May 23 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 107K with over 4K deaths as Memorial Day weekend gets underway
By Eric Horng, Craig Wall and Liz Nagy
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/illinois-covid-19-cases-top-107k/6206947/

NBC5
— Illinois Reports 2,352 New Coronavirus Cases, 75 Additional Deaths The state reported 25,114 new test results on Saturday
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-reports-2352-new-coronavirus-cases-75-additional-deaths/2277240/

CBS2
— Coronavirus In Illinois: 2,352 New COVID-19 Cases, 75 Additional Deaths
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/23/coronavirus-in-illinois-2352-new-covid-19-cases-75-additional-deaths/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois reports 75 coronavirus deaths Saturday and more than 2,300 new cases
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-reports-75-coronavirus-deaths-saturday-and-more-than-2300-new-cases

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— 75 more Illinois coronavirus deaths; state testing tops 700K More than half the deaths have occurred during the first three weeks of May, during what Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office has said is a plateau period for the outbreak’s impact on Illinois that could last through June. – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/23/21268596/illinois-coronavirus-cases-deaths-pritzker-reopening-may-23
— Illinois House clears Chicago casino measure in waning hours of special session There were several amendments flying around Saturday morning, but ultimately, bill sponsor state Rep. Bob Rita was able to round up enough support. The measure was pushed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and is essential in helping the city’s police and fire pensions. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/23/21268597/chicago-casino-bill-fix-springfield-illinois-house-pass-pritzker-gambling-expansion

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Age is more than a number for nation’s geezer politicians – CHARLES SELLE (DIERSEN: What do you say to those who promote age discrimination?)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-selle-older-politicians-st-0526-20200522-eebmt7cwbfc4fpmxqxgndmplee-story.html
— Chicago faith leaders divided on whether to reopen for in-person service as state adds more than 2,300 new COVID-19 cases – MADELINE BUCKLEY
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-chicago-illinois-update-churches-20200523-bccarmy2y5gznm5rminnpiooci-story.html
— Illinois House passes legislation sought by Mayor Lori Lightfoot in her effort to land a casino in Chicago – JAMIE MUNKS and DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-chicago-casino-legislation-20200523-c5sem6ajmrgspme53h2mzgo4gy-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois reports 2,352 new COVID-19 cases, 75 more deaths Saturday
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200523/illinois-reports-2352-new-covid-19-cases-75-more-deaths-saturday

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Mark Curran takes on Durbin but also some in GOP – Bernard Schoenburg
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200523/curran-takes-on-durbin-but-also-some-in-gop

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s executive orders are unconstitutional, lawsuit argues – REBECCA ANZEL
https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/article242962006.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Two parties in the lawsuit are George Pearson, the Will County Republican Committee chairman, and Steve Balich, a member of the Will County Board. Both claim the state’s restrictions “deprived” them of income. Pearson claims he cannot perform his duties to nominate candidates for the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Balich claims he cannot “effectively represent his constituents” or run for reelection.)

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— ‘Freedom is important:’ Few hundred rally to demand reopening of region, state – Lee Provost
https://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/freedom-is-important-few-hundred-rally-to-demand-reopening-of-region-state/article_cd5dc5c8-9bcd-11ea-bd6f-ff3051750016.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— Pandemic halts vaccination for nearly 80 million children – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/pandemic-halts-vaccination-for-nearly-80-million-children
— Memorial Day spurs worries of spikes in cases while warnings come of second outbreak – Ahtra Elnashar
https://foxillinois.com/news/coronavirus/memorial-day-spurs-worries-of-spikes-in-cases-while-warnings-come-of-second-outbreak
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Virus, economy, Trump and cash hamper GOP’s bid for House.”
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/virus-economy-trump-and-cash-hamper-gops-bid-for-house

NPR ILLINOIS
— Evangelical Leader Cites ‘Growing Angst’ With Guv’s Covid-19 Response – MAUREEN FOERTSCH MCKINNEY
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/evangelical-leader-cites-growing-angst-guvs-covid-19-response#stream/0

WEST SUBURBAN JOURNAL
— Lightford announces $31.5 million in grant opportunities for historically underserved communities (DIERSEN: Why do some communities need more service than others?)
https://westsuburbanjournal.com/lightford-announces-31-5-million-in-grant-opportunities-for-historically-underserved-communities/

EVANSTON NOW
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Democrat push pot to push reparations.
https://evanstonnow.com/story/government/bill-smith/2020-05-22/84623/reparations-rally-promotes-more-funding

CHICAGO READER
— When it comes to pandemic planning, is the mayor responsive and collaborative, or dismissive and combative? – Dave Glowacz
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/lightfoot-covid-19-funding/Content?oid=80102325&mc_cid=1a233b50a1&mc_eid=c968c7978e

CENTER SQUARE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Illinois has 9,176 legal cannabis industry jobs, study finds
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-has-9-176-legal-cannabis-industry-jobs-study-finds/article_a61092be-9aa3-11ea-be40-07b038e94c45.html

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— ILLINOIS TOPS LIST FOR HARSHEST COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS IN AMERICA – Ben Szalinski
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-tops-list-for-harshest-covid-19-restrictions-in-america/

CAPITOL FAX
— 2,352 new cases, 75 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/23/2352-new-cases-75-additional-deaths/
— Amendment introduced to allow remote legislating
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/23/amendment-introduced-to-allow-remote-legislating/
— House approves gaming bill 77-32
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/23/house-approves-gaming-bill-77-32/
— Sen. Dale Righter cleans up Eastern Bloc member’s mess
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/23/sen-dale-righter-cleans-up-eastern-bloc-members-mess/
— IDPH stops reporting historical nursing home COVID-19 outbreak data
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/23/idph-stops-reporting-historical-nursing-home-covid-19-ourtbreak-data/
— End of session cheat sheet
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/23/end-of-session-cheat-sheet/
— New approp, BIMP amendments surface, casino push continues, cannabis bill hits a snag with Pritzker thumbs down
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/23/new-approp-bimp-amendments-surface-casino-push-continues-cannabis-bill-hits-a-snag-with-pritzker-thumbs-down/

NEWSMAX
— Illegal Aliens Have Major Role in Food Supply – James Walsh
https://www.newsmax.com/jameswalsh/immigration-food-supply/2020/05/22/id/968538/

THE HILL
— Trump campaign: Biden remarks about black people ‘racist and dehumanizing’ – JONATHAN EASLEY
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/499143-trump-campaign-biden-remarks-about-black-people-racist-and-dehumanizing
— Trump escalates fight against mail-in voting – BRETT SAMUELS
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/499269-trump-escalates-fight-against-mail-in-voting

NBC NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “More Americans are souring on Trump’s coronavirus handling.”
https://www.aol.com/article/news/2020/05/22/more-americans-are-souring-on-trumps-coronavirus-handling-new-polling-shows/24389274/

NEW YORK TIMES
— Biden’s ‘Breakfast Club’ Controversy Shows What His Rivals Already Knew – Tariro Mzezewa
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/23/us/politics/joe-biden-breakfast-club.html

BLOOMBERG LAW
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Cannabis Binge in Quarantine Lifts Hope for Federal Legalization – Patrick T. Fallon/
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/coronavirus/quarantined-americans-embrace-cannabis-reshaping-an-industry

JD SUPRA
— Seven Things To Consider When An Employee Refuses To Return to Work (DIERSEN: What percent of employees will use coronavirus to refuse to return to work until their employer gets rid of all its employees who are older, obese, and/or have health problems including diabetes? What percent of members of organizations will use coronavirus to refuse to stay a member until the organization gets rid of all its members who are older, obese, and/or have health problems including diabetes?)
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/seven-things-to-consider-when-an-45827/

ACLU
— America, It Is Time to Talk About Reparations – Jeffery Robinson (DIERSEN: If the leaders of your municipality imposed reparations, which residents would they require to pay the most reparations – those who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, heterosexual, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://www.aclu.org/news/racial-justice/america-it-is-time-to-talk-about-reparations/

