Sentinel Article Archive for September 30
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Viewpoint | Is taxpayer-funded public information becoming political promotion?
Van Abbott questions whether a $20 million DHS media campaign featuring President Donald Trump crosses the line from taxpayer-funded public information into political promotion.
by Van AbbottGuest Contributor
While terrorists plot, hurricanes strike and traffickers exploit the border, the Department of Homeland Security is spending $20 million on television advertising that puts Donald Trump at the center of the story. Government has a legitimate duty to inform the public. It can explain how families obtain disaster aid, warn communities about threats, guide travelers, help victims report trafficking and recruit qualified public servants. Public information serves citizens. Political promotion serves politicians.
The White House calls them public-service announcements.
On September 19, money was moved into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection account designated for “commemorative events.” The next day, according to ABC News, CBP awarded a $20 million contract to LMD Agency, a Maryland advertising firm, for a “National Media Campaign” (public records do not fully describe the campaign). Days later, Trump-centered television advertisements began airing. The money moved fast. The contract came faster. The ads arrived loud. The advertisements look remarkably like campaign spots. They feature Trump prominently, employ dramatic imagery, celebrate his vision of America and echo themes from his political messaging. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the White House calls them public-service announcements. Critics, including lawmakers and ethics experts, see something very different. There is a simple test. Would DHS have produced and purchased these same advertisements if someone else occupied the Oval Office? If not, taxpayers deserve to ask why their money is being used to promote the person who occupies it. Government can tell Americans what their government is doing; it should not tell Americans how to feel about the person doing it. Taxpayers are not Trump's campaign fund. And this is not an isolated incident. The $20 million campaign follows the much larger $220 million DHS advertising operation featuring then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. That campaign included cinematic footage of Noem on horseback before Mount Rushmore and generated scrutiny over no-bid contracting, politically connected firms and the use of public money to build a cabinet secretary's public image. Noem defended the advertising as border-security messaging. But border security does not require a cabinet secretary to become the star of a cinematic production. The face has changed. The governing habit has not. The pattern reaches further back. During Trump's first term, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma used outside communications consultants whose work included raising her public profile and arranging media opportunities. The HHS inspector general later found that CMS had failed to administer the contracts in accordance with federal requirements. Democratic congressional investigators separately documented nearly $6 million in spending involving consultants who helped promote Verma's profile and personal brand.
The public should know who conceived the messages, who selected the vendors, what alternatives were considered, who approved the spending and whether the White House directed the content.
And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's taxpayer-funded “Madison Dinners,” as reported by the WSJ, generated congressional scrutiny over whether government resources were being used to cultivate political relationships and a future political network. The faces change. The agencies change. The public pays. Republican Sen. John Kennedy recently called the $220 million Noem advertising campaign “masterclass dumb” and made a broader point that applies here: no public official, including the president, should use public money for private advertising promoting himself. That principle should not depend on party. DHS should disclose every contract, invoice, media-buy schedule, production budget, audience analysis, vendor communication, approval memorandum and legal opinion associated with the Trump and Noem campaigns. The public should know who conceived the messages, who selected the vendors, what alternatives were considered, who approved the spending and whether the White House directed the content. The question is not whether LMD Agency knows how to buy advertising. It is whether DHS had any business buying this advertising at all. An inspector-general review should begin, but Congress cannot simply hand the matter to the agency's internal watchdog. DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari told Congress in March that the department had “systematically obstructed” his office's work, including by restricting access to information needed for investigations. Congress should hold public hearings, compel testimony from DHS officials, contracting officers, vendors and relevant White House personnel, and direct the Government Accountability Office to examine the transfers, contracts and compliance with appropriations law. Congress should follow the money, expose the paper trail and demand an answer to a basic question: Why is an agency created to protect Americans spending millions of their dollars promoting one American? Homeland security means stopping terrorists, guarding the border, responding to disasters and protecting the nation. It does not mean putting the president in the spotlight and calling the spotlight public service.
