro’s capture
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387268560112

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— China, Russia, Iran Condemn Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro; Hezbollah Decries ‘American Arrogance’
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/china-russia-iran-condemn-capture-of-venezuelas-maduro-hezbollah-decries-american-arrogance/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Teddy Roosevelt Would Be Proud
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/01/teddy-roosevelt-would-be-proud/

NEW AMERICAN
— Blue States Driving the “Affordability Crisis”
https://thenewamerican.com/us/economics/economic-blues-are-blue-states-driving-the-affordability-crisis/
— Charlie Kirk Coalition Falling Apart Amid MAGA Civil War?
https://thenewamerican.com/video/deep-state/charlie-kirk-coalition-falling-apart-amid-maga-civil-war/

NEWSMAX
— Mamdani Official: Homeownership Is ‘White Supremacy’
https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/zohran-mamdani-homeownership-official/2026/01/05/id/1240820/

PJ NEWS
— Turning Point USA Headquarters Renamed Following Record $10 Million Donation
https://pjnewsletter.com/tpusa-hq-erika-kirk/

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— Who’s Responsible? Identity Theft Fueled by Government Inaction and Illegal Immigration
https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/video/2026/01/02/whos_responsible_identity_theft_fueled_by_government_inaction_and_illegal_immigration_1156510.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

THE HILL
— 2028 Democrats rip Trump’s ouster of Maduro
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5673139-potential-2028-democrats-venezuela/amp/

CBS NEWS
— Judge in Maduro’s case has previously been a thorn in Trump’s side
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maduro-judge-previously-thorn-in-trumps-side/
— 2,000 federal agents deploying to Minneapolis in immigration crackdown, fraud probe
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minneapolis-federal-agents-crackdown/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Hegseth Moves to Downgrade Sen. Mark Kelly’s Military Rank. Potential reduction in retired rank follows Arizona Democrat’s participation in video calling on troops to resist illegal orders.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/hegseth-moves-to-downgrade-sen-mark-kellys-military-rank-56055879

ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasing
https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/affordability-is-the-political-buzzword-of-2026/

POLITICO
— Pentagon moves to punish senator for anti-Trump video
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/05/hegseth-kelly-punish-video-00710555
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Defense Department is taking steps to downgrade Sen. Mark Kelly’s retirement rank and pay in response to his November video warning servicemembers not to follow illegal orders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on social media, called the Arizona Democrat’s remarks “seditious statements” and claimed they are part of a “pattern of reckless misconduct.”)

ATLANTIC
— The college backlash is a mirage
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-college-backlash-is-a-mirage/ar-AA1TBfay
(FROM THE ARTICLE: If you were to judge by public-opinion polling, you might reasonably conclude that Americans have broadly given up on the idea of going to college. In 2013, 70 percent of adults surveyed by Pew said that a college education was “very important.” This year, only 35 percent did. Over the same time period, the share of Americans who believe that college is “not worth the cost” rose from 40 to 63 percent, according to NBC. If you were to judge, instead, by the choices that Americans are actually making, you might draw a different conclusion. Despite the reported skepticism of higher education, enrollment in four-year colleges and universities is growing. These institutions awarded 2 million bachelor’s degrees in 2023, compared with 1.6 million in 2010, and the fraction of 25-year-olds with a bachelor’s degree has steadily increased for the past 15 years. Even as Americans tell pollsters that college isn’t worth it, their behavior suggests that they still recognize the value of a degree for themselves and their children. And they’re correct to do so. For the overwhelming majority of graduates, the returns on going to college more than offset the cost of tuition. The college wage premium—the difference in earnings between people with only a high-school diploma and people with a four-year college degree—surged in the 1980s and ’90s and has remained close to those historic highs for the past two decades. One recent analysis found that the average person with a bachelor’s degree earns about 70 percent more than a high-school graduate with a similar amount of work experience. Researchers at the Cleveland Fed recently estimated that the college wage premium will stand at 76 percent in 2042. Even though plenty of young people struggle in the job market right after graduation, a college degree tends to unlock more lucrative career paths with greater long-term opportunities for advancement.)

FROM FOREIGN SOURCES

INDIA TRIBUNE
— Raja Krishnamoorthi Builds Financial and Political Momentum in Illinois Senate Race
https://www.indiatribune.com/public/index.php/raja-krishnamoorthi-builds-financial-and-political-momentum-in-illinois-senate-race

January 4, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Maduro to appear in Manhattan federal court on Monday for arraignment on alleged drug charges
https://abc7chicago.com/post/ousted-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-appear-manhattan-federal-court-monday-arraignment-alleged-drug-charges/18351236/
— Venezuelan communities meeting in Chicago area after US captures President Maduro
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-protest-chicago-protests-today-expected-nicolas-maduro-captured-saturdays-federal-plaza-demonstration/18350445/

FOX32
— What did Trump mean US will ‘run’ Venezuela? Rubio explains
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/trump-us-will-run-venezuela-rubio

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— How cocaine and corruption led to the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/cocaine-corruption-indictment-maduro/
— US intervention in Venezuela could test Donald Trump’s ability to hold GOP together in an election year
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/us-intervention-venezuela-trumps-gop-election/
— Secretary of State Marco Rubio says US won’t govern Venezuela but will press for changes through oil blockade
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/nicolas-maduro-arrives-in-us/

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DD: Central Illinois Democrats protest against Trump’s military action in Venezuela
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2026/01/04/central-illinois-protests-against-trumps-military-action-in-venezuela/88007076007/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— YMCA Posts Sign Saying ICE Not Welcome
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/ymca-posts-sign-saying-ice-not-welcome/
— Dems Circling Like Vultures over Richmond Township Vacancies
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/dems-circling-like-vultures-over-richmond-township-vacancies/
— More Details on Sunday, January 25th, Gubernatorial Debate Sponsored by GOP Voter Information Project
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/04/more-details-on-sunday-january-25th-gubernatorial-debate-sponsored-by-gop-voter-information-project/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez: Either get on board or get out of the way
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/4/trump-venezuelan-vice-president-delcy-rodriguez-either-get-board-get/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Some cultures are simply not compatible with American values
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4375483/some-cultures-not-compatible-american-values/

NEW YORK POST
— Zohran Mamdani previously called to end sanctions on Venezuela, partly blamed penalties for US migrant crisis
https://nypost.com/2026/01/04/us-news/zohran-mamdani-previously-called-to-end-sanctions-on-venezuela-partly-blamed-penalties-for-us-migrant-crisis/
— Biden’s ‘extravagant’ pension is largest of any president in history – and even more than what he earned as prez
https://nypost.com/2026/01/04/us-news/bidens-pension-is-largest-of-any-us-president-in-history/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Former President Joe Biden’s long career in politics allowed him to retire with the largest taxpayer-funded pension of any ex-prez in US history — $417,000, or more than his presidential salary, an expert says. Biden, 83, was in line to rake in the massive amount from two pension funds in his first year as former president, according to an analysis by National Taxpayer Union Foundation Vice President Demian Brady. “It’s pretty unusual, historically unusual, to have such a large pension amount,” Brady told The Post.  “I would have to say that it’s the largest,” the taxpayer advocate said when asked to compare Biden’s pension to his predecessors. The hefty estimated annual sum is double what Biden’s former boss, Barack Obama, has received in retirement pay after leaving the White House and $17,000 more than Biden’s $400,000-per-year presidential salary. It also reflects Biden’s “unique situation” as a former senator, vice president and president, a career path that has allowed him to take advantage of a “loophole” letting him tap into multiple taxpayer-backed retirement funds, Brady said. Biden, who once described himself as “one of the poorest members” of Congress, is able to collect the lucrative payouts by double-dipping in benefits established under the Former Presidents Act of 1958 as well as the Civil Service Retirement System for ex-senators. Annual pay in the CSRS pension plan is determined by a formula that takes into account Biden’s 44 years in the Senate and as vice president, as well as his three highest years of salary during that span. “Biden’s starting pension could be as much as $166,374, including an $18,186 set aside in the program for the spousal portion of benefit,” according to Brady, who noted his estimate assumes Biden sought to maximize the size of his Senate pension. The former prez would have raked in more than $254,000 in annual benefits from CSRS if not for a cap limiting his annual payouts to 80% of his highest salary, which was $230,700 a year as vice president and president of the Senate. Biden, who was elected to the upper chamber in 1972, entered office before the Senate retirement plan was tweaked to make it a bit less generous for newer members. On top of the check from his Senate and vice presidential service, Biden also receives a quarter of a million dollars annually from his presidential pension. Under the 1958 law, Biden’s presidential pension must be equivalent to the salary of a Cabinet secretary, which is currently $250,600. The law was enacted amid public concern over former President Harry Truman’s purported financial struggles after leaving office, although several historians and experts now believe Truman was actually a multi-millionaire after his presidency and not on the verge of becoming destitute. The FPA also established a number of additional taxpayer-funded perks for outgoing presidents, including money for staff, equipment and office space. For fiscal year 2026, the General Services Administration budgeted more than $1.5 million for Biden – $727,000 alone for office space –  more than any other former president.)

AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Nine Reasons Why Trump’s Venezuela Operation Is Great for America
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/04/nine-reasons-why-trumps-venezuela-operation-is-great-for-america/

AMERICAN THINKER
— We’re Sleeping through a Chinese Takeover. The Chinese Communist Party doesn’t need to beat us on the battlefield. It only needs the West to stay asleep.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/we_re_sleeping_through_a_chinese_takeover.html

BREITBART
— Minnesota’s Somali Fraudsters Paid for Lamborghini, Rolls Royce Rentals, Luxury Resort in Kenya with Stolen Money
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/04/report-minnesotas-somali-fraudsters-paid-for-rich-lifestyles-with-stolen-money/

EPOCH TIMES
— Trump Praised for Bold, Unprecedented Venezuela Operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as ‘unbelievable and a tremendous success.’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/trump-praised-for-bold-unprecedented-venezuela-operation-5965996

FOX NEWS
— Trump restores America as the world’s sole superpower. President embraces ‘Donroe Doctrine’ as Venezuela operation leaves Russia and China unable to protect their ally.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-trump-restores-america-worlds-sole-superpower
— Trump DOJ demands Minnesota voting records over same-day registration ‘vouching’ concerns. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon cited concerns about the vouching policy that lets one voter verify residency for 8 others.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-doj-demands-minnesota-voting-records-over-same-day-registration-vouching-concerns

PJ MEDIA
— New St. Paul Mayor Said She Was an Illegal Alien
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/04/new-st-paul-mayor-said-shes-an-illegal-alien-n4947884

TOWNHALL
— Democrats Can’t Help but Side With America’s Enemies
https://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2026/01/04/democrats-cant-help-but-side-with-americas-enemies-n2668830

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NBC NEWS
— Rubio says Maduro’s capture ‘not a war against Venezuela’
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/marco-rubio-says-maduro-s-capture-not-a-war-against-venezuela-full-interview-255365701900
— Rubio says elections in Venezuela would be ‘premature at this point’ after Maduro’s capture
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/marco-rubio-says-elections-in-venezuela-would-be-premature-at-this-point-after-maduro-s-capture-255365189663

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Venezuela’s New Leader Is a Hardline Socialist Like Maduro. Delcy Rodríguez is known as a political operator—someone Trump said is ‘willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.’
https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/venezuelas-new-leader-is-a-hardline-socialist-like-maduro-875336e9
— Trump Rolls the Dice on Nation-Building With Vow to ‘Run’ Venezuela. Swift military operation delivers Venezuelan strongman Maduro into custody, though his lieutenants say they remain in charge.
https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/trump-rolls-the-dice-on-nation-building-with-vow-to-run-venezuela-805a9e35

DESERT NEWS
— Shaping campaigns responsibly: The role of political consultants  DD: My critics/opponents reject many, if not most, if not virtually all, if not all conservative principles and planks in the Republican Party platform. They reject my promotion of those principles and planks in my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. They reject many, if not most, if not virtually all, if not all of a) the articles that I link to in my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters and b) my opinions that express in those newsletters.
https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/12/31/behind-the-campaign-political-consultant-role-ethical-advice/

January 3, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— US strike on Venezuelan: Protesters gather in Chicago, Illinois and Indiana leaders speak out. Democrats condemn ‘illegal’ military operation, Republicans praise Trump for taking action.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-illinois-indiana-leaders-speak-trump-announces-us-captured-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-wife/18347741/

— Why Venezuela?
Trump’s shifting explanations about military buildup
https://abc7chicago.com/post/venezuela-trumps-shifting-explanations-military-buildup/18346832/

NBC5
— Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, wife arrive in New York after capture by US military. Maduro’s government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an “imperialist attack” and urging citizens to take to the streets.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/watch-live-president-trump-to-address-nation-at-10-a-m-after-venezuelas-nicolas-maduro-captured/3870739/
— Illinois lawmakers react to US strikes in Venezuela, capture of Maduro. Illinois’ Republican members of Congress praised the mission, while Democrats largely condemned the U.S. military’s actions.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-lawmakers-react-to-us-strikes-in-venezuela-capture-of-maduro/3870791/
— Who will run Venezuela? U.S. will, Trump says, and tap its oil reserves. Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro’s capture, Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to “fix” the country’s oil infrastructure and sell “large amounts” of oil to other countries.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/u-s-plans-to-run-venezuela-and-tap-its-oil-reserves-trump-says/3870857/

CBS2
— Trump says “we’re going to run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture until peaceful transition takes place
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/trump-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-captured-transition/
— Illinois leaders, Chicago communities react to U.S military operation in Venezuela
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-reactions-military-operation-venezuela/

WGN9
— Rubio sends warning to Cuba’s leaders after Maduro’s removal: ‘I’d be concerned’
https://wgntv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/rubio-sends-warning-to-cubas-leaders-after-maduros-removal-id-be-concerned/

FOX32
— Can the U.S. ‘run’ Venezuela? What the law says about Maduro’s arrest
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/can-u-s-run-venezuela-what-law-says-about-maduros-arrest
— Illinois politicos criticize Trump for strike in Venezuela: ‘reckless and unconstitutional’ Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela until a new government is in place
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-politicos-criticize-trump-strike-venezuela-reckless-unconstitutional
— Who is Nicolás Maduro? Venezuelan president captured by US forces
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/who-is-nicolas-maduro-venezuelan-president-captured-us-forces

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— US plans to ‘run’ Venezuela and tap its oil reserves, Donald Trump says, after operation to oust Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/us-strikes-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/
— Venezuelans wonder who’s in charge as Donald Trump claims contact with Nicolás Maduro’s deputy
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/venezuelans-trump-maduros-deputy/
— After ousting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, Donald Trump commits himself to another foreign policy project
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/maduro-venezuela-trump-foreign-policy-project/
— How the US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/how-the-us-captured-nicols-maduro/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Chicago’s Venezuelan community applauds Maduro removal but question Trump’s motives. Illinois political leaders criticized the U.S. government’s attack on Venezuela as unconstitutional because of President Donald Trump’s failure to consult Congress.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/nation-world/2026/01/03/chicago-venezuelans-applaud-maduro-ouster-trump-attack-motives

DAILY HERALD
— With capture of Maduro, Trump claims successful operation as he treads into uncharted territory
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/with-capture-of-maduro-trump-claims-successful-operation-as-he-treads-into-uncharted-territory/
— ‘What comes next?’ Democrats warn U.S. could be walking into a quagmire after Maduro capture
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/what-comes-next-democrats-warn-u-s-could-be-walking-into-a-quagmire-after-maduro-capture/
— Thousands of mail-in ballots could be discounted under new post office policy
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260103/nation-and-world-politics/thousands-of-mail-in-ballots-could-be-discounted-under-new-post-office-policy/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Trump’s Venezuela move sparks sharp divide among area pols
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/trumps-venezuela-move-sparks-sharp-divide-among-area-pols

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Downers Grove Township group working to put 708 Mental Health Board referendum on November ballot
https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/01/02/downers-grove-township-group-working-to-put-708-mental-health-board-referendum-on-november-ballot/

SOUTHERN
— Republicans largely back Trump on Venezuela action, Democrats decry it as unjustified
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/03/republicans-largely-back-trump-on-venezuela-action-democrats-decry-it-as-unjustified/

NPR ILLINOIS
— ‘We are going to run the country,’ Trump says after strike on Venezuela
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-03/we-are-going-to-run-the-country-trump-says-after-strike-on-venezuela

25 NEWS NOW
— LaHood praises Trump for removing ‘thug’ while Sorensen worries about US running Venezuela
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/01/03/gops-lahood-praises-trump-team-removing-thug-while-sorensen-worries-about-us-plans-run-venezuela/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Capture of Maduro and US claim that it will run Venezuela raise new legal questions
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/politics/ap-capture-of-maduro-and-us-claim-it-will-run-venezuela-raise-new-legal-questions/
— Democrats rip Trump administration for strikes on Venezuela: ‘Illegal’
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/national/democrats-rip-trump-administration-for-strikes-on-venezuela-illegal/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Pritzker: Trump’s military action in Venezuela is ‘unconstitutional’
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_f248d3b9-4a12-48ad-a416-17a640422fa6.html

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Chicago Records Nearly 2,000 Shooting Victims in 2025, Outpacing New York and Los Angeles
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/chicago-records-nearly-2000-shooting-victims-in-2025-outpacing-new-york-and-los-angeles.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump’s arrest of Maduro is a victory over corruption, communism and isolationism. It’s time to secure the Western Hemisphere and let the criminal, communist dominoes fall.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/trumps-arrest-maduro-victory-corruption-communism-isolationism/
— Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela until a new government is in place
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/trump-says-us-run-venezuela-new-government-place/
— Democrats to force war powers vote to prevent escalation in Venezuela without congressional approval
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/democrats-force-war-powers-vote-prevent-escalation-venezuela-without/
— Rubio says administration notified Congress after grabbing Maduro
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/rubio-says-administration-notified-congress-grabbing-maduro/
— The ‘warmth of collectivism’ is a bloody lie
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/3/warmth-collectivism-bloody-lie/
— Democrats should get blame for health care costs, inflation. If Obamacare, economy decide 2026 midterms, Republicans will win.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/1/democrats-get-blame-health-care-costs-inflation/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘Illinois is worse’ as HHS enforces verification for child care funding: Trump
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/4400830/illinois-child-care-worse-hhs-funding-trump/
— This wasn’t an arrest in Venezuela. This was an unauthorized regime-change war
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4400798/this-wasnt-an-arrest-in-venezuela-this-was-an-unauthorized-regime-change-war/
— Mamdani’s collectivist vision for America
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4399614/mamdani-collectivist-vision-for-america/

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Donroe Doctrine: Trump Nabs Maduro in Daring, Middle-of-the-Night Operation. US will run Venezuela until a legitimate government can be installed.
https://freebeacon.substack.com/p/donroe-doctrine-trump-nabs-maduro

