May 17 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Churches to reopen for Sunday service in defiance of Illinois’ stay-at-home order – Jesse Kirsch
https://abc7chicago.com/religion/churches-reopen-for-services-in-defiance-of-illinois-stay-at-home-order-/6190541/
— Obama criticizes US coronavirus response in online commencement speech for HBCU graduates He also addressed the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/obama-criticizes-covid-19-response-in-online-graduation-speech/6189204/
— Chicago Ford assembly plant employees return to work with new COVID-19 safety measures in place; ‘I think they’re rushing it’ – John Garcia
https://abc7chicago.com/business/i-think-theyre-rushing-it-chicago-ford-assembly-plant-employees-return-to-work/6189771/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/17/2020

NBC5
— Experts Warn of 2020 ‘Meltdown’ as Election Funding Faces Rocky Path Through Congress “There is a real significant risk to the integrity of the election if we don’t invest now in our election infrastructure.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/experts-warn-of-2020-meltdown-as-election-funding-faces-rocky-path-through-congress/2273343/

CBS2
— Chicago Heights Ford Plant Reopens Monday As Workers Wear COVID-19 ‘Distance’ Watches – Chris Tye
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/chicago-heights-ford-plant-reopens-monday-as-workers-wear-covid-19-distance-watches/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— ‘Reopen Illinois’ rallies held as Anti-Defamation League condemns Nazi imagery on signs – Michele Fiore
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/reopen-illinois-rallies-held-as-anti-defamation-league-condemns-nazi-imagery-on-signs

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Federal appeals court says Pritzker’s executive order limiting gatherings will almost certainly withstand legal challenge
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200516-ildqrn4e4bhorexpljpc7dur7u-story.html
— Putting ‘me’ first in age of coronavirus not only selfish but dangerous to all of us – DAVID MCGRATH (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters demonize you, denigrate you, and condemn you if you do not promote Pritzker.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/opinion/ct-nvs-mcgrath-column-st-0515-20200515-ilntoackcvcm3jhapo7yqaftqy-story.html
— Find the right person for a job means hunting for ‘unique’ candidates, Naperville recruiter says – STEVE METSCH (DIERSEN: GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-down-to-business-st-0517-20200515-4pm6sog3arh53fvs47tipx4qwi-story.html
— DuPage PADS unlikely to return to old homeless system in wake of pandemic, outgoing agency CEO says – HILARY DECENT (DIERSEN: What do you say to Democrats and RINOs who have for many decades steered homeless people to DuPage County, and especially to Milton Township and to Wheaton?)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/opinion/ct-nvs-decent-column-st-0517-20200515-gesmcta5wneoblllyzhlgazwgq-story.html
— We need reasonable, sensible plans from the governor in response to the pandemic – ELIZABETH BAUER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-commentary-elizabeth-bauer-pritzker-stay-home-order-20200515-5rtaay64njcl3jbhgwvtnmdt6a-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Coronavirus live blog, May 16, 2020: Obama criticizes U.S. leaders’ virus response in online graduation speech – Harry Hitzeman (DIERSEN: Those who are sued retaliate against those who sue them. I should write a book about those who I have sued and their retaliation against me.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/essential-coronavirus-news/2020/5/16/21260717/latest-coronavirus-news-live-updates-chicago-illinois-2020

DAILY HERALD
— Minorities, elderly represent higher rates of COVID-19 infections, deaths – Madhu Krishnamurthy (DIERSEN: Of course, Democrats blame Trump for that.)
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200517/minorities-elderly-represent-higher-rates-of-covid-19-infections-deaths
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In DuPage County, home to communities hardest-hit by the pandemic, Latinos comprise 27.5% of confirmed cases and 14.5% of the county’s population. African Americans make up 5.4% of confirmed cases and 5.3% of the population. Asians represent 6.4% of cases and 12.6% of the population, and whites account for 27.3% of confirmed cases and 79.7% of the population. Mortality rates per 100,000 population are: African Americans, 47.2%, whites, 29.4%, Latinos, 19.8%, and Asians, 16.3%.)
— Elgin church won’t reopen Sunday, threatens suit over COVID-19 shutdown
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200516/elgin-church-wont-reopen-sunday-threatens-suit-over-covid-19-shutdown

WTTW
— Pritzker Creates New Tier of Punishment for Businesses Ignoring COVID-19 Order – Amanda Vinicky (DIERSEN: In Illinois, because of Pritzker and the Democrats, how many businesses are going out of business a) every day and b) every hour?)
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/16/pritzker-creates-new-tier-punishment-businesses-ignoring-covid-19-order
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Bars, restaurants and other businesses that open to customers in defiance of Illinois’ stay-at-home order now risk being charged with a misdemeanor. The new penalty level has been in effect since Friday afternoon when Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration quietly filed the emergency rule. While Pritzker’s executive order requires restaurants, salons and gyms to remain closed to on-site patrons due to COVID-19, the rule change codifies it under Illinois Department of Public Health regulations – violators of which can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. As of Saturday afternoon there’s no indication it has yet been enforced. A Class A misdemeanor in Illinois is punishable by a fine between $75 and $2500.)

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— It’s not the first time the House has taken a hike It is rare, but not unprecedented, for the General Assembly to meet somewhere other than the Capitol. – Doug Finke
https://www.pjstar.com/opinion/20200516/its-not-first-time-house-has-taken-hike

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
— No masks. No gloves. No problem. As coronavirus cases soar, carefree day-trippers from Illinois pour in – Elliot Hughes, Talis Shelbourne and Natalie Brophy
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2020/05/16/covid-19-cases-spike-but-wisconsin-crowds-kind-done-all/5207558002/

HOMEWOOD FLOSSMOOR CHRONICLE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Cannabis-infusion business gets green light in Homewood – David P. Funk
https://hfchronicle.com/article/2020/may/15/cannabis-infusion-business-gets-green-light-homewood

FOX ILLINOIS
— Fourth stay at home order protest draws hundreds to Springfield – Jakob Emerson
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/fourth-protest-of-stay-at-home-order-held-at-state-capitol

WGEM
— Protesters rally outside Illinois Capitol, compare Gov. Pritzker to Hitler
https://wgem.com/2020/05/16/protesters-rally-outside-illinois-capitol-compare-gov-pritzker-to-hitler/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Anti-Defamation League Regional Director calls Pritzker comparisons to Hitler antisemitic, vile – Matt Sheehan
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/anti-defamation-league-regional-director-calls-pritzker-comparisons-to-hitler-antisemitic-vile/
— Lawmakers debate on Heroes Act; Republicans and some Democrats go against bill – Basil John
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/washington/washington-dc/lawmakers-debate-on-heroes-act-republicans-and-some-democrats-go-against-bill/

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Fourth stay at home order protest draws hundreds to Springfield – Jakob Emerson
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/fourth-protest-of-stay-at-home-order-held-at-state-capitol
— Champaign County sees negative impact on tourism and economy – Taylor Deckert
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/champaign-county-sees-negative-impact-on-tourism-and-economy

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Illinois Governor Pritzker’s emergency rule change locks down the state for 150 days, makes criminals out of those who violated new rules – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/illinois-governor-pritzkers-emergency-rule-change-locks-down-the-state-for-150-days-makes-criminals-out-of-those-who-violated-new-rules/

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Chinese State Media Warn Country Will Interfere in U.S. Election – Adam Kredo (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who hint/imply/argue/shout that GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails interfere with elections in Illinois, in DuPage County, in Milton Township, in Wheaton, and in Wheaton’s West District. According to them, all government and political news and commentary is false except for the government and political news and commentary that they put out or bless.)
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/chinese-state-media-warn-country-will-interfere-in-u-s-election/

FOX NEWS
— Lawmakers can protect the elderly and reopen the economy – Bobby Jindal
https://finance.yahoo.com/video/lawmakers-protect-elderly-reopen-economy-232246055.html

BREITBART
— Pelosi Coronavirus Plan Bails Out the Rich with Tax Breaks, Cheap Labor – John Binder
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/16/pelosi-coronavirus-plan-bails-out-the-rich-with-tax-breaks-cheap-labor/
— Congress Needs to Wake Up About State and Local Government Layoffs – JOEL B. POLLAK
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2020/05/15/pollak-congress-needs-to-wake-up-about-state-and-local-government-layoffs/

THE HILL
— Trump and Biden signal bitter general election with latest attack ads – TAL AXELROD (DIERSEN: Expect that ever-increasingly, Biden will call Republicans White supremacists, Nazis, KKK member, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things who should be gotten rid of once and for all. Expect that ever-increasingly, Biden will promise to use the federal government to get rid of the following once and for all: individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/497885-trump-biden-signal-bitter-general-election-latest-attack-ads

NBC NEWS
— NYC tourist who posted pics at the beach in Hawaii arrested for violating quarantine rule – Minyvonne Burke
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/2020-05-16-coronavirus-news-n1208496/ncrd1208636#blogHeader

NEW YORK TIMES
— Dealing With the Dark Side of Low Interest Rates When you borrow, low interest rates are fabulous. But if you need to live on your savings, you will be receiving far less income. – Jeff Sommer (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, interest rates are less than inflation.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/strategies-investing-interest-rates.html
— I’m Sick of Asking Children to Be Resilient It’s time for reparations and resources and to not expect kids to “rise above.” – Mona Hanna-Attisha (DIERSEN: In what municipality were you raised? I was raised in Crete 1948-1972. I should write a book about Crete-haters who demonize, denigrate, and condemn a) Crete and b) those like me who were raised in Crete who are White, male, German American, Missouri Synod Lutheran, and/or non-veteran. I would focus on Crete-haters in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois. I would focus on Crete-haters who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I would focus on Crete-haters who continue to demonize, denigrate, and condemn me as being a newcomer even though I have lived in Wheaton since 1978.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/opinion/sunday/flint-inequality-race-coronavirus.html
— FRONT PAGE: How Washington Learned to Embrace the Budget Deficit Many economists who once warned of mounting debt are now urging lawmakers to spend more to combat economic pain from coronavirus. – Jim Tankersley (DIERSEN: Until last year, my wife and I had never spent more than our income. According to my critics/opponents, we were able to do that only because a) we gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents, b) the federal government grossly overpaid me, c) my federal retirement benefits are much too generous, d) my wife had good jobs, e) I avoided the draft, and f) I have had good health.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/16/business/deficits-virus-economists-trump.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Crisis exposes how America has hollowed out its government. – Dan Balz (DIERSEN: I should write a book about a) how Republicans used budget cuts to hollow out GAO and b) how the Democrats who ran GAO used those budget cuts to get rid of their employees who were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran and who they had not promoted to GS-13 (currently $101,176) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $119,559) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $140,634) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $170,800) by age 40.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/politics/government-hollowed-out-weaknesses/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Chronic weaknesses are well known Gene Dodaro, the comptroller general, leads the Government Accountability Office, the agency that is tasked with being a watchdog for government performance. He sees structural weaknesses that constantly impede performance. “The hardest part of my job is getting people to focus on things before they become a crisis,” he said. The GAO regularly produces a list of areas of high risk in government performance. The most recent, issued in 2019, began with this assessment: “The ratings for more than half of the 35 areas on the 2019 High Risk List remain largely unchanged. Since GAO’s last update in 2017, seven areas improved, three regressed, and two showed mixed progress.”)

FORBES
— Republicans ‘Appalled’ By $3 Trillion Heroes Act, As Democrats Urge Its Passing – Sergei Klebnikov
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sergeiklebnikov/2020/05/16/republicans-appalled-by-3-trillion-heroes-act-as-democrats-urge-its-passing/#40f808ec7599

TIME
— Welcome to the First Global Economic Depression of Our Lifetimes – IAN BREMMER
https://time.com/5837442/first-global-depression-our-lifetimes/

DAILY BEAST
— It’s Not Just Sheriffs—Now Prosecutors Refuse to Enforce Illinois Lockdown – Tracy Connor
https://www.thedailybeast.com/prosecutors-refuse-to-enforce-illinois-gov-jb-pritzkers-lockdown

SUN
— ‘OPEN ILLINOIS’ Protesters calling for end to coronavirus lockdown have tense standoff with Chicago cops despite gov’s vow to open state – Erica Davies
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11641674/illinois-coronavirus-lockdown-protests-standoff-cops-chicago/

May 16 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 92K with over 4K deaths; Chatham testing site opens – Eric Horng, Stacey Baca and Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/society/illinois-covid-19-cases-top-92k-over-4k-deaths/6189070/
— Debate: More coronavirus aid or wait for economy to rebound? – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/debate-more-stimulus-checks-or-wait-and-see/6188793/
— Coronavirus Chicago: Cook County Jail sees ‘steady decrease’ in COVID-19 cases, officials say
https://abc7chicago.com/cook-county-jail-coronavirus-illinois-chicago-covid-19/6189171/

NBC5
— Illinois Counties Push Back Against Pritzker’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order As neighboring states begin to reopen, Illinois counties become restless – Chris Hush
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-counties-push-back-against-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/2273248/
— Illinois Reports 2,088 New Cases of Coronavirus, 74 Additional Deaths The state announced it had returned 23,047 new test results in the last 24 hours
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-reports-2088-new-cases-of-coronavirus-74-additional-deaths/2273201/
— McHenry County Sheriff Says Deputies Won’t Enforce Pritzker’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/mchenry-county-sheriff-says-deputies-wont-enforce-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/2273187/

CBS2
— Coronavirus In Illinois: 2,088 New COVID-19 Cases, 74 Additional Deaths
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/16/coronavirus-in-illinois-2088-new-covid-19-cases-71-additional-deaths/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Questions raised over accuracy of US coronavirus death toll – Robert Gearty
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/questions-raised-over-accuracy-of-us-coronavirus-death-toll

WGN TV
— Protesters flock to Illinois Statehouse, Thompson Center to voice displeasure with stay-at-home order – Gaynor Hall
https://wgntv.com/news/protesters-flock-to-illinois-statehouse-thompson-center-to-voice-displeasure-with-stay-at-home-order/
— Suburbs divided over governor’s stay-at-home order – Meghan Dwyer
https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/suburbs-divided-over-governors-stay-at-home-order/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— 74 more coronavirus deaths announced as protesters rally again for Pritzker to reopen Illinois More than 1,800 coronavirus deaths have been reported in the state this month alone, but a vocal contingent of protesters say it’s time to restart the state economy immediately. – Mitchell Armentrout and Tyler LaRiviere
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/16/21261143/illinois-reopen-protest-coronavirus-cases-pritzker-deaths-may-16
— Coronavirus masks a boon for crooks who hide their faces Just how many criminals are taking advantage of the pandemic to commit crimes is impossible to estimate, but law enforcement officials have no doubt that the numbers are climbing. – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2020/5/16/21261008/coronavirus-masks-a-boon-for-crooks-who-hide-their-faces

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Officials see some progress in COVID-19 battle but call for cautious reopening steps that are too slow for some – MADELINE BUCKLEY and JASON MEISNER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-saturday-update-20200516-orvgxk4kh5dlrdcsrdsu2etbai-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois reports more than 2,000 additional cases, 74 deaths on Saturday – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200516/illinois-reports-more-than-2000-additional-cases-74-deaths-on-saturday
— Some Northwest suburbs ask to be split from Chicago in governor’s Restore Illinois plan – Eric Peterson
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/some-northwest-suburbs-ask-to-be-split-from-chicago-in-governors-restore-illinois-plan

WTTW
— Illinois’ COVID-19 Testing Positivity Rate Takes Another Small Dip New statewide totals: 92,457 cases, 4,129 deaths – Amanda Vinicky
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/16/illinois-covid-19-testing-positivity-rate-takes-another-small-dip

HERALD & REVIEW
— Illinois reports more than 2,000 additional cases as protests continue – AP
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois-reports-more-than-2-000-additional-cases-as-protests-continue/article_09d9f580-34d5-5f68-8ed0-4fb0400a13b4.html

