February 20 Evening Edition

WHITE HOUSE
— A national emergency in plain sight
https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/

 

ABC7
— Jussie Smollett attack: Smollett officially a suspect in criminal investigation for filing false police report, police say
https://abc7chicago.com/jussie-smollett-a-suspect-in-criminal-investigation-for-filing-false-police-report-police-say/5147410/
— Trump administration demands California return billions doled out for high-speed rail – TESSA WEINBERG
https://abc7chicago.com/trump-administration-demands-california-return-billions-doled-out-for-high-speed-rail/5147502/

 

NBC5
— ‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Now Considered a Suspect in Chicago Case: Police Smollett’s attorneys spoke with prosecutors Wednesday morning as the saga surrounding the actor’s alleged attack in Chicago continues to shift, police said earlier
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Lawyers-for-Smollett-Spoke-With-Prosecutors-Police-506116471.html

 

CBS2
— Video Shows Brothers Linked To Jussie Smollett Attack Buying Items Allegedly Worn In Assault
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/02/20/jussie-smollett-video-shows-brothers-red-hat-ski-mask/
— Governor Pritzker: ‘I Choose A Fair Tax System To Get Us Out Of This Mess’ – Derrick Blakley
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/02/20/governor-pritzker/

 

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Officials: Jussie Smollett now a suspect for filing a false police report
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/crime/officials-jussie-smollett-now-a-suspect-for-filing-a-false-police-report
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pritzker’s $39B budget relies on taxing marijuana, betting – AP
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/pritzker-to-unveil-state-budget-proposal-facing-3b-deficit-1

 

WGN TV
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Gov. Pritzker proposes legalizing marijuana, sports betting in budget address – AP
https://wgntv.com/2019/02/20/gov-pritzker-to-unveil-state-budget-proposal-facing-3b-deficit/

 

WTTW
— Pritkzer’s ‘Austere’ Budget Relies on Pension Plan, New Taxes – Amanda Vinicky
https://news.wttw.com/2019/02/20/pritkzer-s-austere-budget-relies-pension-plan-new-taxes

 

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Pritzker vows ‘honest’ budget, with big push for progressive income tax – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/pritzker-budget-address-pensions-progressive-income-tax-marijuana-sports-betting/
— Congress gave the green light to presidents declaring phony national emergencies – Jacob Sullum
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/congress-gave-the-green-light-to-presidents-declaring-phony-national-emergencies/

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Gov. J.B. Pritzker likens state’s plight to that faced by a long-ago predecessor – So who was Henry Horner?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-pritzker-budget-henry-horner-20190220-story.html
— Invoking the Great Depression, Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers first budget proposal amid $3.2 billion deficit – Dan Petrella and Rick Pearson
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-pritzker-state-budget-preview-20190219-story.html
— Chicago police say Jussie Smollett suspected of filing false report about attack in Streeterville – Jeremy Gorner, Megan Crepeau, William Lee, Tracy Swartz
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-jussie-smollett-suspect-20190220-story.html
— New ‘dark money’ ad against Bill Daley invokes comparison to ex-Gov. Bruce Rauner – Gregory Pratt
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-dark-money-ad-bill-daley-20190220-story.html

 

DAILY HERALD
— Concerned viewers urge Aurora police chief to see a doctor – Susan Sarkauskas
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190220/concerned-viewers-urge-aurora-police-chief-to-see-a-doctor
— Prompted by large crowds after police shooting, Elgin mayor to enforce time limit on public comments – Elena Ferrarin
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190220/prompted-by-large-crowds-after-police-shooting-elgin-mayor-to-enforce-time-limit-on-public-comments
— Local GOP hosts forum for Schaumburg trustee candidates Feb. 23
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20190220/local-gop-hosts-forum-for-schaumburg-trustee-candidates-feb-23

 

