thedailycaller--2020-12-14--Jalen Hurts Throws For 167 Yards And A Touchdown In His 1st NFL Start

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looked very solid during a 24-21 Sunday win over the New Orleans Saints .
Hurts started his first NFL game Sunday after Carson Wentz was benched in favor of the former Oklahoma and Alabama star .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) After days and days of hype and anticipation , Hurts looked very good throughout the game against New Orleans .
He threw for 167 yards , one touchdown and tacked on an additional 106 yards on the ground .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say it was an impressive first career start .
With only three more games remaining in the regular season , you simply can ’ t go back to Carson Wentz after what we watched Sunday .
You absolutely can ’ t do it .
It ’ d be one thing if the Eagles went out there and got crushed .
That ’ s not what happened .
Hurts led them to a win , and he amped up the ground game by rushing for more than 100 yards .
I would also like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I was big on Hurts entering the 2020 NFL draft when the vast majority of “ experts ” weren ’ t .
I know a winner when I see one , and I love everything about Hurts ’ game and personality .
He ’ s going to be very successful in the NFL for years to come , and the Eagles have to ride with him for the foreseeable future .

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looked very solid during a 24-21 Sunday win over the New Orleans Saints.
Hurts started his first NFL game Sunday after Carson Wentz was benched in favor of the former Oklahoma and Alabama star. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Philadelphia Eagles (@philadelphiaeagles)
After days and days of hype and anticipation, Hurts looked very good throughout the game against New Orleans.
He threw for 167 yards, one touchdown and tacked on an additional 106 yards on the ground. All the way around, you have to say it was an impressive first career start.
Jalen Hurts leads the Eagles in an upset win over the Saints, 24-21 ???? 17/30
273 total yards
1 TDs Philly has their QB of the future? @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/htpGyexI2h — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 14, 2020
With only three more games remaining in the regular season, you simply can’t go back to Carson Wentz after what we watched Sunday.
You absolutely can’t do it. It’d be one thing if the Eagles went out there and got crushed. That’s not what happened.
Hurts led them to a win, and he amped up the ground game by rushing for more than 100 yards.
You literally cannot root against Jalen Hurts. Too good of a story. Too great of an athlete/person. pic.twitter.com/lzjcwtYndC — Simone Eli (@SimoneEli_TV) December 14, 2020
I would also like to take a moment to point out that I was big on Hurts entering the 2020 NFL draft when the vast majority of “experts” weren’t. I know a winner when I see one, and I love everything about Hurts’ game and personality.
He’s going to be very successful in the NFL for years to come, and the Eagles have to ride with him for the foreseeable future.


thedailycaller--2020-12-14--Wisconsin Will Play Loyola Tuesday Night After UNI Game Gets Canceled

The Badgers were supposed to play UNI this Wednesday , but the game has been canceled because of coronavirus issues @ @ @ @ @ Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll now play Loyola this Tuesday night at 8:00 EST on BTN .
@ @ @ @ @ hell out of how fast the Badgers have moved now twice this season when it @ @ @ @ @ .
Wisconsin moved with lightning speed when Louisville had to cancel , and we ended @ @ @ @ @ Now , UNI is out the door because of COVID issues , and Loyola has @ @ @ @ @ hours of notice .
While I fully expect to crush the Ramblers , I have @ @ @ @ @ them for accepting the challenge .
Most teams would want no part of the Badgers @ @ @ @ @ can catch the game at 8:00 EST on BTN .
It ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @

Wisconsin will play Tuesday night against Loyola.
The Badgers were supposed to play UNI this Wednesday, but the game has been canceled because of coronavirus issues. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Wisconsin announced Sunday night that we’ll now play Loyola this Tuesday night at 8:00 EST on BTN.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Basketball (@badgermbb)
You have to respect the hell out of how fast the Badgers have moved now twice this season when it comes to replacing canceled games.
Wisconsin moved with lightning speed when Louisville had to cancel, and we ended up playing Rhode Island.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Basketball (@badgermbb)
Now, UNI is out the door because of COVID issues, and Loyola has accepted the challenge on 48 hours of notice.
While I fully expect to crush the Ramblers, I have to tip my cap to them for accepting the challenge. Most teams would want no part of the Badgers on short notice.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wisconsin Basketball (@badgermbb)
You can catch the game at 8:00 EST on BTN. It’s going to be a fun one.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--School Superintendent Explains How His District Has Made In-Person Learning Possible And Safe For Th

School Superintendent Explains How His District Has Made In-Person Learning Possible And Safe For Thousands Of Students

COVID-19 was a curveball for schools across the world who scrambled to create a plan for students , often shifting learning online .
Many U.S. schools have continued remote learning since the spring , in many cases with limited in-person learning time , citing a lack of precautions put in place that would enable a return .
The Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools in Virginia , however , was able to return most of its more than 16,700 students back to the classroom since July and its superintendent explained to the Daily Caller how coordination between school leaders , teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students made in-person learning a possibility throughout the fall .
Dr. Joseph Vorbach , the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Arlington , told the Caller that two-thirds of parish schools were able to fully open with all students back in the building everyday , or in some cases , 4 out of 5 school days .
The schools did it by examining how schools across the country and world were able to bring students back in a safe manner that would allow for in-person learning while still observing social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it would be possible to reopen the schools within perimeters , so we had at that time been talking with our principals about a variety of things that could happen , ” he said .
“ In a Catholic community like ours , the family and teachers were critical partners , which is true of all education .
But in a model like this , the Catholic mission stands at the forefront and the families are paying families so we have to have a plan that will work.
” With in-school problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principals , it was decided that one-third of schools would use a hybrid model , meaning that on some days , class would be in person while the rest would be distance learning .
Vorbach described an approach that was data-driven and changed depending on community transmission .
Each school in the diocese retrofitted available space to accommodate local health guidelines , an effort that required all hands on deck .
“ All of the plans reflected the size and number of students in the building .
It even included the shape of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space in the building , ” he said .
Teachers , principals , and other school staff have had to get creative and use space to the best of their ability to accommodate the number of students and social distancing guidelines .
“ In one little school in Annandale , they have the gym , which they are using for two grades so that they can accomplish the social distancing they need .
They ’ re also using an audio system to keep the sound level down so the two teachers , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other , with a barrier , can run class without disturbing one another too much.
” From the moment anyone approaches the diocese ’ s schools , these alterations are noticeable .
Upon entry , everyone entering the school must have their temperature checked and is required to complete a survey that asks about COVID-19 symptoms , and whether the individual has been in the presence of anyone with the virus .
“ Then you ’ d see markers on the floor to direct students and maintain traffic patterns , extra hand cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice the distancing of desks , a teacher wearing a mask and a shield , ” Vorbach adds .
In the U.S. , COVID-19 cases surged in November and into December , reaching levels unseen throughout the pandemic .
In Virginia , new cases reached a 7-day average of over 3,800 as of Dec. 13 .
Ahead of Thanksgiving , Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam announced restrictions limiting gatherings to 25 people , and required all Virginians to wear face coverings inside public spaces .
( RELATED : Joe Biden Pledges To Reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Presidency ) Many of the nation ’ s largest school districts closed again in response to the rise in cases .
Some have reopening dates in the new year , but in Chicago , Philadelphia , and Boston , districts haven ’ t determined when students will return to classrooms after putting off plans to reopen in mid-November .
Data accumulated globally has shown that infections didn ’ t surge when schools reopened , even when community transmission was high .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s leading infectious disease expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close in order to control infection rates while not keeping children from the classroom .
Vorbach said school leaders expected there to be cases among students and teachers , and the school ’ s response was developed alongside local health authorities .
When cases are reported , the school conducts an assessment to determine who else the student was proximate to and when they were last in school .
Then , there ’ s a quarantine period .
“ In some cases , a grade was put on quarantine , ” he explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one school switched back to remote learning for a quarantine period because the community transmission rate increased .
As Christmas approaches , he says , the schools expect another wave of traveling , which could mean another shift to remote learning out of caution .
“ No one has approached this with anything but hyper vigilance and awareness .
If there ’ s a potential for something to happen , we address it as quickly as possibly.
” He adds that there have certainly been sacrifices .
Freshman year students haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way students cycle throughout the building , and the myriad of social distancing and sanitation protocols have weighed on everyone , teachers and students alike .
But Vorbach says students have been very compliant with the rules , and are just happy to be back in school after a limbo in the spring and summer that made the prospect of returning uncertain .
Vaccine distribution has also started in the U.S. , offering another source of hope for schools .
“ The hope is that the arrival of the vaccine and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our ability to return to normalcy will have a positive effect on schools .
”

