January 31, 2026 Evening Edition

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

ABC7
— Mayor Johnson directs Chicago police to investigate federal immigration agents’ alleged misconduct
https://abc7chicago.com/post/brandon-johnson-executive-order-directs-chicago-police-investigate-alleged-illegal-activity-ice-agents-other-federal/18515701/
— Judge orders 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his dad released from ICE detention
https://abc7chicago.com/post/judge-orders-5-year-old-liam-conejo-ramos-dad-detained-minnesota-released-ice-detention-texas/18516884/
— Judge blocks additional citizenship provisions in latest setback to Trump’s election executive order
https://abc7chicago.com/post/agencies-cant-seek-us-citizenship-status-distributing-voter-registration-forms-setback-donald-trump-executive-order-judge/18515109/
— Partial government shutdown goes into effect, as Senate deal awaits House vote. The Senate voted to separate funding for DHS after reaching a White House deal.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/2026-government-shutdown-update-partial-goes-effect-senate-deal-awaits-house-vote-funding-bill/18514393/

NBC5
— Mayor Johnson directs CPD to investigate alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents. Under the order, officers are given a “clear procedure” to follow if they witness or receive reports of federal agents involved in illegal activity.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/mayor-johnson-directs-cpd-to-investigate-alleged-misconduct-by-federal-immigration-agents/3884283/
— ICE claim that a man shattered his skull running into wall triggers tension at a Minnesota hospital. The explanation from ICE is an example of recent run-ins between immigration officers and health care workers that have contributed to mounting friction at Minneapolis hospitals.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/ice-claim-that-a-man-shattered-his-skull-running-into-wall-triggers-tension-at-a-minnesota-hospital/3884273/

CBS2
— Johnson signs the “ICE On Notice” executive order, directing CPD to investigate, document violations by federal agents. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/johnson-signs-ice-on-notice-executive-order-chicago-police/
— New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-memo-deportation-officers-warrantless-arrests/
— Agents were pursuing an immigrant when they killed Alex Pretti. Now, he shares his story.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jose-huerta-chuma-alex-pretti-minneapolis-shooting/
— Federal judge denies Minnesota’s request to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/federal-judge-denies-minnesotas-request-to-temporarily-halt-operation-metro-surge/
— Judge orders 5-year-old detained in Minnesota and dad to be released from ICE detention in Texas
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-orders-liam-ramos-dad-released-from-texas-detention/

FOX32
— Chicago mayor orders CPD to document illegal activity by immigration agents
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-johnson-exec-order-1-31

WTTW
— Mayor Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Lay ‘Groundwork’ to Prosecute Federal Agents for Actions During Immigration Raids
https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/31/mayor-johnson-signs-executive-order-designed-lay-groundwork-prosecute-federal-agents

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Mayor Brandon Johnson directs police to investigate federal immigration agents for possible felony charges
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/31/mayor-brandon-johnson-directs-police-to-investigate-federal-immigration-agents-for-possible-felony-charges/
— Vigil honors slain VA nurse Alex Pretti, his care for those in need
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/31/vigil-honors-slain-va-nurse-alex-pretti-his-care-for-those-in-need/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Mayor Brandon Johnson orders CPD to investigate federal immigration agents for potential prosecution. The directive makes Chicago the first city in the nation “to leverage local authority to pursue legal accountability for misconduct” by federal agents, according to the city.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/01/31/brandon-johnson-investigate-ice-prosecution-executive-order-chicago

DAILY HERALD
— DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Their Illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20260130/news/a-crisis-for-the-nation-ice-accountability-commission-continues-to-seek-solutions/

RIVER BENDER
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise Good and Pretti.
https://www.riverbender.com/topnews/details.cfm?id=503962

SOUTHERN
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn ICE.
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/01/31/former-officials-say-dhs-tactics-undermine-public-trust-after-series-of-contradictory-statements/

SHAW LOCAL
— GOP governor candidates in McHenry say abolishing TRUST Act would end need for ICE raids
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/state/2026/02/01/gop-governor-candidates-in-mchenry-say-abolishing-trust-act-would-end-need-for-ice-raids/

FOX ILLINOIS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise Good and Pretti.
https://www.foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/as-officials-disparage-pretti-and-good-families-of-black-people-killed-by-police-have-d/article_0ece1daf-6253-5d5a-b4be-2ec743903801.html

