thetennesseestar--2020-06-21--Gov. Whitmer Extends Emergency Powers Through July 16

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-127 to extend Michigan ’ s state of emergency through July 16 .
The first-term Democrat initially declared an emergency on March 10 , 100 days ago , to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
Most governors have continued states of emergency so they can issue executive orders that prevent evictions and grant other unilateral powers that aren ’ t accessible during times of peace .
Those orders will become void once the state of emergency concludes .
“ The aggressive measures we took at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still more to be done to prevent a second wave , ” Whitmer said in a statement .
“ We owe it to the heroes on the front lines to keep doing our part by wearing a mask when in public and practicing social distancing .
Now is not the time to get complacent .
We must continue to stay vigilant and flexible in order to reduce the chance of a second wave.
” The GOP-led legislature sued to declare Whitmer ’ s emergency powers void , claiming they violate state law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t work with them or show the data used for crafting executive orders that resulted in 2.2 million unemployment claims .
Whitmer contends her actions saved lives , pointing to a website led by epidemiologists that marks Michigan as one of two states that is “ on track to contain COVID.
” The governor on Wednesday called attempts to strip away her powers “ irresponsible , dangerous and foolish.
” Whitmer has allowed businesses to gradually reopen with safety precautions , as the number of daily COVID-19 deaths has decreased .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one-third of whom were nursing home residents .
The respiratory disease disproportionately impacted the elderly and those with compromised immune systems .
Nearly 70 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in the state were people ages 70 or older .
If COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward , Whitmer said she plans to move the state into phase 5 by July 4 , which would allow businesses , including gyms and movie theaters , to open statewide .
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-21--Gov. Mike DeWine Condems Protest That Vandalized Ohio Statehouse

Gov .
Mike DeWine released a statement on Friday showing his displeasure with the recent vandalism at the Ohio Capitol .
“ I have spoken with Ohio State Highway Patrol Col. Richard Fambro about security at the Statehouse , and I shared with him my anger and disgust at the vandalism that occurred at the Ohio Statehouse yesterday .
I support the right to peacefully protest .
However , defacing , damaging , and vandalizing our state capitol and its grounds are wrong , and such actions are criminal , ” DeWine said .
“ The Ohio State Highway Patrol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s acts , and they will send their findings to the appropriate authorities for potential prosecution , ” he added .
On Friday , protesters took to the Ohio Statehouse to protest police brutality .
These protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd .
While these protesters gathered outside the Capitol , some decided to deface the Ohio Statehouse building by putting “ red hand prints and the phrase ‘ hands up , don ’ t shoot ’ in protest of police brutality.
” Ohio ’ s Statehouse has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks .
The first time came in the early morning of May 29 when protesters damaged the statehouse by breaking 28 windows and setting the lawn on fire .
DeWine at the time of the initial protest took a lighter tone with protesters .
“ Protests expressing outrage are not only understandable , but they are also appropriate .
We want Ohioans to exercise their First Amendment rights no matter what they ’ re protesting , ” he said .
“ Ohioans should speak out against wrongdoing .
Ohioans should speak out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for unity for an end to injustice .
In all aspects of our lives , we must not allow hate to prevail over love , kindness , and compassion.
” To help address future mass protests , DeWine asked Ohio ’ s Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board ( CCPAB ) last week to begin developing uniform minimum standards related to mass protests in an effort to improve community-police relations in the state .
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .
Photo “ Ohio Statehouse Protesters ” by Becker1999 .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Tom Joyce
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is leading a group of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief regarding federal immigration law.
The attorneys general are asking the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold a federal statute to enforce federal immigration law in United States v. Hansen.
“In the middle of this man-made disaster at our southern border, we need every tool and law available,” Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in a press release. “The last thing we need is anyone incentivizing migrants to come here illegally and further straining our social safety net. Border communities are being overwhelmed by the influx of people.”
A grand jury charged California resident Helaman Hansen with multiple crimes in 2017 for scamming hundreds of noncitizens out of more than $1 million by promising them a nonexistent path to citizenship.
According to the release, Hansen was charged under a federal statute for encouraging people to come to the United States illegally for “commercial advantage or private financial gain,” according to the release.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals then struck down the statute arguing that the words “encourage” and “induce,” in the law are too broad.
General Brnovich and the attorneys general argue in their amicus brief that the Ninth Circuit decision jeopardizes the constitutionality of criminal law in all 50 states. They worry that the decision may cause other state and federal courts to invalidate existing criminal laws.
The other attorneys general who signed the brief is from the states of: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
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Tom Joyce is a contributor to The Center Square.
Photo “Mark Brnovich” by Mark Brnovich. Background Photo “U.S. Supreme Court” by AscendedAnathema. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-21--Republicans Say Gov. Walz Has Failed to Provide Legal Justification for Coronavirus Shutdown

Republican lawmakers who sued Gov .
Tim Walz said Friday that he has failed to provide legal justification for his response to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We are winning on this issue , and Gov .
Walz knows it , ” said Rep. Jeremy Munson ( R-Lake Crystal ) , one of 13 Republican lawmakers who joined a lawsuit against Walz over his use of emergency powers during the pandemic .
“ The executive orders and actions undertaken by the Walz administration are on extremely precarious legal footing .
Gov .
Walz knows this , and that is why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against legitimate arguments , ” Munson said in a press release .
The lawsuit was filed on May 28 by four members of the New House Republican Caucus , the Free Minnesota Coalition , and at least eight businesses across the state .
Nine more Republican lawmakers added their names to the complaint last week .
The lawsuit argues that the governor does not have the authority to “ suspend the constitutional rights of Minnesotans.
” Specifically , the lawsuit claims Walz has exceeded his legal authority in a variety of ways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ non-delegation doctrine , ” since his executive orders are an “ exercise of pure legislative power without judicial oversight.
” Additionally , Minnesota law does not authorize the governor to invoke emergency powers for public health purposes , the lawsuit contends .
A third argument claims that all of the governor ’ s coronavirus-related executive orders are illegitimate because the statutory authority he relied upon ( Minnesota Statutes 12.31 ) is unconstitutional .
The statute is unconstitutional because it authorizes a legislative veto on the extension of peacetime emergencies , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veto powers .
In response to the lawsuit , the courts ordered the Walz administration to provide legal justification for its actions no later than June 18 .
According to Republicans , Walz did not address many of the arguments presented in their lawsuit , but claimed that his actions were constitutional because the pandemic was an “ act of nature ” rather than a public health crisis .
“ Gov .
Walz ’ s total failure to directly or adequately answer the substance of our arguments shows that his administration is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the premise of one of our arguments , and he blatantly disregarded the other two .
If he was so sure his actions were constitutional , then he would have proved it yesterday .
He did not , ” said Rep. Steve Drazkowski ( R-Mazeppa ) .
Now that the Walz administration has formally responded to the lawsuit , a hearing has been set for July 16 .
On that day , a Ramsey County District Court judge will determine if the lawsuit will proceed .
“ It is in times of crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are laid .
Statute 12.31 was passed into law during a past crisis , ” said Rep. Cal Bahr ( R-East Bethel ) .
“ In a Constitutional Republic , no single person should ever have this much power.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Jeremy Munson ” by Munson1099 .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-21--Nashville’s Community Oversight Board Wants to Help Select Police Chief Steve Anderson’s Replacement

Members of Nashville ’ s Metro Community Oversight Board plan to help city officials find Nashville ’ s next police chief .
“ Following Mayor John Cooper ’ s announcement today of Chief Steve Anderson ’ s decision to retire as Chief of Police , the Community Oversight Board ( COB ) looks forward to being involved in the selection process of the city ’ s next Chief of Police , ” COB members said in a press release this week .
“ The voice of the community must be reflected early and often during the national search and selection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the people of Nashville should be heavily considered and heard .
The Community Oversight Board welcomes the invitation to be a member of the selection committee and is ready to continue the work that has been mandated by the Nashville community.
” As The Tennessee Star reported this week , Anderson will retire in likely six months ’ time .
Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced this at a press conference Thursday — a conference that Anderson did not attend .
This , as reported , after left-wing activists and Metro Council members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Cooper to fire him .
Time after time , reporters at Thursday ’ s press conference asked Cooper if he asked Anderson to retire .
Cooper did not seem to answer their questions , at least not directly .
As The Star reported last week , members of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee also called on Anderson to resign .
In particular , ACLU members expressed frustration with Anderson ’ s alleged refusal to collaborate with the Community Oversight Board , which the city established in 2018 .
This , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daniel Hambrick .
The board has independent authority to investigate allegations of misconduct against the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department .
As reported , Anderson would not meet with COB members , and that caused friction .
Nashville Fraternal Order of Police ( FOP ) members have long said they have serious constitutional concerns about the board .
FOP members have even said the board is “ set up for some means of retaliation and retribution for a problem that doesn ’ t exist.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Metro Police Car ” by The Metro Nashville Police Department .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-21--EXCLUSIVE: Carol Swain and Herman Cain Say Support for Trump is Growing

