May 8 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Chicago: Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces 5-phase ‘Protecting Chicago’ reopening plan
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/mayor-lightfoot-details-protecting-chicago-reopening-plan/6162864/
— Coronavirus Illinois: IL conducts 20K COVID-19 tests in single day; IL unemployment system upgraded as 1M claims filed since March Gig workers, independent contractors eligible for unemployment Monday – Diane Pathieu
https://abc7chicago.com/society/illinois-conducts-20k-covid-19-tests-in-single-day-for-1st-time/6162898/
— VP Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller tests positive for coronavirus – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/vp-pences-press-secretary-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/6164091/
— 14 shot – 5 fatally – Thursday in Chicago
https://abc7chicago.com/14-shot—5-fatally—thursday-in-chicago/6163030/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/8/2020

NBC5
— 2,887 New Coronavirus Cases Lift Illinois Total to 73,760 as State Nears 400K Tests So far, the state has administered nearly 400,000 tests, with more than 20,000 conducted in the last day
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/2887-new-coronavirus-cases-lift-illinois-total-to-73760-as-state-nears-400k-test/2268817/
— Chicago is In Phase 2 of Its Reopening Plan. Here’s What’s Needed to Get to Phase 3 Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Friday unveiled city-specific guidelines for reopening during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/chicago-is-in-phase-2-of-its-reopening-plan-heres-whats-needed-to-get-to-phase-3/2268855/

CBS2
— Some Suburban Mayors Want Their Municipalities Reopened Before Gov. Pritzker’s Set Date – Marissa Parra
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/08/some-suburban-mayors-want-their-municipalities-reopened-before-gov-pritzkers-set-date/
— What Companies Benefit From Coronavirus?
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/08/companies-benefit-coronavirus-amazon-netflix-microsoft/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois conducts more than 20k tests in a day for first time, reports 130 new virus deaths
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-conducts-more-than-20k-tests-in-a-day-for-first-time-reports-130-new-virus-deaths
— Mayor Lightfoot unveils framework for reopening Chicago
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/mayor-lightfoot-unveils-framework-for-reopening-chicago

WTTW
— For Candidates Seeking Attention, It’s Time to Volunteer – AP
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/08/candidates-seeking-attention-it-s-time-volunteer
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Republican Jeanne Ives, who’s trying to flip a longtime GOP-held suburban Chicago congressional seat that Democrats picked up in 2018, held a food drive last month, collecting so much food “our offices were stuffed with it.” The campaign posted photos of the haul on Facebook and other social media. “I hope the takeaway is that we care about our neighbors and recognize a lot of people lost their jobs and are in need,” said Ives.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Lightfoot’s ‘five-star’ plan to reopen Chicago offers no timetable but sets tougher benchmarks for easing stay-at-home rules than Pritzker’s strategy. Here’s a closer look. – GREGORY PRATT, JOHN BYRNE and DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-chicago-reopening-lightfoot-20200508-ztpnouwexrcvfdfcr2yccbc53a-story.html
— Coronavirus-related deaths at long-term care facilities up nearly 500 from last week and now make up 48% of state total – JOE MAHR
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-nursing-home-weekly-statistics-20200509-g7y6punl6rhidknh7aaxcxhrwq-story.html
— Illinois surpasses 20,000 COVID-19 tests for the first time, but research suggests many more needed to safely reopen – DAN PETRELLA
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-20200508-djvfgqgpz5atneucxp3k26elu4-story.html
— Let restaurants reopen sooner, not later – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-restaurants-reopen-pritzker-illinois-20200509-xvretpqqeraqrntwyo3fg2oygi-story.html
— Americans are too afraid of risk. What we need in this pandemic is balance – John Kass
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/john-kass/ct-coronavirus-back-to-work-kass-20200509-hcvnvo7r3faclhhrw7v4735ebq-story.html
— Sorry, Illinois, but Florida is doing this reopening thing right – DENNIS BYRNE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-coronavirus-reopen-florida-illinois-dennis-byrne-20200508-hrlytunuwrgdxawpilvmvo6eaa-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— 130 more Illinois coronavirus deaths as state hits new high for testing More than 3,200 people have died of the coronavirus in Illinois. The state received 20,671 tests results back on Thursday, the largest number the state has ever received in a day. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/8/21252407/illinois-pritzker-coronavirus-cases-deaths-testing-may-8
— Fact-check: Pelosi laying all of Illinois’ fiscal mess at Rauner’s feet ignores 100 years of fellow culprits As the state’s chief executive, Bruce Rauner played a starring role in the showdown that caused the budget crisis. But he had plenty of co-stars among Democrats, including longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan. – Kiannah Sepeda-Miller
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/8/21252340/fact-check-pelosi-rauner-pritzker-trump-illinois-madigan-covid19-coronavirus-pensions
— If you reopen for business early and somebody dies, don’t expect your insurance company to bail you out When towns and businesses refuse to enforce Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, trial lawyers might step in and insurance companies might take a walk. – Rich Miller (DIERSEN: Sooner or later, Pritizker’s orders will bankrupt not only Illinois, but every individual, every organization, every company, and every government in Illinois.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2020/5/8/21252579/gov-j-b-pritzker-stay-home-order-coronavirus-illinois-reopen-lawsuits-rich-miller-capitol-fax
— Details of the five-phase plan to reopen Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveiled the city’s guidelines on Friday.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/8/21252581/coronavirus-chicago-five-phase-plan-to-reopen-city-lightfoot