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— Illinois loses 1,700 jobs in 2025 while nation adds 584,000
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-loses-1700-jobs-in-2025-while-nation-adds-584000/

SALEM MEDIA
— “The Real Story” Expands to Weekdays on AM 560 The Answer, Adding Amy Jacobson as Co-Host
https://investor.salemmedia.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/911/the-real-story-expands-to-weekdays-on-am-560-the
(FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:  Salem Media (OTCQX: SALM) announced today that “The Real Story,” hosted by Jeanne Ives, will expand to a weekday time slot on AM 560 The Answer (WIND-AM), airing Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT, beginning Monday, February 2. The move also marks the addition of longtime Chicago broadcaster Amy Jacobson as co-host. Since 2023, “The Real Story” has aired on Sunday evenings from 7-9 p.m. CT, with Ives hosting solo. The weekday expansion brings the program to a daily audience and reunites Jacobson with AM 560 The Answer in a new role, following her previous tenure as co-host of “Chicago’s Morning Answer.” “This outstanding team adds two powerful, local conservative voices to our AM 560 lineup,” said John Gallagher, regional vice president and general manager of AM 560 The Answer. “Bringing Amy Jacobson back to the station fills a huge void for our audience. She has been relentless in her quest for the truth, and she gets answers that our listeners need to hear. Jeanne Ives is one of the most politically connected people in the state of Illinois. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding so many issues that affect everyone within our listening area. I am looking forward to the in-depth conversation and new perspective this team will offer.” “I am thankful and excited to be a part of the Salem family,” said Jeanne Ives. “Information is power and Amy and I want to bring the Real Story on policy along with informed commentary from years of experience knowing the players and politicians to our listeners. We want listeners to be informed, so they can hold the politicians accountable.” “I am thrilled to be returning home to AM 560 The Answer,” said Amy Jacobson. “Jeanne and I will be part of the strongest conservative line-up in Chicago radio! As many of you know, life takes some unexpected turns, but when you love what you do, the signal always finds its way back.” About Jeanne Ives  Jeanne Ives served three terms as an Illinois State Representative, beginning in 2012. In keeping with her fiscally conservative principles, she refused both a taxpayer-funded pension and healthcare. In 2018, she mounted a primary challenge against Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner, who would go on to lose to J.B. Pritzker in the general election. In 2020, Ives ran for Congress against Democrat incumbent Sean Casten. Following her campaign, she launched Breakthrough Ideas, whose mission is to build the infrastructure and conservative networks needed to advance conservative ideas and Republican candidates in the suburbs. She is a graduate of West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She served in the U.S. Army as a platoon leader and headquarters detachment commander for transportation units in Germany and as an ROTC instructor at Wheaton College. She resigned from the Army in 1993 to raise her children. Her opinion pieces have been published in the Chicago Tribune, The Federalist, and the Wall Street Journal as well as several political news sites. Her awards include Champion of Free Enterprise from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the inaugural Titanium Backbone Award from Illinois Family Institute for her pro-family stances, and a 100% rating from the American Conservative Union. She and her husband have five children, three of whom serve in the military. About Amy Jacobson  Amy Jacobson is a veteran Chicago broadcaster, known for her work in both television and radio. For nearly 15 years, she co-hosted “Chicago’s Morning Answer” on AM 560 The Answer (WIND-AM). Prior to that, she worked as a general assignment reporter for NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV), beginning in 1996. During her tenure, she covered major events such as the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Chicago White Sox’s 2005 World Series run. Her journalism career began with an internship at KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, followed by reporting roles at KSAX-TV in Minnesota, KOLD-TV in Tucson, KVIA-TV in El Paso, and WJBK-TV in Detroit. Throughout her career, Jacobson has been consistently recognized for her reporting, including multiple Chicago Emmy Awards. Amy graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Iowa in 1991 with a degree in broadcasting and film.)

