thetennesseestar--2020-08-06--Bill Hagerty Says He’s the Clear Choice in Today’s Primary Election That Reflects Conservative Tenne

Bill Hagerty Says He’s the Clear Choice in Today’s Primary Election That Reflects Conservative Tennessee Values

Live from Music Row Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee Republican US Senate candidate Bill Hagerty to the newsmakers line .
During the second hour , Hagerty reiterated why he was the conservative choice for Tennesseans in the US Senate race and detailed his resume citing current and past accomplishments .
He urged voters to come out to the polls and vote for him to show that Tennessee values are conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the line now by former Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty .
Welcome , Bill !
Hagerty : Good morning , Mike .
It ’ s great to be back with you .
Leahy : It ’ s a big day for you in Tennessee .
It ’ s primary election day .
What ’ s your closing argument to the voters here who have a choice in the Republican primary to replace outgoing and retiring Lamar Alexander ?
Hagerty : Well first I ’ d remind that polls opened this morning at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eastern time .
And we very much need to get our voters to turn out to send a strong message and demonstrate the fact that Tennessee values are conservative values .
We want to send that message loud and clear .
I think I present a wonderful chance for people to take a homegrown Tennessean , fourth-generation from Sumner County , Tennessee , a Christian , a conservative , a businessman , and a proud pro-life father of four wonderful kids .
Someone that Tennesseans know is going to stand strong for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one that brought ( Inaudible talk ) to Tennessee .
Someone that they know will work with President Trump and the rest of the Senate to make sure we confirm constitutionalist judges that don ’ t legislate from the bench .
Strong on life .
100 percent pro-life .
Stand strong with our law enforcement .
I ’ ve got their back 120 percent .
Our military and our veterans , I ’ m with them .
And I certainly have a deep interest and a lot of experience dealing with China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House Economic Recovery Task Force already while I ’ m running for office .
The President has got me focused on the ways we are going to get our jobs back .
And I ’ ll tell you this , I served earlier as the head of economic development for Tennessee .
I took another time off from my career as a businessman at a time when we had to turn our state around .
Our country is ready for that right now .
We have to get our economy going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to get our supply chains back from China .
We can no longer be dependent on China for medical supplies .
For antibiotics and high technology .
I know where to hit China where it hurts .
I want to make Made in the USA the theme of America again .
Leahy : Why are you the most reliably conservative candidate on the Republican ballot today ?
Hagerty : I ’ m the only candidate that is a true conservative on the ballot .
That ’ s been underscored by President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him last night .
We did it virtually of course under the circumstances but there was a huge turn out on that .
President Trump underscored the fact that we ’ ve worked together since I volunteered full time in 2016 to help him get elected .
Again , Michael , that was at a time when particularly very few Republicans were willing to step up and get Trump elected .
Certainly , I ’ m the only candidate in this race who lifted a finger or donated a dime to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blackburn has also echoed that as she ’ s endorsed me .
Marsha is the most conservative member of the United States Senate .
She ’ s been very clear in her endorsement of me and why she trusts me .
We ’ ve been allies for a long time .
She ’ s also been very clear about why she doesn ’ t trust Manny Sethi .
I think Tennesseans want to make certain that they are getting someone that would take their values .
I ’ m the only clear choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to earning every one of their votes today .
Leahy : So give us a little inside scoop on this .
What ’ s it like working with the President and being in the same room with him ?
What ’ s that back and forth like ?
Hagerty : Michael , the chemistry with President Trump is always exciting .
He ’ s a great businessman .
He listens .
He asks the opinion of everybody in the room .
I was asked a question yesterday .
One of the candidates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what the President ought to do with respect to a personnel issue .
Leahy : Yeah .
By the way , we wrote a story about that and it struck me as kind of interesting that a Senate candidate who ’ s not yet been elected to something would provide personnel advice to the President .
And specifically , he said that the President should fire Dr. Fauci .
Hagerty : I have provided personnel advice to the President .
You know that it was my job after we won the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job was to help the President put the cabinet together .
My job was head of Presidential personnel during the transition .
I have plenty of conversations like this with the President but what I do is pick up the phone and talk to him .
I don ’ t issue a press release .
Leahy : You don ’ t issue a press release and issue here ’ s my advice to you , you really ought to follow it ?
( Chuckles ) Hagerty : No .
I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate candidate .
But it is appropriate for someone who has a long working relationship with the President and that ’ s how I work with him .
I don ’ t have any anticipation of going to Washington and getting into Twitter wars or taking sides on CNN and MSNBC and FOX .
My goal is to go there and be effective for the people of Tennessee .
And the way to do that is to build on the relationship that I ’ ve established with this President and this administration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that from day one because I ’ ve been a part of this administration .
If I ’ m lucky enough today to be elected by the good people of Tennessee to be your Republican nominee , I have every confidence to we are going to keep pushing ahead through the election .
And I ’ ll get there with a different currency than almost every other freshman Senator .
I will be the only person in the US Senate who ’ s actually worked with this administration fighting back against the deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing back against the bureaucracy that ’ s so difficult to navigate .
I understand it and I ’ m ready to go .
We are working on my punch list of things to do right now because as a member of the White House Economic Recovery Task Force were not going to get everything done with executive orders .
There is going to be a list of things that I ’ m focused on to get the economy reopened and it will go right to the top of my list of legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax rate again .
How do we lower it further ?
How do we make America the most competitive place in the world to invest capital ?
This is all part-and-parcel of getting our supply chains back home .
We ’ re going to be very targeted in this .
I think you all know that we need to get our antibiotics back home .
We need to get our medical supplies back home .
There are a number of high technologies and rare earth materials that we are dependent upon China for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home as well .
That ’ s all being worked right now .
I ’ m going to be the person carrying that punch list right into the next legislative session if I ’ m fortunate enough to get elected .
Leahy : So what ’ s the campaign been like these past few days for you ?
Pretty hectic ?
Hagerty : It ’ s been busy .
It ’ s been exciting .
We are getting great feedback on the trail .
It ’ s clear Tennesseans want a candidate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They want to see our nation return to normal .
Everyone knows I ’ m the law and order candidate in this race .
I ’ ve got support from Sheriffs all across the state .
The President in his Tweets announcing my qualifications talks about how I ’ m going to be tough on crime and supportive of law enforcement from the very beginning .
Look , I get it , Mike .
My sister ’ s older brother – every day – puts on the uniform .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t know if he ’ s coming home at night .
Our law enforcement officers are the only thing standing between our families and complete anarchy on the streets .
I have a huge respect for them and I want to see them supported and respected .
That ’ s my view on that and I want to get law and order back to be the norm of the nation .
Beyond that though , we are in the middle of a deep economic downturn .
I ’ m the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been a businessman all my life .
When I came into the state of Tennessee the last downturn .
Tennessee ’ s unemployment rate was above the national average when I came on board in January of 2011 .
We reorganized the department I was given .
I cut over 40 percent of the positions .
That ’ s fiscally conservative if there ever was one .
We eliminated millions of taxpayer expenditures and reorganized the department and we started winning .
I was there for four years .
Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation for creating jobs through foreign investment .
We want everything that ’ s made overseas and shipped here , we want it produced here .
We were also named the state of the year for economic development for two of those years .
Tennessee is now number one on every measure .
Whether it be low unemployment , higher wage growth , and GDP growth .
Granted , we have further to go .
And I called Governor Lee and Commissioner Ross and asked them to continue to make – particularly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce is well trained and ready to go .
As we bring these jobs back from China our rural workforce can really be at a competitive advantage .
And I want to see broadband technology expanded further so we have the ability to work in the 21st century all across our state .
Leahy : If somebody wants to see you today , where are you going to be for the rest of the day ?
I guess you are going to have an election-eve party tonight ?
Tell us what your schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over in East Tennessee this morning .
We are going to be making our way over to Brentwood mid-day .
At three o ’ clock , we are going to be at Belle Haven Church .
There is a big poll there .
We ’ ll be working the polls at Belle Haven Church .
Leahy : Oh , that ’ s always fun .
Do you stay 100 feet outside and people have questions outside and people can ask you questions as they go in ?
Hagerty : Absolutely .
Wave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be there working the polls .
And we are going to wind up tonight in my home town of Gallatin .
I ’ m looking forward to celebrating victory there .
My father is no longer with me but he ’ s looking down from heaven .
My mother is 88 and is going to be in a safe place nearby watching on television .
And Chrissy and the family will be with me and with a number of friends .
It ’ s going to be an exciting evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike .
The polls close at 7pm central time and 8pm eastern time today .
And after the polls close I ’ m not sure how long it will take to tabulate the results but I ’ m looking forward to an exciting evening .
Leahy : What ’ s this campaign been like for your family ?
Hagerty : It ’ s been great .
It was great for them to be able to go with me to Japan .
That was an adventure .
We were over there serving our nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greatest experiences of our life .
It brings you together as a family .
Chrissy and I are blessed with four wonderful children .
They are now 11 , 13 , 15 , and 17 years old .
Coming back we ’ ve been on the campaign trail together and it ’ s brought us even closer .
They are out fighting every day for their dad .
They are volunteering .
They are putting up signs .
They are making phone calls .
They are with me in presentations .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family together and they are very excited for tonight as am I. Leahy : Former ambassador Bill Hagerty on the ballot today in the Republican primary for US Senate .
Thanks so much for joining us today .
Hagerty : Thanks , Michael .
And for people looking for places to go vote and the nearest polling place go to www.teamhagerty.com and you ’ ll be able to find the closest place for you to vote .
I encourage everyone on the line to turn out today .
Let ’ s send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world that Tennessee values are conservative values .
Thank you so much , Mike .
Listen to the full second hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .

