Washington, D.C

Illinois Republicans in Washington DC ahead of President Trump's inauguration

Published

11 months ago

January 19, 2025

Illinois Republicans in Washington DC ahead of President Trump's inauguration

CHICAGO (WLS) — While Illinois is mostly thought of as a blue state these days, close to 2.5 million people in the state voted for Donald Trump. So, it’s no surprise there are a lot of Illinois folks already in Washington D.C. or on their way there ahead of Inauguration Day.

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Pastor Corey Brooks delivered his Sunday sermon at New Beginnings Church in Parkway Gardens one day after returning from Washington D.C. and just a few hours before going back there for Monday’s presidential inauguration.

“Regardless of who the president is, as an American, we all need to be supportive and praying for the success of our president,” Pastor Brooks said.

A vocal Donald Trump supporter, Pastor Brooks has attended and spoken on behalf of the incoming president at his rallies. He said his presence at the inauguration festivities serve a more practical purpose.

RELATED | Trump inauguration live updates: Trump speaks at Make America Great Again Victory Rally

“We’re networking,” Pastor Brooks “We’re trying to meet as many people as we possibly can. There’s a lot that we’re trying to do on the South Side of Chicago. We’re building a $45 million facility across the street. We’re getting ready to start one school in four locations.”

That networking is crucial according to Illinois GOP Co-Chairman Aaron Del Mar, who was already in Washington D.C. this weekend. Del Mar likened the pre-inauguration events to the Super Bowl of politics.

“One of the main things we are doing here is to find ways to bring other resources back to Illinois and be able to heard from the government side,” Del Mar said. “There’s a lot of concern right now in Chicago about mass deportations, so that’s something I’ve got my ear next to.”

Not everyone in Washington D.C. this week is there to celebrate Trump’s inauguration. Thousands converged on the nation’s capital yesterday to participate in the “People’s March,” speaking on on immigration, women’s reproductive rights and a host of other issues.

READ MORE | Protesters descend on Washington ahead of inauguration

While protests continue, both camps are mostly being kept apart Sunday, with thousands lining up in advance of Trump’s rally Sunday afternoon. The rally was thrown together at the last minute to make up for the last minute decision to move the inauguration ceremony indoors due to the cold weather.

“It’s great. The crowd is ebullient,” former Illinois RNC member Richard Porter said. “It’s a little rainy, but it’s not dampening anyone’s spirits. I’ll tell you what. It’s a big day. The day before the big day.”

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Washington, D.C

DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Press Room

DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium

The Commanders are set to build a new stadium in D.C., and the debate over how fans will get to and from games is happening right now. On Wednesday, city leaders will join Metro and the Washington Commanders to talk stadium transit.

Posted December 17, 2025 2:05am EST

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Washington, D.C

D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report

Published

1 day ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report

TNND — A new report from the House Oversight Committee alleges former D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to manipulate crime data. The committee released the report on Sunday, less than a week after Smith announced she was stepping down.

You’re lulling people into this false sense of security. They might go places they wouldn’t ordinarily go. They might do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association.

Included in the report were transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and the former commander currently on suspended leave. One was asked, “Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?” Their response, “Yes, I mean extremethere’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration.”

Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital,” House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement.

“They are going to have to regain the public trust. Again, this is a huge integrity issue,” Brantner Smith said.

Among the reports findings, Smith’s alleged pressured campaign against staff led to inaccurate crime data. Smith punished or removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. Smith fostered a toxic culture and President Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in D.C. is working.

While Smith has not yet publicly responded to the report, she’s previously denied allegations of manipulating crime data, saying the investigation did not play a factor into her decision to step down at the end of the year.

My decision was not factored into anything with respect to, other than the fact that it’s time. I’ve had 28 years in law enforcement. I’ve had some time to think with my family,” Smith said earlier this month.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also released a statement Monday, writing in part that “the interim report betrays its bias from the outset, admitting that it was rushed to release.”

According to crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department, since the federal law enforcement surge started in August, total violent crime is down 26%. Homicides are down 12% and carjackings 37%.

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Washington, D.C

National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims

Published

2 days ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims

The first candle lit on the National Menorah near the White House in Washington, D.C., marked the first night of Hanukkah — and solemnly honored victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.

The National Menorah Lighting was held Sunday night, hours after gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and over three dozen others were being treated at hospitals.

Authorities in Australia said it was a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.

Organizers behind the National Menorah Lighting said the news from Australia, along with the bitter cold, forced them to consider whether or not to hold the annual event.

After consulting with local law enforcement, National Menorah Lighting organizers decided to hold the event and honor the victims.

Several D.C.-area police departments issued statements confirming there are no known threats to local communities, but are monitoring just in case.

Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich condemned the attack and said community safety is a priority.

“Acts of antisemitism, especially those meant to intimidate families and communities during moments of gathering and celebration, must be called out clearly and condemned without hesitation,” Elrich said. “I have heard directly from members of Montgomery County’s Jewish community who are shaken and concerned, and I want them to know that their safety is a priority.”

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