December 27 Evening Edition

ABC7
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://abc7chicago.com/society/chicago-cannabis-coordinator-lays-out-dos-and-donts-for-2020-legal-weed/5792406/

WGN TV
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://wgntv.com/2019/12/27/dispensaries-working-for-months-to-prepare-for-flood-of-marijuana-customers/

WBBM 780
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://wbbm780.radio.com/articles/naperville-mayor-unfazed-by-state-pot-legalization

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-illinois-marijuana-legalization-on-jan-1-20191227-aa52o6wmrnegvfpgb55uedlgcq-story.html
— New state law requires companies to train employees on how to recognize, prevent sexual harassment – Abdel Jimenez
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-illinois-law-requires-harassment-training-20191227-rgyrgwgidnfrzbpvmkjgdlpl5y-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Deerfield doubles down on its assault weapons ban and welcomes marijuana sales – STEVE SADIN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/deerfield/ct-dfr-year-in-review-tl-0102-20191227-4yqdte54orfwxklrgvpkpvw5vq-story.html
— You still can’t smoke weed and drive — but tests to prove impairment murky The state law legalizing weed authorizes a study to find the best way to enforce laws against driving while stoned. – Sam Charles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/27/21038162/pot-recreational-marijuana-illinois-driving-dui-pot-cannabis-impaired-police
— Drug recognition experts will play a big role in detecting drivers who are high come Jan. 1, police say – MEGAN JONES
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-aurora-drug-recognition-experts-st-1229-20191227-lq34jrsz6nh6hhlmy5nyd7hdnm-story.html

— The 2010s: America’s decade of jobs, opportunity and prosperity – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-jobs-economy-growth-recession-trump-20191227-wgtdv4jpkfcs7c36u6l5unyi6u-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Bloomingdale Township clerk Joyce Hundhausen remembered for service to community – Jake Griffin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191227/bloomingdale-township-clerk-remembered-for-service-to-community
— Ex-Hinsdale South teachers sue Sterigenics over cancers – Susan Sarkauskas
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191227/ex-hinsdale-south-teachers-sue-sterigenics-over-cancers

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— POLICE ANSWER PRE-JANUARY 1ST CANNABIS QUESTIONS ON FACEBOOK
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/police-answer-pre-january-1st-cannabis-questions-on-facebook.html
— “REFUGEES” AND “IMMIGRANTS” – THE SAME, OR VERY DIFFERENT IN ILLINOIS?
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/refugees-and-immigrants-the-same-or-very-different-in-illinois-.html

DAILY WIRE
— Michael Moore: ‘White People Have Not Changed…You Should Be Afraid Of Them’ – Joseph Curl (DIERSEN: What do you say to Whites who promote hatred against Whites to curry favor with White-haters?)
https://www.dailywire.com/news/michael-moore-white-people-have-not-changed-you-should-be-afraid-of-them

NBC NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: The following happily claim that “White Christian America ended in the 2010s:” Those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, 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.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/2010s-spelled-end-white-christian-america-ncna1106936

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
— Cannabis-related psychosis, addiction, ER visits: For young users, marijuana can be a dangerous game – Rita Giordano
https://www.inquirer.com/health/marijuana-addiction-adolescents-psychosis-abuse-vaping-penn-state-20191223.html

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— Women Favor World Run By Women More Than Men Do
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/december_2019/women_favor_world_run_by_women_more_than_men_do

NEWSWEEK
— YALE COLLEGE STUDENTS REBUT TRUMP CAMPAIGN WEBSITE WITH ‘SNOWFLAKES FIGHT BACK’ SITE OF THEIR OWN – RAMSEY TOUCHBERRY
https://www.newsweek.com/yale-college-students-rebut-trump-campaign-website-snowflakes-fight-back-site-their-own-1479400

DAILY MAIL
— Six cancer-stricken teachers who worked at the same high school blame their illnesses on a nearby sterilizing plant that released carcinogenic gas into the neighborhood Six former teachers from Willowbrook, Illinois, are suing medical supply sterilization company Sterigenics – SNEJANA FARBEROV
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7830867/Five-former-teachers-blame-cancers-sterilizing-plant.html

December 26 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Illinois legal weed poses challenge for companies with zero tolerance policies – Sarah Schulte (DIERSEN: I would not want to work for an employer that did not have a zero tolerance policy.)
https://abc7chicago.com/business/legal-weed-poses-challenge-for-companies-with-zero-tolerance-policies/5789356/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Recreational pot’s impact on Illinois: ‘No big deal’ or an ‘unfortunate, reckless experiment’? – Robert McCoppin
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-illinois-marijuana-economic-social-effects-20191226-dandhav6uzfllaeroph7bqowe4-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Donald Trump is a miserable fit for Evangelical Christians What would Jesus do? First, Jesus would not use Twitter to serve up daily doses of crude comments and hate-filled attacks on private citizens and public figures.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/26/21037287/donald-trump-religions-evangelical-christians-sun-times-letters
— Here are some of the new state laws taking effect in 2020 Hundreds of new laws or changes in existing laws were passed during a busy legislative session that adjourned in early June. – Jerry Nowicki 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/26/21038077/illinois-new-laws-take-effect-2020-minimum-wage-marijuana-infrastructure

DAILY HERALD
— Local mayors in DuPage County to deliver State of the City addresses
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20191220/local-mayors-in-dupage-county-to-deliver-state-of-the-city-addresses
— Dan Cronin to speak at ‘State of County’ luncheon Jan. 8
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20191226/dan-cronin-to-speak-at-state-of-county-luncheon-jan-8

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood of Peoria, who was also a member of Congress representing central Illinois, will be the featured speaker at the annual Abraham Lincoln Association Birthday Banquet Feb. 12 in Springfield. – Bernard Schoenburg
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20191226/ray-lahood-to-headline-lincoln-association-dinner

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Business as usual at the Illinois Tollway Authority – Editorial
https://www.pjstar.com/opinion/20191226/editorial-business-as-usual-at-illinois-tollway-authority

HERALD & REVIEW
— Illinois party leaders, political observers assess past year, look ahead to 2020
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/illinois-party-leaders-political-observers-assess-past-year-look-ahead/article_a44a2ca8-d8a0-5229-a17a-de3f848bba95.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Comparison of Chicago Teachers’ Contract with Wisconsin’s Scott Walker’s
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/comparison-of-chicago-teachers-contract-with-wisconsins-scott-walkers/ 
— IL-14: Discernment on Underwood’s EHR Legislation Now Law
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/il-14-discernment-on-underwoods-ehr-legislation-now-law/ 
— U.S. Senate/IL-06/IL-14: Ted Cruz Blasts FY2020 Appropriations Legislation
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/u-s-senate-il-06-il-14-ted-cruz-blasts-fy2020-appropriations-legislation/ 
— KICKOFF 2020 Support President Trump Rally in Algonquin *UPDATE: News-Sun Underwood Impeachment Column*
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/kickoff-2020-support-president-trump-rally-in-algonquin/ 
— IL-14: McHenry County Republicans Hosting Candidates Forum
IL-14: James Marter Opposed to H.R. 3 Legislation to Lower Prescription Prices
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/il-14-mchenry-county-republicans-hosting-candidates-form/ 
— Christmas Day Teaching About Voting
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/christmas-day-teaching-about-voting/ 
— IL-14: James Marter Opposed to H.R. 3 Legislation to Lower Prescription Prices
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/26/il-14-james-marter-opposed-to-h-r-3-legislation-to-lower-prescription-prices/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Half of trains in Mexico found carrying migrants – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/26/half-of-trains-in-mexico-found-carrying-migrants/
— Conservatives losing ground in cities across globe – Ethan Epstein 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/8/conservatives-losing-ground-in-cities-across-globe/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘Furious’: Elizabeth Warren’s brother rips senator for calling their father a janitor – Spencer Neale
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/furious-elizabeth-warrens-brother-rips-senator-for-calling-their-father-a-janitor

GOPUSA
— Pollsters adjust 2020 methodologies after 2016 failure
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81785

AMERICAN THINKER
— Deplorables Versus the Ruling Class: A Global Struggle – Chet Richards
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/deplorables_versus_the_ruling_class_a_global_struggle.html
— Elizabeth Warren, makin’ it up again, this time about bein’ too poor to go to college – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/elizabeth_warren_makin_it_up_again_this_time_about_bein_too_poor_to_go_to_college.html

BREITBART
— Pete Buttigieg Calls Jesus Christ an Impoverished ‘Refugee’ in Christmas Message – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/26/pete-buttigieg-calls-jesus-christ-an-impoverished-refugee-in-christmas-message/

NEWSMAX
— It’s Prosperity, Stupid: 10 Ways Trump Bolsters Economy – George Mentz 
https://www.newsmax.com/finance/georgementz/trump-economy-talking-points/2019/12/26/id/947384/
— CNN: Plan to Commute Blagojevich Sentence in Doubt – Jeffrey Rodack
https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/bosnia-explosion/2019/12/26/id/928509/
— 15 GOP Govs Request Refugee Resettlement in Their States – Theodore Bunker 
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/governors-gop-refugee-resettlement/2019/12/26/id/947426/
— Senate Ditches Pot-Related Items in Spending Bill – Solange Reyner
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/senate-legalize-it-banking-cannibas/2019/12/25/id/947298/

TOWNHALL
— Was 2019 the Year of Peak Entitlement Mentality? – Veronique de Rugy
https://townhall.com/columnists/veroniquederugy/2019/12/26/was-2019-the-year-of-peak-entitlement-mentality-n2558508

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Candidates React to Obama’s ‘Old Men’ Comment Democratic candidates responded to former President Obama’s recent comment about it usually being “old men” who are responsible for the world’s problems. 
https://www.wsj.com/video/candidates-react-to-obamas-old-men-comment/0F7BA6D3-3421-4BE5-A262-E25105233154.html
— Equal Opportunity Discrimination Oracle is fighting back against a dubious Obama-era complaint. – Editorial
https://www.wsj.com/articles/equal-opportunity-discrimination-11577404381

BOND BUYER
— Oak Lawn cut to junk over pension woes – Yvette Shields
https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/chicago-suburb-cut-to-junk-over-pension-woes

December 25 Evening Edition

ABC7
— President Donald Trump lashes out as impeachment trial stuck in limbo – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-lashes-out-as-impeachment-trial-stuck-in-limbo/5786487/
— Lightfoot signs new consent letter, allowing refugees in Chicago after Trump executive order
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/lightfoot-signs-new-consent-letter-allowing-refugees-in-chicago/5785872/

CBS2
— Mayor Lightfoot Issues Letter To U.S. State Department Authorizing Refugee Resettlement In Chicago
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/24/mayor-lightfoot-issues-letter-to-u-s-state-department-authorizing-refugee-resettlement-in-chicago/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Impeachment vote will determine Underwood’s future – CHARLES SELLE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-selle-underwood-impeachment-vote-st-1226-20191225-4t2tid4enzc5vdom5tychbdqva-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Lightfoot to State Department: Refugees still welcome in Chicago “… our doors continue to remain open to refugees from around the world that are seeking a new home for themselves and a new future in our great country,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. – Sam Charles (DIERSEN: From what I see, ever-increasingly, doors in Chicago are closed to individuals, organizations, and companies that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/24/21036959/lightfoot-refugees-chicago-state-department-trump-administration-letter-pritzker
— State regulators out to revoke video gambling kingpin Rick Heidner’s license The Illinois Gaming Board claims Heidner made an “illegal inducement” to keep his slot machines in a chain of gambling parlors. – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/25/21032272/rick-heidner-gambling-license-illinois-gaming-board

DAILY HERALD
— Notable deaths: Remembering many who made a difference
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191225/notable-deaths-remembering-many-who-made-a-difference
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Barbara Murphy, who led the DuPage GOP when there was no stronger Republican bastion in the country. . .Barbara Murphy, 81 The longtime DuPage County Republican chairwoman never considered herself a trailblazer, but her contemporaries did. Known for her sharp and analytical mind, she climbed to the top of the then-male dominated leadership of the DuPage GOP at a time when the county was one of the most reliably Republican places in the nation. She felt the pinnacle of her career came in 1996 when she was elected as a delegate backing presidential candidate Bob Dole.)

JOURNAL STANDARD
— Moral standards take a back seat to practical politics – Scott Reeder (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents want me to use my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails a) to promote who/what they want me to promote and b) to harm who/what they want me to harm. My critics/opponents harm me because I refuse to do that. I am no one’s operative or dupe.) 
https://www.journalstandard.com/opinion/20191225/moral-standards-take-back-seat-to-practical-politics

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— An Illinois Night Before Christmas
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/an-illinois-night-before-christmas/ 
— Christmas According to Kids
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/christmas-according-to-kids/
— Allen Skillicorn Challenges Jesse White’s Interpretation of Satanic Statue as Being a “Holiday Symbol
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/allen-skillicorn-challenges-jesse-whites-interpretation-of-satanic-statue-as-being-a-holiday-symbol/
— Erik Sivertsen Gets Lump of Coal for Christmas
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/25/erik-sivertsen-gets-lump-of-coal-for-christmas/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Why states must address pension reform now, before it’s too late Under-funded state pension obligations threaten fiscal solvency, depriving others of needed resources – Keith Greinet and Seth Grove
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/25/why-states-must-address-pension-reform-now-before-/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Public employee pension payments in states like California, New York and Illinois run so large and so generous they continually threaten a massive reordering of spending priorities not to mention default. No one wants to see any state go hat in hand to the feds for pension bailout, especially since it will be impossible to say “No” after the first one is granted. So now, when the money is coming in, is the time for a fix. . . As the Government Accountability Office explained in testimony to the Joint Economic Committee, “The Pension Protection Act of 2006 provided that large private-sector pension plans will be considered at risk of defaulting on their liabilities if they have less than 80 percent funding ratios.”)