Live from Music Row Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Tennessee Republican US Senate candidate Bill Hagerty to the newsmakers line.
During the second hour, Hagerty reiterated why he was the conservative choice for Tennesseans in the US Senate race and detailed his resume citing current and past accomplishments. He urged voters to come out to the polls and vote for him to show that Tennessee values are conservative values.
Leahy: We are joined on the line now by former Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty. Welcome, Bill!
Hagerty: Good morning, Mike. It’s great to be back with you.
Leahy: It’s a big day for you in Tennessee. It’s primary election day. What’s your closing argument to the voters here who have a choice in the Republican primary to replace outgoing and retiring Lamar Alexander?
Hagerty: Well first I’d remind that polls opened this morning at 7 am central time. 8 am eastern time. And we very much need to get our voters to turn out to send a strong message and demonstrate the fact that Tennessee values are conservative values.
We want to send that message loud and clear. I think I present a wonderful chance for people to take a homegrown Tennessean, fourth-generation from Sumner County, Tennessee, a Christian, a conservative, a businessman, and a proud pro-life father of four wonderful kids.
Someone that Tennesseans know is going to stand strong for them on the second amendment. I was the one that brought (Inaudible talk) to Tennessee. Someone that they know will work with President Trump and the rest of the Senate to make sure we confirm constitutionalist judges that don’t legislate from the bench.
Strong on life. 100 percent pro-life. Stand strong with our law enforcement. I’ve got their back 120 percent. Our military and our veterans, I’m with them. And I certainly have a deep interest and a lot of experience dealing with China. I’ve been appointed to the White House Economic Recovery Task Force already while I’m running for office.
The President has got me focused on the ways we are going to get our jobs back. And I’ll tell you this, I served earlier as the head of economic development for Tennessee. I took another time off from my career as a businessman at a time when we had to turn our state around.
Our country is ready for that right now. We have to get our economy going back again. And we’ve got to get our supply chains back from China. We can no longer be dependent on China for medical supplies. For antibiotics and high technology. I know where to hit China where it hurts. I want to make Made in the USA the theme of America again.
Leahy: Why are you the most reliably conservative candidate on the Republican ballot today?
Hagerty: I’m the only candidate that is a true conservative on the ballot. That’s been underscored by President Trump. We had a great town hall with him last night. We did it virtually of course under the circumstances but there was a huge turn out on that. President Trump underscored the fact that we’ve worked together since I volunteered full time in 2016 to help him get elected.
Again, Michael, that was at a time when particularly very few Republicans were willing to step up and get Trump elected. Certainly, I’m the only candidate in this race who lifted a finger or donated a dime to help him get elected in 2016. Marsha Blackburn has also echoed that as she’s endorsed me. Marsha is the most conservative member of the United States Senate.
She’s been very clear in her endorsement of me and why she trusts me. We’ve been allies for a long time. She’s also been very clear about why she doesn’t trust Manny Sethi. I think Tennesseans want to make certain that they are getting someone that would take their values. I’m the only clear choice to make. And I look forward to earning every one of their votes today.
Leahy: So give us a little inside scoop on this. What’s it like working with the President and being in the same room with him? What’s that back and forth like?
Hagerty: Michael, the chemistry with President Trump is always exciting. He’s a great businessman. He listens. He asks the opinion of everybody in the room. I was asked a question yesterday. One of the candidates in this campaign put out a press release about what the President ought to do with respect to a personnel issue.
Leahy: Yeah. By the way, we wrote a story about that and it struck me as kind of interesting that a Senate candidate who’s not yet been elected to something would provide personnel advice to the President. And specifically, he said that the President should fire Dr. Fauci.
Hagerty: I have provided personnel advice to the President. You know that it was my job after we won the election and before I went to Japan my job was to help the President put the cabinet together. My job was head of Presidential personnel during the transition. I have plenty of conversations like this with the President but what I do is pick up the phone and talk to him. I don’t issue a press release.
Leahy: You don’t issue a press release and issue here’s my advice to you, you really ought to follow it? (Chuckles)
Hagerty: No. I don’t think that’s appropriate for a Senate candidate. But it is appropriate for someone who has a long working relationship with the President and that’s how I work with him. I don’t have any anticipation of going to Washington and getting into Twitter wars or taking sides on CNN and MSNBC and FOX. My goal is to go there and be effective for the people of Tennessee.
And the way to do that is to build on the relationship that I’ve established with this President and this administration. And I’m ready to do that from day one because I’ve been a part of this administration. If I’m lucky enough today to be elected by the good people of Tennessee to be your Republican nominee, I have every confidence to we are going to keep pushing ahead through the election. And I’ll get there with a different currency than almost every other freshman Senator.
I will be the only person in the US Senate who’s actually worked with this administration fighting back against the deep state. Getting things to happen and pushing back against the bureaucracy that’s so difficult to navigate. I understand it and I’m ready to go. We are working on my punch list of things to do right now because as a member of the White House Economic Recovery Task Force were not going to get everything done with executive orders.
There is going to be a list of things that I’m focused on to get the economy reopened and it will go right to the top of my list of legislative priorities. Things like looking at our tax rate again. How do we lower it further? How do we make America the most competitive place in the world to invest capital? This is all part-and-parcel of getting our supply chains back home.
We’re going to be very targeted in this. I think you all know that we need to get our antibiotics back home. We need to get our medical supplies back home. There are a number of high technologies and rare earth materials that we are dependent upon China for. I want to get those back home as well. That’s all being worked right now. I’m going to be the person carrying that punch list right into the next legislative session if I’m fortunate enough to get elected.
Leahy: So what’s the campaign been like these past few days for you? Pretty hectic?
Hagerty: It’s been busy. It’s been exciting. We are getting great feedback on the trail. It’s clear Tennesseans want a candidate that puts law and order above everything else. They want to see our nation return to normal. Everyone knows I’m the law and order candidate in this race.
I’ve got support from Sheriffs all across the state. The President in his Tweets announcing my qualifications talks about how I’m going to be tough on crime and supportive of law enforcement from the very beginning. Look, I get it, Mike. My sister’s older brother – every day – puts on the uniform. He’s a career law enforcement officer.
He doesn’t know if he’s coming home at night. Our law enforcement officers are the only thing standing between our families and complete anarchy on the streets. I have a huge respect for them and I want to see them supported and respected. That’s my view on that and I want to get law and order back to be the norm of the nation.
Beyond that though, we are in the middle of a deep economic downturn. I’m the only person that has extensive business experience. I’ve been a businessman all my life. When I came into the state of Tennessee the last downturn.
Tennessee’s unemployment rate was above the national average when I came on board in January of 2011. We reorganized the department I was given. I cut over 40 percent of the positions. That’s fiscally conservative if there ever was one. We eliminated millions of taxpayer expenditures and reorganized the department and we started winning.
I was there for four years. Tennessee became the number one state in the nation for creating jobs through foreign investment. We want everything that’s made overseas and shipped here, we want it produced here. We were also named the state of the year for economic development for two of those years. Tennessee is now number one on every measure. Whether it be low unemployment, higher wage growth, and GDP growth.
Granted, we have further to go. And I called Governor Lee and Commissioner Ross and asked them to continue to make – particularly in our rural areas – that our rural workforce is well trained and ready to go. As we bring these jobs back from China our rural workforce can really be at a competitive advantage. And I want to see broadband technology expanded further so we have the ability to work in the 21st century all across our state.
Leahy: If somebody wants to see you today, where are you going to be for the rest of the day? I guess you are going to have an election-eve party tonight? Tell us what your schedule is today.
Hagerty: We are over in East Tennessee this morning. We are going to be making our way over to Brentwood mid-day. At three o’clock, we are going to be at Belle Haven Church. There is a big poll there. We’ll be working the polls at Belle Haven Church.
Leahy: Oh, that’s always fun. Do you stay 100 feet outside and people have questions outside and people can ask you questions as they go in?
Hagerty: Absolutely. Wave, ask questions. Everything. We are going to be there working the polls. And we are going to wind up tonight in my home town of Gallatin. I’m looking forward to celebrating victory there. My father is no longer with me but he’s looking down from heaven.
My mother is 88 and is going to be in a safe place nearby watching on television. And Chrissy and the family will be with me and with a number of friends. It’s going to be an exciting evening. I certainly invite you to be there Mike. The polls close at 7pm central time and 8pm eastern time today. And after the polls close I’m not sure how long it will take to tabulate the results but I’m looking forward to an exciting evening.
Leahy: What’s this campaign been like for your family?
Hagerty: It’s been great. It was great for them to be able to go with me to Japan. That was an adventure. We were over there serving our nation from 2017 thru 2019. One of the greatest experiences of our life. It brings you together as a family. Chrissy and I are blessed with four wonderful children.
They are now 11, 13, 15, and 17 years old. Coming back we’ve been on the campaign trail together and it’s brought us even closer. They are out fighting every day for their dad. They are volunteering. They are putting up signs. They are making phone calls. They are with me in presentations. It’s been a great experience bringing the family together and they are very excited for tonight as am I.
Leahy: Former ambassador Bill Hagerty on the ballot today in the Republican primary for US Senate. Thanks so much for joining us today.
Hagerty: Thanks, Michael. And for people looking for places to go vote and the nearest polling place go to www.teamhagerty.com and you’ll be able to find the closest place for you to vote. I encourage everyone on the line to turn out today. Let’s send a strong conservative message to the rest of the world that Tennessee values are conservative values. Thank you so much, Mike.
Leahy: Thank you, Bill.
Listen to the full second hour here:
– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--Man Arrested for Violating Mask Mandate in Nashville

