Dan Vock

@danvock.bsky.social

2023 Followers 1297 Following

Freelance reporter. Illinoisan in D.C. Helping you understand how government works—or doesn’t. I RT Illinois news and politicians a lot. Reach me at dcvock@gmail.com Subscribe to my newsletter https://danvock.substack.com/

Indiana Jones: Only the penitent man will pass
Amazon got the most fines for bike lane violations — $152,250 — and the second most bus lane violations with $46,630. FedEx was the other top offender, followed by UPS, a few beverage companies and several rental vehicle companies.
President Obama shown enjoying a martini in the back space of President Trump's head. Obama is all smiles, while Trump scowls.
Those potential dangers began attracting attention, with articles in the Detroit Free Press and Consumer Reports.
A page from Wikipedia called “Treaty of Versailles (disambiguation)” The Treaty of Versailles is the 1919 peace treaty that followed the Paris Peace Conference and officially ended World War I. The Treaty of Versailles may also refer to: Treaty of Versailles (1756), a defence alliance between France and Austria Treaty of Versailles (1757), an expansion of the 1756 Versailles treaty to Saxony, Sweden, and Russia Treaty of Versailles (1758), a confirmation of the 1756 and the 1757 Versailles treaties Treaty of Versailles (1768), a treaty in which the Republic of Genoa ceded Corsica to France Treaties of Versailles (1783), a treaty that ended French and Spanish hostilities against Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War Treaty of Versailles (1787), a treaty between France and the Vietnamese lord Nguyễn Ánh Treaty of Versailles (1871), a treaty that ended the Franco–Prussian War
The Michigan Avenue bridge in Chicago with the U.S.,Illinois and Chicago flags flying in a stiff breeze
An Instagram post by The Daily Illini showing Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler with a DI-branded broadsheet that says “ELITE ILLINI” in bold orange and white lettering
A very large cherry tree with white blossoms in full bloom under gray skies
From the Desk of the Scout Executive/CEO Mario A. Pérez Scouting friends, I want to give you an update on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Roger Krone, CEO of Scouting America with the Department of War. The MOU must still be signed by the Secretary of War, so the full document has not been released. This is intended to be an annual agreement not a contract. Let me be absolutely clear, particularly in light of some inaccurate claims, no child is being excluded from Scouting. Scouting America continues to welcome and serve all youth. We will continue our work to give all young people and their families the opportunity to participate in Scouting, including the many thousands who meet on or near U.S. and overseas military bases.
Trump throws paper towels to people in Puerto Rico
A screenshot of a ProPublica story: “On my first day out reporting, I came upon an incident that had been unfolding for over an hour. Late in the afternoon on Thursday, Jan. 22, three construction workers clung to a roof, bracing themselves against the slanted plywood of an unfinished two-story house on the far south side of Minneapolis. Federal agents had massed in the house and in cars on the street, conducting a raid on the construction site. The agents called for the workers to come down. They refused. They stayed on the roof, exposed to the elements in negative 4 degree weather.”
The Vittoriano as seen from Piazza Venezia. In the foreground is the hedge with the shape and colors of the flag of Italy that is located in the center of the square. The monument is almost all white with a jumble of marble steps, colonnades, friezes and statues of triumphant allegorical figures
Cars parked on the street that had to be dug out by hand.
President George W. Bush surveys damage to offshore oil drilling platforms from the window of Air Force One after Hurricane Katrina, apparently not as concerned about the devastating human toll the storm caused for the people of New Orleans.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37, NIV translation) 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Duckworth Statement on House-Passed Government Funding Bills [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced she will oppose the latest “minibus” of appropriations bills passed by the House of Representatives that includes funding for Trump’s unfocused, reckless and deadly immigration enforcement operations: “Donald Trump’s lawlessness is spiraling out of control. He is marching us closer to more illegal, forever wars, deploying our troops to intimidate their fellow Americans in their own communities and enabling ICE and Border Patrol to attack—and even kill—citizens with zero accountability. “There should be a bipartisan majority to rein in this blatant authoritarianism—and the appropriations process should be used to check the President and set up guardrails to protect hardworking Americans, their families and our servicemembers. But instead, Republicans are jamming multiple appropriations bills into a single package—including even more funding for ICE and CBP after they already handed them each over $70 billion slush funds in their Big, Beautiful Betrayal. “Bottom line: I cannot vote for legislation that authorizes even more funding for Trump’s lawless agents to terrorize our communities in my home state of Illinois and across the country. Not after 2025 was the deadliest year on record to be in ICE custody in two decades. And not after one ICE agent killed a 37-year-old mom in broad daylight with absolutely no accountability in sight. “I’ve heard from Illinoisans in every corner of my state who are outraged by the Trump Administration’s pattern of abuse. If this funding package remains as is, I cannot vote to bankroll more of Trump’s worst instincts at the expense of the American people.”