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs use citizens of foreign countries to viciously demonize, to viciously denigrate, and to viciously condemn Republicans. 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/heartsick-warren-uses-christmas-message-to-bash-trumps-cruel-border-policy

FOX NEWS
— Trump campaign offers online class in how to debate ‘snowflake’ relatives – Ronn Blitzer
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-camp-offers-online-class-in-how-to-debate-snowflake-relatives

DAILY WIRE
— Jill Biden Feeds Foreign Nationals In Mexico Before Christmas, Faces Intense Backlash – Ryan Saavedra (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats illegally encourage citizens of foreign countries to illegally come to America illegally.)
https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-jill-biden-feeds-foreign-nationals-in-mexico-before-christmas-faces-intense-backlash

WASHINGTON POST
— Impasse over Senate impeachment trial likely to last weeks as both sides dig in – John Wagner and Paul Kane 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/impasse-over-senate-impeachment-trial-likely-to-last-weeks-as-both-sides-dig-in/2019/12/23/73a696e6-25a7-11ea-ad73-2fd294520e97_story.html

MERIDIAN STAR
— Many blessings to be thankful for this Christmas – Mike Giles (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes. They viciously demonize me, viciously denigrate me, and viciously condemn me for my not being thankful enough. They hint/imply/argue/shout that I should be extremely thankful that they have not completely destroyed me yet.) 
https://www.meridianstar.com/sports/outdoors/mike-giles-many-blessings-to-be-thankful-for-this-christmas/article_a467979d-11e6-5a6f-9e49-c9b30f77dec5.html

NASDAQ
— 12 Reasons to Be Thankful for Social Security – Selena Maranjian (DIERSEN: My Social Security is dramatically reduced because I get a Civil Service Retirement System pension.) 
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/12-reasons-to-be-thankful-for-social-security-2019-12-25

FED WEEK
— Trump Thanks Federal Employees, Cites Raise, Parental Leave (DIERSEN: I was a federal employee for almost 30 years. Many, if not most, of my past/present critics/opponents despise, if not hate, past, present, and future federal employees.) 
https://www.fedweek.com/fedweek/trump-thanks-federal-employees-cites-raise-parental-leave/
— OPM Proposes Broadening Reinstatement Eligibility (DIERSEN: In 1980, I had worked for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels, currently $93,592/year. I had passed the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979. I had almost completed the requirements for a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul. I had earned an MBA from Loyola in 1976. GAO audits IRS. In 1980, if I had been a Democrat, minority, and/or female, the Democrats who ran GAO would have transferred me in as a GS-13 Step 1, currently $98,198/year. Instead, disgustingly, outrageously, the Democrats who ran GAO forced me to take a $19,568/year (21%) pay cut to transfer in, a downgrade to GS-9 Step 10, currently $74,024/year. If I had been a Democrat, minority, and/or female, the Democrats who ran GAO would have immediately assigned me to audits of IRS, but disgustingly, outrageously, and wastefully, the Democrats who ran GAO did not assign me to audits of IRS for 6 years and did not promote me to GS-13 for 6 years. And they might not have done that if I had not earned a master’s degree in accounting in 1980, passed the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981, and became a licensed CPA in 1981.)
https://www.fedweek.com/fedweek/opm-proposes-broadening-reinstatement-eligibility/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: OPM wants to broaden reinstatement eligibility of those who leave federal employment and then are seeking to return to the government by allowing them to come back at a higher grade than the one they left. Proposed rules would give agencies “greater flexibility in recruiting back to government service former federal employees who have developed enhanced or higher-level skill-sets than they had when they left government. Individuals seeking to rejoin the federal workforce may do so more easily and at grade levels commensurate with the skills and experience they actually possess (and be compensated at such grade levels),” says a December 26 Federal Register notice.)

MARIJUANA MOMENT
— Elizabeth Warren’s Campaign Denies Claim It Rejected Job Applicant Over Marijuana Offense – Kyle Jaeger (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, individuals, organizations, companies, governments, etc. THAT PROMOTE POT SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HIRE, TO RETAIN, AND TO PROMOTE STONERS.)
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/elizabeth-warrens-campaign-denies-claim-it-rejected-job-applicant-over-marijuana-offense/

December 23 Evening Edition

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Trump signs bill giving military members largest pay increase in a decade
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/trump-signs-bill-giving-military-members-largest-pay-increase-in-a-decade
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats promote LGBTQ activity, the destruction of traditional marriage, and the destruction of the traditional family.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/american-airlines-becomes-second-carrier-to-offer-non-binary-gender-option

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/23/21035740/chicago-pot-shop-moca-modern-cannabis-recreational-marijuana-application-river-north-dispensary

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Amid sweeping federal investigation, panel begins work to overhaul Illinois ethics, lobbying laws – Dan Petrella
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-ethics-commission-beings-20191223-ytyrxpqnh5fs7mc4lhsvqoxsei-story.html
— New law means big changes to how Americans save for retirement – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-secure-act-retirement-law-20191223-t6x5gc7njbdqzlkr6lhqa7t74u-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In addition, it raises the age that Americans must start drawing from retirement savings, known as the required minimum distribution age, from 70½ to 72, as people are living and working longer. It also provides more years for people to contribute to individual retirement accounts, for the same reason.)
— Retirement: The case for 70 being the new 65 – CARLA FRIED
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-tns-bc-pfp-rate-retirement-20191223-story.html
— Fighting Splinternet: Keep the internet forever open and free — worldwide – EDITORIAL (DIERSEN: Since 2000, my critics/opponents have worked very hard a) to stop me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) to stop everyone from reading those emails.) 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-internet-digital-nationalism-censorship-kashmir-web-20191223-c7mpajcbw5fmhmcsnbz7hz6nk4-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The electricity didn’t go out in Kashmir, a disputed region of India, but something almost as vital was turned off over the summer: the internet. In a preemptive move to assert political control, the Indian government shut down internet service, as well as phone service, in the Kashmir region. No email. No Google. No texting. No digital businesses in operation. No news beyond state-sanctioned outlets. It was censorship in extremis, resulting in a loss of freedom. Eventually most mobile phone service was restored, but the World Wide Web has stayed dark for months. “The government’s control over the flow of information has made journalism nearly impossible in Kashmir, and is a humiliation of Kashmiri journalists,” the Telegraph, an Indian daily, reported. Darkness, indeed.)

DAILY HERALD
— DuPage forest preserve board hopeful Natalie Rose Shannon-DiCianni removed from the ballot – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191223/dupage-forest-preserve-board-hopeful-removed-from-the-ballot
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Meanwhile, two Republican candidates will have their names appear on the March 17 primary ballot after the electoral board overruled objections to their nominating petitions. Wheaton Republican Babette Holder Youngberg survived a challenge of her petitions to remain in the county recorder race. Objector Mark Tarnowski of Wheaton said the candidate didn’t start including her maiden name “Holder” until recently. But the electoral board ruled that doesn’t matter. “The candidate has fulfilled one of the two circumstances for the legal use of a double surname: through marriage,” Kaczmarek said. Holder Youngberg will face Ron Almiron of Wheaton in the contest to decide the GOP nominee for the recorder seat held by Republican Fred Bucholz, who is retiring. Democrat Kathleen Carrier of Carol Stream is running unopposed for her party’s nomination. “I’m ecstatic that I get to stay on the ballot,” Holder Youngberg said. “I’m using a birth name and a married name. The public can now look me up by both names.” Almiron, who is an attorney, represented Tarnowski during the hearing. Almiron said afterward that he and his client are yet to decide if they will appeal the ruling. Finally, a Wheaton attorney survived a challenge to stay in the race to replace an ousted DuPage circuit court judge.)
— Drivers’ fees, taxes spiking in 2020 to pay for roads, infrastructure – Mari Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191223/drivers-fees-taxes-spiking-in-2020-to-pay-for-roads-infrastructure
(FROM THE ARTICLE: But Mark Tuttle thinks increasing car registrations from $101 to $151 on Jan. 1 is wrong. “I feel we’re way overtaxed in this state to begin with. If the government was run correctly, there would be no need for this tax,” said Tuttle, a former Lombard resident.)

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Political activist Dan Proft gets Joe Walsh’s radio syndication spot With Walsh running for president, his slot as a Chicago-based conservative pundit and talk show host is inherited by someone even more outspoken. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/political-activist-dan-proft-gets-joe-walshs-radio-syndication-spot

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Head shops come out of the shadows as weed becomes legal in Illinois – Abdel Jimenez
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20191223/head-shops-come-out-of-shadows-as-weed-becomes-legal-in-illinois

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Ag department certifies 21 adult use cultivation centers
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Ag-department-certifies-21-adult-use-cultivation-14927682.php

OUR QUAD CITIES
— Illinois Secretary of State reminds holiday travelers to ‘drive safely’ and ‘avoid driving impaired’ – Britni Moses (DIERSEN: Disgustingly, outrageously, and ever-increasingly, to get more tax revenue, government encourages everyone to spend more and more and more on booze, gambling, and pot. Disgustingly and outrageously, conservative, Republican, religious, education, healthcare, law enforcement, etc. leaders say little or nothing in opposition of the aforesaid.) 
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/illinois-secretary-of-state-reminds-holiday-travelers-to-drive-safely-and-avoid-driving-impaired/

NPR ILLINOIS
— Trump Appears To Be Emboldened By House Impeachment Vote
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/trump-appears-be-emboldened-house-impeachment-vote#stream/0

FOX ILLINOIS
— Number of gun background checks increase in November – Angelica Alvarez
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/number-of-gun-background-checks-increase-in-november

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Difference in Value of Homestead Exemption in Cook County and Elsewhere – Updated
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/difference-in-value-of-homestead-exemption-in-cook-county-and-elsewhere-copy/
— Property Tax Reform Commission Seems to Be Headed to Higher Income Tax
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/property-tax-reform-commission-seems-to-be-headed-to-higher-income-tax/ 
— IL-06: Head to Head Poll Between Jeanne Ives and Sean Casten
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/il-06-head-to-head-poll-between-jeanne-ives-and-sean-casten/ 
— Illinois Township Consolidation Considered by Think Tank
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/illinois-township-consolidation-considered-by-think-tank/ 
— On the Way to Potterville
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/on-the-way-to-potterville/
— Oberwies Pans Budget Bill
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/23/oberwies-pans-budget-bill/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— New Federal Rules to End Discrimination Against Faith-Based Child Welfare Providers – Christine Misner
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/new-federal-rules-to-end-discrimination-against-faith-based-child-welfare-providers/

WIREPOINTS
— When JB Pritzker Was A Fiscal Conservative – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/when-jb-pritzker-was-a-fiscal-conservative-wirepoints-original/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— NEW IVES POLL SHOWS SHE COULD BEAT DEMOCRAT CASTEN IN 2020
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/new-ives-poll-shows-she-could-beat-democrat-casten-in-2020.html
— HUNDREDS SUPPORT TRUMP AT WILL COUNTY INTERSECTION SATURDAY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/hundreds-support-trump-at-will-county-intersection-saturday.html
— 14TH CD REPUBLICANS PROTEST DEMOCRAT UNDERWOOD’S IMPEACHMENT VOTE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/14th-cd-republicans-protest-democrat-underwoods-impeachment-vote.html
— REP. SKILLICORN CONDEMNS CAPITOL SATANIST DISPLAY AS “TARGETED AFFRONT TO …CHRISTIANS”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/rep-skillicorn-condemns-capitol-satanist-display-as-targeted-affront-to-christians-.html
— FRANKLIN GRAHAM: ‘MY FATHER WOULD HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED’ IN CHRISTIANITY TODAY’S CALL TO REMOVE TRUMP
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/franklin-graham-my-father-would-have-been-disappointed-in-christianity-todays-call-to-remove-trump.html
— THE INVENTION OF HISPANICS: WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT THE POLITICS OF RACE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/the-invention-of-hispanics-what-it-says-about-the-politics-of-race.html
— CHINA VIOLATES DISCLOSURE LAW TO PUBLISH PROPAGANDA IN NY TIMES, WAPO
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/china-violates-disclosure-law-to-publish-propaganda-in-ny-times-wapo.html

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Why Congress should reject amnesty for illegal agricultural workers Once illegal agricultural workers secure worker status, they can stay in the country for at least five and a half years – Daren Bakst 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/23/why-congress-should-reject-amnesty-for-illegal-agr/
— ‘Awakening’: Black voters ‘abandoned’ by Democrats warm to Trump – Dave Boyer (DIERSEN: Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs want the Republican Party to abandon individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/23/black-voters-abandoned-democrats-warm-donald-trump/

BREITBART
— Democrats to Rapidly Gain Political Power from Anchor Baby Population – JOHN BINDER (DIERSEN: Democrats count on the anchor baby population to get rid of 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://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/23/anchor-babies-to-redistribute-congressional-seats/

GOPUSA
— Democrats from 1998 Clinton impeachment still in Congress but they’re singing a different tune
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81613
— Democrat run California drives increase in homeless numbers
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81630

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Conservatives can’t take it for granted that Trump will survive impeachment – Michael Finch
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/conservatives-cant-take-it-for-granted-that-trump-will-survive-impeachment
— United States withdraws ambassador who urged Zambia to embrace homosexuality – Calvin Freiburger (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, in the United States, you are persona non grata if you do not promote LGBTQ activity. Soon, if not already, the Democrat, Libertarian, Green, and Republican parties will officially announce that they will not support candidates who do not promote LGBTQ activity. Soon, if not already, they announce that they will get rid of candidates, and everyone else, who do not promote LGBTQ activity.) 
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-withdraws-ambassador-who-urged-zambia-to-embrace-homosexuality
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Now, the U.S. State Department has recalled Foote from the country, Bloomberg reported. “We are dismayed by the Zambian government’s statement that Ambassador Foote’s position ‘is no longer tenable,’ which we consider being the equivalent of a declaration that the Ambassador is persona non grata,” a State Department spokesman explained. “Despite this action, the United States remains committed to our partnership with the Zambian people. We seek an open and frank relationship of mutual respect, commensurate with the generous aid provided to the Zambian people by the United States.”)