May 22 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Illinois vote by mail bill passes Senate, heads to Governor JB Pritkzer for signature
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/illinois-vote-by-mail-bill-passes-senate-heads-to-governor-for-signature/6205072/
— Coronavirus Chicago: Here’s what businesses can reopen next – and when – Sarah Schulte, Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/business/chicago-wont-begin-reopening-until-early-june-lightfoot-says-/6203672/

NBC5
— Illinois Senate Passes Vote-by-Mail Expansion Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said he looks forward to signing the legislation
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-senate-passes-vote-by-mail-expansion/2277018/
— Trump Declares Churches ‘essential,’ Calls on Them to Reopen – Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/trump-calls-on-churches-to-reopen-this-weekend/2276774/
— Justice Department Supports Lawsuit Challenging Pritzker’s Illinois Stay-at-Home Order The lawsuit filed by State Rep. Darren Bailey claims that state law gives the governor only a 30-day period for exercising emergency powers
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/justice-department-supports-lawsuit-challenging-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/2276953/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois lawmakers wrap up Springfield special session It’s been an eventful few days for Illinois lawmakers at the special session in Springfield. – Mike Flannery
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/686957
— Illinois continues to increase COVID-19 testing capacity as state reports 2,758 new cases
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-continues-to-increase-covid-19-testing-capacity-as-state-reports-2758-new-cases
— Biden says he was too ‘cavalier’ about black Trump backers – Bill Barrow
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/biden-says-he-was-too-cavalier-about-black-trump-backers

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pritzker says he plans to sign vote-by-mail expansion into law Democrats supported the measure saying they worried about a second-wave of the coronavirus suppressing voter turnout for the 2020 election. Republicans contended the bill would make Illinois’ election more vulnerable to fraud. – Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/22/21267994/vote-by-mail-expansion-senate-pritzker-covid-19-coronavirus
— Downstate judge blasts Pritzker’s stay-at-home-order: ‘Americans don’t get ruled’ Justice Department also sides with Darren Bailey, says he makes a strong case that Pritzker’s orders “exceed the authority granted to the governor by the Illinois legislature.” – Jon Seidel
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/22/21267665/downstate-judge-blasts-illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-stay-at-home-order
— Reopening churches ‘dangerous and foolish,’ Lightfoot tells Trump At a Friday press conference announcing plans to “cautiously reopen” parts of Chicago, Lightfoot said people have to recognize that “virtually everything [Trump] says has a political undertone and basis for it.” – Rachel Hinton and Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/22/21267936/churches-lori-lightfoot-donald-trump-coronavirus-covid-worship

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Department of Justice declares its support of lawsuit challenging Pritzker’s stay-at-home order – Robert McCoppin
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-stay-at-home-order-justice-department-20200523-upjahom3tfdpbizw5ehswtdfoy-story.html
— Elburn business owners say they are just ‘hanging on’ as pandemic continues – MEGAN JONES
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-elburn-businesses-urge-to-reopen-st-0525-20200523-5l3qe2zmeja43pyug5fhqcgv3y-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois budget plan needs $6B in federal aid to balance – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20200522/news/305229923/
— Suburban election clerks ask state to prepare for record demand for vote-by-mail – James Fuller
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200522/suburban-election-clerks-ask-state-to-prepare-for-record-demand-for-vote-by-mail
— Senate Republicans: Stay in session until legislature reaches a bipartisan reopening plan – Jerry Nowicki
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200522/senate-republicans-stay-in-session-until-legislature-reaches-a-bipartisan-reopening-plan

WGN RADIO
— COVID-19: Can Illinois crawl out of $7 billion budget hole? – Roe Conn
https://wgnradio.com/roe-conn/covid-19-can-illinois-crawl-out-of-7-billion-budget-hole/

ILLINOIS PATCH
— Job Openings In IL: CDC Hiring Contact Tracers To Fight Pandemic The CDC is looking for contact tracers, who can make up to $65,000 a year and just need a bachelor’s degree and a positive attitude. – J. Ryne Danielson
https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/job-openings-il-cdc-hiring-contact-tracers-fight-pandemic

GENEVA PATCH
— Families Sue Bria Of Geneva Alleging Negligence Amid Coronavirus The families of two residents who died at the senior living facility filed lawsuits Monday and Tuesday. – Jason Addy
https://patch.com/illinois/geneva/families-sue-bria-geneva-alleging-negligence-amid-coronavirus

PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS
— More Than 1 in 5 Illinoisans Living in State Homes for Adults With Disabilities Have Tested Positive for the Coronavirus In Illinois, at least 355 people who live in state-run homes for adults with disabilities have tested positive for the coronavirus. “They don’t know why their family has stopped coming to visit,” a relative said. – Jennifer Smith Richards and Jodi S. Cohen
https://www.propublica.org/article/more-than-1-in-5-illinoisans-living-in-state-homes-for-adults-with-disabilities-have-tested-positive-for-the-coronavirus

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Clay County Judge issued Restraining Order against Gov Pritzker – JOHN KRAFT
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/clay-county-judge-issued-restraining-order-against-gov-pritzker/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— 20 GOP IL HOUSE MEMBERS FORM “IL TAXPAYER FREEDOM CAUCUS”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/20-gop-il-house-members-form-il-taxpayer-freedom-caucus-.html
— THORNER: HOW MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL END FAIR AND FREE ELECTIONS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/thorner-hallmark-of-a-democratic-republic-free-and-fair-elections.html
— WHO ARE THE COVID-19 DICTATORS?
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/who-are-the-covid-19-dictators.html
— WEYERMULLER: CHICAGO CATHOLIC FAITHFUL REJECT CARDINAL’S PLAN TO RE-OPEN CHURCHES
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/weyermuller-chicago-catholic-faithful-reject-cardinals-plan-to-re-open-churches.html
— PILL PUSHERS EXPLOITING COVID-19 TO PROMOTE RISKY TELEMEDICINE ABORTIONS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/pill-pushers-exploiting-covid-19-to-promote-risky-telemedicine-abortions.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Madigan: House will convene tomorrow
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/22/madigan-house-will-convene-tomorrow/
— Thursday session roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/22/thursday-session-roundup/
— $5.8 billion budget hole to be (mostly) “filled” with borrowed federal money, paid back (hopefully) with federal assistance
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/22/58-billion-budget-hole-to-be-mostly-filled-with-borrowed-federal-money-paid-back-hopefully-with-federal-assistance/
— Elections omnibus bill clears Senate on final passage
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/22/elections-omnibus-bill-clears-senate-on-final-passage/
— Pritzker announces childcare reopening schedule – Will use federal $ to pay for federal borrowing – Will be “very disappointed” if legislature doesn’t pass legislation addressing withdrawn IDPH rule – Legislature can stay in town if it wants to – Says “look at the log data” will show only one person accessed IDES info – Says he “regularly” talks to clergy – Asked why legislators haven’t taken up a bill on African Americans, Latinos – Supports Chicago casino bill – Republicans “linked themselves” to fringe protesters – Clay County ruling will only apply to Clay County – Plans to stay in Springfield through end of session – Lightfoot decision to go slower is hers to make – Comments on FEMA letter warning law enforcement about funding – Hasn’t seen Sen. Rose’s letter – Children over 2 will wear masks – Called out on food claim – Dr. Ezike explains spread at restaurants – Dr. Ezike says no easing of nursing home visit restrictions
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/22/pritzker-announces-childcare-reopening-schedule/
— 2,758 new cases, 110 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/22/2758-new-cases-110-additional-deaths/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— U.S. intervenes in case challenging Pritzker’s COVID-19 moves – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/22/us-intervenes-in-case-challenging-pritzkers-covid-/

DAILY SIGNAL
— 1% of Counties Home to Half of COVID-19 Cases, Over Half of Deaths – Norbert Michel
https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/05/13/covid-19-tracker-shows-cases-deaths-cluster-in-specific-areas/