COVID-19 was a curveball for schools across the world who scrambled to create a plan for students, often shifting learning online.
Many U.S. schools have continued remote learning since the spring, in many cases with limited in-person learning time, citing a lack of precautions put in place that would enable a return. The Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools in Virginia, however, was able to return most of its more than 16,700 students back to the classroom since July and its superintendent explained to the Daily Caller how coordination between school leaders, teachers, nurses, local health departments and students made in-person learning a possibility throughout the fall.
Dr. Joseph Vorbach, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Arlington, told the Caller that two-thirds of parish schools were able to fully open with all students back in the building everyday, or in some cases, 4 out of 5 school days. The schools did it by examining how schools across the country and world were able to bring students back in a safe manner that would allow for in-person learning while still observing social distancing rules.
“During July it became clear that it would be possible to reopen the schools within perimeters, so we had at that time been talking with our principals about a variety of things that could happen,” he said.
“In a Catholic community like ours, the family and teachers were critical partners, which is true of all education. But in a model like this, the Catholic mission stands at the forefront and the families are paying families so we have to have a plan that will work.”
With in-school problem solving from faculty, nurses, and principals, it was decided that one-third of schools would use a hybrid model, meaning that on some days, class would be in person while the rest would be distance learning. Vorbach described an approach that was data-driven and changed depending on community transmission.
Each school in the diocese retrofitted available space to accommodate local health guidelines, an effort that required all hands on deck.
“All of the plans reflected the size and number of students in the building. It even included the shape of the building and the ability to repurpose space in the building,” he said.
Teachers, principals, and other school staff have had to get creative and use space to the best of their ability to accommodate the number of students and social distancing guidelines.
“In one little school in Annandale, they have the gym, which they are using for two grades so that they can accomplish the social distancing they need. They’re also using an audio system to keep the sound level down so the two teachers, one on one side and one on the other, with a barrier, can run class without disturbing one another too much.”
From the moment anyone approaches the diocese’s schools, these alterations are noticeable. Upon entry, everyone entering the school must have their temperature checked and is required to complete a survey that asks about COVID-19 symptoms, and whether the individual has been in the presence of anyone with the virus.
“Then you’d see markers on the floor to direct students and maintain traffic patterns, extra hand cleaning stations. You go into classrooms and notice the distancing of desks, a teacher wearing a mask and a shield,” Vorbach adds.
In the U.S., COVID-19 cases surged in November and into December, reaching levels unseen throughout the pandemic. In Virginia, new cases reached a 7-day average of over 3,800 as of Dec. 13. Ahead of Thanksgiving, Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam announced restrictions limiting gatherings to 25 people, and required all Virginians to wear face coverings inside public spaces. (RELATED: Joe Biden Pledges To Reopen Most Schools During First 100 Days Of Presidency)
Many of the nation’s largest school districts closed again in response to the rise in cases. Some have reopening dates in the new year, but in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston, districts haven’t determined when students will return to classrooms after putting off plans to reopen in mid-November.
Data accumulated globally has shown that infections didn’t surge when schools reopened, even when community transmission was high. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, also recommended schools reopen while bars close in order to control infection rates while not keeping children from the classroom.
Vorbach said school leaders expected there to be cases among students and teachers, and the school’s response was developed alongside local health authorities. When cases are reported, the school conducts an assessment to determine who else the student was proximate to and when they were last in school. Then, there’s a quarantine period.
“In some cases, a grade was put on quarantine,” he explained, when a fifth grade class at one school switched back to remote learning for a quarantine period because the community transmission rate increased.
As Christmas approaches, he says, the schools expect another wave of traveling, which could mean another shift to remote learning out of caution.
“No one has approached this with anything but hyper vigilance and awareness. If there’s a potential for something to happen, we address it as quickly as possibly.”
He adds that there have certainly been sacrifices. Freshman year students haven’t met all of their classmates because of the way students cycle throughout the building, and the myriad of social distancing and sanitation protocols have weighed on everyone, teachers and students alike.
But Vorbach says students have been very compliant with the rules, and are just happy to be back in school after a limbo in the spring and summer that made the prospect of returning uncertain. Vaccine distribution has also started in the U.S., offering another source of hope for schools.
“The hope is that the arrival of the vaccine and the impact of the deployment in our area and our ability to return to normalcy will have a positive effect on schools.”


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--We Asked Teachers Unions Nationwide Why They Oppose Reopening Schools. Here’s What They Said