NEW YORK POST
— Trump tells Post that US troops won’t be in Venezuela if Maduro VP ‘does what we want’: ‘We have a second wave’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/trump-says-us-troops-wont-be-in-venezuela-if-nicolas-maduro-vp-delcy-rodriguez-does-what-we-want/
— Mamdani, other NY lefties rip Trump over Maduro arrest, condemning it as ‘act of war’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/us-news/mamdani-other-ny-lefties-rip-trump-over-maduro-arrest/
— World leaders gripe over US arrest of tyrant Nicolás Maduro, despite legal precedent: ‘Deeply alarmed’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/world-news/world-leaders-gripe-over-us-arrest-of-tyrant-nicolas-maduro-despite-legal-precedent-deeply-alarmed/
— Trump issues thinly veiled warning to Mexico, slams Cuba, Colombia after US strikes Venezuela, arrests Maduro
https://nypost.com/2026/01/03/world-news/trump-issues-chilling-warning-to-colombia-cuba-after-us-strikes-venezuela-captures-maduro-he-does-have-to-watch-his-a/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Rubio details why Venezuela strike did not require congressional authorization, says no further action
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/01/03/rubio-details-why-venezuela-strike-did-not-require-congressional-authorization-says-no-further-action-1613609/

BREITBART
— ‘Brewing Discontent’ Among GOP Senators About Trump’s Misbehavior
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/01/02/whitehouse-brewing-discontent-among-gop-senators-about-trumps-misbehavior/amp/

DAILY CALLER
— Congressional Democrats Rage At Trump’s Venezuela Operation
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/03/congressional-democrats-donald-trump-venezuela-nicolas-maduro/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Trump Announces Major Victory in Venezuelan Drug War
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/03/trump-celebrates-capture-maduro-venezuela/

EPOCH TIMES
— There is No Such Thing as Being Transgender
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTtBHfiiQZo

FOX NEWS
— Republicans line up behind Trump after US strikes Venezuela, Maduro arrested: ‘Changed the course of history’  Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed a number of Republican lawmakers on the Venezuela strike Saturday morning.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republicans-line-up-behind-trump-after-us-strikes-venezuela-maduro-arrested-changed-course-history

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— DePaul University Offers Students Training on How to Run a Pot Dispensary
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/depaul-university-offers-students-training-on-how-to-run-a-pot-dispensary/amp/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CBS NEWS
— Venezuelan officials condemn Maduro’s capture, calling it a “kidnapping”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuelan-officials-condemn-maduro-capture-kidnapping-trump-delcy-rodriguez/
— U.S. seeks to tap Venezuela’s vast oil reserves after military strikes. Here’s what to know.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuela-oil-reserves-us-strike-trump-what-to-know/
— Photos show damage at Fuerte Tiuna, the military base where Maduro was captured
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fuerte-tiuna-satellite-images-after-maduro-captured/

NEW YORK TIMES
— Venezuela Live Updates: Maduro Arrives in N.Y.; Trump Says U.S. Will ‘Run’ Venezuela. Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, rejected the U.S. intervention and demanded President Nicolás Maduro’s return. Maduro and his wife were being brought to New York City to stand trial on drug and weapons charges.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/03/world/trump-united-states-strikes-venezuela

MIAMI HERALD
— After Maduro’s capture, Venezuelans in South Florida dream of going home
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article314149807.html

January 2, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/federal-employees-trump-administration-ban-gender-affirming-care/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/lesbian-couple-makes-history-as-cook-countys-first-marriage-of-2026/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/02/ice-detention-conditions-rey-estrada-broadview-michigan-landscapers
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/02/first-wedding-cook-county-melissa-nunez-elizabeth-brenske

FOX32 & WGN9
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/cook-county-first-marriage-2026
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/historic-first-female-couple-receives-cook-countys-first-marriage-license-of-2026/

WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.wbez.org/immigration/2026/01/02/operation-midway-blitz-parents-children-immigration-detention-mental-health

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_998815d3-0067-4fa4-80e4-18c3c8f9a2c2.amp.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— State Spending Way Up under Pritzker, But Economic Growth Lags
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/state-spending-way-up-under-pritzker-but-economic-growth-lags/
— John Kass Endorses Ted Dombrowski
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/john-kass-endorses-ted-dombrowski/
— Richmond Cemetery District Spends $36,300 on “Special Services”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/richmond-cemetery-district-spends-36300-on-special-services/
— Hearing Officer Recommends Severino Ticket Be Thrown Off GOP Gubernatorial Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/hearing-officer-recommends-severino-ticket-be-thrown-off-gop-gubernatorial-ballot/
— Here’s a First: GOP Committeeperson Hosting Gubernatorial and Other Candidates Event DD: In 2003, all five of the announced Republican U.S. Senate candidates (John Cox, Chirinjeev Kathuria, Andrew McKenna, Jim Oberweis, and Jack Ryan) attended a picnic that I organized in the Prairie Path Park in my precinct. More than 200 attended. Back then, I was the GOPUSA Illinois Editor, the Milton Township Republican Organization (MTRO) webmaster, and an officer of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter. I organized a major MTRO straw poll later in 2003 that Ryan won. The Illinois GOP Establishment wanted McKenna to win that primary and blamed me for Ryan winning it instead. The Illinois GOP Establishment also blames me for Jim Ryan’s loss to Blagojevich. Also, later in 2003, and in 2004, I organized Wheaton’s 9/11 ceremonies.
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/heres-a-first-gop-committeeperson-hosting-gubernatorial-and-other-candidates-event/
— New McHenry County Administrator Scott Hartman Takes Office
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/02/new-county-administrator-takes-office/

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Over 600 Chicago teachers hit Sin City on taxpayers’ dime
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/over-600-chicago-teachers-hit-sin-city-on-taxpayers-dime/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Mamdani’s first moves as NYC mayor: Revoke Eric Adams’ orders, create task forces on housing
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/2/zohran-mamdanis-first-moves-mayor-revoke-eric-adams-orders-create/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Tim Walz has been playing the ‘race card’ in the Somali fraud scandal
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/entertainment/4398065/tim-walz-playing-race-card-somali-fraud-scandal-joe-concha/

NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani, wife Rama Duwaji dressed for inauguration by controversial ‘anti-Israel’ stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson
https://nypost.com/2026/01/02/us-news/zohran-mamdani-and-wife-rama-duwaji-dressed-for-inauguration-by-anti-israel-stylist/

BREITBART
— 2,274 Shooting Incidents in Brandon Johnson’s Chicago During 2025
https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/01/02/2274-shooting-incidents-in-brandon-johnsons-chicago-during-2025/amp/
— Database Searches Show Somali Fraudsters Funding Democrat Politicians
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/02/database-searches-show-somali-fraudsters-funding-democrat-politicians/

DAILY CALLER
— Liberal Media Already Poking Holes In Mamdani’s Socialist Savior Story
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/02/washington-post-zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayor-socialists/

FOX NEWS
— Harvard alum blasts DEI policies after ‘woke’ values drive longtime professor’s exit. Shabbos Kestenbaum echoes concerns from professor James Hankins who left after 40 years over woke values.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/harvard-alum-blasts-dei-policies-after-woke-values-drive-longtime-professors-exit

NATIONAL REVIEW
— One Man’s ‘Warmth of Collectivism’ Is Another’s Inferno
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/01/one-mans-warmth-of-collectivism-is-anothers-inferno/

NEWSMAX
— We must stop socialism now, or it will spread across America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5uCb9IBzEM

TOWNHALL
— The Woke Collapse of Harvard Continues
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/01/02/harvard-prof-torches-school-over-woke-anti-white-policies-n2668759

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

REUTERS
— Mamdani vows to enact democratic socialist agenda
https://www.reuters.com/world/mamdanis-inauguration-new-york-new-year-new-mayor-2025-12-31/

NEW YORK TIMES
— Israeli Government Accuses Mamdani of Antisemitism Over Canceled Orders
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/nyregion/mamdani-israel-executive-orders.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Tesla Falls Behind China’s BYD as Vehicle Sales Drop for Second Year. End of U.S. subsidy for electric vehicles and flagging European demand dented global EV sales.
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/tesla-sales-drop-for-second-year-in-a-row-958dec20

December 28, 2025

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

DAILY HERALD
— Kane County’s top prosecutor Mosser seeks judicial seat
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251228/news/kane-countys-top-prosecutor-mosser-seeks-judicial-seat/

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Barriers to upward mobility. DD: To get more votes from those who are minority, female, and younger, Democrat and RINO candidates and elected officials paint those who are White, male, and older as being barriers.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/study-education-still-pays-but-barriers-to-upward-mobility-persist-in-illinois/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS
— Sickness & Hypocrisy in Academia
https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com/read/2025/12/22/sickness-hypocrisy-in-academia

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— I have started using Stelo by Dexcom to continuously monitor my blood sugar level. If you have type 2 diabetes like I do and use Stelo, please phone me at 630-653-0462. My blood sugar spikes to over 250 after I eat. That means I have high hyperglycemia. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Pence becomes unlikely face of conservative opposition to Trump and populism.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/presidential/4363005/pence-unlikely-face-conservative-opposition-trump-populism/
— With the impending rescheduling of marijuana in the U.S., the transportation industry is searching for answers on whether it still will legally be able to test employees before sending them on the road or in the air. DD: Pot is poison.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4363202/dot-realizes-road-safety-concern-with-marijuana-rescheduling/
— More Floridians, Californians moving to Texas
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4363199/more-floridians-californians-moving-to-texas-than-reverse/
— A dangerous Supreme Court decision. In a short three-page decision written with little briefing and no oral argument, a 6-3 majority denied the Justice Department’s request to stay a district court restraining order preventing President Donald Trump from deploying the National Guard in Chicago. The court’s holding is tenuously founded, rushed, and will endanger the lives of federal law enforcement officers.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4362312/dangerous-supreme-court-decision-national-guard/

NEW YORK POST
— Hating the rich may feel good — and win elections — but it’s self-destructive
https://nypost.com/2025/12/27/opinion/hating-the-rich-may-feel-good-and-win-elections-but-its-self-destructive/