THE HILL
— Biden vows to make ‘voter protection a foundation’ of his administration in new op-ed – REBECCA KLAR (DIERSEN: Democrats protect, that is, Democrats give preference to, only those voters who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, 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://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/475761-biden-vows-to-make-voter-protection-a-foundation-of-his-administration-in
— 2019 lessons for the media – JOE CONCHA
https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/475739-2019-lessons-for-the-media

NEW YORKER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater promotes hatred against Trump.
https://www.newyorker.com/news/on-religion/what-it-would-take-for-evangelicals-to-turn-on-president-trump

FED SMITH
— 2020 Pay Raise Unfair to Retirees? – Ralph R. Smith 
https://www.fedsmith.com/2019/12/23/2020-pay-raise-unfair-retirees/

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— OPM Proposes Making It Easier to Rehire Former Feds Under a new plan from the Office of Personnel Management, federal agencies would be able to rehire former federal workers at a higher pay grade than their previous job, provided they were high performers. – Erich Wagner
https://www.govexec.com/management/2019/12/opm-proposes-making-it-easier-rehire-former-feds/162093/

(FROM THE ARTICLE: “Oftentimes, when an individual leaves federal service, he or she acquires skills and/or experience that may qualify the individual for a position at a higher grade level than the one the individual held prior to leaving government,” OPM wrote.)

December 20 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Trump blasts Christian magazine that called for his removal – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-blasts-christian-magazine-that-called-for-his-removal/5772456/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Pelosi: Power of gavel means Trump is ‘impeached forever’ – Lisa Mascaro
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/pelosi-power-of-gavel-means-trump-is-impeached-forever
— Pelosi invites Trump to deliver State of Union on Feb. 4 – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/pelosi-invites-trump-to-deliver-state-of-union-on-feb-4

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Michael Bloomberg swarms March and April primary states with 200 staffers – DAVID CATANESE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-bloomberg-staffers-20191220-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/deerfield/ct-dfr-riverwoods-recreational-marijuana-tl-1226-20191220-mmlli2k2k5hmpo4rpnfgcgq63y-story.html
— Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot defends employment arrangement for suburban adviser – JOHN BYRNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-lori-lightfoot-schneider-fabes-employment-20191220-golyvbt3tnaunmism24hr7y6om-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “The editor of Carol Stream-based Christianity Today wrote an editorial saying Trump should be removed from office: ‘It was the right thing to do’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/mary-schmich/ct-met-mary-schmich-mark-galli-christianity-today-trump-impeach-20191221-ar4ajbhjnbgrdkknzjj5uuxtum-story.html
— Candidate forums set in Aurora area (DIERSEN: If I was still the chairman of TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, the organization would be hosting candidate forums for candidates in contested Republican primaries.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-aurora-candidate-forums-st-1222-20191220-c7ks52zaerfwlphlorodjz3qqe-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TINES
— CPD to officers: No tickets for pot consumption on porches, in yards The department issued a new directive less than two weeks before recreational marijuana use becomes legal in Illinois. – Sam Charles (DIERSEN: What if you live downwind from a bunch of pot smokers?) 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/20/21031710/legal-weed-marijuana-chicago-police-no-tickets-smoking-pot-porches-yards
— All House Jewish Democrats — including Schneider and Schakowsky of Illinois — call for ouster of Trump adviser Stephen Miller The 25 Democrats reject the White House defense that Miller critics are anti-Semitic. – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/12/20/21031446/house-jewish-democrats-schneider-schakowsky-ouster-trump-aide-stephen-miller
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/20/21031930/lakeview-pot-shop-sunnyside-front-line-illinois
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/20/21032115/illinois-legal-weed-chicag-marijuana-dispensaries-cannabis

DAILY HERALD
— Trump adviser: Expect more aggressive poll watching in 2020
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191220/news/312209872/
— Conservative student group lauds College of Lake County for hosting free speech sessions – Russell Lissau
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191220/conservative-student-group-lauds-clc-for-hosting-free-speech-sessions
— Longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky now alone on Democratic primary ballot
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191220/longtime-us-rep-jan-schakowsky-now-alone-on-democratic-primary-ballot

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— A fiasco for democracy—on both sides The great test of our times is reflected in the fact that this state’s congressional delegation is divided along party lines on the matter of impeachment. And both political parties are failing that test. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/fiasco-democracy-both-sides

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Why I voted against impeachment – U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood
https://www.pjstar.com/opinion/20191220/us-rep-darin-lahood-why-i-voted-against-impeachment

WHEATON RECORD
— Wheaton College reacts to legal pot – Melissa Schill
http://www.wheatonrecord.com/articles/campus-reacts-to-legal-pot/

DEPAULIA
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://depauliaonline.com/44947/news/where-youll-be-able-to-buy-recreational-cannabis-in-chicago-area-jan-1/

JOLIET PATCH
— Larry Walsh Votes To Raise Will County Gas Taxes Larry Walsh broke the deadlock at Thursday’s county board meeting. The four-term Democrat is not running for re-election in 2020. – John Ferak
https://patch.com/illinois/joliet/larry-walsh-votes-raise-will-county-gas-taxes

DAILY ILLINI
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs make it clear that their top priority is getting rid of Republicans once and for all, and especially Republicans who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, 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://dailyillini.com/opinions/2019/12/20/opinion-gop-fights-to-preserve-white-america-ii/

DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Nomination Petition Hearings: West v. DiCianni at 9:30 AM Monday, December 23, 2019; Hooper v. Felice at 10:00 AM Monday, December 23, 2019; and Tarnowski v. Youngberg at 1:00 PM Monday, December 23, 2019. 
https://www.dupageco.org/Election/61831/

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— Christianity Today’s Call for Trump’s Removal – Laurie Higgins
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2019/12/christianity-todays-prideful-call-for-trumps-removal/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— TRUMP SUPPORTERS TO RALLY IN FRANKFORT, IL SATURDAY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/trump-supporters-to-rally-saturday.html
— PRITZKER’S OFFICE BOASTS HISTORICAL LOW IN STATE’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/unemployment-rate-falls-to-new-historical-low-in-november.html
— WHERE’S WEYERMULLER? WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP IN BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN ON IMPEACHMENT DAY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/wheres-weyermuller-with-president-trump-in-battle-creek-michigan-on-impeachment-day.html
— YALE PROF ESTIMATES FACULTY POLITICAL DIVERSITY AT ‘0%’
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/yale-prof-estimates-faculty-political-diversity-at-0.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Baldermann drops out of GOP primary
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/20/baldermann-drops-out-of-gop-primary/
— Proposed repeal of parental notification law sparks heated exchange
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/20/proposed-repeal-of-parental-notification-law-sparks-heated-exchange/
— Reader comments closed for the holidays (DIERSEN: I have sent a GOPUSA ILLINOIS email out each and every morning since 2004 and each and every evening too since 2015. I will continue doing that until if/when my critics/opponents, their operatives, or their dupes succeed in stopping me. It would be great if those who read my emails would do more to stop my critics/opponents, their operatives, or their dupes from a) stopping me from sending the emails out and b) stopping everyone from reading them. )
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/20/reader-comments-closed-for-the-holidays-8/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— 4 of 10 Democrats back gun confiscation, reparations, open borders, unlimited abortions – Paul Bedard 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/4-of-10-democrats-back-gun-confiscation-reparations-open-borders-unlimited-abortions
— Yes, criminal migrants should be denied asylum – Tom Rogan 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/yes-criminal-migrants-should-be-denied-asylum

AMERICAN THINKER
— Joe Biden is coming for your job – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/joe_biden_is_coming_for_your_job.html

BREITBART
— Billy Graham-Founded ‘Christianity Today’ Calls for Removal of Trump from Office – DR. SUSAN BERRY
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/19/billy-graham-founded-christianity-today-calls-for-removal-of-trump-from-office/
— Franklin Graham Slams Christianity Today: My Father Billy Graham ‘Voted for Donald Trump’ – THOMAS D. WILLIAMS, PH.D.
https://www.breitbart.com/2020-election/2019/12/20/franklin-graham-slams-christianity-today-my-father-billy-graham-voted-for-donald-trump/

NEWSMAX
— RNC’s Ronna McDaniel Rips Dems’ ‘Socialist Agenda’ – Jeffrey Rodack
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/rnc-ronna-mcdaniel-democrats-socialist/2019/12/20/id/946754/

EPOCH TIMES
— You’re Only a Hero If You Embrace Leftist Ideology – Nicole Russell
https://www.theepochtimes.com/youre-only-a-hero-if-you-embrace-leftist-ideology_3179838.html

RADIO ONLINE
— Salem Radio Network to Syndicate the ”Dan Proft Show”
https://news.radio-online.com/articles/n38054/Salem-Radio-Network-to-Syndicate-the-Dan-Proft-Show

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Illinois GOP aims to end Holocaust denier’s run for Congress
http://www.startribune.com/illinois-gop-aims-to-end-holocaust-denier-s-run-for-congress/566387892/

December 19 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Trump impeachment: President takes defiant tone after historic House vote – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/trump-it-doesnt-feel-like-im-being-impeached/5768858/
— Senate passes anti-robocalls bill, sending it to Trump – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/senate-passes-anti-robocalls-bill-sending-it-to-trump/5769194/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Recreational marijuana sales in Ann Arbor draw long lines and hint at what’s to come in Chicago. ‘This is the 18-year-old me’s greatest fantasy.’ – Ally Marotti
By ALLY MAROTTI
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-biz-recreational-marijuana-michigan-20191219-fhxtx4e5izeflkyiceefi24y7u-story.html
— Trump takes swipe at House lawmaker’s dead husband, implying he’s in hell during Michigan rally. The White House says the president was ‘just riffing.’ – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/midwest/ct-donald-trump-john-debbie-dingell-20191219-46rveqe42newrkcnnm52dr6zai-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Chicago’s strip club nudity rules could be eased following settlement with transgender woman – JOHN BYRNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-chicago-strip-club-nudity-rules-could-be-eased-20191219-q7owk5ntqzh7hagkwoyj7jd2lq-story.html
— ‘There are no perfect petitions.’ Objections may lead to south suburban candidates being tossed from ballots – TED SLOWIK
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/opinion/ct-sta-slowik-legislative-election-objections-st-1120-20191219-j35z7ttzavc4boh76wwzrn7afu-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-liststory-illinois-legal-weed-20191219-vy7no4bg7vdwbcsa77f7lr4giy-list.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Will County Board votes to allow marijuana facilities, tax sales – ALICIA FABBRE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-will-county-board-marijuana-votes-st-1220-20191219-kavn6liqpnegbnigjwz7xlljie-story.html
— Illinois Gaming Board orders gambling owner to fire two employees whose ties ‘pose a threat to the integrity of video gaming’ – DAVID HEINZMANN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/investigations/ct-rick-heidner-gold-rush-illinois-gaming-board-20191219-xscp45mi2zdrfilwyuxbxqgx6m-story.html
— Get on with Trump’s impeachment trial. Then comes Election Day. – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-impeachment-trump-pelosi-mcconnell-trial-20191219-ts5bvhdoazcnrarf2kyo5ao34q-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Getting a medical marijuana card is easier than ever — and it could help you avoid lines, save money when recreational sales start Those who qualify can start buying legal weed within less than 24 hours after applying. – Tom Schuba
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/19/21030052/medical-marijuana-pot-cannabis-weed-illinois-recreational
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: A pot pusher pushes pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/18/21027075/war-on-drugs-convictions-criminal-justice-decriminalization-j-b-pritzker-kelly-cassidy
— Michael Bloomberg jumps into Illinois presidential primary in a big way Bloomberg has lined up a team of five state political veterans who will hire at least 50 political operatives. – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/12/19/21029876/michael-bloomberg-illinois-democratic-presidential-primary
— Black Caucus chairman threatens to resurrect six-month delay for recreational marijuana sales Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) says governor’s office is backtracking on promise to earmark two medical marijuana dispensary licenses for black or Hispanic operators. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2019/12/19/21030053/recreational-marijuana-sales-black-caucus-resurrect-six-month-delay
— Increasing the “SALT” cap (DIERSEN: Trump should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2019/12/19/21030613/usma-salt-tax-illinois-lawmakers-vote-jesus-chuy-garcia
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Sports betting inches toward launch in Illinois – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/19/21030709/illinois-sports-betting-applications-casinos-racetracks-stadiums

