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 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

December 15 Evening Edition

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— A Senate impeachment trial of President Trump is expected, but how it’ll work is very uncertain – LAURA KING
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-senate-trump-impeachment-trial-20191215-etlvscxhzndithgftmtpjczg4y-story.html
— As Mayor Lightfoot demands answers from ComEd over federal probe, her security chief’s wife lists the utility as a lobbying client – JOHN BYRNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-lori-lightfoot-houlihan-smith-lobbyist-20191216-44mp2fgvdnh5pfx2fr3eonyyqi-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park/ct-oak-seven-point-marijuana-license-tl-1219-20191215-ckk7o5e5ircfbdgr4jfrkqovjq-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Fact-check: Would Chicago’s casino tax plan raise city’s take? State Sen. Dave Syverson said a proposal to lower the effective tax rate on Chicago’s future casino would require the state to reduce its cut while allowing the city to raise taxes. That doesn’t quite square with the bill’s language. – BGA
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/15/21021519/chicago-casino-tax-plan-syverson-taxes-lightfoot-gambling-politifact
— House to impeach Trump next week: Takeaways as vote and Senate trial looms To dilute GOP “coastal elite” charges, Speaker Pelosi wants geographic diversity in her House prosecutor picks, putting Illinois Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi in play. – Lynn Sweet (DIERSEN: Henry Hyde was my Congressman 1978-2007. GAO works for Congress. I can always ask myself what more my Democrat GAO superiors would have done to me if I had not taken their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2019/12/13/21021152/trump-impeachment-house-prosecutors-senate-trial-pelosi-raja-sweet
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The prosecutors in the Senate are called House managers. They will be selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The U.S. Constitution is silent on the number of managers. There were 13 House managers for President Bill Clinton’s 1999 Senate trial, led by House Judiciary Chairman Henry Hyde, the Illinois Republican who died in 2007.)

DAILY HERALD
— Washington bracing for impeachment as battle lines harden – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191215/news/312159941/
— DISGUSTING TRAGIC: Schaumburg adopts rules for video gambling
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191215/schaumburg-adopts-rules-for-video-gambling
— Special session needed to show urgency of fighting corruption – State Rep. Allen Skillicorn
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20191215/special-session-needed-to-show-urgency-of-fighting-corruption

ABC7
— Bill Clinton Impeachment: Looking back to December 1998 as Washington braces for President Trump’s impeachment vote (DIERSEN: Democrats are nasty. Henry Hyde was my Congressman 1978-2007. GAO works for Congress. I can always ask myself what more my Democrat GAO superiors would have done to me if I had not taken their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old. They had given me unfair performance expectations and appraisals, had always ranked me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, had not promoted me beyond GS-13, had gotten rid of my mentor in 1987, had kept me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and had forced me to take a $19,568 (21%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980.) 
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/clinton-impeachment-looking-back-at-1998-hearings/5694474/
— Hallmark Channel pulls wedding ad showing lesbian couple kissing
https://abc7chicago.com/society/hallmark-channel-pulls-wedding-ad-showing-gay-couple-kissing/5756842/

NBC5
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/cannabis-in-illinois-what-to-know-when-weed-becomes-legal-jan-1/2186746/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Some colleges and students moving to repay descendants of slaves – AP (DIERSEN: From what I see, the more of the following that you are, the more reparations that Democrats will make you pay: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/some-colleges-and-students-moving-to-repay-descendants-of-slaves

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— No-contest election contests – Editorial
https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-no-contest-election-contests/article_d94351ac-5dc9-56d1-8459-6cbc091aa606.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The candidate filing period has come and gone, and here are the dispiriting results for the 118 seats up for election in the Illinois House and the 20 seats up for the Illinois Senate. Of the 118 House districts, 54 feature just one candidate running. Of the 20 Senate seats, 12 contests will provide voters only one choice. What happened to the concept of competitive elections, the engine that makes the democratic process run? In Illinois, they appear to be an afterthought, at least as far as the state legislature goes. But appearances can be deceiving, and what in this case could be perceived as indifference or apathy actually is the product of careful design.)

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20191215/ascend-illinois-cultivation-center-gears-up-for-recreational-pot-sales

NPR ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters want the Democrat, Republican, Liberation, and Green parties to dump individuals, dump organizations, dump companies, dump governments, and dump countries 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. Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters want members of the aforesaid groups to form a new political party. 
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/iowa-grows-more-diverse-democratic-candidates-are-taking-notice#stream/0

BREITBART
— Megan Rapinoe Slams ‘Sports Illustrated’ for ‘Lack of Diversity’ in Award Speech – WARNER TODD HUSTON
https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2019/12/11/megan-rapinoe-slams-sports-illustrated-for-lack-of-diversity-award-speech/

THE HILL
— 2020 Democratic tensions burst to surface – NIALL STANAGE 
https://thehill.com/homenews/the-memo/474548-the-memo-2020-democratic-tensions-burst-to-surface

NEW YORK TIMES
— Anti-Semitism or Free Speech? College Students Cheer and Fear Trump Order Students across America wondered whether an executive order targeting anti-Semitism would “backfire” on Jewish students. – Myah Ward and Dan Levin
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/15/us/trump-anti-semitism-order-college-students.html