TULSA , Oklahoma – Former Vanderbilt University professor Dr. Carol Swain and former Presidential candidate Herman Cain both agreed that support for President Trump is growing and not just in the black community , in an exclusive interview with The Tennessee Star prior to the official start of the Trump rally in Tulsa Saturday .
Both are members of the Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board , which started out with about 35 members and has now expanded to about 50 .
The Board includes other spiritual and social leaders such as Dr. Alveda King , Reverend C. L. Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Hodge Twins .
At the insistence of others , Cain said he serves as one of the Board ’ s co-chairs .
Dr. Swain told The Star that she didn ’ t need a specific role to be at the rally .
“ I ’ m here to support the President.
” “ I don ’ t have a special role in the rally .
I am attending as a member of the Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board and the Mighty American Strike Force .
I am always excited whenever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump by attending one of his rallies .
I see this historic post-coronavirus rally as an important opportunity for the President to encourage Americans during a time of great suffering in our nation .
The President needs to be seen and heard by the people who look to him for leadership.
” A former Democrat who is known for her straight talk , “ People come to me when they want to hear what ’ s really going on in the world , ” said Dr. Swain .
Another point she and Cain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice for Trump before becoming a Board member .
Founder of Be The People and author of several books , Dr. Swain said , “ I do what I do for the United States of America.
” Cain said that the left with their division , violence and hate is “ trying to drag us backwards.
” An expert in the area as former tenured professor at Vanderbilt University , Dr. Swain added that segregation on college campuses has been successful , to the point that she anticipates lawsuits to come out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreaming of a better yesterday .
It ’ s about a better today and tomorrow , ” Cain offered , although he said he couldn ’ t take credit for the quote .
When asked if they thought that support for President Trump going into the 2020 election was growing , particularly within the black community they were both very positive .
President Trump , before COVID-19 , was poised to get between 20 and 30 percent of the black vote , Dr. Swain said .
While the George Floyd incident is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think it will work , ” said Dr. Swain .
It was estimated that Trump received 8 percent of the black vote in 2016 , said Dr. Swain .
Senator Tim Scott ( R-South Carolina ) thinks that it will be 12 percent in the 2020 election .
Cain was convinced that Trump ’ s support is growing and used the June 9 presidential preference primary in Georgia , the state in which he lives , as evidence .
Running unopposed in the Republican primary , more than 900,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for Trump .
Keeping COVID-19 alive will also be used against Trump ’ s economy and for the purposes of absentee ballots .
To that , Cain said , when it comes to the economy , “ voters are not stupid ” in recognizing the states that are better off for being more open .
Although widely criticized for holding a rally during the ongoing presence of COVID-19 , Dr. Swain said she had no health concerns about attending the rally .
“ The Trump campaign has taken practical steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings during protests and riots across the country , Dr. Swain contrasted , “ The environment will be much safer than the mass rallies taking place across the nation .
It is my understanding that the campaign will be conducting temperature checks and offering attendees masks and hand sanitizer.
” “ Most Trump supporters don ’ t live their lives in fear and they have learned to be skeptical about the conflicting reports that change on an almost daily basis.
” “ We are freedom-loving Americans , ” Dr. Swain summarized about Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatness of our nation and its potential for improvement.
” During the rally , about two dozen members of the Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board had reserved seating and could be seen sitting to the left of the President .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Steve Cohen: University of Memphis to Spend Taxpayer Money Studying How COVID-19 Affects Employee We

Steve Cohen: University of Memphis to Spend Taxpayer Money Studying How COVID-19 Affects Employee Well-Being

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen ( D-TN-09 ) announced this week that the feds will send more than $ 100,000 of taxpayer money to the University of Memphis to study how COVID-19 affects employee morale .
Cohen announced this on his website this week .
Specifically , Cohen announced that officials with the National Science Foundation will send a $ 111,999 grant to the University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business and Economics .
Cohen said school officials will use the money “ to study how rapid changes in work conditions in response to the pandemic have affected employee well-being.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workforce affected those working from home and those required to work on the front lines , and how each group copes with that change , is critical as we move through the employment consequences of this pandemic , ” Cohen said on his website .
“ This is an investment in finding best practices to foster employee morale in these trying times.
” As The Tennessee Star reported in April , Cohen announced that as part of the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act , the already publicly-funded Memphis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 million in taxpayer money .
MATA is Memphis ’ public transportation provider .
Members of the Federal Transit Administration disbursed that money .
Also in April , Cohen held a Coronavirus Town Hall where he touted mail-in voting and warned that Russians are in America putting out misinformation about COVID-19 .
Cohen warned that Russians are trying to make Americans believe Pentagon staff caused or created COVID-19 .
Later that month , Cohen announced that the feds would send the Memphis International Airport nearly $ 25 million in COVID-19 relief money — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years because far fewer people use it .
As The Star also reported , Cohen trashed MyPillow , Inc. CEO Mike Lindell earlier this year .
Lindell appeared alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and announced his company would manufacture face masks for hospitals across the country .
But Cohen took to Twitter to bash Lindell as just some guy who “ makes pillows ” and unless Lindell makes personal protective equipment “ shouldn ’ t have been allowed to use the Bible and kiss # trump posterior.
” Chris Butler is an investigative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Image “ Rep .
Steve Cohen ” by Rep. Steve Cohen .

The Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) recently revealed that 22 Arizonans have been indicted for drug-related charges following a multi-year investigation of a South Phoenix criminal street gang.
“According to the criminal complaints filed last week, in January 2020, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) began an investigation targeting a drug and firearms supplier in South Phoenix. In February 2021, in conjunction with the DPS investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Violent Street Gang Task Force began investigating the Lindo Park Crips (LPC), a criminal street gang operating in South Phoenix,” according to a press release from the USAO.
The release outlined that DPS and FBI investigators targeted LPC members and drug suppliers, ultimately leading to a major bust. Investigators reportedly found over 2,000 grams of cocaine, 35,000 counterfeit pills suspected to contain fentanyl, 26 grams of methamphetamine, four and a half grams of crack, 32 doses of MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy or XTC), and weapons, including 17 firearms and eight Glock conversion devices.
All 22 defendants are charged with either conspiracy to distribute cocaine or fentanyl, and some are charged with actual possession of the drugs. Furthermore, several are charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.
According to the release, these charges incur heavy fines and jail time if convicted. For the drug charges, a conviction for conspiracy to distribute or intent to sell the amount of cocaine charged in the complaint carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine, while a conviction for the amount of fentanyl can be up to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Moreover, a conviction for illegally possessing a firearm carries jail time up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
Most of the 22 individuals come from Phoenix, but others hail from cities across Arizona, including Avondale, Florence, Buckeye, and Goodyear. The youngest defendant is Jesus Salazar, 24, of Avondale, while the eldest is 62-year-old Terry Lee King of Phoenix.
The USAO stated that this case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCFETF) operation which seeks to dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States.
All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
As The Arizona Sun Times reported, Border Patrol agents recently seized 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.1 kilograms of heroin at a highway checkpoint at the El Centro Station. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBS) said the drugs confiscated had an estimated street value of $190,000. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on the person’s tolerance. Based on that statistic, this bust alone involved enough fentanyl to kill over 2 million people.
According to statistics from CBS, 3,513.15 kilograms of illicit fentanyl were confiscated in May, which would hypothetically be enough to kill 1,756,575,000 people under the DEA’s metric.
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Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Phoenix Police Department” by Phoenix Police Department.


Commentary: Immortalizing Bureaucracy

Just as the infamous Dred Scott case in 1857 would have extended slavery throughout America , so Thursday ’ s decision in Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California threatens to make the machinations of bureaucratic government supreme and unrepealable .
Chief Justice John Roberts ’ 5-4 court opinion strengthens the grip of the administrative state – the interlocking network of bureaucracy and political correctness – over the democratically elected branches that are supposed to make us a nation of self-governing citizens .
The Supreme Court , in a seeming conspiracy with lower federal courts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and his appointees in favor of bureaucratic governance .
As dissenting Justice Alito pointed out , “ the Federal Judiciary , without holding that [ the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program ] can not be rescinded , has prevented that from occurring during an entire Presidential term .
Our constitutional system is not supposed to work that way.
” The judiciary , far from clarifying and drawing bright lines , has effectively become part of the bureaucracy .
Admitting that the equal protection or due process rights of the children of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreamers ” – were never in jeopardy , Roberts nevertheless concluded that the Trump Administration ’ s repeals of unlawful Obama Administration actions are illegal because the appropriate provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act were not followed .
In his dissent , Justice Clarence Thomas ( joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch ) noted that as a result of this ruling , the Department of Homeland Security “ is not only permitted , but required , to continue administering unlawful programs that it inherited from a previous administration.
” Despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which were never laws to begin with , there remains the question of how we are to be free of arbitrary and capricious bureaucratic edicts and decrees .
The American people must stand in a long line and wait years .
Fill out the proper forms .
Perfectly .
Even though the previous administration ran roughshod over the law , you have to follow the right procedures to end their illegal actions .
While President Trump blasted the decision for the setback it meant for his immigration policies , the opinion in DHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it illustrates about our ability to change any policy , whether legal or illegal , that an elected government strongly supports .
In other words , as Thomas warned , “ the ripple effects of the majority ’ s error will be felt throughout our system of self-government.
” To repeat : the error is the most basic separation of powers error possible : The court confused itself with the Congress and began making policy demands of the executive : We are reminded that Roberts engaged in creative jurisprudence in his infamous majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And just three days before this case , Justice Gorsuch revised the meaning of “ sex ” in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to mean sexual orientation .
But even more apropos is Roberts ’ protection of bureaucracy in Department of Commerce v. New York ( 2019 ) In that controversial case , the chief justice , again siding with the court ’ s liberal wing , tried to depoliticize a case but only ended up protecting the partisans who reside within permanent bureaucracy against the secretary of commerce , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question to the Census .
Roberts claimed this was “ pretextual , ” but that is deceptive .
As a dissenting Justice Thomas observed , “ the Court ’ s decision enables partisans to use the courts to harangue executive officers through depositions , discovery , delay , and distraction.
” By departing “ from traditional principles of administrative law , ” the court ’ s decision , Thomas protests , could even implicate separation-of-powers concerns insofar as it enables “ judicial interference with the enforcement of the laws ” – as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Census and the DACA cases , Roberts seems to use administrative law arguments as a means of protecting illegal immigrants from the Trump Administration ’ s policies .
In the DACA case , Justice Thomas notes “ perverse incentives , ” with a hint to the Trump Administration going forward : The most penetrating critic of the administrative state , John Marini , had warned in 1988 against conservatives ’ relying on the Supreme Court in their battles with this leviathan .
The administrative state has great intellectual suppleness and the arrogance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superiority , and judges share a common lineage with it .
Aided by a life-tenured Court , the administrative state may have found its Dred Scott case in DHS v. Regents and thereby the means for making itself the true ruler of America .
Whether this will portend a new civil war over whether Americans are subjects or citizens is an open question .
For one thing , it isn ’ t a war unless citizens recognize they are being fired upon .
Ken Masugi , Ph.D. , is a senior fellow of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speechwriter for two cabinet members , as well as for Clarence Thomas when he was chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Another Statue in Nashville Vandalized

