Dan Vock
@danvock.bsky.social
Helping you understand how government works—or doesn’t. Freelancing again. Illinoisan in D.C. Reach me at [email protected]
Subscribe to my newsletter https://danvock.substack.com/
Subscribe to my newsletter https://danvock.substack.com/
Pinned
Cost of Operation Midway Blitz: $59M and counting
A Tribune review of court filings, databases and other public records detailing the scope of the incursion and typical costs shows how much the federal government has spent since September.
www.chicagotribune.com
How much has Operation Midway Blitz cost the federal government so far? The Trump administration isn't saying, so for the @chicagotribune.com I came up with a rough -- but conservative -- estimate of $59 million and counting. Check out more at this gift link www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
Reposted by Dan Vock
Punchbowl News reports that Virginia's legislative Democratic leaders really want to go for a 10-1 map, but that Spanberger and D.C. Dems prefer a 9-2 one.
(The map is currently 6-5; the gerrymander is contingent on a constitutional amendment passing via referendum.) punchbowl.news/article/camp...
(The map is currently 6-5; the gerrymander is contingent on a constitutional amendment passing via referendum.) punchbowl.news/article/camp...
Dems weigh how hard to push in Virginia
Dems are deliberating over how aggressively to rewrite the congressional map in Virginia ahead of the November midterms.
punchbowl.news
January 9, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Punchbowl News reports that Virginia's legislative Democratic leaders really want to go for a 10-1 map, but that Spanberger and D.C. Dems prefer a 9-2 one.
(The map is currently 6-5; the gerrymander is contingent on a constitutional amendment passing via referendum.) punchbowl.news/article/camp...
(The map is currently 6-5; the gerrymander is contingent on a constitutional amendment passing via referendum.) punchbowl.news/article/camp...
Reposted by Dan Vock
Alabama passed a 10 percent porn tax last year, as Utah and Pennsylvania eye similar bills. Half the country has enacted age-verification laws to prevent minors from viewing porn. www.wired.com/story/conser...
Conservative Lawmakers Want Porn Taxes. Critics Say They’re Unconstitutional
Alabama passed a 10 percent porn tax last year, as Utah and Pennsylvania eye similar bills. Half the country has enacted age-verification laws to prevent minors from viewing porn.
www.wired.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Alabama passed a 10 percent porn tax last year, as Utah and Pennsylvania eye similar bills. Half the country has enacted age-verification laws to prevent minors from viewing porn. www.wired.com/story/conser...
Reposted by Dan Vock
New: Trio of Dem senators urge Apple and Google to enforce their own terms of service and ban X, Grok apps for their flood of nonconsensual sexual imagery.
I've repeatedly asked both Apple and Google about this for three days. They're completely silent, seemingly hoping the question just goes away.
I've repeatedly asked both Apple and Google about this for three days. They're completely silent, seemingly hoping the question just goes away.
Senators urged Apple and Google to remove X and Grok from app stores over sexual deepfakes
“Turning a blind eye to X’s egregious behavior would make a mockery of your moderation
practices,” three Democratic senators wrote to Apple’s and Google’s CEOs.
www.nbcnews.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:06 PM
New: Trio of Dem senators urge Apple and Google to enforce their own terms of service and ban X, Grok apps for their flood of nonconsensual sexual imagery.
I've repeatedly asked both Apple and Google about this for three days. They're completely silent, seemingly hoping the question just goes away.
I've repeatedly asked both Apple and Google about this for three days. They're completely silent, seemingly hoping the question just goes away.
Reposted by Dan Vock
A long-awaited update of federal employment data shows crippling staff reductions in some federal agencies and offices:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
220,000 Fewer Workers: How Trump’s Cuts Affected Every Federal Agency (Gift Article)
New data offers the first clear view of the impact of the buyouts and firings.
www.nytimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:33 PM
A long-awaited update of federal employment data shows crippling staff reductions in some federal agencies and offices:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Dan Vock
We've identified 16 incidents in which immigration agents opened fire and 15 incidents in which agents held someone at gunpoint since President Trump's crackdown began last year.
4 people have been killed, including Renee Good. 7 others have been injured www.thetrace.org/2025/12/immi...
4 people have been killed, including Renee Good. 7 others have been injured www.thetrace.org/2025/12/immi...
