February 12, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— DHS shutdown seems certain as funding talks between White House and Democrats stall
https://abc7chicago.com/post/upcoming-2026-dhs-shutdown-seems-certain-federal-government-funding-talks-between-white-house-democrats-stall/18592318/

WGN RADIO
— Should students be able to protest without penalty?
https://wgnradio.com/john-williams/newsclick/the-john-williams-newsclick-should-students-be-able-to-protest-without-penalty/#/questions

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— 3 Illinois GOP rivals for US Senate sidestep criticizing President Donald Trump in debate but note differences
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/12/illinois-gop-senate/
— Preckwinkle calls for charges against federal immigration agents in local shootings
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/12/toni-preckwinkle-charges-federal-immigration-agents-local-shootings/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Voters cast ballots at Loop Supersite as early voting kicks off. DD: I want to know the number ballots cast each day and cumulatively in DuPage County broken out by Republican, Democrat, and N/P.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/02/12/voters-cast-ballots-at-loop-supersite-as-early-voting-kicks-off-everythings-at-stake
— DePaul and Loyola accused of pushing low-income families toward hefty loans while favoring wealthier students. DD: I paid for my tuition and books for my graduate evening business courses at Loyola 1972-1976 and my graduate evening accounting courses at DePaul 1976-1980 with my IRS salary 1972-1979 and my GAO salary in 1980.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2026/02/12/depaul-and-loyola-chicago-accused-of-pushing-low-income-families-toward-hefty-loans-while-favoring-wealthier-students

DAILY HERALD
— Many — but not all — 9th Congressional District Democratic candidates say abolish ICE.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260212/us-congress-politics/many-but-not-all-9th-congressional-district-democratic-candidates-say-abolish-ice/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Illinois leads states’ lawsuit challenging Trump’s $600M health grant cuts
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/illinois-sues-trump-over-600-health-grant-cuts

SOUTHERN
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn ICE.
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/02/12/trust-has-been-lost-ice-cbp-officials-questioned-on-enforcement-tactics-during-senate-oversight-hearing/

STATELINE & UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly discourage assimilation, that is, they ever-increasingly encourage citizens of American to think of themselves as being members of racial, sexual, age, religious, national origin, etc. groups, and not as being citizens of America.
https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/new-bill-requires-illinois-schools-to-teach-latin-american-history-and-culture/
https://news.illinois.edu/study-demographic-forms-census/

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly push more pot.
https://www.bnd.com/news/state/illinois/article314644715.html

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly crow about their success in promoting illegal immigration, that is, their success in destroying America.
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/national/just-8-percent-in-us-see-immigration-as-biggest-problem-gallup/

CITIES 92.9
— Illinois senator’s bill on transgender ‘mental illness’ sparks debate.
https://www.cities929.com/2026/02/12/illinois-senators-bill-on-transgender-mental-illness-sparks-debate/

WGLT
— LaHood sticks with president despite concerns about tariffs
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-02-12/lahood-sticks-with-president-despite-concerns-about-tariffs

NPR ILLINOIS & CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Rick Heidner casts himself as ‘Trump Republican’ in bid to unseat Pritzker. The Barrington Hills businessman has been criticized for past donations to Democrats.
https://www.nprillinois.org/government-politics/2026-02-12/rick-heidner-casts-himself-as-trump-republican-in-bid-to-unseat-pritzker
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/rick-heidner-casts-himself-as-trump-republican/

ILLINOIZE
— “Too little, too late?” as Heidner Dumps More Money into Governor Campaign
https://www.theillinoize.com/articles/too-little-too-late-heidner

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois on track to lose another congressional seat
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-on-track-to-lose-another-congressional-seat/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Democrats’ demands for immigration enforcement changes should be DOA
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/12/democrats-demands-immigration-enforcement-changes-doa/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— The Bad Bunny halftime show wasn’t for you or me
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/4447991/bad-bunny-halftime-show-not-for-you-or-me/
— Fueling the transgender persecution complex is getting people killed
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4456357/fueling-transgender-persecution-complex-is-getting-people-killed/

NEW YORK POST
— Handcuffing ICE will cost Americans big-time — and not just in crime
https://nypost.com/2026/02/12/opinion/handcuffing-ice-will-cost-americans-big-time-and-not-just-in-crime/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Are there any voting-age citizens who don’t have a photo ID? Shouldn’t the GOP make the Democrats defend their ridiculous, racist lies?
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/02/are_there_any_voting_age_citizens_who_don_t_have_a_photo_id.html

CAMPUS REFORM
— University of Houston asks faculty to pledge against indoctrination. DD: I avoided Democrat indoctrination while I earned my four college degrees by majoring in management, business, accounting, and finance.
https://www.campusreform.org/article/university-houston-asks-faculty-pledge-indoctrination/29401University of Houston asks faculty to pledge against indoctrination

FEDERALIST
— Democrats Want To Stop Illegal Alien Deportations By Shutting Down DHS. It’s That Simple
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/12/democrats-want-to-stop-illegal-alien-deportations-by-shutting-down-dhs-its-that-simple/
— Anti-Truth Media Bend Over Backward To Call Canadian Trans School Shooter By His Preferred Pronouns
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/12/anti-truth-media-bend-over-backward-to-call-canadian-trans-school-shooter-by-his-preferred-pronouns/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CBS NEWS
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poll-analysis-words-voters-describe-republicans-democrats/
— Judge blocks Pentagon from downgrading Sen. Mark Kelly’s military rank, pay
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-blocks-pentagon-from-downgrading-sen-mark-kellys-military-rank-pay/

TIME
— Why These Democratic Governors Are Boycotting the White House Dinner
https://time.com/7377722/democratic-governors-boycott-white-house-dinner-nga-meeting/

POLITICO
— Federal court blocks Hegseth effort to punish Democratic senator. The judge said the Pentagon had “trampled” on Sen. Mark Kelly’s First Amendment freedoms.  DD: To win, Hegseth should cite Diersen v. GAO. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/12/court-hegseth-kelly-senator-00778449

PBS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly train their protesters to harass ICE.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/immigration-officials-defend-officers-and-tactics-as-public-backlash-grows

HR DRIVE
— Democrat and RINO employers use Affirmative Action and DEI a) to not hire Republicans and b) to get rid of their Republican employees.
https://www.hrdive.com/news/dei-initiatives-impact-employees-executives-conference-board/812070/

February 9, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

DAILY HERALD
— Should U.S. nationalize elections? GOP governor candidates speak up. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260209/illinois-state-politics/should-u-s-nationalize-elections-gop-governor-candidates-speak-up/
— Early voting to begin Tuesday in DuPage County after delay
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260209/news/early-voting-to-begin-tuesday-in-dupage-county-after-delay/
— Virtual forum Tuesday for GOP candidates in 11th U.S. House District
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260209/us-congress-politics/virtual-forum-tuesday-for-gop-candidates-in-11th-u-s-house-district/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago Tribune offers 30% premium to buy Daily Herald suburban newspaper
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/09/chicago-tribune-daily-herald/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Cook County prosecutors drop charges against 19 arrested during clergy-led protest at Broadview ICE facility. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/09/cook-county-prosecutors-drop-charges-against-19-arrested-during-clergy-led-protest-broadview-ice-facility
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Bad Bunny
https://chicago.suntimes.com/music/2026/02/09/bad-bunny-superbowl-halftime-chicago-conductor-giancarlo-guerrero-lady-gaga-ricky-martin-music
— Cardinal Blase Cupich calls for White House to apologize for racist video depicting Obamas as primates
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/02/09/cardinal-blase-cupich-white-house-obama-racist-video-apology

ABC7
— Leadership exodus continues at Chicago’s US Attorney’s Office. DD: My critics/opponents stress that GAO works for Congress and that while Diersen v. GAO was pending a) the Chicago US Attorney’s Office was run by Republican Patrick Fitzgerald under Republican President Bush and Republican US Attorney General Ashcroft, b) Republican Gingrich and Republican Hastert were the Speakers of the House, c) Republican Peter Fitzgerald was my U.S. Senator, and d) Republican Hyde was my Congressman. According to my critics/opponents, Patrick Fitzgerald’s defending GAO and his success in getting the US Appellate Court for the 7th Circuit to deny me my 7th Amendment right to a jury trial proves a) that the aforesaid Republicans reject the equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) plank in the Republican Party platform and/or b) that they reject me personally. To reject the equal opportunity plank is to curry favor with minorities and with females. SEE: https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf
https://abc7chicago.com/post/northern-district-illinois-us-attorneys-office-leadership-exodus-continues-andrew-boutros-donald-trump-administration/18575999/

WGN9
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Bad Bunny
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/bad-bunnys-halftime-show-sparks-pride-across-humboldt-park/

FOX32
— Chicago archbishop calls for Trump to apologize for “racist” video of Obamas. Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich called on President Donald Trump to apologize for sharing what he called a “racist” video on social media depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as apes.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-3m7ahb91ctyoq0pv

WBEZ
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote Bad Bunny
https://www.wbez.org/music/2026/02/09/bad-bunny-superbowl-halftime-chicago-conductor-giancarlo-guerrero-lady-gaga-ricky-martin-music

NORTHERN STAR
— DD: Democrat leaders have no problem with their protesters bringing their loaded guns to their protests.
https://northernstar.info/132817/opinion/opinion-the-death-of-alex-pretti-shows-trump-ublicans-true-colors/

CHICAGO TODAY
— Chicago Businesses Reject Calls to Relocate to Florida. Billionaire Ken Griffin’s pitch for Florida falls flat with Chicago’s business community. DD: What percent of Chicago businesses are run by Democrats?
https://nationaltoday.com/us/il/chicago/news/2026/02/09/chicago-businesses-reject-calls-to-relocate-to-florida/

DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek announces that five early voting sites in DuPage County will open on Tuesday, Feb. 10th from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm weekdays and 9:00 am to noon Saturdays. Early voting sites will be open on President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 16th.
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/county_clerk/EaryVoting_1637.php

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/09/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-465/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS
— The Waukegan HS Failure Factory. Waukegan High School Student Protest February 6, 2026.
https://www.breakthrough-ideas.com/read/2026/02/09/the-waukegan-hs-failure-factory

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— White House sends counteroffer to Democrats’ immigration enforcement demands
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/republicans-prepare-counteroffer-democrats-immigration-enforcement/
— Trump administration to make it harder for federal workers to appeal firing. DD: My critics/opponents stand with my Democrat superiors in the federal government who wasted my career, took many big adverse actions against me, and forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. My critics/opponents stand with the following who had their operatives and their dupes take many big adverse actions against me since 2000: a) leaders of the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Milton Township Republican Organization, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, and Illinois Center Right Coalition, b) Republican leaders of Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton, c) unsuccessful Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct and their political consultants, fundraisers, pollsters, campaign managers, campaign staff members, and campaign volunteers, d) conservative leaders, e) religious leaders, and f) those who I have sued and their attorneys.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/trump-administration-make-harder-federal-workers-appeal-firing/
— Ford worker who heckled Trump won’t be disciplined or lose job. DD: I never heckled my Democrat GAO superiors, but I did become an active member in a class action lawsuit that charged them with reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and retaliation. Because of that, they forced me to retire when I was 49 in 1997. Federal employees who are Republican have no Civil Service protections.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/ford-worker-heckled-trump-wont-disciplined-lose-job/
— How states can fix America’s retirement access shortfall. DD: I started earning credits toward a Civil Service Retirement System pension when I was 18 in 1966. My critics/opponents have always been furious about that. They got more furious when my Democrat GAO superiors “offered” me early retirement when I was 45 in 1993 and that I took it when I was 49 in 1997.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/states-fix-americas-retirement-access-shortfall/

