thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Ohio State Senator Wants to Know Full Cost of Education Funding Reform Before Vote

While members of the Ohio House of Representatives want to push forward quickly with a plan to change how the state funds public schools , the chairman of the senate committee reviewing the idea wants more answers .
Proposed legislation , which calls for a six-year phase-in , could mean $ 2 billion more for schools in Ohio .
However , state Sen. Matt Dolan , R-Chagrin Falls , chairman of the Senate Finance Committee , wants to know how much it will actually cost .
“ The bill does not tell us what other costs are .
It recommends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dolan said .
“ We are moving forward with a plan which does not tell us how much it costs the state to enact the plan.
” With bipartisan support , along with support from teachers unions , administrations , school boards and other groups , the bill passed the House last week .
Supporters then called on the Senate to quickly pass it before the end of the year .
Dolan said his committee has held three hearings on the proposed reform measure and talked with working groups , but there remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no need to rush .
He believes the reform can be part of next year ’ s budgeting process .
“ The work they did was fantastic .
The point I disagree with them on is there were suggestions in floor speeches if the Senate doesn ’ t do something , then this goes away , ” Dolan said .
“ That ’ s simply not true .
We don ’ t have to enact this plan until July 1 , so why don ’ t we take the time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan.
” The plan looks at two basic steps .
First , what is the base cost to educate a student and how much can local communities pay .
The proposed base cost plan would incorporate professional development for teachers , health , safety , social and emotional needs of students , academic and athletic activities , technology , building and district operations and leadership and staff .
A key change to local funding is the new plan would base 60 % of a district ’ s local funding capacity on property values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , the plan would change how community schools and voucher systems are paid .
The money would go to the school educating the student , rather than the home district and then passed on .
But it ’ s areas like gifted programs , special education , English as a Second Language and others that have yet to be included in the cost , according to Dolan .
He said the bill uses a $ 5 million infusion of lottery funds for studies in nine areas to determine costs .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second .
By your own admission , there are nine areas you are asking for further study on to find out how much it ’ s going to cost , so how can you say it ’ s going to cost $ 2 billion more when a majority of the area doesn ’ t have a cost yet , ” Dolan said .
Dolan is hopeful the $ 5 million for the studies can pass both the Senate and the House by the end of the year , giving the opportunity for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to examine the entire cost .
“ School funding is emotionally charged .
The education of our kids is arguably the No .
1 responsibility of the state of Ohio , ” Dolan said .
“ So , when years in the House are spent putting a plan together that superintendents and teachers unions like , the emotions kick in and they say just get it done .
Let ’ s take a logical look at it , and the Senate has had only three weeks with this bill .
Matching the emotion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re just not there yet.
” An Ohio native , J.D .
Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio , Georgia , Alabama and Texas .
He has served as a reporter , editor , managing editor and publisher .
Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square .