• Teachers unions across the country have consistently advocated for keeping schools closed and continuing virtual class instruction throughout the pandemic , often citing public health guidelines .
• “ We want to keep our kids , families and educators safe when we [ reopen ] , ” Ohio Education Association spokeswoman Katie Olmsted told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
• Advocates for reopening schools , though , have criticized teachers unions as partisan and pointed to data that suggests coronavirus outbreaks are rare in schools .
Teachers unions largely won ’ t explain why they want to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have suggested that schools aren ’ t coronavirus super-spreaders as originally expected and that students ’ performance have suffered in remote environments .
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , elementary and high school students nationwide have been forced to take classes remotely , which has caused many children to fall far behind both on exercise , according to Johns Hopkins University researchers , and classwork , The Washington Post reported .
A New York Times article labeled remote learning among the most “ insidious ” tragedies emerging from the pandemic .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very big deal , ” Matthew Cruger , a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute in Manhattan , told The Times .
( RELATED : ‘ Failure To Lead ’ : NYC Principals Union Votes ‘ No Confidence ’ In Bill De Blasio ) Meanwhile , evidence has suggested schools aren ’ t the super-spreaders that many expected them to be , according to Brown University economist Emily Oster writing in The Atlantic .
Infection rates among students and teachers have been low even in areas with outbreaks .
“ What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Sallie Permar , a Duke University pediatrics and immunology professor , told the Association of American Medical Colleges .
“ The fear that you ’ d have one infected kid come to school , and then you ’ d have many other kids and teachers and relatives [ at home ] get infected — that hasn ’ t happened.
” The Daily Caller News Foundation contacted 15 teachers unions across 12 states affiliated with either the American Federation of Teachers ( AFT ) or the National Education Association .
The DCNF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ openings and what evidence supported that position .
Eight unions did not respond to the DCNF ’ s inquiries , while a ninth , the California Federation of Teachers , declined to comment .
The six unions that did respond stressed the importance of teacher and student safety , but few provided supporting evidence for their preferred policies other than general references to public health guidelines .
“ To be perfectly clear , the 122,000 members of the Ohio Education Association ( OEA ) want more than anything to be educating our children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations consultant Katie Olmsted told the DCNF .
“ But we want to keep our kids , families and educators safe when we do , ” she continued .
( RELATED : Listen To The Science — It ’ s 100 % Clear Kids Should Be In School ) The OEA ’ s board of directors approved a new policy Dec. 3 that consists of halting all in-person instruction throughout Ohio until Jan. 11 , according to a press release .
Schools should only be opened after the local health board determined that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention ( CDC ) guidelines , according to the policy .
CDC guidelines say it is “ critical for schools to open as safely and as quickly as possible for in-person learning.
” The agency recommended that schools adopt mitigation strategies and implement indicators to understand when an outbreak is likely .
A school is at risk of widespread transmission when more than 50 students test positive within a 14-day period and when the test positivity rate surpasses 8 % , CDC guidance said .
The positivity rate of nearly 200,000 students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in September showed a positivity rate of .13 % for students and .24 % for teachers , according to Oster ’ s data .
“ OEA conducted an extensive evaluation of existing research , reviewed CDC and Ohio Department of Health guidance , and conducted numerous conversations with state leaders as well as representatives of the Ohio Chapter of American Association of Pediatrics , ” Olmsted said .
Teachers unions in New York , Illinois , Connecticut , Pennsylvania and Minnesota echoed similar reasoning .
“ Education Minnesota has consistently asked , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary to keep their schools and hospitals from being overwhelmed by the spread of the virus in their local communities , ” Education Minnesota President Denise Specht told the DCNF in a statement .
“ We ’ ve learned that schools aren ’ t islands and educators aren ’ t magically immune to what ’ s happening in their neighborhoods.
” ( RELATED : Chicago Teachers Union Walks Back Statement Blaming ‘ Sexism , Racism And Misogyny ’ For Fueling Push To Reopen Schools ) Specht added that there have been more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Minnesota that can be tracked back to school buildings .
State experts have estimated that ’ s an undercount , according to Specht .
The Minnesota Department of Health releases weekly coronavirus reports , which track infections associated with elementary and high schools .
There have been 10,057 such cases since Aug. 1 , according to the agency ’ s Dec. 10 report .
“ It is absolutely unacceptable for any school district to disregard the advice of medical professionals and scientists during a pandemic and put the safety of students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pennsylvania State Education Association ( PSEA ) President Rich Askey said in a statement provided to the DCNF .
“ Temporarily pausing in-person instruction and transitioning to remote learning will allow students to remain on track academically without any risk to their health , ” he continued .
In November , Askey urged school districts experiencing upticks in new cases to halt in-person learning , according to Penn Live .
Like the PSEA , Illinois unions criticized local districts and demanded schools adhere to strict safety guidelines .
“ School district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois Department of Public Health ( IDPH ) ] guidance and requirements for schools puts the health of our teachers , students , and communities at risk , ” the Illinois Education Association and the Illinois Federation of Teachers said in a statement shared with the DCNF .
But , advocates of reopening schools have criticized unions for using the pandemic for political and financial gain .
( RELATED : Our Kids Are The Hostages — How Teachers Unions Are Using Coronavirus To Try To Line Their Pockets ) Performance data released by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that students who previously performed poorly in class have performed even worse with remote learning .
Students with disabilities and English-language learners have fallen behind the most .
“ Keeping the schools closed is disproportionately harming the least advantaged because advantaged families are forming pandemic pods , ” Corey DeAngelis , director of school choice at the Reason Foundation , told The Daily Caller .
“ It ’ s the least advantaged that are stuck in this scenario where they ’ re stuck in this same system that ’ s just failing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal editorial in August characterized union demands as “ political extortion.
” ( RELATED : School Reopenings Haven ’ t Led To COVID-19 Outbreaks Yet , According To Early Evidence ) Further , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the top U.S. infectious disease expert , said opening schools should be “ the default ” during a Nov. 29 interview with ABC News .
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres warned that school closings could cause a “ a generational catastrophe.
” But unions have remained defiant , saying schools must stay closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety unless districts meet their safety demands .
AFT President Randi Weingarten has even said she supported strikes if schools opened without the right measures in place , according to the U.S. News and World Report .
“ We will fight on all fronts for the safety of our students and their educators , ” Weingarten said , U.S. News reported .
“ But if authorities don ’ t protect the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve , as our executive council voted last week , nothing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Teachers unions across the country have consistently advocated for keeping schools closed and continuing virtual class instruction throughout the pandemic, often citing public health guidelines.
“We want to keep our kids, families and educators safe when we [reopen],” Ohio Education Association spokeswoman Katie Olmsted told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Advocates for reopening schools, though, have criticized teachers unions as partisan and pointed to data that suggests coronavirus outbreaks are rare in schools.
Teachers unions largely won’t explain why they want to keep public education virtual, even though studies have suggested that schools aren’t coronavirus super-spreaders as originally expected and that students’ performance have suffered in remote environments.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, elementary and high school students nationwide have been forced to take classes remotely, which has caused many children to fall far behind both on exercise, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers, and classwork, The Washington Post reported. A New York Times article labeled remote learning among the most “insidious” tragedies emerging from the pandemic.
“For atypically developing kids, it is a very big deal,” Matthew Cruger, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute in Manhattan, told The Times. (RELATED: ‘Failure To Lead’: NYC Principals Union Votes ‘No Confidence’ In Bill De Blasio)
Meanwhile, evidence has suggested schools aren’t the super-spreaders that many expected them to be, according to Brown University economist Emily Oster writing in The Atlantic. Infection rates among students and teachers have been low even in areas with outbreaks.
“What we haven’t seen are super-spreader events,” Sallie Permar, a Duke University pediatrics and immunology professor, told the Association of American Medical Colleges. “The fear that you’d have one infected kid come to school, and then you’d have many other kids and teachers and relatives [at home] get infected — that hasn’t happened.”
The Daily Caller News Foundation contacted 15 teachers unions across 12 states affiliated with either the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) or the National Education Association. The DCNF asked what their positions were regarding school openings and what evidence supported that position.
Eight unions did not respond to the DCNF’s inquiries, while a ninth, the California Federation of Teachers, declined to comment.
The six unions that did respond stressed the importance of teacher and student safety, but few provided supporting evidence for their preferred policies other than general references to public health guidelines.
“To be perfectly clear, the 122,000 members of the Ohio Education Association (OEA) want more than anything to be educating our children face to face,” OEA media relations consultant Katie Olmsted told the DCNF.
“But we want to keep our kids, families and educators safe when we do,” she continued. (RELATED: Listen To The Science — It’s 100% Clear Kids Should Be In School)
The OEA’s board of directors approved a new policy Dec. 3 that consists of halting all in-person instruction throughout Ohio until Jan. 11, according to a press release. Schools should only be opened after the local health board determined that they are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, according to the policy.
CDC guidelines say it is “critical for schools to open as safely and as quickly as possible for in-person learning.” The agency recommended that schools adopt mitigation strategies and implement indicators to understand when an outbreak is likely.
A school is at risk of widespread transmission when more than 50 students test positive within a 14-day period and when the test positivity rate surpasses 8%, CDC guidance said. The positivity rate of nearly 200,000 students over the course of a two-week period in September showed a positivity rate of .13% for students and .24% for teachers, according to Oster’s data.
“OEA conducted an extensive evaluation of existing research, reviewed CDC and Ohio Department of Health guidance, and conducted numerous conversations with state leaders as well as representatives of the Ohio Chapter of American Association of Pediatrics,” Olmsted said.
Teachers unions in New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Minnesota echoed similar reasoning.
“Education Minnesota has consistently asked, even begged, Minnesotans to take the steps necessary to keep their schools and hospitals from being overwhelmed by the spread of the virus in their local communities,” Education Minnesota President Denise Specht told the DCNF in a statement.
“We’ve learned that schools aren’t islands and educators aren’t magically immune to what’s happening in their neighborhoods.” (RELATED: Chicago Teachers Union Walks Back Statement Blaming ‘Sexism, Racism And Misogyny’ For Fueling Push To Reopen Schools)
Specht added that there have been more than 10,000 coronavirus cases among educators and students in Minnesota that can be tracked back to school buildings. State experts have estimated that’s an undercount, according to Specht.
The Minnesota Department of Health releases weekly coronavirus reports, which track infections associated with elementary and high schools. There have been 10,057 such cases since Aug. 1, according to the agency’s Dec. 10 report.
“It is absolutely unacceptable for any school district to disregard the advice of medical professionals and scientists during a pandemic and put the safety of students, staff, and their families at risk,” Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) President Rich Askey said in a statement provided to the DCNF.
“Temporarily pausing in-person instruction and transitioning to remote learning will allow students to remain on track academically without any risk to their health,” he continued.
In November, Askey urged school districts experiencing upticks in new cases to halt in-person learning, according to Penn Live.
Like the PSEA, Illinois unions criticized local districts and demanded schools adhere to strict safety guidelines.
“School district failure to implement and enforce the [Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)] guidance and requirements for schools puts the health of our teachers, students, and communities at risk,” the Illinois Education Association and the Illinois Federation of Teachers said in a statement shared with the DCNF.
But, advocates of reopening schools have criticized unions for using the pandemic for political and financial gain. (RELATED: Our Kids Are The Hostages — How Teachers Unions Are Using Coronavirus To Try To Line Their Pockets)
Performance data released by Virginia’s largest school system showed that students who previously performed poorly in class have performed even worse with remote learning. Students with disabilities and English-language learners have fallen behind the most.
“Keeping the schools closed is disproportionately harming the least advantaged because advantaged families are forming pandemic pods,” Corey DeAngelis, director of school choice at the Reason Foundation, told The Daily Caller. “It’s the least advantaged that are stuck in this scenario where they’re stuck in this same system that’s just failing them more and more every year.”
A Wall Street Journal editorial in August characterized union demands as “political extortion.” (RELATED: School Reopenings Haven’t Led To COVID-19 Outbreaks Yet, According To Early Evidence)
Further, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said opening schools should be “the default” during a Nov. 29 interview with ABC News. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres warned that school closings could cause a “a generational catastrophe.”
But unions have remained defiant, saying schools must stay closed for the sake of teacher and student safety unless districts meet their safety demands. AFT President Randi Weingarten has even said she supported strikes if schools opened without the right measures in place, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
“We will fight on all fronts for the safety of our students and their educators,” Weingarten said, U.S. News reported. “But if authorities don’t protect the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve, as our executive council voted last week, nothing is off the table.”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--Nation Of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan Calls The Vaccine ‘Toxic Waste,’ Refers To White People As ‘C

Nation Of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan Calls The Vaccine ‘Toxic Waste,’ Refers To White People As ‘Crackers’