ROCK RIVER TIMES
— Pritzker criminalizes stay-at-home violations, Rep. John Cabello responds – Jim Hagerty
http://rockrivertimes.com/2020/05/16/pritzker-criminalizes-stay-at-home-violations-rep-john-cabello-responds/

NPR ILLINOIS
— GOP Officials Say They’re Expecting 50,000 In Charlotte For Republican Convention – SARAH MCCAMMON
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/gop-officials-say-theyre-expecting-50000-charlotte-republican-convention#stream/0
— Trump Slams China Over Coronavirus, Ratcheting Up Hostilities
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/trump-slams-china-over-coronavirus-ratcheting-hostilities#stream/0

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally Files Federal Court Brief Arguing that Pritzker Has 30-Day Limit to Emergency Order Authority
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/states-attorney-patrick-kenneally-files-federal-court-brief-arguing-that-pritzker-has-30-day-limit-to-emergency-order-authority/
— Pritzker Sticks to Stupid Two-Person a Boat Rule
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/pritzker-sticks-to-stupid-two-person-a-boat-rule/
— Sheriff Bill Prim Has No Intention of Enforcing Pritzker Order as Criminal Offense
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/sheriff-bill-prim-has-no-intentions-of-enforcing-pritzker-order-as-criminal-offense/
— IL-06/IL-14: House Democrats Pass HEROES Act with Ballot Harvesting Included
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/il-06-il-14-house-democrats-pass-heroes-act/
— Dems Want to Stop Congressional Republicans from Sleeping in Their Offices
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/dems-want-to-stop-republicans-from-sleeping-in-their-offices/
— Time for Independence from Pritzker Emergency Order
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/time-for-independence-from-pritzker-emergency-order/
— Pritzker Doesn’t Want Legislative Oversight on Coronavirus Orders
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/pritzker-doesnt-want-legislative-oversight-on-coronavirus-orders/
— McHenry County Real Estate Tax Bills Go in the Mail Today, Information Available Online
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/mchenry-county-real-estate-tax-bills-go-in-the-mail-today-information-available-online/
— Jack Franks: “Do You Believe in Transparency or Not?”
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/do-you-believe-in-transparency-or-not/
— Jim Ryan to the Rescue of the Economy
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/jim-ryan-to-the-rescue-of-the-economy/
— Ripsnorting McHenry County Board Meeting
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/14/ripsnorting-county-board-meeting/
— McHenry County Board of Health Position Statement on Enforcing and Not Enforcing Governor’s Executive Orders on Coronavirus
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/mchenry-county-board-of-health-position-statement-on-enforcing-governors-executive-orders-on-coronavirus/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Illinois reports more than 2,000 additional cases, 74 deaths – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/16/illinois-reports-more-than-2000-additional-cases-7/

GOPUSA
— From Nanny State To Orwell’s ‘Big Brother’
https://www.gopusa.com/from-nanny-state-to-orwells-big-brother/

THE HILL
— Class of 2020 set to join worst job market in history – J. EDWARD MORENO AND JUSTINE COLEMAN
https://thehill.com/homenews/news/497981-class-of-2020-set-to-join-worst-job-market-in-history
— GOP Alaska legislator compares coronavirus screening sticker to Nazi Germany’s Star of David – MORGAN GSTALTER
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/498138-gop-alaska-legislator-compares-coronavirus-screening-sticker-to-nazi
— Why Donald Trump could thank the media if he wins reelection this fall – JONATHAN TURLEY
https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/498111-why-donald-trump-could-thank-the-media-if-he-wins-reelection-this-fall

May 16 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 90K with over 4K deaths; GOP congressmen write angry letter responding to Pritzker funding comments Republican congressmen fire off letter after Pritzker says counties that don’t comply risk losing federal aid – Eric Horng, Stacey Baca and Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/society/state-remains-on-track-to-move-to-next-reopening-phase;-gop-lawmakers-lash-out/6186133/
— Coronavirus deaths: Nearly half of Illinois COVID-19 deaths linked to long-term care facilities, according to IDPH – Chuck Goudie, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel, Ross Weidner and Jonathan Fagg
https://abc7chicago.com/health/nearly-half-of-illinois-covid-19-deaths-linked-to-long-term-care-facilities/6186917/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois widens test eligibility as COVID-19 deaths pass 4,000 – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-widens-test-eligibility-as-covid-19-deaths-pass-4000

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Face off on masks looming in Springfield? Two downstate Republicans balk at COVID-19 precautions Mulling an about-face, state Rep. Brad Halbrook and fellow Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey said they won’t commit to wearing masks when the House meets on Wednesday, potentially creating a standoff between them and Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. – Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/15/21260692/face-masks-covering-springfield-downstate-republican-darren-bailey-halbrook-covid-19-coronavirus
— With the focus on the coronavirus, Lightfoot opts for bare-bones capital plan The capital plan is on the agenda for Monday’s Finance Committee meeting. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2020/5/14/21259380/with-the-focus-on-the-coronavirus-lightfoot-opts-for-bare-bones-capital-plan

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Coronavirus deaths at long-term care facilities grow to nearly 2,000, accounting for nearly half of overall state total – Joe Mahr
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-long-term-care-facilities-data-20200515-asxjczfnojem5fkhncnnyrvgze-story.html

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, takes drive-through COVID-19 test
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200515/lawmaker-takes-drive-through-covid-19-test

FOX ILLINOIS
— Blue Mound bar throws ‘anti-corona party’ despite cease and desist order
https://foxillinois.com/news/coronavirus/blue-mound-bar-throws-anti-corona-party-despite-cease-and-desist-order

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Congressmen urge lawmakers to prevent Pritzker from withholding funds from counties
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/congressmen-urge-lawmakers-to-prevent-pritzker-from-withholding-funds-from-counties

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Peoria Humane Society to host ‘pet food’ drives – Nick Molinari
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/peoria-humane-society-to-host-pet-food-drives/

NAPERVILLE COMMUNITY TELEVISION
— Three Downtown Businesses Close Down
https://www.nctv17.com/news/three-downtown-businesses-close-down/

CHICAGO CITY WIRE
— University of Illinois professors ‘do not recommend’ mask requirement for general public without COVID-19 symptoms – Glenn Minnis
https://chicagocitywire.com/stories/536900058-university-of-illinois-professors-do-not-recommend-mask-requirement-for-general-public-without-covid-19-symptoms

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Already the highest taxed in the nation, Pritzker wants Illinois residents to pay more – Bob Pepalis
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/532463877-already-the-highest-taxed-in-the-nation-pritzker-wants-illinois-residents-to-pay-more
— Illinois Policy Institute writer says Pritzker should stall automatic pay raises for state workers – John Sammon (DIERSEN: Step increases recognize/reward experience that employees gain. I should write a book about those who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned the experience that I gained a) working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $101,176–$131,532/year; b) working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step-1-5 levels, currently $85,084-$96,431/year; c) passing the CPA and Certified Internal examinations on my first attempt; and d) earning master’s degrees in business, accounting, and finance. I would focus on those in Wheaton’s West District, Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have/had lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I would focus on present/past leaders of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Milton Township Republican Organization, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter. I would focus on the aforesaid who blame me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems.)
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/532398116-illinois-policy-institute-writer-says-pritzker-should-stall-automatic-pay-raises-for-state-workers
— Orland Park mayor Keith Pekau: Pritzker acts like North Korean dictator during COVID-19 crisis – W.J. Kennedy
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/536974311-orland-park-mayor-pritzker-acts-like-north-korean-dictator-during-covid-19-crisis

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Coronavirus Should Remind Us Big Government Isn’t The Answer – Peter Heck
https://illinoisfamily.org/marriage/coronavirus-should-remind-us-big-government-isnt-the-answer/

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— The Party of Contradictions: Feminism vs. Islam – Mason Beasler
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2020/05/the-party-of-contradictions-feminism-vs-islam/
— Greasing the Skids Toward Socialism? – Jerry Newcombe
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2020/05/greasing-the-skids-toward-socialism/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Illinois agencies unsure about reopening pools amid pandemic – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/16/illinois-agencies-unsure-about-reopening-pools-ami/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Trump Says US Will Resume Funding WHO — At Same Level As China – DAVID KRAYDEN
https://dailycaller.com/2020/05/15/donald-trump-us-resume-funding-who-same-level-china/
— US Manufacturing Output Plunges To Record Low – JAKE MERCIER
https://dailycaller.com/2020/05/15/u-s-manufacturing-output-plunges-record-low-according-to-fed/
— Record-Setting Fundraising Proves Americans Want More Trump – KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE
https://dailycaller.com/2020/05/15/guilfoyle-record-setting-fundraising-proves-americans-want-more-trump/

THE HILL
— House passes massive $3T coronavirus relief package – MIKE LILLIS AND SCOTT WONG
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/498054-house-passes-massive-3t-coronavirus-relief-package
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters want Trump to issue a “national plan on coronavirus” so that they can demonize it, denigrate it, and condemn it.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/498078-trump-faces-criticism-over-lack-of-national-plan-on-coronavirus

CNN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “White House ramps up PR campaign to improve Trump’s image.”
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/16/politics/trump-coronavirus-vaccine-image/index.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “A Sitting President, Riling the Nation During a Crisis. By smearing his opponents, championing conspiracy theories and pursuing vendettas, President Trump has reverted to his darkest political tactics in spite of a pandemic hurting millions of Americans.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/us/politics/president-trump-coronavirus-pandemic-response.html
— Give Businesses Better Guidelines, Not Immunity A heedless rush to protect businesses from the legal system endangers workers, customers and everyone else. – Editorial (DIERSEN: How many employers will go out of business because of the cost of implementing coronavirus guidelines?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/opinion/coronavirus-liability-business-safety.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A man-hater asks “Why Are Women-Led Nations Doing Better With Covid-19?”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/world/coronavirus-women-leaders.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump, Biden and the Myth of ‘But 2016’ There are members of both parties who believe the president has the ability to defy the normal rules of politics. That view ignores electoral trends of recent years.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/us/politics/trump-vs-biden-polls.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: When Shoppers Venture Out, What Will Be Left? A 16.4 percent sales decline in April may signal the bottom for retailers, but the climb back will be hard, and some companies may not make it. – Ben Casselman and Sapna Maheshwari
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/economy/coronavirus-retail-reopening.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Never Trumpers will host their own ‘Republican convention’ during the RNC – David Weigel
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/05/15/never-trumpers-will-host-their-own-republican-convention-during-rnc/

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Put NIMBYism under quarantine, before homeless people with coronavirus get even sicker – CARLA HALL (DIERSEN: What do you say to politicians and to others who steer Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, RINOs, illegals, homeless people, low-income people, refugees, recent immigrants, minorities, LGBTQers, stoners, drinkers, etc. to certain municipalities, to certain municipal districts, to certain precincts, and/or to certain neighborhoods?)
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-04-17/nimby-homeless-covid-19

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Campaigns, Like the Country, Begin Reawakening Trump ad tries to turn anger at China against former Vice President Biden, while Biden ad charges the president was slow and weak in coronavirus pandemic – Gerald F. Seib
https://www.wsj.com/articles/campaigns-like-the-country-begin-reawakening-11589601690
— Scenes From the Class Struggle in Lockdown Those who are anxious to open up the economy have led harder lives than those holding out for safety. – Peggy Noonan (DIERSEN: The operatives and the dupes who work for my critics/opponents hint/imply/argue/shout a) that they have led hard lives through no fault of their own and b) I did not really earn or disserve anything that I have. I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/scenes-from-the-class-struggle-in-lockdown-11589498276
— The Often Distorted Reality of Hate Crime in America Racism remains a blight, but one-sided reporting and misrepresented facts don’t help – Gerard Baker
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-often-distorted-reality-of-hate-crime-in-america-11589562033
— When It’s Time to Go Back to the Office, Will It Still Be There? As companies prepare for employees to return, they are asking whether a traditional headquarters is still necessary. The workplace will likely never be the same again. – Dana Mattioli and Konrad Putzier (DIERSEN: Do/did you work in an office? I did 1971-1997 – in Chicago working for IRS in 1971 and 1973-1980, in Harvey and Joliet working for IRS in 1973 and 1974, and in Chicago working for GAO 1980-1997.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-its-time-to-go-back-to-the-office-will-it-still-be-there-11589601618
— When Epidemics Give a Voice to the Forgotten During London’s 1849 cholera outbreak, an unlikely chronicler let the city’s poor speak out—in ways now echoed on social media during the coronavirus crisis – Richard Holmes
https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-epidemics-give-a-voice-to-the-forgotten-11589471833
— Sales Report Puts the Second Quarter in a Deep Hole After April’s slump in retail sales, even pessimistic forecasts for the current quarter could be too upbeat – Justin Lahart
https://www.wsj.com/articles/sales-report-puts-the-second-quarter-in-a-deep-hole-11589561770
— Coronavirus Bolsters Car Ownership as Consumers Rethink Shared Rides As ride-hailing hits the skids amid the pandemic, auto makers see renewed interest in personal vehicles – William Boston in Berlin and Mike Colias (DIERSEN: I have owed a car since I was 16 in 1964.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-bolsters-car-ownership-as-consumers-rethink-shared-rides-11589564566
— FRONT PAGE: Google Hides News, Tricked by Fake Claims Dubious copyright complaints citing 1998 law led the search giant to make unfavorable articles vanish – Andrea Fuller, Kirsten Grind and Joe Palazzolo (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents a) who demonize, denigrate, and condemn my stressing the source, title, author, and hyperlink of articles in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) who do everything that they can to make the original work of others to look like is their own work.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-dmca-copyright-claims-takedown-online-reputation-11589557001

BUSINESS INSIDER
— Losing the party conventions would hurt (seriously) – Anthony L. Fisher
https://www.businessinsider.com/losing-democratic-republican-political-conventions-would-hurt-seriously-2020-5

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
— The Republican convention, 100 days out, looms as a lifeline to Charlotte businesses – JIM MORRILL AND AUSTIN WEINSTEIN
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/rnc-2020/article242745381.html

WBTV
— Republican National Committee chairwoman speaks about RNC plans with convention 100 days away – Alex Giles
https://www.wbtv.com/2020/05/16/republican-national-committee-chairwoman-speaks-about-rnc-plans-with-convention-days-away/

WFAE
— On Charlotte RNC, Trump Says Gov. Cooper Is ‘Playing Politics’ By Reopening Slowly – STEVE HARRISON
https://www.wfae.org/post/charlotte-rnc-trump-says-gov-cooper-playing-politics-reopening-slowly#stream/0

AMERICAN REPORTER
— Strong Immune System can help overcome the Covid 19 Virus
https://www.theamericanreporter.com/strong-immune-system-can-help-overcome-the-covid-19-virus-says-research/

ATLANTIC
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump Is Putting Himself at Risk for COVID-19. The president has faced greater exposure to the virus than he might let on.”
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/05/trump-risk-covid-19/611746/

JD SUPRA
— Age Is More Than A Number: Trends In Workforce Composition, Ageism, And Efforts To Address The Elephant In The Room – Fisher Phillips (DIERSEN: I should write a book about age discrimination. How soon, if not already, will employers and organizations officially adopt “up-or-out” policies for their employees and members who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran? For example, will the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) officially adopt the following policy those who are White, male, and/or non-veteran: township/ward party organization officers must be under age 30, county party organization officers must be under age 35, IRP State Central Committee members must be under age 40, and IRP officers must be under age 50?)
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/age-is-more-than-a-number-trends-in-89175/

(FROM THE ARTICLE: Various factors have created a workplace phenomenon that is both underreported and underestimated: an aging workforce and increasing incidence of age discrimination. As people in this country are living longer, the cost of living continues to rise, and the pension model nears extinction, many older Americans continue to work well into their 70’s. Combine that with stereotypes borne of both bygone eras and the current tech-forward attitudes of the younger workforce, and the incidence of age-based discrimination in the workplace is increasing – though the problem is not typically viewed or treated as seriously as other forms of discrimination. Despite laws in place to protect older workers, many hurdles exist in identifying and addressing the issue.)