by J.D Davidson
While members of the Ohio House of Representatives want to push forward quickly with a plan to change how the state funds public schools, the chairman of the senate committee reviewing the idea wants more answers.
Proposed legislation, which calls for a six-year phase-in, could mean $2 billion more for schools in Ohio. However, state Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, wants to know how much it will actually cost.
“The bill does not tell us what other costs are. It recommends studies to get that cost,” Dolan said. “We are moving forward with a plan which does not tell us how much it costs the state to enact the plan.”
With bipartisan support, along with support from teachers unions, administrations, school boards and other groups, the bill passed the House last week. Supporters then called on the Senate to quickly pass it before the end of the year.
Dolan said his committee has held three hearings on the proposed reform measure and talked with working groups, but there remain questions. And, he said, there is no need to rush. He believes the reform can be part of next year’s budgeting process.
“The work they did was fantastic. The point I disagree with them on is there were suggestions in floor speeches if the Senate doesn’t do something, then this goes away,” Dolan said. “That’s simply not true. We don’t have to enact this plan until July 1, so why don’t we take the time to do those studies before we enact the plan.”
The plan looks at two basic steps. First, what is the base cost to educate a student and how much can local communities pay.
The proposed base cost plan would incorporate professional development for teachers, health, safety, social and emotional needs of students, academic and athletic activities, technology, building and district operations and leadership and staff.
A key change to local funding is the new plan would base 60% of a district’s local funding capacity on property values and 40% on resident income.
Also, the plan would change how community schools and voucher systems are paid. The money would go to the school educating the student, rather than the home district and then passed on.
But it’s areas like gifted programs, special education, English as a Second Language and others that have yet to be included in the cost, according to Dolan. He said the bill uses a $5 million infusion of lottery funds for studies in nine areas to determine costs.
“We in the Senate are saying wait a second. By your own admission, there are nine areas you are asking for further study on to find out how much it’s going to cost, so how can you say it’s going to cost $2 billion more when a majority of the area doesn’t have a cost yet,” Dolan said.
Dolan is hopeful the $5 million for the studies can pass both the Senate and the House by the end of the year, giving the opportunity for those studies to be completed and the Senate to examine the entire cost.
“School funding is emotionally charged. The education of our kids is arguably the No. 1 responsibility of the state of Ohio,” Dolan said. “So, when years in the House are spent putting a plan together that superintendents and teachers unions like, the emotions kick in and they say just get it done. Let’s take a logical look at it, and the Senate has had only three weeks with this bill. Matching the emotion with getting it done correctly, we’re just not there yet.”
– – –
An Ohio native, J.D. Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. He has served as a reporter, editor, managing editor and publisher. Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--GoFundMe Launched for Two Election Fraud Whistleblowers

Got Freedom , Inc. , created a GoFundMe to support whistleblowers Jesse Morgan and Ethan Pease as they transition back to everyday life .
The fundraiser stated that all funds will go to the men to supply a year ’ s worth of their work salaries .
Morgan and Pease appeared as new witnesses contesting the election last week , alleging that they had witnessed election irregularities and potential voter fraud .
Morgan worked as a U.S .
Postal Service ( USPS ) subcontractor truck driver .
He alleged that he drove around 300,000 mail-in ballots from New York to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a subcontractor .
He alleged that he was told to backdate around 100,000 mail-in ballots .
The Amistad Project of the Thomas More Society – a not-for-profit , national public interest law firm – introduced both men onstage to tell their stories during a press conference .
The law firm stated that they ’ ve investigated voter fraud for over a year and a half .
They claimed that they had statistical and tangible evidence , as well as eyewitness accounts .
In an interview with The Georgia Star News , Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is greater than their individual needs – it ’ s to encourage more witnesses to speak up .
“ Mostly what we ’ re trying to do is come up with an organization to bring more whistleblowers forward , ” he said .
“ I took a step back from a job where I make over $ 100,000 a year .
You ’ re asking other people to come forward , so you have to have something that can help them with their expenses as they come out , to protect their family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we ’ re coming from .
It ’ s for them.
” However , Morgan expressed confidence in his ability to make it through these tough times .
That isn ’ t to say he hasn ’ t faced negative consequences for testifying .
Morgan shared with The Star News that he ’ d been followed in his car , stalked in stores , and even discovered bugs and cameras planted in his truck .
“ I can only imagine what other people go through .
When I came out and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything to lose and nothing to gain , ” Morgan said .
Morgan explained that he felt his account was too important not to share .
“ Once you start messing around with the integrity of the vote , what ’ s the next thing ?
My brother fought in a war for our country – he was medically discharged , ” the whistleblower said .
“ What ’ s the whole point of him fighting the war , if you ’ re going to take away his vote ?
” Although Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling his story , he maintained that nothing lost measured up to doing what ’ s right .
“ This is the hardest thing I ’ ve ever done .
But I ’ m going to keep standing up until someone does something , ” he said .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Jesse Morgan & Ethan Pease ” by gofundme .