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan advised his followers against coronavirus vaccination in a speech Saturday , calling the breakthrough vaccine “ toxic waste ” that would harm the black community .
Farrakhan , 87 , also sprinkled several anti-white pejoratives throughout his 70-minute speech , referring to white people as “ crackers ” and “ devils.
” “ We are so frightened over this Covid , now they ’ re getting us ready for this vaccine , ” Farrakhan said at a virtual event for the National Afrikan/Black Leadership Summit .
“ How could you allow him to stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s helping you ?
” Farrakhan ’ s diatribe came a day before Pfizer began shipping millions of doses of its coronavirus vaccine to health facilities across the country .
The first shots were administered to health care workers on Monday .
Health experts have expressed concerns that members of minority groups , who have tended to be at higher risk of serious illness from coronavirus , will avoid taking the vaccine due to distrust of the medical profession and the government .
( RELATED : Farrakhan Accuses Fauci And Bill Gates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ With Coronavirus Vaccine ) Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Monday called for a program aimed at alleviating fears in minority communities about vaccines .
“ We know that lack of trust is a major cause for reluctance , especially in communities of color , ” Adams , who is black , said at a press conference on Monday , according to The Hill .
“ And that lack of trust is not without good reason , as the Tuskegee studies occurred in our lifetimes.
” Adams was referring to the Tuskegee syphilis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the 1930s through the 1970s in which the U.S. government infected African-Americans with syphilis to study the disease .
According to a poll released by Pew Research on Dec. 3 , just 42 % of black Americans plan to get the coronavirus vaccine , compared to 61 % of whites and 83 % of Asians .
The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization on Friday to distribute the Pfizer vaccine .
Clinical trials found that the vaccine prevented illness from coronavirus in more than 95 % of test patients .
Pfizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side effects in patients during the trials .
Farrakhan dismissed the research findings , and urged his followers who work in health care to reject the vaccine .
“ Those of you who are health professionals , they want you to take it first , ” he said .
“ You notice they ’ re offering you money now ?
This devil…offers you $ 1,000 or $ 1,500 to take a shot .
They give you free shots of toxic waste.
” Farrakhan appeared to be referring to a proposal from former Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,500 to get vaccinated .
Farrakhan referred to white people as “ devils ” earlier in his remarks .
In his speech , Farrakhan mocked proposals to require children to receive vaccines in order to return to school .
“ Tell the cracker : I ain ’ t coming to your school , ” he added , using a common anti-white pejorative .
Farrakhan , a longtime vaccine skeptic , advised his supporters against vaccination for coronavirus during a speech on July 4 .
He said the vaccine was part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gates to “ depopulate the earth.
” During his speech Saturday Farrakhan said that YouTube had removed video of his anti-vaccine remarks from the July 4 event .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan advised his followers against coronavirus vaccination in a speech Saturday, calling the breakthrough vaccine “toxic waste” that would harm the black community.
Farrakhan, 87, also sprinkled several anti-white pejoratives throughout his 70-minute speech, referring to white people as “crackers” and “devils.”
“We are so frightened over this Covid, now they’re getting us ready for this vaccine,” Farrakhan said at a virtual event for the National Afrikan/Black Leadership Summit.
“How could you allow him to stick a needle into you, saying he’s helping you?”
Farrakhan’s diatribe came a day before Pfizer began shipping millions of doses of its coronavirus vaccine to health facilities across the country. The first shots were administered to health care workers on Monday.
Health experts have expressed concerns that members of minority groups, who have tended to be at higher risk of serious illness from coronavirus, will avoid taking the vaccine due to distrust of the medical profession and the government. (RELATED: Farrakhan Accuses Fauci And Bill Gates Of Plotting To ‘Depopulate The Earth’ With Coronavirus Vaccine)
Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Monday called for a program aimed at alleviating fears in minority communities about vaccines.
“We know that lack of trust is a major cause for reluctance, especially in communities of color,” Adams, who is black, said at a press conference on Monday, according to The Hill.
“And that lack of trust is not without good reason, as the Tuskegee studies occurred in our lifetimes.”
Adams was referring to the Tuskegee syphilis studies, a U.S. government research program that ran from the 1930s through the 1970s in which scientists studying the effects of untreated syphilis in African-American men withheld treatments for the disease from study participants.
According to a poll released by Pew Research on Dec. 3, just 42% of black Americans plan to get the coronavirus vaccine, compared to 61% of whites and 83% of Asians.
The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization on Friday to distribute the Pfizer vaccine. Clinical trials found that the vaccine prevented illness from coronavirus in more than 95% of test patients. Pfizer also said that there were no serious side effects in patients during the trials.
Farrakhan dismissed the research findings, and urged his followers who work in health care to reject the vaccine.
“Those of you who are health professionals, they want you to take it first,” he said.
“You notice they’re offering you money now? This devil…offers you $1,000 or $1,500 to take a shot. They give you free shots of toxic waste.”
Farrakhan appeared to be referring to a proposal from former Democratic presidential candidate John Delany to pay people $1,500 to get vaccinated.
Farrakhan referred to white people as “devils” earlier in his remarks.
WATCH:
In his speech, Farrakhan mocked proposals to require children to receive vaccines in order to return to school.
“What a blessing,” Farrakhan said.
“Tell the cracker: I ain’t coming to your school,” he added, using a common anti-white pejorative.
Farrakhan, a longtime vaccine skeptic, advised his supporters against vaccination for coronavirus during a speech on July 4. He said the vaccine was part of a plot orchestrated by Anthony Fauci and Bill Gates to “depopulate the earth.”
During his speech Saturday Farrakhan said that YouTube had removed video of his anti-vaccine remarks from the July 4 event.
Correction: The original version of this article inaccurately characterized the Tuskegee research program. Researchers failed to provide known treatments to African-American syphilis to participants in the study.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--Winning Elections Won’t Fix Our Broken Legislature

One of the biggest cliches in politics is that the Democratic and Republican parties are polarized ideologically .
If there is one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on these days , it ’ s that there aren ’ t many things on which they agree .
Polarization ’ s consequences are especially evident on Capitol Hill , where lawmakers regularly call for action in Congress to address pressing problems and then refuse to compromise with one another to advance legislation that solves them .
Lawmakers reflexively blame their partisan rivals for the gridlock that results instead of engaging in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions suggest that they can ’ t legislate until voters defeat their partisan opponents at the ballot box .
This shared outlook demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans have more in common than many presently assume .
They agree that parties that win elections win the opportunity to make policy and that parties that lose elections lose that opportunity .
While this view is correct to the extent that winning elections is a necessary part of lawmaking , it overlooks what happens in-between elections when lawmakers gather in Congress to legislate .
Partisan agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy process ’ s primary driver is apparent in how Democrats and Republicans alike understood the stakes of the 2020 presidential contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump .
While they disagreed on which candidate should win , they agreed on the consequences if their favored candidate lost .
The parties also agree on the importance of next month ’ s special elections to fill Georgia ’ s two Senate seats .
If Republicans win at least one of the races , they will retain their majority in the Senate next year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an evenly divided Senate if they win both races , thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris ’ s tie-breaking vote .
( RELATED : VON SPAKOVSKY : How To Make Sure The 2020 Election Never Happens Again ) There are , admittedly , important differences between the Democratic candidates ( Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock ) and the Republican candidates ( David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler ) in the two Georgia special elections .
But it is not apparent that a victory of one over the other will have a meaningful impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ function .
This is because party control in a narrowly ( or evenly ) divided Senate will not significantly alter what senators do and how they do it .
Absent other developments , the status quo will persist even though millions of people from across the political spectrum , and hailing from all walks of life , are frustrated with it and the gridlock in Congress that has become its defining feature .
Of course , this does not mean that the political status quo can ’ t change .
Control of Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Republicans .
And either party can influence the composition and direction of the federal judiciary if vacancies on the bench happen to occur when it controls the presidency and the Senate at the same time .
But the bipartisan support that most of Donald Trump ’ s judicial nominations received over the past four years suggests that the rhetoric surrounding the confirmation process does not always align with its reality .
And recent court decisions demonstrate that a party can ’ t guarantee how nominees will decide cases once the Senate confirms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alike think the Georgia special elections are important because party control of the Senate impacts the institution ’ s ability to confirm the people that Biden nominates to serve in his administration and in the federal judiciary .
Reflecting the significance of controlling the executive branch and the courts , electoral politics has become the primary lens through which we see and understand politics .
Consider how most lawmakers approach their job today .
They typically view electoral competition and campaigning for reelection as the primary focus of their attention while in office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a constant concern of members throughout American history , there is reason to believe that the nature of that concern has changed in recent decades .
Where the need for reelection in the past may have been understood in terms of the individual member and his or her constituency , it is increasingly seen through the lens of the political party today .
Maintaining ( or regaining ) the majority in the House and Senate appears to be the ultimate end of lawmakers ’ efforts .
Their actions ( or lack thereof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything else under this need , including their policy goals and , in the process , the very idea of representative government .
Congress isn ’ t likely to change regardless of which party controls the Senate , because lawmakers no longer see the House and Senate as the preeminent venue where they engage in politics on behalf of the people they represent to resolve their differences and compromise .
There appears to be bipartisan agreement that administrative agencies and courts in the federal judiciary are more appropriate venues for making controversial decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branches of government make controversial decisions makes it easier for their parties to maintain unity and win elections .
The reality of such an agreement is itself evidence that the locus of the government ’ s decision-making has shifted from the legislative to the executive and judicial branches .
This shift has profound implications for the health of the American republic .
Far from being the preeminent branch of government originally envisioned by the Framers of the Constitution , Congress at present is a phantom whose presence is felt only by its absence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s House and Senate with the institutions described by James Madison in the Federalist 48 : “ The legislative department is every where extending the sphere of its activity , and drawing all power into its impetuous vortex.
” Albeit in different ways , both administrative agencies and the courts make decisions by substituting bureaucratic expertise or a self-evident authority for the messy realities of self-government in a democratic republic like the United States .
In doing so , they have the effect of expunging the concept of legitimate political conflict from politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expertise or pursuant to a higher authority are final .
They require those who were on the losing side to accept the illegitimacy of their original claims .
When conflict and the underlying disagreement out of which it arises are no longer characteristic of government action , politics itself ceases and gives way to rule .
At that point , the political process is transformed into a struggle for dominance of the government .
When that happens , the American people lose their ability to inform their rulers ’ decisions .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials in the executive and judicial branches accountable as easily as their elected representatives in the legislative branch .
Conversely , officials in the executive and judicial branches are unable to legitimize the decisions they make .
To do that , they need the active involvement of legislators in the lawmaking process .
Without them , the link between citizens and their government is effectively severed .
( RELATED : DEMINT : Congress Threatens To Relapse Into An Old Addiction ) The polarization cliche demonstrates that while Democrats and Republicans may disagree on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they agree — how politics works — are responsible for the gridlock in Congress .
This is because they see elections as the policy process ’ s primary driver and try to minimize their intra-party divisions to win them .
In doing so , lawmakers in both parties have encouraged Congress to shift its responsibilities to the president and the courts .
While this may be expedient in the near term , it undermines representative government in the long term .
And it makes it harder for people opposed to the status quo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , electoral politics is by itself insufficient for genuinely changing the status quo .
Overcoming gridlock in Congress instead requires looking beyond the daily posturing that characterizes lawmakers ’ activities to better understand why they , either consciously or subconsciously , perceive the conflict that arises from genuine deliberation as something to be avoided at all costs .
Lawmakers and the people they represent must change how they think about politics and the role conflict plays in making it work ; the role it plays in facilitating compromise inside the House and Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persist regardless of who wins elections as long as the Democratic and Republican parties agree on how politics works .
Dr. James Wallner is the Resident Senior Fellow for Governance at The R Street Institute .
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