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— To this impeachment ‘connoisseur,’ Trump’s case looks familiar – DOYLE MCMANUS (DIERSEN: Henry Hyde was my Congressman 1978-2007. GAO works for Congress. I can always ask myself what more my Democrat GAO superiors would have done to me if I had not taken their early retirement “offer” in 1997 when I was 49 years old.) 
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2019-12-15/this-is-impeachment-3-for-me-ouch
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In 1998, when House Republicans set out to impeach President Bill Clinton for lying about sex, they claimed lofty ambitions. “This has to be a bipartisan exercise,” Rep. Henry J. Hyde of Illinois, then chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told me back then. He failed. His committee produced four articles of impeachment, all but one on strict party lines. The full House approved only two: perjury and obstruction of justice. The Republican-led Senate acquitted Clinton of both charges; no one in the president’s party voted against him. History repeated itself last week in mirror image.)

STANDARD EXAMINER
— Ogden IRS hiring 1,900 positions for upcoming tax season – JESSICA KOKESH (DIERSEN: IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.)
https://www.standard.net/news/local/community-briefs-ogden-irs-hiring-positions-for-upcoming-tax-season/article_74c9ba97-8f51-5c61-a776-86c0b94ebcdf.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: The IRS is an equal opportunity employer and applicants must be a US citizen. All employees must pass an FBI fingerprint check and tax compliance verification as well as meet basic qualification requirements for education and/or experience.)

BUSINESS INSIDER
— Bernie Sanders wants to end at-will employment, and that’s a truly bad idea that would increase unemployment – Ryan Bourne (DIERSEN: Democrats run the federal government. Those Democrats a) determine what civil service protections federal employees have; b) falsely tell federal employees who are Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran that they will not retaliate against them because they complain about discrimination, file a charge of discrimination, or participate in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit; and c) get rid of federal employees who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who they do not promote to GS-13 (currently $98,198) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $116,040) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $136,495) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $165,500) by age 40.)
https://www.businessinsider.com/bernie-sanders-plan-end-at-will-employment-bad-increase-unemployment-2019-12

December 15 Morning Edition

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Hallmark pulls Zola commercial of same-sex couple after pressure from conservative group One Million Moms – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/hallmark-pulls-zola-commercial-of-same-sex-couple-after-pressure-from-conservative-group

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20191214/ascend-illinois-cultivation-center-gears-up-for-recreational-pot-sales

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— Chicago Tribune Tees Up Arguments Against Democrats’ Progressive Income Tax Referendum
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/15/chicago-tribune-tees-up-arguments-against-democrats-progressive-tax-referendum/ 
— What Editors Want for Christmas
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/14/ehat-editors-want-for-christmas/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— BOOK REVIEW: ‘Provoking the Press’  Pointing out the biases and limitations of establishment journalism – Lauren Weiner
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/14/book-review-provoking-the-press/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, OUTRAGEOUS: Nasty SALT cap supporters demonize, denigrate, and condemn taxpayers as being “rich” and “wealthy” who have to pay more federal income tax because of the SALT cap. Trump should increase the $10,000 SALT cap to $20,000 for married filing jointly.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/democrats-try-to-restore-a-tax-cut-for-the-rich
— Saturday Night Live parodies A Marriage Story with Kellyanne and George Conway – Caitlin Yilek
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/watch-saturday-night-live-parodies-a-marriage-story-with-kellyanne-and-george-conway

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Reporters Enraged Over Media Portrayal in ‘Richard Jewell’ – David Rutz
https://freebeacon.com/issues/reporters-enraged-over-media-portrayal-in-richard-jewell/

NEWSMAX
— Trump Impeachment Vote Underscores a Harshly Partisan Era
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-impeachment/2019/12/14/id/945940/

NEWS BUSTERS
— The Washington Post Impeaches Its Credibility – Jeffrey Lord 
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/jeffrey-lord/2019/12/14/washington-post-impeaches-its-credibility

TOWNHALL
— Democrats, Impeachment, and the Cheapening of Everything – Derek Hunter
https://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2019/12/15/democrats-impeachment-and-the-cheapening-of-everything-n2558010

AMERICAN THINKER
— It’s not just ‘orange man bad.’ For Dems, ‘white man bad,’ too – Peter M. Friedman (DIERSEN: What do you say to Whites who a) glorify and praise White-haters and pander to White-haters? What do you say to men who a) glorify and praise men-haters and pander to men-haters?) 
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/its_not_just_orange_man_bad_for_dems_white_man_bad_too.html
— Press gulps as Team Trump unleashes a full-sail 2020 re-election plan – Monica Showalter
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/press_gulps_as_team_trump_unveils_a_full_sails_ahead_2020_reelection_plan.html
— A blow against voter fraud in Wisconsin – Richard Jack Rail
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/a_blow_against_voter_fraud_in_wisconsin.html
— What is going on at Drudge Report? – J.B. Shurk
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/what_is_going_on_at_drudge_report.html
— Republicans’ advantage: People like cities that work – Richard Jack Rail
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/republicans_advantage_people_like_cities_that_work.html
— America’s real disease is toxic ignorance – Leann Horrocks (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents want everyone to listen to/read ONLY what they say/write.) 
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2019/12/americas_real_disease_is_toxic_ignorance.html