May 15 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 90K with over 4K deaths; GOP congressmen write angry letter responding to Pritzker funding comments Republican congressmen fire off letter after Pritzker says counties that don’t comply risk losing federal aid – Eric Horng, Stacey Baca and Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/society/coronavirus-illinois-covid-19-cases-top-90k-with-over-4k-deaths/6186133/
— Chicago Reopening: Lightfoot warns churches, worshipers who plan to defy stay-at-home order through Sunday service – Evelyn Holmes
https://abc7chicago.com/community-events/mayor-lightfoot-warns-churches-who-plan-to-defy-illinois-stay-at-home-order/6186498/

NBC5
— 2,432 New Coronavirus Cases Reported in Illinois as Total Inches Closer to 100,000 There were also an additional 130 deaths
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/2432-new-coronavirus-cases-in-illinois-as-total-inches-closer-to-100000/2272805/
— Illinois GOP Agitates for Chance to Negotiate COVID-19 Reopening
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-gop-agitates-for-chance-to-negotiate-covid-19-reopening/2272528/
— Unemployed, Business Owners File Suit Against Pritzker and Illinois, Seek Compensation The plaintiffs named in the lawsuit claimed their “livelihoods and income were taken for a public purpose”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/unemployed-business-owners-file-suit-against-pritzker-and-illinois-seek-compensation/2272824/

CBS2
— Gov. JB Pritzker Urges Republican Critics To Stop ‘Pushing Stories’ About His Family’s Whereabouts; ‘There Are Threats To My Safety And To Their Safety’
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/gov-jb-pritzker-urges-republican-critics-to-stop-pushing-stories-about-his-familys-whereabouts-there-are-threats-to-my-safety-and-to-their-safety/

WGN TV
— As retail sales plummet, Chicago small shops look to survive pandemic – AP
https://wgntv.com/chicago-news/as-retail-sales-plummet-chicago-small-shops-look-to-survive-pandemic/
— Critics of stay-at-home order want churches to reopen – Gaynor Hall
https://wgntv.com/chicago-news/critics-of-stay-at-home-order-want-churches-to-reopen/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois surpasses 4,000 COVID-19 deaths and 90,000 cases statewide
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-surpasses-4000-covid-19-deaths-and-90000-cases-statewide

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Southland communities lay off, furlough staff as coronavirus pandemic craters revenue projections – ZAK KOESKE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-municipal-impact-coronavirus-st-0517-20200516-4u6f4ebsrbd6lo4bedns522mxi-story.html
— State says COVID-19 testing expanded to include many workers who aren’t exhibiting symptoms – JAMIE MUNKS and RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-pritzker-testing-20200516-adn2oqzf6jbhvlvkfquqy5vebi-story.html
— Preckwinkle’s Cook County disaster proclamation could extend to Sept. 30: ‘The more time we give, the better’ – ALICE YIN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-cook-county-preckwinkle-disaster-proclamation-20200515-crkchleuiraudhclatdday2uma-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Preckwinkle to seek extension of disaster proclamation until end of September — but one commissioner suggests it’s illegal Preckwinkle’s March 10 order is set to expire at the end of May, though, if approved by the board of commissioners at their May 21 meeting, the order could be extended through Sept. 30. – Rachel Hinton
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/15/21260245/preckwinkle-extension-disaster-proclamation-september-morrison
— Everything must be on the table as city, state fight back from financial devastation With help from Congress at a standstill, Illinois and Chicago leaders will have to take painful measures, possibly including service cuts, furloughs, layoffs and changes in pensions – Editorial
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/15/21256032/illinois-chicago-government-finances-j-b-pritzker-lori-lightfoot-city-budget-coronavirus-economic
— Coronavirus now in 100 Illinois counties as state tops 4K deaths, 90K cases With 130 deaths reported on Friday, the state has lost 1,727 people so far in May and 4,058 overall. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/15/21260348/illinois-coronavirus-pritzker-testing-cases-deaths-counties-may-15

DAILY HERALD
— Some Northwest suburbs ask to be split from Chicago in governor’s Restore Illinois plan – Eric Peterson
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/some-northwest-suburbs-ask-to-be-split-from-chicago-in-governors-restore-illinois-plan
— McHenry County Board members discuss salary reduction for elected officials – Kelli Duncan
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/mchenry-county-board-members-discuss-salary-reduction-for-elected-officials
— New committeeperson named for Republicans in Barrington Township
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/new-committeeperson-named-for-republicans-in-barrington-township
— Cook County is now the county with most COVID-19 cases in U.S.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/sun-times-cook-county-is-now-the-county-with-most-covid-19-cases-in-us

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Lightfoot: Chicago staring down another $1 billion budget hole A year into office, the mayor faces a budget gap similar to what she started with, and there are fewer options to fill it. Without federal aid, “we are going to be in a world of hurt.” – A.D. QUIG and GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/government/lightfoot-chicago-staring-down-another-1-billion-budget-hole
— Illinois sees some good news on the pandemic The rate of positive COVID tests continues to decrease, indicating fewer people are getting sick from the virus. – STEPHANIE GOLDBERG
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/government/illinois-sees-some-good-news-pandemic
— McDonald’s franchisees face steep costs to bring back dine-in The fast-food giant’s guidelines for reopening during the pandemic come with costs that burden operators. – DALTON BARKER
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/mcdonalds-franchisees-face-steep-costs-bring-back-dine

QUAD CITY TIMES
— Census outreach ‘incredibly stymied’ by COVID-19 pandemic – JERRY NOWICKI
https://qctimes.com/business/census-outreach-incredibly-stymied-by-covid-19-pandemic/article_30472e26-ed0f-5867-9f6a-64c39b019e66.html

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Illinois Unemployment Numbers Continue to Climb – Cole Lauterbach
http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?id=304066#.Xr8OoiN_OM8

EFFINGHAM DAILY NEWS
— Pritzker’s graduated tax fails on all counts – Jim Nowlan
https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/opinion/columns/jim-nowlan-guest-columnist-pritzker-s-graduated-tax-fails-on-all-counts/article_f457fa1c-96ec-11ea-9bc2-6745501b967f.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— Coronavirus decimates state budgets, federal funding uncertain – Leandra Bernstein
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/coronavirus-decimates-state-budgets-federal-funding-uncertain
— Pandemic planning becomes political weapon as deaths mount – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/pandemic-planning-becomes-political-weapon-as-deaths-mount

CENTER SQUARE
— Illinois GOP Congressmen ask Washington to protect local aid from Pritzker threats over orders – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-gop-congressmen-ask-washington-to-protect-local-aid-from-pritzker-threats-over-orders/article_25835954-96ef-11ea-bbd9-efbef4b24a36.html

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Rep Bailey’s Clay Co. case v. Gov Pritzker to stay in Clay Co. – JOHN KRAFT
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/rep-baileys-clay-co-case-v-gov-pritzker-to-stay-in-clay-co/
— You have the key to open your doors, not the Government – Know your rights – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/you-have-the-key-to-open-your-doors-not-the-government-know-your-rights/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ORLAND PARK MAYOR CALLS FOR REDRAWING OF “RESTORE ILLINOIS” COVID PLAN’S REGIONAL BOUNDARIES
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/orland-park-mayor-calls-for-redrawing-of-restore-illinois-covid-plans-regional-boundaries.html
— H.R. 6666 – A Devilish Surveillance Plot – Kathy Valente
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/h-r-6666/
— GOP STATE LAWMAKERS PROPOSE LIMIT ON GOVERNOR 30-DAY DISASTER DECLARATIONS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/gop-state-lawmakers-propose-limit-on-governor-30-day-disaster-declarations.html
— THORNER/INGOLD: IF WE OPEN, WILL THEY COME?
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/thorneringold-if-we-open-businesses-will-they-come.html
— CONGRESS SHOULD PREVENT GOVS FROM KEEPING FEDERAL FUNDS FROM LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES, IL DELEGATION SAYS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/congress-should-prevent-govs-from-keeping-federal-funds-from-local-municipalities-il-delegation-says.html

CAPITOL FAX
— 2,432 new cases, 130 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/2432-new-cases-130-additional-deaths/
— Pritzker announces expanded testing – Talks about positivity rates – Warns people in QC to be careful about Iowa – Says he’s at home in Chicago – Wife and daughter were in Florida before stay at home order and stayed there – Says wife and daughter are “home now” – Regarding Georgia, it takes weeks to see changes after opening up – Explains why charter boat tours are still banned – Regarding letter from GOP congressmen: “They’re missing the point” – Still waiting to see if antibody tests are accurate – On a path to more testing in every region – Addresses Naperville Park District lawsuit threat – Says family was in Wisconsin at “working farm” – Claims GOP is “putting my children and my family in danger” – Governor’s office clarifies that family is in Chicago now – Discouraging use of ABS rapid tests until FDA guidance issued
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/pritzker-announces-expanded-testing/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/covid-19-roundup-39/
— Duckworth to interview for veep spot
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/duckworth-to-interview-for-veep-spot/
— Unprecedented economic carnage
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/unprecedented-economic-carnage/
— Some Eastern Bloc members say they won’t wear face masks during session, but they won’t be allowed inside
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/some-eastern-bloc-members-say-they-wont-wear-face-masks-during-session-but-they-wont-be-allowed-inside/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘The founders would be ashamed’: Kevin McCarthy slams new remote Congress rules – Susan Ferrechio
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/congress/the-founders-would-be-ashamed-mccarthy-slams-new-remote-congress-rules

FEDERALIST
— 100,000 Businesses Have Permanently Collapsed Under Pandemic Lockdowns – Tristan Justice
https://thefederalist.com/2020/05/15/100000-businesses-have-permanently-collapsed-under-pandemic-lockdowns/

NEW YORK TIMES
— J.C. Penney, 118-Year-Old Department Store, Files for Bankruptcy The chain’s move came after J. Crew and the Neiman Marcus Group filed, and represented the biggest casualty amid retail closures tied to the coronavirus pandemic. – Sapna Maheshwari and Michael Corkery
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/jc-penney-bankruptcy-coronavirus.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Wondering what’s safe as states start to reopen? Here’s what some public health experts say. – Katherine Shaver
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/wondering-whats-safe-as-states-start-to-reopen-heres-what-some-public-health-experts-say/2020/05/14/9e684e3c-949d-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html

May 15 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Biden says he would not pardon Trump, block investigations; ‘it’s a dereliction of duty’ – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/biden-says-he-would-not-pardon-trump-block-investigations/6185248/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/15/2020

CBS2
— Gov. JB Pritzker Seeks Change Of Venue For Rep. Darren Bailey’s Lawsuit Challenging Stay-At-Home Order
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/gov-jb-pritzker-seeks-change-of-venue-for-rep-darren-baileys-lawsuit-challenging-stay-at-home-order/
— Working For Chicago: Northwestern University Experts Launching Effort To Help Struggling Evanston Businesses – Lauren Victory (DIERSEN: Who do your critics/opponents promote as being experts? I should write a book about my critics/opponents and who they promote as being experts. I would focus on my critics/opponents who promote themselves, promote my critics/opponents, promote their operatives, and promote their dupes as being experts in deciding what articles should be brought to the attention of Illinois Republicans, and more specifically, to the attention of Illinois Republican Precinct Committeemen/Captains. I would focus on my critics/opponents who hold leadership positions in the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization who do not want me to include links to articles in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails that promote Trump or promote the traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, illegal drugs, or equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks in the Republican Party platform.)
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/working-for-chicago-northwestern-university-experts-launching-effort-to-help-struggling-evanston-businesses/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ‘Grandstanding’ by Grand Old Party? Or is Pritzker masking his decisions? GOP lawmakers said they will wear face coverings and follow other safety measures when they return to Springfield, but they want to put Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” plan under the microscope. – Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/14/21259401/grandstanding-republican-pritzker-brady-springfield-hearing-covid-19-coronavirus-restore-illinois
— COVID-19 test shortage forces Chicago area clinics to halt curbside testing Physicians Immediate Care centers website said because of a lack of tests, “we are currently unable to test for COVID-19 in Illinois.” – Lynn Sweet and Tom Schuba
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/14/21259211/covid19-test-shortage-phsyicians-immediate-care-curbside-illinois-trump

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago area now on track to move to next phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan on May 29 – Dan Petrella
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-pritzker-20200515-r7wvb5w7qvh65btlcxldwnbony-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Some want the economy flung open. Wake up. COVID-19’s no hoax.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-coronavirus-hoax-rauner-pritzker-greising-20200514-mis5cqnsgjgypiocrj2elqgata-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Kane County Republicans launch Community Care Package events May 16 – Jim Oberweis
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20200515/kane-county-republicans-launch-community-care-package-events-may-16
— How ‘OK, Boomer’ Is Holding You Back – Tim Jipping (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who promote age discrimination. I would focus on those who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout and hold leadership positions in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, Illinois, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Milton Township Republican Organization, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, etc. I would focus on those who are over age 40 and who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican. I would focus on those who focus on getting rid of older people who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, White, male, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20200514/how-ok-boomer-is-holding-you-back

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— A record plunge for retail sales Revenue at retailers and restaurants fell 16.4% in April from the prior month, almost double the 8.3% drop in March.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/record-plunge-retail-sales

WTTW
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout that if Clinton had been elected, that is, if Democrats ran the Executive Branch, there would be no coronavirus problems.
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/13/federal-government-sends-cotton-baby-swabs-illinois

WBEZ
— DePaul University Students Are Suing For Tuition Refunds After COVID-19 Shutdown Students argue they’re receiving a lesser education with online classes and should get a partial tuition refund. – Kate McGee
https://www.wbez.org/stories/depaul-university-students-are-suing-for-tuition-refunds-after-covid-19-shutdown/80240207-fcc3-4133-a700-a812aa080550

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— House Republicans say they’re not being given virus information – Doug Finke
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200514/house-republicans-say-theyrsquore-not-being-given-virus-information
— FROM THE LETTER: “Corruption was so egregious the Tribune had to reveal that in order to get a job in county government applicants had to complete a form provided by the county GOP, not the county government.” DIERSEN: My critics/opponents promote patronage. GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.
https://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20200515/letter-corruption-not-limited-to-chicago

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— What’s fraud, and what’s not? – Editorial (DIERSEN: I became a) CPA in 1979 when I was 30 years old, b) Certified Internal Auditor in 1981, c) licensed CPA in 1981, d) Certified Fraud Examiner in 1990, e) Certified Government Financial Manager in 1994, f) Certified Financial Services Auditor in 1996, and g) Forensic Accountant in 1997. I worked for IRS 1971-1980, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels currently $85,084-$96,431 and for GAO 1980-1997, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $101,176-$131,532.)
https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-what-s-fraud-and-what-s-not/article_d341ed48-d364-5e9a-9ef6-7f0366aca148.html

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— County encourages reopening despite Illinois rules. Edwardsville businesses take a pass. – TERI MADDOX
https://www.bnd.com/news/coronavirus/article242717036.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Webinar to focus on COVID-19’s impact on DuPage County
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/14/webinar-to-focus-on-covid-19s-impact-on-dupage-county/a5vi4k6/

FOX NEWS ILLINOIS
— Pelosi, GOP exchange barbs over new economic relief package – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/coronavirus/pelosi-gop-exchange-barbs-over-new-economic-relief-package
— 36 million have sought US unemployment aid since virus hit – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/millions-more-people-likely-sought-us-jobless-aid-last-week

NPR ILLINOIS
— Contact Tracing Apps May Soon Be Coming To A Phone Near You. What’s At Stake For Illinoisans? – SAM DUNKLAU
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/contact-tracing-apps-may-soon-be-coming-phone-near-you-whats-stake-illinoisans#stream/0

WAND
— Gov. Pritzker asks for change of venue in Darren Bailey lawsuit
https://www.wandtv.com/news/gov-pritzker-asks-for-change-of-venue-in-darren-bailey-lawsuit/article_069c4622-9659-11ea-96ae-7fae8f2b0daf.html

