Barton Lorimor
@bartonlorimor.bsky.social
A wonky hack taking politics too seriously.
I consult on media, public policy, and corporate affairs. Former journalist + state gov staff. Always Robin's and Myra's Dad.
📍 Springfield, Illinois USA
BTL (at) FullStackStrats (dot) com
he/him/his
I consult on media, public policy, and corporate affairs. Former journalist + state gov staff. Always Robin's and Myra's Dad.
📍 Springfield, Illinois USA
BTL (at) FullStackStrats (dot) com
he/him/his
Pinned
Most Central Illinois municipalities will keep the grocery tax in place, citing the need for funds to support government operations.
Grocery tax to remain in most Central Illinois municipalities despite statewide repeal
Most Central Illinois municipalities have decided to keep the grocery tax in place, while Peoria Heights will be grocery tax free from Jan. 1, 2026, to July 1.
www.centralillinoisproud.com
= “For a lot of municipalities, they just decided it’s easier to impose the grocery tax themselves and keep that revenue flow constant.” =
- Maurice Scholten, president of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois
@cameronmainetv.bsky.social for @wmbdnews.bsky.social
#ILNews #TaxSky
- Maurice Scholten, president of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois
@cameronmainetv.bsky.social for @wmbdnews.bsky.social
#ILNews #TaxSky
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
BREAKING: Tatiana Schlossberg, who wrote about her leukemia and criticized policies pushed by her relative Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has died. She was 35.
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died at 35
Environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died.
bit.ly
December 30, 2025 at 7:34 PM
BREAKING: Tatiana Schlossberg, who wrote about her leukemia and criticized policies pushed by her relative Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has died. She was 35.
= “For a lot of municipalities, they just decided it’s easier to impose the grocery tax themselves and keep that revenue flow constant.” =
- Maurice Scholten, president of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois
@cameronmainetv.bsky.social for @wmbdnews.bsky.social
#ILNews #TaxSky
- Maurice Scholten, president of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois
@cameronmainetv.bsky.social for @wmbdnews.bsky.social
#ILNews #TaxSky
Most Central Illinois municipalities will keep the grocery tax in place, citing the need for funds to support government operations.
Grocery tax to remain in most Central Illinois municipalities despite statewide repeal
Most Central Illinois municipalities have decided to keep the grocery tax in place, while Peoria Heights will be grocery tax free from Jan. 1, 2026, to July 1.
www.centralillinoisproud.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
= “For a lot of municipalities, they just decided it’s easier to impose the grocery tax themselves and keep that revenue flow constant.” =
- Maurice Scholten, president of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois
@cameronmainetv.bsky.social for @wmbdnews.bsky.social
#ILNews #TaxSky
- Maurice Scholten, president of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois
@cameronmainetv.bsky.social for @wmbdnews.bsky.social
#ILNews #TaxSky
= Under the proposed model, covered entities would pay full price for drugs and seek reimbursement afterward — a shift the AHA said would impose significant financial and administrative burdens on safety-net providers. =
www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/jud...
www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/jud...
Judge blocks 340B rebate pilot program - Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis
A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Department of Health and Human Services from launching its 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program, which was scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2026...
www.beckershospitalreview.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
= Under the proposed model, covered entities would pay full price for drugs and seek reimbursement afterward — a shift the AHA said would impose significant financial and administrative burdens on safety-net providers. =
www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/jud...
www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/jud...
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
ICYMI: President Donald Trump said U.S. forces struck a large facility last week where he said Venezuelan narcotics smugglers load trafficking boats as a part of his months-long lethal campaign against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers.
Trump says US struck ‘big facility’ in its Venezuela-focused anti-drug campaign
The president declined to answer questions about whether other U.S. strikes had occurred inside Venezuela or if further attacks could be expected.
www.stripes.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:04 AM
ICYMI: President Donald Trump said U.S. forces struck a large facility last week where he said Venezuelan narcotics smugglers load trafficking boats as a part of his months-long lethal campaign against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers.
= A significant chunk of the additional money — $175 million — is expected to go back to the city as a reimbursement payment to cover a portion of municipal pension costs for CPS non-teaching staff retirements. =
@beckyvevea.bsky.social for @chalkbeat.org >>
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/29/c...
@beckyvevea.bsky.social for @chalkbeat.org >>
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/29/c...
Chicago Schools Will Get About $200 Million More From City Council TIF Surplus
The additional dollars will not result in a windfall for classrooms as the school system continues to adjust spending, eliminate vacant positions, and account for increased interest payments on debt.
blockclubchicago.org
December 29, 2025 at 3:06 PM
= A significant chunk of the additional money — $175 million — is expected to go back to the city as a reimbursement payment to cover a portion of municipal pension costs for CPS non-teaching staff retirements. =
@beckyvevea.bsky.social for @chalkbeat.org >>
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/29/c...