DAILY HERALD
— Voters to decide whether McHenry County coroner should be elected or appointed – Lauren Rohr
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191219/voters-to-decide-whether-mchenry-county-coroner-should-be-elected-or-appointed

WILL
— Danville City Council Approves New Cannabis Regulations – Jim Meadows
https://will.illinois.edu/news/story/danville-city-council-approves-new-cannabis-regulations

WEEK
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Residents learn about how they might qualify for social equity to get into pot business
https://week.com/2019/12/19/residents-learn-about-how-they-might-qualify-for-social-equity-to-get-into-pot-business/

CENTER SQUARE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Illinois makes first $21 million in cannabis loans available to social equity applicants – Greg Bishop 
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-makes-first-million-in-cannabis-loans-available-to-social/article_24e0864a-228a-11ea-a56a-77119427f6a6.html

BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: ‘Shameless’ Or Helpful? West Coast Weed Dispensary Is Offering $10,000 To Social-Equity Applicants In Chicago A company that aims to be the ‘7/11 of weed’ wants Chicago social equity applicants to join his venture, but some locals were not pleased. – Hannah Alani
https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/12/19/shameless-or-helpful-a-west-coast-weed-dispensary-is-offering-10000-to-social-equity-applicants-in-exchange-for-partnership/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Mad at Impeachment? Run Write-In Campaign for Precinct Committeeperson
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/state-representative-filings-for-mchenry-county-districts-copy-copy-copy-copy/ 
— College of Lake County Conservatives Assert First Amendment Rights
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/college-of-lake-county-conservatives-assert-first-amendment-rights/ 
— IL-14: Federal Court of Appeals Strikes Down Individual Mandate of Obamacare
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/il-14-federal-court-of-appeals-strikes-down-individual-mandate-of-obamacare/ 
— IL-14: Reactions to Underwood’s Impeachment Votes
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/il-14-reactions-to-underwoods-impeachment-votes/
— Judicial Opponents of Mary McClellan, Whose Petitions Were Challenged, Expected to Stay on the Ballot
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/judicial-opponents-of-mary-mcclellan-whose-petitions-were-challenged-expected-to-stay-on-the-ballot/ 
— Democratic Precinct Committeeman “Politically Motivated”
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/138467/ 
— Mad at Impeachment? Run Write-In Campaign for Precinct Committeeperson
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/state-representative-filings-for-mchenry-county-districts-copy-copy-copy-copy/
— Skillicorn Calls for Acosta to Resign from County Board
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/skillicorn-calls-for-acosta-to-resign-from-county-board/ 
— IL-06: Reactions to Sean Casten’s Impeachment Votes
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/19/il-06-reactions-to-sean-castens-impeachment-votes/

CAPITOL FAX
— In Springfield, doing something legal in your own back yard is the police’s business
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/19/in-springfield-doing-something-legal-in-your-own-back-yard-is-the-polices-business/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump can erase historical significance of impeachment with reelection – Matt Mackowiak
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/trump-can-erase-historical-significance-impeachmen/
— ‘Suicide march’: Defiant Trump vows impeachment will haunt Democrats – Dave Boyer
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/donald-trump-vows-impeachment-will-haunt-democrats/
— The impeachment war begins – Jennifer Harper
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/inside-the-beltway-the-impeachment-war-begins/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— 2020 census: Surge in immigrants to take 24 House seats from Trump states – Paul Bedard
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/2020-census-surge-in-immigrants-to-take-24-house-seats-from-trump-states
— ‘No hurry’: McConnell waves off Pelosi threat to withhold impeachment articles – David M. Drucker
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/no-hurry-mcconnell-waves-off-pelosi-threat-to-withhold-impeachment-articles

RUSH LIMBAUGH
— How to Psychologically Withstand Hatred from the Left
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2019/12/19/how-to-psychologically-withstand-hatred-from-the-left/

BREITBART
— Jackie Speier: Trump Can Be ‘Impeached Yet Again’ – PAM KEY
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/12/17/jackie-speier-trump-impeached/

DAILY CALLER
— Immigration Will Dramatically Shift The Electoral College In Favor Of Democrats, Study Finds – JASON HOPKINS (DIERSEN: Democrats want immigrants because immigrants vote for Democrats.)
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/19/immigration-helping-democrats-in-electoral-map/

THE HILL
— Senate leaders punt impeachment trial deal until after holidays – JORDAIN CARNEY 
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/475375-senate-leaders-punt-impeachment-trial-deal-until-after-holidays
— McConnell rips House impeachment as ‘slapdash,’ ‘rushed and rigged’ – JORDAIN CARNEY 
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/475274-mcconnell-rips-house-impeachment-as-slapdash-rushed-and-rigged
— Democrats rally behind Pelosi on delay of articles
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/475284-democrats-rally-behind-pelosi-on-delay-of-articles
— Trump shocks, earns GOP rebukes with Dingell remarks – JULIEGRACE BRUFKE AND SCOTT WONG 
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/475313-trump-shocks-earns-gop-rebukes-with-dingell-remarks

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Impeachment places Trump with the ‘losers’ of presidential history.”
https://www.journalnow.com/opinion/columnists/jennifer-rubin-impeachment-places-trump-with-the-losers-of-presidential/article_ed05d7fe-2273-11ea-a601-cf635fee5ebe.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Impeachment Vote Divides and Dismays, Inside and Outside the Capitol Lawmakers rely on hyperbole and the Founding Fathers to make their cases, while protesters are more festive – Lindsay Wise and Andrew Duehren
https://www.wsj.com/articles/impeachment-vote-divides-and-dismays-inside-and-outside-the-capitol-11576705056

FORBES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeadams/2019/12/19/hey-indiana-legal-marijuana-isnt-going-to-doom-your-workforce/#7817923923d9

WASHINGTON MONTHLY
— Trump’s Impeachment Will Be His Legacy Regardless of what happens in the Senate, he will be remembered for this. – Nancy LeTourneau (DIERSEN: What do your critics/opponents want you to be remembered for? Mine want me to be remembered for the success that they had in ending my TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairmanship, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee membership, Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster service (twice), Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee membership, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board membership, and the adverse actions that my superiors in the federal government took against me.) 
https://washingtonmonthly.com/2019/12/18/trumps-impeachment-will-be-his-legacy/

NEW REPUBLIC
— Don’t Withhold the Articles of Impeachment House Democrats are contemplating a strategy that will only bolster Republican claims that their impeachment inquiry is an election-year stunt. – MATT FORD
https://newrepublic.com/article/156070/dont-withhold-articles-impeachment

FED WEEK
— Survey Identifies Culture, Trust Issues in Federal Workplace
https://www.fedweek.com/federal-managers-daily-report/survey-identifies-culture-trust-issues-in-federal-workplace/

December 18 Evening Edition

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Split screen: Trump holding rally as impeachment vote looms – DARLENE SUPERVILLE, ZEKE MILLER and JILL COLVIN
https://apnews.com/df59970ad25ae98e8d0139fd24adcec1

THE HILL
— Watch live: Trump holds rally in Michigan while House votes on impeachment
https://thehill.com/video/campaign/475202-watch-live-trump-hosts-rally-in-michigan

ABC7
— Trump impeachment debate: Republicans draw comparisons to Jesus, Pearl Harbor attack, Salem Witch trials – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/gop-ties-impeachment-debate-to-jesus-pearl-harbor-salem-witch-trials/5766752/
— Chicago marijuana sales to start on time, City Council votes down ordinance – Jessica D’Onofrio and Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/ordinance-to-delay-recreational-marijuana-sales-fails-/5764998/

CBS2
— City Council Approves Ban On Aldermen Lobbying Other Elected Officials – Todd Feurer
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/18/chicago-city-council-aldermen-lobbying-ban/
— Chicago Hospitals Prepare For Problems Related To Legal Marijuana Use – Vince Gerasole
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/17/chicago-hospitals-prepare-for-problems-related-to-legal-marijuana-use/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Revival of head shops may be sign of coming high times for Illinois – CHARLES SELLE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-selle-head-shops-st-1219-20191218-vs6cwgeodrhgjahupmj5lprqty-story.html
— Marijuana teen vaping up as other drug use, drinking and smoking decline, according to NIH survey – Kate Thayer
https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct-life-marijuana-vaping-up-nih-monitoring-the-future-survey-tt-20191218-c6rxsuxm3nb2tmtpkgipyq233u-story.html
— Oswego police prepare for jump in marijuana-related DUIs – LINDA GIRARDI
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-oswego-marijuana-st-1219-20191218-4hsewpwqrbh3xc57oy6ctp5meu-story.html
— Illinois is getting more than 250 new laws and taxes on Jan. 1. Here’s what you need to know. – DAN PETRELLA and JAMIE MUNKS
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-liststory-illinois-new-laws-2020-20191218-k3sjxat7mvgonbbbvyr7anlbja-list.html
— Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs measure to consolidate hundreds of police and fire pension funds – DAN PETRELLA and JAMIE MUNKS
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-municipal-pension-consolidation-20191218-v7feag3lsfez5irczyq7ba4cha-story.html
— Illinois Gaming Board moves to yank video gambling license after accusing owner of offering a $5 million ‘illegal inducement’ to betting parlor chain – DAVID HEINZMANN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/investigations/ct-rick-heidner-video-gambling-license-revocation-20191218-hksxbsjwnnhnvlyjidassomj5m-story.html
— Shareholder lawsuit is filed against ComEd parent Exelon, alleging it misled investors concerning federal probe
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-exelon-shareholder-lawsuit-20191218-i6cxtbmjv5hajdydmkzzrmrlhq-story.html
— Legal recreational weed sales will begin Jan. 1 as planned in Chicago, despite a wild, angry debate in City Council – JOHN BYRNE, LOLLY BOWEAN, GREGORY PRATT and DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-lori-lightfoot-marijuana-delay-vote-city-council-20191218-rjelqg6gc5fojgkpau3q32tio4-story.html
— DuPage Forest Preserve board OKs five years of priority projects that don’t include Greene Farm Barn
By SUZANNE BAKER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-forest-preserve-greene-barn-st-1220-20191219-43dsann6sfc3bkurnfog4uyrx4-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Cigar shops, hookah lounges and other smoke shops could allow pot use under city proposal Mayor Lori Lightfoot introduced an ordinance laying out rules for consuming pot in public Wednesday. – Tom Schuba 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/18/21028867/recreational-marijuana-cigar-hookah-smoke-shops-public-pot-consumption
— Lightfoot moves to strengthen Welcoming City ordinance — but leaves ‘carve-outs’ in place for now Immigrant activists have demanded removal of exceptions that govern how Chicago Police cooperate with ICE. Lightfoot campaigned on the promise to do just that. – Fran Spielman 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/18/21028945/lightfoot-moves-to-strengthen-welcoming-city-ordinance-but-leaves-carve-outs-in-place-for-now
— Effort to delay recreational pot sales fails after gov promises to give 2 new licenses to owners of color Mayor Lori Lightfoot warned of a “multitude of unintended consequences” if pot sales were delayed in the city until July 1. – Fran Spielman 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2019/12/18/21028078/recreational-marijuana-sales-chicago-city-council-vote-delay

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Legal weed survives push to delay sales After a dramatic showdown on the City Council floor today—one of the biggest tests of Mayor Lightfoot’s administration so far— aldermen thwarted a call from black council members to halt recreational marijuana sales for six months. – A.D. QUIG 
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/marijuanacannabis/legal-weed-survives-push-delay-sales

QUAD CITIES TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://qctimes.com/news/local/holiday-gift-guide-in-the-weeds-looking-for-gifts-for/article_9a7d058e-be76-5d79-bd5c-f839fb6b50da.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Hundreds at rally call for Trump’s impeachment – Kierra Frazier
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2019/12/18/hundreds-at-rally-call-for-trumps-impeachment/aozw1b8/

WJBC
— Illinois’ transparency on economic subsidies gets a middling grade
http://www.wjbc.com/2019/12/18/report-illinois-transparency-on-economic-subsidies-gets-a-middling-grade/