BLAZE
— Videos show Trump welcomed with thunderous applause at Army-Navy game 70,000 fans broke into cheers of ‘Four More Years!’ – Giancarlo Sopo
https://www.theblaze.com/news/trump_army_navy_four_more_years

DAILY WIRE
— Media Smears Army, Navy Cadets, Accuses Them Of Flashing White Power Symbols – Ryan Saavedra
https://www.dailywire.com/news/media-smears-army-navy-cadets-accuses-them-of-flashing-white-power-symbols

FEDERALIST
— Faked-Up Fox News Sexual Harassment ‘Bombshell’ Film Fizzles Like A Dud Huge dollops of deceit undercut both the credibility and even the message of ‘Bombshell’ by allowing it to be dismissed as politically expedient fiction. – James Dawson
https://thefederalist.com/2019/12/13/faked-up-fox-news-sexual-harassment-bombshell-film-fizzles-like-a-dud/

PJ MEDIA
— Pro-Palestinian Thuggery on Campus Gets a Rebuke from Trump – ROBERT SPENCER
https://pjmedia.com/trending/pro-palestinian-thuggery-on-campus-gets-a-rebuke-from-trump/
— Moves Like Jagger? Bloomberg Crowd Boogies in Cringe Dance…Or Does It? – MEGAN FOX
https://pjmedia.com/election/moves-like-jagger-bloomberg-crowd-boogies-in-cringe-dance-or-does-it/

POLITICO
— Conservative groups target their impeachment ‘Dirty 30’ Advocacy organizations are running ads against the House Democrats who represent districts that Donald Trump won in 2016. – ANITA KUMAR
https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/15/conservative-groups-wage-war-on-impeachment-083396

CNN
— The real reason Democrats should study the UK election – Stephen Collinson
https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/14/politics/us-britain-politics-boris-johnson-donald-trump-labour-party-democrats-election-2020/

NBC NEWS
— ‘SNL’ looks at the holiday dinner table during impeachment Greta Thunberg, played by Kate McKinnon, tells Trump to “grow up.” – Dennis Romero
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/snl-looks-holiday-dinner-table-during-impeachment-n1102371

CNBC
— 6 key steps to retiring next year – Jessica Dickler (DIERSEN: My $53,316/year Civil Service Retirement System pension is only 42% of what my 1997 GAO salary was in today’s dollars.) 
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/13/6-key-steps-to-retiring-next-year.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Retirement readiness nationwide is shaky overall. Only 23% of men and just 12% of women are “very confident” in their ability to fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle, according to recent research from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. . .Consider how your expenses will change in retirement. “The dollar amount is dependent on how long someone expects to be retired but also the lifestyle they plan to lead,” added Lauren Anastasio, a certified financial planner at SoFi in Claymont, Delaware. “The first question people should ask themselves is ‘what do I expect retirement to look like?’” she said. “Some folks want to be close to their family, others want to travel the world.”)

NEW YORK TIMES
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Impeach.”
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/14/opinion/sunday/trump-impeachment.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters promote hatred against Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/13/opinion/sunday/trump-democracy.html
— What Would Jesus Do About Inequality? – Molly Worthen (DIERSEN: Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout that Jesus is a Democrat who hates individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Christian, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German Americans, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/13/opinion/sunday/christianity-inequality.html
— The Decade in Retirement: Wealthy Americans Moved Further Ahead Prospects for most Americans’ retirement security haven’t improved. For affluent households, however, the odds of a successful retirement have gotten much better. – Mark Miller (DIERSEN: Because interest rates are far less than inflation, your retirement savings in interest bearing accounts are losing purchasing power.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/14/business/retirement-social-security-recession.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— West Point, Annapolis Officials Investigating Possible ‘White Power’ Hand Sign Army and Navy officials try to determine meaning of hand signs that service academy personnel appeared to use on national TV during Army-Navy football game – Ben Kesling
https://www.wsj.com/articles/west-point-annapolis-officials-investigating-possible-white-power-hand-sign-11576373230

HILL REPORTER
— 2020’s New Voters Will Be Less White Than Ever Before — Which Could Be A Huge Problem For Trump – CHRIS WALKER (DIERSEN: Trump-haters encourage members of the following groups to hate Trump: 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://hillreporter.com/2020s-new-voters-will-be-less-white-than-ever-before-which-could-be-a-huge-problem-for-trump-53559

DAILY PROGRESS
— GOP is left behind by changing demographics – Bob Gibson (DIERSEN: Trump-haters encourage members of the following groups to hate Trump: 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.dailyprogress.com/opinion/opinion-commentary-gop-is-left-behind-by-changing-demographics/article_a7ebb538-7975-5dcc-95b4-96565173f861.html