NEW YORK POST
— Bad Bunny slammed for controversial Super Bowl halftime show decision that ‘encourages’ division. He made no effort in his Spanish-only performance to include the 78% of American households that speak only English. He previously taunted that anyone annoyed with his selection as halftime performer had “four months to learn Spanish.”
https://nypost.com/2026/02/09/us-news/bad-bunny-slammed-for-controversial-super-bowl-halftime-show-decision-that-encourages-division/
— How voters fleeing California turn other states blue. DD: Democrats fleeing the Democrat Chicago and Democrat Cook County turned DuPage County blue.
https://nypost.com/2026/02/09/opinion/how-california-refugees-turn-other-states-blue/

FEDERALIST
— If SCOTUS Bans Illegals From The Census, Dems Could Lose Power For Years
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/09/if-scotus-bans-illegals-from-the-census-dems-could-lose-power-for-years/

FOX NEWS
— Trump administration pushes back on CBS claim very few arrested illegal aliens have ‘violent criminal records.’  DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said CBS’ report was an inaccurate reading of the numbers, pointing out that the article downplayed several serious crimes.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/trump-administration-pushes-back-cbs-claim-very-few-arrested-illegal-aliens-have-violent-criminal-records

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CBS NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-arrests-violent-criminal-records-trump-first-year/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Immigration Raids in South Texas Are Starting to Hit the Economy. Trade groups are raising alarms about aggressive immigration enforcement hurting businesses in the region. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have. They wanted cheap labor.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/texas-immigration-raids-economy-87e23e2e

FLORIDIAN PRESS
— Oberweis Donation to Hillary Clinton
https://floridianpress.com/2026/02/james-oberweis-donation-to-hillary-clinton-had-brush-with-illegal-immigration/

February 6, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— ABC7 Chicago to broadcast, stream 2026 Republican US Senate primary forum Wednesday
https://abc7chicago.com/post/abc7-chicago-league-women-voters-illinois-univision-broadcast-stream-2026-republican-us-senate-primary-forum-wednesday/18554376/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: ABC7 Chicago, the League of Women Voters of Illinois and Chicago and Univision Chicago will present live and without commercials the 2026 Republican U.S. Senate Primary Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11. ABC7’s Anchor Judy Hsu will lead the 60-minute forum, with questions also asked by the station’s political reporter Craig Wall and WGBO/Univision Chicago anchor/reporter Enrique Rodriguez. Three of the Republican candidates running for U.S. Senate in Illinois will participate in the forum: Republican Candidate Casey Chlebek, Republican Candidate Jeannie Evans, and Former Chair of the Illinois Republican Party Don Tracy. The 2026 Republican U.S. Senate Primary Forum will stream live on ABC7Chicago.com, on ABC7 Chicago’s news app and Facebook page, and on ABC7’s 24/7 streaming channels. It will be broadcast on ABC7 directly following the station’s late newscast at 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. The forum will also be translated and streamed live on Univision’s digital platforms, and it will air on Univision’s main channel at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.)
— Memo from state’s attorney’s office to Chicago mayor’s office criticizes fed investigation order. ‘(Order) jeopardizes our ability to effectively prosecute and secure convictions,’ memo says.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/memo-cook-county-states-attorneys-office-chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-criticizes-federal-investigation-executive-order/18555854/

WTTW
— Top Cop: COPA Should Probe Chicago Police Conduct During Immigration Raids Because Public Wouldn’t ‘Trust’ Internal Affairs
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/06/top-cop-copa-should-probe-chicago-police-conduct-during-immigration-raids-because-no-one
— Police Oversight Board to Top Cop: Explain Why CPD Officers Are Using Force More Often
https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/05/police-oversight-board-top-cop-explain-why-cpd-officers-are-using-force-more-often

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DD: Democrat leaders say Illinois GOP urges early, mail voting despite Trump’s baseless fraud claims and calls to nationalize elections.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/06/illinois-gop-urges-early-mail-voting-despite-trumps-baseless-fraud-claims-and-calls-to-nationalize-elections/
— West Chicago teacher resigns after being placed on leave for social media post supporting ICE. DD: Will anyone come to the teacher’s defense? Will anyone argue that his punishment was too severe? The message of all this is that Democrats can and will destroy you if you a) oppose their flooding America with their illegals and/or b) oppose their fighting their deportation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/06/west-chicago-teacher-resigns-after-social-media-supporting-ice/
— Judge rules Trump administration can’t withhold child care and social service funds to Illinois and 4 other states
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/06/illinois-child-care-federal-funding-ruling/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Democrats have 10 ICE reforms they want to see before agreeing to fund DHS. DD: Democrats want to stop deportation of their illegals. But failing that, they want to obstruct, cripple, disable, hinder, impede, hamstring, and undermine ICE.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/06/department-of-homeland-security-funding-democrats-10-demands
— Walmart, Amazon and CPS top list of employers where Illinois workers still need SNAP benefits. State data obtained by the Sun-Times identifies where SNAP recipients say they work as expanded employment requirements could push as 400,000 off the food assistance program this spring. DD: In today’s dollars, my part-time Post Office salary increased from $19.57/hour to $20.87/hour when I was 18-20 years old 1966-1969. According to my critics/opponents, I was grossly overpaid. They hinted/implied/argued/shouted that the job I had should have been given to a needy Democrat, minority, female, and/or veteran. They stressed that my parents provided me with room and board and that I had no dependents. They were furious that the money that I earned enabled me to pay for my UIC expenses 1966-1968, to pay for my NIU expenses 1969-1970, to buy a new 1968 Oldsmobile 442 in 1967, to buy a new 1969 Dodge Charger SE in 1968, and to graduate debt-free from NIU in 1970 owning that Charger.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/02/06/walmart-amazon-cps-top-employers-illinois-workers-still-need-snap-benefits-trump-work-requirements-lose-benefits
(FROM THE ARTICLE: At $18.42 an hour, she’s among the school district’s lowest paid staffers. . .Among the people in Chicago living in SNAP households who are 22 or older, she is among the 47% who are employed but still need government support to help buy groceries, according to 2024 U.S. Census data analyzed by WBEZ. . .Profile of a SNAP worker  People who are employed but also need to rely on SNAP, like Brooks and Mendez, often fit a certain work profile. Their incomes are relatively low, making them eligible for the help — the monthly household income for a family of four has to be under about $4,400 or roughly $53,000 a year — and they are clustered in certain occupations. The fields with the greatest percentages of Chicago workers living in households receiving SNAP include nursing and home health aides, childcare workers and personal care aides, and a category that covers janitors, housekeepers and groundskeepers, according to 2024 American Community Survey Census data analyzed by WBEZ. SNAP recipients, along with people on Medicaid public health insurance, also receive fewer pay increases and face more volatility than other workers, according to a 2018 analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington D.C-based research and policy organization. Republicans said they pushed for the expanded rules that went into effect this month to get more SNAP recipients to work and to reduce what they called abuse of the program. A person who doesn’t meet the requirements can get benefits for only three months in a three-year period.)

DAILY HERALD
— West Chicago teacher in pro-ICE comment controversy resigns. DD: Will anyone come to the teacher’s defense? Will anyone argue that his punishment was too severe? The message of all this is that Democrats can and will destroy you if you a) oppose their flooding America with their illegals and/or b) oppose their fighting their deportation.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/education/west-chicago-teacher-in-pro-ice-comment-controversy-resigns/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A West Chicago District 33 teacher whose pro-immigration agent comment on social media was criticized by many people has resigned. On Thursday, the school board accepted the resignation and a separation agreement of the Gary Elementary School teacher. “This situation was never about politics. It has been about our responsibility to keep schools operating normally and to minimize disruption to learning,” board President Rita Balgeman said after the vote. The board did not discuss the terms of the settlement. As part of the separation agreement, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, the teacher will be paid his salary and health benefits through the end of the school year. It also states that the district will give a neutral reference about him to future employers. According to West Chicago Mayor Dan Bovey, the teacher commented, “go ICE!” in a social media post. Bovey, whose wife works at the school, said he spoke with the man when the controversy erupted. After the district learned of the comment Jan. 22, the teacher initially resigned that day but retracted it later that day. The district put him on leave while it investigated the matter. More than 81% of the district’s students are of Hispanic descent, according to its 2025 state school report card. Bovey said West Chicago schoolchildren have been traumatized because their parents were taken by immigration enforcement agents, and that the comment was hurtful and offensive. After the board voted, members of the public spoke about the matter. “We want our students to feel respected and valued, which is why we request that the seriousness of the comment be recognized,” one mother of a student said, speaking in Spanish. But another woman, Corinne Ingrum, urged the community to “pick your battles more wisely,” saying the action against the teacher will not resolve the community’s concerns with immigration agents’ actions. “You could have chosen to rally around one of your own beloved teachers, but instead you chose to bring more unwanted ICE attention to West Chicago,” Ingrum said. She suggested that people bring their concerns to elected officials. Timothy Lorman asked the school board whether it is a prerequisite of employment “to agree with the majority or the popular opinion of the day.” Another man urged the board to look at anti-ICE statements made by teachers and consider whether they were inappropriate.)
— Candidate exits Democratic primary for DuPage County sheriff
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/local-politics/candidate-exits-democratic-primary-for-dupage-county-sheriff/
— Democrats seeking to replace Mendoza offer various approaches to comptroller’s job. Bryan Drew, a Republican from southern Illinois, is running unopposed for his party’s nomination.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/illinois-state-politics/democrats-seeking-to-replace-mendoza-offer-various-approaches-to-comptrollers-job/
— DuPage group to build altars, hold vigil Saturday in Wheaton for those killed by immigration enforcement officers
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/news/dupage-group-to-build-altars-hold-vigil-saturday-for-those-killed-by-immigration-enforcement-office/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Casa DuPage Workers Center, together with community members, will honor three people killed by federal immigration officers by constructing Day of the Dead altars Saturday in Wheaton. Members of the group said in a news release that they’ll build altars to honor Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed in January in Minneapolis, as well as Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, who was fatally shot in September by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Franklin Park. The altars will be built from 1 to 4 p.m. at Casa DuPage, 311 S. Naperville Road in Wheaton, and then taken on the back of a pickup truck to the site in Franklin Park where Villegas-Gonzalez was killed near 25th and Grand avenues. A candlelight vigil will be held at the site. “We need to keep track of our humanity in this moment, as we feel to the marrow of our bones the pain that ICE has unleashed on us all by constantly remembering these martyrs,” Cristobal Cavazos, executive director of Casa DuPage Workers Center, said in a statement. “We will continue to struggle for justice, honoring their lives (and) legacy.” Casa DuPage Workers Center is a program of Immigrant Solidarity DuPage, a grassroots, community-funded, activist group whose goal is to build solidarity locally with the immigrant community.)
— Reliving the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, and discovering an Illinois connection. The first shot of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fired by a man from DuPage County.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260206/travel/reliving-the-civil-war-battle-of-gettysburg-and-discovering-an-illinois-connection/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DD: Democrat leaders say Illinois Republicans lend credibility to Trump’s voter-fraud fiction
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/illinois-gop-lends-credibility-trumps-voter-fraud-fiction-yohnka

HERALD NEWS
— Joliet student protesters say as they stage walk out over ICE actions. DD: Anticipate/expect that sooner or later, Democrat leaders will get most if not virtually all of the students in your school district to walkout to protest enforcement of federal immigration laws. Anticipate/expect that the students who walkout will overwhelmingly be illegals, females, and minorities. Of course, their walking out will be on their records for the rest of their lives. Anticipate/expect that Democrat colleges and employers will give preference to those students who walked out over those who did not. For Democrat leaders, education exists to crank out good little Democrats. Democrats exist to destroy Republicans.
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/06/joliet-high-school-students-stage-walkout-as-part-of-anti-ice-protests/