FRANKFORT PATCH
— OUTSTANDING: Rally In Support Of President Trump Planned In Frankfort The rally will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the intersection of La Grange Road and Route 30 in Frankfort. – Andrea Earnest
https://patch.com/illinois/frankfort/rally-support-trump-planned-frankfort

EVANSTON PATCH
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Hundreds Take Part In Anti-Trump Impeachment Rally In Evanston The House will vote on Wednesday whether to make Donald Trump the third president in U.S. history to be removed from office.​​ – Nikki Gaskins
https://patch.com/illinois/evanston/hundreds-take-part-anti-trump-impeachment-rally-evanston

DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Nomination Petition Hearings: West v. DiCianni at 9:30 AM Thursday, December 19, 2019; Hooper v. Felice at 2:15 PM Thursday, December 19, 2019; and Tarnowski v. Youngberg at 3:00 PM Thursday, December 19, 2019. 
https://www.dupageco.org/Election/61831/

CITY OF WHEATON
— VIDEO: Adult-Use Cannabis
https://vimeo.com/380119918
— Cannabis Laws
https://www.wheaton.il.us/cannabislaws

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— COOK COUNTY DEMOCRAT PARTY CHAIRMAN ADDED TO LIST OF THOSE UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/cook-co-democrat-party-chairman-added-to-list-of-those-under-federal-investigation.html
— CBS BOOSTS SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/cbs-boosts-southern-poverty-law-center.html

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Illinois high school officials probe racist insults at game – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/illinois-high-school-officials-probe-racist-insult/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The Illinois High School Association is investigating claims that student fans at a high school girls basketball game west of Chicago subjected members of a visiting team to racist and body-shaming chants and slurs. Officials from Bishop McNamara Catholic School in Kankakee say the ugly behavior was on display Saturday during their varsity team’s game against St. Edward Catholic School in Elgin, WLS-TV reported. Bishop McNamara fans and parents say students in the St. Edward fan section were yelling racist comments throughout the game, including making animal noises at a black Bishop McNamara player and another member of the team.)
— Utah rally supporting Trump impeachment draws hundreds – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/pro-impeachment-rally-draws-hundreds/
— Trump favorability up 6 percentage points since impeachment began, Gallup poll shows Support for impeachment down 6 percentage points since October – Jennifer Harper
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/18/trump-favorability-up-6-percentage-points-since-im/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘Payback’: Republicans vow to impeach next Democratic president – Kerry Picket 
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/republicans-vow-to-impeach-next-democratic-president

GOPUSA
— Judge permits Georgia to remove 120K ‘inactive’ voters from registration rolls
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81410

BREITBART
— Pew: Race Divides Democrat Party on Faith and Marriage – DR. SUSAN BERRY
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/18/pew-race-divides-democrat-party-faith-marriage/
— Nancy Pelosi Compares Impeachment to Battle of the Bulge Against Nazi Germany – JOEL B. POLLAK
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/18/nancy-pelosi-compares-impeachment-to-battle-of-the-bulge-against-nazi-germany-wwii/

BLAZE
— Top House Democrat compares Trump impeachment to fights against slavery, Jim Crow – Nate Madden
https://www.theblaze.com/news/top-house-democrat-compares-trump-impeachment-to-fights-against-slavery-jim-crow

CNS NEWS
— Trump Administration Expands the List of Criminal Offenses That Would Bar Asylum – Susan Jones 
https://www.cnsnews.com/article/national/susan-jones/trump-administration-expands-list-criminal-offenses-would-bar-asylum

DAILY CALLER
— Democrats Betray America With Impeachment Vote – RONNA MCDANIEL, REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/18/mcdaniel-democrats-impeachment/
— Trump Administration Wants To Restrict More Criminal Aliens From Qualifying For Asylum – JASON HOPKINS
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/18/trump-illegal-aliens-asylum-criminals/

DAILY WIRE
— Epic Fail: Latest Poll Shows Trump’s Approval Rising, Support For Impeachment Low – Paul Bois
https://www.dailywire.com/news/epic-fail-latest-poll-shows-trumps-approval-rising-support-for-impeachment-low

COLLEGE FIX
— Justice Department is still investigating Harvard for anti-Asian admissions practices – GREG PIPER (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, because of the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs, it is OK to be anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, 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.thecollegefix.com/justice-department-is-still-investigating-harvard-for-anti-asian-admissions-practices/

ABC NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: America-haters want all the citizens of all the countries in the world to seek asylum in America.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/blocked-border-young-families-pregnant-mothers-struggle-asylum/story?id=67777661

WASHINGTON POST
— Pelosi emerges as Trump’s most powerful political adversary with impeachment – Paul Kane
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/with-impeachment-pelosi-emerges-as-trumps-most-powerful-political-adversary/2019/12/18/3f47cd96-21b2-11ea-86f3-3b5019d451db_story.html

USA TODAY
— ‘Four more years!’: Michigan crowd rallies for Trump ahead of House impeachment vote – Kathleen Gray and Elena Durnbaugh
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/12/18/donald-trump-battle-creek-kellogg-impeachment-rally/2693773001/

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Reject Trump’s cynical anti-Palestinian ploy on campus speech.”
https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-reject-trumps-cynical-ploy-on-campus-speech-20191218-yqbljj3wpbfofeo574wasjysum-story.html

NEW YORKER
— India’s Citizenship Emergency – Isaac Chotiner (DIERSEN: Islam is more like a political party or a country without borders than a religion.)
https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/indias-citizenship-emergency
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Last week, India adopted new legislation called the Citizenship Amendment Act, which gives undocumented immigrants of several faiths a path to citizenship but excludes Muslims, who make up about fifteen per cent of the country’s population. The law is part of a pattern of persecution of Muslims carried out by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party, who seek to transform India from an avowedly secular, pluralistic country into a Hindu one. This past August, Modi revoked the autonomy of India’s only Muslim-majority state, Kashmir, and flooded it with troops, in an ongoing siege. In Assam, another state with a large Muslim population, the government implemented the National Register of Citizens, which forced people to prove or lose their citizenship status. Immigrants whose citizenship was stripped by the state are already being sent to detention camps; last month, the government declared that the citizenship registry would soon cover the entire country. The cumulative effect of these moves has been to throw India’s democratic character and future into a precarious state not seen since the mid-nineteen-seventies, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency and imprisoned her political opponents. In response to the Citizenship Amendment Act, demonstrations have broken out across India.)

DAILY BEAST
— The Illinois High School Association is investigating claims that students yelled racist comments and chanted animal noises at a black player during a high school girls basketball game. – Emma Tucker
https://www.thedailybeast.com/illinois-high-school-officials-probe-racist-slurs-by-students-at-game

WINDY CITY TIMES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Thousands attend impeachment rally in Chicago
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Thousands-attend-impeachment-rally-in-Chicago/67655.html

December 18 Morning Edition

NBC5
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters promote Trump-haters.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/hundreds-gather-for-rally-ahead-of-trump-impeachment-vote/2190395/#new_tab
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Ever-increasingly, pot pushers push pot.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/cannabis-in-illinois-how-will-the-new-law-work/2190484/

WGN TV
— Chicago aldermen call for delay in legal weed sales, as growers ramp up production – MIKE LOWE (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, those who lead minorities, females, younger people, etc. should urge them to NOT sell/use pot. Sooner or later, those who sell/use pot will become destitute and wards of the state.) 
https://wgntv.com/2019/12/17/chicago-aldermen-call-for-delay-in-legal-weed-sales-as-growers-ramp-up-production/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Ever-increasingly, pot pushers push pot.
https://wgntv.com/2019/12/17/qa-what-to-know-when-recreational-marijuana-becomes-legal-in-illinois-jan-1/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters promote Trump-haters.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/rallies-held-in-chicago-suburbs-urging-house-to-impeach-trump

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— The president is very likely to be impeached tonight. Here’s what else to watch for. – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-trump-impeachment-what-to-watch-20191218-wkbqltppkfdhjhw5gioj3upbsq-story.html
— What price does the republic pay for Trump resistance at all costs? – John Kass
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/john-kass/ct-trump-resistance-costs-kass-20191218-az5v7xxyxbfktlxe4i5qwqdyqi-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: On eve of House impeachment vote, Chicago-area residents rally in support of ousting President Trump – MORGAN GREENE, ERIN HEGARTY and TED SLOWIK
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-trump-impeachment-protest-20191218-jayg7xjjnjaftdlhktzzqlvzou-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters promote Trump-haters.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/dahleen-glanton/ct-dahleen-glanton-impeachment-vote-illinois-democrats-20191218-yb2y4bmj4nhkteru4ujrfj4uou-story.html
— Oak Lawn expects to reap at least $500K from ‘penny per push’ video gaming tax, believed to be first of its kind in Illinois – ZAK KOESKE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-oak-law-push-tax-st-1218-20191217-xxk6rbzwdjauzmewnuhe6supjq-story.html
— Sports betting is coming to your phone in Illinois. That means big money for the state — and big worries about addiction. – John Keilman
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-online-sports-betting-illinois-20191218-teohp6ahb5hfnhg7izy5dxppbi-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “The worst of Trump is yet to come — and his Republican sycophants fear it The president will invent any lie if it suits his purpose. That behavior is only going to get worse after the impeachment of Trump fails to result in a fair Senate trial.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2019/12/17/21026298/phil-kadner-president-donald-trump-republican-party-2020-election-gop-senate-congress

DAILY HERALD
— Naperville’s new mission: ‘Creating inclusive community’ – Marie Wilson (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Trump-hating Democrats use isolated incidents by isolated people to justify painting Naperville as being full of Republicans who are White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things.) 
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191218/napervilles-new-mission-creating-inclusive-community
— FRONT PAGE WITH COLOR PHOTO OF UNDERWOOD: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters promote Trump-haters.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191217/underwood-says-shell-back-impeachment-shes-taking-a-political-risk-doing-so
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters promote Trump-haters.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191217/impeachment-rallies-held-across-suburbs-as-house-vote-nears
— DuPage Airport operations highest since 2005
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20191218/dupage-airport-operations-highest-since-2005

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— We need to hit pause on Chicago marijuana sales Equity and justice depend on it, members of the aldermanic Black Caucus write. Act now, or there will be zero African American, Latinx or female owners licensed to run cannabis shops. – CHICAGO ALDERMANIC BLACK CAUCUS (DIERSEN: Needless-to-say, those who lead minorities, females, younger people, etc. should urge them to NOT sell/use pot. Sooner or later, those who sell/use pot will become destitute and wards of the state.) 
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/we-need-hit-pause-chicago-marijuana-sales

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters promote hatred of Trump.
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20191217/pro-impeachment-supporters-to-davis-lahood-choose-country-over-party

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: McLean County promotes pot in its unincorporated areas.
https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mclean-county-board-decides-to-regulate-not-ban-cannabis-related/article_8c537679-b8e5-53d5-b431-0605f497af67.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Immigration issues the topic of Casten town hall in Glen Ellyn Casten criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda during the 90-minute gathering. – Megann Horstead (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?) 
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2019/12/16/immigration-issues-the-topic-of-casten-town-hall-in-glen-ellyn/aphi8l0/

BUGLE NEWSPAPERS
— Pritzker expected to sign letter consenting to refugee resettlement New Trump administration policy requires state and local consent (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?)
https://www.buglenewspapers.com/story/2019/12/12/news/pritzker-expected-to-sign-letter-consenting-to-refugee-resettlement/774.html

WCIA
— Syverson secured rare Senate floor access for rock star who promoted casino – Mark Maxwell
https://www.wcia.com/illinois-capitol-news/syverson-secured-rare-senate-floor-access-for-rock-star-who-promoted-casino/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In a brazen move that violated Senate rules, state Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) brought Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Rick Nielsen, the guitarist for Cheap Trick, onto the chamber floor in May during a sensitive time when his colleagues were considering whether or not to approve a Rockford casino and when Nielsen was lobbying support for one. Nielsen stands to gain significant personal wealth if the Illinois Gaming Board approves the Hard Rock casino bid because his wife invested in the project. Nielsen is also in business with Syverson through the Stockholm Inn in Rockford. On May 15th, Nielsen visited the statehouse to build support for the Rockford casino project. During his visit, he staged a public press conference from the statehouse press room, sought an audience with the governor, and passed out guitar picks to legislators on the floor in the House and Senate, all in support of approving a Rockford casino.)