AMERICAN GREATNESS
— The Pence Mirage: Why the Right Isn’t Leaving Trump. The Heritage Foundation “mutiny” isn’t a conservative realignment so much as the latest anti-Trump mirage, with Mike Pence cast as a moral standard-bearer no one is following.
https://amgreatness.com/2025/12/28/the-pence-mirage-why-the-right-isnt-leaving-trump/
— Let Americans Choose Their Cars—Not the Government. EVs aren’t failing because consumers don’t want them, but because tariffs block affordable competition—leaving Americans stuck with costly choices the rest of the world has outgrown. DD: I bought a 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T EV early this year. If it had been offered with a Hemi V-8, I would have bought that. I have owned a 2013 Charger R/T Max since 2012. I owned a 1968 Charger R/T 1994-2005. I owned a 1969 Charger SE 1968-1971.
https://amgreatness.com/2025/12/26/let-americans-choose-their-cars-not-the-government/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Third World cultures have a corruption problem, and Democrats capitalize on it
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/third_world_cultures_have_a_corruption_problem_and_democrats_capitalize_on_it.html
— The dangerous cost of erasing Western wisdom
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/victor_davis_hanson_on_the_dangerous_cost_of_erasing_western_wisdom.html
— Blue states surrendering to Somalis, Islam, and diversity
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/blue_states_surrendering_to_somalis_islam_diversity.html

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
— Federal workers with a professional degree or doctorate—about 10 percent of the federal workforce—earned about 29 percent less, on average, than their private-sector counterparts. DD: I worked for the Democrats who ran IRS 1971-1980 and I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997. I earned an MBA in 1976. I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. I earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980. I passed Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981. I became a licensed CPA in 1981. I earned four more job-related professional certifications in 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997. I earned  a master’s in finance in 1997. In today’s dollars, IRS paid me $112,280/year in 1980 and GAO paid me $153,151/year in 1997.
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60235

BREITBART
— TPUSA Continuing Campus Debates Nationwide
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/12/28/we-are-not-afraid-erika-kirk-says-tpusa-continuing-campus-debates-nationwide/
— Indian Government Protests Rubio’s Visa Curbs That Help Americans
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/27/indian-government-protests-rubios-visa-curbs-that-help-americans/

DAILY CALLER
— Minnesota’s Lt Gov Takes Pandering To Somalis To The Next Level
https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/26/minnesota-lt-gov-peggy-flanagan-hijab-somali-migrants/

LIFE NEWS
— New York and Illinois Glorify Suicide in the Name of Compassion
https://www.lifenews.com/2025/12/28/new-york-and-illinois-glorify-suicide-in-the-name-of-compassion/

TOWNHALL
— FBI Teases Denaturalizing, Deporting Eligible Minnesota Fraudsters
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2025/12/28/fbi-teases-denaturalizing-deporting-minnesota-fraudsters-n2668553

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

THE HILL
— You cannot be America first and pro-Russia
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5664765-turner-russia-war-aggression-ukraine/

CNN
— It’s time for Republicans to start thinking about 2028 and the post-Trump era
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/28/politics/2028-presidential-election-republicans-vance-rubio-analysis

NBC NEWS
— Much of the Black middle class was built by federal jobs. DD: My Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997 so that they could give my Black subordinate my job and my preferred corner office. He had less work experience than I had. He had less education than I had. He had one professional certification while I had six. He had no professional license like the one I had.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/black-federal-job-cuts-trump-musk-dei-middle-class-rcna191704

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— GOP coalescing behind Vance as Trump privately dismisses third-term run
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-12-28/gop-coalescing-behind-vance-as-trump-privately-dismisses-third-term-run

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Companies Are Outlining Plans for 2026. Hiring Isn’t One of Them. Large employers indicate that they either want to maintain the size of their teams next year or let go of workers; ‘Everybody’s afraid for their jobs’
https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/2026-job-hiring-growth-plans-10bc3470
— Pritzker’s Illinois Political Clout Faces Test in Senate Primary. Billionaire governor is backing his lieutenant governor in a Democratic face-off, but she has struggled to outshine two top rivals.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/jb-pritzkers-illinois-political-clout-faces-test-in-senate-primary-4140cfa1
— You Can’t Work Your Way Through College Anymore. DD: Back in the good old days, I worked my way through college. The money came from what I earned washing dishes 1964-1966, cleaning golf shoes, chipping slag, and pumping gasoline in 1966, delivering mail 1966-1969, and working on an automotive assemble line in 1970. My parents provided me with room and board in their Crete home 1966-1968, my first semester at NIU in 1969, and the summer of 1969. I graduated debt-free with a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in August of 1970 owning a 1969 Dodge Charger SE that I had bought new in 1968.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/you-cant-work-your-way-through-college-anymore-1521239612

FORBES
— OK, Boomer: Are Baby Boomers Preventing The Upward Mobility Of Younger Employees? DD: I am a baby boomer. My Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997 so that they could give my Black subordinate my job and my preferred corner office. He had less work experience than I had. He had less education than I had. He had one professional certification while I had six. He had no professional license like the one I had.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2019/11/08/ok-boomer-are-baby-boomers-preventing-the-upward-mobility-of-younger-employees/

FORTUNE
— These 10 companies offer workers the best chance to advance. DD: Democrats run the federal government. For Democrats, the federal government exists to hire, retain, and promote Democrats. To advance in the federal government you have to be a Democrat. The more of the following that Democrats are, the faster that they can advance: minority, female, and/or veteran.
https://fortune.com/2022/10/13/american-opportunity-index-best-places-to-work-worker-career-advancement/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: 1) AT&T, 2) American Express, 3) Cisco, 4) PG&E, 5) Microsoft, 6) Fiserv, 7) HF Sinclair, 8) Liberty Mutual, 9) International Paper, 10) Southwest Airlines)

HR DAILY ADVISOR
— Steps to Foster Internal Promotions and Career Advancement. DD: While I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO 1980-1997, they focused on making room at the top, that is, they focused on getting rid of their employees who they had not promoted to Senior Executive Service (currently $195,200/year) by age 40 and who were White, male, and/or non-veteran. That ever-increasingly rendered worthless my three job-related master’s degrees (1976, 1980, and 1997), my six job-related professional certifications (1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997), and my job-related professional license (1981).
https://hrdailyadvisor.com/2025/04/23/4-steps-to-foster-internal-promotions-and-career-advancement/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Create Room at the Top. A promotion pipeline’s useless if there’s nowhere to go. Stagnant org charts—where tenured folks squat in senior roles—kill mobility. Some firms hoard headcount, afraid to expand; others cling to “we’ve always done it this way” structures. Shake that up. Regularly audit roles: Are they still relevant? Can they split or scale? A bloated middle management layer might need pruning to open slots above. Turnover is not the enemy here—natural attrition (retirements, lateral exits) can unclog the system. Encourage it gracefully—exit packages or sabbaticals for long-timers can free space without bad blood. And don’t fear invention. If a star performer’s outgrowing their role, craft a new one. A tech firm once turned a standout engineer into a “solutions architect” rather than lose her to a rival. Flexibility beats rigidity.)

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT DAILY
— Upward mobility: Unlocking career advancement opportunities. DD: My critics/opponents have always used my having three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license against me. They have always hinted/implied/argued/shouted that my having the aforesaid and my never having earned more than $153,151/year in today’s dollars and my being forced to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997 proves that I am seriously flawed, an abject failure, and even worse things.
https://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/75364/upward-mobility-unlocking-career-advancement-opportunities/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Access to education is a major deciding factor in determining someone’s eligibility for upward mobility. Society members with access to the best schools and universities will find it easier to find higher-paying jobs and qualify for promotions. Lower-income areas in the United States often have subpar educational facilities, making it more difficult for graduates to pursue upward mobility in society.)

HARVARD MAGAZINE
— The Upward Mobility Problem. Most Americans earn less than their parents did. DD: My father often decried his not having a college degree. That motivated me to earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license.
https://www.harvardmagazine.com/faculty/features-upward-mobility-problem

WHARTON
— How Social Class Affects the Career Ladder. DD: What class were you born into? Neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. My mother never attended high school. I had to work my way through college.
https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/podcast/knowledge-at-wharton-podcast/how-social-class-affects-the-career-ladder/

FORDHAM INSTITUTE
— Is military enlistment a pathway to upward mobility? DD: Because my parents lacked money, my plan to earn a college degree was to enlist and use the GI Bill. But because I was able to earn high enough grades taking college preparatory courses, to get an ACT score of 24, and to graduate in the upper 20% of my class, UIC accepted me in 1966. I worked my way through college. I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU in 1970. I got student draft deferments 1966-1970 and a financial hardship draft deferment 1970-1971.
https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/military-enlistment-pathway-upward-mobility

TUFTS
— Upward mobility is becoming obsolete. DD: Back in the good old days, even though neither of my parents attended college, my father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma, and my mother never attended high school, I was able to work my way through college and earn a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license. But because of my bad demographics, I doubt that I could do that today.
https://www.tuftsdaily.com/article/2024/10/coffee-table-socioeconomics-upward-mobility-is-becoming-obsolete

BROOKINGS
— The American Dream in crisis: Helping low-wage workers move up to better jobs. DD: Back in the good old days, I was a low-wage worker. I did yard work 1962-1964. I delivered newspapers 1962-1966. I washed dishes 1964-1966. I cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966, 1971, and 1972. I delivered mail 1966-1969. I worked on an automobile assembly line in 1970. To qualify myself for better paying jobs, I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree (1970). I earned three job-related master’s degrees (1976, 1980, and 1997). I earned six job-related professional certifications (1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997). I earned a job-related professional license (1981).
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-american-dream-in-crisis-helping-low-wage-workers-move-up-to-better-jobs/