Another Statue in Nashville Vandalized

One or more people in Nashville have reportedly vandalized another statue in Nashville , this time on the grounds of the Cordell Hull State Office Building , where state legislators have offices and hold hearings .
“ Looks like Nashville protesters plopped pink paint on Confederate cavalaryman statue outside # TNLeg ’ s Cordell Hull Bldg late Thurs/early Fri .
Statute sculpted by Puryear Sims .
Probably thought it ’ s Nathan Bedford Forrest tho I cant find anything saying it is .
At any rate , ” Sher tweeted .
The sculptor ’ s actual name , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mims named the statue “ Soldier and Farmer — The Equestrian Group.
” Two other Mims ’ statues are located at the Cordell Hull Building — “ Industry ” and “ Pioneer Family.
” People may view photos of all three statues at dummeraugust.com The Tennessee Star could find no passages online describing what “ Soldier and Farmer ” represents , other than one on NashvilleDowntown.com describing the history of the Cordell Hull Building .
“ Each corner of the building features a sculpture grouping by noted sculptor Puryear Mims , depicting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in Industry , and at War , ” according to the website .
Mims died in 1975 at the age of 69 , according to the Dec. 22 edition of The Tennessean that year .
The paper said Mims was a nationally known sculptor and artist and a retired professor at Vanderbilt University .
Mims was best known for his statues at Fort Nashboro of James Robertson and John Donelson , two of Nashville ’ s founders , the paper reported after Mims died .
As reported this month , protesters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a state lawmaker in the early 1900s and newspaper publisher who had racist views and wrote editorials lambasting the writings of prominent Tennessee civil rights journalist Ida B .
Wells .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Soldier and Farmer ” by Drummer August .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Shelby County Reports Biggest Virus Spike Since Pandemic Began

MEMPHIS , Tennessee ( AP ) — Tennessee ’ s largest county reported Saturday its highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases , though officials were trying to figure out if the jump represented a surge in people getting sick or delayed results from testing laboratories .
The Shelby County Health Department in Memphis reported an increase of 385 cases of the new coronavirus , eclipsing the previous single-day spike by more than 100 cases .
Health officials have been closely monitoring a recent increase in cases and hospitalizations in Memphis after the county began reopening nonessential businesses that had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In its Saturday report , the health department said it is investigating the “ marked increase in reported cases to discern whether it indicates an actual increase in positive COVID-19 test results or is a product of delayed laboratory reporting.
” Shelby County , the state ’ s largest by population , has reported more than 7,800 cases and 153 deaths .
More than 60 deaths have been reported in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities .
Tennessee on Friday reported its biggest single-day increase in positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began in March .
Memphis and Nashville , the state ’ s two largest cities , have delayed moving forward with opening more businesses and increasing capacities at restaurants and retail stores due to rises in new cases and hospitalizations .
Memphis remains in “ phase two ” of its reopening plan , which allows restaurants , retail stores and other nonessential businesses to operate at 50 % capacity .
The county had planned to move on to phase three this week — which would allow businesses to increase capacity to 75 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 250 cases and more than 200 hospitalizations were reported Monday .
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter told The Associated Press on Friday that officials were focused on telling people to wear masks in public , wash their hands and stay 6 feet away from others .
“ Our goal is to continue to recover economically and socially , but we also have to balance that with reducing transmission , ” she said .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Gov. Lee Considers Calling Special Session of Legislature to Pass Bill Giving Businesses Protection

Gov. Lee Considers Calling Special Session of Legislature to Pass Bill Giving Businesses Protection From COVID-19 Lawsuits

Gov .
Bill Lee is thinking about calling the Legislature in for a special session to pass a bill to provide retroactive COVID-19 legal protection for businesses , the Chattanooga Times Free Press said .
The General Assembly ended their session on Friday without the House passing the Tennessee Recovery and Safe Harbor Act .
It received 46 of 50 votes needed .
House Majority Leader William Lamberth ( R-Portland ) questioned whether the measure was legal under Tennessee ’ s Constitution regarding the impairment of contracts .
( The Senate had approved the bill . )
Lee ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about a possible special session would be released this week .
Lt. Gov .
Randy McNally took issue with Lamberth ’ s opposition .
He tweeted , “ @ WilliamLamberth , together with the bill ’ s sponsor , @ StateRepCurcio , cobbled together a cabal of Democrats and attorneys to defeat the legislation and place our entire economy in danger .
It was irresponsible and dangerous.
” McNally also tweeted , “ I would absolutely support a call for a special session by our governor for this issue and this issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Leader @ SenJohnson and I discussed that very prospect with @ GovBillLee in his office last night shortly after the legislation was defeated.
” The bill that was considered is similar to those in states that began to reopen from the COVID-19 lockdown , as employers said they need protection from lawsuits , the Insurance Journal reported .
Critics have said that would add another roadblock for workers seeking payment from companies that placed them at risk .
The bill said qualifying businesses would not be liable for any “ damages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease unless the claimant proved “ gross negligence or willful misconduct ” by the employer not following public health guidelines .
The law would have covered any lawsuits between March 5 , when the first case was reported in Tennessee , to July 1 , 2022 .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Tennessean Admits Big Mistake After Running Ad That Generates Withering Criticism

A Tennessee newspaper said Sunday it is investigating what its editor called a “ horrific ” full-page advertisement from a religious group that predicts a terrorist attack in Nashville next month .
The paid advertisement that appeared in Sunday ’ s editions of The Tennessean from the group Future For America claims Donald Trump “ is the final president of the USA ” and features a photo of Trump and Pope Francis .
It begins by claiming that a nuclear device would be detonated in Nashville and that the attack would be carried out by unspecific interests of “ Islam.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ad in Wednesday ’ s editions of the newspaper stating its intention to warn Nashville residents about next month ’ s event “ so that they may be able to make a decision intelligently.
” In a story on its website Sunday afternoon , The Tennessean said the ad violated the newspaper ’ s long-established standards banning hate speech .
Vice President and Editor Michael A. Anastasi said the paper ’ s news and sales departments operate independently .
“ Clearly there was a breakdown in the normal processes , which call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Anastasi said .
“ The ad is horrific and is utterly indefensible in all circumstances .
It is wrong , period , and should have never been published , ” he said .
“ It has hurt members of our community and our own employees and that saddens me beyond belief .
It is inconsistent with everything The Tennessean as an institution stands and has stood for.
” Sales executives ordered the ad to be removed from future editions , the newspaper said .
Council on Islamic-American Relations spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group appreciates that the “ Islamophobic ” ad was pulled and an investigation has begun , “ we would urge the Tennessean to also implement updated policies and staff training to ensure that this type of hate incident does not occur in the future .
CAIR is willing to offer that training.
” It was not immediately known how much Future for America paid for the ads .
According to its website , the group ’ s ministry warns of so-called end-of-the-world Bible prophecies whose fulfillment “ is no longer future_for it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heaton , who is an author and retired television news executive , including the former executive producer of “ The 700 Club , ” said the advertisement ’ s claim is not supported in the Bible .
“ This idea has been debated in church circles forever , and there have been plenty of historical accounts of those who shouted that ‘ the end is near , ’ ” Heaton said .
” Obviously , nobody has been accurate , so I think it ’ s safe to say this is nonsense.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Photo “ Tennessean Full Page Advertisement ” by Alex Martin .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Comedian DL Hughley Announces He Is COVID-19 Positive After Fainting Onstage