Joseph Bryant , a 61-year-old man , was arrested in downtown Nashville Wednesday evening for not wearing a mask .
Bryant was approached by police in the downtown area of Nashville at approximately 6:40 p.m. for not wearing a mask , according to News Channel 5 .
The police cited Bryant for violating Nashville ’ s standing mask mandate .
Police said that Bryant had two masks in his pocket when he was stopped .
About an hour later , police saw Bryant in the same area , still without a mask .
Bryant was taken to the jail at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 8:30 p.m .
He was cited and booked for violating Metro Code 2.36.190 , which states that “ it is unlawful for any person to violate an order of the board of health or of the chief medical director.
” The citation was recalled and Bryant ’ s case was retired after a meeting between the District Attorney and Bryant ’ s public defender Thursday afternoon .
Bryant ’ s case marks the first misdemeanor arrest in Nashville for non-compliance with the mask mandates .
The Nashville Public Defender ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was “ outraged ” by Bryant ’ s arrest .
The Public Defender ’ s office , which is led by Martesha Johnson , referred to what it claims is “ blatant blatant disregard from the bars , pedal taverns , party buses , wedding parties and individuals that frequent the Lower Broadway area.
” Comparing this to Bryant ’ s arrest , the office decried what it calls “ wealth based disparities in the criminal legal system [ sic ] , ” “ the criminalization of poverty , ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities in Nashville.
” It should be noted that this was not Bryant ’ s first encounter with the police .
He has been arrested 20 times since June 2019 for various charges ranging from assault to drug-related offenses to the patronizing of prostitution .
11 of these charges have been dismissed .
Sam Medley is a journalist at the Tennessee Star and Star News Network .
You can follow Sam at Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

Joseph Bryant, a 61-year-old man, was arrested in downtown Nashville Wednesday evening for not wearing a mask.
Bryant was approached by police in the downtown area of Nashville at approximately 6:40 p.m. for not wearing a mask, according to News Channel 5. The police cited Bryant for violating Nashville’s standing mask mandate.
Police said that Bryant had two masks in his pocket when he was stopped.
About an hour later, police saw Bryant in the same area, still without a mask.
Bryant was taken to the jail at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office at 8:30 p.m.
He was cited and booked for violating Metro Code 2.36.190, which states that “it is unlawful for any person to violate an order of the board of health or of the chief medical director.”
Bryant was held Thursday morning on a $500 bond.
The citation was recalled and Bryant’s case was retired after a meeting between the District Attorney and Bryant’s public defender Thursday afternoon.
Bryant’s case marks the first misdemeanor arrest in Nashville for non-compliance with the mask mandates.
The Nashville Public Defender’s office released a statement Thursday morning, saying it was “outraged” by Bryant’s arrest.
The Public Defender’s office, which is led by Martesha Johnson, referred to what it claims is “blatant blatant disregard from the bars, pedal taverns, party buses, wedding parties and individuals that frequent the Lower Broadway area.”
Comparing this to Bryant’s arrest, the office decried what it calls “wealth based disparities in the criminal legal system [sic],” “the criminalization of poverty,” and “disparate police practices among marginalized and minority communities in Nashville.”
It should be noted that this was not Bryant’s first encounter with the police. He has been arrested 20 times since June 2019 for various charges ranging from assault to drug-related offenses to the patronizing of prostitution. 11 of these charges have been dismissed.
– – –
Sam Medley is a journalist at the Tennessee Star and Star News Network. You can follow Sam at Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--Commentary: The Three Perils Threatening the United States

The Republic is in grave danger .
There , I said it .
Does anyone really doubt it ?
America is stumbling and the vultures are circling .
What is the nature of these perils that afflict us ?
America sits atop a global system created at the outset of the 20th century .
That century saw the United States elevated to the status of global imperial power , having been victorious in two world wars and the beneficiary of an international monetary system that , post World War II , provided for a vast global , if not regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Cold War with the Soviet Union and other limited wars , but no true great global war in which the entire geo-political order came into question .
Times have changed .
Today the United States is faced with three enormous perils : an external threat , an internal threat , and a fulcrum on which the two interoperate to synchronize a multi-prong attack on America .
The first peril is that China has emerged as a geopolitical and economic challenger to the United States .
The simmering geopolitical threat from China is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a geopolitical reordering on an historic scale is taking place .
Supported by financial stakeholders , China ’ s “ Belt and Road Initiative ” seeks no less than the unification of the Eurasian landmass .
This geopolitical and economic reordering has seen China peel off NATO ally Turkey , make common cause with Iran , align with Pakistan , and subsume Hong Kong .
Even European Union nations , beneficiaries of 75 years of American security , are drifting into the arms of the Chinese Communists .
The second peril , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marxist revolutionary insurrection in alignment with China ’ s objectives .
With a century of Marxist subversion in the making , this counter-state manifested as a silent or soft coup attempt in 2017 , and subsequently has evolved into a Marxist revolutionary insurrection rising to a boil inside the United States .
This insurrection has both overt and clandestine components , and while the underground remains largely anonymous , much of it is hidden in plain sight and is clearly visible to anyone familiar with unconventional warfare tactics .
One hallmark of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control over executive branch function even when their affiliated political party is out of power , control over media organs , state employees elevated above citizens in the application of laws , selective enforcement of laws based on political affiliation or policy desires ( i.e .
sanctuary cities ) , and the abuse of intelligence , law enforcement , judicial and regulatory structures to punish or control political enemies .
It is important to note that all of the outcomes sought by this insurrection support Communist China ’ s ambition to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global leader .
The third peril is a biological-economic crisis brought about by the Chinese , and exacerbated by the domestic revolutionary insurrectionists and their allies in the media and public health sector .
This public health crisis and its derivative economic calamity was spread intentionally throughout the world by China and its allies .
COVID-19 has upended the global economic system and decreased the domestic productivity of most nations , thereby increasing governance challenges and opening the door to greater state controls .
Inside the United States , the Marxist insurrection is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s control of the public health system to enact draconian population control measures , extraconstitutional legal maneuvers , propaganda and psychological warfare operations , economic warfare targeting the middle-class business owner , and intermittent escalatory violence including the use of anarcho-communists operating under the rubric of critical race theory .
Never let a crisis go to waste !
Any one of the three perils is potentially lethal in its own right .
In the aggregate , this is a crisis of epic proportions .
Unfortunately , the underground revolutionary insurrectionists operating inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ function and make matters much more difficult to qualify , rectify , or even acknowledge .
In so doing , these meddling government officials betray their oaths to defend the Constitution .
Many Americans see the vultures circling .
The signs are everywhere ; debt exploding , unemployment skyrocketing , currency uncertainty , the gold price rising , and record-high gun sales .
The herd is nervous .
Sides are being chosen .
The tectonic plates are rumbling .
People are looking for crisis leadership that comprehends the three perils , is prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importantly realizes that America is worth defending .
The Republic is at risk .
There , I said it again .
Richard Higgins is the Vice President of Unconstrained Analytics .
He has spent 25 years combating terrorism and is an expert on information age unconventional warfare .
Higgins served on the National Security Council in the Trump Administration as the director for strategic planning .
He was removed in 2017 after warning of a plot to remove the president .