January 9, 2026 at 6:04 PM
We've identified 16 incidents in which immigration agents opened fire and 15 incidents in which agents held someone at gunpoint since President Trump's crackdown began last year.
4 people have been killed, including Renee Good. 7 others have been injured www.thetrace.org/2025/12/immi...
4 people have been killed, including Renee Good. 7 others have been injured www.thetrace.org/2025/12/immi...
Reposted by Dan Vock
ICE becoming issue in another Senate race. Lt. Gov Stratton campaign hitting Rep. Krishnamoorthi for vote denouncing terrorist attack/expressing "gratitude" for ICE
“Illinois deserves better than [senator] who says one thing on the campaign trail, but votes to praise ICE when it actually counts"
“Illinois deserves better than [senator] who says one thing on the campaign trail, but votes to praise ICE when it actually counts"
www.congress.gov
January 9, 2026 at 8:06 PM
ICE becoming issue in another Senate race. Lt. Gov Stratton campaign hitting Rep. Krishnamoorthi for vote denouncing terrorist attack/expressing "gratitude" for ICE
“Illinois deserves better than [senator] who says one thing on the campaign trail, but votes to praise ICE when it actually counts"
“Illinois deserves better than [senator] who says one thing on the campaign trail, but votes to praise ICE when it actually counts"
Reposted by Dan Vock
So an officer has his phone out recording obviously distracted, shoots a woman and calls her a “f’ing Bitch” and they think that HELPS the case?!?
January 9, 2026 at 8:20 PM
So an officer has his phone out recording obviously distracted, shoots a woman and calls her a “f’ing Bitch” and they think that HELPS the case?!?
Reposted by Dan Vock
One of the reasons we have such an established, thorough record of the lies ICE, Bovino, and DHS told about alleged aggression from protesters and observers in Chicago is that a group of protesters and media orgs sued ICE. Continuously grateful for the people and lawyers who waged that fight.
January 9, 2026 at 3:51 PM
One of the reasons we have such an established, thorough record of the lies ICE, Bovino, and DHS told about alleged aggression from protesters and observers in Chicago is that a group of protesters and media orgs sued ICE. Continuously grateful for the people and lawyers who waged that fight.
Reposted by Dan Vock
It follows that Trump leaked the most market-moving economic numbers that exist.
I have no idea how illegal this is, or if the law even matters any more.
But I do know this: It's unprecedented. No White House has ever before leaked such important market-moving numbers. No serious country does this
I have no idea how illegal this is, or if the law even matters any more.
But I do know this: It's unprecedented. No White House has ever before leaked such important market-moving numbers. No serious country does this
January 9, 2026 at 3:40 PM
It follows that Trump leaked the most market-moving economic numbers that exist.
I have no idea how illegal this is, or if the law even matters any more.
But I do know this: It's unprecedented. No White House has ever before leaked such important market-moving numbers. No serious country does this
I have no idea how illegal this is, or if the law even matters any more.
But I do know this: It's unprecedented. No White House has ever before leaked such important market-moving numbers. No serious country does this
Reposted by Dan Vock
Holy cow: TRUMP LEAKED THIS MORNING'S PAYROLL NUMBERS.
At 8:20pm last night he posted a photo of a briefing he received from his CEA. It reveals market-moving numbers that were officially released at 8:30am this morning.
(Note: CEA receives the data—confidentially—on Thursday evening.)
At 8:20pm last night he posted a photo of a briefing he received from his CEA. It reveals market-moving numbers that were officially released at 8:30am this morning.
(Note: CEA receives the data—confidentially—on Thursday evening.)
January 9, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Holy cow: TRUMP LEAKED THIS MORNING'S PAYROLL NUMBERS.
At 8:20pm last night he posted a photo of a briefing he received from his CEA. It reveals market-moving numbers that were officially released at 8:30am this morning.
(Note: CEA receives the data—confidentially—on Thursday evening.)
At 8:20pm last night he posted a photo of a briefing he received from his CEA. It reveals market-moving numbers that were officially released at 8:30am this morning.
(Note: CEA receives the data—confidentially—on Thursday evening.)
Reposted by Dan Vock
In case you've seen the story about “grok now only generates images for paid users”, it's untrue. Apparently everyone just reported it because… it was what grok told them 🤦🏼
www.theverge.com/news/859309/...
www.theverge.com/news/859309/...