POLITICO
— The 2028 Race Has Begun. Here’s Who’s Winning. White House hopefuls in both parties are maneuvering for the post-Trump era. Here’s where they stand at the end of 2025.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/12/28/presidential-race-2028-candidates-analysis-00695164

NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— Why History Points to Huge 2026 Losses for Trump’s GOP
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/why-history-points-to-huge-2026-losses-for-trumps-gop.html

December 23, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
https://abc7chicago.com/post/supreme-court-ruling-keeps-donald-trumps-chicago-national-guard-deployment-blocked-now/18309907/
— Pope disappointed over approval of assisted suicide legislation in his home state of Illinois
https://abc7chicago.com/post/pope-leo-xiv-news-catholic-church-leader-disappointed-approval-assisted-suicide-legislation-home-state-illinois/18310097/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Supreme Court deals Trump a defeat on bid to deploy National Guard in Illinois
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/23/supreme-court-trump-national-guard-illinois/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/20/november-us-consumer-goods-price-tracker/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pope disappointed by approval of Illinois’ assisted suicide legislation. Pope Leo XIV said he asked Gov. JB Pritzker not to sign legislation allowing assisted suicide in Illinois. “We were very clear about the necessity to respect the sacredness of life from the very beginning to the very end, and unfortunately … he decided to sign that bill.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv/2025/12/23/pope-disappointed-over-approval-of-illinois-assisted-suicide-legislation

DAILY HERALD
— Why three congressional candidates could be booted from the ballot
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251223/us-congress-politics/why-three-congressional-candidates-could-be-booted-from-the-ballot/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Three congressional candidates vying to serve different parts of the Northwest or West suburbs will find out early next month if they’ll appear on March 2026 primary ballots or be booted. On the hot seat are Democrat Mark J. Pasieka Sr., a Chicagoan running in the 3rd District; and two Republicans running in the 11th District, Tedora Brown of Palos Park and Michael Pierce of Naperville.)
— DuPagePads opens new warming center in Wheaton
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251223/news/dupagepads-opens-new-warming-center-in-wheaton/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Quantifying the Tax Local Officials Did Not Vote To Impose, a “Would Have Been, Could Have Been” Article
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2025/12/23/quantifying-the-tax-local-officials-did-not-vote-to-impose-a-would-have-been-could-have-been-article/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Supreme Court rules against Trump on deploying troops to Chicago
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/supreme-court-rules-trump-deploying-troops-chicago/
— Medicaid wasted more than $200 million on dead enrollees in single year
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/medicaid-paid-200-million-care-deceased-patients-single-year/
— White House rebuffs Catholic bishops’ appeal for a Christmas pause in immigration enforcement
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/catholic-bishops-appeal-christmas-pause-immigration-enforcement/
— Military hits best recruiting numbers in 15 years
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/military-hits-best-recruiting-numbers-15-years-pentagon-says/
— Islam is still incompatible with America
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/23/december-2025-islam-still-incompatible-america/
— American families deserve real health care relief. There’s a better path than Obamacare.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/10/american-families-deserve-real-health-care-relief/

NEW YORK POST
— Toxic ideas fueling far-left terrorists came straight from our college campuses
https://nypost.com/2025/12/23/opinion/toxic-fuel-for-far-left-terrorists-came-straight-from-our-colleges/

AMERICAN THINKER
— The problem behind ‘affordability’
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/the_problem_behind_affordability.html
— NBC criticizes Trump admin for claiming ‘without evidence’ that white civilization is being erased
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/more_fake_news_nbc_criticizes_trump_admin_for_claiming_without_evidence_that_white_civilization_is_being_erased.html
— The ‘affordability crisis’ myth
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/11/the_affordability_crisis_myth.html

BREITBART
— SCOTUS Rules Against Trump Sending National Guard to Sanctuary Chicago
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/23/scotus-rules-against-trump-sending-national-guard-sanctuary-chicago/

CAMPUS REFORM
— Worst 5 examples of higher ed’s pro-abortion agenda in 2025. Abortion is celebrated and promoted on college campuses.
https://www.campusreform.org/article/worst-5-examples-higher-eds-pro-abortion-agenda-2025/29167

DAILY WIRE
— TPUSA Attendees Rally Around JD Vance At AmFest. “JD Vance represents the greatest conservative movement in over forty years.”
https://www.dailywire.com/news/tpusa-attendees-rally-around-jd-vance-at-amfest

EPOCH TIMES
— Federal Judge Strikes Down California’s Policies Hiding Gender Switches From Parents. The permanent injunction includes language that bars any employee in California’s education system from ’misleading the parent.’
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/federal-judge-strikes-down-californias-policies-hiding-gender-switches-from-parents-5961936

FOX NEWS
— Mamdani FIRES BACK after report exposes anti-Zionist appointees
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6386869048112
— 20% of NYC mayor-elect Mamdani transition appointees have anti-Zionist ties
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/20-nyc-mayor-elect-mamdani-transition-appointees-have-anti-zionist-ties-adl.amp

NEWSMAX
— California Auditor Flags Newsom Admin as High Risk, Citing Billions in Exposure
https://www.newsmax.com/us/california-gavin-newsom-audit/2025/12/23/id/1239457/

PATRIOT POST
— Slouching Toward Open Season on Jews. To catalog all the recent violence against Jews in the Western world would fill a book.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/123805-slouching-toward-open-season-on-jews-2025-12-23

POST MILLENNIAL
— Vance overwhelmingly wins AmFest straw poll for 2028 GOP presidential nominee. The poll found that 84.2 percent of attendees want Vance for the spot, while no other figure in the poll received double-digit support.
https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-jd-vance-overwhelmingly-wins-amfest-straw-poll-for-2028-gop-presidential-nominee

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— The NLRB Can Now Serve the American People, Not the Democratic Party
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/12/22/the_nlrb_can_now_serve_the_american_people_not_the_democratic_party_153661.amp.html

TOWNHALL
— Mamdani Chalks Up His Antisemitic Staff Problem As a ‘Wide Variety of Political Opinion’
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/12/23/mamdani-radical-staffers-wide-variety-of-political-opinion-n2668370

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

REUTERS
— US seeks to cancel thousands of asylum cases
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-seeks-cancel-thousands-asylum-cases-cbs-news-reports-2025-12-23/

CNBC
— Entry-level hiring is down 23% from March 2020. DD: What entry-level jobs did you have? I had three. I earned a bachelor’s degree in management from NIU when I was 21 years old in 1970. My first entry-level job was a Retail Sales Manager for a Firestone Store. My salary was about $50,000/year in today’s dollars for a 44-hour workweek. In 1971, my second entry-level job was a GS-7 IRS Revenue Officer. The salary was $55,850/year in today’s dollars. To get that job, I had passed the Federal Service Entrance Examination. My taking graduate evening business courses at Loyola helped me get promoted to GS-9 ($68,315/year) in 1972, to GS-11 ($82,655/year) in 1973, and to GS-12 ($99,069/year) in 1974. I earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976. In 1980, my third entry-level job was a GS-9 Step 10 GAO Analyst. The salary was $88,808/year in today’s dollars. To get that job, I passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and almost earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul. My salary was $153,151/year in today’s dollars almost 18 years later in 1997, after I earned a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, after I passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, after I became a licensed CPA in 1981, after I earned four more professional certifications in 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and after I earned a master’s degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/23/this-is-linkedins-no-1-piece-of-advice-for-entry-level-job-seekers-in-2026.html

USA TODAY
— Turning Point exposes Republican infighting when we need unity. DD: If I was still the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman and an Illinois Center Right Coalition officer, those organizations would still be hosting candidate debates today.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/12/23/turning-point-republican-infighting-conservative-movement/87855762007/

INC.
— The Top 15 Highest-Paying Jobs for 2026 That Don’t Require a College Degree. DD: Firestone Stores would not have hired me as a Retail Store Manager in 1970 and IRS would not have hired me as a Revenue Officer in 1971 if I had not earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1970. IRS would not have promoted me in 1972, 1973, and 1974 if I had not been taking graduate business evening courses. GAO would not have hired me as an Analyst in 1980 if I had not earned an MBA in 1976 and passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. GAO would not have promoted me in 1986 if I had not earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, and became a licensed CPA in 1981.
https://www.inc.com/kit-eaton/the-top-15-highest-paying-jobs-for-2026-that-dont-require-a-degree/91281103

TALKING POINTS MEMO
— GAO Has Been Calling Out Trump’s Illegal Impoundment. That May Soon Change.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/one-agency-has-been-calling-out-trumps-illegal-impoundment-that-may-soon-change
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Throughout 2025, the Trump administration has, time after time, simply refused to spend funds that Congress appropriated. The obstinacy was without precedent in modern American governance; congressional Democrats suggested it had put the country on track toward a constitutional crisis. Republicans, who controlled both chambers of Congress, largely did nothing. Piping up occasionally to affirm to those who were paying attention that they had not entirely lost their minds was a relatively small watchdog agency housed within the legislative branch: The Government Accountability Office (GAO). . .Following Dodaro’s retirement, Congress will establish a bipartisan panel to recommend a replacement to the president. President Donald Trump will then nominate a candidate subject to Senate confirmation. But experts worry that the ostensibly bipartisan process will not be enough to force Trump to appoint someone who will live up to the agency’s nonpartisan mission, which includes investigating improper, wasteful and fraudulent use of the money Congress allocates. “It is very likely that Gene Dodaro is replaced with a Trump lackey,” Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, told TPM. Kogan worries that if Dodaro is replaced by a Trump loyalist, the agency will stop doing the “important part of what they have been doing, which is investigations, public oversight and accountability.” “GAO investigations are extremely important,” Georgetown Law professor David Super told TPM. “In many respects, it provides a better and more independent version of what the inspectors general used to provide,” he said, referencing the watchdogs who sit within many executive branch agencies — and who Trump fired en masse in 2025. “Since Trump has gotten rid of the inspectors general, we don’t have that independent site,” Super continued. “So having an independent GAO looking at things is extremely important. And, certainly, Congress would have a harder time doing its job without GAO.”)