One of the biggest cliches in politics is that the Democratic and Republican parties are polarized ideologically. If there is one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on these days, it’s that there aren’t many things on which they agree. Polarization’s consequences are especially evident on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers regularly call for action in Congress to address pressing problems and then refuse to compromise with one another to advance legislation that solves them. Lawmakers reflexively blame their partisan rivals for the gridlock that results instead of engaging in the hard work of legislating. Their actions suggest that they can’t legislate until voters defeat their partisan opponents at the ballot box.
This shared outlook demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans have more in common than many presently assume. They agree that parties that win elections win the opportunity to make policy and that parties that lose elections lose that opportunity. While this view is correct to the extent that winning elections is a necessary part of lawmaking, it overlooks what happens in-between elections when lawmakers gather in Congress to legislate.
Partisan agreement on the importance of elections as the policy process’s primary driver is apparent in how Democrats and Republicans alike understood the stakes of the 2020 presidential contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. While they disagreed on which candidate should win, they agreed on the consequences if their favored candidate lost. The parties also agree on the importance of next month’s special elections to fill Georgia’s two Senate seats. If Republicans win at least one of the races, they will retain their majority in the Senate next year. However, Democrats will take control of an evenly divided Senate if they win both races, thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris’s tie-breaking vote. (RELATED: VON SPAKOVSKY: How To Make Sure The 2020 Election Never Happens Again)
There are, admittedly, important differences between the Democratic candidates (Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock) and the Republican candidates (David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler) in the two Georgia special elections. But it is not apparent that a victory of one over the other will have a meaningful impact on how the Senate, and Congress, function. This is because party control in a narrowly (or evenly) divided Senate will not significantly alter what senators do and how they do it. Absent other developments, the status quo will persist even though millions of people from across the political spectrum, and hailing from all walks of life, are frustrated with it and the gridlock in Congress that has become its defining feature.
Of course, this does not mean that the political status quo can’t change. Control of Congress and the presidency frequently alternates between Democrats and Republicans. And either party can influence the composition and direction of the federal judiciary if vacancies on the bench happen to occur when it controls the presidency and the Senate at the same time. But the bipartisan support that most of Donald Trump’s judicial nominations received over the past four years suggests that the rhetoric surrounding the confirmation process does not always align with its reality. And recent court decisions demonstrate that a party can’t guarantee how nominees will decide cases once the Senate confirms them. Still, Democrats and Republicans alike think the Georgia special elections are important because party control of the Senate impacts the institution’s ability to confirm the people that Biden nominates to serve in his administration and in the federal judiciary.
Reflecting the significance of controlling the executive branch and the courts, electoral politics has become the primary lens through which we see and understand politics. Consider how most lawmakers approach their job today. They typically view electoral competition and campaigning for reelection as the primary focus of their attention while in office. While the need for reelection has been a constant concern of members throughout American history, there is reason to believe that the nature of that concern has changed in recent decades. Where the need for reelection in the past may have been understood in terms of the individual member and his or her constituency, it is increasingly seen through the lens of the political party today. Maintaining (or regaining) the majority in the House and Senate appears to be the ultimate end of lawmakers’ efforts. Their actions (or lack thereof) inside Congress suggests that they subsume everything else under this need, including their policy goals and, in the process, the very idea of representative government.
Congress isn’t likely to change regardless of which party controls the Senate, because lawmakers no longer see the House and Senate as the preeminent venue where they engage in politics on behalf of the people they represent to resolve their differences and compromise. There appears to be bipartisan agreement that administrative agencies and courts in the federal judiciary are more appropriate venues for making controversial decisions. Lawmakers believe that letting the other branches of government make controversial decisions makes it easier for their parties to maintain unity and win elections. The reality of such an agreement is itself evidence that the locus of the government’s decision-making has shifted from the legislative to the executive and judicial branches.
This shift has profound implications for the health of the American republic. Far from being the preeminent branch of government originally envisioned by the Framers of the Constitution, Congress at present is a phantom whose presence is felt only by its absence. For example, contrast today’s House and Senate with the institutions described by James Madison in the Federalist 48: “The legislative department is every where extending the sphere of its activity, and drawing all power into its impetuous vortex.”
Albeit in different ways, both administrative agencies and the courts make decisions by substituting bureaucratic expertise or a self-evident authority for the messy realities of self-government in a democratic republic like the United States. In doing so, they have the effect of expunging the concept of legitimate political conflict from politics altogether. Decisions made by virtue of expertise or pursuant to a higher authority are final. They require those who were on the losing side to accept the illegitimacy of their original claims.
When conflict and the underlying disagreement out of which it arises are no longer characteristic of government action, politics itself ceases and gives way to rule. At that point, the political process is transformed into a struggle for dominance of the government. When that happens, the American people lose their ability to inform their rulers’ decisions. This is because the people can’t hold officials in the executive and judicial branches accountable as easily as their elected representatives in the legislative branch. Conversely, officials in the executive and judicial branches are unable to legitimize the decisions they make. To do that, they need the active involvement of legislators in the lawmaking process. Without them, the link between citizens and their government is effectively severed. (RELATED: DEMINT: Congress Threatens To Relapse Into An Old Addiction)
The polarization cliche demonstrates that while Democrats and Republicans may disagree on many things, the things on which they agree — how politics works — are responsible for the gridlock in Congress. This is because they see elections as the policy process’s primary driver and try to minimize their intra-party divisions to win them. In doing so, lawmakers in both parties have encouraged Congress to shift its responsibilities to the president and the courts. While this may be expedient in the near term, it undermines representative government in the long term. And it makes it harder for people opposed to the status quo to change it.
Given these contradictions, electoral politics is by itself insufficient for genuinely changing the status quo. Overcoming gridlock in Congress instead requires looking beyond the daily posturing that characterizes lawmakers’ activities to better understand why they, either consciously or subconsciously, perceive the conflict that arises from genuine deliberation as something to be avoided at all costs. Lawmakers and the people they represent must change how they think about politics and the role conflict plays in making it work; the role it plays in facilitating compromise inside the House and Senate. The status quo in Congress will persist regardless of who wins elections as long as the Democratic and Republican parties agree on how politics works.
Dr. James Wallner is the Resident Senior Fellow for Governance at The R Street Institute.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--FACT CHECK: Did NASA Announce That Earth Will ‘Go Dark For 6 Days In December’?

An article shared on Facebook claims NASA announced that “ the world will experience total darkness between December 16 – December 22 , 2020.
” There is no record of NASA making any such statement .
The false claim has circulated several times in recent years , according to a NASA spokesperson .
The article , titled “ ALERT : NASA Confirms Earth Will Go Dark For 6 Days In December 2020 , ” was published on the news blog Daily Buzz Live , and claims NASA has announced the world will experience six days of total darkness due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block the sun .
A video of former NASA administrator Charles Bolden encouraging families to practice emergency preparedness is embedded in the article .
“ The world will remain dark for these 6 days , completely void of sunlight , due to a solar storm which will cause dust and space debris to block 90 % of the sun , ” the article reads , in part .
“ Bolden urges American ’ s ( sic ) to remain calm as we experience the largest solar storm our solar system has seen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no record of NASA announcing six days without light between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22 .
If NASA had made such an announcement , media outlets would have almost certainly reported on it , yet none appear to have done so .
A search of NASA ’ s website likewise found no announcements about an alleged solar storm blocking the sun ’ s light .
Tabatha Thompson , a spokesperson for NASA , confirmed in an email to the DCNF that the story is a hoax , noting it “ has circulated off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that NASA “ has not issued any statement with that false claim.
” ( RELATED : Did NASA Announce A 13th Zodiac Sign ? )
While Bolden does , in fact , tell Americans that they should have an emergency preparedness plan in the video , at no point does he mention anything about preparing for the earth to experience six days of darkness .
The video , which is several years old , appears to be unrelated to the article .
Bolden is no longer the NASA administrator , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from July 2009 until he resigned in January 2017 , according to his biography on NASA ’ s website .
The current NASA administrator is Jim Bridenstine .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ] .