Got Freedom, Inc., created a GoFundMe to support whistleblowers Jesse Morgan and Ethan Pease as they transition back to everyday life. The fundraiser stated that all funds will go to the men to supply a year’s worth of their work salaries.
Morgan and Pease appeared as new witnesses contesting the election last week, alleging that they had witnessed election irregularities and potential voter fraud.
Morgan worked as a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) subcontractor truck driver. He alleged that he drove around 300,000 mail-in ballots from New York to Pennsylvania.
Pease also worked with USPS as a subcontractor. He alleged that he was told to backdate around 100,000 mail-in ballots.
The Amistad Project of the Thomas More Society – a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm – introduced both men onstage to tell their stories during a press conference.
The law firm stated that they’ve investigated voter fraud for over a year and a half. They claimed that they had statistical and tangible evidence, as well as eyewitness accounts.
In an interview with The Georgia Star News, Morgan shared that the point of the fundraiser is greater than their individual needs – it’s to encourage more witnesses to speak up.
“Mostly what we’re trying to do is come up with an organization to bring more whistleblowers forward,” he said. “I took a step back from a job where I make over $100,000 a year. You’re asking other people to come forward, so you have to have something that can help them with their expenses as they come out, to protect their family and their houses. That’s where we’re coming from. It’s for them.”
However, Morgan expressed confidence in his ability to make it through these tough times. That isn’t to say he hasn’t faced negative consequences for testifying. Morgan shared with The Star News that he’d been followed in his car, stalked in stores, and even discovered bugs and cameras planted in his truck.
“I can only imagine what other people go through. When I came out and said [my testimony], I had everything to lose and nothing to gain,” Morgan said.
Morgan explained that he felt his account was too important not to share.
“Once you start messing around with the integrity of the vote, what’s the next thing? My brother fought in a war for our country – he was medically discharged,” the whistleblower said. “What’s the whole point of him fighting the war, if you’re going to take away his vote?”
Although Morgan shared that he has faced trials for telling his story, he maintained that nothing lost measured up to doing what’s right.
“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I’m going to keep standing up until someone does something,” he said.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jesse Morgan & Ethan Pease” by gofundme.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Georgia State Legislators Reportedly Fearful of Backlash and Destruction in Atlanta If They Vote for

Georgia State Legislators Reportedly Fearful of Backlash and Destruction in Atlanta If They Vote for a Special Session

The Georgia legislature may not call a special session – but the decision wouldn ’ t be for a lack of doubt in election integrity .
In an interview with The Georgia Star News , State Representative Colton Moore ( R-Trenton ) shared that legislators are gun-shy about calling a special session to address the general and runoff elections .
“ The attitudes that a lot of Republicans had was , ‘ Let ’ s just say out of it and let the court decide.
’ One legislator said [ if they did call a session that ] Atlanta will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ My personal theory is that the governor has prevented a special session because roughly half of the Republicans in the house don ’ t want to be responsible for that burden.
” Moore was one of the first representatives to petition Governor Brian Kemp to turn over the election results to the legislature .
The letter cited that in over two weeks after the election , voters lost confidence progressively in the results .
“ Since initiating an election audit , four counties have produced altered results with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moore said .
“ If Georgia ’ s Executive certifies the results of this election without considering these treasonous allegations , then all elections operated in this manner will forever be tainted .
A decision shall be brought forward to the people under clarity and confidence not reasonable doubt and incompetent administration of new systems , ” read the letter .
Moore ’ s petition argued that the U.S. Code empowers the state legislature to appoint electors if the state fails to choose electors by the legally-appointed date .
Both Kemp and Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results on November 20th .
After the presentation of the “ suitcase ballots ” video during the Georgia Senate emergency hearing last week , Moore stated that voters became more concerned about the integrity of the election results .
However , even with constituents petitioning their representatives to take action , Moore told The Star News that he wasn ’ t confident about the possibility of legislators coming together to call a special session .
“ Now that there ’ s been a public push , a lot of those legislators changed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said .
“ All of the phone calls started coming in from their constituents .
Unfortunately , that video came out so late , I ’ m not sure if there ’ s enough time.
” On Tuesday , four Republican state senators drafted a petition to force a special session .
They will need at least 29 signatures .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
CC BY 4.0 .
Background Photo “ Georgia Capitol ” by DXR .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .

The Georgia legislature may not call a special session – but the decision wouldn’t be for a lack of doubt in election integrity.
In an interview with The Georgia Star News, State Representative Colton Moore (R-Trenton) shared that legislators are gun-shy about calling a special session to address the general and runoff elections.
“The attitudes that a lot of Republicans had was, ‘Let’s just say out of it and let the court decide.’ One legislator said [if they did call a session that] Atlanta will burn down a second time,” he said. “My personal theory is that the governor has prevented a special session because roughly half of the Republicans in the house don’t want to be responsible for that burden.”
Moore was one of the first representatives to petition Governor Brian Kemp to turn over the election results to the legislature. The letter cited that in over two weeks after the election, voters lost confidence progressively in the results.
“Since initiating an election audit, four counties have produced altered results with other Georgia counties now in question,” Moore said. “If Georgia’s Executive certifies the results of this election without considering these treasonous allegations, then all elections operated in this manner will forever be tainted. A decision shall be brought forward to the people under clarity and confidence not reasonable doubt and incompetent administration of new systems,” read the letter.
Moore’s petition argued that the U.S. Code empowers the state legislature to appoint electors if the state fails to choose electors by the legally-appointed date. Both Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified the election results on November 20th.
After the presentation of the “suitcase ballots” video during the Georgia Senate emergency hearing last week, Moore stated that voters became more concerned about the integrity of the election results.
However, even with constituents petitioning their representatives to take action, Moore told The Star News that he wasn’t confident about the possibility of legislators coming together to call a special session.
“Now that there’s been a public push, a lot of those legislators changed their minds quite quickly,” the elected official said. “All of the phone calls started coming in from their constituents. Unfortunately, that video came out so late, I’m not sure if there’s enough time.”
On Tuesday, four Republican state senators drafted a petition to force a special session. They will need at least 29 signatures.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Colton Moore” by Colton Moore. CC BY 4.0. Background Photo “Georgia Capitol” by DXR. CC BY-SA 4.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Minnesota Letter Allegedly Sent to Suburban Resident Claims Christmas Lights Are ‘Harmful’ and a Rem

Minnesota Letter Allegedly Sent to Suburban Resident Claims Christmas Lights Are ‘Harmful’ and a Reminder of ‘Systemic Biases’

A St. Anthony resident claims to have received a letter in the mail on Monday that chastised her for her Christmas lights display .
The letter states that the “ twinkling , colorful lights are a reminder of the division that runs through our country ” and that such displays can have a “ harmful impact.
” The letter was posted on Facebook on Monday afternoon by the resident and is postmarked Dec. 5 from a 553 Zip Code area , which spans north and west of the Twin Cities .
The resident who posted the letter said in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbors and I got these in the mail .
We got some whackos around here .
Time to move.
” The envelope pictured is addressed to “ Neighbor ” and has a delivery address on the 3500 block of Coolidge Street Northeast in St. Anthony , Minnesota , which is bordered on the west by northeast Minneapolis and by Roseville on the east .
A reporter from Alpha News made contact with the resident who posted the letter .
Although the resident did not object to being identified , Alpha News is choosing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposing her to potential backlash .
In the photo posted , the letter is typed and appears to be unsigned with no return address on the envelope .
The letter reads as follows : “ I couldn ’ t help but notice your Christmas lights display .
During these unprecedented times we have all experienced challenges which casual words just don ’ t describe what we ’ re feeling .
The idea of twinkling , colorful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society , a reminder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t celebrate Christmas or who can ’ t afford to put up lights of their own .
We must do the work of educating ourselves about the harmful impact an outward facing display like yours can have .
I challenge you to respect the dignity of all people , while striving to learn from differences , ideas and opinions of our neighbors .
We must come together collectively and challenge these institutional inequities ; St. Anthony is a community welcoming of all people and we must demand better for ourselves.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News that two of her neighbors also received letters .
When asked to speculate who may have sent the letter , the resident said they “ have a feeling it was someone from our neighborhood , ” but didn ’ t expound further .
The letter swiftly made the rounds on social media and garnered hundreds of comments .
Reactions were pretty consistent .
The recipient of the letter commented on one of the social media posts , “ I literally have one string of lights and a lighted wreath on my house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot more this weekend if I don ’ t end up working.
” Another commenter replied to her that he owned a Christmas lighting company and would gladly add some free lights to her house if she messaged him .
“ Hey , I ’ m all for it , ” she said .
“ This year has been tough .
I could barely muster the energy to put up the one string I have .
My husband had a hip replacement and won ’ t climb to the second story anymore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid patients .
Maybe I needed this ?
” Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news , info and commentary about crime , public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis , the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota .

by Crime Watch MN
A St. Anthony resident claims to have received a letter in the mail on Monday that chastised her for her Christmas lights display.
The letter states that the “twinkling, colorful lights are a reminder of the division that runs through our country” and that such displays can have a “harmful impact.”
The letter was posted on Facebook on Monday afternoon by the resident and is postmarked Dec. 5 from a 553 Zip Code area, which spans north and west of the Twin Cities.
The resident who posted the letter said in her Facebook post, “Wow, my neighbors and I got these in the mail. We got some whackos around here. Time to move.”
The envelope pictured is addressed to “Neighbor” and has a delivery address on the 3500 block of Coolidge Street Northeast in St. Anthony, Minnesota, which is bordered on the west by northeast Minneapolis and by Roseville on the east.
A reporter from Alpha News made contact with the resident who posted the letter. Although the resident did not object to being identified, Alpha News is choosing to keep her identity anonymous to avoid exposing her to potential backlash.
In the photo posted, the letter is typed and appears to be unsigned with no return address on the envelope.
The letter reads as follows:
“I couldn’t help but notice your Christmas lights display. During these unprecedented times we have all experienced challenges which casual words just don’t describe what we’re feeling. The idea of twinkling, colorful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society, a reminder of systemic biases against our neighbors who don’t celebrate Christmas or who can’t afford to put up lights of their own.
We must do the work of educating ourselves about the harmful impact an outward facing display like yours can have. I challenge you to respect the dignity of all people, while striving to learn from differences, ideas and opinions of our neighbors. We must come together collectively and challenge these institutional inequities; St. Anthony is a community welcoming of all people and we must demand better for ourselves.”
The resident who received the letter told Alpha News that two of her neighbors also received letters. When asked to speculate who may have sent the letter, the resident said they “have a feeling it was someone from our neighborhood,” but didn’t expound further.
The letter swiftly made the rounds on social media and garnered hundreds of comments. Reactions were pretty consistent.
Let me know if there's a crowdfunding account for a bigger Christmas display. — Marc Olivier (@molivier1A) December 7, 2020
Time to Griswold the place. 🎄 pic.twitter.com/PrRr2ctPJF — CountryGirlAtHeart (@CountryGirlAt12) December 7, 2020
If they’re trying to figure out who sent this letter, I’d look for the green furry neighbor with a heart three sizes too small. https://t.co/TXNZsdOvW5 — Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) December 8, 2020
The recipient of the letter commented on one of the social media posts, “I literally have one string of lights and a lighted wreath on my house … I guess I will be adding a lot more this weekend if I don’t end up working.”
Another commenter replied to her that he owned a Christmas lighting company and would gladly add some free lights to her house if she messaged him.
“Hey, I’m all for it,” she said. “This year has been tough. I could barely muster the energy to put up the one string I have. My husband had a hip replacement and won’t climb to the second story anymore. I work as a nurse with Covid patients. Maybe I needed this?”
– – –
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Virginia Department of Health Adopts CDC Quarantine Guidelines