AURORA PATCH
— Oberweis calls for lawmaker input into Governor’s re-opening plan The Governor’s plan to re-open Illinois needs the input of all of the state’s diverse regions, says Senator Oberweis
https://patch.com/illinois/aurora/oberweis-calls-lawmaker-input-governors-re-opening-plan

BOLINGBROOK PATCH
— Cannabis DUI’s Present Problems for Illinois Motorists The methods to identify and test drivers who are impaired from cannabis use makes cannabis DUI’s more problematic than alcohol DUI’s. – Nicholas Carrescia,
https://patch.com/illinois/bolingbrook/cannabis-duis-present-problems-illinois-motorists

BURR RIDGE PATCH
— Burr Ridge Mayor Says Pritzker Being ‘Unfair’ Mayor Gary Grasso is taking high-profile role in push to reopen suburbs quicker than Chicago. – David Giuliani
https://patch.com/illinois/burrridge/burr-ridge-mayor-says-pritzker-being-unfair

GENEVA PATCH
— Kane County Republicans Launch Community Care Package Community Care Package will be Saturday, May 16 – Travis Akin
https://patch.com/illinois/geneva/kane-county-republicans-launch-community-care-package

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— OPPOSITION TO PRITZKER’S LOCKDOWN SPREADING RAPIDLY – Brad Weisenstein
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/opposition-to-pritzkers-lockdown-spreading-rapidly/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ‘THE 1619 PROJECT’ TELLS A FALSE STORY ABOUT CAPITALISM, TOO
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/the-1619-project-tells-a-false-story-about-capitalism-too.html
— FREE SPEECH ALLIANCE: FACEBOOK OVERSIGHT BOARD IS PACKED WITH LIBERALS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/free-speech-alliance-facebook-oversight-board-is-packed-with-liberals.html
— HOW PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS BENEFITING FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/how-planned-parenthood-is-benefiting-from-covid-19-pandemic.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Illinois Republican delegation launches another broadside against Pritzker
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/illinois-republican-delegation-launches-another-broadside-against-pritzker/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Tammy Duckworth’s unique political profile may not be enough to earn Biden vice presidential slot – Naomi Lim (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Duckworth uses her “unique political profile” to promote hatred against individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and counties that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time, etc.)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/tammy-duckworths-unique-political-profile-may-not-be-enough-to-earn-biden-vice-presidential-slot

CNS NEWS
— Biden’s First Day As President? Pathway to Citizenship (and Jobs) for All Illegal Aliens – Susan Jones (DIERSEN: Democrats want immigrants because they vote for Democrats. RINOs want immigrants because RINOs want cheap labor.)
https://www.cnsnews.com/article/national/susan-jones/bidens-first-day-president-pathway-citizenship-and-jobs-all-illegal

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Washington gov: Those who don’t cooperate with ‘contact tracers’ and tests not allowed to leave home – Doug Mainwaring
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/washington-gov-those-who-dont-cooperate-with-contact-tracers-and-tests-not-allowed-to-leave-home

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Despite Lockdown, Planned Parenthood Opens New Illinois Clinic – ALEXANDRA DESANCTIS
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/despite-lockdown-planned-parenthood-opens-new-illinois-clinic/

POLITICO
— State, local governments slash services as demand rises – ELEANOR MUELLER and KELLIE MEJDRICH
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/13/state-local-governments-slash-services-256212

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Coronavirus Pandemic Has Grounded Presidential Campaigns, Political Operatives Turns To The Internet The coronavirus has ground the presidential campaigns of Joe Biden and Donald Trump to a near halt. For many years, political operatives have been perfecting their use of the internet’s vast array of social media platforms. (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes. I would focus on those who focus on a) discouraging me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) discouraging everyone from reading those emails.)
https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/us-news/amid-pandemic-campaigning-turns-to-the-internet.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— As Pandemic Wrecks Budgets, States Cut and Borrow to Balance Books The White House threatens to veto a $3 trillion pandemic relief bill, and a study suggests that even talking can propel the droplets that spread the virus.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/us/coronavirus-news-updates.html
— U.S. Retail Sales Plunge 16 Percent Retail sales in the U.S. fell 16.4 percent in April, for the biggest two-month decline on record.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/stock-market-today-coronavirus.html
— The Pandemic Will Permanently Change the Auto Industry – Jack Ewing (DIERSEN: Will there be less hatred of Ford and GM?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/13/business/auto-industry-pandemic.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Q&A: What is ‘unmasking,’ who does it and why – Shane Harris (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government who focused on unmasking me as being a Republican, Missouri Synod Lutheran, 100% German American, draft avoider, conservative, Corvette owner since 1971, real estate owner since 1972, Crete resident 1948-1972, Wheaton resident since 1978, gun owner, someone who had retirement savings, someone whose ancestors have been in America since 1844, someone who had claimed partial day per diem, someone who had deducted educational expenses, etc. Of course, my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates used the aforesaid against me.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/qanda-what-is-unmasking-who-does-it-and-why/2020/05/14/ae254782-95ea-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html
— A majority of Americans going to work fear exposing their household to the coronavirus – Tim Craig and Emily Guskin (DIERSEN: Everyone should expect that Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs will use fear of coronavirus to destroy Republican organizations.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/a-majority-of-americans-going-to-work-fear-exposing-their-household-to-the-coronavirus/2020/05/15/d316f1e8-9578-11ea-9f5e-56d8239bf9ad_story.html

USA TODAY
— Don’t sugarcoat news. Tell the truth. Don’t over-reassure. Lessons for those leading during coronavirus. – Nicole Carroll
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/05/15/coronavirus-expert-michael-osterholm-urges-leaders-tell-truth-pandemic-far-from-over/3120635001/

STAR HERALD
— Worrisome Trends Affecting Representative Democracy – LEE H. HAMILTON (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Republican-haters use democracy to get rid of individuals, organizations, and companies that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.starherald.com/opinion/columnists/syndicated/lee-h-hamilton-worrisome-trends-affecting-representative-democracy/article_32b6706d-e2c7-5bf9-9513-c746aef79341.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Coronavirus Lockdowns Trigger Record Spending Drops on Shopping, Eating Out April U.S. retail sales are expected to show biggest monthly drop on record – Harriet Torry
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdowns-trigger-record-spending-drops-on-shopping-eating-out-11589535000
— Economic Shock of Virus Hit Lower-Income Households Harder, Fed Finds About a third of those who had lost a job or had their hours cut said they couldn’t cover their expenses for the month – David Harrison
https://www.wsj.com/articles/economic-shock-of-virus-hit-lower-income-households-harder-fed-finds-11589472735
— Coronavirus Employment Shock Hits Women Harder Than Men Women are more likely to work in vulnerable sectors like retailing and personal care – Sarah Chaney and Lauren Weber (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years (as a part-time carrier/clerk for the Post Office 1966-1969, as a Revenue Officer for IRS 1971-1980, and as an Analyst for GAO 1980-1997), my superiors were frustrated in their tremendous efforts to hire and to retain qualified women because qualified women a) viewed federal employment as being bad, b) viewed the aforesaid jobs as being bad, and c) could get better paying jobs in the private sector.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-employment-shock-hits-women-harder-than-men-11589535002
— McDonald’s Sets Conditions for Restaurant Reopenings To ease coronavirus concerns, fast-food chain suggests closing public soda fountains and issues cleaning instructions in 59-page guide – Heather Haddon
https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcdonalds-sets-conditions-for-restaurant-reopenings-11589466556
— Don’t Stand So Close to Me: AI Cameras Police Social Distancing at Work Coronavirus concerns lead companies to repurpose sensors that monitor office space, but privacy experts worry about mission creep – Parmy Olson
https://www.wsj.com/articles/dont-stand-so-close-to-me-ai-cameras-police-social-distancing-at-work-11589452202
— Doctors Fret as Coronavirus Keeps Heart, Stroke Patients Away From ER Fewer patients seeking help for emergency treatments and regular conditions raises concerns about long-term health – Denise Roland, Ian Lovett and Sarah Toy
https://www.wsj.com/articles/doctors-fret-over-lower-er-attendance-during-pandemic-11589454002
— Coronavirus Finishes the Retail Reckoning That Amazon Started Thousands of stores will close permanently as the Covid-19 pandemic turbocharges a shift to e-commerce – Suzanne Kapner and Sarah Nassauer
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-finishes-the-retail-reckoning-that-amazon-started-11589459920

FORBES
— Back To The Office: How To Keep Anxious Workers Safe And Happy After Coronavirus – Josie Cox (DIERSEN: Everyone should expect that Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs will use fear of coronavirus to destroy Republican organizations.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/josiecox/2020/05/15/back-to-the-work-workers-safe-happy-after-coronavirus-covid/#757c0a401a4d

AMERICAN INDEPENDENT
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasing, Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs make it clear that they use governments, political organizations, chambers of commerce, etc. to destroy you if you do not promote LGBTQ activity. I should write a book about Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who ever-increasingly focus on destroying individuals, organizations, companies, and governments that do not promote LGBTQ activity.
https://americanindependent.com/greg-gianforte-family-research-council-endorsement-hate-group-lgbtq-house-gop-montana/

WINDY CITY TIMES
— Biden camp gears up for ‘unprecedented’ campaign – Matt Simonette (DIERSEN: Of course, to elect Biden, LGBTQ activists will focus on destroying those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that do not promote LGBTQ activity.)
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Biden-camp-gears-up-for-unprecedented-campaign-/68540.html

JD SUPRA
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Cannabis Industry Keeps Hiring Amid COVID-19
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/cannabis-industry-keeps-hiring-amid-26145/
— Returning to Work (While Social Distancing): Top Considerations for US Employers (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will employers and organizations use coronavirus to get rid of their employees and members once and for all who are a) older, b) obese, c) have underlying conditions including diabetes, d) etc.?)
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/returning-to-work-while-social-68475/

ECONOMIC TIMES
— How organizations communicate with employees becomes more important during a crisis – Abhishek Tyagi and Dr Prachi Bhatt (DIERSEN: Are you a Republican Precinct Committeeman/Captain? If so, what emails have you received during the last week and month from the following: a) the chairman of your Republican township/ward party organization, b) the chairman of your Republican county party organization, c) your representative on the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Central Committee, and d) the chairman of the IRP? What do the aforesaid want you to know? Which of your fellow Republican Precinct Committeemen/Captains do the aforesaid promote?)
https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/workplace-4-0/employee-engagement/how-organizations-communicate-with-employees-becomes-more-important-during-a-crisis/75750507

SUN
— STAY SAFE Coronavirus high risk groups – from diabetes to obesity, the people most vulnerable to Covid-19 – Hana Carter (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will employers and organizations use coronavirus to get rid of their employees and members once and for all who are a) older, b) obese, c) have underlying conditions including diabetes, d) etc.?)
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11259120/coronavirus-high-risk-obesity-old-diabetes-who-vulnerable/

(FROM THE ARTICLE: According to the Government website, people aged 70 or older, regardless of their health, are deemed as high risk. Those with chronic respiratory diseases, chronic heart disease, or people who are severely overweight or with a weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV and Aids are also on the list. Obesity has become a major issue as the fight against coronavirus has worn on as it exacerbates symptoms, making fighting the infection ten times harder for those with a BMI over 30 like the PM. New research has found that being obese doubles the risk of needing hospital treatment for coronavirus. It is also known to exacerbate other risk factors like diabetes and heart disease as well as putting excess weight on the diaphragm which makes breathing harder too. There is also a category deemed as extremely vulnerable. Those listed include people who have recently had an organ transplant, people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy and people with cancer of the bone. Using the Government website, we have pulled together both high risk and extremely vulnerable lists.)

May 14 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 87K with over 3.9K deaths; All Illinois regions poised to move to next phase of reopening, Pritzker says Illinois reports 3,239 new COVID-19 cases, 138 deaths on May 14 – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/society/all-illinois-regions-poised-to-move-to-next-phase-of-reopening-pritzker-says/6181604/
— Coronavirus Chicago: Willie Wilson voices support for 100 churches to reopen Sunday in defiance of stay-at-home order – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/health/willie-wilson-voices-support-for-100-churches-to-reopen-sunday-in-defiance-of-stay-at-home-order/6181687/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/14/2020
— Coronavirus drives sharp rise in food prices at grocery stores in April
https://abc7chicago.com/food/grocery-store-prices-rose-sharply-in-april-from-covid-19-pandemic/6183211/

NBC5
— 3,239 New Coronavirus Cases, 138 Additional Deaths Reported in Illinois The numbers lift statewide totals to 87,937 cases and 3,928 deaths
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/3239-new-coronavirus-cases-in-illinois/2272151/
— All Regions in Illinois Now on Track to Move to Phase 3 at End of May, Pritzker Says No region can officially move forward until May 29, under the parameters of the governor’s plan
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/all-regions-in-illinois-now-on-track-to-move-to-phase-3-at-end-of-may-pritzker-says/2272206/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois nearing 4,000 coronavirus deaths
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-nearing-4000-coronavirus-deaths

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois Tollway collections down $52 million in April due to pandemic – Mary Wisniewski
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-tollway-52-million-loss-20200513-s7kcoueacjhrpm4w74cpn4y4sq-story.html
— Chicago-area transit may look different this summer, with social distancing and the end of rush hour – Mary Wisniewski
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-transit-future-cta-metra-pace-masks-crowds-20200514-of35kwsm7vazjiga4356mzl72y-story.html
— As House readies vote on coronavirus package with second stimulus checks, some lawmakers push for guaranteed income programs – CATIE EDMONDSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-nyt-congress-coronavirus-stimulus-checks-20200514-pmdses3xljgevfbywbmharveoq-story.html
— Preckwinkle unveils COVID-19 recovery plan for Cook County focusing on racial equity – ALICE YIN (DIERSEN: To promote racial and gender equity, my Democrat superiors in the federal government a) gave preference to their Democrat employees who were minority, female, and/or younger and b) got rid of their Republican employees who were White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-cook-county-preckwinkle-recovery-plan-coronavirus-20200514-x2vahslxbbdzhmgopiegxq2k4u-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois GOP agitates for chance to negotiate COVID-19 re-opening – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20200514/news/305149944/
— Chicago, suburbs hit testing milestone, on track to ease stay-at-home restrictions – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/chicago-suburbs-hit-testing-milestone-on-track-to-ease-stay-at-home-restrictions-
— Suburban pastors expect excitement, caution with reopenings – Bob Susnjara
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/suburban-pastors-expect-excitement-caution-with-reopenings
— Kane sheriff: Deputies need judge’s order to enforce governor’s orders – Harry Hitzeman
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/kane-sheriff-deputies-need-judgess-order-to-enforce-governors-orders
— Batavia preparing for anticipated revenue shortfall due to coronavirus pandemic – Lauren Rohr
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/batavia-preparing-for-anticipated-revenue-shortfall-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic
— Elmhurst Park District facing furloughs, lost revenue from pandemic – Bob Smith
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/elmhurst-park-district-facing-furloughs-lost-revenue-from-pandemic
— Trump: Virus shows supply chains should be moved from China – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20200514/trump-virus-shows-supply-chains-should-be-moved-from-china

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Chicago’s on track to move to next phase of recovery on May 29, Pritzker says Limited reopening of stores, offices, gyms and hair salons will occur if health numbers hold up—and if Lightfoot doesn’t impose tougher rules for the city. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/chicagos-track-move-next-phase-recovery-may-29-pritzker-says
— The cap on SALT deductions is back on the agenda in D.C. Tucked into Pelosi’s big $3 trillion COVID-relief bill is a clause to drop the $10,000 federal cap on deductions for state and local taxes for the next two years, a hot topic ever since the GOP passed it in a previous Congress. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/cap-salt-deductions-back-agenda-dc

