CapitolFax: Does Illinois really have the highest black unemployment rate?

Upon reading this, I thought Rich Miller would look at the validity of a variety of local headlines on
this subject. It appears to be valid. As always what could we do about Black unemployment?

Does Illinois really have the highest black unemployment rate? https://t.co/qOQj2NVz1t

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) June 25, 2018

Burris headlines

Hey kids! Make your own Roland Burris Pinocchio paper doll - Marathon Pundit

I hope you have an inkjet paper and some thick paper in addition to some good scissors. You might also need adobe acrobat.

Illinois politics is a like a mouthful of spider - stltoday.com

Burris headlines

A reprise of 'Liar Liar' and the audio recording - Tribune

What's on your mind? June 3 - Tribune

Burris backs call for federal assistance downstate - Marion Daily Republican

Ethics group calls for public hearings on Sen. Roland Burris appointment - The Blago Blog

Ethics watchdog group says Burris Senate ethics inquiry should be open to public - Lynn Sweet

Harry Reid shuts down Roland Burris questions - Politico

Matthews vs Burris: The Tale of the Tape - The Public Record

Watchdog Groups Renew Call for Hearings on Burris - Roll Call

Burris tape stokes skepticism in Illinois - CS Monitor

Durbin says phone call with Blagojevich was about more than just Madigan - The Southern Illinoisian

Burris headlines

Burris is an outcast in clubby Senate - AP

Tale of the tape - ToledoBlade.com

Roland Burris tapes renew questions - Politico

Burris a perjurer or smooth talker? - AP

Burris headlines

UPDATED 1:36 PM You can still quit, Roland - RRStar.com

CARTOON Rappin' Roland by Dan Wasserman - Illinois Review

Statehouse Insider: Burris' denial skills need work - State Journal Register

More bluster from Burris - bnd.com

The disgrace of Sen. Burris - Northwest Herald

As Burris Tries to Settle In, He Faces New Controversy - Washington Post

Tie to Disgraced Ex-Governor Threatens Burris’ Future - CQ Politics

VIDEO GML: Analyzing Burris/Rob Blagojevich Wiretaps - CLTV

VIDEO GML: Burris and the "tale of the tape" - CLTV

Burris headlines

UPDATE 10:04 AM Newspapers: Resign - Capitol Fax

Our Opinion: Resignation by Burris would be a relief - State Journal Register

Blogojevich-Burris Pay-to-Play: Chapter 2 - Atlanta Journal Constitution

The latest Burris tale - Tribune

The First Burris Lie - Lynn Sweet

Durbin rejects Burris' explanation - Sun-Times

Fundraising discussion was a ruse, Burris says - Tribune

Burris on Blago: 'No intention' of paying - The Swamp

Burris defends self, take shots at Durbin, media - Sun-Times

Illinois corruption update: Burris blames others for his problems - Marathon Pundit

Burris Blames State Impeachment Panel For Not Asking About Wiretapped Call - AHN

Burris headlines

UPDATE 12 Noon VIDEO: Delmarie Cobb Talks Burris - FOX 32

Recover Of Burris' Image Will Be Tough - FOX 32

VIDEO: Burris maintains he's don't nothing wrong - WBBM-TV

Statehouse Republicans call on Burris to resign - AP

Burris’ meltdown continues unabated - Capitol Fax

Burris: 'No Pay-to-Play' - Washington Post

Burris Says Audiotape Confirms Innocence - NY Times

Burris' book The Burris beat . . . - Michael Sneed

Flustered Burris Maintains Innocence On "Hardball" - Huffington Post

Burris headlines

UPDATE 1:34 PM Durbin Cuts Off Burris - FOX Chicago

I would just like to say Ouch!

VIDEO: Burris defends himself to reports outside of his Chatham home - WBBM-TV

Burris Denies Any Wrongdoing; Leaves For Ill. Tour - WBBM - TV

Pay to play: Burris promised campaign check for Blago - Marathon Pundit

Via Marathon Pundit: Transcript of convo between Burris and Rod Blagojevich's brother, Robert - WBBM-TV

Burris was ready to do whatever was necessary - Mark Brown

Report: Burris Offered Check to Blago Before Appointment - Newsroom America

Viewer Comments: Burris Political Trouble - WBBM-TV

Roland Burris Registers "Absolute Zero" on the Integrity Thermometer - Team America 10th District

Roland Burris Would Like to Know if You Take Checks - Gawker

Chris Kennedy Not Yet Ready To Announce Senate Candidacy - Huffington Post

Burris headlines

UPDATE 4:19 PM Burris has yet to get his story straight… - Capitol Fax

UPDATE 11:26 PM Judge says he will give ethics panel Burris tape - Tribune

Roland Burris’ tenuous relationship with reality - Capitol Fax

Students enjoy a Washington adventure - Herald & Review

Roland Burris: 'I am right on course' - Lynn Sweet

Roland Burris In St. Louis Talking About The Stimulus Package - FOX2Now

U.S. Senators Durbin and Burris Okay with Terrorists Being Housed in Illinois - WJBD Radio

Remember That Whole Thing About Burris Being a Piss Poor Comptroller? - Archpundit

Burris Headlines

It's back again for now!