About the author ~
Van Abbott is a long time resident of Alaska and California. He has held financial management positions in government and private organizations in California, Kansas, and Alaska. He is retired and writes Op-Eds as a hobby. He served in the Peace Corps in the late sixties. You can find more of his commentaries and comments on life in America on Substack.
Van Abbott is a long time resident of Alaska and California. He has held financial management positions in government and private organizations in California, Kansas, and Alaska. He is retired and writes Op-Eds as a hobby. He served in the Peace Corps in the late sixties. You can find more of his commentaries and comments on life in America on Substack.
What do you think?
Whether you agree, disagree, or want to build on the ideas in this piece, we’d love to hear your voice. If you have an opinion you’d like to share — on this topic or any other — you can find our submission guidelines here: Sentinel submission guideline. We welcome a wide range of viewpoints and would be glad to consider your perspective for publication on OurSentinel.com. Send your letter or commentary to editor@oursentinel.com and help keep the community conversation moving forward.
Whether you agree, disagree, or want to build on the ideas in this piece, we’d love to hear your voice. If you have an opinion you’d like to share — on this topic or any other — you can find our submission guidelines here: Sentinel submission guideline. We welcome a wide range of viewpoints and would be glad to consider your perspective for publication on OurSentinel.com. Send your letter or commentary to editor@oursentinel.com and help keep the community conversation moving forward.
Critical thinking and the responsibility of voting in 2026
Drawing on Reinhold Niebuhr’s observations about justice and democracy, John Mishler asks readers to consider whether they are critical thinkers or blind followers when making decisions at the ballot box.
by John M. MishlerGuest Contributor
American Reformed Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once opined “…….Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.” Is there a direct connection between acknowledging Niebuhr’s prescient words and being/becoming a responsible individual when voting? Yes.
- Are you a critical thinker or a blind follower? Yes or No.
- Do you wholeheartedly support “We the People,” “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” and our Constitution? Yes or No.
- Do you believe in justice/equality for all? Yes or No.
- Is wealth inequality eroding Basic Human Rights? Yes or No.
- Should we have suitable restrictions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centers? Yes or No.
- Do you believe in verifiable or alternative facts/conspiracy theories? Yes or No.
- Would you knowingly support corrupt officials? Yes or No.
- Do you believe climate change/global warming is a hoax? Yes or No.
- Do you support Freedom of the Press? Yes or No.
- Should we initiate equitable/fair tax legislation for all citizens, both rich and poor? Yes or No.
- Should we have a king/dictator or a legally-elected president in the White House? Yes or No.
Photo: Marek Studzinski/Unsplash
Critical thinking, verifiable information and a willingness to question assumptions are central in responsible voting. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, your first obligation is to support our overall “capacity for justice,” and vote for those who will dedicate themselves to fighting against injustice.
Being a critical thinker will allow you to read, study, and discern the eroding influence of wealth inequality on Basic Human Rights. Employing these same proficiencies, you can differentiate between verifiable versus alternative facts and debunk conspiracy theories. Therefore, you will not be a blind follower. As a critical thinker, the pros and cons of AI and data centers can be discussed in light of what benefits society as a whole, rather than be a vehicle to enrich selfish entrepreneurs. The ability to think critically will also allow one to ascertain and detect the “appearance of corruption", which can and does provide an unfair advantage when utilized to influence elected officials. Ergo, only a law-abiding president deserves to be in the White House, and not a king. If you are a blind follower, you may not be able to identify corruption, especially if it is not discussed openly and objectively within systems you employ to receive your “news." Most importantly, as a critically thinking responsible voter, your first obligation is to support our overall “capacity for justice,” by identifying candidates who share this sacred conviction and will dedicate themselves to fighting against an “inclination to injustice.” If you are a blind follower, are you differentiating between justice and injustice? Lastly, at times, It is rather difficult to be a critically thinking responsible voter, but supporting the "capacity for justice” to save our democracy will be well worth your effort.
About the author ~
John M. Mishler was a former Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Professor of Basic Life Sciences, Medicine, and Pharmacology at the University of Missouri. He currently resides in Harpswell, Maine.