WBEZ
— Chicago Teachers Union Calls On State To Force CPS To Bargain Over Remote Learning The union says state rules require the school district to bargain about instruction from home. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has already said no. – Sarah Karp
https://www.wbez.org/stories/chicago-teachers-union-calls-on-state-to-force-cps-to-bargain-over-remote-learning/2b25266f-1b23-46d8-93f3-7db3bee26711

SOUTHERN
— Republicans push for revisions to ‘Restore Illinois’ plan – PETER HANCOCK
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/republicans-push-for-revisions-to-restore-illinois-plan/article_bf14d217-2488-53d4-bfb8-6d7e0a1f24d2.html

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— County action on reopening brings political responses – Scott Cousins
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/County-action-on-reopening-brings-political-15271216.php

NPR ILLINOIS
— With School Buildings Closed, Children’s Mental Health Is Suffering – ANYA KAMENETZ
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/school-buildings-closed-childrens-mental-health-suffering#stream/0

CHICAGO READER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: White-haters use coronavirus to promote hatred against Whites.
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/covid-death-racial-disparity/Content?oid=79884746&mc_cid=c588c4801b&mc_eid=c968c7978e

WILL COUNTY NEWS
— Federal Lawsuit filed against Governor Jay Robert Pritzker in his official capacity and the State of Illinois – Steve Balich
https://thewillcountynews.com/install/index.php/2020/05/13/federal-lawsuit-filed-against-governor-jay-robert-pritzker-in-his-official-capacity-and-the-state-of-illinois/

CENTER SQUARE
— Lawmakers expect pandemic special session to be a ‘rodeo’ Aside from state budget, Illinois lawmakers expected to take up expanded to take up mail-in voting possible but not check on executive authority – Greg Bishop
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/lawmakers-expect-pandemic-special-session-to-be-a-rodeo/article_bfd419fc-9547-11ea-bc5e-af4c3238930d.html

WIREPOINTS
— Facing Growing Defiance, Pritzker Thumbs Nose at AG Opinion, Insults and Threatens Dissidents – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/facing-growing-defiance-pritzker-thumbs-nose-at-ag-opinion-insults-and-threatens-dissidents-wirepoints/
— COVID-19 deaths and pre-existing conditions. What Illinois’ data says about who’s at risk. – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/covid-19-deaths-and-pre-existing-conditions-what-illinois-data-says-about-whos-at-risk-wirepoints/

CAPITOL FAX
— Another 3 million Americans, 73,000 Illinoisans apply for unemployment insurance
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/another-3-million-americans-73000-illinoisans-apply-for-unemployment-insurance/
— Bailey files new lawsuit based on informal 2001 AG opinion
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/bailey-files-new-lawsuit-based-on-informal-2001-ag-opinion/
— Illinois Sheriffs’ Association: “It is outrageous that the Governor is threatening retaliation”
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/illinois-sheriffs%e2%80%99-association-it-is-outrageous-that-the-governor-is-threatening-retaliation/
— Pritzker talks unemployment insurance – As of right now, all regions are meeting guidelines to move forward to Phase 3 – Explains regionalization approach – Restates possible licensure and legal consequences – Says Leader Brady demand “sounds like grandstanding” – Brady responds – Answers “loaded” question – Explains rolling averages – Business guidance coming in next two weeks or so – Dr. Ezike comments on 12-year-old boy who died – Dr. Ezike says she has no info on reopen protesters catching virus – Dr. Ezike says people can refuse hospital admission – Asked about hospital rumor – Pritzker says he’d like to go to Springfield, but waiting on medical sign-off – Dr. Ezike explains that increased testing will result in increased cases – Dr. Ezike says woman who gave birth and died after being sent home a “significant tragedy” and vows probe – Dr. Ezike comments on WHO official claim that virus may never go away – Dr. Ezike explains mental health treatment options – Governor talks budget process moving forward – Revenue projections have not changed “a whole lot” – Could be population shift, but maybe not because of virus – Believes EO is on solid legal footing – Explains why Illinois has 28-day metric – Praises Catholic Church reopening plan, is working with other denominations – “It’s just the very loud voices of people who are being defiant and ignoring science and data”
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/pritzker-talks-unemployment-insurance-as-of-right-now-all-regions-are-meeting-guidelines-to-move-forward-to-phase-3/
— 3,239 new cases, 138 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/3239-new-cases-138-additional-deaths/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/covid-19-roundup-38/

CONSERVATIVE HQ
— There’s No Proof Killing The Economy Saves Lives
http://www.conservativehq.com/node/32513

NEWSMAX
— Total Virus Layoffs Hit 36.5M as About 3M More Workers Seek Jobless Aid
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/jobless-claims-pandemic-virus/2020/05/14/id/967370/

THE HILL
— Trump says testing may be ‘frankly overrated’ – BRETT SAMUELS AND JESSIE HELLMANN
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/497846-trump-says-testing-may-be-frankly-overrated


— Ousted health official warns US needs national plan to beat coronavirus – NATHANIEL WEIXEL
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/497766-ousted-health-official-warns-us-needs-national-strategy-to-combat

POLITICO
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “‘They are angry:’ Pandemic and economic collapse slam Trump across Rust Belt. Coronavirus infections and unemployment filings are spiraling in parts of the industrial Midwest where Donald Trump cleaned up in 2016.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/14/coronavirus-economic-collapse-rust-belt-trump-259657

BLOOMBERG
— U.S. Jobless Claims in Millions Again, Higher Than Expected – Katia Dmitrieva
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-14/u-s-jobless-claims-remain-in-millions-for-eighth-straight-week

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— 23% of Republicans Think GOP Should Nominate Someone Other Than Trump (DIERSEN: What do you say to Republican candidates who hint/imply/argue/shout that they are one or more of the following: anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2020/23_of_republicans_think_gop_should_nominate_someone_other_than_trump

May 14 Morning Edition

ABC7
— IL reports deadliest day yet as COVID-19 cases top 84K with over 3.7K deaths; Gov. Pritzker warns areas defying stay-at-home order Illinois reports record 192 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/society/pritzker-warns-areas-defying-stay-at-home-order/6181604/
— Coronavirus Chicago: Mayor Lightfoot reveals what city needs to do to enter next phase of reopening – Cate Cauguira
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/lightfoot-reveals-what-chicago-needs-to-do-to-enter-next-phase-of-reopening/6180297/

NBC5
— Pritzker Warns of Consequences for Counties That Don’t Adhere to Stay-at-Home Order
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/pritzker-warns-of-consequences-for-counties-that-dont-adhere-to-stay-at-home-order/2271735/
— Illinois Debates Vote-By-Mail Ballots for 2020 Election Amidst Pandemic
https://www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/illinois-debates-vote-by-mail-ballots-for-2020-election-amidst-pandemic/2271815/
— McHenry County Mayors Continue Push to Reopen Sooner Than Governor’s Plan Currently Calls For
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/mchenry-county-mayors-continue-push-to-reopen-sooner-than-governors-plan-currently-calls-for/2271817/
— US Judge Rejects Churches’ Challenge to Stay-at-home Order
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/us-judge-rejects-churches-challenge-to-stay-at-home-order/2271727/
— Lightfoot Details What Can Reopen in Phase 3, But the Lakefront Isn’t Included During a speech, Lightfoot detailed which industries will be included as the city prepares for phase three of reopening
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/lightfoot-details-what-can-reopen-in-phase-3-but-the-lakefront-isnt-included/2271585/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Obama Emerges as Central Figure in 2020 Presidential Race. Obama remains the Democratic party’s most popular figure, particularly with black voters and younger Democrats.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/obama-emerges-as-central-figure-in-2020-presidential-race/2271862/
— Trump Presses for Schools to Reopen, Takes Dig at Fauci   Fauci urged caution in testimony before a Senate committee, although he made clear he believes reopening decisions will likely differ regionally – Kevin Freking and Jill Colvin
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/trump-presses-schools-reopen-makes-dig-fauci/2271666/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Local churches, Dr. Willie Wilson mount new challenge to Governor Pritzker – Tia Ewing
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local-churches-dr-willie-wilson-mount-new-challenge-to-governor-pritzker
— US could face COVID-19 rebound in ‘darkest winter in modern history,’ whistleblower scientist warns
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/us-could-face-covid-19-rebound-in-darkest-winter-in-modern-history-whistleblower-scientist-warns
— Michigan suspends license of barber who opened during Stay Home order (DIERSEN: Do you need a license to do what you do?)
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/michigan-suspends-license-of-barber-who-opened-during-stay-home-order

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— ‘Ladies and gentlemen, we are not Cook County.’ Pritzker’s geographical grouping in COVID-19 fight rankles many officials. – ROBERT MCCOPPIN and JOHN KEILMAN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-suburban-counties-coronavirus-restlessness-20200514-uonnqbigfzh7rpxz2ndzeiwifi-story.html
— Wisconsin now without COVID-19 restrictions after state Supreme Court strikes down Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order – BILL RUTHHART
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-wisconsin-stay-at-home-order-state-supreme-court-20200513-vpjo34p6pfctpazbst7owsze2m-story.html
— Chicago’s lakefront will remain closed, but here are the industries that Mayor Lori Lightfoot says are on track to expand or reopen during next phase – GREGORY PRATT and JOHN BYRNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-chicago-lightfoot-reopening-speech-20200513-g34r3atki5gsvk3m6hbjoi6vyq-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Fears and frustration as Illinois sees deadliest COVID-19 day yet: ‘This is a real disease. This is a serious disease. It’s not a hoax’ “One-hundred-ninety-two Illinoisans have lost their lives to this virus in the past 24 hours. 192. How is that not real to you?” Pritzker asked elected officials — and business owners — objecting to his stay-at-home order extension. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/13/21257651/illinois-coronavirus-pritzker-cases-deaths-may-13
— Next phase of reopening Chicago will go slowly, keep lakefront closed, Lightfoot says During a virtual speech to the Economic Club of Chicago, the mayor said, “Unfortunately at this point, we will not be ready to reopen our lakefront” because a “resurgence in cases is more than a risk.” – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2020/5/13/21257817/reopening-chicago-lakefront-closed-lightfoot-lori-economic-club
— Archdiocese of Chicago, Dioceses of Joliet and Rockford announce plans for gradual reopening Catholic churches throughout northern Illinois could begin the first of three phases as soon as May 23, per a Wednesday announcement. – Ben Pope
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/13/21258010/archdiocese-chicago-diocese-joliet-coronavirus-plan-reopening-mass-weddings-funerals

DAILY HERALD
— Suburbs dealing with COVID-19 are in this together – Editorial
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20200514/editorial-suburbs-dealing-with-covid-19-are-in-this-together
— Chicago, Rockford, Joliet dioceses: State OKs plan to start reopening churches as soon as May 23 – Dave Oberhelman
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200513/chicago-rockford-joliet-dioceses-state-oks-plan-to-start-reopening-churches-as-soon-as-may-23
— Trump’s push for opening school clashes with Fauci’s caution – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/trumps-push-for-opening-school-clashes-with-faucis-caution
— As coronavirus rolls on, Republicans hit ‘pause’ on new aid – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/as-coronavirus-rolls-on-republicans-hit-pause-on-new-aid
— Pandemic crisis forecast to hit insurers for $200 billion – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20200514/pandemic-crisis-forecast-to-hit-insurers-for-200-billion
— COVID era to alter Kane County courtrooms, hallways – Harry Hitzeman
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/covid-era-to-alter-kane-county-courtrooms-hallways

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Pritzker wants state COVID-19 relief package; calls for federal help – Kade Heather
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200513/pritzker-wants-state-covid-19-relief-package-calls-for-federal-help

DEKALB DAILY CHRONICLE
— Maple Park, Sandwich want out of Chicago-area Restore Illinois region, says DeKalb mayor – KELSEY RETT
https://www.daily-chronicle.com/2020/05/14/maple-park-sandwich-want-out-of-chicago-area-restore-illinois-region-says-dekalb-mayor/aksushl/

JACKSONVILLE JOURNAL COURIER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats say “As Illinois starts reopening, fears grow about new coronavirus spikes.”
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/As-Illinois-starts-reopening-fears-grow-about-15269258.php

SUBURBAN LIFE
— DuPage County reports 10 COVID-19 deaths among 117 new cases
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/13/dupage-county-reports-10-covid-19-deaths-among-117-new-cases/au2g1rp/
— Drive-thru testing centers help Latinos combat COVID-19 – F. AMANDA TUGADE
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/06/drive-thru-testing-centers-help-latinos-combat-covid-19/avovx0l/

FOX ILLINOIS
— Dems propose $3 trillion stimulus package as partisan tensions rise over virus relief – Stephen Loiaconi
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/dems-propose-3-trillion-stimulus-package-as-partisan-tensions-rise-over-virus-relief

NPR ILLINOIS
— ‘Wuhan Diary’ Brings Account Of China’s Coronavirus Outbreak To English Speakers – EMILY FENG
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/wuhan-diary-brings-account-chinas-coronavirus-outbreak-english-speakers#stream/0

ORLAND PARK PATCH
— Dispute Between Union, Orland Fire Over Coronavirus Benefits The Orland Fire Protection District said no firefighter has missed a day’s pay or been denied benefits after a complaint from Local #2754. – Tim Moran
https://patch.com/illinois/orlandpark/dispute-between-union-orland-fire-over-coronavirus-benefits

COURTHOUSE NEWS
— Republicans, Business Owners Fight Illinois Shutdown – THOMAS F. HARRISON
https://www.courthousenews.com/republicans-business-owners-fight-illinois-shutdown/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— ‘Freedom now’: Trump fuels GOP rebellion with Pennsylvania visit – Dave Boyer
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/13/donald-trump-fuels-gop-coronavirus-rebellion-again/

REAL CLEAR POLITICS
— Limbaugh: Next Four Months Will Be War Like You’ve Never Seen, Dems Will Try To Keep Economy Shut Down – Ian Schwartz
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2020/05/12/limbaugh_democrats_will_do_their_best_to_keep_economy_shut_down_just_to_ensure_that_trump_loses.html

POLITICO
— Republicans divided over how to help states hit hard by coronavirus – MARIANNE LEVINE
https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2020/05/13/republicans-divided-over-how-to-help-states-hit-hard-by-coronavirus-1283900

CNN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump’s rebuke of Fauci encapsulates rejection of science in virus fight.”
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/14/politics/donald-trump-anthony-fauci-science-coronavirus/index.html

CNBC
— Powell’s gloomy outlook has investors predicting the Fed may make another big move soon – Patti Domm
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/13/powells-gloomy-outlook-has-investors-predicting-the-fed-may-make-another-big-move-soon.html

ABC NEWS
— US immunologist warns of ‘darkest winter’ if virus rebounds The U.S. immunologist who says he lost his government job because he warned the Trump administration to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic isn’t backing off his bleak forecast – AP
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/us-immunologist-warns-darkest-winter-virus-rebounds-70673558

NBC NEWS
— Democrats push $3 trillion relief package, Trump calls it ‘DOA’
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/blog/2020-05-13-coronavirus-news-n1205916

NEW YORK TIMES
— Virus Could Be Here to Stay, and Economic Pain Long-Lasting
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/us/coronavirus-updates.html
— Trump Administration Plans to Extend Virus Border Restrictions Indefinitely Orders that have effectively sealed the United States to migrants seeking protection from persecution would remain in place until a health official declared the virus no longer a threat. – Michael D. Shear and Zolan Kanno-Youngs
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/13/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-border-restrictions.html
— In Bid for Party Unity, Biden Moves Beyond Restoring the Pre-Trump Era Trying to win over progressives and aware that the coronavirus crisis is upending the political landscape, Joe Biden is increasingly using the language of systemic disruption. – Katie Glueck and Astead W. Herndon
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/13/us/politics/joe-biden-trump.html
— Texas AG Asks Court to Block Mail-In Voting Over Virus Fears – AP
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/05/13/us/ap-us-election-2020-texas.html
— As Unemployment Soars, Lawmakers Push to Cover Workers’ Wages Progressive and conservative lawmakers are increasingly pushing for the government to guarantee workers’ incomes, signaling how profoundly the economic debate has shifted during the pandemic. – Catie Edmondson
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/us/politics/coronavirus-workers-income-lawmakers.html
— Reopening Prompts New Agitation Over Workers’ Virus Exposure As business restrictions are lifted, employees have moved from advocating workplace safeguards to making sure the measures aren’t removed too soon. – Noam Scheiber
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/business/economy/coronavirus-workers-safety.html
— These Young Socialists Think They Have Courage. They Don’t. Many disappointed fans of Bernie Sanders would prefer a quixotic display of principle. – Mitchell Abidor
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/13/opinion/socialists-support-biden-election.html
— Nearly 3 million jobless claims reflect the pandemic’s economic misery.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/business/unemployment-claims-numbers-stock-market-coronavirus.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down stay-at-home order; cities will keep restrictions in place – Teo Armus, Antonia Noori Farzan and Rick Noack
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/14/coronavirus-update-us/