@beckyvevea.bsky.social for @chalkbeat.org >>
blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/29/c...
= [Jim] Leach confirmed to The State Journal-Register that he was staying with the Illinois Department of Public Health as a public information officer and that the radio work was "just part time."
Welcome back to the afternoon drive time airwaves, Jim!
www.sj-r.com/story/news/l...
Welcome back to the afternoon drive time airwaves, Jim!
www.sj-r.com/story/news/l...
After two-and-a-half-year absence, popular radio host returning to air
After two-and-a-half years, a veteran progressive and familiar voice is returning to the airwaves.
www.sj-r.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:23 PM
= [Jim] Leach confirmed to The State Journal-Register that he was staying with the Illinois Department of Public Health as a public information officer and that the radio work was "just part time."
Welcome back to the afternoon drive time airwaves, Jim!
www.sj-r.com/story/news/l...
Welcome back to the afternoon drive time airwaves, Jim!
www.sj-r.com/story/news/l...
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
SCORE UPDATE: Niners lead the Bears 42-38 with 2:15 left in the fourth quarter.
If you’re not already tuned into NBC, change that ASAP.
If you’re not already tuned into NBC, change that ASAP.
December 29, 2025 at 4:14 AM
SCORE UPDATE: Niners lead the Bears 42-38 with 2:15 left in the fourth quarter.
If you’re not already tuned into NBC, change that ASAP.
If you’re not already tuned into NBC, change that ASAP.
Central Illinois communities Decatur and Long Creek have severe structural damage, per @wandnews.bsky.social >>
#ILWX #ILNews
#ILWX #ILNews
Severe weather is sweeping across central Illinois this afternoon, leaving behind flooding and damage. Viewers are sending in photos of the storm and the damage it left behind. You can send in your photos using WAND SendIt --> https://bit.ly/3YKROYb
PHOTOS: Severe storms sweep across central Illinois 12-28-25
Severe weather swept across central Illinois Sunday afternoon, leaving behind flooding and damage.
www.wandtv.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Central Illinois communities Decatur and Long Creek have severe structural damage, per @wandnews.bsky.social >>
#ILWX #ILNews
#ILWX #ILNews
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
TOUCHDOWN BEARS!
December 29, 2025 at 2:03 AM
TOUCHDOWN BEARS!
= "The court ruling now orders that we be granted the opportunity for a fair hearing in accordance with the law in the United States," Ysqueibel Peñaloza, a former detainee, said on behalf of some 252 former prisoners. =
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Venezuelans held in Salvadoran prison look to challenge deportation in US court
The Venezuelans were sent to El Salvador from the U.S. in March after Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemy Act.
www.reuters.com
December 28, 2025 at 2:04 AM
= "The court ruling now orders that we be granted the opportunity for a fair hearing in accordance with the law in the United States," Ysqueibel Peñaloza, a former detainee, said on behalf of some 252 former prisoners. =
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
Russian media are showing the aftermath at Kyiv CHPP-5 following a combined missile and drone strike. Kyiv is enduring an already 17 hour and still ongoing drone and missile attack as Russia continues its sustained assault on the capital and energy infrastructure.
December 27, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Russian media are showing the aftermath at Kyiv CHPP-5 following a combined missile and drone strike. Kyiv is enduring an already 17 hour and still ongoing drone and missile attack as Russia continues its sustained assault on the capital and energy infrastructure.
Following @twmcltd.bsky.social live updates of missile, UAV attack on Kyiv. @reuters.com pushed update to subscribers about "massive Russian attack."
Both UAVs over Kyiv have been shot down.
But others are still close and the air raid warning won't be lifted yet.
But others are still close and the air raid warning won't be lifted yet.
December 27, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Following @twmcltd.bsky.social live updates of missile, UAV attack on Kyiv. @reuters.com pushed update to subscribers about "massive Russian attack."
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
ICE detain father shopping on Christmas Eve—then steal his family's groceries.
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
December 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
ICE detain father shopping on Christmas Eve—then steal his family's groceries.
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
Then 3 agents divvy up his paid for food—taking what they want for themselves.
"Can I just get the wife's number to call and let her know?" woman asks.
"No, guess he should've complied," agent says.
Yakima, Washington
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
As a Jew, it’s fun watching the administration post Christian nationalist messages while also saying they are doing everything they can to curb antisemitism.
Here’s the U.S. government being officially religious in a country with no official religion.
December 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
As a Jew, it’s fun watching the administration post Christian nationalist messages while also saying they are doing everything they can to curb antisemitism.
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
BREAKING: Federal judge in Pittsburgh blocks DOJ's invasive trans care subpoena.
The latest loss for DOJ, regarding the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's patients, also brings news that DOJ has started scaling back its requests following its many losses.
