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* Totally, completely unacceptable…
Many thanks to both Hannah and Mark for doing what they can to push this forward.
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* Voice of America…
Another 787,000 U.S. workers filed for unemployment compensation last week, the U.S. Labor Department reported Thursday, as the national government starts to make $300-a-week extra payments to the jobless on top of less generous state benefits.
The newest weekly claims total was basically unchanged, down 3,000 from Christmas week in late December, even as the coronavirus crisis continues to stress the American labor market 10 months after the pandemic swept into the country.
The latest weekly total is consistent with the number of claims over recent months. The weekly figures are well below the 6.9 million record number of claims filed late last March as the pandemic took hold in the U.S. but remain above the highest pre-pandemic level in records going back to the 1960s.
* CBS 2…
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported 45,387 new unemployment claims were filed during the week of Dec. 27 in Illinois, a 59% decrease from the week before.
For comparison, during the same timeframe last year, 11,779 people filed claims in Illinois. That’s a 285% increase.
Since early March, CBS 2 has tracked more than 2.6 million total claims in the state.
* Meanwhile, in Colorado…
Officials with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said Thursday they believe many of the 41,439 regular unemployment claims filed the week after Christmas were fraudulent.
The department said that fraud was the most likely cause for the abnormalities in the number of initial claims, which jumped by more than 16,000 from the week prior, but that other factors included a change to a new quarter, seasonal filings and the reopening of claims.
* WUIS…
In a separate press conference Wednesday, Pritzker said IDES has not experience any sort of data breach, but explained fraudsters have been able to apply for unemployment benefits using Illinoisans’ personal information, which could have been acquired in massive data breaches in the last several years, like 2017’s Equifax breach.
“There’s not been a hack detected in our systems,” Pritzker said “People are using information that they’ve garnered from other hacks that have occurred, sometimes a couple of years ago.”
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* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 8,757 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 177 additional deaths. Illinois has now reported more than one million cases since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In a pandemic that has contained far too many tragic milestones, today’s marking of one million cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Illinois deserves particular recognition,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As this disease continues to wreak havoc on our nation – with the United States setting another record for the most COVID-19 deaths in a day just yesterday – it is critical that we take extra caution today and in the months ahead to reduce the spread, bring down hospitalization rates, and save lives. Now that vaccine distribution has begun, we can see the light at the end of this difficult time – let’s do everything we can to ensure all of our neighbors are able to be there as we cross that finish line, healthy as well. With that goal in mind, I encourage all Illinoisans to choose to receive the protections of the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s your turn in line.”
“As the vaccine rolls out, our hope, and goal, is that the number of new cases we see each day will decrease,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Reporting more than one million COVID-19 cases in Illinois seemed like an unlikely number at the beginning of the pandemic, and we’ve now all seen how devastating this disease can be. I urge everyone to continue to wear their mask, avoid social gatherings, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”
Adams County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
Bureau County: 1 male 60s
Christian County: 2 males 70s, 1 male 80s
Clay County: 1 female 60s
Coles County: 1 male 80s
Cook County: 2 males 40s, 3 males 50s, 1 female 60s, 6 males 60s, 8 females 70s, 8 males 70s, 7 females 80s, 9 males 80s, 4 females 90s, 2 males 90s, 1 female 100+
Douglas County: 1 male 80s
DuPage County: 1 male 40s, 1 male 70s, 3 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s, 1 male 100+
Edgar County: 1 female 80s
Fayette County: 1 male 80s
Fulton County: 1 male 30s
Grundy County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
Hancock County: 1 male 50s
Hardin County: 1 male 60s
Henry County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
Iroquois County: 1 female 80s
Jackson County: 1 female 70s, 2 females 90s
Jefferson County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
Jersey County: 1 male 80s
Kane County: 1 male 60s, 3 females 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
Kankakee County: 1 male 90s
Knox County: 1 female 90s
Lake County: 1 male 40s, 2 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
Lee County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
Livingston County: 1 female 70s
Macon County: 1 male 90s
Macoupin County: 1 male 70s
Madison County: 1 male 50s, 2 males 60s, 1 female 80s
Marion County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
Marshall County: 1 male 70s
McHenry County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 female 100+
McLean County: 1 female 80s
Montgomery County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s
Peoria County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s
Piatt County: 1 female 60s
Randolph County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
Rock Island County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s, 2 males 90s
Sangamon County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
St. Clair County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 male 90s
Tazewell County: 1 female 70s, 3 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
Vermilion County: 1 male 80s
Whiteside County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
Will County: 1 male 40s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 female 80s, 1 female 90s
Williamson County: 1 female 80s
Winnebago County: 2 female 70s 1 male 70s
Woodford County:1 male 80s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,008,045 cases, including 17,272 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 105,518 specimens for a total 13,803,946. As of last night, 3,921 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 783 patients were in the ICU and 450 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 31, 2020 – January 6, 2021 is 8.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 31, 2020 – January 6, 2021 is 9.8%.