USA TODAY
— An Illinois woman was mauled to death by pet French bulldog, officials say – Jessica Flores
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/14/woman-fatally-attacked-her-french-bulldog-chicago/5188626002/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Trump Looks to Salvage Summer Campaign Season Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the president’s re-election team is plotting how to adjust a strategy that was dependent on massive rallies – Catherine Lucey and Alex Leary
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-looks-to-salvage-summer-campaign-season-11589448600
— Two Months Into Pandemic, Millions of Workers Continue Filing Unemployment Claims Economists expect another 3 million Americans sought jobless benefits last week; many who filed weeks ago are still awaiting payments – Sarah Chaney and Gwynn Guilford
https://www.wsj.com/articles/unemployment-benefits-weekly-jobless-claims-coronavirus-05-14-2020-11589410374
— Stocks Fall as Fed’s Powell Says Outlook ‘Highly Uncertain’ Shares of beaten-down energy, airline and bank stocks were among the biggest decliners – Karen Langley
https://www.wsj.com/articles/global-stock-markets-dow-update-05-13-2020-11589342813
— HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: Companies Don’t Plan for a Quick Recovery – Caitlin McCabe
https://www.wsj.com/articles/corporate-america-isnt-betting-on-a-v-shaped-recovery-11589399846
— Coronavirus Demands a Privacy Law Silicon Valley’s role in contact tracing and social-distancing enforcement has Americans worried. – Christine Wilson
https://www.wsj.com/articles/congress-needs-to-pass-a-coronavirus-privacy-law-11589410686
— WSJ Survey: Coronavirus to Cause 17% Unemployment in June Economists see U.S. growth rebound in second half of year, though GDP is expected to shrink 6.6% in 2020 – Harriet Torry and Anthony DeBarros
https://www.wsj.com/articles/wsj-survey-coronavirus-is-delivering-severe-blow-to-u-s-economy-11589378404

NEWSWEEK
— MAJORITY OF AMERICANS WANT BIDEN TO LEAD CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE, BUT TRUMP MORE TRUSTED WITH THE ECONOMY: POLL – CHRISTINA ZHAO
https://www.newsweek.com/majority-americans-want-biden-lead-coronavirus-response-trump-more-trusted-economy-poll-1503899

NPR
— Republicans Disagree On Voter Fraud Risk For Mail-In Voting – Pam Fessler
https://www.npr.org/2020/05/14/855855742/republicans-disagree-on-voter-fraud-risk-for-mail-in-voting

WEEK
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Biden is crushing Trump among older Wisconsin voters.”
https://theweek.com/speedreads/914180/biden-crushing-trump-among-older-wisconsin-voters-new-marquette-poll

May 13 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois Live: IL reports deadliest day yet as COVID-19 cases top 84K with over 3.7K deaths; Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order challenged by state rep. Illinois surpasses 4K new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/society/live-gov-pritzker-gives-covid-19-update-on-new-cases-deaths-/6178259/
— Downstate Madison County reopens businesses, defying Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/business/downstate-county-reopens-businesses-despite-order/6178590/
— Jerome Powell warns of long-lasting recession from coronavirus pandemic – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/fed-chair-warns-of-long-lasting-recession-from-pandemic/6179215/

NBC5
— Illinois Records Its Deadliest Day of Coronavirus Pandemic So Far The state recorded 192 additional deaths in 24 hours, health officials said
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-records-its-deadliest-day-of-coronavirus-pandemic-so-far/2271483/
— Madison County Begins Reopening in Defiance of Stay-at-Home Order Madison County’s Board of Health voted 26-2 to approve a four-phased reopening plan that begins Wednesday
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/madison-county-begins-reopening-in-defiance-of-stay-at-home-order/2271380/
— US Virus Updates: Trump Calls Dr. Fauci’s Reopening Warnings ‘Unacceptable’; Ousted Vaccine Expert to Testify
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/us-coronavirus-updates-deadline-for-stimulus-check-direct-deposit-calif-official-scuffle-with-protesters/2271182/
— Pandemic Wrecks Many State Budgets, Could Trigger Deep Cuts Many states expect their revenue to plunge by 15% to 20%
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/pandemic-wrecks-many-state-budgets-could-trigger-deep-cuts/2271491/

CBS2
— Fight Over Stay-At-Home Order May Be Coming When Illinois General Assembly Meets Next Week – Dana Kozlov
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/13/fight-over-stay-at-home-order-may-be-coming-when-illinois-general-assembly-meets-next-week/
— Illinois Lawmakers To Return To Springfield Next Week To Debate Budget, Legislation To Address COVID-19 Crisis
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/13/illinois-lawmakers-to-return-to-springfield-next-week-to-debate-budget-legislation-to-address-covid-19-crisis/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois reports highest single-day death toll from COVID-19
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-reports-highest-single-day-death-toll-from-covid-19
— DuPage sees ‘unusual spike’ in overdose deaths during coronavirus pandemic: coroner
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/dupage-sees-unusual-spike-in-overdose-deaths-during-coronavirus-pandemic-coroner
— Safety measures to govern Illinois Legislature’s return to capital – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/safety-measures-to-govern-illinois-legislatures-return-to-capital

WGN TV
— Illinois legislature to hold 1st special session since coronavirus pandemic began – Tahman Bradley
https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-legislature-to-hold-1st-special-session-since-coronavirus-pandemic-began/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Officials report 192 deaths from COVID-19, the highest total in a 24-hour period
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200513-3m6hjzvbj5anneskl6bqhzdi7y-story.html
— Illinois legislators set to return to Springfield next week with a number of COVID-19 precautions in place – JAMIE MUNKS
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-legislature-20200513-v65m2gsodnfmbod2jrkpqjccta-story.html
— Trump ramps up expulsions of young migrants and asylum seekers, citing the coronavirus pandemic – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-coronavirus-migrants-asylum-seekers-20200513-cnowvqkrh5fflmuwd643j6qdku-story.html
— Federal judge spikes 2 Chicago-area churches’ legal challenge to Pritzker’s stay-at-home order – JASON MEISNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-judge-denies-churches-reopening-lawsuit-20200513-ddh7ill46feh7olansug33bboq-story.html
— An outbreak of overspending in Springfield and D.C. would cost us all – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-coronavirus-pritzker-springfield-spending-pelosi-wisconsi-20200513-r67cnm4bnnd4vh264jelni7gri-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Legislators back to Springfield next week — with faces covered, COVID-19 tests taken and temperatures checked The surprise call comes just a day after Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he wants legislators back to both approve a budget and try to work on a state plan to help businesses and unemployed people. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/13/21257310/illinois-legislators-return-springfield-budget-pandemic-issues
— Politicians pushing to reopen faster are ‘idiots,’ says expert, blaming those not following rules for continued rise in COVID-19 cases
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/13/21257023/latest-coronavirus-news-live-updates-chicago-illinois-2020
— U.S. judge sides with Pritzker in religious challenge as governor moves more lawsuits to federal court U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman found Pritzker’s order “has nothing to do with suppressing religion and everything to do with reducing infections and saving lives.” – Jon Seidel
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/13/21257740/federal-judge-denies-bid-churches-worship-despite-pritzkers-order

DAILY HERALD
— Pritzker warns of ‘consequences’ for defying stay-at-home order – Jake Griffin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200513/pritzker-warns-of-consequences-for-defying-stay-at-home-order
— Shutdown supporters take on constitutional-rights backers in final Kane County COVID-19 chat – James fuller
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200513/shutdown-supporters-take-on-constitutional-rights-backers-in-final-kane-county-covid-19-chat
— Feds provide $161 million for DuPage County’s COVID-19 response – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200513/feds-provide-161-million-for-dupage-countys-covid-19-response
— DuPage seeing spike in drug overdose deaths
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200513/dupage-seeing-spike-in-drug-overdose-deaths

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Pritzker threatens consequences for early reopeners To communities downstate that are opening on their own, the governor warns of regulatory action or losing out on federal recovery funds. “You weren’t elected to do what’s easy. You were elected to do what’s right.” – A.D. QUIG
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/government/pritzker-threatens-consequences-early-reopeners
— Polls: Thumbs-up for Pritzker’s handling of COVID-19 A survey for the Washington Post rates most governors quite positively—and President Donald Trump claims credit. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/polls-thumbs-pritzkers-handling-covid-19

WTTW
— Illinois Lawmakers Will Meet on Budget, COVID-19 Issues Next Week – Amanda Vinicky
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/13/illinois-lawmakers-will-meet-budget-covid-19-issues-next-week

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Metro East Democrats Request Move to Phase 3 on Friday – Doug Jenkins
http://www.altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=303921#.XrwixyN_OM8

BELLEVIEW NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Contact tracing is key to fighting COVID-19 in Illinois. Here’s how you can help. – KELSEY LANDIS
https://www.bnd.com/news/coronavirus/article242663501.html

SOUTHERN
— Illinois’ border city mayors speak out as businesses reopen across state lines – Molly Parker
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/state-and-regional/illinois-border-city-mayors-speak-out-as-businesses-reopen-across-state-lines/article_6df2d366-1f4d-5b26-a5e7-f5f808e37a39.html

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Shelby County Board votes to reopen businesses
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/shelby-county-board-votes-to-reopen-businesses
— Will Illinoisans vote entirely by mail in November? – Sydney Dorner
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/fwill-illinoisans-vote-entirely-by-mail-in-november

NPR ILLINOIS
— Is Coronavirus Pandemic Causing Your Food Bill To Go Up?
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/coronavirus-pandemic-causing-your-food-bill-go#stream/0
— Jewish Americans Say They Are Scapegoated For The Coronavirus Spread – MATT KATZ
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/jewish-americans-say-they-are-scapegoated-coronavirus-spread#stream/0

CENTER SQUARE
— Illinois receives ‘D’ grade for its coronavirus reopening strategy
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-receives-d-grade-for-its-coronavirus-reopening-strategy/article_fd228282-951d-11ea-afe4-3397482751a7.html

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Illinois Governor facing amended complaint in the Darren Bailey law suit – can he “avert” the coming disaster? – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/illinois-governor-facing-amended-complaint-in-the-darren-bailey-law-suit-can-he-avert-the-coming-disaster/

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— 3-IN-4 ILLINOISANS SUPPORT REOPENING SMALL BUSINESSES IMMEDIATELY – Ben Szalinski
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/3-in-4-illinoisans-support-reopening-small-businesses-immediately/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— PRITZKER TO FACE ANOTHER LAWSUIT – THIS ONE FROM WILL COUNTY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/pritzker-to-face-another-lawsuit-this-one-from-will-county-.html
— GRUNDY COUNTY BOARD CALLS ON PRITZKER TO CHANGE “RESTORE ILLINOIS” HEALTH REGION BOUNDARY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/grundy-county-board-calls-on-pritzker-to-change-restore-illinois-health-region-boundary.html

CAPITOL FAX
— 1,677 new cases, 192 additional deaths (a record)
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/1677-new-cases-192-additional-deaths-a-record/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/covid-19-roundup-37/
— Session will be limited to seven topics, some broader than others
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/session-will-be-limited-to-seven-topics-some-broader-than-others/
— Illinois pays high price on bond sale, but still pays slightly less than offering price
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/illinois-pays-high-price-on-bond-sale-but-still-pays-slightly-less-than-offering-price/
— “How many people dying are we willing to accept to open the economy?”
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/how-many-people-dying-are-we-willing-to-accept-to-open-the-economy/
— Pritzker warns businesses, counties – Apologizes for baseball remarks – Implore local officials “not to give into a minority” who ignore the science – “They’re the ones who bear the responsibility” – Quarantined governor asked why he isn’t traveling – Suggests business owners thinking of reopening should visit a hospital – Rambles through 28-day explanation – Asked about super-minority bills – No other staff has tested positive – Addresses more IDES complaints – Says nursing homes are getting “many more” tests than other facilities – Asked about a 2001 AG opinion – Calls Willie Wilson 100 church reopening “enormous mistake” – Dr. Ezike on death count – Dr. Ezike says child inflammatory syndrome a “spectrum of disorders” – Dr. Ezike explains positivity percentages – State needs federal help to fund any state aid package – “We’ll be continually accessing the public markets” – Doesn’t oppose Navy Pier federal PPP loans – Fall semester guidance too far off to predict – Repeats dire need for federal funds – Extends Bloomington drive-through testing through next week – Need more data on Chinese restaurant study – Horse racing will reopen when it’s safe to do so
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/pritzker-warns-businesses-counties/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Liberal journalists cry wolf over Trump ‘racism’ toward Asian American reporter – Brad Polumbo
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/after-trump-spars-with-weijia-jiang-liberal-journalists-cry-wolf-over-racism

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Americans Say China to Blame for Pandemic Poll shows two-thirds of Americans say China at fault – Yuichiro Kakutani
https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/poll-china-to-blame-for-pandemic/

GOPUSA
— Coronavirus Immunity Cards — What A Terrible Idea!
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=88841

POLITICO
— Trump vs. the skeptics: Reopening fight highlights polar opposite outcomes Reopening quickly could boost Trump and the economy. It could also spark catastrophe.- BEN WHITE
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/13/recession-odepression-america-reopening-scenarios-252984

NEW YORK TIMES
— The Era of Offshoring U.S. Jobs Is Over The pandemic, and Trump’s trade policy, are accelerating a trend to bring manufacturing back to America. – Robert E. Lighthizer
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/11/opinion/coronavirus-jobs-offshoring.html

JD SUPRA
— Deciding Who To Bring Back to Work? Be Wary of Discrimination Risks
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/deciding-who-to-bring-back-to-work-be-69671/

May 13 Morning Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— In his May 7, 2020 email to Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Central Committee members and to IRP County Party chairmen, IRP Chairman Tim Schneider announced that the 2020 IRP State Convention will be held virtually on June 12 and June 13 and that an in-person convention will be held in Peoria on September 19. More details will follow. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

ABC7
— Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order challenged by John Cabello (R, Machesney Park) as IL total COVID-19 cases top 83K with over 3.6K deaths Illinois surpasses 4K new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/society/state-rep-files-new-challenge-to-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/6178259/
— Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order challenged by state rep. as IL total COVID-19 cases top 83K with over 3.6K deaths Illinois surpasses 4K new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/society/state-rep-files-new-challenge-to-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/6178259/
— Ingleside woman mauled to death by own French bulldog, officials say
https://abc7chicago.com/pets-animals/lake-county-woman-mauled-to-death-by-own-dog-officials/6178188/