New, at Law Dork:
The latest loss for DOJ, regarding the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's patients, also brings news that DOJ has started scaling back its requests following its many losses.
New, at Law Dork:
Breaking: Federal judge in Pittsburgh blocks DOJ's invasive trans care subpoena
The latest loss for DOJ, regarding the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's patients, also brings news that DOJ has started scaling back its requests following its many losses.
www.lawdork.com
December 25, 2025 at 5:30 AM
BREAKING: Federal judge in Pittsburgh blocks DOJ's invasive trans care subpoena.
The latest loss for DOJ, regarding the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's patients, also brings news that DOJ has started scaling back its requests following its many losses.
New, at Law Dork:
The latest loss for DOJ, regarding the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's patients, also brings news that DOJ has started scaling back its requests following its many losses.
New, at Law Dork:
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
Current* conditions near Chicago, IL:
December 25, 2025 at 5:36 AM
Current* conditions near Chicago, IL:
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
I want to stress, also, how when we approached the Trump White House with a lengthy comment request on our findings, the only things they disputed - among the batch of lawless, titanically rancid shit - were a) Stephen miller was NOT regularly made fun of by his former GOP Hill colleagues…
In a profile of Stephen Miller with @swin24.bsky.social, we reported he’s privately laughed off immigrant families’ “sob stories.”
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Speaking last night on Fox about the spiked CECOT story, Miller laughed about how ‘60 Minutes’ is “trying to tell sob stories."
www.rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Speaking last night on Fox about the spiked CECOT story, Miller laughed about how ‘60 Minutes’ is “trying to tell sob stories."
December 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I want to stress, also, how when we approached the Trump White House with a lengthy comment request on our findings, the only things they disputed - among the batch of lawless, titanically rancid shit - were a) Stephen miller was NOT regularly made fun of by his former GOP Hill colleagues…
Holiday News Dump,
or
just The News?
or
just The News?
December 23, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Holiday News Dump,
or
just The News?
or
just The News?
= "At this preliminary stage, the Government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois," the court's majority held in an unsigned opinion. =
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/world/us-sup...
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/world/us-sup...
US Supreme Court rejects Trump's military deployment in Chicago area, for now
The U.S. Supreme Court refused on Tuesday to let Donald Trump send National Guard troops to the Chicago area as the Republican president expands the use of the military for domestic purposes in a grow...
www.reuters.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:55 PM
= "At this preliminary stage, the Government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois," the court's majority held in an unsigned opinion. =
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/world/us-sup...
@reuters.com >>
www.reuters.com/world/us-sup...
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
BREAKING: The Supreme Court keeps President Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area for now.
Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
The Supreme Court has refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 8:25 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court keeps President Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area for now.
= Evident reported that State Farm has filed 326 AI-related patents since 2014, while USAA has pursued AI-specific patent rights 218 times. Meanwhile, Allstate has submitted 136 applications. =
www.insurancejournal.com/news/nationa...
www.insurancejournal.com/news/nationa...
Three Top P/C Insurers Account for Most of Insurance AI Patents
Three property/casualty insurers have dominated the industry's artificial intelligence patent activity since 2014. State Farm, USAA and Allstate account
www.insurancejournal.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
= Evident reported that State Farm has filed 326 AI-related patents since 2014, while USAA has pursued AI-specific patent rights 218 times. Meanwhile, Allstate has submitted 136 applications. =
www.insurancejournal.com/news/nationa...
www.insurancejournal.com/news/nationa...
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
ICE has posted a video of Santa Claus arresting immigrants. Your government is hijacking a symbol of charity to spread fear and hate. it’s up to all of us to defeat these twisted fascists.
December 22, 2025 at 11:49 PM
ICE has posted a video of Santa Claus arresting immigrants. Your government is hijacking a symbol of charity to spread fear and hate. it’s up to all of us to defeat these twisted fascists.
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
DOJ briefly uploaded this letter from Jeff Epstein to serial child molester Larry Nassar:
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
December 23, 2025 at 6:03 AM
DOJ briefly uploaded this letter from Jeff Epstein to serial child molester Larry Nassar:
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
"Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to 'grab snatch,' whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system."
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
Just in case - It’s also here www.muellershewrote.com/p/watch-the-...
WATCH: The 60 Minutes CECOT Segment
I was sent the CECOT segment anonymously in a group chat.
www.muellershewrote.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Just in case - It’s also here www.muellershewrote.com/p/watch-the-...
Reposted by Barton Lorimor
HahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhHahahahahahhahahahahahhaha OMG WHAT A DAMN PATHETIC TINY CLOWN BOY
December 22, 2025 at 10:20 PM
HahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhHahahahahahhahahahahahhaha OMG WHAT A DAMN PATHETIC TINY CLOWN BOY