The previous mask mandate established through an emergency rule to the Control of Communicable Disease Code expired on January 3, 2021. However, a subsequent emergency rule was filed January 4, 2021 and is in effect for 150 days.
*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered. Information for a death previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
* On the eve of the lame duck session, it’s worth noting that Sangamon County’s average positivity rate is 7 percent, which is up from 5.5 percent five days earlier. That’s a 27 percent increase. Also, Region 3’s ICU availability has fallen below 20 percent.
Be careful.
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* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…
Still, first-time candidate Mary Miller of Oakland, a conservative Republican who manages a farm with her husband, Illinois Rep. Chris Miller, would be a good fit for this Downstate district. She supports regulatory reforms and trade to spur economic growth and knows that unless her district creates more jobs, it will see even more people leave.
Yesterday…
From a statement given to me by Will Nesbitt, Rep. Miller’s Northern Regional Director…
Congresswoman Miller’s comments are unfortunate and serious. They do not belong in our political discourse and they do not represent my beliefs and values. And for that reason, I resigned effective January 6.
US Rep. Seth Moulton talked about what it was like when members fled the House floor ahead of the violent mob yesterday and huddled together in a secure location…
I also saw a small group of Republicans, of course the most conservative Trump allies, proudly refusing to wear masks even in this incredibly crowded room. We were brought there for our safety by the Capitol Police, but these colleagues were imperiling our safety by refusing to wear their masks. I took out my phone to snap a picture of them and suddenly, one of them, this new freshman from Illinois, verbally assaulted me, got right in my face. It’s interesting that she was suddenly afraid of being outed for her hypocrisy.
* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…
Voters statewide know Republican Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro as the member of the Illinois House who railed against the Democratic stranglehold on the legislative process in a moment of frustration on the floor. Papers flew. We can relate. In Washington, Bost has found a niche as an advocate for veterans and farmers and a member of one of our favorite groups, the Problem Solvers, who work across the aisle when most members of the House decline.
Yesterday…
* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…
Republican incumbent Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City is a small businessman who wonders why state government can’t embrace the same sensible budgeting approach that small businesses apply. Stop the irresponsible spending, Wilhour says, and stop relying on taxpayers to bail out the state with measures such as the Democrats’ proposed graduated income tax. It is pitched as a tax on the wealthy, but when the next fiscal crisis rolls around, it’s a fair bet that middle-class taxpayers will be next in line for a rate hike. Democrat Dave Seiler, a history teacher from Effingham, says he would strengthen connections with constituents through weekly town hall forums. We endorse Wilhour.
Yesterday…
When asked to provide specific irregularities, or if he personally believed there was fraud in the 2020 general election, Wilhour said: “I don’t have the evidence to tell you yes or no and I never pretended to.”
* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…
Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, says the scale of corruption in state government is one reason why companies think twice about moving commerce and jobs to Illinois. He wants strong ethics reform, including a ban on lawmakers becoming lobbyists once they leave office, and strengthening the authority of the legislative inspector general’s office. He faces Independent candidate Kody Czerwonka an accountant from Montrose. Miller is endorsed.
Yesterday…
* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…
Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, causes trouble in Springfield (in a good way) because he doesn’t go with the flow. He challenged Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-home directives in court as executive order overreach. He calls out members of his own party if he believes they’re leading the state in the wrong direction. On taking a legislative pension, which he declined, he says: “I believe that the position of representative and senator are not careers, but should be treated as times of service to our state. It is irresponsible to collect a pension for an elected position while the working-class pensions are in jeopardy.” Right on. Bailey faces Olney business owner Cynthia Given. Voters in this district should send Bailey to the Senate where he can continue to challenge the status quo. He is endorsed.
Yesterday…
“Right on.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** Cynthia Given, the Democratic candidate against Darren Bailey, just reached out to say the Tribune editorial board never contacted her about its endorsement process.
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* Just imagine if the US Armed Forces had taken the same attitude as local police unions the past few months…
No fights or violence? Somebody got shot, for crying out loud. Cops were injured in the supposedly non-violent storming of the United States Capitol that was intended to stop the official certification of a presidential election…
* The legislative lame duck session starts tomorrow, and this week’s insanity will be fresh in everyone’s minds.
As subscribers know, police reform is very high on the agenda. One aspect of the bill would remove discipline and discharge procedures from the collective bargaining process. Officers who deprive people of rights would be subject to individual civil liability. Anonymous complaints against police would be allowed, more types of chokeholds would be banned, officers would be required to intervene to prevent other officers from violating peoples’ rights. Misconduct charges could be filed for knowingly misrepresenting facts in a police report. And a licensing bill is about to pop.
Catanzara just made the proponents’ job a whole lot easier. They should send him flowers or something.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Unlike Catanzara, the Illinois FOP can apparently read the room…
The Illinois Fraternal Order Police (FOP) State Lodge, FOP Labor Council, and FOP Troopers Lodge 41 have issued a statement regarding the storming of the United States Capitol by a mob on Wednesday:
“The members of the mob who tried to undermine the very core of our democracy yesterday are terrorists and should be treated as such. They should be hunted down and prosecuted with the same urgency as all others who have threatened the existence of our free nation. The members of the Fraternal Order of Police pledge to assist in any way we can to bring these individuals to justice and to insure that the loyal, law-abiding citizens we are sworn to protect and serve never have to experience this level of infamy again.”
I have asked the ILFOP for react to Catanzara’s remarks. I’ll let you know if they respond.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The ILFOP responded to my request for a react to Catanzara’s remarks…
This is from State Lodge President Chris Southwood, Labor Council Executive Director Shawn Roselieb and Troopers Lodge President Joe Moon: There is no excuse for what happened yesterday at the Capitol. Period. We don’t agree with anyone who says otherwise.
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Your perception is NOT reality
Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Effingham Daily News…
[Rep. Blaine Wilhour’s, R-Beecher City] reasoning for asking [US Rep. Mary Miller] to reject the election results was that he believes the election needed to be examined for fraud.
“Clearly, there’s some irregularities,” Wilhour said. “I think things need to be looked into more thoroughly. When you have all these absentee ballots and mail-ins, it’s going to make fraud easier and more prevalent. There’s definite potential.”
No credible claims of fraud or systemic errors have been sustained and judges have consistently turned away legal challenges to the results.
When asked to provide specific irregularities, or if he personally believed there was fraud in the 2020 general election, Wilhour said: “I don’t have the evidence to tell you yes or no and I never pretended to.”
You don’t overturn elections based on somebody’s feelings. Period.
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Open thread
Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Illinois topics only, please. We’ve had quite enough of national stuff this week. Thanks.
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