MEDIA BIAS/FACT CHECK
— GOPUSA: “GOPUSA is a private company whose mission is to spread the conservative message throughout America.” Dr. Robert Eberle is President and CEO of GOPUSA. In review, GOPUSA utilizes headlines that contain moderately loaded words and almost all stories are pro-right and anti-left. While they tend to source their information to mostly credible media, they also have produced a false claim via a fact checker. Overall, we rate GOPUSA as right biased based on story selection and mixed for factual reporting based a failed fact check. (M. Huitsing 8/16/2017)
https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/gopusa/

WIKIPEDIA
— List of fake news websites
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fake_news_websites

December 14 Evening Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— 175+ attend outstanding Krishna Bansal 11th Congressional District campaign kick-off rally at the Bolingbrook Golf Club Saturday afternoon, December 14, 2019. Speakers 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. – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

NBC5
— OUTSTANDING: Indiana Resisting Marijuana Trend of Neighboring States – AP
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/indiana-resisting-marijuana-trend-of-neighboring-states/2189249/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— OUTSTANDING: Indiana resisting marijuana trend of neighboring states – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-bc-in–marijuana-indiana-20191214-story.html
— Public input sought on applicants for DuPage judge vacancy
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-naperville-digest-st-1215-20191213-3g5iwlpqsvcv7lirvpsubuls7q-story.html
— Precinct closures harming voter turnout in Georgia, analysis finds – MARK NIESSE AND NICK THIEME (DIERSEN: The closing of the polling place in the Wheaton Warrenville School District 200 building at 130 West Park Avenue in Wheaton has harmed the voter turnout in my DuPage County Milton Township Precinct 9 in Wheaton.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-georgia-precincts-turnout-20191214-story.html
— DuPage Forest Preserve District Board’s lack of transparency and decorum ‘disturbing’ – MARILYN L. SCHWEITZER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/opinion/ct-nvs-guest-column-st-1215-20191214-nfiw4a7g45hdvefi5rg2ae52zi-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— The suburbs’ fateful role in three presidential impeachments Lawmakers’ remarks in 1974, 1998, 2019 may sound a lot alike – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191214/the-suburbs-fateful-role-in-three-presidential-impeachments

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Illinois Statehouse Republicans not facing much backlash – Rich Miller
https://www.pantagraph.com/opinion/columnists/miller-illinois-statehouse-republicans-not-facing-much-backlash/article_bc8b0bc2-1e3b-5cb9-a269-40dbd371f8cc.html

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— UI settles free-speech lawsuit with students involved in incident at 2017 Trump protest – Ben Zigterman
https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/university-illinois/ui-settles-free-speech-lawsuit-with-students-involved-in-incident/article_2668d44e-6862-5376-9dba-c5e09ec90605.html

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— McSweeney says he’s a bipartisan corruption fighter – Doug Finke
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20191214/statehouse-insider-mcsweeney-says-hes-bipartisan-corruption-fighter

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
— Syverson denies Hard Rock Casino Rockford advocacy was improper – Jeff Kolkey
https://www.rrstar.com/news/20191214/syverson-denies-hard-rock-casino-rockford-advocacy-was-improper

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— To clean up state government, Pritzker must stand up to Madigan – Brett Rowland
https://www.daily-journal.com/opinion/to-clean-up-state-government-pritzker-must-stand-up-to/article_c383d9c2-1ccd-11ea-ab82-b32e6be14b30.html

HERALD & REVIEW
— Safety on road, pot an unlikely couple – Editorial
https://herald-review.com/opinion/editorial/our-view-safety-on-road-pot-an-unlikely-couple/article_ecbb3520-a321-502c-adc8-ffa50e5c3405.html
— Here’s how Decatur police are preparing to test for drivers impaired by cannabis – Analisa Trofimuk 
https://herald-review.com/news/local/public_safety/here-s-how-decatur-police-are-preparing-to-test-for/article_dee2687e-089a-5337-99a2-f82170edeced.html

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-14: NDAA Conference Committee Finishes Work & Passes House
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/14/il-14-ndaa-conference-committee-finishes-work-passes-house/ 
— Wilcox Reports
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/14/wilcox-reports-26/ 
— IL-14: Catalina Lauf Fires Back at Republican Swamp in Illinois *Update: 2nd Video*
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/13/il-14-catalina-lauf-fires-back-at-republican-swamp-in-illinois/

BREITBART
— 17,000 Brazilian Migrants Cross Border in Single Texas City in FY2019 – Bob Price
https://www.breitbart.com/border/2019/12/14/report-17000-brazilian-migrants-cross-in-single-texas-city-in-fy2019/

THE HILL
— Anti-impeachment Democrat poised to switch parties – SCOTT WONG, MIKE LILLIS AND RACHEL FRAZIN 
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/474587-anti-impeachment-democrat-poised-to-switch-parties-reports

MOTLEY FOOL
— Older Workers Are Being Pushed Out of Their Jobs, and It’s a Problem Many employees find themselves out of work or underemployed as they age, which could spell trouble for their retirement. – Maurie Backman
https://www.fool.com/retirement/2019/12/14/older-workers-are-being-pushed-out-of-their-jobs-a.aspx