NASHVILLE , Tennessee ( AP ) — Comedian D.L .
Hughley announced he tested positive for COVID-19 after collapsing onstage during a performance in Nashville , Tennessee .
The stand-up comedian , 57 , lost consciousness while performing at the Zanies comedy nightclub on Friday night and was hospitalized , news outlets reported .
On Saturday , Hughley posted a video on Twitter in which he said he was treated for exhaustion and dehydration afterward .
“ I also tested positive for COVID-19 , which blew me away , ” he says in the video .
“ I was what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have any symptoms , the classic symptoms.
” Hughley plans to quarantine in his Nashville hotel room for 14 days .
The remaining two nights of his four-night engagement at Zanies were canceled , according to the club ’ s online calendar .
“ Our friend D.L .
Hughley had a medical emergency while performing on Friday and was hospitalized overnight .
According to his publicist , he was suffering from exhaustion after working & traveling this week , ” the club posted on Facebook .
“ Love ya , D.L .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing this King of Comedy back in Nashville soon !
” Hughley said he still hasn ’ t exhibited any of the typical symptoms associated with the coronavirus , including shortness of breath and fever .
However , fatigue is listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as among symptoms of the disease .
“ So , in addition to all the other stuff you have to look out for , ” Hughley advises in the video , if you “ pass out in the middle of a show , onstage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In addition to stand-up comedy , Hughley is also an actor , author and radio and television host .
He starred in Spike Lee ’ s 2000 concert film , “ The Original Kings of Comedy , ” alongside Steve Harvey , Bernie Mac and Cedric the Entertainer .
Hughley also produced and starred in “ The Hughleys , ” which aired on ABC and UPN from 1998 to 2002 and hosted a CNN talk show .
He currently hosts the radio show “ The D.L .
Hughley Show , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Thank you for your prayers and your well wishes — and a few more of them wouldn ’ t hurt , ” Hughley says in the video .
About the Headline Photo : In this Wednesday , Feb. 13 , 2019 , file photo , D.L .
Hughley speaks during TV One ’ s “ Uncensored ” and “ The D.L .
Hughley Show ” panel during the Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena , Calif. Hughley has announced he ’ s tested positive for COVID-19 , following his collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tenn. , on Friday , June 19 , 2020 .
( Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Judge to Approve $58 Billion Plan to End PG&E Bankruptcy After Wildfires, Pay $25.5 Billion for Loss

Judge to Approve $58 Billion Plan to End PG&E Bankruptcy After Wildfires, Pay $25.5 Billion for Losses

SAN FRANCISCO , California ( AP ) — A federal judge on Friday said he was approving a $ 58 billion plan by the nation ’ s largest utility to end a contentious bankruptcy saga that began after Pacific Gas & Electric ’ s outdated equipment ignited wildfires in California that killed more than 100 people , wiped out entire towns and led the company to confess to crimes driven by its greed and neglect .
The decision by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali clears the way for PG & E to pay $ 25.5 billion for losses from devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge said he will sign the formal order confirming PG & E ’ s plan late Friday or Saturday after the company ’ s lawyers make a few minor revisions worked out during a two-hour hearing .
“ This has been a comprehensive and complex challenge for everyone , ” Montali said as he thanked everyone involved in the 17-month bankruptcy case .
Dozens of lawsuits were settled during the ordeal , with $ 13.5 billion earmarked for more than 80,000 people who lost family , homes , businesses and other property in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great day , ” said Robert Julian , a lawyer for the bankruptcy committee representing the interests of wildfire survivors .
“ We are going to start getting money into the hands of the victims.
” It still will likely take two to three months for the plan to become effective and PG & E has raised all the money it needs to start funding the victims ’ trust and making other promised payments .
PG & E declined to comment , but it plans to issue a statement after Montali signs the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a June 30 deadline that the company had to meet to qualify for coverage from a $ 21 billion wildfire insurance fund created by California last year .
The company still faces formidable challenges : Montali ’ s decision is allowing the company to emerge from its financial morass just as California heads into a summer expected to bring especially high wildfire risks .
The company plans to find a new CEO to replace Bill Johnson , who will step down June 30 after just 14 months on the job .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 members who were just recently appointed .
PG & E also has committed to slicing up its sprawling territory into regional units to be more responsive to the different needs of the 16 million people who rely on it for power .
Financing the plan requires PG & E to nearly double its debt , saddling the company with a burden its critics fear will make it more difficult to raise the estimated $ 40 billion for improvements that the utility still needs to make to its electrical grid .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ready to meet the challenges ahead , although the company insists it ’ s on a new path that will result in safer and more reliable service .
PG & E is still behind in its efforts to trim trees and other vegetation that serve as tinder for its power lines during dry , windy conditions .
“ This does not put us into a new chapter at PG & E , ” said Will Abrams , a survivor of a 2017 wildfire who had been trying to convince the judge to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This was an opportunity missed.
” But Montali decided PG & E ’ s plan met the bankruptcy code ’ s standard of being “ feasible ” and asserted he saw no other viable alternative to pay wildfire victims who have been suffering for years .
“ Mr .
Abrams ’ desire for a better PG & E , for a better environment and a better Northern California , safe from wildfires , while aspirational and well-intended , is not something the bankruptcy code or this court can deliver , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision .
PG & E ’ s shortcomings have infuriated a federal judge in a separate court case .
U.S. District Judge William Alsup oversees the company ’ s probation following a felony criminal conviction over a natural gas explosion in 2010 that killed eight people in the San Francisco Bay Area .
He wants to impose more safety requirements on PG & E to reduce wildfire risks posed by its electrical grid , but the company has resisted his efforts so far , saying it is meeting the standards of California regulators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to turn off power in parts of its service territory later this year to reduce wildfire risks during hot , windy weather .
Planned blackouts last year affected more than 2 million people at certain times , and the utility bungled them so badly that it had to publicly apologize and give $ 86 million in customer refunds .
State regulators are still investigating PG & E ’ s mishandling of those deliberate blackouts , which left many wondering how an area that ’ s home to some of the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t find a way to keep the power on for days at a time .
PG & E has pledged to better communicate about future outages and take steps to reduce how often they ’ re used .
This marks the second time in 16 years that PG & E has navigated a complex bankruptcy case that has raised questions about how it should operate in the future .
The last time the company emerged from bankruptcy , in 2004 , electricity rates soared and management focused even more on boosting profits instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , PG & E took the extraordinary step of pleading guilty to 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter for a horrific November 2018 wildfire that wiped out the town of Paradise .
The inferno , known as the Camp Fire , erupted along a power system with parts that were nearly a century old .
Besides the deaths , PG & E also pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawfully starting a fire .
PG & E will pay a maximum fine of $ 4 million for those crimes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indignation among families of the dead who shared their heartbreaking stories before the company ’ s sentencing .
The judge said that if the same crimes had been committed by an individual instead of a company , he would have been able to sentence the person to 90 years in prison .
Michael Liedtke is a Business Writer for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this Jan. 14 , 2019 , file photo , Pacific Gas & Electric vehicles are parked at the PG & E Oakland Service Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to approve pon Friday , June 19 , 2020 , Pacific Gas & Electric ’ s $ 58 billion plan for ending its 17-month stint in bankruptcy , clearing the way for the nation ’ s largest utility to begin paying $ 25.5 billion to cover the losses in a series of horrific wildfires ignited by its long-neglected electrical grid .
( AP Photo/Ben Margot , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--‘Stunning’: William Barr Hits Establishment Media for ‘Bovine Silence’ on Collapsed Russiagate Narra

‘Stunning’: William Barr Hits Establishment Media for ‘Bovine Silence’ on Collapsed Russiagate Narrative

Attorney General William Barr hit the establishment media in an interview aired Sunday for what he called its “ bovine silence ” regarding the debunked narrative of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian government .
In an interview on “ Fox Sunday Futures , ” Barr also asserted that the various government investigations into the Trump campaign ’ s possible ties to Kremlin were the “ closest we have come to an organized effort to push a president out of office ” since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln .
Barr has long questioned the FBI ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign in July 2016 .
He appointed John Durham , the U.S. attorney for Connecticut , to conduct a review of the investigation and other surveillance conducted against Trump campaign associates .
He said in the Fox News interview that Durham ’ s probe will yield some results “ hopefully before the end of the summer.
” Barr leveled his most pointed critique against the establishment media , which he accused of pushing the conspiracy theory that the Trump campaign conspired with the Kremlin .
“ It ’ s like not even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re just on to the next false scandal , ” Barr said in the interview .
“ It ’ s been stunning that all we ’ ve gotten from the mainstream media is sort of bovine silence in the face of the complete collapse of the so-called Russiagate scandal , which they did all they could to sensationalize and drive , ” he said .
“ So that has been surprising to me , that people aren ’ t concerned about civil liberties and in the integrity of our governmental process.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department inspector general ( IG ) poured cold water on the collusion theory in reports released in 2019 .
The special counsel said investigators could not establish that Trump associates conspired with the Russian government .
The IG said that the FBI made a series of “ significant ” errors and omissions in applications to conduct surveillance against Carter Page , a former campaign aide .
Barr also said that Durham ’ s investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe has been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down ” of Durham ’ s efforts to interview witnesses as part of the probe .
He declined to say whether a grand jury has heard testimony as part of the probe , but he said that grand juries have not met at all in jurisdictions across the country because of the virus .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Trade Group Estimates Ski Industry Lost $2B Because of COVID-19

The ski industry has taken an estimated $ 2 billion hit because of shutdowns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic , according to a trade group .
The Colorado-based National Ski Areas Association ( NSAA ) said U.S. ski visit totals for the 2019-20 season were down 14 percent to 51.1 million visitors .
The association ’ s $ 2 billion estimation “ was derived from NSAA ’ s historical revenue and visitation data.
” The closures occurred during spring break , one of the industry ’ s most profitable times of the year , and derailed what “ would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ To have two years in a row potentially rank in the top five seasons ever shows the strength of the industry , ” NSAA President and CEO Kelly Pawlak said in a statement , noting the 2018-2019 season was also a record year .
“ That being said , it is astounding how quickly this season went from promising to a complete disappointment.
” The industry could lose up to $ 5 billion depending on how the 2020-21 ski season plays out , NSAA said .
In Colorado , Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 14 that closed ski areas across the state to mitigate the virus ’ s spread .
Aspen Skiing Co. ’ s visitations dropped 20 percent , The Aspen Times reported this week .
Ski areas began closing in mid-March in most states like New Hampshire , Vermont , Michigan and California .
Some ski areas , like Arapahoe Basin in Colorado , have been able to reopen .
Derek Draplin is a regional editor at The Center Square .
He previously worked as an opinion producer at Forbes , and as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detroit News .
He ’ s also an editor at The Daily Caller .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--While Confederate Statues Come Down, Other Symbols Targeted