NBC NEWS
— Justice Department joins push against Illinois coronavirus restrictions DOJ suggested Gov. Pritzker has exceeded his authority with his stay at home orders, and also sent a warning letter to LA Mayor Eric Garcetti
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/justice-department-joins-push-against-illinois-coronavirus-restrictions-n1213491

NEW YORK TIMES
— Trump Orders States to Allow Places of Worship to Open, Though He Has No Authority To
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/us/politics/trump-churches.html

NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— Coronavirus May Derail the Republican Convention After All – Ed Kilgore
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/05/coronavirus-may-derail-the-republican-convention-after-all.html

May 21 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Maskless Trump tours Michigan Ford plant producing ventilators – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/maskless-trump-tours-michigan-ford-plant-producing-ventilators/6201653/

NBC5
— Illinois Sets Single-Day Testing Record as 2,268 New Coronavirus Cases Reported Health officials also reported 87 additional deaths Thursday afternoon
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-102686-as-state-reports-2268-new-cases/2276050/
— Pritzker Favors Expanding Vote-by-Mail Program Despite Criticism from Republicans
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/pritzker-favors-expanding-vote-by-mail-program-despite-criticism-from-republicans/2276182/
— Illinois Lawmaker Wears Mask Day After Being Booted From Legislative Session Over Refusal Rep. Darren Bailey has been a frequent critic of coronavirus restrictions, including filing suit against Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order – Shelby Bremer and James Neveau
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-lawmaker-wears-mask-day-after-being-booted-from-legislative-session-over-refusal/2276011/
— Pritzker Moves Bailey’s Lawsuit Over Stay-at-Home Order to Federal Court State Rep. Darren Bailey’s argument that the governor’s order violated his civil rights provided the basis for the Illinois attorney general’s motion to transfer the case – Shelby Bremer
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pritzker-moves-baileys-lawsuit-over-stay-at-home-order-to-federal-court/2275951/
— Illinois Lawmakers, 6 Feet Apart, Catch Up on Delayed Work – John O’Connor
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-lawmakers-6-feet-apart-catch-up-on-delayed-work/2275775/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois processes 29,307 coronavirus tests in last 24 hours – the state’s highest total to date
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-processes-29307-coronavirus-tests-in-last-24-hours-the-states-highest-total-to-date
— Vote-by-mail expansion ready for Illinois House floor vote – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/vote-by-mail-expansion-ready-for-illinois-house-floor-vote-1

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois House committee advances legislation to expand vote-by-mail program despite questions from GOP – JAMIE MUNKS
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-mail-in-voting-20200521-zadsqoq56vh6lf4dhhxumusqta-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— 87 more Illinois coronavirus deaths as state unemployment tops 16% More than 1.2 million people have filed for unemployment benefits since the beginning of March. More than 4,600 people have died of the coronavirus in Illinois over that time, too. – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/21/21266637/pritzker-illinois-coronavirus-reopening-cases-deaths-may-21
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump smashes the right’s ability to police itself.”
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2020/5/21/21266542/michelle-malkin-proud-boys-paul-nehlen-vdare-groypers-neo-nazis-mona-charen

DAILY HERALD
— State’s COVID-19 infection rate continues to decline; 87 more dead – Jake Griffin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200521/states-covid-19-infection-rate-continues-to-decline-87-more-dead
— State has spent nearly $240 million on COVID-19 response – Jake Griffin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200521/state-has-spent-nearly-240-million-on-covid-19-response

WTTW
— Illinois Set to ‘Chase’ Voters to Mail In Their Ballots – Amanda Vinicky
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/21/illinois-set-chase-voters-mail-their-ballots

FOX ILLINOIS
— Trump slams mail-in balloting promoted by his own campaign – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/coronavirus/trump-slams-mail-in-balloting-promoted-by-his-own-campaign

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Number of unemployed Illinois workers jumps 280%
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/number-of-unemployed-illinois-workers-jumps-280

CRYSTAL LAKE PATCH
— McHenry County Challenges Pritzker’s Executive Order Illinois’ defense of Gov. JB Pritzker’s ban on large church gatherings “is on dangerous ground,” argued McHenry County State’s Attorney. – Danny Wicentowski
https://patch.com/illinois/crystallake/mchenry-states-attorney-challenges-pritzker-executive-order

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— PRITZKER THREATENS LOCAL POLICE WHO DON’T ENFORCE HIS STAY-AT-HOME ORDER – Ben Szalinski
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/pritzker-threatens-local-police-who-dont-enforce-his-stay-at-home-order/

CAPITOL FAX
— Pritzker says vote by mail bill “a reasonable compromise” – Explains federalism – Explains state needs legislation to distribute federal $ to local governments – Explains federalism – Talks about new job report – Dodges childcare question – Concerned about privacy issues with contact tracing apps – Repeats need for federal money – Repeats need for federal money – Repeats need for federal money – Repeats need for federal money – “Running government is not like running a business” – Now unsure about state fairs – IDPH working on guidance for youth sports – Won’t apologize to Florida and Georgia – State workers coming back in Phase 3 – Asked about hiring Illinois union contractors during a recession to work on his Wisconsin farm – Happy for a workers’ comp deal – Still wants a Chicago casino – “An awful lot can happen in a day and a half” – Defers lawsuit question to AG
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/pritzker-says-vote-by-mail-bill-a-reasonable-compromise/
— 2,268 new cases, 87 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/2268-new-cases-87-additional-deaths/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/covid-19-roundup-42/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Pritzker supporters blast Bailey
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/the-democrats-favorite-republican/
— AG Raoul files notice to remove Bailey’s case to federal court
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/ag-raoul-files-notice-to-remove-baileys-case-to-federal-court/
— Illinois’ April unemployment rate was 16.4 percent
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/illinois-april-unemployment-rate-was-164-percent/
— Illinois eyes borrowing $4.5 billion from Federal Reserve program
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/illinois-eyes-borrowing-45-billion-from-federal-reserve-program/
— Illinois set to greatly expand vote by mail
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/21/illinois-set-to-great-expand-vote-by-mail/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Illinois Senate Republican leader Bill Brady files bill to reopen Illinois business by June – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/senate-republican-leader-files-bill-to-reopen-illinois-business-by-june

CBN NEWS
— 16 Facts That Prove America Is in Deep Trouble and Why ‘The Return’ Is so Critical – Jonathan Cahn, Kevin Jessip
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2020/may/16-facts-that-prove-america-is-in-deep-trouble-and-why-the-return-is-so-critical

THE HILL
— Trump says US won’t close over second COVID-19 wave – MORGAN CHALFANT
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/499054-trump-says-he-will-not-close-country-if-there-is-a-second-wave-of

May 20 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 100K with over 4K deaths; changes to Phase 3 include outdoor dining, state parks reopening, Pritzker says Illinois SNAP recipients to be able to buy food online, Pritzker says – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/pritzker-announces-major-changes-for-next-phase-of-reopening-/6198318/

NBC5
— Restaurants Can Open With Outdoor Seating in Phase 3 of Illinois’ Reopening: Pritzker The move is a shift from the state’s original guidelines, though restaurants still cannot reopen for dine-in service until phase four
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/restaurants-can-open-with-outdoor-seating-in-phase-3-of-illinois-reopening-pritzker/2275370/
— Illinois Lawmaker Booted From Legislative Session After Refusing to Comply With Mask Requirement Rep. Darren Bailey has been a frequent critic of coronavirus restrictions, including filing suit against Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order – Shelby Bremer and James Neveau
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-lawmaker-booted-from-legislative-session-after-refusing-to-comply-with-mask-requirement/2275488/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois seeing decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations, people in ICU and on ventilators: IDPH
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-seeing-decrease-in-covid-19-hospitalizations-people-in-icu-and-on-ventilators-idph

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Bare-faced Bailey gets the boot: Downstate Republican ousted from House for violating COVID-19 rules Democratic Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch made a motion to remove Rep. Darren Bailey from the House proceedings after the Republican responded “I will not,” when he was asked to come into compliance with the face covering requirement. The House voted 81-27 to remove Bailey.
— Tina Sfondeles and Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/20/21265240/protests-lawmakers-springfield-faces-covered-durkin-pritzker-madigan-covid-19-coronavirus