The Virginia Department of Health ( VDH ) announced Tuesday that it is adopting newly revised COVID-19 quarantine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) that were released earlier this month .
VDH and the CDC recommends people who test positive for coronavirus or may have been exposed to quarantine for a full 14 days , but the new guidelines have two additional alternatives for a shorter length of isolation .
The first alternative is to end quarantine after ten days without receiving a test and if no symptoms were reported during daily health monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this method the “ residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to be about 1 percent with an upper limit of about 10 percent.
” The second option is to end quarantine on day 7 after getting a negative PCR or negative antigen test performed on or after day 5 and showing no symptoms throughout the period .
The CDC estimates the residual post-quarantine transmission risk with this strategy is roughly 5 percent and an upper limit of about 12 percent .
“ Any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” VDH said in the news release .
VDH also said it is still important to watch for any symptoms of the virus until 14 days after exposure .
The VDH is continuing to recommend that healthcare personnel and residents as well as staff in healthcare facilities follow the 14-day quarantine rule .
In the same news release , the VDH also announced that it is changing its contact tracing prioritization , in accordance with new CDC guidelines , to specific groups of people because of high levels of COVID community transmission .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in the last six days and others living in the same household ; people living or working in congregate living facilities like nursing homes ; people associated in known clusters or outbreaks and , lastly , people who are at an increased risk of severe illness .
This means that the VDH and local health departments may not be contacting every Virginian with coronavirus or close contacts of someone who tested positive , according to the release .
“ As cases of COVID-19 increase across the Commonwealth , this change will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have the most impact , ” Virginia State Health Commissioner Norman Oliver said in the release .
“ We urge residents to continue to follow public health guidance on wearing masks and physical distancing , and to notify their circle of friends and family quickly if diagnosed with COVID-19.
” Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced Tuesday that it is adopting newly revised COVID-19 quarantine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that were released earlier this month.
VDH and the CDC recommends people who test positive for coronavirus or may have been exposed to quarantine for a full 14 days, but the new guidelines have two additional alternatives for a shorter length of isolation.
The first alternative is to end quarantine after ten days without receiving a test and if no symptoms were reported during daily health monitoring. According to the CDC, with this method the “residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to be about 1 percent with an upper limit of about 10 percent.”
The second option is to end quarantine on day 7 after getting a negative PCR or negative antigen test performed on or after day 5 and showing no symptoms throughout the period. The CDC estimates the residual post-quarantine transmission risk with this strategy is roughly 5 percent and an upper limit of about 12 percent.
“Any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus,” VDH said in the news release.
VDH also said it is still important to watch for any symptoms of the virus until 14 days after exposure.
The VDH is continuing to recommend that healthcare personnel and residents as well as staff in healthcare facilities follow the 14-day quarantine rule.
In the same news release, the VDH also announced that it is changing its contact tracing prioritization, in accordance with new CDC guidelines, to specific groups of people because of high levels of COVID community transmission.
Those groups include: people diagnosed with the virus in the last six days and others living in the same household; people living or working in congregate living facilities like nursing homes; people associated in known clusters or outbreaks and, lastly, people who are at an increased risk of severe illness.
This means that the VDH and local health departments may not be contacting every Virginian with coronavirus or close contacts of someone who tested positive, according to the release.
“As cases of COVID-19 increase across the Commonwealth, this change will allow us to deploy resources where they will have the most impact,” Virginia State Health Commissioner Norman Oliver said in the release. “We urge residents to continue to follow public health guidance on wearing masks and physical distancing, and to notify their circle of friends and family quickly if diagnosed with COVID-19.”
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Injunction Filed Against Democratic State Legislators for Shutting Out Public from General Assembly