PEW RESEARCH
— The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources. DD: Since 2000, I have worked hard to fill an ever-increasing political news and commentary gap in Illinois with my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters. Tragically, there are fewer and fewer and fewer conservative news and commentary sources in Illinois.
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2025/06/10/the-political-gap-in-americans-news-sources/

December 21, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw enters a new world with his Turning Point USA appearance
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/21/chicago-cubs-matt-shaw-turning-point-appearance/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/21/how-i-reported-on-immigration-as-a-daughter-of-immigrants

SUBURBAN CHICAGOLAND
— U.S. Republican Senate Candidate R. Cary Capparelli argues that the Illinois Republican Party needs new leadership.
https://suburbanchicagoland.com/2025/12/21/republican-party-in-illinois-needs-new-grassroots-candidate-says/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Judge’s conviction in ICE obstruction case vindicates courthouse arrests
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/21/judges-conviction-ice-obstruction-case-vindicates-courthouse-arrests/
— Turning Point’s AmericaFest surprises attendees with phone call from Trump
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/21/nicki-minaj-donald-trump-surprise-guests-turning-points-americafest/
— House investigators probing Jeffrey Epstein case urged to unseal the Clinton impeachment files
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/20/house-investigators-probing-jeffrey-epstein-case-urged-unseal-clinton/
— Our enemy Islam has revealed all. Recent massacres reveal patterns that denial and euphemisms only worsen.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/21/enemy-islam-revealed/
— Seats for sale: Campaign costs skyrocket, fueling elites in politics
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/19/seats-sale-campaign-costs-skyrocket-fueling-elites-politics/

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Assessing the Wreckage of Affirmative Action. DD: Up until recently, Affirmative Action (AA) was the “law of the land,’ that is, up until recently, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination was the “law of the land.” My Democrat superiors in the federal government used AA to waste my career and to force me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. My critics/opponents not only have no problem with that, they applaud it.
https://freebeacon.com/culture/assessing-the-wreckage-of-affirmative-action/

NEW YORK POST
— Vance wades into MAGA civil war at AmericaFest, criticizes conservatives for ‘canceling each other’
https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/us-news/jd-vance-wades-into-maga-civil-war-decries-conservatives-canceling-each-other/
— Tucker Carlson named ‘Antisemite of the Year’ by prominent Jewish organization after alarming interviews
https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/us-news/tucker-carlson-named-antisemite-of-the-year-by-jewish-organization/
— Mamdani’s early staff picks confirm NYers’ worst fears for the next four years
https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/opinion/zohs-staffer-picks-are-starting-to-confirm-nyers-worst-fears-for-the-next-four-years/

AMERICAN GREATNESS
— Wake Up, Parents: American Library Association Is (Still) Grooming Our Kids. DD: How successful have Democrats been making the students in your school district sexually active LGBTQers?
https://amgreatness.com/2025/12/21/wake-up-parents-american-library-association-is-still-grooming-our-kids/

AMERICAN THINKER
— I thought Trump didn’t want any more federal holidays
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/12/i_thought_trump_didn_t_want_any_more_federal_holidays.html

BREITBART
— Vance: ‘Honor’ Charlie Kirk by Not Doing Things ‘That He Himself Refused to Do in Life’
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/21/jd-vance-honor-charlie-kirk-by-not-doing-things-that-he-himself-refused-to-do-in-life/

COLLEGE FIX
— U.S. House leader questions Chicago Public Schools’ exclusion of Christian student teachers
https://www.thecollegefix.com/u-s-house-leader-questions-chicago-public-schools-exclusion-of-christian-student-teachers/
— University play ‘A Gay in a Manger’ features Jesus as ‘King of Gays,’ Three Wise Men as drag queens
https://www.thecollegefix.com/university-play-a-gay-in-a-manger-features-jesus-as-king-of-gays-three-wise-men-as-drag-queens/
— ‘Power Rainbow’ by Harvard grad students teaches 3rd graders about systemic oppression
https://www.thecollegefix.com/power-rainbow-by-harvard-grad-students-teaches-3rd-graders-about-systemic-oppression/

DAILY CALLER
— ‘Threatening Western Civilization’: Tulsi Gabbard Slams ‘Islamist Ideology’ As America’s Greatest Threat
https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/21/tulsi-gabbard-islamist-ideology-america-threat-americafest-tpusa/
— WSJ Celebrates Degeneracy Just In Time For Christmas
https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/19/house-vaishnavi-nayel-talawadekar-throuple-wall-street-journal-relationship-gay-marriage/

EPOCH TIMES
— At TPUSA Event, Vance Warns Conservatives to Not Cancel Each Other. Sparks flew between Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and other speakers at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/at-tpusa-event-vance-warns-conservatives-not-to-cancel-each-other-5961174
— How Chinese Syndicates With Ties to CCP Took Over Marijuana Black Market in US. ‘This stuff is being exported out of the country … It’s an international business for them,’ a drug enforcement expert said.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/how-chinese-syndicates-with-ties-to-ccp-took-over-marijuana-black-market-in-us-5944843
— Safer Roads, More Work: Truckers Welcome Crackdown on Illegal Drivers. A series of fatal accidents in 2025 spurred calls for reforms and better scrutiny of non-resident foreign commercial driver’s license holders and applicants.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/safer-roads-more-work-truckers-welcome-crackdown-on-illegal-drivers-5947753

FOX NEWS
— Progressive churches in Colorado and Washington host drag Nativity, Christmas shows. Congregations in Colorado and Washington host Nativity shows through a ‘queer lens.’
https://www.foxnews.com/media/progressive-churches-churches-colorado-washington-host-drag-nativity-christmas-shows
— Vance says ‘America First’ movement rejects ‘purity tests,’ welcomes critical thinkers. Vice president tells AmericaFest crowd Trump built coalition by welcoming supporters regardless of background. DD: I should write about my critics/opponents who had their saboteurs destroy TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois in 2012 and Illinois Center Right Coalition in 2007.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-says-america-first-movement-rejects-purity-tests-welcomes-critical-thinkers

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Ben Shapiro at TPUSA: Conservative movement in danger “from charlatans who … traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty”
https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/12/ben-shapiro-at-tpusa-conservative-movement-in-danger-from-charlatans-who-traffic-in-conspiracism-and-dishonesty/

PJ MEDIA
— Trump Solved the Border Crisis Biden Claimed Was Unsolvable
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2025/12/21/trump-solved-the-border-crisis-biden-claimed-was-unsolvable-n4947344

TOWNHALL
— Vance Calls for GOP Unity, Touts Trump Agenda at AmericaFest 2025
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2025/12/21/jd-vance-calls-for-gop-unity-touts-trump-agenda-at-americafest-2025-n2668273
— BLM Co-founder Arrested on Domestic Assault Charges
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/josephchalfant/2025/12/21/blm-co-founder-arrested-on-domestic-assault-charges-n2668274

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Photos of Turning Point USA’s annual conservative youth conference
https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/turning-point-usa-conference-photos-d99fb219f6942e16b915208e13c1b37c

CNN
— Endorsement of Vance receives mixed reactions at Turning Point USA conference
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/politics/video/turning-point-endorse-jd-vance-president-reaction-vrtc
— Turning Point’s AmericaFest is rife with infighting
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/world/video/americafest-chaos-contorno-lkl-fst-122104aseg1-cnni-world-fast

NEWSWEEK
— MAGA Girl Power Riley Gaines Shapes Turning Point USA AmericaFest
https://www.newsweek.com/maga-girl-power-shapes-turning-point-usa-americafest-11250370

NEW YORK TIMES
— $27,000 a Year for Health Insurance. How Can We Afford That? 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.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/opinion/health-care-aca-cost-insurance.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Turning Point USA showcases the discord that Republicans like Vance will need to navigate in the future. Turning Point has endorsed Vance as the Republican nominee for the next presidential election.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/12/21/turning-point-charlie-kirk-vance-republicans-2028/ae0bac0e-de6f-11f0-9a80-62add4d0e8ef_story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Charlie Kirk’s Empire Is Lining Up Behind a Vance Presidential Bid. The vice president will speak Sunday at TPUSA’s premier event, days after Erika Kirk endorsed him for 2028 run.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/charlie-kirks-empire-is-lining-up-behind-a-jd-vance-presidential-bid-cedeb9cc

FORTUNE
— What comes after affirmative action? DD: Up until recently, Affirmative Action (AA) was the “law of the land,’ that is, up until recently, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination was the “law of the land.” My Democrat superiors in the federal government used AA to waste my career and to force me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. My critics/opponents not only have no problem with that, they applaud it.
https://fortune.com/2023/06/08/affirmative-action-supreme-court-harvard-unc/
— Five-year career plan. DD: What career advice did you reject? I refused to a) become a Democrat, b) glorify and praise my superiors and supervisors, c) pander to my superiors and supervisors, d) serve as an operative or as a dupe for my superiors and supervisors, and e) help them get rid of their employees because they were Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran. Consequently, my Democrat superiors wasted my career, took many big adverse actions against me, and forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/linkedin-ceo-says-it-s-outdated-to-have-a-five-year-career-plan-it-s-a-little-bit-foolish-considering-the-pace-ai-is-changing-the-workplace/ar-AA1SBIt9