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Pritzker’s first budget: Cut and paste now, ‘fair tax’ later As the new governor lays out his $39 billion spending plan for fiscal 2020, he’s really looking forward to approval of a graduated income tax 18 months from now. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/pritzkers-first-budget-cut-and-paste-now-fair-tax-later

 

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pritzker’s $39B budget relies on taxing marijuana, betting – AP
https://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/invoking-the-great-depression-gov-j-b-pritzker-delivers-first/article_b07582ab-c5fc-5882-b488-e4d013e38bbc.html

 

ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
— Stephenson County Republican Committee announces Lincoln Dinner speakers
https://www.rrstar.com/news/20190220/stephenson-county-republican-committee-announces-lincoln-dinner-speakers

 

FOX ILLINOIS
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pritzker: Legalize marijuana, sports betting – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/pritzker-to-unveil-state-budget-proposal-facing-3b-deficit

 

WQAD
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Pritzker’s $39 billion budget relies on taxing marijuana, betting
https://wqad.com/2019/02/20/pritzkers-39-billion-budget-relies-on-taxing-marijuana-betting/

 

CHICAGO HEIGHTS PATCH
— Marijuana Tax Would Fund Pritzker’s Budget – Shannon Antinori (DIERSEN: To encourage everyone in Illinois to buy and smoke lots of pot, how much pot will Pritzker himself buy and smoke per year, per month, per week, and per day?)
https://patch.com/illinois/chicagoheights/s/gmmwf/marijuana-tax-would-fund-pritzkers-budget-patchpm

 

LOYOLA PHOENIX
— The Windy State? Illinois State Rep Proposes a 51st State — Chicago, USA – Madison Savedra
http://loyolaphoenix.com/2019/02/the-windy-state-illinois-state-rep-proposes-a-51st-state-chicago-usa/

 

AARP
— AARP Illinois applauds Gov. Pritzker for protecting retirement income
https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/19/02/r13212526/aarp-illinois-applauds-gov-pritzker-for-protecting-retirement-income-a

 

ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY
— J.B. Pritzker’s Unbalanced Budget Proposal: Pritzker Is The New Blagojevich
https://illinois.gop/j-b-pritzkers-unbalanced-budget-proposal-pritzker-new-blagojevich/

 

SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS NEWS
— Jackson County GOP chair Chris Grissom: Increasing minimum wage is a mistake – Glenn Minnis
https://swillinoisnews.com/stories/511779215-jackson-county-gop-chair-increasing-minimum-wage-is-a-mistake

 

DUPAGE POLICY JOURNAL
— Wheaton mayoral candidate Suess focusing on fiscal responsibility – Glenn Minnis
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511779250-mayoral-candidate-suess-focusing-on-fiscal-responsibility
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Wheaton City Council member Phil Suess is being saluted by his supporters as the antithesis of fellow council member John Prendiville in their run to replace Mayor Michael Gresk, who is not seeking re-election. At a Feb. 17 fundraiser to formally kick off his campaign held at the DuPage County Historical Museum, Suess’ “experience, background and principles” were touted as what Wheaton now needs most. A longtime local businessman who has served on the council since 2005, the 61-year-old Seuss is credited in the campaign flyer with often being the voice of reason on the panel, especially when it came to matters such as keeping property tax rates in order. “Phil has led the city financially and focused on paying down debt and making reasonable affordable investments in core infrastructure (sewers, water, roads, sidewalks, and trees) without taking on risky projects,” detailed the invite to his Feb. 17 event. “He has literally saved the residents millions of dollars by being prudent and demanding better bids on projects. He voted against unnecessary property tax increases.“ In contrast, Prendiville is tagged in the flyer as a “big taxes and big government” legislator who has “voted for every tax increase.” The flyer adss, “As a city councilman, Prendiville advocated against Wheaton’s families and businesses and wanted the city to take on debt and incur annual subsidies to operate a private theater that was not (and is still not) able to attract sufficient private investment. Prendiville argued against private development of Mariano’s which brings in $700,000 worth of sales tax a year. Prendiville argued against the development of DuPage Medical Group… Prendiville’s tendency is always to suggest more government and higher taxes and government overreach on private property.” Finally, Seuss supporters in the advertisement urged voters to know exactly who they are casting their ballot in favor of. ”Your City Council has enormous power over your property,” the flyer added.)
— Greg Hart is committed to improving DuPage County – Carrie Bradon
https://dupagepolicyjournal.com/stories/511775191-greg-hart-is-committed-to-improving-dupage-county