Who'd step in if Dems purge Burris, Stroger? - Sun-Times

If Illinois Democrats succeed in purging politically radioactive Sen. Roland Burris and Cook County Board President Todd Stroger from the party's ticket, what fresh new African-American faces can they recruit to attract African-American voters to the polls?

Burris: I Need Funds For 2010 Campaign - CBS Political Hotsheet

In an effort to stay in the Senate seat to which he was appointed by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, U.S. Senator Roland Burris has one thing going for him: Name recognition.

It's practically inconceivable that anyone living in his native Illinois – or any of the other 49 states, for that matter – hasn't heard of the embattled junior senator and his troubles. But Burris’ time in the spotlight, along with his tumultuous tenure in the Senate, may be a short one. In an interview with the Beltway publication The Hill Thursday, Burris indicated that he won't campaign for election to the seat he now holds if he feels he cannot raise enough money. He said he will make his decision in the next few weeks.

“I'm moving into a phase now where I will be talking to people and assessing the opportunities in terms of my ability to raise the funds and stay here," Burris told The Hill.

Burris Keeps 2010 Guessing Game Alive - Roll Call

Roland Burris Gears Up for Doomed Reelection Bid - Politics Daily

If Burris goes ahead with his campaign, he's got two very daunting numbers staring at him.

The first is 5. As in the 5% he gets in a poll for a potential Democratic primary.

The second is 845. As in $845, the total number of dollars he fundraised last quarter. You can't even run for Student Council on that kind of budget.

That last sentence. What does that even mean? Do people running for student government need budgets larger than $845?

Polish Constitution Day Parade in Chicago - Polish News

I'll have to hand it to Sen. Burris despite the recent controversies he'll still get around.

BTW, photo credit goes to Brooke Collins, City of Chicago according to the Polish News article. It was attached to a release from the Mayor's office although no mention is made of Burris being in this picture.

Widespread panic

Rich Miller at the Capitol Fax opines on the percieved histeria of politicians and the media with regards to the swine flu and this post wouldn't be complete without more headlines.

I would like to refer you to yesterday's post with phone numbers to hotlines to contact the State of Illinois and the Chicago Public Schools with regards to information on swine flu or any questions you may have.

• Threat of flu pandemic less likely - WBIR.com
• Flu concern closes schools in Burbank, Chicago Ridge - Southtown
  
• Swine Flu, Sick Days and Food Service - CPR
• New swine-flu count: 82 confirmed cases in Illinois - Sun-Times
• Schools closed for swine flu begin to reopen - Tribune
• Kane County reports 20 confirmed swine flu cases - AP 
• Video: Swine Flu Affecting Restaurants, Shopping, Schools - GallupNews
  

CPS Swine Flu Hotline and updated with State of IL hotline number

UPDATE 7:22 PM  A swine flu hotline for the State of Illinois from WSIL-TV @ 1-866-241-2138

Info for the public schools are below in addition to other headlines

I found this @ FOX Chicago: 773-553-1000

For those of you who are concerened about the Flu and the school's response to it.

Here are a list of school closings also from FOX Chicago.

Another link to check out:

• Gov. Pat Quinn rides train, says public transit is no health risk - AP
• A video from FOX Chicago on the same story.

• Illinois confirms 9 cases of swine flu - AP
• (Probable) Flu cases up to 96 - The Dome
• World Health Organization to stop using term 'swine flu' to protect pigs - Defender
• City swine flu numbers on the rise - Chi-Town Daily News
  

Swine flu: anti-viral drugs aren't for everybody

Triage:

Until a vaccine for swine flu is developed some months from now, the best hope for treating the illness lies with anti-viral drugs.

But if you're healthy or you have only mild symptoms of the flu, experts say you shouldn't take them.

If too many people ask their doctors for prescriptions, supplies of anti-viral drugs could be depleted. People who take the medications unnecessarily can suffer needless side effects.

Perhaps most important, the medications may lose their effectiveness if they are overused, as quick-adapting viruses build up defenses. Indeed, the H1N1 virus causing the current swine flu outbreak appears to be resistant to two older anti-viral drugs, amantadine and rimantadine, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Resistance is a very serious issue that needs to be carefully monitored," said Dr. Frederick Hayden, a professor of medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Read the whole thing!