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/4441828/sanctuary-cities-are-sanctuaries-for-criminals/
— GOP zeroes in on ‘sanctuary city’ demands in fight over ICE conduct
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4441455/republicans-name-sanctuary-city-demands-fight-ice-conduct/

BREITBART
— Blue State Dems Launching Schemes to Obstruct ICE, Federal Laws
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/01/31/blue-state-dems-launching-schemes-to-obstruct-ice-federal-laws/amp/
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise Good and Pretti.
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/01/31/walz-pretti-good-might-be-the-best-of-the-best/

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— Sanctuary Cities Are Forcing ICE Into the Streets by Ignoring Legal Process
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2026/01/30/chicago_former_top_cop_santuary_cities_forcing_ice_into_the_street_by_not_following_legal_process.html

REAL CLEAR POLICY
— Universities Push Sanctuary Agenda for Illegals
https://www.realclearpolicy.com/2026/01/31/universities_push_sanctuary_agenda_for_illegals_1162153.html

TOWNHALL
— Deport Every Single Illegal Alien Possible
https://townhall.com/columnists/townhallcomstaff/2026/01/31/stand-with-ice-n2670348

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

THE HILL
— DD: Democrat leaders have declared a Second Civil War against Republicans. Their Illegals are their soldiers in their Democrat Army.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5716656-jacob-frey-minnesota-ice-surge-ruling/

ABC NEWS
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise Good and Pretti.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/officials-disparage-pretti-good-families-black-people-killed-129732421
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly demonize, denigrate, and condemn ICE.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/former-officials-dhs-tactics-undermine-public-trust-after/story?id=129717921

NEW YORK TIMES
— Chicago Orders Police to Document Potentially Illegal Federal Immigration Tactics. The order, signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, instructs police officers to report allegations of unlawful conduct in an effort to prosecute the most aggressive federal immigration actions.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/us/chicago-police-federal-immigration.html
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise Good and Pretti.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/us/alex-pretti-memorial-minneapolis.html
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly fight deportation of their illegals.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/us/judge-minnesota-ice-ruling.html

WASHINGTON POST
— DD: Democrat leaders ever-increasingly glorify and praise Good and Pretti.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2026/01/31/minneapolis-ice-shootings-racial-justice-pretti-good/5ec6fe24-fead-11f0-954b-b80c7ed67fc7_story.html

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— DD: Democrats run the federal government. For them, the federal government exists to hire, retain, and promote Democrats. The only federal employees who get Civil Service protections are those who are Democrats and minority, female, veteran, disabled, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or have ancestors who have not been in America for a long time.
https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2026/01/schedule-f-wont-fix-governments-performance-management-problems-report-finds/411107/?oref=ge-featured-river-top

ATLANTIC
— DD: Democrats want Trump to fire Noem. My Democrat GAO superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates who were minority, female, younger, veteran, non-Protestant, non-German American, and/or had ancestors who had not been in America for a long time wanted my GAO superiors to get rid of me, that is, to waste my career and force me to retire. My superiors in the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization who are anti-conservative want to stop me from sending out my GOPUSA ILLINOIS newsletters.  Failing that, they want to stop everyone from reading my newsletters. They ever-increasingly blame my newsletters for defeats suffered by Republican candidates on ballots in my precinct. They want the Republican Party to dump the personal responsibility, traditional marriage and family, right to life, immigration, anti-vice, Second Amendment, and equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks in its platform. They want the Republican Party to dump conservatives once and for all, that is, they want the Republican Party to dump its base, that is, they want to destroy the Republican Party.  Political parties exist to help elect candidates who can and will defend and advance their platform. The Republican Party platform is conservative.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/kristi-noem-humiliation-trump/685836/

Author: David Diersen

The opinions that I express in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails are based on experience that I have gained doing many things since 1948. I base my opinions on what I learned a) working for the federal government for almost 30 years -- Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter 1983-1996, and being a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS; b) earning an MBA from Loyola in 1976, a masters degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and a masters degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997; c) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and passing the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981; c) serving as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois Chairman 2005-2012, a member of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Platform and Resolutions Committee, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004; d) attending the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 IRP State Conventions as a delegate; e) being the subject of a nasty 4-page article in the February 1978 issue of Money Magazine; f) pursing litigation including Diersen v. GAO and Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange; g) being married since 1978; h) living in Crete 1948-1972, in University Park 1972-1976, in Chicago 1976-1978, and in DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton since 1978; and i) being baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.