by Richard Higgins
The Republic is in grave danger.
There, I said it.
Does anyone really doubt it? America is stumbling and the vultures are circling. What is the nature of these perils that afflict us?
America sits atop a global system created at the outset of the 20th century. That century saw the United States elevated to the status of global imperial power, having been victorious in two world wars and the beneficiary of an international monetary system that, post World War II, provided for a vast global, if not regional, peace. Sure, there was a Cold War with the Soviet Union and other limited wars, but no true great global war in which the entire geo-political order came into question.
Times have changed. Today the United States is faced with three enormous perils: an external threat, an internal threat, and a fulcrum on which the two interoperate to synchronize a multi-prong attack on America.
The first peril is that China has emerged as a geopolitical and economic challenger to the United States. The simmering geopolitical threat from China is multilateral in nature. In fact, a geopolitical reordering on an historic scale is taking place.
Supported by financial stakeholders, China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” seeks no less than the unification of the Eurasian landmass. This geopolitical and economic reordering has seen China peel off NATO ally Turkey, make common cause with Iran, align with Pakistan, and subsume Hong Kong. Even European Union nations, beneficiaries of 75 years of American security, are drifting into the arms of the Chinese Communists.
The second peril, a domestic counter-state, has emerged pressing a Marxist revolutionary insurrection in alignment with China’s objectives. With a century of Marxist subversion in the making, this counter-state manifested as a silent or soft coup attempt in 2017, and subsequently has evolved into a Marxist revolutionary insurrection rising to a boil inside the United States.
This insurrection has both overt and clandestine components, and while the underground remains largely anonymous, much of it is hidden in plain sight and is clearly visible to anyone familiar with unconventional warfare tactics.
One hallmark of this emergent insurrection is the state-within-the-state: institutional control over executive branch function even when their affiliated political party is out of power, control over media organs, state employees elevated above citizens in the application of laws, selective enforcement of laws based on political affiliation or policy desires (i.e. sanctuary cities), and the abuse of intelligence, law enforcement, judicial and regulatory structures to punish or control political enemies.
It is important to note that all of the outcomes sought by this insurrection support Communist China’s ambition to see the United States displaced from her perch as global leader.
The third peril is a biological-economic crisis brought about by the Chinese, and exacerbated by the domestic revolutionary insurrectionists and their allies in the media and public health sector.
This public health crisis and its derivative economic calamity was spread intentionally throughout the world by China and its allies. COVID-19 has upended the global economic system and decreased the domestic productivity of most nations, thereby increasing governance challenges and opening the door to greater state controls.
Inside the United States, the Marxist insurrection is capitalizing on the virus and the counter-state’s control of the public health system to enact draconian population control measures, extraconstitutional legal maneuvers, propaganda and psychological warfare operations, economic warfare targeting the middle-class business owner, and intermittent escalatory violence including the use of anarcho-communists operating under the rubric of critical race theory.
Never let a crisis go to waste!
Any one of the three perils is potentially lethal in its own right. In the aggregate, this is a crisis of epic proportions. Unfortunately, the underground revolutionary insurrectionists operating inside the government institutions interfere with executive branch function and make matters much more difficult to qualify, rectify, or even acknowledge. In so doing, these meddling government officials betray their oaths to defend the Constitution.
Many Americans see the vultures circling. The signs are everywhere; debt exploding, unemployment skyrocketing, currency uncertainty, the gold price rising, and record-high gun sales. The herd is nervous. Sides are being chosen. The tectonic plates are rumbling.
People are looking for crisis leadership that comprehends the three perils, is prepared to deal with them, and most importantly realizes that America is worth defending.
The Republic is at risk. There, I said it again.
Now defend it.
– – –
Richard Higgins is the Vice President of Unconstrained Analytics. He has spent 25 years combating terrorism and is an expert on information age unconventional warfare. Higgins served on the National Security Council in the Trump Administration as the director for strategic planning. He was removed in 2017 after warning of a plot to remove the president.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--Tennessee General Assembly Primary Results

While there were 115 Tennessee General Assembly seats open for Thursday ’ s primary , most went uncontested .
In fact , there was just a fractional 36 primaries yielding some surprising results .
In the Senate , all of the incumbents won their primary bid .
In the House , Representatives Micah Van Huss and Matthew Hill both lost their primaries .
Coupled with Representative Timothy Hill leaving the House to run in the U.S. House District 1 Republican primary , which he also lost , the representation of the northeast corner of the state will undergo dramatic changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District 18 that did not vote for President Trump in the March Presidential Preference Primary and supported Democrat Karl Dean in the 2018 gubernatorial race and had to be vouched for to run in the Republican primary , bested Gina Oster by about 100 votes .
District 71 incumbent David “ Coach ” Byrd overcame the accusations against him to hold on to the seat once again , even in a three-way battle , with 59 percent of the vote .
Byrd will go on to be the representative for the district , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election .
District 92 incumbent Rick Tillis , who in 2019 was allegedly behind the @ CHBMole Twitter account , lost the three-way contest .
Democrat Rick Staples in District 15 came in a distant third to his two opponents .
Below are the results of the Republican and Democrat primaries for the state House and Senate , as of publication time .
The most up-to-date and complete results can be found on the Tennessee Secretary of State website .
District 3 – Incumbent Timothy Hill not running .
Candidate for U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campbell – 6,375 / 74 % Neal Kerney – 2,299 / 27 % Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star .