An article shared on Facebook claims NASA announced that “the world will experience total darkness between December 16 – December 22, 2020.”
Verdict: False
There is no record of NASA making any such statement. The false claim has circulated several times in recent years, according to a NASA spokesperson.
Fact Check:
The article, titled “ALERT: NASA Confirms Earth Will Go Dark For 6 Days In December 2020,” was published on the news blog Daily Buzz Live, and claims NASA has announced the world will experience six days of total darkness due to a solar storm causing space debris to block the sun. A video of former NASA administrator Charles Bolden encouraging families to practice emergency preparedness is embedded in the article.
“The world will remain dark for these 6 days, completely void of sunlight, due to a solar storm which will cause dust and space debris to block 90% of the sun,” the article reads, in part. “Bolden urges American’s (sic) to remain calm as we experience the largest solar storm our solar system has seen in 250 years.”
However, there is no record of NASA announcing six days without light between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22. If NASA had made such an announcement, media outlets would have almost certainly reported on it, yet none appear to have done so. A search of NASA’s website likewise found no announcements about an alleged solar storm blocking the sun’s light.
Tabatha Thompson, a spokesperson for NASA, confirmed in an email to the DCNF that the story is a hoax, noting it “has circulated off and on during the last decade” and that NASA “has not issued any statement with that false claim.” (RELATED: Did NASA Announce A 13th Zodiac Sign?)
While Bolden does, in fact, tell Americans that they should have an emergency preparedness plan in the video, at no point does he mention anything about preparing for the earth to experience six days of darkness. The video, which is several years old, appears to be unrelated to the article.
Bolden is no longer the NASA administrator, as the article claims. He was the administrator from July 2009 until he resigned in January 2017, according to his biography on NASA’s website. The current NASA administrator is Jim Bridenstine.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--Biden Tears Into Trump While Reacting To Electoral College Win: ‘A Position So Extreme, We’ve Never

Biden Tears Into Trump While Reacting To Electoral College Win: ‘A Position So Extreme, We’ve Never Seen It Before’

President-elect Joe Biden harshly criticized President Donald Trump while reacting to the certification of his Electoral College victory in the 2020 election .
Biden , speaking Monday in Wilmington , Delaware , stated that states electors ’ Monday votes prove that “ not even a pandemic or an abuse of power , can extinguish that flame.
” He went on to note that Trump “ brought dozens and dozens and dozens of legal challenges to test the result.
” “ They were heard again and again , ” Biden continued , “ and each of the times they were heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ( RELATED : California Electors Push Joe Biden Over 270 Vote Threshold , Delivering Him The Presidency ) He called the Trump campaign ’ s strategy , and that of supporters in Texas and other states , “ a position so extreme , we ’ ve never seen it before.
” “ Respecting the will of the people is at the heart of our democracy , even if we find those results hard to accept , ” Biden stated .
“ That ’ s the duty owed to the people , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know , in this battle for the soul of America democracy prevailed .
We the people voted .
Faith in our institutions held .
The integrity of our elections remains intact.
” You can watch the entire speech below .

President-elect Joe Biden harshly criticized President Donald Trump while reacting to the certification of his Electoral College victory in the 2020 election.
Biden, speaking Monday in Wilmington, Delaware, stated that states electors’ Monday votes prove that “not even a pandemic or an abuse of power, can extinguish that flame.”
WATCH:
He went on to note that Trump “brought dozens and dozens and dozens of legal challenges to test the result.”
“They were heard again and again,” Biden continued, “and each of the times they were heard they were found to be without merit.” (RELATED: California Electors Push Joe Biden Over 270 Vote Threshold, Delivering Him The Presidency)
He called the Trump campaign’s strategy, and that of supporters in Texas and other states, “a position so extreme, we’ve never seen it before.”
“Respecting the will of the people is at the heart of our democracy, even if we find those results hard to accept,” Biden stated. “That’s the duty owed to the people, to our constitution, to our history. You know, in this battle for the soul of America democracy prevailed. We the people voted. Faith in our institutions held. The integrity of our elections remains intact.”
WATCH:
You can watch the entire speech below.
WATCH:


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--Proud Boys Outnumbered Anti-Trump Protesters 6 To 1 During Hectic DC Demonstrations, Police Say

Self-identified members of the Proud Boys outnumbered anti-President Donald Trump protesters around six or seven to one in Washington , D.C. on Saturday night , Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham said Monday .
Several incidents including fisticuffs , assaults and a stabbing occurred between pro and anti-Trump supporters , Newsham said in a joint press conference with the D.C mayor .
“ What we saw when we did have conflict , there appeared to be mutual combatants on the scene .
We had large numbers of folks who self-identified as Proud Boy , I don ’ t think we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the District of Columbia before , ” Newsham said .
“ We had smaller numbers , in my estimation , of folks who I would describe as anti-Trump groups .
It was probably a ratio of about six or seven to one , so it was really incumbent upon us to ensure that everybody was safe in this environment , ” Newsham said .
Trump supporters held an event similar to the “ Millions MAGA March ” that occurred on Nov. 14 which drew a crowd of anti-Trump protesters at Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fights broke out throughout the day , though Newsham said there “ seemed to be mutual combatants ” where confrontations occurred .
“ We anticipated that there was going to be conflicts coming up this weekend , what we do at the police department is we try to prevent that from occurring .
We try to be there , we try to get between opposing groups particularly when it results in physical confrontation , ” Newsham said .
“ It ’ s very difficult when a confrontation like that occurs to determine who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get involved , they break it up , if people can be appropriately charged then they ’ re placed under arrest , ” Newsham said .
“ I think it ’ s unfortunate if somebody feels like somebody was treated differently but there was no intention by the police department to treat anybody any differently from anybody else .
Our intention was to prevent folks from getting hurt , ” he said .
Four people were stabbed on Saturday night , and one nearly died from critical injuries , according to Newsham .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chased Out Of Black Lives Matter Plaza During Chaotic Demonstrations In Washington , DC ) Over 30 people were arrested in connection with protests on Saturday , Newsham said .
Eleven were arrested for simple assault , 10 for assaulting a police officer , one for assault with a dangerous weapon , six for disorderly conduct , two for weapons violations , two for release violations and one for resisting arrest .
Eight police officers were injured , and one officer sustained multiple face fractures and lacerations , according to Newsham .
Content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Self-identified members of the Proud Boys outnumbered anti-President Donald Trump protesters around six or seven to one in Washington, D.C. on Saturday night, Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham said Monday.
Several incidents including fisticuffs, assaults and a stabbing occurred between pro and anti-Trump supporters, Newsham said in a joint press conference with the D.C mayor.
“What we saw when we did have conflict, there appeared to be mutual combatants on the scene. We had large numbers of folks who self-identified as Proud Boy, I don’t think we’ve had those types of numbers in the District of Columbia before,” Newsham said.
“We had smaller numbers, in my estimation, of folks who I would describe as anti-Trump groups. It was probably a ratio of about six or seven to one, so it was really incumbent upon us to ensure that everybody was safe in this environment,” Newsham said.
LIVE: Situational update December 14. https://t.co/8knZKY1mrz — Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) December 14, 2020
Trump supporters held an event similar to the “Millions MAGA March” that occurred on Nov. 14 which drew a crowd of anti-Trump protesters at Black Lives Matter Plaza, in Washington, D.C. Several fights broke out throughout the day, though Newsham said there “seemed to be mutual combatants” where confrontations occurred.
“We anticipated that there was going to be conflicts coming up this weekend, what we do at the police department is we try to prevent that from occurring. We try to be there, we try to get between opposing groups particularly when it results in physical confrontation,” Newsham said.
“It’s very difficult when a confrontation like that occurs to determine who is on what side. The police get involved, they break it up, if people can be appropriately charged then they’re placed under arrest,” Newsham said. “I think it’s unfortunate if somebody feels like somebody was treated differently but there was no intention by the police department to treat anybody any differently from anybody else. Our intention was to prevent folks from getting hurt,” he said.
Four people were stabbed on Saturday night, and one nearly died from critical injuries, according to Newsham. (RELATED: PHOTOS: Trump Supporters Chased Out Of Black Lives Matter Plaza During Chaotic Demonstrations In Washington, DC)
Over 30 people were arrested in connection with protests on Saturday, Newsham said. Eleven were arrested for simple assault, 10 for assaulting a police officer, one for assault with a dangerous weapon, six for disorderly conduct, two for weapons violations, two for release violations and one for resisting arrest.
Eight police officers were injured, and one officer sustained multiple face fractures and lacerations, according to Newsham.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--FACT CHECK: Did Trump Tweet That He Is ‘Considering A Full Pardon’ For Bill Cosby?