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
— 2026 Election Questionnaire: Chris Lauzen, Kane County Treasurer
https://www.shawlocal.com/kane-county-chronicle/2026/02/06/2026-election-questionnaire-chris-lauzen-kane-county-treasurer/

NPR ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat protest tactics are winning.
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-02-06/trumps-harsh-immigration-tactics-are-taking-a-political-hit

FOX ILLINOIS
— Judge orders Trump administration to bring back 3 families deported to Honduras, other countries. A federal judge says the Trump administration must bring back three deported families who should have been allowed to remain in the United States under a court settlement involving the separation of children from their parents at the border.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/judge-orders-trump-administration-to-bring-back-3-families-deported-to-honduras-other-countries/article_b3d63ca5-88de-58cf-a5b2-b9a9781cb310.html

WSPY
— Plano High School students hold ICE protest walkout
https://www.wspynews.com/news/local/plano-high-school-students-hold-ice-protest-walkout/article_9b4ffc95-e041-4e53-9ec2-fba7064c00f6.html
https://www.wspynews.com/news/local/district-308-responds-to-planned-ice-protest-walkouts/article_a25b7cc5-8b64-40ec-8345-be642b2fed89.html

WGLT
— Rep. LaHood praises federal immigration policy
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-02-06/rep-lahood-praises-federal-immigration-policy
— DD: The mainstream news media exists to destroy Trump.
https://www.wglt.org/2026-02-05/media-faces-challenges-under-trump
— New Pantagraph owner takes over. The new owner of the parent company of the Bloomington Pantagraph newspaper said the chain’s flagship paper is “a little too far left.”
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-02-06/new-pantagraph-owner-takes-over

25 NEWS NOW
— Upstate Illinoisan vying for GOP gubernatorial slot remains off ballot after appellate court decision
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/02/06/upstate-illinoisan-vying-gop-gubernatorial-slot-remains-off-ballot-after-appellate-court-decision/

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders say conservative policy wonk Ted Dabrowski gets off sidelines with run for governor. Dabrowski said Republicans need to try something new to beat Pritzker in 2026.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/conservative-policy-wonk-ted-dabrowski-gets-off-sidelines-with-run-for-governor/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Governor candidate Ted Dabrowski argues he is uniquely positioned to unite the fractured Illinois GOP, raise the funds needed to compete statewide and win back suburban voters crucial to a Republican victory. Dabrowski is making electability his central argument, pointing to Darren Bailey’s decisive 2022 loss to Pritzker as evidence Republicans need a new standard-bearer. His policy platform includes capping property taxes at 1% of home value, cutting the state income tax rate, auditing state spending and repealing the SAFE-T Act.
He also said he’d like to see the income tax rate decreased from 4.95% to 3%.)

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/06/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-464/
— State GOP at cross-purposes with itself. DD: All elections should have both Republican and Democrat oversight.
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/06/state-gop-at-cross-purposes-with-itself/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CORTES INVESTIGATES
— The Foreign Student Crisis Destroying American College Admissions. While American students struggle to get acceptance letters, 6,000 Chinese nationals have found a home at the University of Illinois. Is this globalism gone wrong, or a financial necessity for American higher education? In this documentary, we investigate the shocking reality in America’s heartland. From Fighting Illini football games broadcast in Mandarin Chinese to the displacing of local students, we uncover why U.S. universities are prioritizing foreign tuition over domestic talent. Who is really funding our education system, and at what cost to national security?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ykPKDdZaL4

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois placed 38th nationally for social mobility. Its rank was pulled down by economic problems and corruption in its legal system. DD: Back in the good old days, even though 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 earn bachelor’s degree, three master’s degrees, six professional certifications, and a professional license. With the money I earned, I was able to buy new cars when I was 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 29, etc. while my father was not able to buy a new car until he was 45 and it was a bottom of the line Chevrolet 2-door 6-cylinder with no air conditioning.
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-social-mobility-is-worst-in-midwest/

MCHENRY COUNTY
— Appellate Court Denies Severino Appeal to Appear on the GOP Gubernatorial Primary Election Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/appellate-court-denies-severino-appeal-to-appear-on-the-gop-gubernatorial-primary-election-ballot/
— West Chicago Democrat: “We Need To Tax”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/west-chicago-democrat-we-need-to-tax/
— Here Is a Distinctive Congressional TV Ad
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/here-is-a-distinctive-congressional-tv-ad/
— Cost of Subsidized Housing in Chicago
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/cost-of-subsidized-housing-in-chicago/
— Bailey Attacks Democrat’s Attempt to Banning Open Burning
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/bailey-attacks-democrats-attempt-to-banning-open-burning/
— Reminding Me of Elgin Legislator John Friedman Who Is on My Profiles in Courage List
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/06/reminding-me-of-elgin-legislator-john-friedman/
— State Treasurer Earns $1.5 Billion on Investments
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/state-treasurer-earns-1-5-billion-on-investimates/
— Ponzi Scheme Indictment for James Brothers, Whose Firm Owns McHenry’s Brake Parts
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/ponzi-scheme-indictment-for-james-brothers-whose-firm-owned-brake-parts/
— Opponents of Battery Farm Post Billboards
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/opponents-of-battery-farm-post-billboards/
— Politico Illinois Reports on 9th District Debate Among Democrats
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/politico-illinois-reports-on-9th-district-debate-among-democrats/
— Lakewood President, Under Oath, Says Village “Will Have $1.4 Million Deficit withing Four Years”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/05/lakewood-president-under-oath-says-village-will-have-1-4-milliondeficit-withing-four-years/
— Lauzen Lays Out Tax Hiking Politicians Promoting “Affordability”
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/lauzen-lays-out-tax-hiking-politicians-promoting-affordability/
— SuperPAC Runs Ad for Laura Fine in the 9th Congressional District
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/superpac-runs-ad-for-laura-fine-in-the-9th-congressional-district/
— Hills Introduces Bill To Encourage Hiring Developmentally Disabled
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/hills-introduces-bill-to-encourage-hiring-developmentally-disabled/
— Illinois Death Tax Collection from Estates over $4 Million Soaring with Stock Market
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/illinois-death-tax-collection-from-estates-over-4-million-soaring-with-stock-market/
— LaHood’s Pork Excludes McHenry County
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/lahoods-pork-excludes-mchenry-county/
— Illinois Anemic Job Growth
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/illinois-anemic-job-growth/
— Daily Herald Asks 9th District Democrats about Gaza
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/daily-herald-asks-9th-district-democrats-about-gaza/
— The Probable Motivation for Governor George Ryan’s Stopping of Executions
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/the-probable-motivation-for-governor-george-ryans-stopping-of-executions/
— Two 9th District Democratic Party Hopefuls Leave the Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/04/two-9th-district-democratic-party-hopefuls-leave-the-race/
— Laura Fine Poll Shows She Is Tied with Daniel Biss in 9th District
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/laura-fine-poll-shows-she-is-tied-with-daniel-biss-in-9th-district/
— Tribune Endorses John Elleson for GOP 9th District Congressional Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/tribune-endorses-john-elleson-for-gop-9rh-district-congressional-race/
— Tribune Endorses Laura Fine in 9th District Democratic Party Congressional Race
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/tribune-endorses-laura-fine-in-9th-district-democratic-party-congressional-race/
— Craig Wilcox Follows Darby Hills’ Example Offering $20 per Hour Internships
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/craig-wilcox-follows-darby-hills-example-offering-20-per-hour-internships/
— Senator Darby Hills Offers $20 per Hour for Spring Interns
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/02/senator-darby-hills-offers-20-per-hour-for-spring-interns/
— New Illinois Tax Proposed on Fuel and Natural Gas
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/new-illinois-tax-proposed-on-fuel-and-natural-gas/
— Tribune Looks at Congressional Races, Again Gives Kat Free Publicity
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/tribune-looks-at-congressional-races-again-gives-kat-free-publicity/
— Illinois Pork for Pickleball and Tennis Courts
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/03/illnois-pork-for-pickball-and-tennis-courts/
— Status of Federal School Choice Plan, Which Pritzker Has Refused to Join
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/02/02/16406/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

NEW YORK POST
— Turning Point Super Bowl halftime show with Kid Rock carries Charlie Kirk’s legacy — and Trump’s support. DD: My critics/opponents will watch Bad Bunny, not the Turning Point USA show.
https://nypost.com/2026/02/06/us-news/turning-point-super-bowl-halftime-show-with-kid-rock-carries-charlie-kirks-legacy-and-trumps-support/
— Mamdani blasts ICE in fiery speech at event meant to promote unity
https://nypost.com/2026/02/06/us-news/mayor-mamdani-blasts-ice-in-fiery-speech-at-event-meant-to-promote-unity-cruelty-that-staggers-the-conscience/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Could blue states boxing out ICE give Democrats upper hand in next census?
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/05/could-blue-states-boxing-out-ice-give-democrats-upper-hand-in-next-census-1620430/

CITY JOURNAL
— Blue States’ Demographic Nightmare. Recent migration numbers emphasize how population gains, economic growth, and political power are shifting toward Republican strongholds.
https://www.city-journal.org/article/blue-states-demographic-nightmare

FEDERALIST AND REAL CLEAR POLICY
— Dems Hate The SAVE Act Because They Want Illegals to Vote
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/06/democrats-hate-the-save-act-because-they-want-illegals-to-vote/
https://www.realclearpolicy.com/2026/02/06/dems_hate_the_save_act_because_they_want_illegals_to_vote_1163364.html

FEDERALIST
— Mass Amnesty In Spain Heralds The End Of Nationhood
https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/06/mass-amnesty-in-spain-heralds-the-end-of-nationhood/

FOX BUSINESS
— Sanctuary cities are the ‘problem’, not ICE
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6388884907112
— How sanctuary cities have ‘gotten away’ with shielding criminals
https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6388904300112

FOX NEWS
— Mamdani quotes the Quran, Bible to support sanctuary city status. Mamdani signed executive order barring federal agents from city property without judicial warrant. DD: The Democrat Party’s domination of all religions is almost complete.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/mamdani-quotes-quran-bible-support-sanctuary-city-status

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

REUTERS
— Bad Bunny’s hometown beams with pride ahead of Super Bowl halftime show
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/bad-bunnys-hometown-beams-with-pride-ahead-super-bowl-halftime-show-2026-02-06/

MSN
— Irish illegals fleeing Trump’s America to avoid being caught by ICE
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/irish-illegals-fleeing-donald-trump-s-america-to-avoid-being-caught-by-ice/ar-AA1VNAyB

NBC NEWS
— DHS warned its independent watchdog that Noem can kill its investigations, senator says. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth wrote that she fears “repeated tacit threats” could be weakening the Department of Homeland Security inspector general’s independence. DD: During the 1980s, while I worked for the Democrats who ran GAO, a powerful Democrat Representative killed a major GAO audit that I had worked on for more than a year.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dhs-independent-watchdog-noem-duckworth-investigations-rcna257846
— White House blames ‘staffer’ for racist Obamas post that Trump shared
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-nj-mejia-malinowski-elections-iran-dhs-immigration-live-updates-rcna256969

WASHINGTON POST
— Those seeking to sue ICE for injuries or damage face an uphill battle. Scores of claims are expected to arise out of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Experts say suing the government will be tough. DD: I knew that my successfully suing my Democrat GAO superiors ( https://gopillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DiersenGAOFifthAmendedComplaint.pdf ) was not likely. But I nevertheless sued to get my evidence into the public record.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/02/06/ice-legal-claims-cost-lawsuits/

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— Jesse Jackson’s son appeals to Trump on ICE victims at Prayer Breakfast
https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/02/05/prayer-breakfast-jesse-jackson-son-trump-minneapolis-ice-victims/

BLOOMBERG
— Illinois Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Budget Pressure From Trump Cuts
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-06/illinois-sees-unprecedented-budget-pressure-from-trump-cuts