While there were 115 Tennessee General Assembly seats open for Thursday’s primary, most went uncontested. In fact, there was just a fractional 36 primaries yielding some surprising results.
In the Senate, all of the incumbents won their primary bid.
In the House, Representatives Micah Van Huss and Matthew Hill both lost their primaries. Coupled with Representative Timothy Hill leaving the House to run in the U.S. House District 1 Republican primary, which he also lost, the representation of the northeast corner of the state will undergo dramatic changes.
Eddie Mannis, the candidate for District 18 that did not vote for President Trump in the March Presidential Preference Primary and supported Democrat Karl Dean in the 2018 gubernatorial race and had to be vouched for to run in the Republican primary, bested Gina Oster by about 100 votes.
District 71 incumbent David “Coach” Byrd overcame the accusations against him to hold on to the seat once again, even in a three-way battle, with 59 percent of the vote. Byrd will go on to be the representative for the district, as there is no Democrat qualified for the election.
District 92 incumbent Rick Tillis, who in 2019 was allegedly behind the @CHBMole Twitter account, lost the three-way contest.
Democrat Rick Staples in District 15 came in a distant third to his two opponents.
Below are the results of the Republican and Democrat primaries for the state House and Senate, as of publication time. The most up-to-date and complete results can be found on the Tennessee Secretary of State website.
TENNESSEE SENATE
District 2
Republican Primary
Art Swann – Incumbent
District 4
Republican Primary
Jon C. Lundberg – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Amber Riddle
District 6
Republican Primary
Becky Duncan Massey – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Sam Brown – 4,300 / 36%
Jane George – 7,493 / 64%
District 8
Republican Primary
Frank S. Niceley – Incumbent
District 10
Republican Primary
Todd Gardenhire – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Glenn Scruggs
District 12
Republican Primary
Ken Yager – Incumbent
District 14
Shane Reeves – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Chase Clemons
District 16
Republican Primary
Janice Bowling – incumbent
Democratic Primary
Sheila Younglove
District 18
Republican Primary
Ferrell Haile – Incumbent
Independent Candidate
John A. Gentry
District 20
Steven Reid Dickerson – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Kimi Abernathy – 8,780 / 52%
Heidi Campbell – 8,129 / 48%
District 22
Republican Primary
Doug Englen – 7,468 / 47%
Bill Powers – Incumbent 8,337 / 53%
Democratic Primary
Ronnie L. Glynn
District 24
Republican Primary
Casey L. Hood – 8,264 / 39%
John D. Stevens – Incumbent 13,059 / 61%
Independent Candidate
Yahweh Yahweh
District 26 – Incumbent Dolores Gresham not running.
Republican Primary
Jai Templeton – 11,543 / 47%
Page Walley – 13,076 / 53%
Democratic Primary
Civil Miller-Watkins
District 28
Republican Primary
Joey Hensley – Incumbent
Independent Candidate
James Gray
District 30
Democratic Primary
Marion Latroy A-Williams Jr. – 3,980 / 28%
Sara P. Kyle – Incumbent – 10,173 / 72%
District 32
Republican Primary
Paul W. Rose – Incumbent – 17,288 / 76%
Scott Throckmorton – 5,339 / 24%
Democratic Primary
Julie Byrd Ashworth
TENNESSEE HOUSE
District 1
Republican Primary
John K. Crawford – Incumbent
District 2
Republican Primary
Bud Hulsey – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Arvil Love Jr.
District 3 – Incumbent Timothy Hill not running. Candidate for U.S. House District 1.
Republican Primary
Scotty Campbell – 6,375 / 74%
Neal Kerney – 2,299 / 27%
District 4
Republican Primary
Robert (Bob) Acuff – 1,865 / 21%
John B. Holsclaw Jr. – Incumbent – 5,682 / 83%
Tim Lingerfelt – 1,516 / 17%
Democratic Primary
Bobby Patrick Harrell
District 5
Republican Primary
David B. Hawk – Incumbent
District 6
Republican Primary
Tim Hicks – 5,411 / 58%
Micah Van Huss – Incumbent – 3,994 / 42%
Democratic Primary
Brad Batt
District 7
Republican Primary
Rebecca Kefauver Alexander – 5,078 / 63%
Matthew Hill – Incumbent – 2,970 / 37%
District 8
Republican Primary
Jerome F. Moon – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Jay Clark
District 9
Republican Primary
Gary W. Hicks Jr. – Incumbent
District 10
Republican Primary
Rick Eldridge – Incumbent
District 11
Republican Primary
Jeremy Faison – Incumbent
District 12
Republican Primary
Dale Carr – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Bennett Lapides
District 13
Republican Primary
Elaine Davis
Democratic Primary
Gloria Johnson – Incumbent
District 14
Republican Primary
Jason Zachary – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Justin Davis
District 15
Democratic Primary
Sam McKenzie – 2,013 / 40%
Matthew Park – 1989 / 39%
Rick Staples – Incumbent 1,091 / 21%
Independent Candidate
Troy B. Jones
District 16 – Incumbent Bill Dunn not running.
Republican Primary
Patti Lou Bounds – 3,263 / 42%
Michele Carringer – 4,509 / 58%
Democratic Primary
Elizabeth Rowland
District 17
Republican Primary
Andrew Ellis Farmer – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Delynn McCash
District 18
Republican Primary – Incumbent Martin Daniel not running.
Eddie Mannis – 3,466 / 51%
Gina Oster – 3,367 / 49%
Democratic Primary
Virginia Couch
District 19
Republican Primary
Dave Wright – Incumbent
District 20
Republican Primary
Bob Ramsey – Incumbent – 4,876 / 68%
Bryan Richey – 2,275 / 32%
Democratic Primary
Susan Sneed
District 21
Republican Primary
Lowell Russell – Incumbent
District 22
Republican Primary
Dan Howell – Incumbent
District 23
Republican Primary
Mark Cochran – Incumbent
Independent Candidate
David G. E. Fankhauser
District 24
Republican Primary
Mark Hall – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Daniel Jones
District 25
Republican Primary
Cameron Sexton – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Robyn Deck
District 26
Republican Primary
Robin T. Smith – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Joan Farrell
District 27
Republican Primary
Patsy Hazlewood – Incumbent
District 28
Democratic Primary
Yusuf A. Hakeem – Incumbent
District 29
Republican Primary
Mike Carter – Incumbent
District 30
Republican Primary
Esther Helton – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Joseph Udeaja
District 31
Republican Primary
Ron Travis – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Dean Sparks
District 32
Republican Primary
Kent Calfee – Incumbent – 6,035 / 66%
Mike Hooks – 3,170 / 34%
District 33
Republican Primary
John D. Ragan – Incumbent
District 34
Republican Primary
Tim Rudd – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Mary R. Vaughn
District 35
Republican Primary
Jerry Sexton – Incumbent
District 36
Republican Primary
Dennis Powers – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
CJ Mitchell
District 37
Republican Primary
Charlie Baum – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Mariah N. Phillips
District 38
Republican Primary
Kelly T. Keisling – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Carol Abney
District 39
Republican Primary
Iris Rudder – Incumbent
District 40
Republican Primary
Terri Lynn Weaver – Incumbent
Independent Candidate
Paddy Sizemore
District 41
Democratic Primary
John Mark Windle – Incumbent
District 42
Republican Primary
Dennis C. Bynum – 2,448 / 30%
Ryan Williams – Incumbent – 5,772 / 70%
District 43
Republican Primary
Jerry Lowery – 2,189 / 27%
Bobby Robinson – 2052 / 25%
Paul Sherrell – Incumbent – 3,870 / 48%
Independent Candidate
Luke Cameron
District 44
Republican Primary
William Lamberth – Incumbent
District 45
Republican Primary
Johnny Garrett – Incumbent
District 46
Republican Primary
Clark Boyd – Incumbent
District 47
Republican Primary
Rush Bricken – Incumbent – 5,511 / 67%
Ronnie E. Holden – 2,658 / 33%
District 48
Republican Primary
Bryan Terry – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Matt Ferry
District 49
Republican Primary
Mike Sparks – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Brandon Thomas
District 50
Democratic Primary
Bo Mitchell – Incumbent
District 51
Democratic Primary
Bill Beck – Incumbent
District 52
Republican Primary
Donna Tees
Democratic Primary
Mike Stewart – Incumbent – 3,318 / 59%
James C. Turner II – 2,263 / 41%
District 53
Democratic Primary
Jason L. Powell – Incumbent
District 54
Democratic Primary
Terry Clayton – 4,016 / 42%
Vincent Dixie – Incumbent – 5,546 / 58%
District 55
Democratic Primary
John Ray Clemmons – Incumbent
District 56
Republican Primary
Diane Michel Canada
Democratic Primary
Bob Freeman – Incumbent
District 57
Republican Primary
Susan Lynn – Incumbent
Independent Candidate
Tom Sottek
District 58
Democratic Primary
Harold M. Love – Incumbent
District 59
Democratic Primary
Jason Potts – Incumbent
District 60
Democratic Primary
Darren Jernigan – Incumbent – 3,199 / 66%
Grant Thomas Medeiros – 1,636 / 34%
District 61
Republican Primary
Brandon Ogles – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Sam Bledsoe
District 62
Republican Primary
Pat Marsh – Incumbent
District 63
Republican Primary
Glen Casada – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Elizabeth Madeira
Independent Candidate
Bradley Fiscus
District 64
Republican Primary
Scott E. Cepicky – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
James Campbell
District 65
Republican Primary
Sam Whitson – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Jennifer Foley
District 66
Republican Primary
Sabi “Doc” Kumar – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Jarvus M. Turnley
District 67
Republican Primary
John Dawson
Democratic Primary
Jason Hodges – Incumbent
District 68
Republican Primary
Curtis Johnson – Incumbent
District 69
Republican Primary
Michael G. Curcio – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Eddie Johnson
District 70
Republican Primary
Clay Doggett – Incumbent
District 71
Republican Primary
David “Coach” Byrd – Incumbent – 5,474 / 59%
Austin Carroll – 1,907 / 21%
Garry Welch – 1,859 / 20%
District 72
Republican Primary
Kirk Haston – Incumbent – 6,870 / 69%
Gordon Wildridge – 3,061 / 31%
District 73
Republican Primary
Chris Todd – Incumbent
District 74
Republican Primary
Jay D. Reedy – Incumbent
District 75
Republican Primary
Bruce Griffey – Incumbent
Independent Candidate
James Hart
District 76 – Incumbent Andy Holt not running.
Republican Primary
Tandy Darby – 2,818 / 38%
Dennis J. Doster – 1,211 / 16%
David Hawks – 158 / 2%
John McMahan – 1,673 / 23%
Keith Priestley – 1,564 / 21%
Independent Candidate
Jeffery T. Washburn
District 77
Republican Primary
Rusty Grills – Incumbent
District 78
Republican Primary
James Ebb Gupton Jr. – 2,097 / 28%
Mary Littleton – Incumbent – 5,420 / 72%
Democratic Primary
Holly Spann
District 79
Republican Primary
Curtis Halford – Incumbent – 5,484 / 84%
Christine Warrington – 1,076 / 16%
District 80
Democratic Primary
Johnny W. Shaw – Incumbent
District 81
Republican Primary
Debra F. Moody – Incumbent
District 82
Republican Primary
Chris Hurt – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Andrea Bond-Johnson
District 83
Republican Primary
Mark White – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Jerri Green
District 84
Democratic Primary
Dominique Primer – 2,571 / 38%
Joe Towns Jr. – Incumbent – 4,223 / 62%
District 85
Democratic Primary
Jesse Chism – Incumbent – 6,411 / 82%
Alvin Crook – 1,432 / 18%
District 86
Republican Primary
Rob White
Democratic Primary
Barbara Cooper – Incumbent – 3,790 / 66%
Austin A. Crowder – 138 / 2%
Dominique Frost – 1,471 / 26%
Joan Wooten-Lewis – 310 / 5%
District 87
Democratic Primary
Karen Camper – Incumbent
District 88
Democratic Primary
Larry J. Miller – Incumbent – 4,334 / 83%
Orrden W. Williams Jr. – 885 / 17%
District 89
Republican Primary
Justin Lafferty – Incumbent
Independent Candidate
Greg Mills
District 90 – John J. DeBerry Jr. – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Torrey C. Harris – 3,780 / 57%
Anya Parker – 1,130 / 17%
Catrina Smith – 1,689 / 26%
District 91
London Lamar – Incumbent
District 92
Republican Primary
Vincent Cuevas – 1,152 / 14%
Rick Tillis – Incumbent – 3,304 / 39%
Todd Warner – 3,989 / 47%
District 93
Democratic Primary
G. A. Hardaway – Incumbent
District 94
Republican Primary
Ron M. Gant – Incumbent
District 95
Republican Primary
William Kevin Vaughn – Incumbent
Democratic Primary
Lynnette P. Williams
District 96
Republican Primary
Patricia “Patti” Possel
Democratic Primary
Dwayne Thompson – Incumbent
District 97 – Incumbent Jim Coley not running.
Republican Primary
John Gillespie – 3,611 / 78%
Brandon S. Weise – 1,001 / 22%
Democratic Primary
Allan Creasy – 659 / 14%
Ruby Powell-Dennis – 1,236 / 26%
Gabby Salinas – 2442 / 51%
Clifford Stockton III – 430 / 9%
District 98
Democratic Primary
Antonio Parkinson – Incumbent – 4,256 / 86%
Charles A. Thompson – 720 / 14%
District 99
Republican Primary
Tom Leatherwood – Incumbent – 5,237 / 67%
Lee Mills – 2,599 / 33%
—
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--Dr. Manny Sethi to Supporters: Continue the Fight

MANCHESTER , Tennessee – At about 9 p.m. Dr. Manny Sethi gave his concession speech to several hundred people just down the road from where he grew up in Coffee County , telling supporters three separate times to continue the fight .
With 15 people in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Lamar Alexander , Sethi got about 240,000 votes or 40 percent of the vote against the winner Bill Hagerty with just over 300,000 votes or 50 percent .
Sethi had an impressive list of conservatives endorsing him , from U.S .
Senators Ted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom came to Tennessee on at least two trips to stump for the candidate , to leaders within the state .
Among those at the election night watch event were Dr. Alan Keyes , Dr. Alan Keyes , former Congressman Zach Wamp , State Senator Janice Bowling , former Senator Mae Beavers , former State Representatives Joe Carr and Sheila Butt , State Representatives Jerry Sexton and Iris Rudder , as well as a number of Republican State Executive Committee members including Steve Allbrooks , Jerry Beavers , Lynne Davis , Terri Nicholson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pastor Dale Walker .
Sethi had an uphill battle with an early endorsement of Hagerty by President Trump , that was followed up by robo calls , tele town halls and endorsements by Trump ’ s son and Vice President Mike Pence .
With his mother , wife and two children by his side , Sethi congratulated Ambassador Hagerty on his win and then spoke direction to his supporters .
“ The race is done now , but the conservative movement moves forward .
I need each and every one of you today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party .
This fight ’ s not over.
” Sethi went on to thank his mother and “ my best friend in the world , ” his wife Maya .
Sethi and his wife have been together since they were 16 years old .
“ The Lord has a plan for each of us and you ’ ve got to walk in faith.
” “ What we did in this campaign was we took the high road .
We didn ’ t make attacks .
We didn ’ t do any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight , when you go home to feel proud , because look , no one ever thought we ’ d come this far.
” “ We went 12 rounds , ” Sethi continued after being interrupted with applause and cheers , “ with the establishment folks , but we came up short.
” “ But , I want you to know this .
I love all of you , ” which was met with , “ We love you , ” in return .
“ I am so grateful to you all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ God bless you all .
Thank you so much , ” Sethi concluded as he waved to the crowd , his wife beaming beside him .
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star .