DAILY HERALD
— The case for convening a legislative session – Editorial
https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20200508/editorial-the-case-for-convening-a-legislative-session

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Here’s Lightfoot’s plan for reopening Chicago Much is still in the works. Even at the final phase, events and activities will be limited. – A.D. QUIG
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/government/heres-lightfoots-plan-reopening-chicago
— Pritzker draws up the right road map to recovery Despite the need for some course corrections, the governor is moving in the proper direction—though perhaps he’s not as fast as some would like. – EDITORIAL
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/pritzker-draws-right-road-map-recovery

QUINCY HERALD WHIG
— LaHood joins call to loosen requirements for reopening region – Matt Hopf
https://www.whig.com/20200508/lahood-joins-call-to-loosen-requirements-for-reopening-region

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Pritzker: ‘No way’ Restore Illinois plan, map will satisfy everybody – SEAN HAMMOND
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/07/pritzker-no-way-restore-illinois-plan-map-will-satisfy-everybody/ahoffq/

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Cuts Coming to Local Governments – Greg Bishop
http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=303642#.XrXJniN_OM8

FOX ILLINOIS
— House attempts ‘Virtual Congress’ as remote legislation remains uncertain – Leandra Bernstein
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/house-attempts-virtual-congress-as-remote-legislation-remains-uncertain

WGEM
— Lawmakers invite Pritzker to visit West Central Illinois – Blake Sammann
https://wgem.com/2020/05/08/lawmakers-invite-pritzker-to-visit-west-central-illinois/

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— President’s advisers predict unemployment could reach 20% — but that it’s reversible – SCOTT THUMAN
https://newschannel20.com/news/coronavirus/presidents-advisers-predict-unemployment-could-reach-20

WICA
— Health officials close courtroom, quarantine newlyweds after positive COVID-19 test result – Mark Maxwell
https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/health-officials-close-courtroom-quarantine-newlyweds-after-positive-covid-19-test-result/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— IVES PUSHES FOR PRITZKER TO LET KIDS PLAY OUTDOOR SPORTS THIS SUMMER
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/ives-pushes-for-pritzker-to-let-kids-play-outdoor-sport-this-summer.html
— STATE REP ARGUES “THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY” TO RE-OPEN ILLINOIS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/state-rep-argues-there-has-to-be-a-better-way-to-re-open-illinois.html
— LAKE CO ENCOURAGES COVID-19 VIOLATION SNITCHING
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/lake-co-encourages-covid-19-violation-snitching-.html
— OP-ED: THESE LOCAL RACES WILL DETERMINE ILLINOIS GOP’S FATE FOR NEXT DECADE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/these-local-races-will-determine-illinois-republicans-fate-for-the-next-decade.html
— THORNER: LAW ENFORCEMENT, BIO-WEAPONS AND FINANCIAL EXPERTS AGREE: RE-OPEN AMERICA
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/thorner-law-enforcement-bio-weapons-and-financial-experts-agree-re-open-america.html