FORBES
— Republican Leaders Denounce Trump For Sharing Racist Video
https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2026/02/06/gop-members-want-trump-apology-for-racist-clip-of-obamas-he-shared-then-deleted/

February 3, 2026 Evening Edition

WHITE HOUSE
— NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH, 2026  DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/02/national-black-history-month-2026/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Suspect charged in mother’s ‘execution-style’ killing at Momence bar she owned: sheriff. The sheriff’s office said Courtney Drysdale complied when Julius Burkes Jr. demanded money, but he still shot her.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/kankakee-sheriffs-office-released-images-person-interest-homicide-momence-bar-owner-courtney-drysdale/18534545/
— Jill Biden’s first husband charged with killing wife in domestic dispute at their Delaware home
https://abc7chicago.com/post/jill-bidens-first-husband-charged-killing-wife-domestic-dispute-delaware-home/18535620/
— Chicago’s DuSable museum has special schedule for Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/dusable-black-history-museum-education-center-chicagos-hyde-park-has-special-schedule-2026-month/18537199/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/minneapolis-ice-shooting-live-updates-county-medical-examiner-lists-alex-prettis-death-homicide/18528885/

NBC5
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Marimar Martinez to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/marimar-martinez-testifies-on-capitol-hill-after-being-shot-by-immigration-agents/3886052/

CBS2
— Suspect in custody for fatal shooting of Momence bar owner Courtney Drysdale
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/owner-of-bar-near-momence-illinois-shot-killed-robbery/
— Judge restricts federal agents from using tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland immigration protests
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-restricts-federal-agents-use-tear-gas-projectile-munitions-portland-immigration-protests/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Turning Point USA plans Super Bowl alternative to Bad Bunny with Kid Rock
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/tpusa-super-bowl-turning-point-usa-kid-rock-bad-bunny/
— East Aurora students walk out from class Tuesday to protest against ICE. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to get students to do their bidding. What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/east-aurora-students-ice-walkout/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Marimar Martinez to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/border-patrol-bodycam-video-marimar-martinez/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Marimar Martinez to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/02/03/marimar-martinez-goes-to-washington-wants-trump-officials-to-admit-not-a-domestic-terrorist
— Mayor Johnson defends executive order aimed at holding ICE accountable for alleged abuses
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/03/mayor-brandon-johnson-executive-order-accountability-ice-agents-operation-midway-blitz-states-attorney-eileen-oneill-burke
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use their protesters to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/03/ice-deportation-campaign-facial-recognition-global-entry-cards-protesters-punishment
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Blacks to promote more hatred against Republicans.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/02/03/black-history-month-democracy-civil-voting-rights-politics-ben-jealous

DAILY HERALD
— Voting by mail? Don’t wait until the last minute
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/news/voting-by-mail-dont-wait-until-the-last-minute/
— GOP state House candidate says he’s not a Holocaust denier
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/news/lapinski-denies-holding-holocaust-denying-views/
— Republican candidate for 8th Congressional District hammers opponents over their religious beliefs
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/us-congress-politics/republican-candidate-for-8th-congressional-district-hammers-opponents-over-their-religious-beliefs/
— League hosts forum for Republican primary hopefuls for 11th Congressional District
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260203/submitted-content/league-hosts-forum-for-republican-primary-hopefuls-for-11th-congressional-district/

STATELINE
— Teachers union urges delay of Turning Point USA assembly at Genoa High School
https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/teachers-union-urges-delay-of-turning-point-usa-assembly-at-genoa-high-school/

SHAW LOCAL
— Your guide to the March 2026 primary in DuPage County
https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/2026/02/03/your-guide-to-the-march-2026-primary-in-dupage-county/

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Durbin, LaHood to kick off ‘Democracy Dialogues’ series at Illinois State
https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/article_d571a098-c50d-4c06-bc87-42504b75e530.html

WSJD
— New “Still a DUI” Campaign Targets Rising Misconceptions on Cannabis-Impaired Driving Among Youth
https://wsjd.fm/new-blog-1/2026/2/3/new-still-a-dui-campaign-targets-rising-misconceptions-on-cannabis-impaired-driving-among-youth

WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
— WIU Celebrates Black History Month with a Month-Long Series of Events. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.wiu.edu/news/newsrelease.php?release_id=21127

CAPITOL CITY NOW
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more dependency on government.
https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-child-care-funding-freeze-could-worsen-shortage-in-illinois-providers-say/

CHICAGO TREACHERS UNION
— Our union stands with the people of Minnesota, #ICEOutNow
https://www.ctulocal1.org/posts/ctu-stands-with-mn-iceoutnow/

DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— Due to unresolved candidate objections currently pending before the Appellate Court, early voting and vote-by-mail in DuPage County is expected to begin early next week. The commencement date will be updated on the County Clerk’s website upon receipt of the court rulings and finalization of the ballot.
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/elected_officials/county_clerk/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/02/03/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-461/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— GOP candidates for Illinois governor challenge Pritzker on state finances
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_17ea3557-8c1f-4186-bc7e-f79ad6f3a165.html

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Pritzker’s Ever-Growing Passion. When it comes to abortion, Governor J.B. Pritzker has only one goal: expand. In Illinois, he has consistently removed commonsense barriers to abortion.
https://illinoisfamily.org/life/pritzkers-ever-growing-passion/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Republicans launch caucus to stop spread of shariah in U.S.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/3/republicans-launch-caucus-stop-spread-shariah-us/

NEW YORK POST
— Crazed agitators attacking DHS vehicles at an alarming rate: ‘Incited violence’
https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/crazed-agitators-attacking-dhs-vehicles-at-an-alarming-rate-incited-violence/
— Vance explodes at NY Dem Rep. Jerry Nadler ‘openly calling’ for shooting ICE agents
https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/us-news/jd-vance-explodes-at-ny-dem-rep-jerry-nadler-openly-calling-for-shooting-ice-agents/
— Stop demonizing ICE; you’re hurting innocent people
https://nypost.com/2026/02/03/opinion/stop-demonizing-ice-youre-hurting-innocents/

BIZ PAC REVIEW
— Teacher proudly forces kindergartners to participate in anti-ICE rally in their classroom. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/02/03/teacher-proudly-forces-kindergartners-to-participate-in-anti-ice-rally-in-their-classroom-2-1619860/

NEWSMAX
— No Peace, Love, or Understanding from Minneapolis ICE Haters
https://www.newsmax.com/murdock/good-king-pretti/2026/02/02/id/1244547/

TOWNHALL
— How You Know Chicago Isn’t That Worried About ‘Gun Violence’
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/tomknighton/2026/02/03/how-you-know-chicago-isnt-that-worried-about-gun-violence-n2670587

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CNN
— Turning Point USA announces rival Super Bowl halftime show
https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/entertainment/video/turning-point-usa-kid-rock-halftime-show-bad-bunny-nfl-digvid-vrtc

ABC LOS ANGELES
— 11 must-read children’s books by black authors in honor of Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://abc7.com/post/black-history-month-2026-11-childrens-books-tell-stories-americans/18524737/

NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to promote chaos.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/technology/minneapolis-ai-disinformation-misinformation-truth.html
— 10 Movies to Stream for Black History Month. DD: My Black Democrat GAO subordinate who my Democrat GAO superiors replaced me with led the office’s Black History Month events.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/movies/black-history-month-movies-streaming.html

HOUSTON CHRONNICLE
— Texas Education Agency warns it will discipline teachers who help students protest ICE. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/teachers-ice-protests-tea-21332079.php

FLORIDA TODAY
— Brevard students will be disciplined for ICE walkouts despite state guidance. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/education/2026/02/03/florida-education-commissioner-gives-guidance-on-student-ice-protests/88495396007/

USA TODAY
— Turning Point USA unveils alternative Super Bowl halftime show lineup with Kid Rock. Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice will headline Turning Point USA’s alternative halftime show, airing as Bad Bunny takes the Super Bowl halftime show stage Sunday.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/02/02/super-bowl-turning-point-usa-alternative-halftime-show-lineup/88414387007/
— Student walkouts. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Good and Pretti to get students to do their bidding. What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/03/student-walkouts-protests-ice-videos-photos/88492929007/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Parents Must Take Back School Boards. Too many fail to serve children. Unless parents commit, nothing will improve. DD: What policy does your school district have on student walkouts?
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/parents-must-take-back-school-boards-e867047d

INSTITUTE ON TAXATION AND ECONOMIC POLICY
— Why Should States and Localities Have Progressive Tax Systems? DD: How much real estate tax do you pay? My critics/opponents are furious that my wife and I pay only $12.493.96/year for our Wheaton home and only $8,592.96/year for our Naperville car condo. According to them, my wife and I can and should pay much more a) because we never had dependents, b) because we have no debts, c) because we have substantial retirement savings, d) because we inherited some money, e) because they believe that the federal government grossly overpaid me, f) because they believe that my $68,640/year Civil Service Retirement System pension is much too generous, g) because they believe that my $18,711.60/year Social Security is much too generous, h) because the federal government pays $21,000/year (72%) of our $30,000/year healthcare insurance premiums because I am a federal retiree, and i) because I avoided the Vietnam War draft. According to my critics/opponents, those who share our demographics and can pay more taxes should pay more taxes. According to them, we have what we have because we benefitted tremendously from discrimination against those who do not share our demographics. Comments?
https://itep.org/why-should-states-and-localities-have-progressive-tax-systems/

REASON
— OUTRAGEOUS: The NRA and NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) Unite To Oppose the Federal Gun Ban for Marijuana Users. Drug policy reformers and Second Amendment advocates team up in a case before the Supreme Court. DD: Pot is poison. In 2019, I led the successful effort to ban the sale of pot in Wheaton.
https://reason.com/2026/02/02/the-nra-and-norml-unite-to-oppose-the-federal-gun-ban-for-marijuana-users/

January 29, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Man faces federal assault charge in attack against Rep. Ilhan Omar during town hall
https://abc7chicago.com/post/man-faces-federal-assault-charge-attack-rep-ilhan-omar-during-town-hall/18501894/
— DD: Democrat leaders use Springsteen to promote hatred against Trump.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/bruce-springsteen-sings-president-donald-trump-new-song-streets-minneapolis/18500061/

CBS2
— DD: Soon, under the Democrats, everyone in Chicago will be a) handing out welfare and/or b) receiving welfare.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/new-snap-work-requirements-food-stamps-pantries-increased-demand/

WTTW
— Illinois Has Filed 51 Lawsuits Against the Trump Administration. Here’s Where They Stand. DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly use Democrat federal judges to defend and advance the Democrat Party platform. I worked for the Democrats who ran the federal government for almost 30 years.
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/29/illinois-has-filed-51-lawsuits-against-trump-administration-here-s-where-they-stand

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump’s border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota, but only after ‘cooperation’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/29/minnesota-immigration-crackdown-border-czar-tom-homan/
— DD: Democrat and RINO businesses want illegal immigration.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/29/minnesota-minnesota-chamber-of-commerce-alex-pretti-renee-good-business-leaders/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasing use Pretti against Trump.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/29/alex-pretti-death-ice-agents-minneapolis-donald-trump-last-straws
— Gun rights groups not buying justification for Pretti’s killing. Gun rights groups, who often side with the Trump administration on most matters, are rebelling at the notion that carrying a firearm is threatening, illegal or an invitation to police violence.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/29/alex-pretti-minneapolis-gun-rights-groups-donald-trump-jacob-sullum
— DD: The mainstream news media exists to destroy Trump.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/01/29/trumps-losses-doge-tarriffs-immigration-ice-minnesota-economy-s-e-cupp