December 12 Evening Edition

DUPAGE COUNTY ELECTION DIVISION
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DuPage County Election Board to meet at 1:30 PM tomorrow, Friday, December 13, 2019 on objections filed to Natalie Rose Shannon-DiCianni and Babette Holder Youngberg nominating papers. Also, objection filed to Richard Felice nomination papers. 
https://dupageco.org/Election/61831/

ABC7
— Democrats, Republicans join together to condemn neo-Nazi running again for Congress – Craig Wall
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/democrats-republicans-join-together-to-condemn-neo-nazi-running-for-congress-again/5749991/

CBS2
— Sterigenics Faces More Lawsuits Alleging Health Problems Caused By Ethylene Oxide
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/12/sterigenics-faces-more-lawsuits-alleging-health-problems-caused-by-ethylene-oxide/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Hundreds pack Evanston church to discuss city’s local reparations fund: ‘It was time to lead in urgency’ – GENEVIEVE BOOKWALTER (DIERSEN: How much reparations do the Democrats want you to pay? From what I see, the more of the following that you are, the more reparations that the Democrats want you to pay: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/evanston/ct-evr-reparations-evanston-town-hall-tl-1219-20191212-kjl5u2dhi5fq7kytdxrn23zvfy-story.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Security was tight for the event, with streets closed in about a two-block radius from the church. Snow plows, fire engines and other large apparatus were parked on either sides of the closed intersections, with Evanston police SUVs parked horizontally across them to block traffic. Evanston police officers were posted in all corners of the church sanctuary, entryway and on the streets outside, and Police Chief Demitrous Cook welcomed guests in the lobby.)
— TRAGIC, DISGUSTING: Aurora sees plan for city’s first recreational marijuana dispensary on Route 59 – STEVE LORD
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-aurora-marijuana-st-1213-20191212-k2bhjgezsneztlqtsprfmhc7ye-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, who flipped Republican seat in 2018, says he’ll vote for impeachment – RICK PEARSON (DIERSEN: Casten works hard to use the federal government to harm 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/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.) 
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-rep-sean-casten-trump-impeachment-20191212-ls6jpbchu5arpdpubqvil7hloa-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: River Forest approves recreational marijuana businesses – STEVE SCHERING
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/river-forest/ct-rfl-river-forest-marijuana-tl-1219-20191212-uzotrwb6uzdw7elc7ox4efet54-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Danny Glover, national activists converge on Evanston as city funds reparations with cannabis tax The north suburb, with its historic passage last month of legislation creating a $10 million reparations fund seeded by cannabis sales, drew activists and scholars to a “Reparations Town Hall” Wednesday night, keynoted by actor Danny Glover. – Maudlyne Ihejirik (DIERSEN: How much reparations do the Democrats want you to pay? From what I see, the more of the following that you are, the more reparations that the Democrats want you to pay: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/12/21012240/evanston-reparations-fund-cannabis-tax-danny-glover
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/12/21011032/legal-weed-where-to-buy-marijuana-dispensaries
— When ‘merit promotions’ become clout decisions, CPD — and diversity — lose out Interim Supt. Charlie Beck’s decision to end merit promotions should be part of a larger effort improve the system by which officers move up in rank. – Editorial
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/12/21011463/chicago-police-department-cpd-charlie-beck-lori-lightfoot-aldermen-merit-promotions-clout
— ‘Richard Jewell’ is only the latest film to depict a female journalist trading sex for scoops Female reporters have long faced discrimination in newsrooms. These sorts of depictions in popular culture do little to help their cause. – Joe Saltzman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/12/21019449/richard-jewell-journalism-female-journalist-kathy-scruggs-joe-saltzman-clint-eastwood
— Trump impeachment: Vulnerable Illinois Democrats Lipinski, Underwood reviewing articles as historic vote looms Democrats have enough votes to guarantee that Trump will be the third president to be impeached, joining Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. – Lynn Sweet 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2019/12/12/21019784/trump-impeachment-illinois-democrats-lipinski-underwood-reviewing-articles-historic-vote-looms

DAILY HERALD
— Will recreational pot sales in Palatine start out like the ‘wild, wild West’? – Bob Susnjara
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191212/will-recreational-pot-sales-in-palatine-start-out-like-the-wild-wild-west
— As House hearings close, Underwood still undecided on impeachment – James Fuller
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191212/as-house-hearings-close-underwood-still-undecided-on-impeachment
— Number of parties suing Sterigenics jumps to 73 – Jerry Nowicki 
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20191212/number-of-parties-suing-sterigenics-jumps-to-73

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— Patronage now largely a thing of the past – Scott Reeder (DIERSEN: Democrats run Illinois. From what I see, ever-increasingly, the more of the following that you are, the less likely that you will be hired, retained, or promoted and the more likely that you will be gotten rid of: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.daily-journal.com/opinion/columnists/scott-reeder-patronage-now-largely-a-thing-of-the-past/article_2d602ffa-1c09-11ea-b2ac-d3784fed74a5.html

WSPY NEWS
— Petition Challenges Filed in 14th, 16th District Congressional Races
http://www.wspynews.com/news/local/petition-challenges-filed-in-th-th-district-congressional-races/article_33462928-1ce6-11ea-915d-2716048ecd69.html