MANCHESTER, Tennessee – At about 9 p.m. Dr. Manny Sethi gave his concession speech to several hundred people just down the road from where he grew up in Coffee County, telling supporters three separate times to continue the fight.
With 15 people in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Lamar Alexander, Sethi got about 240,000 votes or 40 percent of the vote against the winner Bill Hagerty with just over 300,000 votes or 50 percent.
Sethi had an impressive list of conservatives endorsing him, from U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, each of whom came to Tennessee on at least two trips to stump for the candidate, to leaders within the state.
Among those at the election night watch event were Dr. Alan Keyes, former Congressman Zach Wamp, State Senator Janice Bowling, former Senator Mae Beavers, former State Representatives Joe Carr and Sheila Butt, State Representatives Jerry Sexton and Iris Rudder, as well as a number of Republican State Executive Committee members including Steve Allbrooks, Jerry Beavers, Lynne Davis, Terri Nicholson, Maryann Parks and Scott Smith and Pastor Dale Walker.
Sethi had an uphill battle with an early endorsement of Hagerty by President Trump, that was followed up by robo calls, tele town halls and endorsements by Trump’s son and Vice President Mike Pence.
With his mother, wife and two children by his side, Sethi congratulated Ambassador Hagerty on his win and then spoke direction to his supporters.
“The race is done now, but the conservative movement moves forward. I need each and every one of you today to continue the fight, to help the party. This fight’s not over.”
Sethi went on to thank his mother and “my best friend in the world,” his wife Maya. Sethi and his wife have been together since they were 16 years old.
“The Lord has a plan for each of us and you’ve got to walk in faith.”
“What we did in this campaign was we took the high road. We didn’t make attacks. We didn’t do any of that. And, I want you tonight, when you go home to feel proud, because look, no one ever thought we’d come this far.”
“We went 12 rounds,” Sethi continued after being interrupted with applause and cheers, “with the establishment folks, but we came up short.”
“But, I want you to know this. I love all of you,” which was met with, “We love you,” in return.
“I am so grateful to you all. And we will continue this fight. God bless you all. Thank you so much,” Sethi concluded as he waved to the crowd, his wife beaming beside him.
—
Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--Twitter, Facebook Hit Trump Over Post Suggesting Children Are ‘Almost Immune’ from Coronavirus

Twitter partially suspended President Donald Trump ’ s campaign Twitter account on Wednesday for posting a tweet containing a video of Trump suggesting children are “ almost immune ” to coronavirus .
The post contains an interview Trump gave to Fox News Wednesday morning in which the president made the claim relating to children and the ongoing pandemic , The Washington Post reported Wednesday .
Facebook removed a post Wednesday that contained the same video , marking the first time the social media platform has nixed a Trump post over coronavirus misinformation .
“ If you look at children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost say definitely — but almost immune from this disease , ” Trump said during the interview .
“ This video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from Covid-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful Covid misinformation , ” Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a press statement , CNN reported Wednesday .
Facebook has a policy against sharing misinformation regarding COVID-19 , as does Twitter .
The virus originated in China before spreading to the United States , where it has reportedly killed 157,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The White House has not responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment .
Researchers have determined children are still capable of spreading the virus , though some studies indicate they exhibit milder symptoms and are less likely to contract the virus .
Researchers at the New South Wales ’ National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance in Australia published a study of staff and students at five primary schools and 10 high schools in April showing only two people of 863 people contracted COVID-19 .
Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go back to school in July , telling the Hill in an interview that COVID-19 has a “ very limited effect on kids.
” Facebook ’ s decision comes more than a month after Twitter flagged a Trump tweet that warned activists that they will be met with “ serious force ” if they build an autonomous zone in Washington , D.C. His tweet violated Twitter ’ s policies against “ abusive behavior , specifically , the presence of a threat of harm against an identifiable group , ” the company wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Donald Trump ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .
Background Photo “ Donald Trump Twitter Account ” by Twitter .

by Chris White
Twitter partially suspended President Donald Trump’s campaign Twitter account on Wednesday for posting a tweet containing a video of Trump suggesting children are “almost immune” to coronavirus.
The post contains an interview Trump gave to Fox News Wednesday morning in which the president made the claim relating to children and the ongoing pandemic, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. Facebook removed a post Wednesday that contained the same video, marking the first time the social media platform has nixed a Trump post over coronavirus misinformation.
“If you look at children, children are almost — and I would almost say definitely — but almost immune from this disease,” Trump said during the interview.
The tweet “is in violation of the Twitter Rules on COVID-19 misinformation. The account owner will be required to remove the Tweet before they can Tweet again,” Twitter spokeswoman Liz Kelley told The Washington Post. Twitter hid the tweet and is preventing his account from posting until the tweet is removed.
“This video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from Covid-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful Covid misinformation,” Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a press statement, CNN reported Wednesday.
Facebook has a policy against sharing misinformation regarding COVID-19, as does Twitter. The virus originated in China before spreading to the United States, where it has reportedly killed 157,000 people, John Hopkins University data show.
The White House has not responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
Researchers have determined children are still capable of spreading the virus, though some studies indicate they exhibit milder symptoms and are less likely to contract the virus.
Researchers at the New South Wales’ National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance in Australia published a study of staff and students at five primary schools and 10 high schools in April showing only two people of 863 people contracted COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control Director Robert Redfield pushed for children to go back to school in July, telling the Hill in an interview that COVID-19 has a “very limited effect on kids.”
Facebook’s decision comes more than a month after Twitter flagged a Trump tweet that warned activists that they will be met with “serious force” if they build an autonomous zone in Washington, D.C. His tweet violated Twitter’s policies against “abusive behavior, specifically, the presence of a threat of harm against an identifiable group,” the company wrote in a tweet in June.
– – –
Chris White is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Background Photo “Donald Trump Twitter Account” by Twitter.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--Businesses Drastically Reduced New Hires in July According to Private Payroll Processor