NBC5
— Pritzker Calls on State Legislature to Convene to Address Budget, Small Business Relief
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/pritzker-calls-on-state-legislature-to-convene-to-address-budget-small-business-relief/2270854/
— Far South Suburban Counties Hope to Open Sooner Than Chicago Area Amid Pandemic
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/far-south-suburban-counties-hope-to-open-sooner-than-chicago-area-amid-pandemic/2271044/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Trump is courting black voters. His shortcomings on the coronavirus are a problem.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-nyt-trump-black-voters-coronavirus-20200513-2napxbg6gjbx3msiiagkoa7vey-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use coronavirus to demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans as being White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse thing who should be gotten rid of once and for all.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-racism-black-chicago-coronavirus-covid-20200512-wtnn4hchc5bqrjrbpityuqzocy-story.html
— Illinois attorney Tom DeVore who filed lawsuits against Pritzker for stay-at-home order now working with dozens of businesses that have reopened – Katherine Rosenberg-Douglas
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-attorney-lawsuits-businesses-20200512-li5alihcdfehlk7f37pjpvk6qi-story.html
— FRONT PAGE WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Republican-haters use Ahmaud Arbery to promote hatred against Republicans.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-black-runners-chicago-ahmaud-arbery-shooting-20200512-7vikynqodjhm7csbhqvhjl6hpe-story.html
— Wearing a facial mask in public — or not — is our new culture war controversy – JERRY DAVICH
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-davich-wearing-masks-in-public-culture-war-st-0512-20200511-cdxmeaagurgy3duhzjhmahpeya-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Let’s not waste a crisis – Walter E. Williams
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20200513/lets-not-waste-a-crisis
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Daily Herald sides with Democrats against Northwest Bible Baptist Church in Elgin.
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20200513/editorial-health-officials-should-get-involved-with-church-that-vows-to-reopen

WBBM
— HUD Allocates 3rd Wave Of CARES Act Funding Providing $1B For Communities Including $39.3M To Illinois Third wave of relief funding targeted for states and insular areas
https://wbbm780.radio.com/articles/hud-allocates-3rd-wave-of-cares-act-funding

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Pritzker calls on lawmakers to convene – Jeff Kolkey
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200512/pritzker-calls-on-lawmakers-to-convene

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— Will Pritzker consider withholding funds from counties reopening early? – Jerry Nowicki (DIERSEN: He who pays the piper calls the tunes. Who pays the operatives and the dupes who work against you? I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes.)
https://www.daily-journal.com/news/illinois/will-pritzker-consider-withholding-funds-from-counties-reopening-early/article_3c019d62-94fb-11ea-ad56-bfe2715bb0b0.html

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
— Kane County Republicans launch Community Care Package Event scheduled for Saturday in Elgin, St. Charles
https://www.kcchronicle.com/2020/05/12/kane-county-republicans-launch-community-care-package/auie51v/
— The Democrats try to kill the economy, while Trump tries to save it – Andrea Widburg
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2020/05/the_democrats_try_to_kill_the_economy_while_trump_tries_to_save_it.html

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Madison County will reopen Wednesday, defying Illinois’ coronavirus stay-at-home order – KAVAHN MANSOURI
https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article242685486.html

BUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN
— Those who defy Pritzker’s orders might pay a price – Rich Miller
https://www.bcrnews.com/2020/05/11/those-who-defy-pritzkers-orders-might-pay-a-price/af58wjp/

FOX ILLINOIS
— Disparity in Trump and Biden’s relationship with media could impact 2020 race – Stephen Loiaconi (DIERSEN: I have been the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000. I should write a book about how candidates, their political consultants, their campaign managers, their staff members, and their volunteers have treated me since 2000.)
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/disparity-in-trump-and-bidens-relationship-with-media-could-impact-2020-race
— Biden plans to stay home, testing limits of virtual campaign – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/biden-plans-to-stay-home-testing-limits-of-virtual-campaign

FOX ST. LOUIS
— Loss of revenue from casino has put East St. Louis in dire financial straits – Elliott Davis
https://fox2now.com/news/you-paid-for-it/loss-of-revenue-from-casino-has-put-east-st-louis-in-dire-financial-straits/amp/

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Sen. Duckworth comments on rumors she may be Biden’s VP pick (DIERSEN: Duckworth focus on promoting hatred against individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Republican and especially against those that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/sen-duckworth-comments-on-rumors-she-may-be-bidens-vp-pick
— Dems blast Trump officials for ‘vague’ guidance on reopening – AP
https://newschannel20.com/news/nation-world/fauci-warns-of-suffering-and-death-if-us-reopens-too-soon

KHQA
— Lee County Republican Party of Iowa hosting candidate forum on Facebook Live (DIERSEN: What are the following doing to help elect Republican candidates on November 3, 2020: Illinois Republican Party, your Republican county party organization, and your Republican ward/township party organization?)
https://khqa.com/news/local/lee-county-republican-party-of-iowa-hosting-candidate-forum-on-fb-live

KTRS
— Peoria Passes Resolution Bucking Gov’s Stay-at-Home Order
https://ktrs.com/peoria-passes-resolution-bucking-govs-stay-at-home-order/

WCBU
— Pandemic Revives Calls To Ban Lawmakers From Bunking In Their Offices – BARBARA SPRUNT
https://www.peoriapublicradio.org/post/pandemic-revives-calls-ban-lawmakers-bunking-their-offices#stream/0

BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— 50,000 Gig, 1099 Workers Rush To File For Unemployment After Waiting 8 Weeks The surge in claims comes after weeks where workers were stuck in limbo, unable to receive benefits even though they were forced out of work by the stay at home order. – Kelly Bauer
https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/05/12/50000-gig-1099-workers-rush-to-file-for-unemployment-after-waiting-8-weeks/

EATER CHICAGO
— A Running List of Chicago Restaurants That Have Permanently Closed During the COVID-19 Crisis Here’s which restaurants have announced they won’t be reopening, including many neighborhood favorites – Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam (DIERSEN: How many restaurants will not be reopening in a) your municipal district, b) your municipality, c) your township, d) your county, and in Illinois? Which candidates on November 3, 2020 ballots in your precinct will get blamed for that?)
https://chicago.eater.com/2020/5/12/21254955/chicago-restaurant-closings-coronavirus

CENTER SQUARE
— An Illinois lawmaker says it is time to reopen the state regionally – Kevin Bessler
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/an-illinois-lawmaker-says-it-is-time-to-reopen-the-state-regionally/article_f73783f0-93aa-11ea-9e97-d7f61e557bd3.html

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Illinois Governor’s emergency powers are limited to 30 days according to Attorney General Opinions Bureau – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/illinois-governors-emergency-powers-are-limited-to-30-days-according-to-attorney-general-opinions-bureau/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— SYVERSON: TIME TO REOPEN ILLINOIS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/syverson-time-to-reopen-illinois.html
— REP. SOSNOWSKI: GOVERNOR’S “RESTORE ILLINOIS” DATA-DRIVEN PLAN SIMPLY IGNORES DATA
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/rep-sosnowski-governors-restore-illinois-data-driven-plan-simply-ignores-data.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Session could resume as early as next week
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/session-could-resume-as-early-as-next-week/
— A different sort of remap debate
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/13/a-different-sort-of-remap-debate/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Government trillions won’t save some sectors from coronavirus, economists say – Dave Boyer
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/12/coronavirus-stimulus-cant-save-manufacturing-hospi/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘Unprecedented’: US braces for pandemic to drive largest refugee wave ever to the border – Joel Gehrke
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/unprecedented-us-braces-for-pandemic-to-drive-largest-refugee-wave-ever-to-the-border
— Rush Limbaugh calls CBS reporter Weijia Jiang a ‘provocateur’ after media label exchange with Trump ‘racist’ – Spencer Neale
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/rush-limbaugh-calls-cbs-reporter-weijia-jiang-a-provocateur-after-media-labels-exchange-with-trump-racist
— Trump reaffirms support for Asian Americans after spat with reporter by claiming they’re ‘very angry’ at China – Madison Dibble
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/trump-reaffirms-support-for-asian-americans-after-spat-with-reporter-by-claiming-theyre-very-angry-at-china

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Pelosi Bill Aims to Fight Coronavirus With Hate Crime Reform and ‘Environmental Justice Grants’ – Andrew Stiles
https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/nancys-pelosi-coronavirus-bill/

GOPUSA
— Protect Your Family From Fearmonger Fauci – Michelle Malkin
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=88830

BREITBART
— Pelosi Coronavirus Plan Orders Felons, Illegal Aliens to Be Freed from Prison – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/12/pelosi-coronavirus-plan-orders-felons-illegal-aliens-to-be-freed-from-prison/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Why Bailing Out the Postal Service Isn’t a Good Idea – Rachel del Guidice (DIERSEN: What do you say to Republicans, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs who want to get rid of the Postal Service, IRS, GAO, the federal governments, and all other government entities because they are run by Democrats? In 1966, I was one of the last Republicans that the Post Office hired. In 1971, I was one of the last Republicans that IRS hired. In 1980, I was one of the last Republicans that GAO hired.)
https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/05/13/why-bailing-out-the-united-states-postal-service-isnt-a-good-idea/

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Over 350K sign petition against mandatory coronavirus vaccination In only the last four days, LifeSite’s petition rejecting mandatory coronavirus vaccination has garnered huge support.
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/over-350k-sign-petition-against-mandatory-coronavirus-vaccination
— Netflix defends packing shows with LGBT ‘representation’: ‘every gay person is very necessary’ One 2017 list counted a whopping 57 shows on the platform featuring gay characters.
https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/netflix-defends-lgbt-representation-every-gay-person-is-very-necessary

NATIONAL REVIEW
— China Is a Bad Actor, and American Media Need to Recognize This – JIM GERAGHTY (DIERSEN: What do you say to activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, campaign managers, etc. a) that promote China and b) paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican? I should write a book about the aforesaid who have focused on destroying me.)
https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/china-is-a-bad-actor-and-american-media-need-to-recognize-this/

THE HILL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Republican-hater asks “Are Jews in America safe in this era?” (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who have focused on turning Jewish people against me. While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, virtually all my superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates were Democrats. They focused on turning my many Jewish superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates against me. They stressed a) that I have always been a Republican, b) that I have always been conservative, c) that I am 100% German national origin, d) that I was baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran, and e) that I lived in Crete 1948-1972 and in Wheaton since 1978.)
https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/497487-are-jews-in-america-safe-in-this-era
— Poll: Biden favorability dips, leads Trump by 3 points nationally – JONATHAN EASLEY
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/497274-poll-biden-favorability-dips-leads-trump-by-3-points-nationally

POLITICO
— Poll: Majority of Americans say coronavirus testing responsibility falls on federal government The Pew Research Center survey finds 61 percent hold this view, compared with 37 percent who say responsibility mainly falls on state governments. – MYAH WARD
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/12/coronavirus-testing-responsibility-federal-government-251894
— Republican voters give Trump and GOP governors cover to reopen A partisan divide over coronavirus has widened in POLITICO/Morning Consult polling over the past month, increasingly leaving Republican voters in the minority. – STEVEN SHEPARD (DIERSEN: From what I see in Illinois, in DuPage County, in Milton Township, in Wheaton, in Wheaton’s West District, and in my precinct, ever-increasingly, there are fewer and fewer and fewer members of the following groups: Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. Ever-increasingly, Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs use that to dump those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/13/poll-coronavirus-reopen-trump-republicans-252726

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Democrats pass new rules that would allow virtual convention
https://cnycentral.com/news/nation-world/democrats-pass-new-rules-that-would-allow-virtual-convention-05-13-2020
https://abcstlouis.com/news/nation-world/democrats-pass-new-rules-that-would-allow-virtual-convention-05-13-2020

REUTERS
— U.S. reports record $738 billion budget deficit in April – Lindsay Dunsmuir
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-budget/u-s-posts-record-738-billion-budget-deficit-in-april-idUSKBN22O2SG
— Trump approval dips amid mounting coronavirus death toll, trails Biden by 8 points: Reuters/Ipsos poll – Chris Kahn
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-poll/trump-approval-dips-amid-mounting-coronavirus-death-toll-trails-biden-by-8-points-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKBN22O3FG

MSN
— Senate panel debates employer immunity from COVID-19 lawsuits – Jim Spencer (DIERSEN: What about event organizer immunity from COVID-19 lawsuits?)
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/senate-panel-debates-employer-immunity-from-covid-19-lawsuits/ar-BB13ZTYo

NEW YORK TIMES
— Musk Becomes Champion for Businesses Defying Shutdown Orders – AP
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/05/12/business/bc-us-virus-outbreak-tesla.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Live updates: Countries that reopened are closing down again amid spike in coronavirus infections
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/12/coronavirus-update-us/
— Mass unemployment is a policy choice. We must choose differently. – Pramila Jayapal, Haley Stevens, Adam B. Schiff and Sean Casten
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/05/12/mass-unemployment-is-policy-choice-we-must-choose-differently/
— Trump asks board of federal retirement savings plan to not invest in China, setting up showdown – Eric Yoder
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-asks-board-of-federal-retirement-plan-to-not-invest-in-china-setting-up-showdown/2020/05/12/55f74ac2-9470-11ea-9f5e-56d8239bf9ad_story.html
— A contractor promised FEMA 10 million masks for $55 million. It did not deliver. – Isaac Stanley-Becker
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/coronavirus-mask-contract-canceled/2020/05/12/edd88a88-94a0-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html
— Americans’ expectations for safe public gatherings slip to July at the earliest, Post-U. Md. poll finds – Dan Balz and Scott Clement (DIERSEN: The Democrat news media manipulates public opinion and then reports its success in manipulating public opinion.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/americans-expectations-for-safe-public-gatherings-slip-to-july-at-the-earliest-post-u-md-poll-finds/2020/05/12/7adb92f6-9477-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html
— We need Congress to watch pandemic spending closely. Here’s how it can do it. These common-sense steps will help lawmakers keep an eye on trillions of dollars of public funds – Norman Eisen, Damon Silvers, Lisa Gilbert and Liz Hempowicz
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/05/13/coronavirus-spending-house-oversight/

WPRI
— AARP: It may be harder for older employees to re-enter the workforce – Shiina LoSciuto
https://www.wpri.com/health/coronavirus/aarp-it-may-be-harder-for-older-employees-to-re-enter-the-workforce/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— In Lockdown, Pot and Booze Are Bad News Pennsylvania closed liquor stores. Other states should consider similar moves. – Erica Komisar
https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-lockdown-pot-and-booze-are-bad-news-11589322446
— What 6 Feet of Separation Looks Like as Businesses Reopen Some states have loosened their coronavirus restrictions, but not without the recommended social-distancing buffer. Here’s how it will translate in some common settings.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-6-feet-of-separation-looks-like-as-businesses-reopen-11588900667
— From PepsiCo to GM, Big Advertisers Set to Cancel Commitments to TV Networks Companies are seeking to take advantage of options that became available May 1 to cancel up to 50% of third-quarter spending – Suzanne Vranica
https://www.wsj.com/articles/from-pepsico-to-gm-big-advertisers-set-to-cancel-commitments-to-tv-networks-11589298017
— Lenders Race to Keep Up With Requests for Consumer-Debt Relief Borrowers face jammed phone lines and overwhelmed customer-service departments – AnnaMaria Andriotis
https://www.wsj.com/articles/lenders-race-to-keep-up-with-requests-for-consumer-debt-relief-11589362202
— Curbing Coronavirus With a Contact-Tracing App? It’s Not So Simple. Contact-tracing apps aim to help health authorities trace paths of infection, and in many cases, to notify users that they’ve been near a person infected by Covid-19. Yet while trying to solve one big problem, they create a lot more small ones. – Joanna Stern
https://www.wsj.com/articles/curbing-coronavirus-with-a-contact-tracing-app-its-not-so-simple-11588996809
— Stimulus Cops on Lookout for Fake Employees, Identity Theft Federal government steps up oversight of roughly $3 trillion in spending for businesses and households – Andrew Duehren
https://www.wsj.com/articles/stimulus-cops-on-lookout-for-fake-employees-identity-theft-11589371214

BLOOMBERG
— Fed Officials Warn of Risk of Widespread Business Failures – Steve Matthews, Matthew Boesler, and Catarina Saraiva
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-12/fed-presidents-warn-business-failures-may-create-lasting-damage