DAILY HERALD
— DuPage County Board urges Congress to investigate immigration enforcement efforts; withhold DHS funding. The county board voted 11-5 to add the resolution to its legislative agenda. All the “no” votes were cast by Republicans. The resolution approved Tuesday also urges an end to immigration enforcement activities without a judicial warrant. DD: To withhold DHS funding is to promote illegal immigration.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260129/local-politics/dupage-county-board-urges-congress-to-investigate-immigration-enforcement-efforts-withhold-dhs-fund/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Republicans who voted against the resolution said they could not support withholding funding from the Department of Homeland Security, noting that immigration is just one aspect of the department. “There are so many aspects of homeland security that protect U.S. citizens that I could never vote to deny funding to that department,” county board member Kari Galassi, a Hinsdale Republican, said. Republicans also said Democrats should ask congressmen to organize a local hearing regarding immigration enforcement efforts.)
— GOP office in Arlington Heights vandalized with swastikas and feces
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260129/news/profoundly-hurtful-gop-office-in-arlington-heights-vandalized-with-swastikas-and-feces/
— Edward Lapinski, a Republican candidate for state house, has been removed from his post as secretary of the Cook County GOP after reportedly expressing Holocaust-denying views in a text exchange with another party official. Cook County Republican Party Chair Aaron Del Mar announced the decision late Thursday, saying he has zero tolerance for the remarks attributed to Elk Grove Township Republican Committeeman Edward Lapinski.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260129/news/republican-leaders-condemn-suburban-gop-state-house-candidate-for-holocaust-views/
— Elgin’s Civilian Review Board has recommended that an Elgin police officer be fired for comments he made about immigration enforcement on social media. Officer Jason Lentz was placed on leave in October following comments he made on Facebook that suggested places where immigration agents could find undocumented immigrants, tagging the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the end of the post. His since-deleted profile picture was an “I stand with ICE” logo.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260129/news/elgin-police-officer-should-be-fired-over-social-media-comments-about-immigration-enforcement-panel/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more abortion.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/michael-reese-health-trust-opens-illinois-abortion-access-fund

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Sean Grayson sentenced to 20 years in fatal shooting of Sonya Massey
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/courts/2026/01/29/sean-grayson-sentenced-to-xx-years-in-fatal-sonya-massey-shooting/88281266007/

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— Group challenges Illinois’ restrictions on using ‘Democrat,’ ‘Republican’ in org names. The law requires nonprofits to get party’s permission to use names. DD: I served as the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman 2005-2012.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/group-challenges-illinois-restrictions-on-using-democrat-republican-in-org-names/

CHICAGO REPORTER
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly push minorities to be pot pushers. Pot is poison.
https://www.chicagoreporter.com/six-years-in-has-illinois-cannabis-equity-law-delivered/

CAPITOL FAX
—  Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/29/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-458/
— Lapinski removed from Cook County Republican Party executive office: ‘The Holocaust is an indisputable historical fact’
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/29/lapinski-removed-from-cook-county-party-executive-office-the-holocaust-is-an-indisputable-historical-fact/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Democrats run Illinois. Do you stand with ICE? If you do, anticipate/expect that Democrat leaders will soon get rid of you. Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Lawmaker pushing bill to study insurance for gun owners
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_1d07d293-4b27-42c8-bd9d-6a7578d6615c.html

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Surveillance, Resistance, and Lethal Force: Anatomy of the Pretti Shooting
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/surveillance-resistance-and-lethal-force-anatomy-of-the-pretti-shooting/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— New Poll Confirms Bailey’s Dominance as GOP Primary Continues to Consolidate
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2026/01/new-poll-confirms-baileys-dominance-as-gop-primary-continues-to-consolidate.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— The folly of sanctuary cities
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/29/folly-sanctuary-cities/
— Scott Walker: Democrats fuel the flames of rage. In Minnesota, a needless reenactment of 2020.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/29/democrats-fuel-flames-rage/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— In 2020, it was vilify and defund the police. In 2026, it’s vilify and defund ICE
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4438583/democratic-party-2026-vilify-defund-ice/
— Ed Markey pushes Democratic leaders to advocate defunding ICE in government funding negotiations
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4438634/ed-markey-pushes-democratic-leaders-advocate-defunding-ice-government-funding-negotiations/
— China is our enemy. It’s time we act like it.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/4437139/china-is-our-enemy-time-we-act-like-it/

COLLEGE FIX
— Chicago schools refuse to hire Christian college student teachers despite lawsuit
https://www.thecollegefix.com/chicago-public-schools-still-isnt-letting-student-teachers-from-christian-college-in-lawyer/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Republicans Defect as Senate Funding Vote Fails, Making Shutdown Likely
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/29/breaking-republicans-defect-as-senate-funding-vote-fails-making-shutdown-likely/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Democrat Operatives Caution Party to Stay Focused on Trump DHS Overreach, Avoid ‘Defund-the-Police’ Repeat
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/dem-operatives-caution-party-to-stay-focused-on-trump-dhs-overreach-avoid-defund-the-police-repeat/

NEWSMAX
— Homan: Sanctuary States Are Sanctuaries for Criminals
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/border-czar-tom-homan-minneapolis/2026/01/29/id/1244032/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

THE HILL
— Homan says Trump wants to ‘fix’ Minnesota operations. DD: What does fix mean?
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5712489-donald-trump-tom-homan-minneapolis-immigration/

NBC NEWS
— Senators explore off-ramps to prevent a shutdown as Democrats lay out DHS reforms. Democrats are demanding major reforms after DHS agents killed a man in Minnesota and negotiating a path with the White House. Funding is scheduled to expire at the end of Friday. DD: To defund DHS is to promote illegal immigration.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senators-seek-ways-prevent-government-shutdown-ice-dhs-reforms-rcna256357

NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders say Republicans gave ICE a slush fund
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/28/us/politics/ice-funding-congress.html

WASHINGTON POST
— DD: Illegals cost taxpayers $500 million last year.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/01/28/national-guard-deployments-cost/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DD: Democrat and RINO leaders want de-escalation.
https://www.wsj.com/business/what-ceos-areand-are-notsaying-about-ice-and-minneapolis-8860151b

POLITICO
— Senators block funding package amid DHS standoff. Eight Republicans joined every Senate Democrat to block sweeping government funding legislation from advancing Thursday amid ongoing negotiations around a potential offramp to avert a lengthy shutdown of several agencies. DD: To defund DHS is to promote illegal immigration.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/29/senators-block-funding-package-amid-dhs-standoff-00754927

PBS
— U.S. cardinal urges defunding of ICE. DD: To defund ICE is to promote illegal immigration.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/u-s-cardinal-urges-defunding-of-ice-we-need-to-see-whats-happening-in-front-of-us

PEOPLE’S WORLD
— GOP targets Chicago Teachers Union, the most anti-Trump union in America
https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/gop-targets-chicago-teachers-union-the-most-anti-trump-union-in-america/

January 27, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCS

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Soon, under Illinois Democrats, everyone in Illinois will be a) handing out welfare and/or b) receiving welfare.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2025/10/29/where-to-find-chicago-area-food-pantries-if-snap-goes-away

DAILY HERALD
— DD: Democrat leaders do everything that they can a) to flood America with their illegals and b) to fight their deportation.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260127/nation-and-world/trumps-immigration-crackdown-led-to-drop-in-us-growth-rate-last-year-as-population-hit-342-million/

RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD LANDMARK
— Former Riverside police chief  Tom Weitzel honored by conservative advocacy group A wake Illinois. Village officials stress that Weitzel does not speak for them.


PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— DD: The mainstream news media exists to drive Trump’s approval rating down.
https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/01/27/trump-immigration-approval-drops-following-minnesota-ice-shootings-illinois-ratings/88380039007/

STATELINE
— Immigration drops shift population, political power to Texas and Florida. Southern states saw largest gains, while California saw the steepest drop.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/27/immigration-drops-shift-population-political-power-to-texas-and-florida/

CITIES 92.9
— More Illinois Catholic schools close; candidates call for change
https://www.cities929.com/2026/01/27/more-illinois-catholic-schools-close-candidates-call-for-change/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/27/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-456/
— Heidner questions Trump 2024 Illinois election results, insinuates undocumented voters put Harris over the top
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/27/heidner-questions-trump-2024-illinois-election-results-insinuates-undocumented-voters-put-harris-over-the-top/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Transgender-skeptical liberals fight Illinois law blocking ‘Democrat’ in group name
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/27/transgender-skeptical-liberals-fight-illinois-law-blocking-democrat/
— End the American Bar Association’s grip on law schools, It’s no neutral referee.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/27/end-american-bar-associations-grip-law-schools/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Trump flexes clout against Indiana foes as affordability and deportation headwinds grow
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4436051/trump-flexes-clout-against-indiana-foes-as-affordability-and-deportation-headwinds-grow/

NEW YORK POST
— Pritzker says US under Trump is worse than COVID-19 pandemic — where people died ‘in droves’
https://nypost.com/2026/01/27/us-news/jb-pritzker-says-us-under-trump-is-worse-than-covid-19-pandemic-where-people-died-in-droves/

AMERICAN GREATNESS
— How the Pro-Family Movement is Failing in America. The pro-family establishment’s half-measures on the LGBT agenda only accelerate cultural decline, while real reform demands total resistance and no compromise in schools.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/27/how-the-pro-family-movement-is-failing-in-america/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Who needs to carry all that ammunition?
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/01/who_needs_to_carry_all_that_ammunition.html
— Did anyone realize the significance of the gun Alex Pretti was carrying?
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/01/did_anyone_realize_the_significance_of_the_gun_alex_pretti_was_carrying.html
— Running Saul Alinsky’s playbook in Minneapolis. Those enforcing the law are blamed, those breaking it are excused, and the public is told that the only way to stop the disorder is to surrender authority. DD: My critics/opponents are disciples of Saul Alinsky.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/01/running_saul_alinsky_s_playbook_in_minneapolis.html
— Minnesota Shows Why the Left Will Win America’s 2026 Civil War. The saddest thing about this is that the Republicans will work with the left to ensure their victory.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/minnesota_shows_why_the_left_will_win_america_s_2026_civil_war.html

BLAZE
— Alex Pretti broke a rib in a previous altercation with feds a week before he died
https://www.theblaze.com/news/alex-pretti-broke-ribs-previous

BREITBART
— Anti-Trump Democrats Seek Office in States That Backed Trump
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/26/anti-trump-democrats-seek-office-states-backed-trump/amp/

DAILY WIRE
— Teachers Unions Shut Down Minnesota Schools For Activism. Minnesota’s education system Is producing activists, not students.
https://www.dailywire.com/news/teachers-unions-shut-down-minnesota-schools-for-activism

FEDERALIST
— Trump Is Letting Tim Walz Beat Him In Minneapolis
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/27/trump-is-letting-tim-walz-beat-him-in-minneapolis/
— Tim Walz Cannot Be Trusted To ‘Cooperate’ On Immigration Enforcement
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/27/tim-walz-cannot-be-trusted-to-cooperate-on-immigration-enforcement/

FOX NEWS
— Chicago teacher placed on leave after Facebook post supporting ICE sparks outrage from activists. The school district confirmed that the teacher was placed on leave on Monday.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/chicago-teacher-placed-on-leave-after-facebook-post-supporting-ice-sparks-outrage-from-activists
— Canada is a small power biting the hand that protects it. How unfortunate for our friends up north to be led by a banker who thinks he can reorder the world.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/morning-glory-canada-small-power-biting-hand-protects

LEGAL INSURRECTION
— Dozens of Rioters Arrested Outside Minnesota Hotel Where ICE Agents Supposedly Stay
https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/01/dozens-of-rioters-arrested-outside-minnesota-hotel-where-ice-agents-supposedly-stay/

MEGYN KELLY
— Megyn Slams the Outrageous Actions of Leftists Trying to Disrupt Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
https://www.megynkelly.com/2026/01/26/megyn-kelly-slams-reaction-to-alex-pretti-shooting-in-minnesota/