No, Grok hasn’t paywalled its deepfake image feature
X’s sexual deepfake machine is still running, despite Grok saying otherwise.
www.theverge.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:56 PM
In case you've seen the story about “grok now only generates images for paid users”, it's untrue. Apparently everyone just reported it because… it was what grok told them 🤦🏼
www.theverge.com/news/859309/...
www.theverge.com/news/859309/...
Reposted by Dan Vock
I tried to turn my rage yesterday into something that brings us some light. For @newrepublic.com, I wrote about how 2020 prepared Minneapolis for the current crisis of Trump's DHS. newrepublic.com/article/2050...
Minneapolis Knows How to Resist This Violence
From George Floyd to Renee Good, the city has become all too familiar with fatal violence by law enforcement—and it knows exactly how to respond.
newrepublic.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:18 PM
I tried to turn my rage yesterday into something that brings us some light. For @newrepublic.com, I wrote about how 2020 prepared Minneapolis for the current crisis of Trump's DHS. newrepublic.com/article/2050...
Reposted by Dan Vock
GERMAN PRESIDENT STEINMEIER:
“.. the United States has broken with the values that it helped to establish ..
“.. we have now moved beyond the stage where we can lament the lack of respect for international law or the erosion of the international order; we are far beyond that, I believe.”
“.. the United States has broken with the values that it helped to establish ..
“.. we have now moved beyond the stage where we can lament the lack of respect for international law or the erosion of the international order; we are far beyond that, I believe.”
January 9, 2026 at 9:15 AM
GERMAN PRESIDENT STEINMEIER:
“.. the United States has broken with the values that it helped to establish ..
“.. we have now moved beyond the stage where we can lament the lack of respect for international law or the erosion of the international order; we are far beyond that, I believe.”
“.. the United States has broken with the values that it helped to establish ..
“.. we have now moved beyond the stage where we can lament the lack of respect for international law or the erosion of the international order; we are far beyond that, I believe.”
The Illinois congressional delegation is turning against Noem and ICE in a major way. They've long been critical, now many of the members are calling for Noem's impeachment and removal.
I don’t know if she’s said the magic words yet, but Ramirez seems to be on board or veeeery close to it
To keep track of it all, we thought we’d thread all the House reps that have committed to impeaching Kristi Noem. The first was @robinkelly.house.gov
January 9, 2026 at 6:28 PM
The Illinois congressional delegation is turning against Noem and ICE in a major way. They've long been critical, now many of the members are calling for Noem's impeachment and removal.
Reposted by Dan Vock
"Health care and social assistance accounted for virtually all private-sector job growth in 2025" www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
January 9, 2026 at 5:01 PM
"Health care and social assistance accounted for virtually all private-sector job growth in 2025" www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Reposted by Dan Vock
From TPM this morning:
"While it may seem from the outside that state investigators could proceed on their own, legal experts say being shut out of the federal investigation creates nearly insurmountable obstacles to winning a conviction on state charges:
talkingpointsmemo.com/morning-memo...
"While it may seem from the outside that state investigators could proceed on their own, legal experts say being shut out of the federal investigation creates nearly insurmountable obstacles to winning a conviction on state charges:
talkingpointsmemo.com/morning-memo...
The Cover-up of the Fatal ICE Shooting Is Already Underway
Programming note: Join me for the first Morning Memo Live event on...
talkingpointsmemo.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:57 PM
From TPM this morning:
"While it may seem from the outside that state investigators could proceed on their own, legal experts say being shut out of the federal investigation creates nearly insurmountable obstacles to winning a conviction on state charges:
talkingpointsmemo.com/morning-memo...
"While it may seem from the outside that state investigators could proceed on their own, legal experts say being shut out of the federal investigation creates nearly insurmountable obstacles to winning a conviction on state charges:
talkingpointsmemo.com/morning-memo...
Illinois congressional candidate (and current state senator) introduces legislation to bar barring anyone hired by ICE under Donald Trump from obtaining employment in state or local law enforcement positions in the State of Illinois.
evanstonroundtable.com/2026/01/08/s...
evanstonroundtable.com/2026/01/08/s...