WAND
— Champaign votes to allow refugee resettlement (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?) 
https://www.wandtv.com/news/champaign-votes-to-allow-refugee-resettlement/article_8c218ce4-2138-11ea-b0ea-9f18ae460efd.html

WPSD
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Activists in Carbondale demand Bost support impeachment of President Trump – Logan Gay
https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/activists-in-carbondale-demand-bost-support-impeachment-of-president-trump/article_a53bb526-214a-11ea-b67f-33712f81b509.html

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Governor Pritzker says Illinois will continue to welcome refugees (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?) 
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/governor-pritzker-says-illinois-will-continue-to-welcome-refugees

TRI STATE HOMEPAGE
— Gov. Pritzker writes letter welcoming refugees to Illinois (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?)
https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/local-news/gov-pritzker-writes-letter-welcoming-refugees-to-illinois/

EVANSTON NOW
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: ‘Dump Trump’ supporters gather downtown – Bill Smith
https://evanstonnow.com/story/government/bill-smith/2019-12-17/83790/dump-trump-supporters-gather-downtown

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Pritzker Welcomes Refugees (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?)
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/138360/ 
— Local Legislators Criticize Taxpayer Gifts of $50 to Each Newborn for College Fund
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/18/local-legislators-criticize-taxpayer-gifts-of-50-to-each-newborn-for-college-fund/ 
— County Board Member Chuck Wheeler Seeks Second Amendment Sanctuary Status for McHenry County
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/18/wheeler-seeks-second-amendment-sanctuary-status-for-mchenry-county/ 
— IL-14: Reactions to Lauren Underwood’s Impeachment Decision
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/18/il-14-reactions-to-lauren-underwoods-impeachment-decision/ 
— President Turns to God in Face of Impeachment Today
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/18/president-turns-to-god-in-face-of-impeachment-today/ 
— Difference in Value of Homestead Exemption in Cook County and Elsewhere
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/18/difference-in-value-of-homestead-exemption-in-cook-county-and-elsewhere/ 
— The Woodstock Impeach Trump Rally
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/18/the-woodstock-impeach-trump-rally/

CAPITOL FAX
— Did Syverson’s guest violate Senate rules?
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/18/did-syversons-guest-violate-senate-rules/
— Pritzker sends president a letter consenting to receive refugees (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?) 
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/17/pritzker-sends-president-a-letter-consenting-to-receive-refugees/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Republicans vow to impeach next Democratic president – Kerry Picket
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/republicans-vow-to-impeach-next-democratic-president
— McConnell wants quick impeachment dismissal vote: ‘We’ve heard enough’ – Susan Ferrechio
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mcconnell-wants-quick-impeachment-dismissal-vote-weve-heard-enough

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— China Violates Disclosure Law to Publish Propaganda in New York Times, Washington Post – Yuichiro Kakutani
China Daily gave media outlets millions to publish ads disguised as news stories
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/china-flouts-fed-law-to-publish-propaganda-in-ny-times-wapo/

GOPUSA
— Supreme Court Affirms the Right to Destroy Cities
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81344

AMERICAN THINKER
— Illegals and the American Birthright – Noel S. Williams (DIERSEN: Sooner or later, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs will hint/imply/argue/shout that you stole everything that you have.)
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/illegals_and_the_american_birthright.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Pete Buttigieg, supposedly one of the more moderate Democrat candidates for president, believes that illegal aliens are just reclaiming stolen land. I can picture him toting one of those mischievous banners popular with the Open Borders mobs: “we didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us.” Not only is that historical bunk, but it is illegal aliens who are stealing stuff, including our finite resources and, ultimately, our American birthright. Whose land, exactly, was “stolen”? Who crossed whose border? Many Tejanos who lived in Texas wanted to break away from Mexico and supported the Texas revolution. After smiting Santa Anna and declaring independence, they favored annexation by the United States. Similarly, in Alta California, most new settlers and Californios (Hispanic natives of California) supported a revolt against the unstable Mexican government. Even before the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), Californios incited several revolts against the Mexican government, as outlined in this National Park Service lesson. After giving them a thorough whipping in the war — U.S. forces even raised the Stars and Stirpes over the Halls of Montezuma in Mexico City — the U.S. magnanimously paid Mexico $15 million, and several more millions to pay off Mexican debt to U.S. citizens. Considering the Louisiana Purchase, comprising more land, also cost about $15 million, an interpretation is that Mexico, having been soundly humiliated in battle, can be thankful we anted up at all. After all, they desperately petitioned for peace. Whose land was stolen? Mexico only controlled the land they relinquished in the Mexican Cession for one short generation, and our financial payments generously helped alleviate their financial crisis.)

BREITBART
— American Taxpayers Continue Funding Border Walls — in the Middle East – JOHN BINDER
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/17/american-taxpayers-continue-funding-border-walls-in-the-middle-east/

DAILY CALLER
— ‘Spare Us Your Amnesty’: DHS Rips Mayor De Blasio For Defending Driver’s Licenses For Illegal Aliens – JASON HOPKINS
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/17/dhs-rips-de-blasio-over-drivers-licenses/

RUSH LIMBAUGH
— Never Trumpers Gear Up for 2020 with Times Square Billboard, Super PAC
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2019/12/17/never-trumpers-gear-up-for-2020/

TOWNHALL
— Out of the Shadows… and Into the Voting Booth? – Michelle Malkin
https://townhall.com/columnists/michellemalkin/2019/12/18/out-of-the-shadows-and-into-the-voting-booth-n2558185
— DHS Explains Why New York Allowing Illegal Immigrant Drivers License Hinders Catching Criminals – Julio Rosas
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/juliorosas/2019/12/17/dhs-explains-why-new-york-allowing-illegal-immigrant-drivers-license-hinders-catc-n2558171

CAMPUS REFORM
— Conservative student group alleges smear campaign by college employee A conservative student group at College of Lake County in Illinois says a college employee led a smear campaign against it. The group told Campus Reform that it filed a formal complaint after the employee allegedly posted flyers around campus calling it a “hate group.” – Alec Stone
https://campusreform.org/?ID=14117

THE HILL
— Democrats set to take historic step of impeaching Trump – MIKE LILLIS AND OLIVIA BEAVERS 
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/475014-democrats-set-to-take-historic-step-of-impeaching-trump
— Trump seethes over impending impeachment – MORGAN CHALFANT AND BRETT SAMUELS
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/474986-trump-seethes-over-impending-impeachment

CBS NEWS
— Pro-Trump demonstrators to serenade Capitol Hill ahead of impeachment vote – MELISSA QUINN
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-impeachment-protest-pro-trump-demonstrators-serenade-capitol-hill-ahead-impeachment-vote-today-2019-12-18/
— Conservative Trump detractors, including George Conway, launch group aimed at defeating Trump in 2020 – MELISSA QUINN
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/george-conway-and-group-of-trump-critics-launch-the-lincoln-project-aimed-at-defeating-trump-in-2020/

CNBC
— George Conway and other conservative Trump critics form super PAC to battle president in 2020 – AP
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/17/george-conway-other-conservatives-critics-form-super-pac-to-battle-trump.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— India Adopts the Tactic of Authoritarians: Shutting Down the Internet India, the world’s largest democracy, shuts down the internet far more than any other country. This week, 60 million people — roughly the size of France — have no service. – Jeffrey Gettleman, Vindu Goel and Maria Abi-Habib (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents want to shut down a) me, b) my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails, and c) www.gopillinois.com. Ever-increasing, everyone can see who my critics/opponents are by how they treat a) me, b) my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails, and c) www.gopillinois.com. If I do not promote a Republican event in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails, it is because the event organizers a) did not notify me of the event or b) did not want me to promote the event. If I do not report on a Republican event, it is because the event organizers a) did not want me to report on the event or b) I was not able to attend the event. Because I spend 10+ hours each and every day putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and sending them out, I cannot attend many events, especially those that require substantial travel time. The less conservative that event organizers are, the less likely that they will a) notify me of their events, b) ask me to promote their events, c) invite me to attend their events, and/or d) ask me to report on their events.) 
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/17/world/asia/india-internet-modi-protests.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats promote LGBTQ activity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/opinion/transgender-rights-democrats.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Denmark denied refugees asylum by arguing it’s safe for them to go home to Syria – Miriam Berger
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/12/18/denmark-denied-refugees-asylum-by-arguing-its-safe-them-go-home-syria/

USA TODAY
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE: DIERSEN HEADLINE: How long have your ancestors been in America? Ever-increasingly, Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout that the longer that your ancestors have been in America, the more reparations that you owe, 
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/nation/2019/12/16/black-white-tucker-family-meet-confront-slavery-history/4412970002/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Constructively, those who support the SALT cap demonize, denigrate, and condemn those like me who pay more than $10,000 a year in SALT taxes as being undeservedly filthy rich. Trump should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-salt-sleight-of-hand-11576628213
— Trump’s Tough Letter on Impeachment Is Written in Style of His Tweets The president criticized Democrats’ motives in a strongly-worded letter to Speaker Pelosi – Alex Leary
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trumps-tough-letter-on-impeachment-is-written-in-style-of-his-tweets-11576620051
— Trump Denounces House Democrats as Impeachment Vote Looms Pelosi calls president’s letter ‘really sick’ ahead of Wednesday’s planned debate and vote – Natalie Andrews, Lindsay Wise and Siobhan Hughes
https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-largely-united-on-impeachment-as-vote-looms-11576597334
— The Changing Face of Immigration Most of those crossing into the U.S. illegally used to be Mexican men seeking work. Now it is families and unaccompanied minors from Central America seeking asylum. – Alicia A. Caldwell
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-changing-face-of-immigration-11576630807
— How the U.S. Became a Nation Divided Political, cultural and economic gaps have hardened amid anxiety born of the financial crisis and a fundamental argument over American values – Gerald F. Seib
https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-u-s-became-a-nation-divided-11576630802
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Youth Marijuana Vaping on the Rise, Researchers Say The number of adolescents vaping marijuana and THC oil is rising, a worrisome trend amid a surge in lung ailments, researchers said – Brianna Abbott
https://www.wsj.com/articles/youth-marijuana-vaping-on-the-rise-researchers-say-11576645261
— The Democrats Could Re-Elect Trump in 2020 On the campaign trail he’ll say they’ve been out to get him from his first day in office. He won’t be wrong. – Jason L. Riley
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-democrats-could-re-elect-trump-in-2020-11576626559
— How the Definition of an American Family Has Changed There were fewer nuclear families and many more alternative arrangements, such as unmarried parents – Ellen Byron (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those in Illinois who claim to be religious, conservative, and/or Republican, but who fail/refuse to defend/advance the traditional family plank in the Illinois Republican Party platform.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-definition-of-an-american-family-has-changed-11576418401

BLOOMBERG
— McConnell Plots Path to Deliver Swift Trump Acquittal by Senate – Steven T. Dennis and Laura Litvan
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-17/mcconnell-plots-path-to-deliver-swift-trump-acquittal-by-senate

NBC5 New Hampshire
— Lebanon to vote on resolution permitting refugee resettlement Resolution is in response to an executive order issued in September by Trump – Nathaniel Reed (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?)
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/city-to-vote-on-resolution-permitting-refugee-resettlement/30261871#

KVRR
— Clay County Commission votes to accept refugees – Austin Erickson (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?)
https://www.kvrr.com/2019/12/17/clay-county-commission-votes-to-accept-refugees/

MONDAQ
— Illinois Amends Recreational Cannabis Law To Protect Drug Testing By Employers – Condon A. McGlothlen, Marc R. Jacobs and Adam R. Young
http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/x/876370/Illinois+Amends+Recreational+Cannabis+Law+To+Protect+Drug+Testing+By+Employers

PBS
— What Trump’s refugee policies could mean for places like Bowling Green, Kentucky (DIERSEN: Did those who represent you in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois vote to allow refugee resettlement? If the voters in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, in your county, and in Illinois had been allowed to vote on this, how would the majority have voted? How strongly do the Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs in your precinct, in your municipality, in your township/ward, and in your county demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans?)
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-trumps-refugee-policies-could-mean-for-places-like-bowling-green-kentucky

LBGTQ NATION
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: LGBTQ activists crow about their success in getting Chick-fil-A and Hallmark to dump individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owners, German American, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. 
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/12/religious-right-melting-chick-fil-hallmark-channel-month/

NEW INDIA TIMES
— Indian-American businessman from Illinois Krishna Bansal running for U.S. Congress (DIERSEN: Speakers at the campaign kick-off rally at the Bolingbrook Golf Club included Chirico, DeMonte, Grogan, Ives, Jani, Keller, Kuma, Schneider, and Senger. Attendees included Anderson, Balich, Carlyle, Coyne, Edmier, Felice, George, Hanson, Hois, Holder, Jorgensen, Kelly, Lauzen, Lawlor, McCluskey, Mitchell, Rilley, Ruhl, Schultz, Simone, Vician, Ward, Yurgaitis, and Zahm. The host committee included many of the aforesaid plus Batinick, Caprio, Claar, Daily, Hartwell, Hunt, Mervine, Nathwani, Pearson, Sharma, Wheeler, and Wehrli.)
http://www.newsindiatimes.com/indian-american-businessman-from-illinois-running-for-u-s-congress/

ECONOMIC TIMES
— Rich nations urged to do ‘fair share’ as global refugee meet begins (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs a) charge Republicans with not doing enough to help refugees and b) demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans as being White supremacists, Nazis, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things who should be gotten rid of once and for all.) 
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/rich-nations-urged-to-do-fair-share-as-global-refugee-meet-begins/articleshow/72844250.cms

December 17 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Recreational marijuana sales could be delayed in Chicago after committee passes ordinance (DIERSEN: Democrats want minorities and women to be pot pushers.)
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/committee-passes-ordinance-that-could-delay-recreational-marijuana-sales-in-chicago/5763373/
— Local pastors say ending CPD’s merit promotions could hurt efforts to promote diversity in the department – Craig Wall (DIERSEN: My Democrat superiors in the federal government used the subjectivity in their promotion systems to give preference to their employees who were Democrats, and especially to those who were minority, female, and/or younger.) 
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/beck-hears-from-pastors-frustrated-by-end-to-police-merit-promotions/5763444/