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois restaurants and bars can go al fresco as soon as next Friday as Gov. J.B. Pritzker nods to reopening pressure – BILL RUTHHART, LOUISA CHU and NICK KINDELSPERGER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-pritzker-restaurants-outdoor-dining-golf-20200520-co7snfsaezffpez4o6nhxhrnhq-story.html
— Pritzker backs down, unmasked lawmaker escorted out: First day of legislature’s special pandemic session a mix of political drama and showmanship – JAMIE MUNKS, DAN PETRELLA and RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-legislature-special-session-day-one-20200520-2ope7nh4ufa7pjlzkwbmj3wada-story.html
— Naperville council adopts resolution denouncing racism and lauding diversity in wake of ‘carpetbagger’ comment – ERIN HEGARTY
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-anti-discrimination-racism-resolution-naperville-st-20200520-jbe3pmimyzhvramxk2mu7hsze4-story.html
— AP poll: Americans harbor strong fear of second wave of coronavirus infections, back precautions amid openings – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-poll-coronavirus-attitudes-20200520-5mzt7qichje5zojh27mv2z6ki4-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois Legislature meets to OK budget under COVID-19 cloud – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20200520/news/305209945/
— Judge denies Lake County sheriff’s request for information on COVID-19 patients – Doug T. Graham
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200520/judge-denies-lake-county-sheriffs-request-for-information-on-covid-19-patients
— Kane County health official urges everyone get tested regardless of symptoms – James Fuller
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200520/kane-county-health-official-urges-everyone-get-tested-regardless-of-symptoms
— McHenry County Board members refuse vote on salary reduction, timesheet requirement – Kelli Duncan
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200520/mchenry-county-board-members-refuse-vote-on-salary-reduction-timesheet-requirement

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Here’s the plan lawmakers are drafting to balance Illinois’ 2021 budget It involves a $4.5 billion loan, for starters. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/heres-plan-lawmakers-are-drafting-balance-illinois-2021-budget
— McDonald’s tells franchisees they may need to downsize or sell The company has earmarked about $40 million in aid for restaurant owners that are in crisis following the COVID-19 lockdown, but it likely won’t be enough.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/mcdonalds-tells-franchisees-they-may-need-downsize-or-sell
— Ford briefly stops lines at Chicago plant after 2 workers test positive The two employees had made it through Ford’s temperature scanner and daily health survey screening process. – MICHAEL MARTINEZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/manufacturing/ford-briefly-stops-lines-chicago-plant-after-2-workers-test-positive
— Pritzker clearing the way for outside activities, including dining The governor says as health numbers improve, he’s easing rules on some popular pursuits as soon as May 29. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/pritzker-clearing-way-outside-activities-including-dining

SUBURBAN LIFE
— McSweeney sends letter to attorney general to investigate Pritzker’s “unconstitutional” stay-at-home order – NABIHA ASIM AND KATIE SMITH
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/20/mcsweeney-sends-letter-to-attorney-general-to-investigate-pritzkers-unconstitutional-stay-at-home-order/agzpyyk/

FOX NEWS ILLINOIS
— Illinois GOP leaders’ first priority is reopening the state – Matt Roy
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/gop-leaders-first-priority-is-reopening-the-state

ILLINOIS NEWS 20
— Rep. Bailey removed for refusing to wear mask
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/rep-bailey-removed-for-refusing-to-wear-mask

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Naperville Park District sues Governor Pritzker – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/naperville-park-district-sues-governor-pritzker/
— Pritzker hit with Restraining Order motion yesterday – IDPH withdraws their illegal rule today! – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/pritzker-hit-with-restraining-order-motion-yesterday-idph-withdraws-their-illegal-rule-today/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— PRITZKER BACKS OFF ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE MISDEMEANOR CHARGES ON IL BUSINESSES VIOLATING COVID EO
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/pritzker-backs-off-attempt-to-impose-misdemeanor-charges-on-il-businesses-violating-covid-eo.html
— REP. BAILEY: WHEN WILL PRITZKER’S EMERGENCY POWERS END?
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/rep-bailey-when-will-pritzkers-emergency-powers-end-.html
— GOV PRITZKER BLASTS “RE-OPEN ILLINOIS” PROTESTS; ACCUSES GOP LAWMAKERS, US SENATE CANDIDATE OF BEING “DANGEROUS”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/video-shows-re-open-illinois-supporters-complained-to-chicago-cops-about-nazi-flag-bearer.html
— RE-OPEN ILLINOIS GROUP RESPONDS TO “ANTI-SEMITIC CONCERNS”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/re-open-illinois-group-responds-to-anti-semitic-concerns.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Pritzker changes course, state will allow limited outdoor seating at bars, restaurants in Phase 3 – Boating, camping up to 10 people – Tennis facilities to open – Golf foursomes – All state parks to open
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/20/pritzker-changes-course-state-will-allow-limited-outdoor-seating-at-bars-restaurants-in-phase-3/
— 2,388 new cases, 147 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/20/2388-new-cases-147-additional-deaths/
— House votes 81-27 to remove Rep. Bailey from the House floor
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/20/house-votes-81-27-to-remove-rep-bailey-from-the-house-floor/

FOX NEWS

— Chicago fines churches for holding services in violation of statewide lockdown order – Matt Finn, Tyler Olson
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/chicago-fines-churches-violation-statewide-lockdown-order
— CDC now says coronavirus ‘does not spread easily’ via contaminated surfaces – Madeline Farber
https://www.foxnews.com/health/cdc-now-says-coronavirus-does-not-spread-easily-via-contaminated-surfaces
— Americans are rebelling against neurotic, dumb leaders and extreme coronavirus lockdowns – Tucker Carlson
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-americans-are-rebelling-against-neurotic-dumb-leaders-and-extreme-coronavirus-lockdowns

May 16 Morning Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 14 Evening Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

May 14 Morning Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 11 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Gov. Pritzker staff member tests positive for COVID-19; IL cases top 77K with over 3K deaths
https://abc7chicago.com/society/gov-pritzker-staff-member-tests-positive-for-covid-19/6172169/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Trump faces coronavirus risk at home amid push to ‘reopen’ nation.”
https://abc7chicago.com/health/trump-faces-coronavirus-risk-at-home-amid-push-to-reopen-nation/6172521/

NBC5
— Top Illinois Republicans Call on Pritzker to Ease Restrictions in Phased Reopening Plan
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/top-illinois-republicans-call-on-pritzker-to-ease-restrictions-in-phased-reopening-plan/2270039/
— ‘Worse Than the Disease’: Rauner Blasts Pritzker’s Handling of Coronavirus
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/rauner-blasts-pritzkers-handling-of-coronavirus-says-policies-are-worse-than-the-disease/2270214/
— Illinois Coronavirus Cases Climb Near 80,000 as Deaths Reach 3,459 Illinois is currently in its seventh week of a statewide stay-at-home order and in the second phase of a five-stage reopening plan Illinois is currently in its seventh week of a statewide stay-at-home order and in the second phase of a five-stage reopening plan
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-coronavirus-cases-climb-near-80000-as-deaths-reach-3459/2270035/
— Member of Pritzker’s Senior Staff Tests Positive for Coronavirus Employees who had previously been reporting to work in person will work from home for an isolation period, Pritzker’s office said
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/member-of-pritzkers-senior-staff-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/2269830/
— All Illinois Regions on Track to Move to Next Phase of Reopening Except One, Pritzker Says No region can officially move forward until May 29, under the parameters of the governor’s plan
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/all-illinois-regions-on-track-to-move-to-next-phase-of-reopening-except-one-pritzker-says/2270110/
— Illinois May Not Hit Coronavirus Peak Until Mid-June, Pritzker Warns Models originally suggested the state would hit its peak in cases and hospitalizations in mid-May, but new models suggest that the peak could be stretched out into early-to-mid June
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-may-not-hit-coronavirus-cases-peak-until-mid-june-pritzker-warns/2270062/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Majority Disapprove of Coronavirus Protests.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/majority-disapprove-of-coronavirus-protests-poll/2269778/
— Elmhurst Mayor Asks Pritzker to Reconsider Reopening Plan, Health Care Region Grouping Elmhurst is included in the one Illinois health care region that hasn’t met the required metrics to move into phase three of the state’s reopening plan
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/elmhurst-mayor-asks-pritzker-to-reconsider-reopening-plan-health-care-region-grouping/2270234/