New pouches make it harder to detect kids using nicotine products
Youth vaping among young people is at its lowest level in nearly a decade, but experts say other nicotine products are creating new challenges for parents and educators.
Photo: Zhine Pics/PEXELS
by Judith Ruiz-BranchPublic News Service
CHICAGO - Young people in Illinois are navigating more than just vaping when it comes to nicotine and experts said the changing landscape can make use harder to detect. Youth vaping is at its lowest level in nearly a decade but more than 1.4 million middle and high school students nationwide still vape. Kristen Tertzakian, vice president of development and partnerships for the nonprofit public health organization Truth Initiative, said illegal flavored disposable vapes remain popular, while discreet, high-nicotine pouches are gaining ground. "Students could be vaping in the classroom, take a puff, the teacher doesn't see it," Terzakian explained. "They may be using products in the bathroom, and certainly with oral nicotine pouches, they may be using them, and a parent and educator would have no idea." Terzakian pointed out using multiple products can increase nicotine exposure and addiction risk and affect developing brains, including effects on attention span, learning, mood and impulse control. She encouraged parents to have open and ongoing conversations about nicotine and its risks. Illinois has recently expanded its tobacco tax to cover nicotine pouches and settled a case involving Posh, a best-selling disposable vape brand. Cook County also launched a youth vaping campaign this summer to bring vaping-prevention education into schools and communities. Terzakian stressed while schools should have and follow tobacco and nicotine policies, she urged educators to recognize how addictive nicotine is and how much the products are marketed to young people. "We don't necessarily want to punish students, we want to help them quit and give them the resources to quit in a very judgment-free way," Terzakian emphasized. Truth Initiative offers free digital resources including Vaping: Know the Truth for students and educators and its confidential EX Program for quitting, developed with Mayo Clinic for people age 13 and older. It supports quitting through personalized plans, text messages and an online support community. Students can enroll by texting NIC-BREAK to 88709.
Area volleyball notes & scores for Sept 28
Charlee Popejoy led the Hawks defense with 21 digs against Heyworth. Bella Romine leads Knights past the Sages in marathon match. Volleyball highlights from September 28.
Area volleyball scores
• Mt. Zion 2, St. Joseph-Ogden 1 21-25, 25-22, 25-15 The Braves improved to 17-7 behind 10 kills and four blocks from senior Kendall Smith. Junior Mya Cully distributed 16 passes and tallied five digs in the non-conference win at home on Monday.
• Rantoul 2, Hoopeston Area 0
25-17, 25-19
Other scores from around the state
• Arthur-Lovington 2, Monticello 1 25-13, 22-25, 25-12 The Knights improved to 15-1 thanks to the power-hitting duo Bella Romine and McKenna Blaudow. Romine finished the three-set contest with 11 kills and Blaudow had 13. Morgan Casteel and Annabelle Vanausdoll had 17 assists each in the non-conference victory.
• Prairie Central 2, Heyworth 1
25-18, 22-25, 25-22 Charlee Popejoy led the Hawks defense with 21 digs in their non-conference win over the Hornets. Kinley Elliott collected 11 service points and pummeled five spikes. Miranda Hari led the offense with 10 kills.
• St.Bede 2, Yorkville Christian 1
25-18, 20-25, 25-16 • Liberty 2, Illini West 1
25-20, 16-25, 25-19 • Rich Township 2, Joliet Central 0
25-22, 25-14 • Hartsburg-Emden 2, Illini Central 0
25-9, 25-10 • Warrensburg-Latham 2, Greenview 1
26-24, 22-25, 25-7 • El Paso-Gridley 2, Roanoke-Benson 0
25-23, 25-16 • Decatur Unity 2, Pleasant Plains 1
21-25, 25-20,25-23 • Clifton Central 2, Herscher 1
28-18, 20-25, 25-18 • Calhoun 2, Pleasant Hill 0
25-14, 25-13
Hey, volleyball coaches ~
Keep your fans and community informed. Send The Sentinel your match scores and player stats to sports@oursentinel.com to be included in our volleyball scoreboard and recaps.