State Senator Bill DeSteph ( R-Virginia Beach ) and attorney Tim Anderson filed a petition for injunction against Democratic legislators to preserve constituents ’ in-person access to General Assembly members .
State Senator Mamie Locke ( D-Hampton ) , Chair of Senate Rules , and Speaker Eileen Filler Corn ( D-Fairfax ) decided to close the Pocahontas building to the public , which hosts office appointments for both the House of Delegates and State Senate .
“ The closure of the legislative office building to the public is contrary to the explicit historical purpose of the building to allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially during the General Assembly Session , ” read the lawsuit .
“ Most importantly , the right to assemble and address lawmakers at the state and federal levels is fundamentally protected by the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution : a .
‘ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech , or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble , and to petition the Government for a redress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeSteph announced in a press release that Anderson would file the petition .
According to the senator ’ s statement , the Democratic legislators decided it was safer for only government officials and employees to enter the building .
“ [ The Pocahontas building ] would only be open for credentialed legislative employees and current legislators during the upcoming Regular Session of the General Assembly , ” he said .
Included in the lawsuit was a copy of the email sent to legislators concerning the closing of the Pocahontas building to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislators offered a hotline operated by a “ limited number [ of administrative assistants ” as an alternative solution for in-person access .
The press release criticized the idea , likening its efficacy to the backlogged Virginia Employment Commission ( VEC ) hotline .
The Virginia Star reported previously on the VEC ’ s pattern of overpaying unemployment claims during the pandemic , as well as the lack of communication and transparency for those ordered to repay portions of those claims .
In an interview with The Star , Anderson explained that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage with constituents that disagree with them .
He explained that nobody voted on the measure – only Filler-Corn and Locke decided on it .
“ Really the undertones here is that they ’ ll have a lobby day , ” he said .
“ They just don ’ t want to have all these pro-Second Amendment people bothering them in the [ upcoming ] special session , so they ’ re using COVID as some kind of weapon to pursue their own political ideologies .
You can ’ t say the DMV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the General Assembly can ’ t be open during the special session.
” Anderson added that DeSteph reached out to take action – the state senator believed in the importance of in-person access for his constituents .
“ The state senator wants to be able to meet with constituents at his office .
[ And ] as a citizen , he has standing to say that we want to have access to the legislature , ” stated Anderson .
“ The idea is this : there ’ s a better way to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it by appointment only , you can limit building capacity .
The courts are open – people are in there fighting their speeding tickets every day .
The governor ’ s doing press releases every day for Breonna Taylor about no-knock warrants , with people from out of state present .
But they think it ’ s too dangerous to meet their constituents in person ?
” Delegate Kirk Cox ( R-Colonial Heights ) tweeted in support of the lawsuit .
“ The General Assembly Building should absolutely be reopened to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our work in person.
” Anderson finalized his remarks on the measures undertaken by Locke and Filler-Corn succinctly .
“ If you can put in a direct quote : f*** ’ em.
” Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Background Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Anderskev .
CC BY 3.0 .