WOODRIDGE PATCH
— OUTSTANDING: Woodridge Opts Out Of Cannabis Sales Village officials voted to opt out Thursday and also voted down a motion for a referendum question on cannabis in March. – Lisa Marie Farver
https://patch.com/illinois/woodridge/woodridge-opts-out-cannabis-sales

AURORA PATCH
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Aurora Considers Recreational Marijuana Shop On Route 59 Zen Leaf already got a favorable recommendation from the city’s planning committee. – Lisa Marie Farver
https://patch.com/illinois/aurora/aurora-considers-recreational-marijuana-shop-route-59-report

ILLINOIS RESULTS NOT RANCOR PAC
— VIDEO: DuPage County Prayer Ban
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4vC8Azgnyg

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-06: Sean Casten Announces He Will Vote For Articles of Impeachment
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/12/il-06-sean-casten-announces-he-will-vote-for-articles-of-impeachment/ 
— Woodstock School District Burdens Taxpayers With “Silent Mortgage”
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/12/more-debt-the-woodstock-school-district-has-burdened-taxpayers-with/ 
— IL-06/IL-14: Conservative Squad Launches
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/12/il-06-il-14-conservative-squad-launches/

CAPITOL FAX
— Conspiracy theorist claims there’s a state conspiracy against him
https://capitolfax.com/2019/12/12/conspiracy-theorist-claims-theres-a-state-conspiracy-against-him/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Oak Lawn OKs $100K separation deal with ex-manager – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/12/chicago-suburb-oks-100k-separation-deal-with-ex-ma/
— Study shows hostility toward journalists by Trump fans – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/12/study-shows-hostility-toward-journalist-by-trump-f/
— George P. Bush condemns Texas GOP for ‘racist’ episodes – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/12/george-p-bush-condemns-texas-gop-racist-episodes/
— Chris Wallace, Fox News host: Trump engaging in unprecedented assault on freedom of the press – Andrew Blake 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/12/chris-wallace-fox-news-host-donald-trump-engaging-/
— Wealthy German family gives millions to Holocaust survivors – AP (DIERSEN: How much reparations do the Democrats want you to pay? From what I see, the more of the following that you are, the more reparations that the Democrats want you to pay: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/12/wealthy-german-family-gives-millions-to-holocaust-/
— Michelle Obama on George W. Bush friendship: ‘Our values are the same’ – Jessica Chasmar
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/12/michelle-obama-on-george-w-bush-friendship-our-val/
— US charges Army vet with threatening to shoot congressman Rodney Davis – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/12/us-charges-army-vet-with-threatening-to-shoot-cong/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Twitter reprimands Joe Walsh for tweet calling Chris Wray to ‘punch Donald Trump in the face’ – Emily Larsen
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/twitter-reprimands-joe-walsh-for-tweet-calling-chris-wray-to-punch-donald-trump-in-the-face

GOPUSA
— Greta Thunberg scores with ‘Time,’ as activism replaces achievement
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81046
— Thousands of lawful California gun owners are being denied ammunition purchases. Here’s why
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81014
— Democrats falling on an identity-politics sword (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats make it clear that they do not want your vote if you are any of the following: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, draft avoider, and/or if your ancestors have been in America for a long time.) 
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=81066
— Ocasio-Cortez: Fox News airs ‘unmitigated racism’ by saying her district is ‘filled with garbage, litter and trash piled in public places’
http://www.gopusa.com/ocasio-cortez-fox-news-airs-unmitigated-racism-by-saying-her-district-is-filled-with-garbage-litter-and-trash-piled-in-public-places/

BREITBART
— Pro-Employee Groups Slam Democrats’ Amnesty Deal with Agriculture Industry – NEIL MUNRO
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/11/pro-employee-groups-slam-democrats-amnesty-deal-with-agriculture-industry/

DAILY CALLER
— Tens Of Thousands Of Foreign Nationals On Temporary Visas Are Giving Birth In The US Every Year, Study Finds – JASON HOPKINS
https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/12/birth-tourism-study-finds-372000-births/

CHRISTIAN POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Evangelicals should be aware that Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout at refugees, and at everyone else, that Republicans are White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things who should be gotten rid of once and for all.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/2600-evangelicals-urge-governors-to-continue-refugee-resettlement-after-trump-order.html

THE HILL
— Thousands petition Hallmark Channel to ‘reject’ LGBTQ content – JUSTINE COLEMAN
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/474357-thousands-petition-hallmark-channel-to-reject-lgbt-content
— Mark Levin calls Trump ‘first Jewish president’ – JOE CONCHA 
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/474260-mark-levin-calls-trump-first-jewish-president

ABC NEWS
— Ring security camera hacks see homeowners subjected to racial abuse, ransom demands A spate of incidents has seen homeowners in four states fall victim to hackers. – Mark Hanrahan
https://abcnews.go.com/US/ring-security-camera-hacks-homeowners-subjected-racial-abuse/story?id=67679790