CBS2
— Illinois Supreme Court Declines To Intervene In Rep. Darren Bailey’s Lawsuit Against Gov. JB Pritzker’s Stay-At-Home Order
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/11/illinois-supreme-court-declines-to-intervene-in-rep-darren-baileys-lawsuit-against-gov-jb-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/
— Senior Staffer In Gov. JB Pritzker’s Office Tests Positive For COVID-19
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/4545933-senior-staffer-in-gov-jb-pritzkers-office-tests-positive-for-covid-19/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Governor Pritzker now says Illinois may not hit COVID-19 peak until mid-June
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/governor-pritzker-now-says-illinois-may-not-hit-covid-19-peak-until-mid-june
— Senior aide to Pritzker tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/senior-aide-to-pritzker-tests-positive-for-covid-19

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Pritzker says state’s predicted COVID-19 peak is now expanded from mid-May into mid-June
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200511-4pamwbukjbgmtejy2ivrcuarja-story.html
— Projected peak for coronavirus in Illinois now mid-June says Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who’s now confined to his home after senior staffer tests positive for COVID-19 – JAMIE MUNKS and DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-jb-pritzker-staff-20200511-pc2b5w74jvehfp7aisew7d42rm-story.html
— Wisconsin GOP lawmakers urge Washington to reject any ‘bailout’ money for Illinois: ‘Our neighbors to the south have spent decades spending and borrowing recklessly’ – RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-wisconsin-20200511-ce4kni72cjeitpos5y7mxmaz74-story.html
— Church leaders push back on Lightfoot and Pritzker stay-at-home orders: ‘We have to stand up for ourselves at some point’ – GREGORY PRATT, JAVONTE ANDERSON and DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-lightfoot-criticizes-church-reopening-20200511-mobvjr473vfplecblpk4wrujqi-story.html
— Illinois General Assembly, get back to Springfield – THE EDITORIAL
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-illinois-legislature-get-to-work-20200511-prkywwij6zewddkaey5zf3n2wi-story.html
— Restaurateur: Let’s limit the damage and be a leader in helping restaurants stay in business – GABRIELLA LENZI LITTLETON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-coronavirus-restaurants-illinois-phase-reopen-20200511-un67vo6uoffzzdprwfughcart4-story.html
— Sorry, but not all of us can vote from home – JAY YOUNG
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-mail-in-ballots-vote-from-home-20200511-ocgmepvt3zae5loeqr6vtdkyfa-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— 54 more die in Illinois of COVID-19 — and one new projection shows peak could hit 300 a day In total, 3,460 people have died of coronavirus in Illinois. The state also reported 1,266 new cases, bringing the total of positive cases to 79,007. The state received 12,441 tests results. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/11/21254986/pritzker-daily-briefing-covid-19-coronavirus-projections-peak-reopen
— Pritzker and staff ordered to stay home after senior staffer tests positive for COVID-19 Gov. J.B. Pritzker himself has tested negative for the coronavirus, according to the governor’s office – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/11/21254556/gov-jb-pritzker-staff-ordered-stay-home-after-senior-staffer-tests-positive-covid-19
— Lightfoot hopes to educate defiant church into compliance, avoiding mass arrests “We’re not gonna send in the police to arrest parishioners. People are exercising their faith, and I understand that,” the mayor said. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2020/5/11/21255185/chicago-mayor-lightfoot-elim-romanian-pentecostal-church-sunday-services-coronavirus
— Illinois families need monthly cash payments to weather COVID-19 crisis We need bigger, bolder policies to help people — recurring payments that last until the economy recovers and it is safe to return to work. – U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/11/21254874/coronavirus-unemployment-covid-19-stimulus-bill-cares-jan-schakowsky

DAILY HERALD
— Pritzker: Virus peak now mid-June, but end of May still the target for next reopening phase – Jake Griffin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200511/pritzker-virus-peak-now-mid-june-but-end-of-may-still-the-target-for-next-reopening-phase-
— Top aide to Pritzker tests positive for COVID-19 – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200511/top-aide-to-pritzker-tests-positive-for-covid-19
— Underwood says stopping COVID-19 disinformation is a matter of ‘life and death’ – James Fuller
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200511/underwood-says-stopping-covid-19-disinformation-is-a-matter-of-life-and-death

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— 2.3 million more Illinois jobs at risk: The devastating economic toll of the virus in 6 charts – JONATHON BERLIN and ALLY MAROTTI
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-vulnerable-jobs-20200511-7ntwkhsllbblfkvnsu5xuigunu-htmlstory.html

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Pritzker path long, miserable – Editorial
https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-pritzker-path-long-miserable/article_83a651b3-b50a-5fcc-9b11-faaf46f46892.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— As Trump pulls back from virus, Congress races to fill void – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/as-trump-pulls-back-from-virus-congress-races-to-fill-void-1

— More than 79,000 coronavirus cases in Illinois
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/more-than-79000-coronavirus-cases-in-illinois

NPR ILLINOIS
— Pritzker’s Plan Does Not Work For Springfield – MIKE SMITH
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/murphy-pritzkers-plan-does-not-work-springfield#stream/0

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— 4 PROBLEMS WITH PRITZKER’S REOPENING PLAN – Amy Korte
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/4-problems-with-pritzkers-reopening-plan/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— PLAINFIELD LAW FIRM SAYS PRITZKER’S EOS IMPAIR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS; POINTS TO OBAMA-SPONSORED LAW
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/plainfield-law-firm-says-pritzkers-eos-impair-fundamental-rights-points-to-obama-sponsored-law.html
— GOP US HOUSE LEADER ENDORSES OBERWEIS IN 14TH CD RACE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/gop-us-house-leader-endorses-oberweis-in-14th-cd-race.html
— LAKE CO BOARD CHAIRMAN ENCOURAGES COVID-19 VIOLATION SNITCHING
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/lake-co-encourages-covid-19-violation-snitching-.html
— WEYERMULLER: WHEN DID CHURCH BECOME “NON-ESSENTIAL?”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/weyermuller-when-did-church-become-non-essential.html
— CONSERVATIVE GROUP POSTS RESOURCES CHALLENGING GOV PRITZKER’S COVID EMERGENCY ORDERS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/conservative-group-posts-resources-challenging-gov-pritzkers-covid-emergency-orders.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Supreme Court refuses to issue ruling on EO issue
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/supreme-court-refuses-to-issue-ruling-on-eo-issue/
— Member of Pritzker’s senior staff tests positive, so all employees will work from home
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/member-of-pritzker%e2%80%99s-senior-staff-tests-positive-so-all-employees-will-work-from-home/
— Opposition spreads
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/opposition-spreads/
— 1,266 new cases, 54 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/1266-new-cases-54-additional-deaths/
— Pritzker says yet again that Illinois is going it alone
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/pritzker-says-yet-again-that-illinois-is-going-it-alone/
— Pritzker talks numbers – Talks about infected staffer – Won’t divulge staffer’s name – Staffer works down the hall – Done contact tracing – Staffer asymptomatic – Says he’s at home in Chicago – Succession is in constitution – Says 44,000 successful connections for IDES today – But IDES site went down – Defends 28 days – Defends 28 days – Says reopening businesses are putting people and their regions at risk – Defends 28 days – Prisoners go through a monitored process before release – Talks contact tracing – Son cut his hair – Reopened churches “putting hundreds of people in danger” – Defends 28 days – Seniors in under-performing nursing homes can’t easily be moved – Defends 28 days – No assurances that R Naught won’t rise this summer – “Functions of the governor’s office have really been operating well” – Says worth looking into property tax relief – Says he believes legislature should convene – Very difficult to have in-person summer school – Comments on IL Supreme Court refusal to hear case – No forms request gender identity or sexual orientation – Dr. Ezike explains why Cook got the lion’s share of remdesivir – Says he misspoke on CNN about contact tracing – Defends 28 days – Looking into action on credit scores
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/pritzker-talks-numbers/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/11/covid-19-roundup-35/