Private sector job creation for displaced workers slowed in July , with private payroll increases not meeting the growth expected by economists , CNBC reported .
Economists who were surveyed by Dow Jones expected private-sector employment to increase by 1 million , yet reported an increase of 167,000 , CNBC reported .
The report was issued by Dow Jones economists and Moody ’ s Analytics .
The total private-sector increase in June was initially estimated at 2.4 million jobs , with an actual increase of 4.314 million jobs , CNBC reported .
In the months of May and June , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs were created , making a dent in the 19.7 million jobs lost to the economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus .
Automatic Data Processing , Inc. ( ADP ) , the source of this data , is a human resources company that provides “ cloud-based human capital management solutions , ” according to their website .
Reported jobs numbers could be revised due to the coronavirus pandemic and ADP ’ s tally may differ from the official government count , CNBC reported .
“ It is worth reiterating that the ADP has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official payrolls figures and has actually been particularly poor in recent months , with the ADP ’ s initially published estimates for May and June ( which have since been miraculously revised up to better match the official data ) proving far too pessimistic , ” Senior U.S .
Economist at Capital Economics , Andrew Hunter said , CNBC reported .
Transportation , trade , and utility jobs reported an employment increase of 41,000 , and manufacturing reported an additional 10,000 , the ADP reported .
However , jobs in construction , mining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of 9,000 jobs .
Health services and education reported again of 46,000 employees , while information services and financial activities lost a combined total of 21,000 , according to the ADP .
The hospitality and leisure sector reported an increase of 38,000 jobs .
Professional and business services reported the highest increase of jobs at 58,000 , with all but 1,000 of the jobs coming from the service sector , CNBC reported .
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees reported an increase of 63,000 , while businesses with between 50 and 499 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ADP reported .
Businesses with 500 or more employees reported an increase of 129,000 while franchises reported an increase of 21,000 , the ADP reported .
“ The labor market recovery slowed in the month of July , ” ADP Research Institute Vice President Ahu Yildirmaz said .
“ We have seen the slowdown impact businesses across all sizes and sectors.
” Kaylee Greenlee is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Kaylee Greenlee
Private sector job creation for displaced workers slowed in July, with private payroll increases not meeting the growth expected by economists, CNBC reported.
Economists who were surveyed by Dow Jones expected private-sector employment to increase by 1 million, yet reported an increase of 167,000, CNBC reported. The report was issued by Dow Jones economists and Moody’s Analytics.
The total private-sector increase in June was initially estimated at 2.4 million jobs, with an actual increase of 4.314 million jobs, CNBC reported. In the months of May and June, a combined total of 6.714 million private-sector jobs were created, making a dent in the 19.7 million jobs lost to the economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus.
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), the source of this data, is a human resources company that provides “cloud-based human capital management solutions,” according to their website. Reported jobs numbers could be revised due to the coronavirus pandemic and ADP’s tally may differ from the official government count, CNBC reported.
“It is worth reiterating that the ADP has never been a great guide to the official payrolls figures and has actually been particularly poor in recent months, with the ADP’s initially published estimates for May and June (which have since been miraculously revised up to better match the official data) proving far too pessimistic,” Senior U.S. Economist at Capital Economics, Andrew Hunter said, CNBC reported.
Private payrolls grow by 167,000 in July, well below expectations https://t.co/GN8KxfvAC7 — Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxCNBCcom) August 5, 2020
Transportation, trade, and utility jobs reported an employment increase of 41,000, and manufacturing reported an additional 10,000, the ADP reported. However, jobs in construction, mining, and natural resources reported a combined loss of 9,000 jobs.
Health services and education reported again of 46,000 employees, while information services and financial activities lost a combined total of 21,000, according to the ADP. The hospitality and leisure sector reported an increase of 38,000 jobs.
Professional and business services reported the highest increase of jobs at 58,000, with all but 1,000 of the jobs coming from the service sector, CNBC reported.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees reported an increase of 63,000, while businesses with between 50 and 499 workers reported a decrease of 25,000, the ADP reported. Businesses with 500 or more employees reported an increase of 129,000 while franchises reported an increase of 21,000, the ADP reported.
“The labor market recovery slowed in the month of July,” ADP Research Institute Vice President Ahu Yildirmaz said. “We have seen the slowdown impact businesses across all sizes and sectors.”
– – –
Kaylee Greenlee is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--Virginia First to Roll Out Pandemic App from Apple, Google

RICHMOND , Virginia ( AP ) — Virginia has rolled out a smartphone app to automatically notify people if they might have been exposed to the coronavirus , becoming the first U.S. state to use new pandemic technology created by Apple and Google .
But hopes for a nationwide app that can work seamlessly across state borders remain unrealized , and there are no known federal plans to create one .
State officials say their new app won ’ t work as well outside Virginia , at least until a group of coordinating public health agencies gets a national server @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
Virginia ’ s free Covidwise app is available in Apple and Android app stores as of Wednesday .
State officials , who repeatedly emphasized its privacy-protection features , announced the launch of a statewide public information campaign encouraging people to download and use it .
“ Now , I want you all to listen to this very closely .
I want to be clear , this app , Covidwise , does not — I will repeat that — does not track or store your personal information .
It does not track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ralph Northam said at a news conference .
The technology arrives nearly four months after Apple and Google partnered to create the software for public health agencies trying to contain the spread of the pandemic .
Canada and a number of countries in Europe and elsewhere have already rolled out apps using the tech companies ’ framework .
The app , developed by SpringML , based in Pleasanton , California , relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those who test positive can anonymously notify others to help stop the spread of COVID-19 .
Instead of recording someone ’ s geographic location , the app tracks proximity — by keeping an encrypted record of when two phones send short-range signals to one other .
“ It doesn ’ t know where you are .
It just knows the distance , it just knows how strong the proximity was , ” said Suresh Soundararajan , the Virginia health department ’ s chief information technology officer .
The department will verify positive test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to report them a pin number tied to their lab records in order to prevent malicious actors from sharing false positives .
People who receive a warning of possible exposure can seek advice from the health department or their doctor .
Information on Virginia ’ s public health department website says the app measures close contact as within 6 feet of someone for at least 15 minutes , using guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The signal strength would diminish if a wall separates two phones , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get alerted if a neighbor in an adjacent apartment or dorm room were infected .
A number of states have expressed interest in the Apple-Google technology , including Alabama — which has begun pilot testing — South Carolina , North Dakota and Pennsylvania .
Google said that as of Friday there were 20 states and territories exploring an app using the framework .
Such apps have already launched in 16 countries and regions across Africa , Asia , Europe , North America and South America , the company said .
“ Everyone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited time , limited capacity , ” said Sameer Halia , who is working to launch an app in Arizona using the Google and Apple software .
“ Every state will look at what their needs are and what their population cares about and make a decision.
” Several states have introduced apps using other approaches , such as satellite-based GPS location tracking , but there ’ s little evidence they have been successful .
Unlike the Apple-Google model , many of these apps make data available to public health officials so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infected patients .
One of the first to launch , in Utah , has since disabled location-tracking features .
Rhode Island ’ s app uses GPS and has been downloaded by nearly 70,000 people , about 7 % of the population , but health officials don ’ t know how often it has led to someone being notified of an exposure .
Instead of an automatic notification , it is meant to jog someone ’ s memory by showing them — or health workers — where they have been for the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it has been very helpful in many cases , we can ’ t say exactly how many , ” said Rhode Island health department spokesman Joseph Wendelken .
Privacy advocates have largely favored the approach taken by Apple and Google , but app developers have struggled to explain to privacy-wary citizens why they should trust a model endorsed by giant corporations known for tracking people in other ways .
Concern arose in June when both companies made phone setting updates that make the pandemic apps possible , even though phones won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they choose to download an app .
The Apple-Google model has also drawn criticism from some health experts who have questioned its effectiveness , especially if there are too many false alarms and if local health agencies don ’ t have the capacity to test enough people .
It remains to be seen if apps from various states will eventually be able to work together effectively , enabling people to use just one as they travel across borders .
The Virginia health department website advises that because a positive diagnosis must be verified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pin number , the app is currently “ much less effective outside of Virginia.
” State officials say they are working with the Association of Public Health Laboratories , which is leading an initiative to put together and host a “ national key server ” where the randomly generated Bluetooth keys the app runs on can be stored .
If other states get their own apps up and running , the keys could then be shared , so someone who is exposed to the virus while in another state could still get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Microsoft , plans to host the server , according to the health agency association .
Matt O ’ Brien and Sarah Rankin are reporters for The Associated Press .
O ’ Brien reported from Providence , Rhode Island .
About the Headline Photo : In this June 4 , 2020 , file photo Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam speaks during a news conference in Richmond , Va. Virginia has rolled out a smartphone app to automatically notify people if they might have been exposed to the coronavirus .
It ’ s the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created by Apple and Google .
The Covidwise app was available on the tech giants ’ app stores Wednesday , Aug. 5 , ahead of an expected announcement from Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam .
( AP Photo/Steve Helber , File )