HUFFINGTON POST
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in getting religious leaders to do their bidding.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/maga-nativity-immigration-ice-protest-goog_l_6942ebdfe4b045d9788c63f3

AXIOS
— MAGA media mess deepens at Turning Point convention
https://www.axios.com/2025/12/21/maga-media-antisemitism-turning-point-usa

FROM FOREIGN SOURCES

FINANCIAL TINES
— Affordability. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly shout that if you cannot afford something, it is Trump’s fault. There are many things that I could/cannot afford because my Democrat superiors in the federal government wasted my career and forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997.
https://www.ft.com/content/d5f033e9-f9de-420d-93a1-22f2e38c6d5e

GUARDIAN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly hint/imply/argue/shout that if you vote for Democrats, your health care will be free.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/21/us-healthcare-system-trump

TIMES OF INDIA
— Less than one-third of state teachers clear competency test. DD: Only about 20% of those who take the CPA and Certified Internal Auditor examinations pass them on their first attempt like I did. My critics/opponents have always ignored/dismissed/belittled that. My Democrat IRS and GAO superiors would not have done that if I had been a Democrat and a minority, female, younger, and/or veteran.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/less-than-one-third-of-state-teachers-clear-competency-test/articleshow/126097320.cms

December 18, 2025 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Trump signs executive order that would reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/reclassification-weed-president-donald-trump-signs-executive-order-today-would-reclassify-marijuana-less-dangerous/18298372/
— Trump administration moves to cut off gender-affirming care for transgender youth
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-administration-moves-cut-off-gender-affirming-care-transgender-youth-new-hhs-restrictions/18298513/
— Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trumps-handpicked-board-votes-rename-washington-performing-arts-center-trump-kennedy/18298307/

NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) bring in more illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/new-illinois-laws-will-impact-thousands-of-students-in-the-new-year/3865125/

FOX32
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/buffalo-grove-volunteers-send-handwritten-support-cards-lgbtq-people-nationwide

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— President Donald Trump signs order that would reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to stop the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/trump-executive-order-reclassify-marijuana/
— New Trump administration proposals could further reduce gender-affirming care for minors in Illinois. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly make children sexually active LGBTQers.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/gender-affirming-care-trump-proposals/
— State commission highlights ‘unjustified’ uses of tear gas, pepper spray by federal immigration agents
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/illinois-accountability-commission-pritzker-border-patrol/
— President Donald Trump’s Justice Department sues Illinois over sensitive state voter data
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/illinois-voter-data-lawsuit/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Durbin, Duckworth seek criminal probe of Chicago’s immigration blitz — even after Trump leaves office
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/18/durbin-duckworth-criminal-investigation-operation-midway-blitz-ice-tactics
— New state panel takes shot at holding Trump immigration blitz to account: ‘We will not forget’  The chairman of the newly formed Illinois Accountability Commission acknowledged their eventual recommendations are likely to “fall on deaf ears” in the Trump administration.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/18/illinois-accountability-commission-trump-immigration-midway-blitz

DAILY HERALD
— Palatine Township trustees this week approved a $1.65 million tax levy for its community mental health board.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20251218/local-politics/a-good-thing-for-people-palatine-township-levies-first-tax-for-community-mental-health-board/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Justice Department sues for access to Illinois voter rolls
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/justice-department-sues-access-illinois-voter-rolls
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders ever-increasingly push more pot. Pot is poison.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/cannabis/trump-signals-marijuana-rescheduling-tax-relief-ahead

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— The head of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has urged white men to report workplace discrimination based on race or sex.  DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that discrimination against older White males was not only legal, but that it is what Congress wanted.
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/nation-world/head-of-workplace-rights-agency-urges-white-men-to-report-discrimination/article_6026fc17-ba43-52f4-98bc-f22f3c675724.html

NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn Trump
https://www.nprillinois.org/2025-12-17/with-costs-a-growing-worry-for-americans-trump-seeks-to-defend-his-economic-record

NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
— North Park University Invites Dreamers to Apply for TheDream.US Scholarship. DD: Did you get any scholarships? I did not. My critics/opponents have always used that against me.
https://www.northpark.edu/stories/north-park-university-invites-dreamers-to-apply-for-thedream-us-scholarship/

DUCKWORTH
— Duckworth-Led Provisions to Protect Rock Island Arsenal. DD: During the first 6 months of 1989, I worked for GAO at the Rock Island Arsenal on an audit of DOD’s 1990 ammunition budget request. SEE: https://www.gao.gov/assets/150/148194.pdf
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-led-provisions-to-protect-rock-island-arsenal-support-illinois-quantum-technology-research-and-safeguard-care-for-veterans-passes-congress-awaits-presidents-signature
(FROM THE ARTICLE: By Constructing a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal: The bill authorizes $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements, ensuring that eligible families at Rock Island Arsenal have a safe, modern facility for childcare.)

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2025/12/18/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-440/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Pritzker disputes Trump claims, says Illinois GOP backs president ‘100%’
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_594bb86c-7336-490e-936f-3e3c69b17fc0.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/pritzker-disputes-trump-claims-says-160400287.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Mamdani says free buses means fewer assaults over ‘fare collection’
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/3926075/mamdani-free-buses-fewer-assaults-fare-collection/

NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani appointee made vile antisemitic comments in unearthed social media posts
https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/zohran-mamdani-appointee-catherine-almonte-da-costa-made-vile-antisemitic-comments-in-unearthed-social-media-posts/
— NYC Council pushes bill to create Zohran Mamdani’s $1B ‘safety’ agency that would pull cops off some 911 calls
https://nypost.com/2025/12/18/us-news/nyc-council-pushes-bill-to-create-zohran-mamdanis-1b-safety-agency-that-will-pull-cops-off-some-911-calls/

BREITBART
— ‘It’s Open Season’: Antisemitic Attacks in NYC Highlight Broader Threat, ‘This is Mamdani’s NY’
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/18/its-open-season-antisemitic-attacks-in-nyc-highlight-broader-threat-this-is-mamdanis-ny/
— Inflation Unexpectedly Tumbles To 2.7%, Much Better Than Expected, Core Inflation Falls to Lowest Since Early 2021
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/12/18/inflation-unexpectedly-tumbles-to-2-7-much-better-than-expected/

DAILY SIGNAL
— EEOC Urges White Males to Report Discrimination—And Promptly. DD: In Diersen v. GAO, the courts ruled that discrimination against older White males was not only legal, but that it is what Congress wanted.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/12/18/eeoc-urges-white-males-report-discrimination-promptly/amp/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: White males who have faced discrimination should file a federal complaint, the head of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says. In a video posted on social media Thursday, EEOC Acting Chairwoman Andrea Lucas advised potential victims of discrimination to file complaints in a timely manner. “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?” Lucas said. “You may have a claim to recover money under federal civil rights laws.” The Trump administration has opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the government, and terminated DEI federal grants. A person has a deadline of 180 days from the alleged discrimination to make a complaint, according to the EEOC. “Contact the EOC as soon as possible. Time limits are typically strict for filing a claim,” Lucas continued. “The EOC is the federal agency charged with enforcing federal antidiscrimination law against businesses and other private sector employers.” “The EOC is committed to identifying, attacking, and eliminating all forms of race and sex discrimination, including against white male applicants, and employees,” Lucas clarified. The EEOC website says the 180-day deadline can be extended up to 300 days if a state or local agency enforces a law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis, and would have to first hear the case. Although the EEOC has frequently taken up discrimination cases on behalf of minority groups, earlier this year the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that someone who belongs to a “majority group” can sue for discrimination, in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. That case involved a straight woman who alleged she was passed over for employment due to her sexual identity, but the “majority group” principle would likely apply for a white male. During his first term, President Donald Trump appointed Lucas—a former labor and litigation lawyer at the firm of Gibson Dunn—to the EEOC, and the Senate confirmed her in 2020. After Trump returned for a second term in January, he designated her as the acting chair of commission. [Lucas is not related to The Daily Signal reporter who wrote this news story.] Lucas has not been confirmed by the Senate as chair. But, as previously noted in The Daily Signal, as acting chair she forced major law firms to stop using DEI to discriminate based on race.  She further ordered the EEOC to be evenhanded in its enforcement priorities. Lucas made it easier for employees to report DEI discrimination and made it a priority to protect Americans from religious discrimination. This is move is a Trump administration “stunt,” said Markus Batchelor, national political director at People For the American Way, a liberal activist group. “Stunts like this demonstrate the lengths Trump is willing to go to dismantle institutions meant to do good and make them tools that once again unbalance the scales in favor of privilege and white supremacy,” Batchelor told The Grio. “A call for ‘color-blind, merit-based’ employment falls flat from a White House that is overwhelmingly white, wealthy, and unqualified to govern.”)