Sen. Fine to file legislation barring ICE officers hired by Trump from state and local law enforcement jobs in Illinois - Evanston RoundTable
In the wake of the unspeakable tragedy in Minneapolis, Minn., State Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will file legislation barring anyone hired by Immigration
evanstonroundtable.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Illinois congressional candidate (and current state senator) introduces legislation to bar barring anyone hired by ICE under Donald Trump from obtaining employment in state or local law enforcement positions in the State of Illinois.
evanstonroundtable.com/2026/01/08/s...
evanstonroundtable.com/2026/01/08/s...
Reposted by Dan Vock
Some very kind words from @joshtpm.bsky.social about The Downballot and other independent media outlets. paw.princeton.edu/article/25-y...
January 9, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Some very kind words from @joshtpm.bsky.social about The Downballot and other independent media outlets. paw.princeton.edu/article/25-y...
This is one of the most underrated political corruption scandals of our time. And yet…
The only two individuals who have stood trial for their role in the largest political bribery scandal in Ohio’s history have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review their cases and reverse their convictions. ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/09/o...
Ohio utility corruption defendants to SCOTUS: Bribes are free speech • Ohio Capital Journal
The only two individuals who have stood trial for their role in the largest political bribery scandal in Ohio’s history have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review their cases and reverse their…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:45 PM
This is one of the most underrated political corruption scandals of our time. And yet…
Reposted by Dan Vock
The only two individuals who have stood trial for their role in the largest political bribery scandal in Ohio’s history have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review their cases and reverse their convictions. ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/09/o...
Ohio utility corruption defendants to SCOTUS: Bribes are free speech • Ohio Capital Journal
The only two individuals who have stood trial for their role in the largest political bribery scandal in Ohio’s history have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review their cases and reverse their…
ohiocapitaljournal.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:31 PM
The only two individuals who have stood trial for their role in the largest political bribery scandal in Ohio’s history have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review their cases and reverse their convictions. ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/09/o...
Reposted by Dan Vock
X Didn't Fix Grok's ‘Undressing’ Problem. It Just Makes People Pay for It www.wired.com/story/x-didn...
X Didn’t Fix Grok's ‘Undressing’ Problem. It Just Makes People Pay for It
X is allowing only “verified” users to create images with Grok. Experts say it represents the “monetization of abuse”—and anyone can still generate images on Grok’s app and website.
www.wired.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:31 PM
X Didn't Fix Grok's ‘Undressing’ Problem. It Just Makes People Pay for It www.wired.com/story/x-didn...
I barely care anymore but as someone who would love a job at a prestigious magazine, this is pretty disheartening.
Ryan Lizza: "I told [NYT WH Correspondent] Shawn McCreesh everything. Shawn McCreesh is the boyfriend of the editor of Vanity Fair, and instead of warning him, hey, this person's ex-fiance says she was doing catch and kill operations for Kennedy, Shawn recommended her for the job."
Ryan Lizza on Olivia Nuzzi, RFK Jr, and the Substack-ification of a scandal
pocketcasts.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:44 PM
I barely care anymore but as someone who would love a job at a prestigious magazine, this is pretty disheartening.
Reposted by Dan Vock
So, to help illustrate why this thread is so horrifying, Stanford did a study on Lexis+ AI, Westlaw AI-Assisted Research, and Thomson-Reuters Ask Practical Law AI, and found between 17% and 33% hallucinations even though these are supposed to be the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) tools.
January 8, 2026 at 8:29 PM
So, to help illustrate why this thread is so horrifying, Stanford did a study on Lexis+ AI, Westlaw AI-Assisted Research, and Thomson-Reuters Ask Practical Law AI, and found between 17% and 33% hallucinations even though these are supposed to be the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) tools.
Reposted by Dan Vock
Hundreds of people protesting the shooting of Renee Good marched in freezing rain Thursday night down one of Minneapolis' major thoroughfares, chanting, "ICE out now." https://to.pbs.org/49yxjD7
Shootings in Minneapolis and Portland spur protests over federal enforcement operations after
As anger and outrage spilled out onto Minneapolis' streets over the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, a new shooting by federal officers in Oregon sparked ad...
to.pbs.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Hundreds of people protesting the shooting of Renee Good marched in freezing rain Thursday night down one of Minneapolis' major thoroughfares, chanting, "ICE out now." https://to.pbs.org/49yxjD7