Other stories of interest:

• Flu presents test for new Ill. governor's team - AP
• Illinois swine flu cases increase to 99 - Sun-Times
• Cautious optimism on swine flu, but U.S. 'not out of woods' - AP
• White Sox Defeat Rangers, Combat Swine Flu - SouthSideSox
  

Seven days out for CPS students with fever

Sun-Times:

With the number of swine flu cases climbing statewide, Chicago Public Schools announced Friday that children who come to school starting Monday with a cough and a 100-degree fever or higher will be sent home -- and required to stay out of school at least seven days.

Schools CEO Ron Huberman made the announcement as the number of probable and confirmed cases in Illinois grew to 54 Friday afternoon, but as health officials urged those with mild flu-like symptoms to avoid emergency rooms.

Schools will be given temperature-reading strips to test kids with flu-like symptoms.

"If the temperature is over 100 degrees, we're going to ask ... that that child is sent home ... with a parent or guardian," Huberman said Friday.

If a school does not have a nurse on staff, principals or teachers will be responsible for making sure the new policy is followed, CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond said.

More in swine flu news

• Ill. swine flu update: 85 probable, 3 confirmed - AP
• High school in Elgin to close because of swine flu - AP
• Yearly vaccinations best defense against flu - Sun-Times
• Swine flu: Care urged with use of anti-virals -Tribune
• Flu fears to close Larkin High School for a week - Daily Herald
  

Burris headlines

Oh yeah, it's back for now!

• State's attorney still investigating Burris - The Dome

There is another link here that will send you to an audio file so be sure to have Windows Media Player available.

• Kennedy confirms interest in Senate seat - Greg Hinz

Merchandise Mart boss Christopher Kennedy is confirming talk that he may run for the Senate next year . . . and saying a wee bit more.

Buttonholed Thursday night at a reception for the Mart's huge Artropolis show, Mr. Kennedy replied, "I'm thinking about it" when asked about his Senate ambitions.

"I'm a ways from making up my mind," added Mr. Kennedy, who has thrown several head fakes in previous years about other political races. "It's really a personal decision."

The North Shore resident also confirmed that he's interested enough in the race for the seat now held by Roland Burris that he's commissioned a poll, and that the results are pretty good.

Mr. Kennedy wouldn't give any numbers but, as he put it, "Let's just say there was nothing in there that would discourage me."  Another source familiar with the poll agreed that the results are favorable.

• Kennedy could be an answered prayer for Temp. Sen. Roland Burris - Eric Zorn

My guess is that Temp. Sen. Roland Burris, the current Democratic incumbent, is whistling "Camelot" at the news.

Burris, the controversial choice of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill out the unexpired year in the Senate term of President Obama, has shown poorly in the polls recently, and his best if not only chance next February is to eke out a win in a crowded primary field. 

• Kirk eyes Senate run in 2010 - Lake County News-Sun

The Lake County political off-season picked up more steam on Thursday as the Chicago Sun-Times reported that U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, is mulling a campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Roland Burris.

The speculation surrounding Kirk came one day after state Sen. Michael Bond, D-Grayslake, announced plans to run for Kirk's 10th District seat in 2010. And state Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest, said she is strongly considering a run in the 10th.

Oh yeah that reminds me...

• Not so much today, apparently - Capitol Fax

If you read thru that round-up Rich Miller is wondering what happened between poised and jump from Thursday to Friday.

• Roland will run. Accept it! - Chicago Argus

I didn't see this until 8:41 PM Saturday night!

Burris Headlines

Unless there are any new developments in the story of US Sen. Roland Burris as far as his future in the US Senate, poll numbers, or even his re-election plans, the Burris headlines feature of this blog will be at least temporarily discontinued as of today. I've kept it up long enough (only for roughly the past month). After a while even I got tired of keeping track of the impeachment stories. Of course if anyone wants to see a return I'm all ears. Let me know and thanks for reading as always!

More sound and fury in Illinois over the Burris appointment - STLToday.com

Can Burris Help Man Jailed in Morocco? - MSNBC

Burris mum on pre-need funeral trust matter - SJ-R.com

Touch of irony in Hannig’s statements about Burris - Bernard Shoenburg

Crowd pleasers - Southtown

"ROD BLAGOJEVICH SUPERSTAR!" - Second City e.t.c., Piper's Alley, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: Second City e.t.c. stages this show at 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The production is similar to 1970s rock operas, particularly the Tim Rice-Andrew Lloyd Webber classic "Jesus Christ Superstar." But, in this case, Jesus and Mary Magdalene have been replaced by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife, Patti. And the apostles have turned into the likes of politicians Roland Burris, Patrick Fitzgerald, Dick Mell and Lisa Madigan. Tickets are $14 at (312) 337-3992 secondcity.com. Groups of 16 or more should contact Anna Feneis via e-mail at afeneis (AT) secondcity (DOT) com.