RALEIGH , North Carolina ( AP ) — Spectators in North Carolina ’ s capital cheered Sunday morning as work crews finished the job started by protesters Friday night and removed a Confederate statue from the top of a 75-foot ( 232 meter ) monument .
Across the country , a peaceful protest in Portland , Oregon , against racial injustice turned violent early Sunday after baton-wielding police used flash-bang grenades to disperse demonstrators throwing bottles , cans and rocks at sheriff ’ s deputies near downtown ’ s Justice Center .
News outlets reported that work crews acting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Roy Cooper removed the statue Sunday morning and began taking down the obelisk on which it stood .
Sunday ’ s work follows the removal of two other Confederate statues on the state Capitol grounds in Raleigh on Saturday .
Cooper ordered the statues removed after protesters toppled two other Confederate statues Friday night , stringing one up by the neck and hanging it from a light pole .
“ Monuments to white supremacy don ’ t belong in places of allegiance , and it ’ s past time that these painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe way , ” Cooper said in a press release Saturday .
A 2015 law bars removal of the statues without approval of a state historical commission , but Cooper said he ’ s acting under a public-safety exception to the law out of concern for the danger presented when protesters seek to topple the statues themselves .
Cooper has advocated the statues ’ removal for years .
Republicans , though , blamed him for not ordering police to take a tougher stand Friday night to protect the memorials .
In Baltimore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a city park were vandalized with red paint .
The Baltimore Sun reports that the memorial in Druid Hill Park in northwest Baltimore also had the words “ Destroy Racists ” and the initials for the Black Lives Matter movement written on the base .
Police said Sunday morning that they had not received any complaints about the vandalism .
Baltimore removed several statues and memorials linked to the Confederacy in 2017 .
As statues and memorials to the Confederacy have been targeted across the South , prompted by the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also at times targeted Founding Fathers who were slaveholders , including Washington .
In California , protesters over the weekend targeted statues and busts of former President Ulysses Grant , who commanded the Union Army that defeated the Confederacy ; Francis Scott Key , who wrote “ The Star Spangled Banner ; ” and Spanish missionary Junipero Serra , who is credited with bringing Roman Catholicism to the western United States .
Grant and Key were both slave owners at points in their lives .
In another case in California , symbols of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted in recent weeks with vandalism .
Three men , including employees of a sheriff ’ s office and district attorney ’ s office , were arrested in connection with the vandalism of a Black Lives Matter sign .
The Ventura County Sheriff ’ s Office said late Saturday that a tarp painted with the letters “ BLM ” has been repeatedly damaged in Thousand Oaks .
The sign ’ s owner posted an image of the damage on social media , and the office says detectives recognized a suspect as a sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was issued a misdemeanor vandalism citation and placed on paid administrative leave .
Another person investigated for vandalism to the sign worked for the county district attorney ’ s office .
Portland police and Multnomah County sheriff ’ s deputies arrested several people after a group of protesters pulled down a fence cordoning off the center , tossed objects including fireworks at officers and ignored repeated warnings to disperse , police said in a statement .
It said some people shined lasers into the eyes of deputies .
About the Headline Photo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plinth sit on a flatbed truck at the Old Capitol in Raleigh , N.C. , on Sunday , June 21 , 2020 .
After protesters pulled down two smaller statues on the same monument Friday , North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper ordered the removal of several other monuments to the Confederacy , citing public safety concerns .
( AP Photo/Allen G. Breed )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Commentary: On Being Pounded with Lies, Damned Lies, and More Damned Lies about ‘Systemic’ Racism in

Commentary: On Being Pounded with Lies, Damned Lies, and More Damned Lies about ‘Systemic’ Racism in America