DURBIN TO VOTE AGAINST DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING BILL SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding bill: “I will not vote to fund the illegal DHS and ICE operations that terrorize Chicago, Minneapolis, and many other communities. The deaths of innocent Americans and the detaining of thousands of innocent people are a national disgrace. “Secretary Noem refuses to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee to account for her stewardship over this reign of terror. I will not reward her arrogance and lawlessness with my vote.” -30-
Mon Mothma to the Galactic Senste in Star Wars’ Andor: I stand this morning with a difficult message. I believe we are in crisis. The distance between what is said and what is known to be true has become an abyss. Of all the things at risk, the loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous. The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil. When truth leaves us, when we let it slip away, when it is ripped from our hands, we become vulnerable to the appetite of whatever monster screams the loudest.
Court filings in the lawsuit illustrate the potential impact of the ruling. In Chicago, for example, a patient at an Esperanza Health Center delayed her first prenatal visit until her third trimester because she worried enrolling in Medicaid could put her husband at risk of deportation, the clinic reported in a December court filing. By the time she received care, she had complications that could have been addressed with earlier health visits. Another patient refused to apply for Medicaid for her child, a U.S. citizen, because she worried that seeking benefits would allow ICE to locate her.
Back to the Future, Biff says, "That's as funny as a screen door on a battleship." Marty, looking on, says, "It's screen door on a submarine, you dork."
Krishnamoorthi Statement on Upcoming DHS Appropriations, Future of Trump’s ICE SCHAUMBURG, IL—Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement today: “We must abolish Trump’s ICE. I will not support one more dollar for ICE as long as this agency—operating without oversight and accountability—continues to kill and injure our neighbors. We saw what they did to Renée Good. We saw how they acted in Chicago. Secretary Noem must immediately testify before our Oversight Committee about ICE’s impunity and the dangerous policies that enabled these tragedies.”
Woodbridge, VA–Today, as Abigail Spanberger is inaugurated as the first woman Governor of Virginia, she fulfilled a campaign promise to CASA in Action by adopting a major victory for immigrant communities across the Commonwealth. Governor Spanberger’s repeal of Executive Order 47, which ends Virginia’s participation in the federal 287(g) program, represents the culmination of years of organizing, advocacy, and pressure led by immigrant communities and organizations like CASA in Action. This moment is the result of sustained organizing power, not coincidence. Latino voters were a decisive force in Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s victory, with the largest shifts from the 2024 presidential election coming from Virginia’s most heavily Hispanic communities, particularly Prince William County, home to thousands of Salvadoran and Central American families. CASA in Action was critical to this victory, with a sizable portion of its electoral engagement centering Prince William County Latino voters. The 287(g) agreements, which deputized local law enforcement as ICE agents, fuel fear, racial profiling, and family separation in immigrant communities. When the former Governor signed EO-47, it sent a clear message that immigrant Virginians were unwelcome. Ending this program statewide is a critical step toward restoring trust, dignity, and safety for families across Virginia. "Today is a historic day for the Commonwealth. This victory belongs to the immigrant communities who organized, spoke out, and refused to be silenced," said Luis Aguilar, Virginia Director at CASA in Action. "By repealing EO-47, Governor Spanberger has reaffirmed that Virginia stands for freedom for all. This sends a strong and clear message: Virginia does not need voluntary collaboration with ICE to keep communities safe. When families can live without fear of deportation, everyone is safer. While this is a powerful first step, the work must continue to build trust. The General Assembly must honor …
Soldier Firld: Klingon meets Parthenon
Roman soldiers crucifying defeated enemies along the Appian Way
Inflation spiked around 2023 but has been at or around 3-4 percent since, according to federal data
Getty Images photo of protesters holding signs commemorating Gonzales, including one that says "ICE out of Chicago" and another that says Gonzales was "killed here by ICE on Sept. 12, 2025"
I”ll be your first cosponsor!
Key passage: ““As details come forward about the shooting, I urge the truth to come to light. The city of Chicago knows all too well that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem only lies. After the deadly shooting of Silverio Villegas González during a traffic stop, Secretary Noem tried to hide the truth, but bodycam footage disproved injuries sustained by the ICE officer. The Minneapolis Mayor has already said that video disputes Secretary Noem’s claims. It’s clear that to achieve public safety, ICE must leave our cities immediately.”