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump Mocks Greta Thunberg on Twitter, and She Jabs Back – Derrick Bryson Taylor (DIERSEN: Trump-haters especially love Trump-haters who are 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.nytimes.com/2019/12/12/us/politics/greta-thunberg-trump.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Construction of Texas Border Wall Stalls Over Fights With Landowners Three years into Trump administration, virtually no new wall has been built as farmers, ranchers and a Catholic diocese resist federal efforts to claim their land – Elizabeth Findell
https://www.wsj.com/articles/construction-of-texas-border-wall-stalls-over-fights-with-landowners-11576154415

FCW
— Shutdown threat stokes financial anxiety among feds – Lia Russell (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, many of my Democrat coworkers and subordinates hinted/implied/argued/shouted that they had financial problems. Many of them had spouses and children to support.)
https://fcw.com/articles/2019/12/12/union-shutdown-fears-survey-russell.aspx
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Almost 82% said they worried about their abilities to pay bills if a shutdown occurs and they miss a paycheck, while 72% said that they have already cut back or plan to cut back on spending because of a potential shutdown.)

DAILY BEAST
— AOC: I Don’t Go on Fox News Because of ‘White Supremacist Sympathizer’ Tucker Carlson The progressive superstar fired back after a Carlson segment called her district dirty because of the number of non-U.S. citizens living there. – Justin Baragona
https://www.thedailybeast.com/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-i-dont-go-on-fox-news-because-of-white-supremacist-sympathizer-tucker-carlson

December 9 Evening Edition

GOPUSA ILLINOIS
— Objections were filed today in DuPage County against nominating papers filed by Democratic District 2 Forest Preserve candidate Natalie Rose Shannon-DiCianni and Republican Recorder candidate Babette Holder Youngberg. SEE:
https://dupageco.org/Election/61831/ – Dave Diersen
http://www.gopillinois.com

ABC7
— House Judiciary Committee lay out case for formal Trump impeachment – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/house-democrats-lay-out-case-for-formal-trump-impeachment/5741403/

NBC5
— Chicago Chief’s Firing Again Rattles Confidence in Force
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/chicago-chiefs-firing-again-rattles-confidence-in-force-565964861.html
— Police: 70 Pounds of Marijuana, Cough Syrup, Weapons Found on Juice WRLD’s Plane When Rapper Died A search of luggage aboard the Gulfstream jet found 41 “vacuum-sealed” bags with a total of 70 pounds of marijuana and six bottles of prescription codeine cough syrup
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/juice-wrld-airport-death-drugs-guns-chicago-cpd-565987531.html
— Consulting Firm Allows Buttigieg to Release Names of Clients “From the start, Pete has said it is important for every candidate to be open and honest, and his actions have reflected that commitment,” his campaign manager said (DIERSEN: I should release the names of a) those who have worked the hardest to end my service as the GOPUSA Illinois Editor and as a Republican Precinct Committeeman and b) those who worked the hardest to end my service as a TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois chairman, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member, Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster, Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member, American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member, GAO employee, etc.) 
https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Consulting-firm-allows-Buttigieg-to-release-names-of-clients-565990741.html

CBS2
— Students Issued Citations For Trying To Disrupt Jeff Sessions Speech At Northwestern
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/12/08/students-issued-citations-for-trying-to-disrupt-jeff-sessions-speech-at-northwestern/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Rapper Juice WRLD treated for opioids during police search of plane, autopsy results pending further testing
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/rapper-juice-wrld-treated-for-opioids-during-police-search-of-plane-autopsy-results-pending-further-testing

BEYOND THE BELTWAY
— Kinzler 12/8/19
https://www.beyondthebeltway.com/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rahm Emanuel swings at Michael Bloomberg at Gridiron Club dinner “It’s insane, it’s crazy to think that America is looking for a short, Jewish president. Really? Because if they were, I’d be running,” zinged former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. – Lynn Sweet 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/12/8/21001382/rahm-emanuel-michael-bloomberg-gridiron-trump
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pot pushers push pot.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/2019/12/9/21002995/illinois-recreational-pot-shop-licenses-weed-marijuana-cannabis-sales
— When Preckwinkle shuffles her security detail and hands out raises, reporters get curious The county board president’s response was akin to that of an old-school pol, and it’s puzzling as to why. – Editorial (DIERSEN: During the mid-1990s, reporters did NOT get curious when GAO forced more and more and more of its employees who were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran to take early retirement.) 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/9/21002963/toni-preckwinkle-security-detail-forest-preserve-police-raises-editorial
— A question for the holidays: ‘Are you OK to drive?’ Every day, an average of 29 people are killed in drunk driving crashes — one person every 50 minutes. And we know that the holidays put more drunks on the road. – Editorial (DIERSEN: Virtually all my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes oppose my opposition to promoting booze.) 
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/9/21003410/paul-burak-margaret-rone-leja-elizabeth-kosteck-st-michaels-church-orland-park-drunk-driving
— Why are kids today less patriotic? The very students who refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance exhibit their patriotism by demanding a better tomorrow. – Jane Lo
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/9/21003220/patriotism-millennials-pledge-allegiance-jane-lo-conversation