PJ MEDIA
— Alex Pretti Committed Previous Felony on Officers Before Deadly Attack
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/27/alex-pretti-committed-previous-assault-on-officers-before-deadly-attack-n4948803

TOWNHALL
— What Happened in Minneapolis Is Part of the Left’s Plan
https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2026/01/27/what-happened-in-minneapolis-is-part-of-the-lefts-plan-n2670115
— The Trans Trend May Be Dying. But the Fallout Is Just Beginning.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/01/27/the-coming-trans-fall-out-n2670149

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

THE HILL
— ICE agent charged with misdemeanor after altercation with activist in Illinois
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5709241-ice-officer-altercation-activist/

CNBC
— Musk’s $1 trillion pay package renews focus on soaring CEO compensation. DD: Ever since I became a part-time postal employee when I was 18 years old in 1966, my critics/opponents have ever-increasingly demonized me, denigrated me, and condemned me as having been grossly overpaid. In today’s dollars, my Post Office, IRS, and GAO salary increased from $19.57/hour to $154,682/year in 1997. In my defense, during that time, I earned a job-related bachelor’s degree, three job-related master’s degrees, six job-related professional certifications, and a job-related professional license.
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/24/musks-1-trillion-pay-package-renews-focus-on-rising-ceo-compensation.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders do everything that they can a) to flood America with their illegals and b) to fight their deportation.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/us/politics/minnesota-politics-immigration-trump.html

WSLS
— Yale to waive all costs for new undergraduates from families earning less than $100,000
https://www.wsls.com/news/politics/2026/01/27/yale-to-waive-all-costs-for-new-undergraduates-from-families-earning-less-than-100000/

FEDERAL NEWS NETWORK
— Ahead of filing season, IRS scraps customer service metric it’s used for 20 years. DD: In 1974, when I was a newly promoted 25-year-old GS-11 (currently $83,482/year) IRS Revenue Officer, I was responsible for IRS answering all the calls that came into IRS’s new Centiphone automated answering system in downtown Chicago. I supervised the operation’s entire staff which included a rotating staff of about 90 IRS Revenue Agent trainees. Because of my job performance, the IRS manager who had given me that developmental opportunity and who had promoted me in 1972 and 1973 promoted me to GS-12 (currently $100,059/year) in 1974.
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/management/2026/01/ahead-of-filing-season-irs-scraps-customer-service-metric-its-used-for-20-years/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The IRS and the Treasury Department did not respond to requests for comment. Bisignano told the Washington Post that the new metrics will track the agency’s average speed to answer incoming calls, call abandonment rates and the amount of time taxpayers spend on the line with the agency. He told the Post that the agency’s old phone metrics didn’t help the IRS with its mission of solving taxpayers’ problems — and that the agency is investing in technology to better service its customers. “We’re constantly investing in technology. We constantly must reap the rewards of it,” Bisignano told the Post. The IRS is specifically sunsetting its Customer Service Representative Level of Service metric. The agency has used this metric for more than 20 years. But the National Taxpayer Advocate, an independent watchdog within the IRS, told Congress last year that this metric is “misleading” and “does not accurately reflect the experience of most taxpayers who call” the agency. National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins wrote in last year’s mid-year report to Congress that this Level of Service (LOS) metric only reflects calls coming into IRS accounts management phone lines, which make up only about 25% of the agency’s total call volume. Using the LOS metric, the IRS achieved an 88% level of phone service in fiscal 2024. But IRS employees actually answered less than a third of calls received during the 2024 filing season — both in terms of total calls, and calls to accounts management phone lines. The agency calculates its LOS metric by taking the percentage of phone calls answered by IRS employees and dividing it by the number of calls routed to IRS staff. The IRS relies on this metric, as well as historical data on call volumes, to set targets for how many calls it has the capacity to answer, and to set hiring and training goals in preparation for each tax filing season.)

January 26, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— NRA, legal experts question Trump administration stance after fatal Minnesota protest shooting
https://abc7chicago.com/post/nra-response-alex-pretti-gun-rights-groups-question-trump-administration-stance-minneapolis-minnesota-shooting/18480147/
— Comparisons drawn between Alex Pretti, Kyle Rittenhouse in renewed Second Amendment debate. Ex-Illinois House GOP Leader Durkin called the White House’s comments on the Minneapolis shooting ‘the height of hypocrisy.’
https://abc7chicago.com/post/alex-pretti-shooting-minneapolis-comparisons-drawn-between-kyle-rittenhouse-renewed-second-amendment-debate/18480088/
— Congressional GOP criticism grows over Pretti shooting and Minnesota ICE operation
https://abc7chicago.com/post/congressional-gop-criticism-grows-pretti-shooting-minnesota-ice-operation/18479552/

NBC5
— Minneapolis remains on edge, ‘Border Czar’ heads to city after Pretti shooting. Protests have continued in the aftermath of Pretti’s death over the weekend.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/minneapolis-remains-on-edge-border-czar-heads-to-city-after-pretti-shooting/3881688/
— Gregory Bovino to leave Minneapolis, Border Patrol to draw back agents. NBC News confirmed reports from earlier in the day that Bovino would be leaving the Twin Cities.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/gregory-bovino-to-leave-minneapolis-border-patrol-to-draw-back-agents/3881725/
— Border Patrol commander and some agents planning to leave Minneapolis, sources say. Gregory Bovino, a public face of Trump’s immigration crackdown, will leave Tuesday, while some agents plan to leave sometime this week, sources told NBC News.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/border-patrol-commander-some-agents-planning-leave-minneapolis-sources/3881752/

CBS2
— “A terrible miscalculation”: Officials’ response to fatal Minneapolis shooting causes anger among some at DHS.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alex-pretti-minneapolis-shooting-causes-internal-anger-dhs/

WGN9
— Republicans divided on ICE tactics as shutdown looms
https://wgntv.com/politics-3/republicans-divided-on-ice-tactics-as-shutdown-looms/

FOX32
— Senate Democrats block DHS funding, risking partial shutdown
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/senate-democrats-block-dhs-funding-risking-partial-shutdown

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Trump’s Minneapolis misadventure turns deadly for a second time
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/26/editorial-minneapolis-border-patrol-gregory-bovino-ice-alex-pretti/
— Alex Pretti’s death shows why militarized immigration raids portend lethal force
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/26/opinion-alex-pretti-minneapolis-ice-border-patrol-raids-lethal-force/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— New SNAP work rules leave unemployed Englewood man and thousands of others at risk. The new work rules for the federal food assistance program start Feb. 1 in Illinois, with state officials estimating that as many as 400,000 residents could be pushed out of the program.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/26/new-snap-work-rules-leave-unemployed-englewood-man-thousands-of-others-at-risk-food-benefits-cut-off-trump

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— House passes ICE funding bill. Here’s how Illinois lawmakers voted.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/26/house-passes-ice-funding-bill-heres-how-illinois-lawmakers-voted/88320024007/

SOUTHERN
— Trump to send border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis as admin faces outrage over Pretti shooting
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/26/trump-to-send-border-czar-tom-homan-to-minneapolis-as-admin-faces-outrage-over-pretti-shooting/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/26/americans-largely-at-odds-with-trump-administration-on-immigration-ice-tactics-polls/

FOX ILLINOIS
— Trump demands Congress end sanctuary cities amid rising ICE tensions
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/trump-demands-congress-to-end-sanctuary-cities-amid-rising-ice-tensions

NPR ILLINOIS
— Amid lawsuits and protests, Trump signals changes to Minnesota immigration surge
https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-26/amid-lawsuits-and-protests-trump-signals-changes-to-minnesota-immigration-surge

NORTHERN STAR
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly push more pot. Pot is poison.
https://northernstar.info/132043/opinion/opinion-with-weed-legalized-cannabis-lawbreakers-should-be-released/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/26/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-455/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— The McHenry GOP Governor’s Forum That Darren Bailey Skipped
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/26/the-mchenry-gop-governors-forum-that-daren-bailey-skipped/
— Gloria Van Hoff Gets Free Ride to Re-Election to the McHenry County Board, GOP COULD SLATE SOMEONE
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/25/gloria-van-hoff-gets-free-ride-to-re-election-to-the-mchenry-county-board/
— Cynthia Schenk Makes Pitch for Dabrowski Followed by Loud Speech by Rocio Cleveland
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/cynthia-schenk-makes-pitch-for-dabrowski-followed-by-loud-speech-by-rocio-cleveland/
— State Rep. Steve Reick’s Democratic Party Opponent Thrown Off the Ballot
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/26/state-rep-steve-reicks-democratic-party-opponent-thrown-off-the-ballot/

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Waste watch: Illinois spends $2.6M on tennis, pickleball
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/waste-watch-illinois-spends-2-6m-on-tennis-pickleball/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— With Maduro gone, Venezuelan asylum-seekers should go home. ICE must prepare for those who won’t.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/26/maduro-gone-venezuelan-asylum-seekers-go-home/
— ICE fight starts another shutdown showdown with Democrats demanding reworking of DHS funding bill
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/26/ice-fight-starts-another-shutdown-showdown-democrats-demanding/
— Democrats stoke chaos for political gain. Lawlessness and disorder.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/26/democrats-stoke-chaos-political-gain/
— The growing conservative rift risks fracturing America. Will we hang together or hang alone? DD: Who leads conservatives in Illinois, in your county, in your township, in your municipality, and in your school district? Hate-filled conservative-hating conservative-haters had their operatives and their dupes destroy TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois in 2012 and Illinois Center Right Coalition in 2007.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/26/growing-conservative-rift-risks-fracturing-america/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Does America have the resolve to deport illegal border crossers?
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/daily-memo/4434193/america-resolve-deport-illegal-border-crossers/

NEW YORK POST
— Trump makes 4 demands to end Minneapolis chaos, calls on Congress to ban sanctuary cities
https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/trump-makes-four-demands-to-end-minneapolis-chaos-calls-on-congress-to-ban-sanctuary-cities/
— DHS investigating whether Alex Pretti’s gun accidentally fired — and sparked deadly Minneapolis shooting
https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/dhs-investigating-whether-alex-prettis-gun-accidentally-fired-and-sparked-deadly-minneapolis-shooting-sources/
— Holocaust Museum scolds Tim Walz over ‘deeply offensive’ comparison of Trump to horrors witnessed by Anne Frank
https://nypost.com/2026/01/26/us-news/holocaust-museum-scolds-tim-walz-over-deeply-offensive-anne-frank-comparison/

HERITAGE FOUNDATION
— Vetting of 80,000+ Afghans Brought to America Failed the National Security Test
https://www.heritage.org/border-security/report/vetting-80000-afghans-brought-america-failed-the-national-security-test

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ROLL CALL
— The race for Florida’s 19th District, which includes Fort Myers and Naples, has attracted an eclectic mix of Republican candidates who’ve run for office in other states. Among them are former North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn, who lost a 2022 primary after a scandal-plagued single term; former Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis, who’s made multiple unsuccessful bids for Congress; conservative activist Catalina Lauf, who ran for a suburban Chicago House seat in 2022; and businesswoman Ola Hawatmeh, a 2020 House candidate in New York. Other GOP hopefuls include businessman Jim Schwartzel and Marine veteran Mike Pedersen.
https://rollcall.com/2026/01/23/former-new-york-rep-chris-collins-pardoned-by-trump-seeks-comeback-in-florida/

MSN
— Best and worst degrees for earning money. DD: Choosing the right college major is extremely important. I should have majored in accounting from the beginning. But I did not start taking graduate evening accounting courses until I was 27. I did not take and pass the CPA examination and pass it on my first attempt until I was 30. I did not earn a master’s degree in accounting until I was 31. I did not take and pass the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt until I was 32. I did not become a licensed CPA until I was 32. But by then, the accounting profession viewed me as being too old to have a career in accounting. The profession would not have done that if I had been a minority, female, or veteran.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/best-and-worst-degrees-for-earning-money/ss-AA1V0ueo