An image shared on Facebook purportedly shows a tweet from President Donald Trump that states he is “ considering a FULL PARDON ” for actor Bill Cosby .
There is no record of Trump sending or deleting the tweet .
It appears to be fabricated .
Multiple Facebook users have shared the image of the supposed Dec. 14 tweet from Trump that talks about a possible pardon for Cosby .
One user sharing the image called it a “ slap in the face for the COSBY Victims.
” “ Among others , I am considering a FULL PARDON for America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cosby who is in all likelihood totally innocent , ” reads the alleged tweet .
“ Sad we live in a country where great men like ‘ Dr ’ Cosby are in prison and crooked Hillary is not !
” ( RELATED : Did Elizabeth Trump Grau Send This Tweet In Support Of Her Brother , Donald Trump ? )
In 2018 , Cosby , who has denied wrongdoing , was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004 , according to CNN .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard the former actor ’ s appeal about the trial judge ’ s decision to allow the testimony of five other accusers during his 2018 trial , The Associated Press reported .
There is no evidence Trump tweeted that he is considering granting Cosby a pardon .
A search of his Twitter accounts – @ realDonaldTrump and @ POTUS – turned up no matches .
ProPublica ’ s archive of his deleted tweets also shows no record of him deleting it .
Had Trump tweeted such a thing , major media outlets would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The tweet appears to be fabricated .
Trump most recently on Nov. 25 pardoned his former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn , according to the Justice Department ’ s list of his pardons .
Flynn had twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI regarding his communications with a former Russian ambassador but had since sought to withdraw the plea , Reuters reported .

An image shared on Facebook purportedly shows a tweet from President Donald Trump that states he is “considering a FULL PARDON” for actor Bill Cosby.
Verdict: False
There is no record of Trump sending or deleting the tweet. It appears to be fabricated.
Fact Check:
Multiple Facebook users have shared the image of the supposed Dec. 14 tweet from Trump that talks about a possible pardon for Cosby. One user sharing the image called it a “slap in the face for the COSBY Victims.”
“Among others, I am considering a FULL PARDON for America’s Dad, the great Bill Cosby who is in all likelihood totally innocent,” reads the alleged tweet. “Sad we live in a country where great men like ‘Dr’ Cosby are in prison and crooked Hillary is not!” (RELATED: Did Elizabeth Trump Grau Send This Tweet In Support Of Her Brother, Donald Trump?)
In 2018, Cosby, who has denied wrongdoing, was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004, according to CNN. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Dec. 1 heard the former actor’s appeal about the trial judge’s decision to allow the testimony of five other accusers during his 2018 trial, The Associated Press reported.
There is no evidence Trump tweeted that he is considering granting Cosby a pardon. A search of his Twitter accounts – @realDonaldTrump and @POTUS – turned up no matches. ProPublica’s archive of his deleted tweets also shows no record of him deleting it. Had Trump tweeted such a thing, major media outlets would have covered it, yet none have. The tweet appears to be fabricated.
Trump most recently on Nov. 25 pardoned his former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, according to the Justice Department’s list of his pardons. Flynn had twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI regarding his communications with a former Russian ambassador but had since sought to withdraw the plea, Reuters reported.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--Recall Newsom Campaign Grows Stronger Because Of Coronavirus Lockdowns, Organizers Say

Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom is locking down certain regions of the state in response to increasing COVID-19 cases .
But , a growing number of Californians are pushing back by signing a petition to recall Newsom , Fox News reports .
Organizers of the campaign to recall Newsom told Fox News they ’ ve gathered more than half the number of signatures required to put the measure on the ballot .
In total , the recall campaign needs around 1.5 million signatures by mid-March of 2021 , according to the recall campaigns website .
If the recall campaign meets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would hold a special election in the middle of 2021 , according to Fox News .
Randy Economy , a senior adviser to the recall Gavin Newsom 2020 official campaign , says the recall effort has garnered nearly 850,000 signatures as of Monday , according to Fox News .
At this pace , Economy says the campaign hopes to have enough signatures by some time in January .
( RELATED : Here Are Some Of The Politicians Who Have Been Caught Violating Their Own Coronavirus Rules Before Thanksgiving ) “ [ Newsom ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , ” Economy told Fox News in response to Newsom ’ s coronavirus response because of the impact it has had on small businesses in the state .
If the recall campaign reaches critical mass , Newsom will have to defend his record of handling the coronavirus against new challengers .
Newsom recently had to apologize for breaking his own coronavirus restrictions after he faced harsh criticism for dining indoors .

Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom is locking down certain regions of the state in response to increasing COVID-19 cases. But, a growing number of Californians are pushing back by signing a petition to recall Newsom, Fox News reports.
Organizers of the campaign to recall Newsom told Fox News they’ve gathered more than half the number of signatures required to put the measure on the ballot.
An effort to recall Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom is gaining steam. Recall organizers say they have collected more than half the nearly 1.5 million petition signatures needed to place the recall on the ballot, and they have until March to reach the threshold. https://t.co/YkLOiuxZdL pic.twitter.com/2cAvmrxoBN — CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) December 14, 2020
In total, the recall campaign needs around 1.5 million signatures by mid-March of 2021, according to the recall campaigns website.
If the recall campaign meets the threshold of signatures needed, California would hold a special election in the middle of 2021, according to Fox News.
Randy Economy, a senior adviser to the recall Gavin Newsom 2020 official campaign, says the recall effort has garnered nearly 850,000 signatures as of Monday, according to Fox News. At this pace, Economy says the campaign hopes to have enough signatures by some time in January. (RELATED: Here Are Some Of The Politicians Who Have Been Caught Violating Their Own Coronavirus Rules Before Thanksgiving)
Good. Want to make @GavinNewsom more nervous? If you are a CA voter, any party, download the petition at https://t.co/anrkKzQdkl — we are more than halfway there with the signatures but only have weeks to get several hundred thousand more. We can do it! https://t.co/oF8jp6lcdZ — *Doctor* Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) December 11, 2020
“[Newsom] put corporate interests before the people of California,” Economy told Fox News in response to Newsom’s coronavirus response because of the impact it has had on small businesses in the state.
If the recall campaign reaches critical mass, Newsom will have to defend his record of handling the coronavirus against new challengers. Newsom recently had to apologize for breaking his own coronavirus restrictions after he faced harsh criticism for dining indoors.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--Texas Electors Hear Unconventional National Anthem Performance Ahead Of Vote

Video footage showed a violinist performing the National Anthem before Texas electoral college voters on Monday .
The electoral college voters stood with their hand over their hearts while the violinist performed the National Anthem , according to the video footage .
All 38 of Texas ’ electoral college votes were in favor of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence , The Dallas Morning News reported .
President-Elect Joe Biden secured the presidency after California ’ s 55 electoral college voters put him past the 270 necessary electoral college votes to win office , CNN reported .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law-Abiding States ’ Form Their Own Union After Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit To Overturn Election Results ) After it was announced that Pence secured all 38 of Texas ’ electoral college votes for vice president , Brendan Anthony , director of the Texas Music Office , played “ America The Beautiful ” on the violin , according to C-Span video footage .
A violinist performed “ My Old Kentucky Home ” while Secretary of State Michael Adams and the electoral college left the state Senate chambers , KFVS 12 reported Monday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence and Trump .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Video footage showed a violinist performing the National Anthem before Texas electoral college voters on Monday.
The electoral college voters stood with their hand over their hearts while the violinist performed the National Anthem, according to the video footage.
Texas electors are listening to a violinist play the National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/rgqJjPXxGV — The Recount (@therecount) December 14, 2020
All 38 of Texas’ electoral college votes were in favor of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, The Dallas Morning News reported. President-Elect Joe Biden secured the presidency after California’s 55 electoral college voters put him past the 270 necessary electoral college votes to win office, CNN reported. (RELATED: Texas GOP Chair Suggests ‘Law-Abiding States’ Form Their Own Union After Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit To Overturn Election Results)
After it was announced that Pence secured all 38 of Texas’ electoral college votes for vice president, Brendan Anthony, director of the Texas Music Office, played “America The Beautiful” on the violin, according to C-Span video footage.
WATCH:
A violinist performed “My Old Kentucky Home” while Secretary of State Michael Adams and the electoral college left the state Senate chambers, KFVS 12 reported Monday. The Kentucky electoral college members also voted for Pence and Trump.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--Patrick Kennedy Is Lobbying To Be Drug Czar After Making Millions From Drug Makers, Treatment Center

Patrick Kennedy Is Lobbying To Be Drug Czar After Making Millions From Drug Makers, Treatment Centers