by Matt O’Brien and Sarah Rankin
RICHMOND, Virginia (AP) — Virginia has rolled out a smartphone app to automatically notify people if they might have been exposed to the coronavirus, becoming the first U.S. state to use new pandemic technology created by Apple and Google.
But hopes for a nationwide app that can work seamlessly across state borders remain unrealized, and there are no known federal plans to create one. State officials say their new app won’t work as well outside Virginia, at least until a group of coordinating public health agencies gets a national server up and running and other states join in.
Virginia’s free Covidwise app is available in Apple and Android app stores as of Wednesday. State officials, who repeatedly emphasized its privacy-protection features, announced the launch of a statewide public information campaign encouraging people to download and use it.
“Now, I want you all to listen to this very closely. I want to be clear, this app, Covidwise, does not — I will repeat that — does not track or store your personal information. It does not track you at all,” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said at a news conference.
The technology arrives nearly four months after Apple and Google partnered to create the software for public health agencies trying to contain the spread of the pandemic. Canada and a number of countries in Europe and elsewhere have already rolled out apps using the tech companies’ framework.
The app, developed by SpringML, based in Pleasanton, California, relies on Bluetooth wireless technology to detect when someone who downloaded the app has spent time near another app user who later tests positive for the virus. Those who test positive can anonymously notify others to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Instead of recording someone’s geographic location, the app tracks proximity — by keeping an encrypted record of when two phones send short-range signals to one other.
“It doesn’t know where you are. It just knows the distance, it just knows how strong the proximity was,” said Suresh Soundararajan, the Virginia health department’s chief information technology officer.
The department will verify positive test results and issue app users who want to report them a pin number tied to their lab records in order to prevent malicious actors from sharing false positives.
People who receive a warning of possible exposure can seek advice from the health department or their doctor.
Information on Virginia’s public health department website says the app measures close contact as within 6 feet of someone for at least 15 minutes, using guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The signal strength would diminish if a wall separates two phones, though it’s still possible someone would get alerted if a neighbor in an adjacent apartment or dorm room were infected.
A number of states have expressed interest in the Apple-Google technology, including Alabama — which has begun pilot testing — South Carolina, North Dakota and Pennsylvania. Google said that as of Friday there were 20 states and territories exploring an app using the framework. Such apps have already launched in 16 countries and regions across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America, the company said.
“Everyone is trying so hard and there’s limited time, limited capacity,” said Sameer Halia, who is working to launch an app in Arizona using the Google and Apple software. “Every state will look at what their needs are and what their population cares about and make a decision.”
Several states have introduced apps using other approaches, such as satellite-based GPS location tracking, but there’s little evidence they have been successful. Unlike the Apple-Google model, many of these apps make data available to public health officials so they can use it to trace the contacts of infected patients.
One of the first to launch, in Utah, has since disabled location-tracking features. Rhode Island’s app uses GPS and has been downloaded by nearly 70,000 people, about 7% of the population, but health officials don’t know how often it has led to someone being notified of an exposure. Instead of an automatic notification, it is meant to jog someone’s memory by showing them — or health workers — where they have been for the past two weeks.
“While we know that it has been very helpful in many cases, we can’t say exactly how many,” said Rhode Island health department spokesman Joseph Wendelken.
Privacy advocates have largely favored the approach taken by Apple and Google, but app developers have struggled to explain to privacy-wary citizens why they should trust a model endorsed by giant corporations known for tracking people in other ways. Concern arose in June when both companies made phone setting updates that make the pandemic apps possible, even though phones won’t log people’s encounters unless they choose to download an app.
The Apple-Google model has also drawn criticism from some health experts who have questioned its effectiveness, especially if there are too many false alarms and if local health agencies don’t have the capacity to test enough people.
It remains to be seen if apps from various states will eventually be able to work together effectively, enabling people to use just one as they travel across borders.
The Virginia health department website advises that because a positive diagnosis must be verified with the department through the issuance of a pin number, the app is currently “much less effective outside of Virginia.”
State officials say they are working with the Association of Public Health Laboratories, which is leading an initiative to put together and host a “national key server” where the randomly generated Bluetooth keys the app runs on can be stored.
If other states get their own apps up and running, the keys could then be shared, so someone who is exposed to the virus while in another state could still get a notification. Another tech giant, Microsoft, plans to host the server, according to the health agency association.
– – –
Matt O’Brien and Sarah Rankin are reporters for The Associated Press. O’Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
About the Headline Photo: In this June 4, 2020, file photo Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam speaks during a news conference in Richmond, Va. Virginia has rolled out a smartphone app to automatically notify people if they might have been exposed to the coronavirus. It’s the first U.S. state to use new pandemic technology created by Apple and Google. The Covidwise app was available on the tech giants’ app stores Wednesday, Aug. 5, ahead of an expected announcement from Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.(AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--1.19 Million Americans Filed for Unemployment Last Week

The Department of Labor reported Thursday that over 1.19 million Americans filed additional claims for unemployment last week , a slight decline from the approximately 1.4 million in each of the past two weeks .
Though the number of Americans filing for unemployment was less than the 1.4 million expected to do so this week , CNBC reported , the recent news release marks the 20th week in a row that new unemployment claims have been above one million .
Virginia , Nevada and Missouri were the states with the largest increases in number of claims , while California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in claims , according to the Department of Labor report .
The U.S. unemployment rate is 11.4 % , according to the report , with the highest statewide unemployment rates occurring in Nevada , Hawaii and California .
The report comes after the $ 600-per-week unemployment benefits that were added due to the coronavirus pandemic expired on July 31 .
Despite the deadline having passed almost a week ago , lawmakers say a bipartisan agreement to extend the benefits has not been agreed on .
“ I feel optimistic that there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but how long that tunnel is remains to be seen , ” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi to reporters Wednesday , according to Politico .
The data also comes as cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in states across the country , increasing the chances that some states may temporary close businesses and schools once again .
Several states in the south and west have reported over 10,000 new cases daily , while over 158,000 Americans have died from the virus , according to a Johns Hopkins University database .
Andrew Trunsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Foundation .
Photo “ Long line ” by Gabriel White .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Andrew Trunsky
The Department of Labor reported Thursday that over 1.19 million Americans filed additional claims for unemployment last week, a slight decline from the approximately 1.4 million in each of the past two weeks.
Though the number of Americans filing for unemployment was less than the 1.4 million expected to do so this week, CNBC reported, the recent news release marks the 20th week in a row that new unemployment claims have been above one million.
JUST IN: For 20 straight weeks, the number of Americans who have lost their jobs and filed for unemployment insurance has topped 1 million. https://t.co/4J6naNRxp1 — ABC News (@ABC) August 6, 2020
Virginia, Nevada and Missouri were the states with the largest increases in number of claims, while California, Georgia and Florida had the largest decrease in claims, according to the Department of Labor report.
The U.S. unemployment rate is 11.4%, according to the report, with the highest statewide unemployment rates occurring in Nevada, Hawaii and California.
The report comes after the $600-per-week unemployment benefits that were added due to the coronavirus pandemic expired on July 31.
Despite the deadline having passed almost a week ago, lawmakers say a bipartisan agreement to extend the benefits has not been agreed on.
“I feel optimistic that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but how long that tunnel is remains to be seen,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi to reporters Wednesday, according to Politico.
The data also comes as cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in states across the country, increasing the chances that some states may temporary close businesses and schools once again. Several states in the south and west have reported over 10,000 new cases daily, while over 158,000 Americans have died from the virus, according to a Johns Hopkins University database.
– – –
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Long line” by Gabriel White. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-07--De Blasio Announces COVID-19 Checkpoints on Tunnels and Bridges to Enforce Quarantine Order

Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday COVID-19 checkpoints will be established on tunnels and bridges leading into the city in order to enforce Governor Cuomo ’ s quarantine order .
The mayor tweeted , “ New Yorkers worked too hard to beat back COVID-19 — we can not lose that progress .
35 states have dangerously high infection rates .
We won ’ t let the virus spread here.
” “ Today we ’ re announcing check points at key points of entry into New York City .
We ’ ll educate travelers on the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help them follow the rules safely , ” de Blasio tweeted .
“ Travelers coming in from these states must complete travel health forms to support contact tracing efforts , ” according to the official government website of New York City .
This is the first major effort by New York City to enforce Governor Cuomo ’ s 14-day quarantine for travelers from the 34 states and Puerto Rico with high COVID-19 rates , according to NBC New York .
The announcement comes one day after New York City Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de Blasio over how to confront the coronavirus pandemic , according to the New York Times .
“ Failure to quarantine is a violation of State law , and individuals who fail to quarantine are subject to a $ 10,000 fine .
Individuals who refuse to fill out the New York State Department of Health travel form are subject to a $ 2,000 fine , ” according to the NYC government website .
“ The DOF Sheriff ’ s Office in coordination with other law enforcement agencies will undertake traveler registration checkpoints at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City , ” said Sheriff Joseph Fucito .
Non-essential workers entering the state must “ stay at their residence or in a hotel room , leaving only for essential medical appointments or treatment or to obtain food and other essential goods when the delivery of food or other essential goods to their residence or hotel is not feasible , ” according the the NYC government website .
“ New York City is holding the line against COVID-19 , and New Yorkers have shown tremendous discipline , ” said Mayor Bill de Blasio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City website .
“ We ’ re not going to let our hard work slip away and will continue to do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.
” Benjamin Nichols is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Bill de Blasio ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Benjamin Nichols
Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday COVID-19 checkpoints will be established on tunnels and bridges leading into the city in order to enforce Governor Cuomo’s quarantine order.
The mayor tweeted, “New Yorkers worked too hard to beat back COVID-19 — we cannot lose that progress. 35 states have dangerously high infection rates. We won’t let the virus spread here.”
“Today we’re announcing check points at key points of entry into New York City. We’ll educate travelers on the state’s mandatory 14 day quarantine and help them follow the rules safely,” de Blasio tweeted.
New Yorkers have worked too hard to beat back COVID-19 — we cannot lose that progress. 35 states have dangerously high infection rates. We won’t let the virus spread here. — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 5, 2020
“Travelers coming in from these states must complete travel health forms to support contact tracing efforts,” according to the official government website of New York City.
This is the first major effort by New York City to enforce Governor Cuomo’s 14-day quarantine for travelers from the 34 states and Puerto Rico with high COVID-19 rates, according to NBC New York.
The announcement comes one day after New York City Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot resigned citing constant clashes with Mayor Bill de Blasio over how to confront the coronavirus pandemic, according to the New York Times.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve at the helm of @nycHealthy, with its long and distinguished history in promoting and protecting New Yorkers’ health. @nycHealthy stands ready to continue the important work of guiding the city through this public health emergency. — Commissioner Dave A. Chokshi (@NYCHealthCommr) August 4, 2020
“Failure to quarantine is a violation of State law, and individuals who fail to quarantine are subject to a $10,000 fine. Individuals who refuse to fill out the New York State Department of Health travel form are subject to a $2,000 fine,” according to the NYC government website.
“The DOF Sheriff’s Office in coordination with other law enforcement agencies will undertake traveler registration checkpoints at major bridge and tunnel crossings into New York City,” said Sheriff Joseph Fucito.
Non-essential workers entering the state must “stay at their residence or in a hotel room, leaving only for essential medical appointments or treatment or to obtain food and other essential goods when the delivery of food or other essential goods to their residence or hotel is not feasible,” according the the NYC government website.
“New York City is holding the line against COVID-19, and New Yorkers have shown tremendous discipline,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, according to the official New York City website. “We’re not going to let our hard work slip away and will continue to do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”
– – –
Benjamin Nichols is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Bill de Blasio” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.