 

ILLINOIS WATCHDOG
— Pritzker proposes ‘austere budget’ with more taxes, spending, borrowing – Benjamin Yount
https://www.watchdog.org/illinois/pritzker-proposes-austere-budget-with-more-taxes-spending-borrowing/article_29aa84b3-0d48-5736-9349-875377820558.html

 

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Local Government – Social Media and FOIA – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2019/02/local-government-social-media-and-foia/

 

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— PRITZKER PROGRESSIVE INCOME TAX MODEL WOULD HIKE TAXES ON TYPICAL ILLINOIS FAMILY – Bryce Hill
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/pritzker-progressive-income-tax-model-would-hike-taxes-on-typical-illinois-family/

 

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— PRITZKER’S PLAN: BALANCE BUDGET ON BACKS OF ILLINOIS’ RICH, GAMBLERS AND POTHEADS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/02/pritzkers-plan-balance-budget-on-backs-of-illinois-rich-gamblers-and-potheads.html
— SMOLLETT AND BURKE: WILL THE CHICAGO WAY FINALLY COME TO LIGHT?
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/02/smollett-and-burke-will-the-chicago-way-finally-come-to-light.html
— THORNER/O’NEIL: INDOCTRINATION, NOT EDUCATION, STANDARD THROUGH COLLEGE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2019/02/thorneroneil-indoctrination-not-education-standard-through-college.html

 

CAPITOL FAX
— Budget: It wasn’t all praise
https://capitolfax.com/2019/02/20/it-wasnt-all-praise/

 

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— NYT publisher blasts Trump’s ‘dangerous’ rhetoric used by ‘dictators,’ ‘tyrants’ – Katelyn Caralle
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/new-york-times-publisher-blasts-trumps-dangerous-rhetoric-used-by-dictators-tyrants
— GOP hauls in record $15.7 million, arming up for Trump 2020 reelection – Paul Bedard
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/gop-hauls-in-record-15-7-million-arming-up-for-trump-2020-reelection

 

CNS NEWS
— Trump: New York Times Is a ‘True Enemy of the People’ – Michael W. Chapman
https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/trump-new-york-times-true-enemy-people

 

CONSERVATIVE DAILY NEWS
— Another Crop of Illegals Moves North – Michael R Shannon
https://www.conservativedailynews.com/2019/02/another-crop-of-illegals-moves-north/

 

AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE
— When Did Social Media Become a Prison? With more real-world social rules, we can make Twitter and Facebook work for us if we try. – RACHEL LU
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/when-did-social-media-become-a-prison/

 

NEWSMAX
— Trump Slams Media: ‘Never More Dishonest’ Than Today – Sandy Fitzgerald
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/trump-twitter-media-sandmann/2019/02/20/id/903472/

 

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Jussie Smollett Now Considered a Suspect for Allegedly Filing a False Hate-Crime Report – JACK CROWE
https://www.nationalreview.com/news/jussie-smollett-considered-a-suspect-for-allegedly-filing-false-hate-crime-report/

 

THE HILL
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “59 percent oppose Trump’s emergency declaration.”
https://thehill.com/hilltv/what-americas-thinking/430797-hill-harrisx-poll-59-percent-oppose-trumps-emergency
— Trump praises Covington student suing Washington Post: ‘Go get them Nick’ – BRETT SAMUELS (DIERSEN: When I sued GAO in 1998, the following did not side with me: Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/430707-trump-praises-covington-student-suing-washington-post-go-get-them