CAPITOL FAX
— 2,887 new cases, 14% positivity rate, 130 additional deaths – State tops 20,000 tests for first time
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/08/2887-new-cases-14-positivity-rate-130-additional-deaths/
— Pritzker says Lightfoot plan will fit into his timing framework – Explains differences between two plans – Dr. Ezike explains the importance of averaging – Gov. explains why it’s tough to eases up on restaurants – Supports federal help for restaurants – Sports teams won’t be putting fans and players in danger – Says we need a federal plan instead of hodgepodge – Asked about summer camps – Explains more difference with Lightfoot plan – Outlines ideas for mass transit after reopening – Also hopes schools can open – Defends Chicago presence, but says he will be traveling – “This virus isn’t limited to the four walls of that one business” – Has higher priorities than another Exelon bailout – Dodges contact tracing question – Talks about help for out-of-work black and Latino people
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/08/pritzker-says-lightfoot-plan-will-fit-into-his-timing-framework/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/08/covid-19-roundup-34/
— Lightfoot lays out her own reopening plan
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/08/lightfoot-lays-out-her-own-reopening-plan/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Stay focused on the virus or the economy is doomed.”
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/08/stay-focused-on-the-virus-or-the-economy-is-doomed/
— The fight over the regional map
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/08/the-fight-over-the-regional-map/
— A real potential for a chaotic mess
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/08/a-real-potential-for-a-chaotic-mess/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Trump campaign rips ‘Facebook’s new censorship police’ – Ryan Lovelace
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/8/trump-campaign-rips-facebooks-new-censorship-polic/
— Illinois governor a mind-boggling blot to religious freedom – Cheryl K. Chumley
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/8/illinois-governor-mind-boggling-blot-religious-fre/
— GOP says House Democrats ‘cowering’ from coronavirus – Dave Boyer
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/8/gop-says-house-democrats-cowering-coronavirus/

GOPUSA
— Michigan GOP Leaders Sue Whitmer Over Emergency Powers (DIERSEN: Will the Illinois Republican Party sue Pritzker?)
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=88607
— Pritzker’s Five-Phase Plan A ‘Gut Punch’ To Restaurants Desperate To Open
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=88610
— President Trump Rejects New Leftist Apocalyptic Claims
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=88624

RUSH LIMBAUGH
— The #MeToo Movement Was Never Intended to Apply to Democrats
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2020/05/08/the-metoo-movement-was-never-intended-to-apply-to-democrats/

BREITBART
— Nearly Half of Americans Are Out of Work as Employment-Population Ratio Crashes to Lowest Level Ever – JOHN CARNEY
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2020/05/08/just-over-half-of-americans-are-working-as-employment-population-ratio-crashes-to-lowest-level-ever/

NEWSMAX
— Liberals Use COVID-19 to Free Immigrant Detainees – James Walsh
https://www.newsmax.com/jameswalsh/covid19-immigration/2020/05/08/id/966614/

CNN
— Member of Pence’s staff tests positive for coronavirus John Harwood, Kaitlan Collins and Maegan Vazquez
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/08/politics/vice-president-mike-pence-staff-member-coronavirus/index.html

REUTERS
— U.S. jobless rate likely much higher than 14.7%, Labor Dept says
https://news.trust.org/item/20200508150419-07fbf

NEW YORK TIMES
— The U.S. economy shed 20.5 million jobs in April.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/us/coronavirus-updates.html#link-770b25e1

WASHINGTON POST
— Soaring joblessness could shake U.S. economy, politics for years Eye on lessons from the Great Depression and 2008 crisis – David J. Lynch
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/05/08/jobs-coronavirus-unemployment-economy-politics/

BLOOMBERG LAW
— Return to Office? How About Never, Social Security Union Says – Louis C. LaBrecque
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/return-to-office-how-about-never-social-security-union-says

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “Republicans Are More Willing To Risk Deaths, Illness to Get Country Going Again.”
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/disease/republicans_are_more_willing_to_risk_deaths_illness_to_get_country_going_again

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.