WASHINGTON POST
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly hint/imply/argue/shout that if you cannot afford something, it is Trump’s fault. Why do you have less money? I have lots less money 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.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/01/26/trump-affordability-midterms/

USA TODAY
— DD: Hate-filled Trump-hating Trump-haters ever-increasingly blame Trump for affordability problems. My critics/opponents have always stressed a) what I could not have afforded if I had not avoided the Vietnam War draft and b) what my wife and I could not have afforded if we had children. What helped you afford more things? For me, it was my always earning money since I was 14 years old. For me, it was my earning 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.aol.com/articles/trump-plays-blame-game-white-034521979.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Sanctuary Cities Can Be Deadly. To reduce tension and violence, let local police departments cooperate with ICE.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/sanctuary-cities-can-be-deadly-906eec57

BLOOMBERG
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-01-26/ice-has-engineered-chaos-in-my-minneapolis-community

BROOKINGS
— DD: Democrat leaders say ICE expansion has outpaced accountability.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ice-expansion-has-outpaced-accountability-what-are-the-remedies/

MANHATTEN INSTITUTE
— Unlike Mamdani, Most Dems Want Prosperity — Not Class Warfare
https://manhattan.institute/article/unlike-zohran-mamdani-most-dems-want-prosperity-not-class-warfare

RUSMUSSEN REPORTS
— 55% Want Penalties on Companies That Hire Illegals. DD: All my employers would have hired noncitizens instead of me if they could have.
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/trump_administration_second_term/55_want_penalties_on_companies_that_hire_illegals

January 23, 2026

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— 5 open congressional seats could help drive higher voter turnout for March primary in Illinois. Large-scale protests also illustrate public investment in politics, some say.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/5-open-congressional-seats-could-help-drive-higher-voter-turnout-march-primary-ahead-2026-midterm-election-illinois/18457666/

CBS2
— RNC clears the way for “midterm convention” later this year
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rnc-midterms-convention-2026/
— Federal government watchdogs deny Duckworth’s request for joint probe of immigration agents’ use of force
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/inspectors-general-reject-tammy-duckworth-request-probe-immigration-agents-use-of-force/
— Judge says Trump administration must keep funding child care subsidies in 5 states for now
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/child-care-subsidies-5-states-judge-trump-administration/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Immigrants often don’t open the door to ICE, but that may no longer stop officers.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/23/immigrants-ice-open-door/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/23/chicago-faith-leaders-ice/
— Oak Park River Forest League of Women Voters makes a pitch for fair maps
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/23/fair-maps-illinois-oak-park/

DAILY HERALD
— ‘RINOs,’ meet the ‘Depublicans’
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260123/syndicated-columnists/rinos-meet-the-depublicans/

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— Vance touts the Trump administration’s record against abortion at a Washington rally
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/vance-touts-the-trump-administration-s-record-21311747.php

CITIES 92.9
— Illinois lawmakers clash over ICE funding as DHS bill advances
https://www.cities929.com/2026/01/23/illinois-lawmakers-clash-over-ice-funding-as-dhs-bill-advances/

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— As Illinois House returns to Springfield, Democrats focus on Trump. First week of House session yields several symbolic resolutions condemning the administration.
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/as-illinois-house-returns-to-springfield-democrats-focus-on-trump/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/23/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-454/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Proposed Illinois bill would let local voters approve rent control, drawing sharp criticism
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_4c9c735d-81fe-4bd8-833c-cbebe2652bfe.html

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— DHS says family abandoned 5-year-old migrant, ICE ‘cared for him’
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/23/dhs-says-family-abandoned-5-year-old-migrant-ice-cared/
— HUD orders citizenship checks for those in public housing
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/23/hud-orders-citizenship-checks-public-housing/

NEW YORK POST
— Lefty efforts to justify the St. Paul church invasion are worse than the attack itself
https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/opinion/lefty-efforts-to-justify-the-st-paul-church-invasion-are-worse-than-the-attack-itself/

BLAZE
— Trump’s primary endorsements are sabotaging his own agenda
https://www.theblaze.com/columns/opinion/trumps-primary-endorsements-are-sabotaging-his-own-agenda

CAMPUS REFORM
— Nurses to simulate abortions on dragon fruit at University of Illinois Chicago’s ‘Abortion Care Skills Day.’  The college’s ‘Abortion Care Skills Day’ will be an ‘immersive experience’ for nursing students on how to perform medicated and procedural abortions as well as a hands-on abortion training using dragon fruit to simulate a fetus. ‘The very people that are meant to save lives are taught how to intentionally end them by starving, vacuuming, dismembering, and poisoning the most vulnerable in our society,’ a student told Campus Reform.
https://www.campusreform.org/article/nurses-simulate-abortions-dragon-fruit-university-illinois-chicagos-abortion-care-skills-day/29294
— University of Illinois funds ‘The New Age of Sexism’ book club. A book club centered on AI and misogyny is being hosted by the Women’s Resources Center at the University of Illinois. It is promoted through UIUC’s Diversity Calendar as an official campus event.
https://www.campusreform.org/article/university-illinois-funds-the-new-age-sexism-book-club/29283
— Augustana College, a Lutheran liberal arts school in Rock Island, Illinois, has renamed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, saying the move reflects internal decision-making as colleges nationwide retreat from the DEI label.
https://www.campusreform.org/article/augustana-college-rebrands-dei-office-cites-mission-driven-shift/29291

DAILY CALLER
— Feds Fail To Convict Chicago Illegal Who Allegedly Put $10,000 Bounty On Border Chief’s Head
https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/23/gangbanger-not-guilty-of-bovino-bounty/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Left-Wing Late-Night Propaganda Isn’t ‘News’
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/01/23/left-wing-late-night-propaganda-isnt-news/amp/

EPOCH TIMES
— Rich Chinese are “Renting” American Women’s Wombs to get US Citizenship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7NXU2USSQo

FEDERALIST
— Virginia Democrats Want Schools To Push State-Enforced Homosexuality
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/23/virginia-democrats-want-schools-to-push-state-enforced-homosexuality/
— Protesters Who Disrupted Minnesota Church Service Were Practicing Their Own Godless Religion
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/23/protesters-who-disrupted-minnesota-church-service-were-practicing-their-own-godless-religion/

REASON
— The GOP Looks Increasingly Like a Home for Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. Many Republicans are now openly embracing ideas from the progressive playbook. Call them “Depublicans.”
https://reason.com/2026/01/22/the-gop-looks-increasingly-like-a-home-for-elizabeth-warren-and-bernie-sanders/

TOWNHALL
— This New Virginia Law Helps Illegals Vote for Democrats
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/josephchalfant/2026/01/23/this-new-virginia-law-helps-keep-illegals-voting-for-democrats-n2669983

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

NEW YORK TIMES
— DD: How much success have Democrats had taking over your church? The Democrat Party platform is extremely anti-religious.
https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000010656349/good-for-the-church-but-bad-for-the-country.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Clergy Members Are Arrested in Minnesota Amid Anti-ICE Protests. Thousands take part in demonstrations across Twin Cities. Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport during an immigration protest. DD: How strongly have Democrat leaders taken over your church?
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/clergy-members-are-arrested-in-minnesota-amid-anti-ice-protests-cce52a25

FEDERAL NEWS NETWORK
— Trump lauds ‘tremendous’ federal workforce cuts. Partnership for Public Service calls them ‘disturbing.’ DD: If I could tell Trump about my federal career, that is, if I could tell him about how my Democrat Post Office, IRS, and GAO superiors wasted my career and forced me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997, I wonder how he would react. I never sat around and did nothing, although, I was grossly underutilized. The longer that you are a federal employee, the more difficult, if not impossible, it is to get a job appropriate for your education, work experience, professional certifications, and/or professional license. Virtually everyone shares Trump’s extremely low opinion of federal employees. What does Trump know about political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, and age discrimination in the federal government? I know a lot.
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2026/01/trump-lauds-tremendous-federal-workforce-cuts-good-government-group-calls-them-disturbing/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: As he marked one year since being sworn into office, President Donald Trump on Tuesday touted the actions of his administration — including praising the major reductions to the federal workforce throughout 2025. “I don’t want to cut people, but when you cut them and they go out and get a better job, I like to cut them,” Trump said during a nearly two-hour press briefing, while also stating his administration “slashed tremendous numbers of people off the federal payroll.” The White House on Tuesday also released a list of “365 wins” over the last year, commending the administration’s efforts to ensure a “merit-based” federal workforce. The list includes federal workforce actions overhauling the probationary period; eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion across government; requiring employees to work on-site full-time; slashing federal jobs; and limiting agencies to one new hire for every four employees who exit the civil service. “I say, get rid of everybody that’s unnecessary, because that’s the way you make America great again,” Trump said. “When you have all these jobs where people are sitting around doing nothing and they get a lot of money from the government, it’s no good.”)

LAWFARE
— Is the GAO the Next Battlefield in the Fight for Separation of Powers? The expiration of the comptroller general’s term is an opportunity for Congress to reassert itself, or retreat further. DD: GAO is supposed to be nonpartisan, but it is ever-increasingly not. It has ever-increasingly been run by Democrats. In 1980, when I was 31 years old, I was one of the last Republicans GAO hired. Virtually all, if not all of GAO employees are Democrats. If Gingrich had reformed GAO instead of gutting it, there would have been no need for DOGE. My Democrat GAO superiors wasted my career and forced me to retire in 1997, when I was 49 years old.
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/is-the-gao-the-next-battlefield-in-the-fight-for-separation-of-powers

January 22, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Vance lands in Minneapolis blaming the ‘far left’ for turmoil over White House deportation efforts
https://abc7chicago.com/post/vance-heads-minneapolis-says-far-left-should-stop-resisting-immigration-enforcement/18449071/

FOX32
— Illinois congressional candidate acknowledges past domestic violence charge
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-congressional-candidate-acknowledges-past-domestic-violence-charge

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— More Illinois parents are rejecting their public schools. The silence from Springfield is deafening.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/22/enrollment-chicago-public-schools-enrollment-decline-private-schools-school-choice/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly promote more LGBTQ.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/01/22/antonio-king-chicago-first-ever-lgtbq-affairs-director-mayor-brandon-johnson-appointment

DAILY HERALD
— Vance’s message in Minneapolis: Local officials must cooperate with the immigration crackdown
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260122/nation-and-world-politics/vances-message-in-minneapolis-local-officials-must-cooperate-with-the-immigration-crackdown/
— 3 people involved in a Minnesota church protest are arrested, as judge refuses to charge Don Lemon
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260122/nation-and-world-politics/3-people-involved-in-a-minnesota-church-protest-are-arrested-as-judge-refuses-to-charge-don-lemon/
— ‘I got loud’: DuPage undersheriff disputes reports of bar brawl
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260122/news/i-got-loud-dupage-undersheriff-disputes-reports-of-bar-brawl/
— EEOC scraps anti-harassment guidance, citing Trump’s orders
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260122/business/workplace-rights-agency-scraps-anti-harassment-guidance-citing-trumps-orders/

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Illinois targeted in Trump review of federal funds to Democratic states
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/illinois-targeted-trump-review-federal-funding

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Republican groups host GOP candidates at McHenry County forums Thursday and Sunday
https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/01/22/republican-groups-host-gop-candidates-at-mchenry-county-forums-thursday-and-sunday/

MUDDY RIVER NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly blame Trump for inflation.
https://muddyrivernews.com/politics/illinois-lawmakers-2026-theme-affordability/20260122071403/