Area volleyball notes & scores for September 24
Champaign Central and SJO pick up wins on Thursday. Rantoul saw 18 digs from Aubrey Cann in their conference match against the Monticello Sages. Volleyball highlights from September 24.
Area volleyball scores
• St. Joseph-Ogden 2, Unity 0 25-22, 25-19 Vivian Smith and Hadley McDonald led the Spartan attack with six kills each to secure the team's first conference win.
• Champaign Central 2, Urbana 0
25-17, 25-19 The Tigers fought hard for two sets, but could not sustain enough momentum win either set against the Maroons. Janasia Dillon led the team's serving effort with four aces. Sophia Sheyko-Frailey led Urbana's offensive effort with four kills. Teilah Mbala and Mya Sessi added another three each in the conference loss to Central.
• Oakwood 2, Chrisman 0
25-21, 25-6 Leah Nicoson tallied nine kills for Oakwood in the two-set conference against the Cardinals. Ashtyn Dailey had 16 assists, eight digs and four aces. Amelia Brown led Comet defense with ten digs. Chrisman mustered just six kills with Emma Williamson and Gracie Smith delivering two each.
• Monticello 2, Rantoul 0
25-19, 25-18 The Sages held off the Eagles in both sets behind the attacks from Thea Keys and Hayden Curtis, who had eight kills each. Emma Lawhead had 11 digs and Macie Owen saved ten more in the Illini Prairie match. Rantoul was buoyed by 18 digs from Aubrey Cann, how also 14 of 42 serves to the Eagles.
• Villa Grove 2, Arcola 0
25-18, 25-22 Averi Kutz had four kills and four blocks in the conference loss the Blue Devils. Reese Miller led Arcola's defensive effort with seven digs. Mady Lyons finished with six digs.
• Fisher 2, Cerro Gordo 1
25-14, 21-25, 27-25 Fisher's Bella Kelsey buried 11 kills and served three aces in their Lincoln Prairie Conference match against the Broncos. Kierstyn Murphy and Avery Carelton delivered 30 of the teams 49 digs, 16 and 14 respectively. Bunnies' Brooklyn Kellems distributed 25 assists.
• Heritage 2, Blue Ridge 0
25-16, 25-21 Senior Brooklyn Powell notched seven kills and two blocks in the Hawks win over Blue Ridge. Piper Fields finished the game with 10 assists.
• Mahomet-Seymour 2, Charleston 0
25-16, 25-13 • Bloomington 2, Centennial 0
25-21, 25-18
Other scores from around the state
• Highland Park 2, Maine West 0 25-8, 25-18 • Tremont 2, Hartsburg-Emden 0
25-10, 26-24 • Rock Island 2, East Moline United 1
19-25, 25-23, 25-22 • Homewood-Flossmoor 2, Bradley-Bourbonnais 1
13-25, 25-23, 25-15 • Huntley 2, Crystal Lake Central 1
21-25, 25-17, 25-23 • Columbia 2, Centrailia 0
25-20, 25-20 • Coal City 2, Wilmington 1
26-24, 25-19, 25-15 • Civic Memorial 2, Jerseyville 0
25-14, 25-17 • McNamara 2, Chicago Christian 1
25-22, 21-25, 25-23 • Prairie Ridge 2, Cary-Grove 0
25-19, 25-21 • Carbondale 2, Cahokia 0
25-18, 25-17 • Iroquois West 2, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 0
25-23, 25-17 • Arthur-Lovington 2, Okaw Valley 0
25-7, 25-7 • Argenta-Oreana 2, Kansas 1
23-25, 25-15, 25-14 • Geneseo 2, Moline 0
Hey, volleyball coaches ~
Keep your fans and community informed. Send The Sentinel your match scores and player stats to sports@oursentinel.com to be included in our volleyball scoreboard and recaps.
Photo Gallery | SJO football picks up 34-20 road win at Monticello
St. Joseph-Ogden picks up a road win, shutting out host Unity 7-0. Lucas "Buddy" Stevens led the Spartan scoring effort with four goals and two assists.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
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