Take back state with vote on Senate seat - Daily Herald

Pols are hip to the square - Politico

Back Home and Back to Work - WSAV-TV

Mr. Popularity - National Post

Burris Added to Special Election Lawsuit - CPR

Burris headlines

UPDATE 9:22 AM Burris “name” recognition no longer worthy of an early lead in the polls - Chicago Argus

Questions for Democrats hang over two Senate seats - Reuters

Appointment process to be scrutinized - The Hill

Two key congressional subcommittees on Wednesday will hear early testimony on a constitutional amendment that would reform the manner in which Senate vacancies are filled.

The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.), would require any senator to be popularly elected. Any Senate vacancy is currently filled by appointment by a state's governor, pursuant to the 17th Amendment.

Dreier and Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) will testify before a joint meeting of two House and Senate subcommittees on the Constitution Wednesday, alongside experts who back some form of altering the manner in which replacement senators assume office.

Feingold and Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) will chair the hearing.

Burris at 5 percent in Illinois Senate poll - The Hill

Burris in 2010? - Sun-Times

Race and 2010 - Capitol Fax

Considering how touchy the race issue has become for the Democrats here, despite or maybe even because of Barack Obama’s election, a lack of African-Americans on the ticket could be a big problem. The race issue could become for the Democrats what the ideological purity issue is for the state Republicans. And parties often lose when their base is divided.

That post is based on this Sun-Times Column:

Dems risk losing African- American vote in 2010 - Mark Brown

Without Burris or Stroger, Democrats run the risk of heading into the November 2010 election with only one African-American candidate -- Secretary of State Jesse White -- for the 11 major state and Cook County offices to be contested.

For a Democratic Party whose success relies in part on racial coalition building, that's a recipe for disaster.

The immediate effect would be a major reduction in voter turnout in the African-American community with the resulting vote loss extending up and down the Democratic ticket. The longer-term impact could be an energized black electorate making its displeasure known in the 2011 city elections.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying this as part of some effort to save Burris or Stroger. Good riddance to both of them.

Nor do I endorse the idea that any elective office belongs to one particular racial or ethnic group -- or political party for that matter -- by dint of its current occupant.

I'm just trying to point out that -- in a world where race still matters in the voting booth, Barack Obama or not -- Illinois Democrats are on the verge of digging themselves a hole and stumbling into it unless they come up with a more inclusive array of candidates.

The Five Percent Option - Progress Illinois

Bad News Burris: Poll Shows Next To No Support in 2010 - Chicagoist

First sign of Burris’ uphill battle - Illinois Issues

Burris headlines

UPDATE 12:31 PM Somebody... Anybody, Please Get some Rope - Atlantic Free Press

The U.S. Senate: African-American trailblazers - The Huntsville Item

UPDATE 12:22 PM Playing the race card today - Clarence Page

UPDATE 12:17 PM Personal Aside: State, National GOP Rising Thanks to Dems. Cobb - Chicago Daily Observer

More contenders emerge for Burris' Senate seat - WBBM-TV

Document on Burris' testimony given to prosecutor - AP

Burris pushes back on more bad news - Politico

Prosecutor seeks Burris tapes - UPI

Burris Survives Removal Attempt, To Face A Daley in 2010 - Chicagoist

Burris, Blago news - Marathon Pundit

Roland Burris Has Enormous...Credentials - Reason

Burris headlines

No backdoor boot for Burris: Special election plans defeated, stalled - Daily Herald

Competition Stepping Up for Burris? - The Atlantic Politics Channel

Daley leaning toward Illinois Senate bid - The Hill

Burris headlines

Rep. Deborah Graham shares her thoughts on Sen. Roland Burris and more - Austin Weekly News

Giannoulias on Burris - SJR.com

State Treasurer ALEXI GIANNOULIAS, who this week formed an exploratory committee for a possible U.S. Senate run, said he still thinks U.S. Sen. ROLAND BURRIS, D-Ill., should step down.

“My position hasn’t changed from Day 1,” Giannoulias said in a telephone interview on Wednesday. “I think the process itself … put Roland Burris in a horrible position.” He said that position has gone from “tainted to contaminated to toxic. … The whole process, from Day 1, has been a mess.”
...
“Political pundits discuss race quite a bit, and its impact on elections,” Giannoulias added. “We saw those theories shattered last fall when people of all races, all religions, came together and voted for the first African-American president of the United States, who was my mentor. … Few people worked harder for Barack Obama than I did.”

Burris Refuses to Resign; Digs In  - Washington Informer

Burris, Arredia Do Care - Journal Online

Joint Hearing Set on Plan to Ban Governors From Appointing Senators - CQ Politics

Or just repeal the 17th Amendment and be done with it!

Calls Fade For Burris' Resignation From Senate - NPR

The one spot where Roland Burris can truly be at peace - Daily Herald

Someone had to go back to talking about this grand mausoleum that Burris has built for himself and his wife.

Pastors want calls for Burris resignation to end - WLS-TV