DAILY EGYPTIAN
— Carbondale residents discuss race, identity at National Day of Racial Healing
https://dailyegyptian.com/122997/showcase/carbondale-residents-discuss-race-identity-at-national-day-of-racial-healing/

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/22/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-453/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

CENTER SQUARE ILLINOIS
— Resolution condemning federal immigration law enforcement sparks debate
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_28915364-aa79-4cf6-87d7-d1b841066cb0.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Cynthia Schenk Makes Pitch for Dabrowski Followed by Loud Speech by Rocio Cleveland
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/cynthia-schenk-makes-pitch-for-dabrowski-followed-by-loud-speech-by-rocio-cleveland/
— 9th District Democrat Bushra Amiwala Speaks to McHenry County Democratic Central Committee
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/9th-district-democrat-bushra-amiwala-speaks-to-mchenry-county-democratic-central-committee/
— 9th District Democrat Phil Andrew Hits the Airwaves
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/9th-district-democrat-phil-andrew-hits-the-airwaves/
— Richard Behof Selected McHenry County Public Defender
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/richard-behof-selected-mchenry-henry-county-public-defender/
— Citizen Action Illinois Endorsed Daniel Biss for Congress
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/citizen-action-illinois-endorsed-daniel-biss-for-congress/
— Brad Schneider Opponent Releases Endorsements
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/brad-schneider-opponent-releases-endorsements/
— Kat Tells of Having Chronic Disease Narcolepsy
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/kat-tells-of-having-chronic-disease-narcolepsy/
— Two Candidates for GOP Nomination for Governor in McHenry at Vixen Sunday Afternoon
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/two-candidates-for-gop-nomination-for-governor-in-mchenry-at-vixen-sunday-afternoon/
— Sports’ Luminaries Endorse R. Cary Capparelli for GOP U.S. Senate Nomination
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/sports-luminaries-endorse-r-cary-capparelli-for-gop-u-s-senate-nomination/
— Four Vie for Republican Suicide Run in 9th Congressional District
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/22/four-vie-for-republican-suicide-run-in-9th-congressional-district/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

NEW YORK POST
— Woke never really died, it’s coming back with a vengeance — and we should be terrified
https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/opinion/woke-is-returning-with-a-vengeance-with-minneapolis-mamdani/
— Target employees skip work as ICE crackdown rattles Minnesota stores
https://nypost.com/2026/01/22/business/target-employees-skip-work-as-ice-crackdown-rattles-minnesota-stores-report/

BLAZE
— ‘We Mexicans are reclaiming our territory’: Peter Schweizer drops bombshell on Glenn Beck about Mexico’s invisible coup
https://www.theblaze.com/shows/the-glenn-beck-program/we-mexicans-are-reclaiming-our-territory-peter-schweizer-drops-bombshell-on-glenn-beck-about-mexicos-invisible-coup

FOX NEWS
— Vance tells Minneapolis to ‘stop fighting’ ICE as White House doubles down on crackdown
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-tells-minneapolis-stop-fighting-ice-white-house-doubles-down-crackdown.print
— Trump uses Davos to showcase American strength and shake the global order
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/morning-glory-trump-uses-davos-showcase-american-strength-shake-global-order

JUDICIAL WATCH
— Judicial Watch Sues Chicago Treasurer Over Plan to Halt U.S. Treasury Purchases
https://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-sues-chicago-treasurer/

PJ MEDIA
— Pope Leo Taps Pro-LGBT Archbishop for Key Clergy Role, Raising Alarms Among Faithful
https://pjmedia.com/michaelcantrell/2026/01/22/pope-leo-taps-pro-lgbt-archbishop-for-key-clergy-role-raising-alarms-among-faithful-n4948636

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Vance in Minneapolis Calls for Local Cooperation on ICE Crackdown. Vice president blames left-wing protesters and mayor for chaos in the city where opposition to immigration policies has led to public clashes with federal agents.
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/vance-in-minneapolis-calls-for-local-cooperation-on-ice-crackdown-72a45988
— Trump Sues JPMorgan for $5 Billion for Closing His Bank Accounts. The president alleges the bank and Jamie Dimon made ‘woke’ political decision to shut down family-business accounts following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
https://www.wsj.com/finance/president-trump-sues-jpmorgan-for-5-billion-for-closing-his-bank-accounts-17892253
— JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Reaps $43 Million in Pay for Last Year. The pay package for the 69-year-old is a 10% increase from the previous year.
https://www.wsj.com/finance/banking/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-reaps-43-million-in-pay-for-last-year-8a0d0f5b

POLITICO
— Abortion opponents demand more as Trump targets Planned Parenthood, foreign aid and fetal tissue research. The administration moves, timed around the annual March for Life, may not win back frustrated groups.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/22/abortion-opponents-demand-more-as-trump-targets-planned-parenthood-foreign-aid-and-fetal-tissue-research-00741765

January 20, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Trump’s record set to be major talking point in Illinois gubernatorial race
https://abc7chicago.com/post/2026-midterms-ahead-primary-election-illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-republican-hopeful-darren-bailey-field-trump-talk/18439825/

WGN9
— Trump touts accomplishments in first year, Illinois critics point to failures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV4ga81sj-M

FOX32
— Trump says he’ll cut funding to ‘sanctuary’ states like Illinois
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAwa7oDJH8M

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Republican hopeful Ted Dabrowski defends TV ad likening Gov. JB Pritzker to communist Poland, Ecuador turmoil
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/20/ted-dabrowski-defends-tv-ad-pritzker-communist/
— Gov. JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul look back on first year of Trump 2.0
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/20/pritzker-raoul-trump-one-year/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— One year and 51 lawsuits later, Illinois Democrats lament ‘chaos’ of second Trump administration. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said he’s “optimistic” heading into Year Two of sweeping legal fights with the White House.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/donald-trump/2026/01/20/trump-one-year-kwame-raoul-illinois-lawsuits-jb-pritzker

25 NEWS NOW
— Illinois lawmakers’ 2026 theme: affordability. Democrats seeking to capitalize on Trump-driven chaos during election year session.
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/01/20/illinois-lawmakers-2026-theme-affordability/

WSIU
— Darren Bailey/Aaron Del Mar launch ‘Take Back Illinois’ Bus Tour
https://www.wsiu.org/politics-elections/2026-01-20/darren-bailey-aaron-del-mar-launch-take-back-illinois-bus-tour

ELMHURST PATCH
— DuPage Candidates To Take Questions In Elmhurst. County Board, clerk, sheriff and forest preserve hopefuls are expected to attend the local League of Women Voters forum.
https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/dupage-candidates-take-questions-elmhurst

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2026/01/20/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-451/

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

MCHENRY COUNT BLOG
— Senator Darby Hills on Human Trafficking Panel
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/20/senator-darby-hills-on-human-trafficking-panel/
— Dems Have $50,000 in the Bank
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/dems-have-50000-in-the-bank/
— Democratic Party $50,000 Not the Only Available Money
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/20/democratic-party-50000-not-the-only-available/
— McLaughlin Critiques Dems’ Energy Law
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/mclaughlin-critiques-dems-energy-law/
— Democrat Rolls Out Tax Sale Solution
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/democrat-rolls-out-tax-sale-solution/
— Illinois Budget Has Risen Five Times Our Economic Growth
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/illinois-budget-has-risen-five-times-our-economic-growth/
— Governor Jim Edgar’s Pension Timebomb
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/19/governor-jim-edgars-pension-bomb/
— Ted Dabrowski’s First and Second TV Ad During Bear’s Games
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/18/ted-dabrowskis-second-tv-ad-during-bears-game/
— Mandatory Mental Health Screening in Schools (Passed in Illinois) Found to Make No Difference
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/18/mandatory-mental-health-screening-in-schools-passed-in-illinois-found-to-make-no-difference/
— Kat TV Ad
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/17/kat-tv-ad/
— UPDATE: Referendums on School Choice Scholarships on One-Third of Illinois Counties’ Ballots WITH MAP
https://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/2026/01/17/referendums-on-school-choice-scholarships-on-one-third-of-illinois-counties-ballots/

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— What is your position on equal opportunity? As time goes on, it is ever-increasingly clear that my critics/opponents have always and continue to reject the equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) plank in the Republican Party platform, that is, they have always and continue to promote Affirmative Action (AA) and DEI, that is, they have always and continue to promote race and gender based preference giving, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, and national origin discrimination. That ever-increasingly explains why they have had their operatives and their dupes take so many big adverse actions against me. They have personally benefitted from AA and DEI and/or want to personally benefit from AA and DEI and/or have used AA and DEI to curry favor with minorities and/or females and/or want to use AA and DEI to curry favor with minorities and females. They applaud my Democrat superiors in the federal government for their wasting my career and their forcing me to retire when I was 49 years old in 1997 because I opposed their race and gender based preference giving, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, and national origin discrimination. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump settles scores in epic review of year in office
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/20/trump-settles-scores-epic-review-year-office/
— 100,000 illegal immigrants have taken DHS’ self-deportation bonus. DHS official says ‘foreign interference’ is fueling anti-ICE protests.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/20/100000-illegal-immigants-taken-dhs-self-deportation-bonus/
— Newly sworn-in Gov. Spanberger turns Virginia into a sanctuary state
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/19/editorial-newly-sworn-gov-spanberger-turns-virginia-sanctuary-state/
— China owns America. From your food to your alma mater, the CCP is omnipresent.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/20/china-owns-america/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Minnesota and the battle to cripple ICE
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/daily-memo/4425299/minnesota-battle-cripple-immigration-customs-enforcement/

NEW YORK POST
— Mamdani calls to abolish ICE
https://nypost.com/2026/01/20/us-news/zohran-mamdani-calls-to-abolish-ice-in-gushing-interview-on-the-view/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Compassion Cannot Be The Basis Of Immigration Policy
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/compassion_cannot_be_the_basis_of_immigration_policy.html

FEDERALIST
— Because Libraries Push Racism And Queer Extremism, They Deserve Their Massive Federal Funding Cuts
https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/20/because-libraries-push-racism-and-queer-extremism-they-deserve-their-massive-federal-funding-cuts/

FOX NEWS
— Chicago kids are dying while Mayor Johnson fights Trump, ICE and reality. Rooftop Revelations: Surrendering our values to elite agendas leaves nothing for the rest of us. Only folks like Mayor Johnson benefit. Our kids deserve leaders who fight for them
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/chicago-kids-dying-while-mayor-johnson-fights-trump-ice-reality.amp

STEVE SCALISE
— Scalise Highlights Democrats’ Radical Agenda, Trump’s Record of Delivering for American People
https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/scalise-highlights-democrats-radical-agenda-trumps-record-of-delivering-for-american-people

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CBS NEWS
— Trump touts first-year accomplishments in lengthy White House briefing
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/trump-white-house-press-briefing-davos-greenland/
— Republican senators demand end to visa program they say encourages Chinese “birth tourism”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-birth-tourism-visa-waiver-program-republican-senators/

VILLAGES NEWS
— Illegals are criminals because they are here illegally
https://www.villages-news.com/2026/01/20/illegals-are-criminals-because-they-are-here-illegally/

GAO
— Financial Audit: IRS’s FY 2025 Financial Statements
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-107977
(FROM THE REPORT: The Internal Revenue Service collects taxes to fund federal programs and services. In FY25, IRS collected more than $5.3 trillion in taxes and paid out about $639 billion in tax refunds, credits, and other payments. We audit and issue opinions annually on IRS’s financial statements and on related internal controls (e.g., processes to reasonably assure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded). In FY25, we found the statements were reliable and that controls over financial reporting were effective—although some controls over unpaid assessments could be improved.)

NEW YORKER
— DD: How successful have Democrats been taking over your church?
https://www.newyorker.com/news/fault-lines/can-american-churches-lead-a-protest-movement-under-trump