Grassley-Durbin Statement on Judiciary Committee’s Exclusion from Administration’s Briefing on its Operations in Venezuela WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today released a joint statement on the Trump administration’s decision to exclude the Senate Judiciary Committee from this evening’s Capitol Hill briefing on the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, who was indicted for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy: “President Trump and Secretary Rubio have stated that this was a law enforcement operation that was made at the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Senate Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over DOJ, FBI and DEA, and all three agencies are led by individuals who our Committee vetted and processed. The Attorney General herself will be present at today’s briefing. “There is no legitimate basis for excluding the Senate Judiciary Committee from this briefing. The administration’s refusal to acknowledge our Committee’s indisputable jurisdiction in this matter is unacceptable and we are following up to ensure the Committee receives warranted information regarding Maduro’s arrest.”
A tweet from ICE asking why Hilton canceled ICE hotel reservations in Minneapolis
Border Patrol: $5.95 million ICE: $33.9 million National Guard: $19.4 million
Jonathan Rhys Meyers in a sleeveless shirt with large biceps as he plays King Henry VIII in “The Tudors”
U2’s “Achtung Baby”
In October, NPR exclusively reported on two new proposed rules for hospitals that Oz is expected to announce Thursday. The first would prohibit doctors and hospitals from receiving federal Medicaid reimbursement for medical care provided to transgender patients younger than age 18. The second would block all Medicaid and Medicare funding for any services at hospitals that provide pediatric gender-affirming care. Medicaid provides health care coverage to low-income children and adults in the U.S. Medicare is the health program for Americans over 65 and disabled people. Virtually every hospital in the country takes Medicare and relies on it, so the rule would have a wide-ranging effect.
Oversight • Requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to notify Congress on immigration enforcement support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to include the use of military aircraft for deportation flights, the use of DoD bases for detention, and other support to improve congressional and public oversight amid the Trump Administration's increased use of the military for immigration operations. • Enhances oversight of the use of service members to support domestic law enforcement, including increased legal training for all service members on rules of engagement and appropriate public identification of service members providing support on U.S. soil. • Requires a congressional notification if the President removes a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from office or transfers them to another position before the end of their term to enhance oversight of the Trump Administration's actions. • Limits funding for the consolidation of geographic combatant commands to enhance oversight of the Trump Administration's actions.
Imagine a Bears Superfan in military uniform, a visor and headset
Secretary Duffy also announced the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released a new Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on accelerating reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge to ease Beltway congestion on the I-495/I-270 corridor. In 2025, Washington, D.C. was rated number one in the nation for having the worst traffic with congestion lasting more than six hours on average. “I look forward to discussing the urgent matter of relieving severe congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge and getting the Francis Scott Key Bridge project back on track with Governor Moore. The Trump Administration cares about Americans’ quality of life and ushering in a Golden Age of Transportation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Maryland’s highways help connect thousands to our nation’s capital, and as part of our effort to revitalize the area and make it safe and beautiful, holding leaders accountable at every level is essential to making sure taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently.”
Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Launches New Initiative to Revitalize Dulles Airport into The International Gateway Our Nation’s Capital Deserves Initiative is part of effort to Make D.C. Great Again WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced a new initiative to explore the revitalization of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The Secretary is inviting proposals and public-private partnership plans from the best and brightest developers, architects, and engineers to construct completely new terminals and concourses at IAD. These structures would replace or build on the existing main terminal and satellite concourses at IAD. “Tourists, world leaders, and CEOs from around the world should not be forced to travel through an inefficient airport when they visit D.C. IAD needs a complete refresh to assume its proper role as the premier international gateway into the capital of the greatest country in the world. We’re engaging the private sector to explore how we can do this cost effectively and at the speed of Trump.” The Need for a Revitalized International Gateway: Washington Dulles International Airport is known for its dated facilities, inefficient system of people movers that deliver passengers as much as a half mile away from their gates, its moon-rover-like “mobile lounges,” jet fuel smell in the concourses, and a paltry number of gates at the main terminal. USDOT supports the development of a new world-class airport to replace or build on the existing facility. While the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has plans for updates to the facility, they are insufficient to meet the need for a beautiful gateway to our Nation’s capital. For example, they retain the mobile lounges for the next 15 to 20 years at a cost of $160 million. Just last month, one of these mobile lounges crashed — injuring 18 individuals.