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Federal agents and Chicago police were confiscating drugs and guns from luggage when rapper Juice Wrld suffered seizure at Midway, officials say – Rosemary Sobol
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-juice-wrld-guards-arrested-20191209-sfhqe3cns5hsffhxskrhqfagl4-story.html
— Top advisor to Mayor Lori Lightfoot resigning as Chicago watchdog investigates arrangement that lets her live in Wilmette despite residency rules – JOHN BYRNE and GREGORY PRATT
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-lori-lightfoot-schneider-fabes-inspector-general-investigation-20191209-jfaijmafkzezdmqb6qom6mmida-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Judiciary hearing sets stage for impeachment charges – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191209/news/312099984/

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— St. Clair County plans to increase spending and tax revenue. How will it affect you? – KAVAHN MANSOURI (DIERSEN: Today, I received a notice from the DuPage County Supervisor of Assessments that the assessed valuation for my home at 915 Cove Court in Wheaton has been increased by 4.75%. Sadly, I doubt very much that I could sell the home for its new $515,750 “implied fair market value.) 
https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/article238043234.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: From 2017 to 2018, the county’s equalized assessed valuation, or the assessed value of all property, increased by about $5.1 million, or by roughly 3.17 percent. The county budget is partially designed around what officials expect to collect through property taxes. According to the St. Clair County treasurer’s office, the property tax cycle is a two-year cycle. Over the first year, the property is assigned a value reflecting its value as of Jan. 1. The tax bills are then calculated mailed and payments are distributed in the following year. Evaluation and collecting property taxes is a six-step process, starting with assessment and ending with collection.)

DUPAGE COUNTY

https://dupageco.org/Election/61831/

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— IL-14: Petition Objection Against Catalina Lauf Filed
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/09/il-14-petition-objection-against-catalina-lauf-filed/ 
— An Idea for Property Tax Relief
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/09/an-idea-for-property-tax-relief/ 
— State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally’s Statement of Facts regarding AJ’s Mother’s Guilty Plea for Murder
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/09/states-attorney-patrick-kenneallys-statement-of-facts-regarding-ajs-mothers-guilty-plea-for-murder/ 
— IL-14: America First Policies Targets Lauren Underwood on Impeachment
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/09/il-14-america-first-policies-targets-lauren-underwood-on-impeachment/ 
— NPR Headline Mistake
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/09/npr-headline-mistake/ 
— IL-14: Twitter and Catalina Lauf
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2019/12/09/il-14-twitter-and-catalina-lauf/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— 1ST CD GOP CANDIDATES FRANCO, TILLMAN PROPOSE CHANGES
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/1st-cd-republican-candidates-.html
— 3RD CD CANDIDATES FRICILONE, O’SHEA PROPOSE IDEAS TO GROW THE IL GOP
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/3rd-cd-candidates-fricilone-oshea-propose-ideas-to-grow-the-il-gop.html
— 4 OF 5 IL GOP US SENATE PRIMARY CANDIDATES ADMIT “WALKING AWAY” FROM DEMOCRAT PARTY
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/4-of-5-il-gop-us-senate-primary-candidates-admit-walking-away-from-democrat-party.html
— THE MADNESS OF CROWDS: THE WEAPONIZATION OF “IDENTITY” (DIERSEN: Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, and RINOs want everyone to see themselves as being as members of as many of the following groups as possible: 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.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/12/the-madness-of-crowds-the-weaponization-of-identity.html 

GOPUSA
— Remaining 2020 Democrats court Congressional Black Caucus members (DIERSEN: What are your demographics? Who courts those who share your demographics? From what I see, fewer and fewer and fewer court those who share my demographics: Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owner, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=80697
— Angela Merkel’s first Auschwitz visit: I feel deeply ashamed (DIERSEN: In my defense, even though I am 100% German national origin, my ancestors immigrated during the 1840s and 1850s, my grandfather on my father’s side fought the Germans during WWI, my uncles on my mother’s fought the Germans during WWII, my father would have fought the Germans during WWII if he had not been 4-F, and according to http://dna.ancestry.com , my ancestry is 33% Europe West, 28% Scandinavia, 24% Great Britain, 11% Ireland, 2% Europe East, 1% Finland/Northwest Russia, and 1% Italy/Greece.) 
http://www.gopusa.com/?p=80787

THE HILL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump is a “clear and present danger” to individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that 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/house/473675-trump-a-clear-and-present-danger-says-democratic-investigator-in-impeachment
— Judiciary fireworks: GOP accuses Democratic counsel of impugning Trump’s motives – MAGGIE MILLER (DIERSEN: My critics/opponents impugn not only my motives, but everyone’s motives. I should write a book about them.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/473655-judiciary-fireworks-gop-accuses-democratic-counsel-of-impugning-trumps-motives

FORBES
— Would You Rather Employees Be Satisfied, Happy Or Engaged? – Santiago Jaramillo (DIERSEN: Democrats want government employees to be Democrat and minority, female, and/or younger. RINOs want government employees to be RINO.) 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2019/12/09/would-you-rather-employees-be-satisfied-happy-or-engaged/
— How To Get A Great New Job In 2020 – Jack Kelly (DIERSEN: QUESTION: What discourages non-Republican employers from hiring you? ANSWER: Your being a Trump supporter, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, gun owner, German American, and/or if you ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2019/12/09/how-to-get-a-great-new-job-in-2020/#33947737665a