GOPUSA
— Liberal Lawmakers Push Coronavirus Recurring Crisis Payments Of $2,000 Per Month
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=88716
— Racism? Lawmakers Ask DOJ To Investigate Why Coronavirus Hits People Of Color Harder
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=88742

NEW YORK TIMES
— Employers Rush to Adopt Virus Screening. The Tools May Not Help Much. Symptom-checking apps and fever-screening cameras promise to keep sick workers at home and hinder the virus. But experts warn they can be inaccurate and violate privacy. – Natasha Singer
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/11/technology/coronavirus-worker-testing-privacy.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Most White House officials will be asked to wear masks, but directive will not apply to Trump
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/11/coronavirus-update-us/

May 10 Morning Edition

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— GOP in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania fight Democratic governors over pandemic response – AP (DIERSEN: What about Illinois?)
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/gop-in-wisconsin-michigan-pennsylvania-fight-democratic-governors-over-pandemic-response

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE IN NAPERVILLE SUN: Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce survey shows 10% of businesses near permanent closure, 32% two months from shuttering – ERIN HEGARTY (DIERSEN: What percent of businesses in your municipal district, your municipality, your township, and your county are near permanent closure or shuttering?)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-naperville-businesses-coronavirus-effects-st-20200509-gq6jykot2fgsha7ig55p547c44-story.html
— Push-back to governor’s plan to reopen the state growing more intense – DENISE CROSBY
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-reopen-pushback-st-0510-20200508-o3aalvzlzvbkhjirsjf6efajka-story.html
— HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: Doubts about opening again – Robert Channick
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-ppp-sba-round-two-20200508-mcxf7il65javbltaoqo764ygf4-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: White-haters use Ahmaud Arbery to promote hatred of Whites.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-nw-ahmaud-arbery-georgia-shooting-racial-terror-legacy-20200509-frqnudpoqzgbfabv2qh6iamdwm-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Illinois is sixth in COVID-19 death toll, but it’s 24th in fatality rate – Jake Griffin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200509/illinois-is-sixth-in-covid-19-death-toll-but-its-24th-in-fatality-rate

NORTHWEST HERALD
— Reopen Illinois rally draws big crowd to Oswego shopping center – SHEA LAZANSKY
https://www.nwherald.com/2020/05/09/gallery-reopen-illinois-rally-draws-big-crowd-to-oswego-shopping-center/d5uo7ot/

HERALD & REVIEW
— Dozens rally in Rockford to reopen Illinois – Ken DeCoster
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/dozens-rally-in-rockford-to-reopen-illinois/article_b9491cb4-84f2-5fd7-875a-43b709870124.html
— Low level alarms experts: Illinois has tested fewer than 2% of inmates for COVID-19 – Molly Parker
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/low-level-alarms-experts-illinois-has-tested-fewer-than-2-of-inmates-for-covid-19/article_7f1cc287-cd1d-5006-8c7a-f19c81f4ee21.html

HERALD NEWS
— Coronavirus continues to hit elderly hard in Will County – ALEX ORTIZ
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/09/coronavirus-continues-to-hit-elderly-hard-in-will-county/aez3mpa/

QUINCY HERALD WHIG
— Local plan to restart economy deserves a second look from governor – Editorial
https://www.whig.com/20200510/local-plan-to-restart-economy-deserves-a-second-look-from-governor

WIFR
— Reopen Illinois rally hosted in Rockford – Brandon Giesey
https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Reopen-Illinois-rally-hosted-in-Rockford-570345821.html

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— COVID-19 creates shocking need for food in Sangamon County – Devin Trubey
https://newschannel20.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-creates-shocking-need-for-food-in-sangamon-county

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— New study projects 75,000 ‘deaths of despair’ resulting from COVID-19 fall-out – Darronté Matthews
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/new-study-projects-75000-deaths-of-despair-resulting-from-covid-19-fall-out/

NPR ILLINOIS
— Top Health Officials Enter Self-Quarantine After Exposure To Coronavirus – COLIN DWYER
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/fda-commissioner-enters-self-quarantine-after-exposure-coronavirus#stream/0

NAPERVILLE MAGAZINE
— SUBURBAN SHUTDOWN – Christie Willhite
https://napervillemagazine.com/2020/05/suburban-shutdown/

FOX NEWS
— VA Secretary pushes back on Dem senators: They’re ‘looking for a scapegoat’ for deaths in state-run facilities – Julia Musto (DIERSEN: Who blames you? I should write a book about those who blame me. I would focus on activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, campaign managers, etc. in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout and who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican. I might title the book “The Scapegoaters.”)
https://www.foxnews.com/media/wilkie-dem-senators-massachusetts-veterans-deaths
— Democrats to unveil ‘Rooseveltian’ COVID-19 relief bill
https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/democrats-to-unveil-rooseveltian-covid-19-relief-bill

AMERICAN THINKER
— Purging Christian Higher Education – Stephen Baskerville
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2020/05/purging_christian_higher_education.html

DAILY CALLER
— As Coronavirus Grips States, Some Elected Officials Encourage Americans To Report Each Other – Anders Hagstrom
https://dailycaller.com/2020/05/09/coronavirus-distancing-snitch-churches/

CNS NEWS
— Cuomo and De Blasio Try Hiding Their Ineptitude by Blaming Trump – Rabbi Aryeh Spero (DIERSEN: Who blames you? I should write a book about those who blame me. I would focus on activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, campaign managers, etc. in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout and who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican.)
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/rabbi-aryeh-spero/cuomo-and-de-blasio-try-hiding-their-ineptitude-blaming-trump
— Sen. Cruz Introducing Bill to Discourage Chinese Censorship of American Movies – Susan Jones (DIERSEN: What do you do? I put GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and send them out. Who discourages you from doing what you do? I should write a book about those who discourage me from doing what I do. I would focus on activists, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, major donors, political consultants, campaign managers, etc. in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout and who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican.)
https://www.cnsnews.com/article/washington/susan-jones/sen-cruz-introducing-bill-discourage-chinese-censorship-american

THE HILL
— Impeachment figure among those chosen for Facebook’s new oversight board – J. EDWARD MORENO (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents and who they would put on a GOPUSA ILLINOIS oversight board. My critics/opponents have their operatives and their dupes destroy individuals, including me, and destroy organizations including TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, Milton Township Republican Organization, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter.)
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/496960-impeachment-figure-among-people-on-facebooks-new-oversight-board
— States build contact tracing armies to crush coronavirus – REID WILSON
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/496957-states-build-contact-tracing-armies-to-crush-coronavirus

NEW YORK TIMES
— Top health officials are quarantining after being exposed.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/09/us/coronavirus-news-updates.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Trump is losing ground with seniors when it comes to his handling of the virus.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/09/us/coronavirus-news-updates.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Whistle-Blower Exposes Infighting and Animus in Trump’s Coronavirus Response The allegations suggest personal clashes influenced how the administration responded to the pandemic.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/09/us/politics/whistle-blower-trump-coronavirus.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PICTURE: Why the Path to Reopening New York City Will Be So Difficult The factors that made the city one of the hardest hit on the planet — its density, mass transit and tourism — complicate a return to normalcy. – J. David Goodman and Michael Rothfeld
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/nyregion/reopen-coronavirus-nyc-testing.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater asks “Will Americans Lose Their Right to Vote in the Pandemic?” and says “The safest way to cast a ballot will very likely be by mail. But with opposition from the president, limited funding and time running out, will that option be available?”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/magazine/voting-by-mail-2020-covid.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “The Anti-Lockdown Protesters Have a Twisted Conception of Liberty. Their notion of freedom derives a lot of its power from the enforcement of racial hierarchy.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/opinion/sunday/anti-lockdown-protesters.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters use coronavirus to promote illegal immigration.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/06/opinion/sunday/coronavirus-essential-workers.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters use coronavirus to turn older people against Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/09/us/politics/trump-older-voters-2020.html

WASHINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “White House aides rattled after positive coronavirus tests and officials send mixed messages on how to respond.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/white-house-aides-rattled-after-positive-coronavirus-tests-and-officials-send-mixed-message-on-how-to-respond/2020/05/09/6dab2df6-920d-11ea-a9c0-73b93422d691_story.html

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— Jobs report shows how devastating coronavirus has been to workers – AP
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny-bleak-jobs-report-20200509-5b675nwxardslkic4ghn2fschq-story.html

MIAMI HERALD
— Immigrants make up nearly a third of Florida’s ‘essential’ workforce, new study finds – LAUTARO GRINSPAN (DIERSEN: How dependent on citizens of foreign countries are your municipality, your township, and your county?)
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article242619786.html

FORBES
— Google Diversity Report Shows Little Progress for Women and People of Color (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, to promote diversity, organizations, companies, governments, and countries are dumping individuals who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://medium.com/forbes/google-diversity-report-shows-little-progress-for-women-and-people-of-color-ba139a98d005

BUSINESS INSIDER
— Facebook’s fight against coronavirus misinformation (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents and who they would put on a GOPUSA ILLINOIS oversight board. My critics/opponents have their operatives and their dupes destroy individuals, including me, and destroy organizations including TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, Milton Township Republican Organization, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter.)
https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-fight-covid-19-misinformation-increase-pressure-2020-5

BANKRATE
— 5 ways coronavirus could change your next home purchase – Jeff Ostrowski
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-coronavirus-will-change-housing/

EDUCATION WEEK
— Are Teachers and Principals in Your State at High Risk for COVID-19? See Analysis – Madeline Wil
https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/District_Dossier/2020/05/how_many_teachers_and_principals_high_risk_covid_19_each_state.html

DAILY MAIL
— China’s nasty, lying, bullying Communist regime must face the judgment of the world over the coronavirus pandemic – LORD PATTEN
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-8303719/LORD-PATTEN-Chinas-nasty-lying-bullying-Communist-regime-face-judgment-coronavirus.html

May 8 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau calls for reopening village ahead of Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home-order timeline – Alexis McAdams
https://abc7chicago.com/business/orland-park-mayor-calls-for-reopening-village-ahead-of-governors-timeline/6162722/

NBC5
— Illinois Paid Over $2B in Unemployment Claims in First 4 Months of 2020 The IDES said it’s processed more than 1 million initial unemployment claims since March 1.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-paid-over-2b-in-unemployment-claims-in-first-4-months-of-2020/2268346/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Economy vs. epidemiology? Pritzker gears reopening to science and saving lives – but business leaders call plan ‘misguided’ The Illinois Department of Employment Security processed more claims during the first month of the pandemic than it did during all of last year — and that number nearly doubled in the second month of the crisis. – Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/7/21251384/pritzker-reopening-illinois-unemployment-claim-region-chamber-commerce
— Hundreds of city workers take on new jobs to meet pandemic needs From librarians to Streets and Sanitation workers, their regular jobs are on hold or taking a backseat as the pandemic grips the city. – Mitch Dudek (DIERSEN: In 1971, while I was in training to be an IRS Revenue Officer, that was put on hold for a while when I was assigned to help enforce Nixon’s price controls which included freezes on wages, rents, and dividends.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2020/5/7/21249727/chicago-redeploys-city-workers-meet-pandemic-needs-coronavirus-covid-19

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— How does Gov. J.B. Pritzker — and how do local governments — collect taxes from businesses he’s shut down? – John Kass
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/john-kass/ct-coronavirus-small-businesses-taxes-kass-20200508-p2r27biwqzaxtair6ii7beiv3e-story.html
— Oak Brook village president blasts Gov. Pritzker’s reopening plan: ‘Our businesses have suffered beyond repair’ – CHUCK FIELDMAN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-brook/ct-dob-lalmalani-business-reaction-tl-0514-20200507-mzhf3z3ufjfd3czedte27wx4r4-story.html
— Illinois congressional delegation seeks extension of 2,000 National Guard troops to assist with pandemic through June – RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-illinois-national-guard-extension-20200507-jaqlfojdfzbpthutddqvgjt6uy-story.html
— Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Here’s what’s happening Friday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200508-hzzbgz52lnd2zl4iyt2t3i4ksm-story.html
— How to get back to normal? Mass testing – Steve Chapman (DIERSEN: Democrats run Illinois. What will the Democrats who run Illinois do with a) those who test positive and b) those who test negative?)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/steve-chapman/ct-column-covid-trump-testing-vaccine-chapman-20200507-sym6a43zcneshkzsecendtxhxm-story.html

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Unemployment rate more than triples April’s rate of 14.7 percent is the highest since just after the Great Depression of the 1930s. – Bloomberg
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/employment/unemployment-rate-more-triples
— Ford to restart most U.S. factories—including Chicago—May 18 “We have reopened our facilities in China, successfully begun our phased restart in Europe and have been producing medical equipment in Michigan for more than six weeks and are using the lessons from all of that.” – MICHAEL MARTINEZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/manufacturing/ford-restart-most-us-factories-including-chicago-may-18

WBEZ
— U.S. Field Hospitals Stand Down, Most Without Treating Any COVID-19 Patients – Joel Rose
https://www.wbez.org/stories/us-field-hospitals-stand-down-most-without-treating-any-covid-19-patients/a5df4fff-611b-465f-83ec-10c5ff4e5f2a

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— Peoria businessman files lawsuit against Pritzker – Phil Luciano
https://www.pjstar.com/news/20200507/peoria-businessman-files-lawsuit-against-pritzker

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— Economic fallout from no fair will be widespread
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200507/economic-fallout-from-no-fair-will-be-widespread

JACKSONVILLE JOURNAL COURIER
— Another 74,000 Illinoisans land on unemployment line – Jerry Nowicki
https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Another-74-000-Illinoisans-land-on-unemployment-15256033.php

FOX ILLINOIS
— As Trump turns to economic recovery, partisan rift grows in perception of outbreak – Stephen Loiaconi
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/as-trump-turns-to-economic-recovery-partisan-rift-grows-in-perception-of-outbreak
— Face masks make a political statement in era of coronavirus (DIERSEN: One could expect that the more hatred of Trump that there is in a neighborhood, precinct, municipal district, municipality, township, county, state, and country, the more that you will be harassed if not threatened if you do not wear a mask. How much hatred of Trump is there in your neighborhood, precinct, municipal district, municipality, township, and county?)
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/face-masks-make-a-political-statement-in-era-of-coronavirus-05-07-2020
— Governors disregarding White House guidelines on reopening – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/governors-disregarding-white-house-guidelines-on-reopening
— Anti-gun violence groups hold virtual rallies around Illinois FOID bill – Jakob Emerson
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/anti-gun-violence-groups-hold-virtual-rallies-around-illinois-foid-bill

MDJ ONLINE
— Leading statehouse Republican says Pritzker’s ‘major flaw’ is not addressing human toll from Illinois shutdown – Greg Bishop (DIERSEN: As the human toll grows, so will hatred of individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.mdjonline.com/neighbor_newspapers/extra/news/leading-statehouse-republican-says-pritzker-s-major-flaw-is-not-addressing-human-toll-from-illinois/video_c1477c22-ef01-57e6-889a-bdc37ddbb9f1.html