 

CNN
— Actor Jussie Smollett now a suspect in criminal investigation – Ray Sanchez, Ryan Young, Bill Kirkos and Brad Parks
https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/20/entertainment/jussie-smollett-attack/index.html

 

WASHINGTON POST
— ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett is suspected of filing a false police report – Bethonie Butler and Sonia Rao
https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/02/20/empire-actor-jussie-smollett-is-suspected-filing-false-police-report/

 

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters blame Trump for “rise in hate groups to record high.”
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-news-hate-groups-us-record-high-20190220-story.html

 

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Chicago Police Seek Charges Against Actor Jussie Smollett Empire star could be indicted for filing a false report, a class 4 felony – Erin Ailworth
https://www.wsj.com/articles/chicago-police-seek-charges-against-actor-jussie-smollett-11550703632

 

RECODE
— Google and Facebook have become “antithetical to democracy,” says The Age of Surveillance Capitalism author Shoshana Zuboff Silicon Valley has compromised our autonomy, Zuboff says: “They can take hold of our behavior and shift it and modify it in ways that we don’t know.” – Eric Johnson
https://www.recode.net/2019/2/20/18232469/shoshana-zuboff-age-surveillance-capitalism-book-google-facebook-privacy-data-kara-swisher

 

BIZPAC REVIEW
— Covington student’s legal team drops first lawsuit on WaPo over smears and it’s a staggering amount – Vivek Saxena (DIERSEN: When I sued GAO in 1998, the following did not side with me: Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs.)
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2019/02/20/covington-students-legal-team-drops-first-lawsuit-on-wapo-over-smears-and-its-a-staggering-amount-725596

 

FEDERAL NEWS NETWORK
— A federal employee’s ethics guide during future government shutdowns – Nicole Ogrysko
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2019/02/a-federal-employees-ethics-guide-during-future-government-shutdowns/

 

FEDERAL TIMES
— Federal agencies will begin meeting with the Office of Personnel Management in two months to share success stories and challenges of their respective workforces – Jessie Bur (DIERSEN: At any such meeting with GAO after September 30, 1997, my Democrat GAO superiors would have stressed the success that they had in forcing me to retire on September 30, 1997 when I was 49 years old, giving me unfair performance expectations and appraisals, always ranking me in the bottom half of my coworkers for pay-for-performance purposes, not promoting me beyond GS-13, getting rid of my mentor in 1987, keeping me off audits of IRS for all but 3 of the almost 18 years that I worked for GAO, and forcing me to take a $19,203 (26%) pay cut in today’s dollars to transfer from IRS to GAO in 1980.)
https://www.federaltimes.com/management/2019/02/19/opm-reminds-agencies-to-prepare-for-upcoming-workforce-reviews/

 

AUTO BLOG
— Seven months worth of Chevy Corvettes are sitting unsold on dealer lots That’s about 9,000 unsold models – REESE COUNTS
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/02/20/chevy-corvette-unsold-seven-months-supply/

Author: David Diersen

The opinions that I express in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails are based on experience that I have gained doing many things since 1948. I base my opinions on what I learned a) working for the federal government for almost 30 years -- Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter 1983-1996, and being a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS; b) earning an MBA from Loyola in 1976, a masters degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and a masters degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997; c) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and passing the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981; c) serving as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois Chairman 2005-2012, a member of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Platform and Resolutions Committee, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004; d) attending the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 IRP State Conventions as a delegate; e) being the subject of a nasty 4-page article in the February 1978 issue of Money Magazine; f) pursing litigation including Diersen v. GAO and Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange; g) being married since 1978; h) living in Crete 1948-1972, in University Park 1972-1976, in Chicago 1976-1978, and in DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton since 1978; and i) being baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.