FORBES
— While Republicans Balk At $2,000 Second Stimulus Check, Retiring AT&T CEO Gets $274,000 Every Month For Life – Shahar Ziv
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaharziv/2020/05/12/while-republicans-balk-at-2000-second-stimulus-check-retiring-att-ceo-gets-274000-every-month-for-life/
— How The Coronavirus Has Resulted In The Highest Job Loss For Women: Erasing A Decade Of Progress – Brittany Chambers
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanychambers/2020/05/12/how-the-coronavirus-has-resulted-in-the-highest-job-loss-for-women-erasing-a-decade-of-progress/
— Taxpayers In America’s 10 Most Populous Cities Are Overburdened – Mayra Rodriguez Valladares
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mayrarodriguezvalladares/2020/05/12/taxpayers-in-americas-10-most-populous-cities-are-overburdened/#74fc3b894205

NEW YORKER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “The Trump Administration’s Deportation Policy Is Spreading the Coronavirus.”
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-trump-administrations-deportation-policy-is-spreading-the-coronavirus

WASHINGTON MONTHLY
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater asks “Why Aren’t More Newspapers Calling on Trump to Resign?” and says “The strange political silence of editorial boards across the country.”
https://washingtonmonthly.com/2020/05/13/why-arent-more-newspapers-calling-on-trump-to-resign/

DAILY BEAST
— Muslims Hate Trump. Now They Have a Reason to Like Biden. – Dean Obeidallah
https://www.thedailybeast.com/muslims-hate-trump-now-they-have-a-reason-to-like-biden

May 12 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Gov. JB Pritzker gives COVID-19 update on new cases, deaths; IL cases top 79K with over 3.4K deaths Remdesivir distributed to 14 hospitals across Illinois – Eric Horng, Craig Wall and Liz Nagy
https://abc7chicago.com/illinois-coronavirus-how-many-new-cases-of-in-remdesivir-tests-today/6176126/
— Dr. Anthony Fauci warns of serious consequences if US reopens too soon – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/fauci-warns-of-serious-consequences-if-us-reopens-too-soon/6175091/
— Pelosi unveils $3T coronavirus aid package with $1,200 direct cash aid to individuals – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/pelosi-unveils-$3t-coronavirus-aid-package-with-2nd-stimulus-check/6175806/
— Reopening Illinois: DuPage County mayors anxious to reopen faster than Restore Illinois plan – John Garcia
https://abc7chicago.com/business/dupage-county-mayors-anxious-to-reopen-economy-early/6176447/

NBC5
— Illinois Sees Record Number of Coronavirus Cases in a Single Day as Total Tops 80,000 Still, the state may not reach a coronavirus peak until mid-June, according to new projections
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-sees-record-number-of-coronavirus-cases-in-a-single-day-as-total-tops-80000/2270762/
— COVID-19 Deaths Count in Cook County Tops 2,500: Medical Examiner Cook County Medical Examiner has confirmed another 86 deaths related to COVID-19
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/covid-19-deaths-count-in-cook-county-tops-2500-medical-examiner/2270675/
— Chicago Will Now Require Food Delivery Apps to Disclose Itemized Cost Breakdown The new rules are the first of their kind in the U.S., Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in announcing them – Christian Farr
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-will-now-require-food-delivery-apps-to-disclose-itemized-cost-breakdown/2270630/
— Chicago Police Department Coronavirus Cases Surpass 500
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-police-department-coronavirus-cases-surpass-500/2270455/
— Dr. Ngozi Ezike Refutes Notion That Illinois is Over-counting COVID-19 Deaths
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/dr-ngozi-ezike-refutes-notion-that-illinois-is-over-counting-covid-19-deaths/2270810/
— Fauci Testifies Outbreak Is ‘Not Under Control’ in U.S.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/us-virus-updates-inmates-virus-release-officials-warn-virus-fraud/2270409/

CBS2
— Aldermen Advance Measure Protecting Workers From COVID-19 Retaliation – Todd Feurer
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/11/aldermen-advance-measure-protecting-workers-from-covid-19-retaliation/
— Shootings Up Citywide Despite Pandemic And Stay-At-Home Order; Humboldt Park In Particular Struggles – Megan Hickey
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/12/shootings-up-citywide-despite-pandemic-and-stay-at-home-order-humboldt-park-in-particular-struggles/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois tests nearly 30,000 for COVID-19 in last 24 hours; reports 4,014 new cases
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-tests-nearly-30000-for-covid-19-in-last-24-hours-reports-4014-new-cases
— Report finds COVID-19 is costing Illinois $183M every day Chief Economist at the Illinois Policy Institute Orphe Divounguy talks about the financial toll of the coronavirus outbreak on the Land of Lincoln.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/683356

WGN TV
— Unemployed Illinois residents can’t get through to IDES, despite 100 new phone operators – Meghan Dwyer
https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/unemployed-illinois-residents-cant-get-through-to-ides-despite-100-new-phone-operators/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Officials report record-high 4,014 new known cases as state conducts largest number of tests in 24-hour period with nearly 30,000
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200512-2fxtlpdazrhcxb3x3542i5wfxy-story.html
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot says city will ‘take action’ if defiant churches hold in-person services despite stay-at-home orders – Gregory Pratt
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-chicago-church-lightfoot-20200512-jehrucsm7jbvzbfnes4jzm4uru-story.html
— As families denied stimulus checks because of mixed immigration status turn to federal courts, Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia asks Congress to change the provision – Abdel Jimenez
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-mixed-status-families-stimulus-denied-lawsuit-20200512-66n6pw5kvvgj5pnkavsidbqvye-story.html
— Waukegan plans to distribute nearly $300,000 to aid coronavirus relief efforts – EMILY K. COLEMAN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-coronavirus-relief-waukegan-st-0512-20200512-fbfntazk6vctvambqkvpx5l54i-story.html
— Outbreak of opportunism is already infecting our post-pandemic click-bait culture – JERRY DAVICH
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-davich-pandemic-prompted-opportunism-contagion-st-0513-20200512-iwfxx5f67bgzllyvvb2xgzf2u4-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— 144 more die in Illinois from COVID-19 as fatalities top 3,600 and state hits record for new cases Tuesday marked a record-high number of new cases — 4,014 — although Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office said that positive count came from 29,266 tests results. That’s the most the state has ever received back in a day and could include some results from the weekend. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/12/21256301/illinois-coronavirus-pritzker-covid-cases-deaths-may-12
— Lawmakers warn ‘unscrupulous businesses’ are using social equity candidates as fronts in bid to get new pot licenses in Illinois One social equity applicant said a venture capital firm wanted him to be “like a front for them … but I wouldn’t have any real control over it.” – Tom Schuba
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2020/5/12/21256290/chicago-dispensaries-marijuana-social-equity-michael-malcolm
— $2.5M in coronavirus stimulus to Navy Pier Inc., clout-heavy nonprofit run by $500K exec Facing losses of $10 million from COVID-19 shutdown, Navy Pier Inc. says Payroll Protection Program loan will cover salaries of 147 employees, including CEO Marilyn Kelly Gardner. – Tim Novak and Robert Herguth
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/12/21256429/navy-pier-coronavirus-stimulus-ppp-payroll-protection-program-marilyn-gardner-sba
— From meh to ‘must?’ With budget deadline looming, Pritkzer now says General Assembly needs to get back to work But House Speaker Mike Madigan, dubbed “the Velvet Hammer” for his tight control over his chamber, didn’t sound in any great hurry to call his members into session. Spokesman Steve Brown said Pritzker’s “thoughts and his ideas are always welcome and appreciated at this point.” – Tina Sfondeles and Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/12/21256474/pritzker-budget-deadline-general-assembly-session-madigan-springfield-durkin-harmon-brady
— Chinese Americans in Chicago donate 1 million surgical masks to city’s first-responders The donation organized by Citadel Securities CEO Peng Zhao and his wife Cherry Chen follows months of President Donald Trump vilifying China for causing the pandemic. – Frank Main
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/12/21256422/coronavirus-mask-donation-citadel-securities-peng-zhao-cherry-chen-chicago-first-responders
— The false promise of ‘herd immunity’ to beat COVID-19 If the United States were to throw open the economy and bet on creating herd immunity without a vaccine, the death toll could run into the hundreds of thousands. – Editorial
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/12/21250721/herd-immunity-anthony-fauci-covid-19-coronavirus-vaccine-senate-committee-hearing-editorial

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Echoing GOP, Pritzker calls on Legislature to reconvene The governor says lawmakers need to act on a variety of tax and aid provisions to help small business, apartment renters and others deal with COVID-19. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/echoing-gop-pritzker-calls-legislature-reconvene-0
— University of Chicago braces for $220 million deficit The Hyde Park university says the pandemic has taken a toll on all its major sources of revenue, and it has frozen salaries and hiring in response. – LYNNE MAREK (DIERSEN: During almost all of the almost 18 years that worked for GAO 1980-1997, the agency was under hiring and/or promotion freezes.)
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/education/university-chicago-braces-220-million-deficit

DAILY HERALD
— DuPage, Kane, McHenry leaders: We shouldn’t be on same reopening timeline as Cook County, Chicago – Marie Wilson
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200512/dupage-kane-mchenry-leaders-we-shouldnt-be-on-same-reopening-timeline-as-cook-county-chicago
— COVID-19 cases surge by 4,014 Tuesday; Pritzker says no to changing regional recovery plan – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200512/covid-19-cases-surge-by-4014-tuesday-pritzker-says-no-to-changing-regional-recovery-plan
— Lake County Board approves pay freezes for some officials — and one pay cut – Russell Lissau
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200512/lake-county-board-approves-pay-freezes-for-some-officials-x2014-and-one-pay-cut
— Indiana Republicans call off in-person state convention – AP (DIERSEN: What is the status of the Illinois Republican Party State Convention?)
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20200512/news/305129923/
— Lake County board creates COVID-19 recovery group
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200512/lake-county-board-creates-covid-19-recovery-group
— DuPage County launches forgivable loan program to help small businesses – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20200512/dupage-county-launches-forgivable-loan-program-to-help-small-businesses

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Pritzker responds to Rauner criticism; State sets single-day high for new cases: 4,014 – Jeff D’Alessio
https://www.news-gazette.com/coronavirus/tuesdays-coronavirus-updates-pritzker-responds-to-rauner-criticism-state-sets-single-day-high-for-new/article_167e2b7a-9463-11ea-90e8-4329adb5c36c.html
— Coronavirus response: Arcola mayor: ‘We can’t survive down here’ – Deb Pressey
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/coronavirus-response-arcola-mayor-we-can-t-survive-down-here/article_63b928f1-affc-5462-8315-2c80d3117735.html

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Southwest Illinois Democrats say Pritzker is too slow on removing COVID-19 limits – KELSEY LANDIS
https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/article242676151.html

QUAD CITY TIMES
— Pritzker says session needed, would consider withholding funds from counties reopening early – JERRY NOWICKI
https://qctimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/pritzker-says-session-needed-would-consider-withholding-funds-from-counties-reopening-early/article_a5ba807f-aa67-5407-8bbf-14eb5bfe49c8.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “As Trump urges reopening, thousands getting sick on the job.”
https://foxillinois.com/news/coronavirus/as-trump-urges-reopening-thousands-getting-sick-on-the-job

WIREPONTS
— Wirepoints analysis reveals 92 percent of Cook County COVID-19 victims had pre-existing conditions – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/wirepoints-analysis-reveals-92-percent-of-cook-county-covid-19-victims-had-pre-existing-conditions-wirepoints/

CAPITOL FAX
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/12/covid-19-roundup-36/
— IDPH releases regional scorecard
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/12/idph-releases-regional-scorecard/
— Is there a future for casino gaming?
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/12/is-there-a-future-for-casino-gaming/
— Metro East Dems break with governor, want region moved to Phase 3 on May 15, want 28-day period abandoned
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/12/metro-east-dems-break-with-governor-want-region-moved-to-phase-3-on-may-15-wants-28-day-period-abandoned/
— Pritzker: “The legislature must convene” – “Pass a comprehensive plan to support families, small businesses and small towns” – Explains why suburbs are lumped in with Chicago – “We might not open the state if we were following the President’s plan” – Says he’s concerned about people traveling to neighboring states – Talks about childcare – Explains impact of mitigation efforts to a talk show host – Wants GA to increase relief programs – Dr. Ezike explains process for classifying coronavirus deaths – Brushes off Rauner – Claims state is testing all nursing home residents and staff – Says it’s possible the peak could extend further – Says legislative package should be passed in “next two or three weeks” – Talks bonding and budgeting – Says locals opening up are “not relying on science in any way whatsoever” – Says he would consider withholding state funds for municipalities that open early – Talks about how to bring state workers back – Will test more prisoners when state has more tests – Says again he wants GA to reconvene and act before end of May – Explains why Bloomington test facility closed – EO changed substantially on May 1, so that’s why clock started then, state needed a “solid baseline” – Talks challenges of increasing testing – New rules for dentists – Explains why some businesses are open and some are not – New case high – Wants MLB players to be reasonable in negotiations
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/12/pritzker-the-legislature-must-convene/
— 4,014 new cases, 144 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/12/4014-new-cases-144-additional-deaths/

FOX NEWS
— Illinois churches defy Gov. Pritzker’s ‘absurd’ restrictions on in-person services – Caleb Parke
https://www.foxnews.com/us/coronavirus-order-reopen-illinois-church-defy

BREITBART
— Pelosi Coronavirus Plan Allows Business to Hire Illegal Aliens Over 33M Unemployed Americans – John Binder
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/12/pelosi-coronavirus-plan-allows-business-to-hire-illegal-aliens-over-33m-unemployed-americans/

ONE NEWS NOW
— Dem stimulus bill one-ups GOP on cash for everybody – Chris Woodward, Billy Davis
https://onenewsnow.com/business/2020/05/12/dem-stimulus-bill-one-ups-gop-on-cash-for-everybody

THE HILL
— Fauci warns of ‘really serious’ consequences if nation reopens too quickly – JESSIE HELLMANN
https://thehill.com/homenews/coronavirus-report/497322-fauci-warns-of-really-serious-consequences-if-nation-reopens-too
— House Democrats unveil $3 trillion coronavirus relief package – CRISTINA MARCOS
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/497351-house-democrats-unveil-3-trillion-coronavirus-relief-package

CNN
— Antibody tests could lead to job discrimination and encourage workers to play ‘Russian roulette’ – Amy Woodyatt
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/12/business/coronavirus-antibody-test-discrimination-intl-gbr-scli/index.html

ABC NEWS
— President Trump ‘delusional’ to think COVID-19 will just go away: Sen. Tammy Duckworth The senator was also critical of the White House task force she’s a part of. – Quinn Scanlan
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-trump-delusional-covid-19-sen-tammy-duckworth/story?id=70627440

NBC NEWS
— LGBTQ people face higher unemployment amid coronavirus pandemic, survey finds Seventeen percent of LGBTQ people polled lost their jobs because of COVID-19, compared to 13 percent of the general population, a survey found. – Julie Moreau
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/lgbtq-people-face-higher-unemployment-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-survey-finds-n1205296

NEW YORK TIMES
— Top health experts testify that the U.S. is not ‘out of the woods’ and warn against reopening too fast.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/us/coronavirus-updates.html

USA TODAY
— Rich hospitals, poor safety plans leading up to coronavirus: Should rules change for them now? – Jayne O’Donnell
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/05/10/coronavirus-should-rich-hospitals-bankroll-better-pandemic-plans/3048437001/

BUSINESS INSIDER
— More Americans than ever are expected to vote by mail this year, which means we probably won’t know who won the 2020 presidential race until days after election night – Grace Panetta
https://www.businessinsider.com/america-likely-wont-know-presidential-race-winner-on-election-night-2020-5

JD SUPRA
— Coronavirus Lawsuits on the Horizon: Termination and Discrimination
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/coronavirus-lawsuits-on-the-horizon-50973/

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— Only 54% of Democrats Want Biden As Nominee
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2020/only_54_of_democrats_want_biden_as_nominee

GUARDIAN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters side with an Asian Trump-hater.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/12/trump-weijia-jiang-china-attack-racism-accusations