VANDALIA RADIO
— Illinois Governor Sees Budget Crisis From Coronavirus, Won’t Commit To Budget Cuts – Todd Stapleton
https://www.vandaliaradio.com/2020/05/08/illinois-governor-sees-budget-crisis-from-coronavirus-wont-commit-to-budget-cuts/

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Rep. LaHood named to 15-member China Task Force – KHQA
https://newschannel20.com/news/coronavirus/rep-lahood-named-to-15-member-china-task-force
— Local businesses come together for meal handout (DIERSEN: How soon, because of the fight against coronavirus will everyone in the world be handing out welfare and/or collecting welfare?)
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/local-businesses-come-together-for-meal-handout

KHQA
— State leaders continue the fight to reopen Illinois faster than Pritzker proposes – Rachel Meyers
https://khqa.com/news/coronavirus/state-leaders-continue-the-discussion-to-reopen-illinois-faster-than-pritzker-proposes

WIREPOINTS
— Pritzker’s top-down reopen strategy will fail large parts of Illinois: He should expect push back – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/pritzkers-top-down-reopen-strategy-will-fail-large-parts-of-illinois-he-should-expect-push-back-wirepoints/

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— ILLINOIS’ ECONOMY SHRINKING BY MORE THAN $183M PER DAY AS STATE APPROACHES 1M NEW JOBLESS CLAIMS – Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill, Jon Josko
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-economy-shrinking-by-more-than-183m-per-day-as-state-approaches-1m-new-jobless-claims/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ACLJ SUBMITS FOIA DEMAND TO EXPOSE TRUTH BEHIND ILLINOIS DECISION TO KEEP ABORTION CLINICS OPEN DURING PANDEMIC
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/aclj-submits-foia-demand-to-expose-truth-behind-illinois-decision-to-keep-abortion-clinics-open-duri.html
— SOCIAL JUSTICE ISN’T JUSTICE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/social-justice-isnt-justice.html
— ISOLATION AS DANGEROUS AS SMOKING 15 CIGARETTES A DAY, LOCKDOWN ADVISER WARNS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/isolation-as-dangerous-as-smoking-15-cigarettes-a-day-lockdown-adviser-warns.html

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘This is NUTS’: Ted Cruz slams city council resolution deeming ‘Chinese virus’ a hate speech term – Andrew Mark Miller
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/this-is-nuts-ted-cruz-slams-city-council-resolution-deeming-chinese-virus-a-hate-speech-term
— The Human Rights Campaign sells its soul to endorse Joe Biden – Brad Polumbo
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-human-rights-campaign-sells-its-soul-to-endorse-joe-biden

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Obama’s China Ambassador Compares Trump’s Rhetoric Toward China to Hitler Max Baucus says U.S. will ‘pay a price’ for ‘China-bashing’ – Graham Piro
https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/obamas-china-ambassador-compares-trumps-rhetoric-toward-china-to-hitler/

FREEDOM’S JOURNAL
— INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY VS. THE WELFARE STATE: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE – Eric M. Wallace, PhD
https://freedomsjournalinstitute.org/uncategorized/individual-responsibility-vs-the-welfare-state-a-biblical-perspective/

THE HILL
— Biden faces hard lift in winning over hard left – JONATHAN EASLEY AND AMIE PARNES (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, to defeat Trump, will Biden promise to use the federal government to get rid of the following once and for all: individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, heterosexual, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/496656-biden-faces-hard-lift-in-winning-over-hard-left
— Ted Cruz: I don’t see why Texas should have to bail out states for irresponsibility – J. EDWARD MORENO (DIERSEN: One could argue that Illinois has not acted irresponsibly but that just those in Illinois who have voted for Democrats or RINOs have acted irresponsibly.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/496343-ted-cruz-i-dont-see-why-texas-should-have-to-bail-out-states-for

CNN
— Record 20.5 million American jobs lost in April. Unemployment rate soars to 14.7% – Anneken Tappe
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/08/economy/april-jobs-report-2020-coronavirus/index.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— U.S. employment hit 14.7% in April, with 20.5 million unemployed.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/business/stock-market-coronavirus-jobs-report.html
— OUTSTANDING: The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday threw out a lower court ruling that had invalidated a decades-old federal law defended by President Donald Trump’s administration that makes it a felony to encourage illegal immigration. – Reuters (DIERSEN: I should write a book about individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that encourage illegal immigration. I would focus on those in Illinois, DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I would focus on those who focus on destroying those like me who support America’s immigration laws.)
https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/05/07/world/asia/07reuters-usa-court-immigration-speech.html
— HARDCOPY ARTICLE TITLE: News Outlets Suffer as Advertisers Shun Articles About Coronavirus – Tiffany Hsu and Marc Tracy
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/business/media/advertising-coronavirus-news.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters use coronavirus to defeat Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/opinion/coronavirus-republicans-jobs.html
— Knock, Knock, Who’s There? No Political Canvassers, for the First Time Maybe Ever Candidates and political parties are struggling to plan for a fall campaign without some of the most basic building blocks of politics. – Shane Goldmacher (DIERSEN: What will candidates want precinct committeemen to do to help elect them?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/us/politics/2020-elections.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: For Workers, No Sign of ‘What Normal Is Going to Look Like’ Initial steps to reopen businesses have yet to offset continuing job losses, with a “secondary wave” of layoffs hitting white-collar industries. – Patricia Cohen and Tiffany Hsu (DIERSEN: During the 1980s and 1990s, the Democrats who ran GAO used Republican-led budget cuts to get rid of their employees who were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who they had not promoted to GS-13 (currently $101,176) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $119,559) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $140,634) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $170,800) by age 40.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/business/economy/coronavirus-unemployment-claims.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Businesses Struggle to Lure Workers Away From Unemployment Some workers are making more from unemployment than at their old jobs, complicating reopenings – Kris Maher (DIERSEN: My Civil Service Retirement System pension is only 41% of what my GAO salary was in 1997 in today’s dollars.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/businesses-struggle-to-lure-workers-away-from-unemployment-11588930202
— Postal Service Is in Financial Peril, Government Watchdog Report Says GAO says Congress should determine level of service the nation requires as coronavirus pandemic hits USPS’s business and determine whether agency should be financially self-sustaining – Paul Ziobro
https://www.wsj.com/articles/postal-service-is-in-financial-peril-government-watchdog-report-says-11588865412
— Coronavirus Puts Congress’s Doctor on Front Lines Senate and House leaders rely on Dr. Brian Monahan’s medical advice but reach different decisions on returning to Capitol – Kristina Peterson and Natalie Andrews
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-puts-congresss-doctor-on-front-lines-11588852459

NEWSWEEK
— BANKRUPTCY FOR STATES? IT’S A BETTER IDEA THAN YOU THINK. – JOSHUA SHARF
https://www.newsweek.com/bankruptcy-states-its-better-idea-you-think-opinion-1502682

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
— When Can You Afford to Retire? Questions to ask yourself if you’re considering early retirement. – Tammy Flanagan (DIERSEN: I should write a book about early retirement.)
https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2020/05/when-can-you-afford-retire/165229/

(FROM THE ARTICLE: Would you like to retire at your minimum retirement age (55-57, depending on your year of birth) under the Federal Employees Retirement System? That decision will depend not just on your age, but whether or not you can afford to leave the working world behind. The three parts of FERS retirement—an annuity (including a supplement for some of those who retire early), Social Security benefits, and personal investments in the Thrift Savings Plan—were designed to work together to provide the income needed in retirement. How early you personally can comfortably retire requires asking yourself the following questions: How much income will you need to cover your expenses? Will you have enough income to last the rest of your life? Have you considered the tax implications of your financial decisions? Have you accounted for future inflation? Have you factored in unforeseen future events, such as the potential need for long term care and the volatility of your investments? Do you plan to continue to work after you retire from federal service? Can you afford to delay claiming Social Security retirement? Do you understand how much net income you’ll get from your FERS retirement benefit after reductions and withholdings? If you are married, have you considered your income requirements while you and your spouse are both living, but also when one of you may become the survivor? Do you have others who depend on you for financial support?)