We all know the story of the Emperor ’ s New Clothes .
It is not just a children ’ s story .
Rather , it is an eternal story about human nature .
If people are surrounded by a mass or a mob who speak nonsense as a Truth — with a capital “ T ” — then perfectly sensible people who internally know better will fall into line and babble the same “ Truth.
” For a reality check and sanity in the public arena , it ultimately often takes a little kid who simply has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look and say , “ But this ‘ Truth ’ simply is not true.
” In the fable , the Emperor actually was naked .
In America circa mid-2020 , corresponding to 5780 years since Adam and Eve , not only is the Left-dominated media naked but so is the mob of respected opinion-makers .
The Emperor is naked .
And as to those who now proclaim “ America has systemic racism , ” that is a lie , a damned lie .
It is a lie about America , and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not “ systemic ” in America .
It does not permeate the System .
We Americans are a good people .
We just are .
People of every imaginable minority — except for Orthodox Jews who wear yarmulkas — now are so woven into the American fabric that America ’ s social cloth without them would be like wool after a bunch of moths had lunch .
Blacks , Hispanics , Asians , Gays , and Lesbians , and all — all such communities are quite prevalent throughout the media , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses in hospital settings , law firms .
Name it .
This country simply is not systemically racist .
It is such a damned lie .
I know this firsthand because I live here in America .
I circulate among Americans .
As my life unfolded , I ended up circulating in many different vocational circles .
I am a rabbi and circulate among synagogue communities and Jewish educational programs .
I practiced law at three of America ’ s most prestigious law firms — Jones Day , Akin Gump , and Baker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Over that decade , that brought me into contact with some 300 attorneys in those firms , maybe 300 clients , maybe 300 opposing clients , and maybe 300 of their attorneys .
I ended up in courtrooms , encountered judges , juries , bailiffs , clerks .
Then I became a law professor .
I have taught over 2,000 students , many of whom remain remarkably close with me even after my 16 years in that field .
I was in a business , sales , and marketing for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up ; the industry was so new that people did not even know what to call the machines : long-distance copiers , facsimile machines that used a crazy , thin , shiny paper on which all the faxed text disappeared after a year .
I met all sorts of people .
Yes , I have met a racist here and a racist there .
Of course .
I also have met Jew-haters .
I have met people who will not hire a woman “ to do a man ’ s job.
” I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never ever would work with male associates , except for one unique situation when she needed me because I had unique expertise in a certain esoteric aspect of international law .
So of course there is the occasional bigot .
And of course we all notice when someone is Black .
But what does that mean ?
That means nothing .
People see my yarmulke and they notice I am Jewish .
We see someone cross-eyed , and we notice they have strabismus .
We notice a red-head , male or female , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice .
So what ?
When someone is not “ typical ” in appearance , we notice .
Orthodox Jews with kippot are not typical .
Blacks make up 12 percent of the population .
Asian Americans have an appearance feature that differs from the Caucasians .
So what ?
As a law professor , in 16 years and 2,000 students , I encountered one racist student .
I was about to write “ only one racist student ” in 16 years , but I deleted the word “ only ” because one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comment in a lecture , and I could not believe what I had heard .
The school is quite politically correct — on steroids — and I could not believe what I had heard .
Again , the moment was very awkward for me , but I had to confront it .
“ You owe an apology for that comment , ” I said .
The dunderhead really did not grasp that he had used an offensive stereotype .
I had to figure out a way to explain it to the schmendrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I asked him to step outside into the hallway for a moment , I explained it to him , and we then reentered the classroom .
And he sincerely publicly apologized for a bone-headed insensitivity .
After my decades-plus career at the Big Firms , I decided I wanted fewer billable hours and more time to be a rabbi and to teach law students .
So I went to work for a billionaire in Los Angeles residential housing .
The hours were great , the work easy , and he paid me a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As I started working for him a few weeks , I came to see that he is an old dinosaur from another time — a racist and sexist like Joe Biden .
He would make racist comments like those that Joe Biden makes , about how some Black person amazingly is not only presentable but also clean , about how Black mothers are so stupid that their kids only hear maybe 300 words through childhood , about how you have to be from India or Pakistan to walk into a donut shop .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden racism , a cloned racist .
He had every demographic group pigeon-holed in a stereotype .
And , like Joe Biden , he could not keep his hands off women — smelling their hair , stroking their hair , putting his hands on and rubbing their shoulders .
For a moment , I had a dream job , but I had to quit after a short time because he was such a rarefied bigot like Biden , and my soul felt polluted every time I walked in .
This is not “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society or our culture .
Indeed , the society spits out anyone who reveals as racist .
It is one student out of 2,000 .
One client in 300 .
That is not “ systemic.
” It is not an indictment of America .
It is an indictment of an occasional boor and nabob .
I have been a political conservative for half a century .
In Orange County , I am involved in the Lincoln Club , a conservative Republican association .
In New York , I was involved with Republicans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boldly conservative vehicles and have read Readers ’ Comments .
Conservatives , deeply conservative conservatives , do not bear racism .
It is not part of the conservative Weltanschauung .
Yes , there are outliers .
So ban social media , and see what happens — or pass a law that requires everyone posting a comment on social media or any website to include his or her real name and city .
See what happens .
Beyond my circles , I do not see racism anywhere in the system .
That is because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
It is outlier — just as hatred , bigotry , and prejudice exists everywhere that you find enough people .
It is a lie that Americans are racist .
It is a Damned Lie to say that racism is systemic in America .
It is not systemic .
It is not in the system .
The Left now is using the adjective “ systemic ” as tied to the noun “ racism ” in the same way that we all tie the adjective “ honorable ” to the noun “ judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a judge is not honorable .
Or the “ learned professor ” even if the professor is an ignoramus .
Or the “ good doctor ” even when the doctor is bad .
We just say it .
And now they are tying “ systemic ” to “ racism.
” It is a lie .
News flash : This country elected a Black president in 2008 , even though he was manifestly unqualified , had no discernible mastery except in leveraging a background in “ community organizing ” to cheat the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rich off a sweetheart deal with a convicted felon .
His wife told us that she hated the country .
He ran against a guy who was very moderate , billed as a war hero , with experience in government .
And yet this country elected the incompetent Black guy anyway .
Then , four years later , after the Black guy proved his incompetence many times over , we elected him yet again over an extremely accomplished businessman who also had a moderate even-keeled temperament and personality and who had governed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected the Black guy .
That was the Black guy under whom ISIS grew from a JV to a caliphate , the Black guy who called an Arab terrorist ’ s massacre “ workplace violence , ” the Black guy who could not engender an economic boom after a serious recession .
He was the Black guy whose pastor was the Right Reverend Jeremiah Wright .
And yet we still elected the Black guy .
He brought in one Black attorney general , then another .
Where was the “ systemic ” racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who else among all the nations that criticize us ever has done what we do : elected a Black head of government ?
Britain ?
France ?
Spain ?
Denmark ?
Belgium ?
Russia ?
Yes , it is true that China does have among their leaders people who are , uh , Chinese — but no one else .
Is Russia or China about to have a Black leader , a Black foreign minister , a Black anything ?
Kuwait ?
Saudi Arabia ?
Iran ?
Where are all their Condoleezza Rices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loretta Lynches ?
Where are Blacks in those societies ?
The irony is that this country , which once blighted itself with racism , has evolved into something that is less institutionally and systemically racist than anywhere else on Earth .
Stop listening to the Damned Lies .
Look at the naked Emperor .
There have been some disgusting anti-Jewish attacks in this country .
Ulysses Grant ’ s General Order No .
11 .
The Leo Frank lynching in Georgia in 1915 .
The 1922 Massena , New York , blood libel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pittsburgh temple and at the Poway synagogue .
But no Jew with any common sense ever would imagine to say that America is “ systemically ” anti-Semitic .
And we have not even had a Jewish president .
Big deal .
Spare us the honor .
I have encountered my fair share of cops .
Two of them were anti-Semitic .
I am sure there are others .
At each of two of the prominent law firms where I worked , there was respectively one Jew-hater among the law partners .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ systemic ” at the law firms .
It simply meant that each place had a dirtbag who was a partner , and I had to live with that .
At one of the firms , he hated Jews so much that he never asked to work with me .
At the other firm , the other one hated Jews so much that I refused ever to work with him .
To hell with both of them .
We need to call Truth by its name : truth .
And we can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Lie that racism is endemic or systemic .
It is not even systemic in police departments .
There are too many Black , Hispanic , and Asian police officers , too many Black municipal police chiefs , for racism to be systemic .
In Minnesota , the chief law enforcement official , the state attorney general , is Black .
So is the police chief of Minneapolis .
If those police departments have a bad apple , what has the police chief been doing ?
There are bad cops , as there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , and there are tons of good cops .
In the same way , we have witnessed during this past week that there are good , passionate demonstrators on both sides of the political spectrum — and there are many , many vicious animals , thugs , goons , and vicious haters who pose as “ protesters ” when in fact they are animals and anarchists who aim to destroy our blessed country , our excellent values , our cherished way of life .
Those anarchists are not “ protesting.
” They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are having the time of their lives .
It is Christmas in June for them — burning down stores , looting merchandise , beating up people , smashing windows .
How does it advance the cause of social justice for Blacks or Hispanics or anyone when a bunch of White anarchists , supported by their millionaire suburban White liberal parents ’ bottomless largesse and attending exclusive liberal East Coast colleges , go into Macy ’ s and loot the store ?
Or steal television sets ?
Whose cause does that advance ?
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vandals are expressing “ outrage.
” They are celebrating Christmas , getting their gifts now , and burning the fingerprints left behind .
They want to destroy , and this is their excuse in an environment that has been soaked for three years with kerosene by Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff , and further stoked with gasoline by CNN , MSNBC , the New York Times , the Washington Post , and all the others .
The Truth is that the Pelosi Democrats and the Left media have been tearing at our social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy the present government in a grab for power .
We saw it so blatantly during the Kavanaugh hearings .
Blasey Ford was caught in perjury — about her flying , her extra front door .
It never was about “ You have to believe a woman ” because , if it were , Biden would be out of political contention now on rape charges , as would be the attorney general of Virginia .
It never was about Blackface , or Ralph Northam would be out of Virginia .
Rather , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spikes of government and tearing down the social order to take power .
It no longer either is about George Floyd .
It began as a legitimate opportunity to demand that police departments across the country look inside and reevaluate their recruitment , training , and retention policies , in order to extirpate the bad apples , the racists , the Jew-haters , the people with psychological pathologies who have no business walking around with handcuffs , guns , and badges .
But that time now has passed .
The anarchists don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad apples thrown out .
Rather , they want whole police forces closed down , just as they want Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) closed down .
Because , when you defund the police and ICE , and you have no law enforcement , you have exactly the anarchy that this all is about .
They are sharks in the water , and thanks to the Left media and the Pelosi Democrats they smell blood .
They never had it so good , and they have political backing from Democrats for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become a national hero by being an arsonist and torching a pharmacy or a Black-owned clothing store .
Never was it so easy to became a hero by stealing television sets from a Hispanic-owned appliance store .
This is not protest , but Christmas in June .
Damn those who would destroy the greatest political experiment and society that ever has unfolded in post-Biblical history , and who would turn this country into another Venezuela or Cuba , Russia or China , or France or Spain .
Damn them and damn their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a high-stakes litigation attorney of more than twenty-five years and an adjunct professor of law of more than fifteen years , is rabbi of Young Israel of Orange County , California .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--‘Racist’ Brigham Young Statue Vandalized at Namesake University

In yet another example of statues being vandalized on America ’ s college campuses , the namesake statue at Brigham Young University in Utah was vandalized with the word “ racist ” written across the monument in red paint , according to the campus newspaper , The Daily Universe .
Separately , a sign marking the location of the Abraham O. Smoot Administration Building was also splattered with a red “ X.
” KSTU-TV reported that BYUPD Lt. Rich Christianson said the vandalism happened sometime either late on June 14 or early on June 15 .
The outlet also reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is responsible for the act .
“ It looks like they hit it and left .
From video surveillance , there might be two individuals , but we ’ re still working on that right now , ” Christianson told the Provo Daily Herald .
According to the Institute for Religious Research , Brigham Young was an outspoken proponent of slavery , saying in 1852 , ” I will remark with regard to slavery , inasmuch as we believe in the Bible , inasmuch as we believe in the ordinances of God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decrees of God , we must believe in slavery.
” “ I am a firm believer in slavery , ” Young also said .
However , Young ’ s legacy involves much more than his support of slavery .
Young was among the leading 19th-century voices within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , with which BYU is affiliated to this day .
Following Mormon leader Joseph Smith ’ s death in the early 1800s , Young was named as the leader of the church , the position in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also the governor of Utah , then a U.S. territory , beginning in 1851 , according to History.com .
Jon Street is the Managing Editor of CampusReform.org .
Follow Jon of Twitter at @ JonStreet .
Image “ Defaced Brigham Young Statue ” by Courtney Tanner .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Utah Teachers’ Union Offers Endorsement to Lt. Governor Following Veto of Special Ed Bill

The biggest teachers ’ union in Utah has offered its endorsement of incumbent Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox after his administration vetoed a special education bill that the union opposed .
The bill in question was House Bill 332 , introduced by state representative Mike Schultz ( R-Utah ) .
The main purpose of the bill was to provide greater funding to special needs programs across the state , and sought to do so by creating a new individual/corporate tax credit that would provide the funding for a new scholarship program for such students .
This not only would provide more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state classified as special needs , but would do so from a new source of revenue rather than diverting any more funds from the currently existing education budget .
However , after the bill passed both the Utah House and Senate , it was vetoed by Governor Gary Herbert ( R-Utah ) , with the support of Cox , his lieutenant governor .
Herbert , who has chosen not to run for re-election in 2020 , has already offered his endorsement of Cox , who is facing three other Republicans in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential candidate , and former ambassador to China and Russia , Jon Huntsman Jr .
Following the Herbert/Cox administration ’ s vetoing of the bill , Cox was officially endorsed by the Utah Education Association ( UEA ) , which had vehemently opposed the special needs bill .
The bill was similarly opposed by other major education groups and teachers ’ unions in the state , including the Utah State School Board , the Utah School Boards Association , the Utah School Superintendents Association , and Utah PTA .
Cox ’ s campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75,000 from the NEA following the veto .
Despite the governor ’ s veto , Representative Schultz and his cosponsor , State Senator Lincoln Fillmore ( R-Utah ) , brought the bill back for another vote in the upcoming special session of the Utah legislature that included “ a number of changes , ” and effectively did override Herbert ’ s veto .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Rep. Doug Collins Calls for a Special Prosecutor in Rayshard Brooks Shooting