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more foreign truck drivers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/business/trump-immigrants-trucks.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Trump’s unconvincing argument on affordability. Hyperbole is not a plan. DD: What did you do to help you afford things? To help me afford cars, college expenses, real estate, etc., I took bad jobs that my peers would never stoop to take. I a) did yard work 1962-1964. b) delivered newspapers 1962-1966, c) washed dishes 1964-1966, d) cleaned golf shoes, chipped slag, and pumped gasoline in 1966, e) delivered mail 1966-1969, f) worked on an automotive assembly line in 1970, g) sold tires, automotive services, and major appliances 1970-1971, h) pumped more gasoline 1971-1972, i) collected delinquent federal taxes 1971-1980, and j) audited federal agencies 1980-1997. I earned a) a job-related bachelor’s degree in 1970, b) job-related master’s degrees in 1976, 1980, and 1997, c) job-related professional certifications in 1979, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997, and a job-related professional license in 1981. I was able to do the aforesaid even though I was not viewed as being college material. Neither of my parents attended college. My father was only the first of my ancestors to earn a high school diploma. My mother never attended high school. I have never been able to run because I have a bone disease. My eyesight has never been correctable to 20/20. I have always had partial red/green color blindness. My ACT score was only 24. I only just barely made it into the upper 20% of my high school class. According to my critics/opponents, I have always been stupid. They stress that I got no scholarships or student loans and that had to work my way through college. One could argue that if I could do the aforesaid with the limitations that I had, just about anyone could do what I did academically and professionally.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/18/trump-speech-tariffs-economy-checks/
— How the end of extra Affordable Care Act subsidies could affect you.  DD: Are/were your healthcare insurance premiums subsidized? Ever since I became a part-time postal employee when was 18 in 1966, my critics/opponents have been furious that the federal government has paid 72% of my healthcare insurance premiums. They have been even more furious ever since I got married when I was 29 and the federal government started paying 72% of my wife’s healthcare insurance premiums. That 72% subsidy is a major reason why people despise/hate federal employees, federal retirees, and their spouses. That 72% subsidy helped me withstand tremendous efforts by my Democrat superiors in the federal government to waste my career and to get rid of me.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/18/affordable-care-act-subsidies-expire/

FORTUNE
— Mamdani gets 74,000 resumes in sign of New York City’s job-market misery
https://fortune.com/2025/12/17/mamdani-gets-74000-resumes-in-sign-of-new-york-citys-job-market-misery/

FROM FOREIGN SOURCES

GUARDIAN
— FCC chair suggests agency is not independent amid fears of Trump power-grab. Brendan Carr’s declaration raises concerns amid Trump efforts to exert greater control over independent agencies. DD: GAO is not an independent agency. Congress funds it. It works for Congress.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/17/trump-fcc-brendan-carr

December 16, 2025 Evening Edition

WHITE HOUSE
— RESTRICTING AND LIMITING THE ENTRY OF FOREIGN NATIONALS TO PROTECT THE SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino and agents return to Chicago in show of force across city and suburbs
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/border-patrol-activity-cicero-chicago/
— Maryland will consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden. DD: In my defense, I have always stressed that while all my ancestors immigrated during the 1840s and 1850s, they always lived in northeast Illinois.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/maryland-will-consider-slavery-reparations-after-gov-wes-moores-veto-is-overridden/
— Illinois could be only 5 years away from electricity shortages, higher bills
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/illinois-electricity-report-shortages-bills/
— Napoleon Harris to appear on ballot in Democratic committeeman race after objections struck down
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/napoleon-harris-ballot-democratic-committeeman/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Bovino’s back: Border Patrol commander leads fresh round of immigration raids in Chicago area. Gregory Bovino returned to Little Village Tuesday after playing a key role in the early phases of Operation Midway Blitz, the immigration enforcement campaign that has stoked fear among Chicago’s immigrant communities and led to thousands of arrests.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/12/16/greg-bovino-chicago-border-patrol-president-donald-trump-deportation-immigration

ABC7
— Trump to address nation Wednesday night
https://abc7chicago.com/post/president-donald-trump-address-nation-wednesday-night/18292669/
— Church Nativity scenes add zip ties, gas masks and ICE to protest immigration raids
https://abc7chicago.com/post/church-nativity-scenes-add-zip-ties-gas-masks-ice-protest-immigration-raids-evanston-illinois/18292813/
— Multiple immigration arrests caught on camera as Border Patrol Chief Bovino returns to Chicago
https://abc7chicago.com/post/border-patrol-chicago-today-federal-immigration-agents-seen-little-village-cicero-tuesday-video-shows/18292411/

CBS2
— Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino in Chicago as federal agents detain people in Little Village, Cicero and Berwyn
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/border-patrol-gregory-bovino-chicago-little-village-cicero-midway/

FOX32
— Illinois approves $1.5B boost to rescue, revamp Chicago-area transit
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-transit-bill

WTTW
— Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino Back in Chicago as Federal Immigration Operations Ramp Back Up
https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/16/border-patrol-chief-greg-bovino-back-chicago-federal-immigration-operations-ramp-back

WGN RADIO
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly a) glorify and praise their illegals and b) fight their deportation.
https://wgnradio.com/john-williams/eric-zorn-trump-immigration-policy-is-unpopular/

WBEZ
— Bovino’s back: Border Patrol commander leads fresh round of immigration raids in Chicago area. Gregory Bovino returned to Little Village Tuesday after playing a key role in the early phases of Operation Midway Blitz, the immigration enforcement campaign that has stoked fear among Chicago’s immigrant communities and led to thousands of arrests.
https://www.wbez.org/immigration/2025/12/16/greg-bovino-chicago-border-patrol-president-donald-trump-deportation-immigration

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2025/12/16/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-437/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Illinois Freedom Caucus raises new questions about noncitizen police officer
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_2b70c989-c57f-4e79-a8fe-ea72f04e2625.html

WIREPOINTS
— Chicago Crime, Courts, and Taxes Under Fire as Critics Question City Leadership – Wirepoints’ Mark Glennon Interviewed on Dan Proft’s Morning Answer
https://wirepoints.org/chicago-crime-courts-and-taxes-under-fire-as-critics-question-city-leadership-wirepoints-mark-glennon-interviewed-on-dan-profts-morning-answer/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— The Hunger Industrial Complex: How America Manufactured a Food Insecurity Crisis
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/the-hunger-industrial-complex-how-america-manufactured-a-food-insecurity-crisis/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— Dabrowski Campaign Starts with Illegal Robocalls — Repeating Rauner’s $1 Million Mistake. Political robocalls to cell phones without prior express consent are illegal under federal law.
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2025/12/dabrowski-campaign-starts-with-illegal-robocalls-repeating-rauners-1-million-mistake.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: That warning makes Dabrowski’s misstep even more striking given who is advising him. Dabrowski’s top campaign advisor is Jeanne Ives, a longtime and outspoken political enemy of Bruce Rauner. Ives built her reputation opposing Rauner’s brand of establishment Republican politics, frequently criticizing his judgment, leadership, and campaign decisions. Yet now, the Dabrowski campaign finds itself ensnared in the very same legal problem that cost Rauner’s campaign $1 million. Illinois law compounds the risk. The state’s Election Code (10 ILCS 5/9-9.5) requires political calls to identify the sponsoring committee and prohibits blocking caller ID. Violations are a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,500. The State Board of Elections may also impose civil penalties and refer cases for prosecution.)
— Return to Innocence: A Generation Caught Between Digital Overload and the Erosion of Boundaries, Imagination and Innocence
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2025/12/return-to-innocence-a-generation-caught-between-digital-overload-and-the-erosion-of-boundaries-imagination-and-innocence.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— IRS law enforcement expanded reach in 2025: Helped ICE, policed D.C. streets
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/16/irs-law-enforcement-expanded-reach-2025-helped-ice-policed-dc-streets/
— Netflix and the near-complete woke Hollywood takeover. Filmmaking’s future depends on studio independence.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/16/netflix-near-complete-woke-hollywood-takeover/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Never, ever give up your guns
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/3918225/never-ever-give-up-your-guns/

AMAC
— Deport Illegal Aliens – Laws Require It
https://amac.us/newsline/national-security/deport-illegal-aliens-laws-require-it/

BRETBART
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: Mass Deportations Are Bringing Rents Down for Working-Class Americans
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/12/16/treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-mass-deportations-are-bringing-rents-down-working-class-americans/

FOX NEWS
— Chicago ‘lost its mind’ financially under Mayor Brandon Johnson, Washington Post warns. Washington Post criticizes Chicago’s financial ‘gimmicks’ under Johnson.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/chicago-lost-its-mind-financially-under-mayor-brandon-johnson-washington-post-warns

PJ MEDIA
— Newsom Brags About Giving Illegals Healthcare
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2025/12/16/newsom-brags-about-giving-illegals-healthcare-n4947140

TOWNHALL
— GOP Lawmakers Slam Critics of Airstrikes Against Venezuelan Boats
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2025/12/16/gop-lawmakers-slam-critics-of-airstrikes-against-venezuelan-boats-n2667972
— These RINO Senators Backed a Bill Seeking to Overturn Trump Executive Order on Federal Unions
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/12/16/two-republican-senators-back-bill-seeking-to-overturn-trump-executive-order-n2667997

WESTERN JOURNAL
— Even the Washington Post Agrees: Chicago’s Leftism Has Doomed City
https://www.westernjournal.com/even-wapo-agrees-chicagos-leftism-doomed-city/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
— Illinois Law Generates $1.5B to Save Public Transit From Fiscal Calamity
https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-12-16/illinois-law-generates-1-5b-to-save-public-transit-from-fiscal-calamity

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— GOP Leaders See No Chance of ACA Deal by Deadline. Centrists’ proposals stall in House, while Senate leader Thune says agreement could come next month
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/house-gop-aca-obamacare-subsidies-57add6a6

CFO
— How CPA licensure became a CFO issue in 2025. What started as a professional standards debate became a CFO concern tied to audit quality and hiring. DD: I became a licensed CPA when I was 32 years old in 1981. My critics/opponents have always ignored/dismissed/belittled that.
https://www.cfo.com/news/how-cpa-licensure-accounting-talent-became-a-cfo-issue-in-2025/807987/

NEWSONE
— How Descendants Of Enslavers Are Repairing Ancestral Damage. DD: In my defense, I have always stressed that while all my ancestors immigrated during the 1840s and 1850s, they always lived in northeast Illinois.
https://newsone.com/6689508/how-descendants-enslavers-are-repairing-ancestral-damage/