NBC5
— Hundreds Gather for Rally Ahead of Trump Impeachment Vote The House of Representatives is expected to vote on articles of impeachment against the president Wednesday
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/hundreds-gather-for-rally-ahead-of-trump-impeachment-vote/2190395/
— Illinois Democrats Facing Tough Re-Election Bids Will Support Impeachment of President Trump Reps. Underwood and Lipinski have both said they will vote in favor of articles of impeachment against the president
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-democrats-facing-tough-re-election-bids-will-support-impeachment-of-president-trump/2190269/

CBS2
— Emergency Rooms Prepare For Legal Marijuana
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/4247189-emergency-rooms-prepare-for-legal-marijuana/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Trump angrily objects to impeachment, calls it ‘perversion’ – Lisa Mascaro and Mary Jalonick
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/trump-angrily-objects-to-impeachment-calls-it-perversion

WTTW
— City Council Committee Votes to Delay Recreational Marijuana Sales in Chicago – Paul Caine
https://news.wttw.com/2019/12/17/city-council-committee-votes-delay-recreational-marijuana-sales-chicago

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Freshman Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood, who won a Trump district last year, will vote for articles of impeachment – RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-lauren-underwood-to-vote-for-impeachment-20191217-6sftdw3f4zg4lbxlikfmqfn5iu-story.html
— What happens to the weed black market when recreational marijuana goes legal Jan. 1? ‘I see it opening the door to more clients,’ one dealer says. – Ally Marotti
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-illinois-marijuana-black-market-20191216-tgnejrr2bna4xj36fd64fzgqay-story.html
— Measure to delay Chicago’s recreational marijuana sales till July narrowly clears panel of aldermen; full City Council may vote Wednesday – JOHN BYRNE (DIERSEN: Democrats want minorities and women to be pot pushers.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-lori-lightfoot-black-aldermen-weed-delay-20191217-2y7zgpibi5a3bik7vekcphywiy-story.html
— Recreational pot isn’t all that’s new in Illinois in 2020: The minimum wage goes up, so do parking garage taxes and license plate fees – DAN PETRELLA and JAMIE MUNKS
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-new-laws-2020-20191218-k3sjxat7mvgonbbbvyr7anlbja-story.html
— Hammond council unanimously approves resolution supporting DACA, Dreamers – LU ANN FRANKLIN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/ct-ptb-hammond-daca-vote-st-1218-20191217-c6vu42kekrbyjbriyy7lnpnwwq-story.html
— Corruption experts have descended on Chicago, a rich habitat – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-corruption-convention-chicago-ethics-20191217-20191217-rw2wkpbsyjecvjr43vv5p5z2pe-story.html
— Doctor’s report says 77-year-old Joe Biden is ‘healthy, vigorous’ and ‘fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency’ – LAURAN NEERGARD and ALEXANDRA JAFFE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-joe-biden-health-20191218-iklhofocbregvchiqcaghmfwgy-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Hundreds turn out for Naperville rally calling to impeach President Donald Trump – ERIN HEGARTY
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-impeachment-rally-riverwalk-st-20191218-l5h3a5oq3feylciyhgcmcrc6di-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Reps. Lauren Underwood, Cheri Bustos to back Trump impeachment Underwood and Bustos are two of 31 Democrats representing districts Trump won in 2016 and the group has been closely watched for defections. – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/12/17/21026607/lauren-underwood-vote-trump-impeachment
— Feds investigating former Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, records show The authorities are interested in his access to private planes and boats, among other matters, according to a grand jury subpoena obtained by the Sun-Times. – Mark Brown, Tim Novak, and Robert Herguth
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/12/17/21026896/cook-county-assessor-joe-berrios-federal-investigation
— Exelon sued over lobbying investigation The company has disclosed multiple grand jury subpoenas and an SEC probe. – Jon Seidel 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2019/12/17/21027004/exelon-class-action-lawsuit-comed-lobbying-investigation
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, LGBTQ promoters promote LGBTQ activity.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/17/21024383/hallmark-channel-zola-ellen-degeneres-sanna-marin-finland-sesame-street-editorial
— Reflections before the House debates the impeachment of President Donald Trump on Wednesday The most memorable day in my career was Dec. 19, 1998, when Bill Clinton was impeached and — in a shocker — Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., lined up support to be Speaker. – Lynn Sweet
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2019/12/17/21027177/reflections-house-debates-wednesday-two-articles-impeachment-against-president-donald-trump-clinton

DAILY HERALD
— Underwood says ‘I must vote to protect the Constitution’ and vote for impeachment – James Fuller
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191217/underwood-says-i-must-vote-to-protect-the-constitution-and-vote-for-impeachment
— Haymarket Center suing Itasca over zoning classification – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191217/haymarket-center-suing-itasca-over-zoning-classification

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Move to delay Chicago weed sales passes committee A full council vote is expected tomorrow on Ald. Jason Ervin’s proposal to halt recreational marijuana sales in Chicago until July 1. – A.D. QUIG (DIERSEN: Democrats want minorities and women to be pot pushers.)
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/government/move-delay-chicago-weed-sales-passes-committee
— New pot laws can’t start at the finish line The reality is that marijuana legalization had to begin somewhere. Delaying recreational sales in Chicago to address the all-white industry isn’t the answer, writes the executive director of advocacy group Chicago NORML. – EDIE MOORE
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/new-pot-laws-cant-start-finish-line

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Some local Democratic leaders back Biden – Bernard Schoenburg
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20191217/some-local-democratic-leaders-back-biden

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20191216/canton-pot-dispensary-to-be-ready-jan-1-being-rebranded-as-rise

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Illinois offering low cost cannabis loans (DIERSEN: Democrats want minorities and women to be pot pushers.)
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Illinois-offering-low-cost-cannabis-loans-14913307.php

EFFINGHAM DAILY NEWS
— Shimkus to miss impeachment vote – Dawn Schabbing
https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/news/local_news/shimkus-to-miss-impeachment-vote/article_fbd1cd66-2119-11ea-a184-8ff9444c6b3f.html

NEWS TRIBUNE
— U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger says he will vote ‘no’ on president’s impeachment Congressman urges ‘let’s get back to real work’ – Derek Barichello
https://www.newstrib.com/2019/12/17/u-s-rep-adam-kinzinger-says-he-will-vote-no-on-presidents-impeachment/acqo3r6/

KENDALL COUNTY NOW
— Kendall County Board approves revised employee drug policy Tuesday vote comes before adult use cannabis becomes legal Jan. 1 in Illinois – KATIE FINLON
https://www.kendallcountynow.com/2019/12/16/kendall-county-board-approves-revised-employee-drug-policy/askoay3/

NPR ILLINOIS
— Joe Biden Is ‘Healthy’ And ‘Vigorous’ According To Doctor’s Report – RICHARD HARRIS
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/joe-biden-healthy-and-vigorous-according-doctors-report#stream/0

WIFR
— Pot Patrol: Law enforcement agencies prepare for impaired drivers – Brittany Karlin
https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Pot-Patrol-Law-enforcement-agencies-prepare-for-impaired-drivers-566290421.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— McSweeney on Illinois Corruption
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/mcsweeney-on-illinois-corruption/ 
— IL-14: Catalina Lauf Electoral Board Hearing Officer and Campaign Merchandising
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/il-14-catalina-lauf-electoral-board-hearing-officer-and-campaign-merchandising/ 
— Former CL Mayor Bob Wagner, R.I.P.
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/former-cl-mayor-bob-wagner-r-i-p/ 
— DeWitte Gets Another Study Group Appointment
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/dewitte-gets-another-study-group-appointment/ 
— Mike Beuhler Calls Jack Franks Out on Coroner Elimination
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/mike-beuhler-calls-jack-franks-out-on-coroner-eliminated/ 
— IL-06: Jeanne Ives Earns Endorsement from Club for Growth
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/il-06-jeanne-ives-earns-endorsement-from-club-for-growth/
— FBI Rebuked by FISA Court
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/fbi-rebuked-by-fisa-court/ 
— IL-14: Lauren Underwood Announces She’ll Support Impeachment, Rally in Woodstock at 5:30
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/il-14-impeachment-rally-in-woodstock-at-530/ 
— Dems Demonstrating for Impeachment in Crystal Lake Tonight
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/17/dems-demonstrating-for-impeachment-in-crystal-lake-tonight/

WIREPOINTS
— Illinois enacting a progressive tax is like Sears attempting a turnaround by hiking prices – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/illinois-enacting-a-progressive-tax-is-like-sears-attempting-a-turnaround-by-hiking-prices/

CAPITOL FAX
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Lightfoot praised for “new and innovative” cannabis social equity idea (DIERSEN: Democrats want minorities and women to be pot pushers.)
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/17/lightfoot-praised-for-new-and-innovative-cannabis-social-equity-idea/
— Pritzker sends president a letter consenting to receive refugees (DIERSEN: What do Democrats say to refugees about Republicans?) 
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/17/pritzker-sends-president-a-letter-consenting-to-receive-refugees/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Barack Obama’s feminist nonsense – Cheryl K. Chumley
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/17/barack-obamas-feminist-nonsense/

AMERICAN THINKER
— Who approved Hallmark’s decision to air same-sex wedding ads? – Catharine Evans
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/who_approved_hallmarks_decision_to_air_samesex_wedding_ads_.html

BLAZE
— Violence erupts during pro-Trump women’s event at DC hotel after attendees at ‘high-profile Democrat wedding’ harass conservative women; 1 arrested Hot time in the old town – Sara Taylor (DIERSEN: If I do not promote a Republican event in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails, it is because the event organizers a) did not notify me of the event or b) did not want me to promote the event. If I do not report on a Republican event, it is because the event organizers a) did not want me to report on the event or b) I was not able to attend the event. Because I spend 10+ hours each and every day putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and sending them out, I cannot attend many events, especially those that require substantial travel time. The less conservative that event organizers are, the less likely that they will a) notify me of their events, b) ask me to promote their events, c) invite me to attend their events, and/or d) ask me to report on their events.) 
https://www.theblaze.com/news/fracas-erupts-during-pro-trump-womens-event-at-dc-hotel-after-attendees-at-high-profile-democrat-wedding-harass-conservative-women-1-arrested

DAILY CALLER
— Despite Viewership Woes, CNN Retains Stranglehold On 58 Airports – RUDY TAKALA
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/17/takala-cnn-viewership-airports/

GOPUSA
— Trump supporters in revolt against media
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81263
— Barack Obama: It’s time for women to run the world
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81299

NEWS BUSTERS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout that Jesus is anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, 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.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/ryan-foley/2019/12/17/cuomo-slams-gop-their-silence-trumps-pelosi-tweet-says-its

PJ MEDIA
— Trump’s Most Loyal Supporters Are Orthodox Jews. Here’s Why – TYLER O’NEIL
https://pjmedia.com/election/trumps-most-loyal-supporters-are-orthodox-jews-heres-why/

NOQ REPORT
— Could President Trump get 15% of the black vote? More? – Michio Hasai 
https://noqreport.com/2019/12/17/president-trump-get-15-black-vote/

NATIONAL LAW REVIEW
— Illinois Recreational Marijuana Law Amendments Permit “Reasonable” Drug Testing But Leave Uncertainty
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/illinois-recreational-marijuana-law-amendments-permit-reasonable-drug-testing-leave

WASHINGTON POST
— Impeachment live updates: House Democrats have enough votes to impeach Trump, according to a Post analysis – Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner and Elise Viebeck
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-impeachment-live-updates/2019/12/17/f3aa9e20-20b9-11ea-86f3-3b5019d451db_story.html

FORBES
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Marijuana’s Ten Biggest Victories Of 2019 – Tom Angell
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2019/12/17/marijuanas-ten-biggest-victories-of-2019/#5d137f179667

COLDWELL BANKER
— OFFICE CONDO FOR SALE: 610 West Roosevelt Road, Wheaton – $125,000
https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/il/wheaton/610-west-roosevelt-rd/pid_34056169/

December 16 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Bloomberg’s sexist remarks fostered degrading company culture, lawsuits allege
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/lawsuit-bloombergs-sexist-remarks-fostered-degrading-culture/5759788/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Democrats want minorities to be pot pushers.
https://abc7chicago.com/business/local-cannabis-social-equity-applicants-want-licenses-struggle-applying/5758308/

CBS2
— Lightfoot Says She’s Working With Black Caucus To Avoid Bid To Delay Recreational Pot Sales; ‘I Feel Comfortable That We’ll Get There’ – Todd Feurer
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/16/mayor-lori-lightfoot-black-caucus-recreational-marijuana-sales-delay/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— ‘Indisputably better’: Barack Obama says world would see ‘significant improvements’ if run by women – Austin Williams (DIERSEN: What do you say to a) men who pander to women, b) Whites who pander to minorities, c) older people who pander to younger people, d) citizens of America who pander to citizens of foreign countries, e) those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time who pander to those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time, f) those who have more money who pander to those who have less money, and g) those who claim to be Christian, conservative, and/or Republican, but who pander to those who are anti-Christian, anti-conservative, and/or anti-Republican?)
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/indisputably-better-barack-obama-says-world-would-see-significant-improvements-if-run-by-women