In the midst of a hotly contested race for U.S. Senate , Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA-09 ) called on Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr to appoint a special prosecutor in the wake of murder charges by Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard – who is also facing a tough run-off election in August – in the death of Rayshard Brooks .
“ Our founders intended for our justice system to be blind – blind to race , blind to socioeconomic status , and blind to politics , ” Rep. Collins said in a statement .
“ While we seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the many lives lost , we can not turn our backs on the majority of law enforcement officers who are simply doing their jobs and putting their lives on the line for us each and every day.
” Charging an Atlanta police officer with felony murder before the completion of the GBI ’ s investigation was a political decision , not a legal one .
I ’ m calling on Attorney General Chris Carr to appoint an independent district attorney in the case of Rayshard Brooks to ensure Georgians have complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any and all political influence .
If a special prosecutor was warranted in the Ahmaud Arbery case , then it certainly warrants the appointment of one here .
Georgia Attorney General Carr responded later the same day with a statement of his own , asserting state law prohibits his from appointing a special prosecutor .
“ In Georgia , pursuant to O.C.G.A .
§ 15-18-5 , the Office of the Attorney General can appoint another prosecutor if a district attorney disqualifies himself/herself or a court disqualifies him/her , ” the Georgia State Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins is running to replace Senator John Isakson ( R-GA ) , who resigned in August 2019 due to declining health .
In accordance with Georgia law , Governor Brian Kemp tapped Kelly Loeffler to serve in the interim , with a special election in 2020 to fill the remaining two years of Isakson ’ s term through 2022 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Commentary: The Church Collaborates in Its Own Destruction

One might think the Catholic Church would stand against the orgy of iconoclasm that we are witnessing across the country — toppled statues , defaced churches , and the like .
But , no , the feeble voices of priests and bishops join the creepy chorus of the mob .
In California , the mob has targeted statues of Junipero Serra , the saintly Franciscan who spread the faith through a system of missions .
Where is the Church to protect the statues ?
Nowhere .
In Ventura , where the mob demands the removal of a Serra statue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church has gone along with it .
The Ventura Star reports : In a joint statement released Thursday , Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere , Father Tom Elewaut of Mission San Buenaventura and Tumamait-Stenslie say they agree the statue should be removed from the public property .
The statue is a designated historic landmark , the statement says .
“ We have listened and we have heard the calls from those in the community and believe the time has come for the statue to be taken down and moved to a more appropriate non-public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We all believe that the removal of the statue should be accomplished without force , without anger and … without uncivil discourse , much less vandalism , ” the statement says .
According to its website , Black Lives Matter seeks to “ disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and ‘ villages ’ that collectively care for one another.
” It also seeks to build “ a queer‐affirming network ” and says , “ When we gather , we do so with the intention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heteronormative thinking , or rather , the belief that all in the world are heterosexual ( unless s/he or they disclose otherwise ) .
” These and other odious positions , such as “ defund the police , ” should generate condemnations from the Church .
Instead , the bishops are tripping over themselves to praise the group ’ s movement .
The same bishops who wouldn ’ t dare attend a pro-life demonstration turn up at Black Lives Matter protests .
Bishop Mario Dorsonville , who used to live with the rapist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , D.C. After El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz took a knee with Black Lives Matter , he was rewarded with a phone call from the pope , commending him for his activism .
Seitz even soft-pedaled the seriousness of the mayhem that followed George Floyd ’ s death , saying , “ My brother bishop in Chicago , Cardinal Blase Cupich , suggested we should be less quick to judge the proportionality of ‘ their ’ response and start talking about the proportionality of ‘ ours.
’ We also need to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that ‘ a riot is the language of the unheard.
’ ” In this politically correct frenzy , priests are expected to ratify the lying narrative ripping the country apart .
Woe to those who don ’ t .
Witness Cardinal Sean O ’ Malley ’ s acceding to the sacking of the MIT chaplain Fr .
Daniel Moloney , who failed to bow to the propaganda of Black Lives matter by writing , “ In the wake of George Floyd ’ s death , most people in the country have framed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think we know that .
Many people have claimed that racism is major problem in police forces .
I don ’ t think we know that.
” He will have to be sent off to the bishops ’ reeducation camp .
Under Pope Francis , the Church has a death wish , conferring its blessing upon a revolution that will consume it .
In all the bishops ’ blather about the “ failures ” of the Church , they never mention one of the failures at the root of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inability to transmit faith and virtue to rising generations .
For decades , the Church has preached politics instead of holiness , which has just added to the woes of our anti-religious age .
Out of her secularized schools have come pro-abortion “ Catholic ” pols who de-Christianize society and poison young minds .
Nancy Pelosi and company cheer on the mob as they crush the last symbols of civilization .
On the toppled statues of Junipero Serra , among others , are the fingerprints of Church officials who were too cowardly or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chroniclers of this age will find it remarkable that they came down not in spite of the Church but in part because of her .
George Neumayr , a senior editor at The American Spectator , is co-author of No Higher Power : Obama ’ s War on Religious Freedom .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--DeWine Signs Student Religious Liberties Act Into Law

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine signed the Student Religious Liberties Act into law Friday , a bill that protects prayer and religious expression in public schools .
“ No student should have to hide their faith just because they enter a public school .
The Student Religious Liberties Act is carefully crafted to ensure school administrators can ’ t unfairly penalize students of all faiths , or no faith , ” said Aaron Baer , president of Citizens for Community Values , one of twelve groups that testified in support of the bill .
“ While the ACLU and atheist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , and prevent Christian , Jewish , Muslim and all students from having fundamental protections , Ohio lawmakers stood up for the First Amendment and have sent a clear message that the Buckeye State respects a diversity of viewpoints , ” he added .
The bill also requires schools to provide religious groups with the same access to school facilities as secular groups .
According to Baer , state Rep. Tim Ginter ( R-Salem ) , the primary sponsor of the bill , has “ pressed this legislation forward for the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be controversial to stand for religious freedom , ” Baer continued .
“ Through roadblocks and attacks , Rep. Ginter was a steady hand to get this legislation done.
” Ginter said the Student Religious Liberties Act received four committee hearings and gained over 60 cosponsors within both legislative chambers .
“ I ’ m grateful seeing this important bill regarding expression , which is protected by our First Amendment , become law in Ohio , ” he said in a press release .
“ This will ensure students ’ rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious expression in the same way students can participate in secular activities.
” The bill received unanimous support in the Senate and passed the House in a vote of 90-3 , with all three votes against the bill coming from Democrats .
“ This bill ensures that students ’ First Amendment rights are protected in Ohio schools , ” Senate President Larry Obhof ( R-Medina ) , a co-sponsor of the bill , said in a statement .
“ Today is an important step forward for religious freedom.
” Since the bill contained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming school year , it was passed as an emergency measure and became effective immediately .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Federal Judge asks Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Emergency Power Questions

A federal judge asked the Michigan Supreme Court to settle questions regarding whether Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has the authority to issue executive orders under two state laws .
U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney certified two questions to the Michigan Supreme Court .
• None Whether Whitmer has the authority to issue executive orders under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act ( EPGA ) or the Emergency Management Act ( EMA ) • None Whether the EPGA or the EMA violates the separation of powers or the non-delegation clauses of the Michigan Constitution The order stems from a lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order delaying nonessential procedures .
Although Whitmer lifted the executive order , Maloney wrote the medical lawsuit wasn ’ t moot because facilities must still follow 15 safety precautions enacted by executive orders .
Others have challenged Whitmer ’ s authority as well .
The GOP-controlled legislature sued Whitmer on May 6 , claiming she exceeded her powers under those laws after she unilaterally extended her emergency powers April 30 after lawmakers didn ’ t .
Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens in May ruled that Whitmer acted legally .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which last week pushed the question down to the Court of Appeals , where it ’ s scheduled for an August hearing .
The appeal could expedite the ruling if the top court takes the case .
Whitmer has rescinded many of her 130 executive orders issued this year , most in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Other edicts remain that delay eviction and allow government entities to meet remotely .
Republicans have argued the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic has concluded , and that any other response should go through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions were unsettled , and submitting the questions to the state Supreme Court “ acknowledges that court ’ s status as the final arbiter on matters of state law.
” “ [ T ] he guidance sought today prevents this Court from overstepping its role , eliminates the risk that this Court interprets the relevant state law differently than the Michigan Supreme Court might , and eliminates the risk of conflicting federal and state decisions , ” Maloney wrote .
Whitmer has called any attempts to strip her power “ irresponsible , dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Image “ Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ” by Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Trump Mocks ‘Stone-Cold Crazy’ Minneapolis Officials, Predicts ‘Big Victory’ in Minnesota: ‘They’ve

Trump Mocks ‘Stone-Cold Crazy’ Minneapolis Officials, Predicts ‘Big Victory’ in Minnesota: ‘They’ve Had It’