Patrick Kennedy , the former Rhode Island congressman and son of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy , is publicly campaigning to be President-elect Joe Biden ’ s “ drug czar ” when he takes office in January .
“ I have no shame in saying it : I believe I could do better than anyone else , ” Kennedy said during an interview with STAT News when asked about the possibility of him directing the Office of National Drug Control Policy ( ONDCP ) .
Kennedy , who retired from Congress in 2011 , would likely be a polarizing pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kennedy Forum , a nonprofit which was funded in part by major pharmaceutical companies and addiction-treatment facilities , Politico reported in 2018 .
Kennedy made more than $ 1.1 million while leading the nonprofit from 2014 to 2016 , and since then has served on President Donald Trump ’ s opioid commission , a role that benefitted his nonprofit work as well , according to the report .
The former congressman also sat on the board of eight different corporations that all stood to gain financially from the Trump administration ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his respective positions , Kennedy lobbied his former colleagues on the Hill to push for higher spending levels towards treatments and anti-opioid drugs , according to Politico .
“ I see this as a historic turning point for mental health and addiction .
The headlines may be about a respiratory illness , but I think the legacy of this thing is going to be the brain illnesses that it causes through the trauma of dislocation , stress , uncertainty , and the self-medication that comes with all of that , ” Kennedy told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tolls imposed by the coronavirus pandemic .
Though the ONDCP operated without great attention during President Donald Trump ’ s term , whoever holds it is the nation ’ s highest-ranking drug policy official .
The position could play an outsized role in a Biden administration as the country seeks to move past the ongoing opioid epidemic and the coronavirus pandemic , which has worsened drug abuse and mental health throughout the United States .
But some of Kennedy ’ s views may be out of step with most Democrats .
He opposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it “ commercialization of a new big tobacco industry ” during the STAT interview , and supports the criminal justice system mandating treatment programs for those convicted of low-level drug offenses .
( RELATED : Kennedy Kicks Off Anti-Marijuana Campaign ) “ You can not ignore the value of the criminal justice system to focus people when they ’ re not in a position to necessarily focus on wanting recovery , ” he said .
As someone who long struggled with addiction and mental health , Kennedy credited the criminal justice system for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spokespersons for the Biden transition did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment on Kennedy ’ s push for to lead the ONDCP in the incoming administration .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Patrick Kennedy, the former Rhode Island congressman and son of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, is publicly campaigning to be President-elect Joe Biden’s “drug czar” when he takes office in January.
“I have no shame in saying it: I believe I could do better than anyone else,” Kennedy said during an interview with STAT News when asked about the possibility of him directing the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Kennedy, who retired from Congress in 2011, would likely be a polarizing pick given his history as CEO of the Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit which was funded in part by major pharmaceutical companies and addiction-treatment facilities, Politico reported in 2018.
Kennedy made more than $1.1 million while leading the nonprofit from 2014 to 2016, and since then has served on President Donald Trump’s opioid commission, a role that benefitted his nonprofit work as well, according to the report.
The former congressman also sat on the board of eight different corporations that all stood to gain financially from the Trump administration’s response to the opioid crisis. While in his respective positions, Kennedy lobbied his former colleagues on the Hill to push for higher spending levels towards treatments and anti-opioid drugs, according to Politico.
“I see this as a historic turning point for mental health and addiction. The headlines may be about a respiratory illness, but I think the legacy of this thing is going to be the brain illnesses that it causes through the trauma of dislocation, stress, uncertainty, and the self-medication that comes with all of that,” Kennedy told STAT News, referring to the additional tolls imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Though the ONDCP operated without great attention during President Donald Trump’s term, whoever holds it is the nation’s highest-ranking drug policy official. The position could play an outsized role in a Biden administration as the country seeks to move past the ongoing opioid epidemic and the coronavirus pandemic, which has worsened drug abuse and mental health throughout the United States.
But some of Kennedy’s views may be out of step with most Democrats. He opposes legal marijuana for recreational use, calling it “commercialization of a new big tobacco industry” during the STAT interview, and supports the criminal justice system mandating treatment programs for those convicted of low-level drug offenses. (RELATED: Kennedy Kicks Off Anti-Marijuana Campaign)
“You cannot ignore the value of the criminal justice system to focus people when they’re not in a position to necessarily focus on wanting recovery,” he said. As someone who long struggled with addiction and mental health, Kennedy credited the criminal justice system for his own recovery, according to STAT.
Spokespersons for the Biden transition did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment on Kennedy’s push to lead the ONDCP in the incoming administration.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-15--California Electors Push Joe Biden Over 270 Vote Threshold, Delivering Him The Presidency

President-elect Joe Biden cleared the 270 electoral votes he needed to win the presidential election after electors formally affirmed his victory Monday , numerous sources reported .
California ’ s 55 electors cast their votes in what is typically a discrete step in the election process , pushing Biden past the 270 vote threshold with no elector casting a vote for President Donald Trump .
Biden carried 306 electoral votes , while Trump carried 232 .
California was one of the last states to vote , along with several battleground states including Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , Nevada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Biden Monday .
Trump has refused to concede the election , and filed a motion to intervene a week prior in a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , which sought to invalidate votes from four of the battleground states over voter fraud allegations .
The lawsuit was rejected by the Supreme Court , dealing a blow to Trump and his allies who sought to overturn the 2020 election results .
( RELATED : Texas GOP Chair Suggests ‘ Law-Abiding States ’ Form Their Own Union After Supreme Court Rejects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit earlier Monday from Trump ’ s campaign seeking to overturn his election loss in the state .
“ The only reason the country is caring about the drama of the electoral college votes — which is normally not any kind of drama at all — is because of Trump ’ s continued insistence that he ’ s going to be able to pull a rabbit out of the hate [ sic ] and remain in office , ” Rick Hasen , an election law expert at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to CAP radio .
“ There ’ s no legal path for him to do that.
” The voting took place in states capitals with modifications due to the pandemic .
In some states , there was heightened security due to threats of violence .
Republican electors turned out in the states Biden won to vote for Trump , and in Pennsylvania , Republican electors said they cast a “ procedural vote ” just in case the courts determined that Trump had won despite rejections of challenges to Biden ’ s victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like North Carolina and Utah , his electors duly cast votes for him .
Biden is expected to speak Monday evening , and has emphasized his promise to represent all Americans , no matter who they voted for .
“ We the people voted .
Faith in our institutions held .
The integrity of our elections remains intact .
And so , now it is time to turn the page .
To unite .
To heal , ” the remarks prepared for the speech said , according to the Associated Press .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Register to post the electoral college results after Congress counts them on Jan. 6 .

President-elect Joe Biden cleared the 270 electoral votes he needed to win the presidential election after electors formally affirmed his victory Monday, numerous sources reported.
California’s 55 electors cast their votes in what is typically a discrete step in the election process, pushing Biden past the 270 vote threshold with no elector casting a vote for President Donald Trump.
BREAKING: Joe Biden has won, again. The president-elect officially won the majority of votes cast by members of the Electoral College at 5:27 p.m. Eastern, when the 55 electors who form California’s delegation cast their votes for Biden. https://t.co/dQt6purbFo — The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) December 14, 2020
Biden carried 306 electoral votes, while Trump carried 232. California was one of the last states to vote, along with several battleground states including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which also voted for Biden Monday.
Trump has refused to concede the election, and filed a motion to intervene a week prior in a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, which sought to invalidate votes from four of the battleground states over voter fraud allegations. The lawsuit was rejected by the Supreme Court, dealing a blow to Trump and his allies who sought to overturn the 2020 election results. (RELATED: Texas GOP Chair Suggests ‘Law-Abiding States’ Form Their Own Union After Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit To Overturn Election Results)
Wiconsin’s Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit earlier Monday from Trump’s campaign seeking to overturn his election loss in the state.
“The only reason the country is caring about the drama of the electoral college votes — which is normally not any kind of drama at all — is because of Trump’s continued insistence that he’s going to be able to pull a rabbit out of the hate [sic] and remain in office,” Rick Hasen, an election law expert at University of California Law School said, according to CAP radio.
“There’s no legal path for him to do that.”
The voting took place in states capitals with modifications due to the pandemic. In some states, there was heightened security due to threats of violence.
Republican electors turned out in the states Biden won to vote for Trump, and in Pennsylvania, Republican electors said they cast a “procedural vote” just in case the courts determined that Trump had won despite rejections of challenges to Biden’s victory. In states where Trump won, like North Carolina and Utah, his electors duly cast votes for him.
Biden is expected to speak Monday evening, and has emphasized his promise to represent all Americans, no matter who they voted for.
“We the people voted. Faith in our institutions held. The integrity of our elections remains intact. And so, now it is time to turn the page. To unite. To heal,” the remarks prepared for the speech said, according to the Associated Press.
IT’S OVER: California cast its 55 electoral votes for Biden. He has gotten 306 to Donald Trump’s 232. All that’s left is for the states to transmit them to the National Archives and for Congress to count them up on Jan. 6https://t.co/eV4fA4i1TW — Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) December 14, 2020
The following step is for the Office of the Federal Register to post the electoral college results after Congress counts them on Jan. 6.