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— House Democrats lay out case for Wednesday impeachment vote against President Trump – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-trump-impeachment-vote-20191216-ueaz4vydvraepba4wb25dkwqim-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: What happens to the weed black market when recreational marijuana goes legal Jan. 1? ‘I see it opening the door to more clients,’ one dealer says. – Ally Marotti
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-illinois-marijuana-black-market-20191216-tgnejrr2bna4xj36fd64fzgqay-story.html
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she fired city spokesman over ‘professionalism’ concerns, scolds reporters: ‘Obviously (he) was your buddy’ – GREGORY PRATT and JOHN BYRNE (DIERSEN: My nasty critics/opponents advise activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, etc. who claim to be religious, conservative, and/or Republican to curry favor with the Democrat news media a) by treating me like I am not a member of the news media and b) by demonizing, denigrating, and condemning me, my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails, and everyone who reads the emails. I should write a book about my nasty critics/opponents. Better yet, I should sue them.) 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-lightfoot-mccaffrey-firing-ethics-20191216-em5rxpk6kve6pbqbv4b66ysdy4-story.html
— Exodus and Chicago: New census numbers will jump-start remap hypocrisy – Kristen McQueary
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/kristen-mcqueary/ct-column-chicago-illinois-census-exodus-remap-mcqueary-20191216-drvvegauevfrxhha5pdns7zvye-story.html
— GOP legislators, don’t be afraid to impeach one of your own – SUSANA A. MENDOZA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-impeachment-republicans-susana-mendoza-20191216-dde2jlgdqvd2pk4xpmec5xt6zu-story.html
— Republican primary for Will County executive unopposed as candidate removed from ballot – ALICIA FABBRE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-will-county-candidate-removed-st-1217-20191216-rfuysp64vbdmrabodywate6haa-story.html
— Rush Limbaugh attacks Greta Thunberg, suggesting people with autism are ‘not well.’ He’s wrong — and vile – Rex Huppke
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/rex-huppke/ct-rush-limbaugh-great-thunberg-autism-aspergers-trump-huppke-20191216-y4vuvv34cbel7fmqbfmfekdl44-story.html
— Days after taking over as Chicago police interim superintendent, Charlie Beck suspended the department’s long-standing “merit” promotion process, halting in one swift step perhaps the single biggest irritant for many cops. – ANNIE SWEENEY and JEREMY GORNER (DIERSEN: Passing the CPA examination used to be required to get promoted at IRS and GAO. But IRS and GAO dropped that requirement because of pressure to meet Affirmative Action quotas/goals/targets and too few minorities and women took/passed the examination.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/criminal-justice/ct-chicago-police-merit-promotions-20191216-25tw6brqn5auxiy3tc5fqapf5e-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/drink/ct-legal-hero-revolution-brewing-cannabis-marijuana-legal-chicago-beer-20191216-43m3sa2qtrcltcnyo5j2dlzhb4-story.html
https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-biz-illinois-approves-more-marijuana-dispensaries-20191216-n63rojbipjbtnmfuabweuswu2u-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: TRAGIC, DISGUSTING: Lightfoot wants minorities to be pot pushers.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/16/21024708/recreational-marijuana-chicago-city-owned-cultivation-center-tif-lightfoot
— Pro-pot lawmakers warn of supply shortage, vow to prioritize weed sales to medical patients “Each state that has implemented an adult-use cannabis program has had issues related to supply shortages,” the group wrote in a joint letter. – Tom Schuba 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/16/21024768/pot-illinois-supply-shortage-legal-weed-sales-medical-marijuana
— City’s top lawyer got same residency tax break on two homes — one in Chicago, the other in Naperville — for years Mark Flessner has a Naperville house and a Chicago condo. Records show he got a tax break on both for several years as if each was his primary residence, in a possible violation of state law. The city says it is a mistake he’s rectifying. – Tom Schuba and Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/16/21024741/mark-flessner-lori-lightfoot-naperville-law-department-bill-mccaffrey-residency-rule-homes-counsel

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— The most powerful Chicagoans now This ranking of the 25 most influential leaders in Chicago would have looked a lot different a year ago. Such is the fleeting nature of clout in these turbulent times. – A.D. QUIG, LYNNE MAREK, JOHN PLETZ AND DANNY ECKER
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-list/most-powerful-chicagoans-now

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Billionaire’s spending spree good for TV – Tom Kacich
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/politics/tom-kacich-billionaire-s-spending-spree-good-for-tv/article_9613c57a-a2c5-58ca-aaf2-a52ffdeb00f0.html

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: 4 more marijuana dispensaries approved to sell recreational weed – AP
https://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/more-marijuana-dispensaries-approved-to-sell-recreational-weed/article_0adb039e-f57b-5387-a7d2-d83feceeb4a8.html

MORRIS HERALD NEWS
— Conservative group urges Kinzinger to act on impeachment Kinzinger not fazed, says impeachment is a distraction – Derek Barichello
https://www.morrisherald-news.com/2019/12/16/conservative-group-urges-kinzinger-to-act-on-impeachment/al5i2vr/

WGLT
— The Illinois State Board of Elections’ general counsel is recommending tossing out a petition challenge to 17th District congressional candidate Bill Fawell. – TIM SHELLEY 
https://www.wglt.org/post/general-counsel-recommends-tossing-out-fawell-petition-challenge#stream/0

MDJ ONLINE
— Members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation file bill to tax e-cigs $200 million per year – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.mdjonline.com/neighbor_newspapers/extra/news/members-of-illinois-congressional-delegation-file-bill-to-tax-e/article_51d52289-5df0-5354-8f1f-2eb1fe01b4d8.html

NPR ILLINOIS
— Far From Home: Students With Special Needs Sent Out Of State – DUSTY RHODES 
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/far-home-students-special-needs-sent-out-state#stream/0

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Decatur police training officers to draw blood for marijuana testing – Cole Henke
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/illinois-capitol-news/decatur-police-training-officers-to-draw-blood-for-marijuana-testing/

COURTHOUSE NEWS SERVICE
— Illinois Liberty PAC Loses Challenge to Illinois Campaign Finance Ban – LORRAINE BAILEY (DIERSEN: I argued a case before Justice Kanne in 1997. SEE: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-7th-circuit/1385001.html )
https://www.courthousenews.com/right-wing-pac-loses-challenge-to-illinois-campaign-finance-ban/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Brennan’s opinion was joined by U.S. Circuit Judges Frank Easterbrook and Michael Kanne, both Ronald Reagan appointees. Jeffrey Schwab, senior attorney at the Liberty Justice Center representing the PAC, said in a statement, “We disagree with the ruling and are evaluating our options.” The Illinois attorney general’s office did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment.)

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— U.S. Senate: Five Republicans Filed
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/16/u-s-senate-five-republicans-filed/ 
— Congressional Petition Challenge in Shimkus District
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/16/138296/ 
— Don’t Expect Real Estate Tax Relief from So-Called “Fair Tax” Referendum Passage
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/16/dont-expect-real-estate-tax-relief-from-so-called-fair-tax-referendum-passage/ 
— Algonquin Scheduled to Hire Fromer State Rep. Mike Tryon as Lobbyist
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/16/algonquin-scheduled-to-hire-mike-tryon-as-lobbyist/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ABORTION-ADVOCATING GOV PRITZKER WANTS ILLINOIS TO BE “BEST STATE FOR RAISING YOUNG CHILDREN”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/-abortion-advocating-gov-pritzker-wants-illinois-to-be-best-state-for-raising-young-children.html
— VIDEO CONDEMNS DUPAGE COUNTY, IL COUNCIL ATTEMPTS TO BAN PRAYER
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/dupage-county-il-attempts-to-ban-prayer.html
— FORMER MUSLIM TO JOIN ILLINOISREVIEW.COM CONTRIBUTORS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/former-muslim-to-join-illinoisreviewcom-contributors.html
— SHEHAB: TERROR-TIED CHARITY COORDINATOR PROMOTES ANTI-ISRAEL CONSPIRACY THEORIES AT RADICAL CHICAGO MOSQUE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/shehab-terror-tied-charity-coordinator-promotes-anti-israel-conspiracy-theories-at-radical-chicago-m.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Poll has Mary Miller with the lead in Shimkus district, but undecideds are at 63 percent
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/16/poll-has-mary-miller-with-the-lead-in-shimkus-district-but-undecideds-are-at-63-percent/
— Proft loses appeal in bid to make unlimited direct contributions with his independent expenditure PAC
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/16/proft-loses-appeal-in-bid-to-make-unlimited-direct-contributions-with-his-independent-expenditure-pac/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Barack Obama: Women are ‘indisputably better’ than men – Jessica Chasmar (DIERSEN: What do you say to a) men who pander to women, b) Whites who pander to minorities, c) older people who pander to younger people, d) citizens of America who pander to citizens of foreign countries, e) those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time who pander to those whose ancestors have not been in America for a long time, f) those who have more money who pander to those who have less money, and g) those who claim to be Christian, conservative, and/or Republican, but who pander to those who are anti-Christian, anti-conservative, and/or anti-Republican?)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/16/barack-obama-women-are-indisputably-better-than-me/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Black voter support for Trump at ‘highest levels’ and could seal 2020 win – Paul Bedard
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/black-voter-support-for-trump-at-highest-levels-could-seal-2020-win

GOPUSA
— Greta Thunberg says politicians should be put against the wall; apologizes if ‘anyone misunderstood’ (DIERSEN: What do you say to those who blame individual Republican Precinct Committeemen, like me for example, for a) decisions made, actions taken, and/or actions not taken by Republican candidates and b) defeats that Republicans candidates suffer?) 
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81190
— BEYOND TRAGIC: U.S. has more children in single-parent homes than any nation (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those in Illinois who claim to be religious, conservative, and/or Republican, but who fail/refuse to defend/advance the traditional family plank in the Illinois Republican Party platform.) 
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81231

DAILY CALLER
— More Americans Looking For Work, But Unemployment Is At 50-Year Low — Thank Trump – ANDY PUZDER
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/16/puzder-americans-work-trump/

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Trump’s Anti-Semitism Executive Order Undermines Campus Free Speech – TYLER COWARD (DIERSEN: Rather than listing groups that people cannot criticize, why not list groups that people can criticize, for example, Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older people, non-poor people, gun owners, German Americans, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?) 
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/12/trumps-anti-semitism-executive-order-undermines-campus-free-speech/
— The Case for Nationalism: How It Made Us Powerful, United, and Free – Rich Lowry
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Nationalism-Rich-Lowry/dp/0062839640/

EPOCH TIMES
— Iowa State University to Require Anti-Racism Training – MATTHEW VADUM
https://www.theepochtimes.com/iowa-state-university-to-require-anti-racism-training_3175760.html

THE HILL
— Why we should applaud Trump’s executive order on anti-Semitism – MARK GOLDFEDER (DIERSEN: Rather than listing groups that people cannot criticize, why not list groups that people can criticize, for example, Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older people, non-poor people, gun owners, German Americans, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/474271-why-we-should-applaud-trumps-executive-order-on-anti-semitism

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— Free speech for me, not for thee: The real problem with debate on college campuses – JONATHAN ZIMMERMAN (DIERSEN: Rather than listing groups that people cannot criticize, why not list groups that people can criticize, for example, Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older people, non-poor people, gun owners, German Americans, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-free-speech-for-me-not-for-thee-20191216-m4ocmw7z3vdp3ojsb36kkpsr2q-story.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— GOP Senators Seek Quick Acquittal for Trump. The President Wants More. With impeachment looming, many Republicans want a speedy trial without witnesses; Trump wants vindication – Michael C. Bender and Lindsay Wise
https://www.wsj.com/articles/gop-senators-seek-quick-acquittal-for-trump-the-president-wants-more-11576535310

FORBES
— Employee Motivation: It Really Does Matter – Janine Schindler (DIERSEN: What have your workplace critics/opponents done to demotivate you? My Democrat GAO superiors forced me to retire in 1997 when I was 49 years old, gave me unfair performance expectations and appraisals, always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, did not promote me beyond GS-13, got rid of my mentor in 1987, kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forced me to take a $19,568 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980. My Democrat IRS superiors did not promote me beyond GS-12, disallowed my education deductions in 1978, got rid of my mentor in 1975, and disallowed my partial day per diem claims in 1974. My Democrat Post Office superiors forced me resign in 1969 and disallowed my sick leave requests in 1969 and 1968.) 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/12/16/employee-motivation-it-really-does-matter/#790494b37083

NEWSWEEK
— NEW REPUBLICAN AD ASKS IF GOP WILL DEFEND TRUMP OR THE RULE OF LAW AMID IMPEACHMENT – BENJAMIN FEARNOW
https://www.newsweek.com/new-republican-ad-asks-if-gop-will-defend-trump-rule-law-amid-impeachment-1477456