President Donald Trump described Minneapolis officials as “ stone-cold crazy ” during his return to the campaign trail Saturday night in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
The lawlessness of the “ radical left ” was a recurring theme of the president ’ s speech , and Minneapolis was a prime target .
“ Our incredible success in rebuilding America stands in stark contrast to the extremism and destruction and violence of the radical left , ” the president said early in his 90-minute address .
Trump said it “ looked like the world was coming to an end ” in Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late May in response to the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who was allegedly murdered by Minneapolis police .
“ We did something in Minneapolis , after watching for three or four days , I called and I said , ‘ You ’ ve got to protect yourselves.
’ I got them to take 8,000 National Guardsmen and in one hour it all ended and they rode through the next three weeks with no problems , ” said Trump .
He later mocked the Minneapolis City Council for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he thought it was a joke when he first heard the story .
“ They ’ re not kidding .
They ’ ve got a lot of problems .
They ’ ll have a lot of problems , ” he said .
“ It ’ s one o ’ clock in the morning and a very tough – I ’ ve used the word on occasion – hombre is breaking into the window of a young woman whose husband is away as a traveling salesman or whatever he may do .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ I ’ m sorry , this number is no longer working.
’ ” “ So they want to defund .
They really do .
This is a serious movement , ” Trump added .
“ These people are stone-cold crazy .
They ’ re crazy.
” Democratic nominee Joe Biden , a “ helpless puppet of the radical left , ” was ridiculed by the president for donating “ a lot of money to bail out rioters.
” At least 13 of Biden ’ s campaign staffers publicly boasted about donating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people pay bail fees in Minneapolis .
“ His campaign staff even donated a lot of money to bail out rioters , looters and arsonists who ravaged Minneapolis .
They bailed them out , they put up a lot of money to bail them out , the rioters , the looters and they were , they were arsonists , ” the president continued .
“ The left is trying to do everything they can to stop us .
Every hour of every day , including even violence and mayhem , they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he added .
Towards the end of his speech , Trump warned voters that Biden is “ fully controlled by the fringe of his party ” and will surround himself with socialists if elected .
“ Representative Ilhan Omar is going to be very much involved in a Biden government .
They will put this hate-filled , America-bashing socialist front and center in deciding the fate of your family and deciding the fate of your country , ” he said .
“ She would like to make the government of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she came , Somalia .
No government , no safety , no police , no nothing .
Just anarchy .
And now she ’ s telling us how to run our country .
No , thank you , ” said Trump .
“ I think we ’ re going to have a big victory in the state of Minnesota , because they ’ ve had it .
They ’ ve had it.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo “ Trump in Tulsa ” by Dan Scavino .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--Minnesota Schools Given Possible Scenarios for the Fall

The Minnesota Department of Education ( MDE ) and the Minnesota Department of Health ( MDH ) gave additional guidance for what school could look like in the fall .
The guidance recommended school districts plan for three possible scenarios : in-person learning for all students ; hybrid learning with social distance and capacity limits ; or distance learning only .
In-person learning would require schools to space out students and teachers as feasible .
In a hybrid model , schools would limit facilities and transportation to half capacity .
School districts may enact social distance learning if COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could cause different schools to operate in a hybrid or distance learning model , Minnesota Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller told reporters on a conference call Thursday .
MDE will announce further decisions by July 27 , 2020 .
Infectious Disease Division Director Kris Ehresmann said the delayed decision aimed to harness the most updated COVID-19 data .
“ If we made a decision a month ago , it might have looked very different than a decision that we have made now , based on changes in the data , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead to the next school year , the health and safety of our students will continue to be our number one priority , ” Mueller said in a statement .
“ This spring brought about unprecedented changes to our society and our education system , and moving forward we must do everything we can to meet the needs of each and every student .
The proactive planning that our school districts and charter schools will do this summer will ensure that our school communities are prepared for whatever this school year brings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more specifics in a 16-page document , while the MDE provided 100 pages of resources .
“ We are learning more about COVID-19 every day , but we still can ’ t be sure about exactly how the pandemic will play out over the coming months , ” Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a statement .
“ Until a vaccine is developed COVID-19 is likely to remain a serious concern , and we must be prepared for a variety of scenarios .
We appreciate the partnership of the Minnesota Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems as we prepare for the start of school this fall.
” MDE asked school leaders to plan for all three scenarios .
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka criticized the decision , calling it a “ non-announcement.
” “ This direction is as clear as mud , and the inability to make a decision will hamper learning for students in the fall , ” Gazelka said in a statement .
He called for Gov .
Tim Walz to end his emergency powers and give more freedom to schools , citing fewer recent COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule over our state has got to end , ” Gazelka said .
“ Governor Walz should allow each district and school to make the decision that is best for them , just like the colleges and universities have done .
“ The Governor can ’ t possibly make the best decision for every parent and child , and this announcement today is more evidence of that .
Let the schools and the parents decide what ’ s best for their students.
” Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--One Man Dead, 11 People Wounded in Minneapolis Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — A shooting in a popular Minneapolis nightlife area early Sunday left one man dead and 11 people wounded in a chaotic scene that sent people ducking into restaurants and other businesses for cover .
The shooting broke out shortly after midnight in the city ’ s trendy Uptown neighborhood , a nightlife hub with bars , restaurants and retail including Apple and Fjallraven stores .
Police first said 10 people had been shot with “ various severity levels of injuries , ” but revised their total upward in a tweet posted just after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital , not at the scene , they said .
None of the other injuries were considered life-threatening .
Police said they believe there was more than one shooter , described only as “ individuals on foot.
” No one was in custody , and police have not said what may have prompted the shooting .
All of the injured were adults .
In video posted to Facebook that showed the immediate aftermath , screams could be heard as small crowds of people gathered , with some crouched over people lying on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed up to attend to them .
Fred Hwang , a manager at Hoban Korean BBQ , said he was working the front door when he heard shots from the sidewalk a couple of storefronts down .
Hwang described hearing “ a lot of shots ” and said it appeared to be groups of people shooting at each other .
“ People were trying to rush inside the restaurant for safety , ” he said .
“ It was a very scary experience .
… We have bullet holes inside our restaurant like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our front glass was broken and shattered .
Then , just like people being in here panicking and running around , breaking this or that , it was very chaotic.
” Across the street from where the shooting began , in a storefront shared by the Uptown Theater and a shoe store , a police officer later Sunday surveyed a shattered window and door and a bullet hole could be seen in the storefront .
The Uptown area is about 3 miles ( 5 kilometers ) west of the Minneapolis commercial area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of George Floyd ’ s May 25 death after being arrested by Minneapolis police .
Some of the violence from that period reached as far as Uptown , and many storefronts are still protected by plywood .
Floyd ’ s death has sparked a move to overhaul the Minneapolis Police Department , with a majority of City Council members pledging support for dismantling a department that many community activists have called brutal and racist .
That ’ s prompted pushback from opponents who question how residents will be protected from violent crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change have acknowledged it ’ s many months away and they ’ re not sure what it will look like .
Hwang was critical of the police response time , estimating it took officers more than 30 minutes to arrive .
However , police spokesman John Elder told The Associated Press that police converged on the area within three minutes of a 12:38 a.m. call being put out by officers stating that they had heard shots in the area .
“ Something needs to be done to protect us , ” Hwang said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , we all have off-duty police officers as extra security parked in front of our businesses .
But no one has that right now because police are a liability for us.
” Police responded to at least two other shootings in south Minneapolis in the hour before the Uptown violence erupted .
The Star Tribune reported that one was a man who may have shot himself near the site where Floyd died .
Another was a nonfatal double shooting .
Elder told the newspaper that angry crowds at both scenes impeded officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press .
AP writer Mallika Sen in New York contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : A police officer takes photos Sunday , June 21 , 2020 , of a shattered window of a shoe store that was hit by gunfire in Minneapolis ’ Uptown neighborhood .
Multiple people were shot , one fatally , when gunfire broke out shortly after midnight Sunday .
( AP Photo/Doug Glass )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-22--DeWine Signs School Funding, License Amnesty Fee Bills into Law

Gov .
Mike DeWine has signed several bills into law , including a measure aimed at sending more money to schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The bill requires public schools to provide students who want to meet for a religious reason the same access to facilities they give to secular student groups .
But lawmakers tacked on several funding provisions , including an additional $ 24 million in General Revenue Fund ( GRF ) spending for schools during the 2020 fiscal year .
“ COVID-19 has sadly created financial struggles for our schools , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to support our schools in addressing the revenue shortfall , ” state Rep. Dave Greenspan , R-Westlake , said in a news release .
“ Of course , we all wish our schools did not have to face reductions , however , I am pleased that this legislation signed into law today will ensure that no school district in our state will receive a budget cut of more than 6 percent.
” The governor also signed House Bill 481 , which appropriates $ 350 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act to governments across the state .
The bill also re-appropriates nearly $ 1.3 billion in state construction funding for pending projects for the current biennium .
“ When we passed the bill , I acknowledged this is the type of legislation that us lawmakers can come together and work on in a bipartisan manner , ” state Rep. Al Cutrona , R-Canfield , said in a news release .
“ …These funds will also benefit so many great cities across Ohio.
” The governor also signed into law House Bill 285 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program .
Under the program , the state could waive hundreds of millions of dollars in reinstatement fees for Ohio drivers whose licenses have been suspended , according to a Legislative Service Commission ( LSC ) analysis .
“ This bill allows more Ohioans to get back on the road , in a state where having access to a vehicle is vital to get to work , school , and to the doctor , ” state Rep. Juanita Brent , D-Cleveland , said in a statement .
The governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill 16 to give active-duty military personnel stationed in Ohio and their families in-state college tuition .
• House Bill 81 to provide workers ’ compensation coverage for medical diagnosis services to corrections officers exposed to another person ’ s bodily fluids .
According to an LSC analysis , the change could increase premiums for the State Insurance Fund or self-insuring public employers .
Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square .