May 12 Evening Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.