State Senator Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) and attorney Tim Anderson filed a petition for injunction against Democratic legislators to preserve constituents’ in-person access to General Assembly members. State Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), Chair of Senate Rules, and Speaker Eileen Filler Corn (D-Fairfax) decided to close the Pocahontas building to the public, which hosts office appointments for both the House of Delegates and State Senate.
“The closure of the legislative office building to the public is contrary to the explicit historical purpose of the building to allow the public access to its elected legislative members, especially during the General Assembly Session,” read the lawsuit. “Most importantly, the right to assemble and address lawmakers at the state and federal levels is fundamentally protected by the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution: a. ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.'”
Tuesday, DeSteph announced in a press release that Anderson would file the petition. According to the senator’s statement, the Democratic legislators decided it was safer for only government officials and employees to enter the building.
“[The Pocahontas building] would only be open for credentialed legislative employees and current legislators during the upcoming Regular Session of the General Assembly,” he said.
Included in the lawsuit was a copy of the email sent to legislators concerning the closing of the Pocahontas building to the public, dated December 2.
The Democratic legislators offered a hotline operated by a “limited number [of administrative assistants” as an alternative solution for in-person access. The press release criticized the idea, likening its efficacy to the backlogged Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) hotline.
The Virginia Star reported previously on the VEC’s pattern of overpaying unemployment claims during the pandemic, as well as the lack of communication and transparency for those ordered to repay portions of those claims.
In an interview with The Star, Anderson explained that these Democratic legislators don’t want to engage with constituents that disagree with them. He explained that nobody voted on the measure – only Filler-Corn and Locke decided on it.
“Really the undertones here is that they’ll have a lobby day,” he said. “They just don’t want to have all these pro-Second Amendment people bothering them in the [upcoming] special session, so they’re using COVID as some kind of weapon to pursue their own political ideologies. You can’t say the DMV can be open but the offices of the General Assembly can’t be open during the special session.”
Anderson added that DeSteph reached out to take action – the state senator believed in the importance of in-person access for his constituents.
“The state senator wants to be able to meet with constituents at his office. [And] as a citizen, he has standing to say that we want to have access to the legislature,” stated Anderson. “The idea is this: there’s a better way to do [COVID restrictions]. You can make it by appointment only, you can limit building capacity. The courts are open – people are in there fighting their speeding tickets every day. The governor’s doing press releases every day for Breonna Taylor about no-knock warrants, with people from out of state present. But they think it’s too dangerous to meet their constituents in person?”
Delegate Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) tweeted in support of the lawsuit.
“The General Assembly Building should absolutely be reopened to the public, and we should be doing our work in person.”
Anderson finalized his remarks on the measures undertaken by Locke and Filler-Corn succinctly.
“If you can put in a direct quote: f*** ’em.”
The General Assembly Building should absolutely be reopened to the public, and we should be doing our work in person. https://t.co/5InXQLzFos — Kirk Cox (@kirkcoxforva) December 8, 2020
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Background Photo “Virginia Capitol” by Anderskev. CC BY 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--No In-Person Classes in Virginia’s Capital: Richmond Public Schools to Remain Virtual for Spring Sem

No In-Person Classes in Virginia’s Capital: Richmond Public Schools to Remain Virtual for Spring Semester

Richmond Public Schools ( RPS ) will continue with virtual learning only for the rest of the 2020-21 academic year .
During a Monday night meeting , the RPS School Board voted 8-1 to keep students away from the classroom for another several months after Superintendent Jason Kamras gave a presentation and recommended the school district remain virtual .
“ The administration ’ s recommendation is that we remain fully virtual for the second semester for three reasons , ” Kamras said during the meeting .
“ First , the rapidly rising infection rates .
Second , based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and third , because of some unintended consequences that would exacerbate inequalities if we did some back in-person.
” “ This is one of the most heartbreaking recommendations I have ever made to you , likely ever will make , ” Kamras added .
“ I live for being with and around kids , and the thought of proactively recommending to you that we not do that for another several months is heartbreaking .
I don ’ t do it lightly , but I do it because I believe our number one responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our students , families and staff.
” In explaining his second reason , Kamras discussed the results of a survey sent out to school staff and families about the second semester where the majority of respondents indicated a desire to remain fully virtual .
In a RPS direct newsletter last Thursday , Kamras reported that the survey received 10,000 respondents , and 80 percent of staff as well as 63 percent of families supported keeping virtual instruction .
Nevertheless , Kamras did admit in his presentation that virtual learning does come with downsides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students .
Almost every school board member was in support of Kamras ’ recommendation , but some made additional comments on the matter during the meeting .
Elizabeth Doerr ( 1st District ) said she did not want to “ underestimate some of the very real mental health and other impacts , especially to those families that have children with special needs , ” virtual learning can bring , while Kenya Gibson ( 3rd District ) requested the board to consider revisiting the topic again in early March and also think about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The only member to vote against Kamras ’ recommendation was Jonathan Young ( 4th District ) .
During discussions , Young proposed his own idea for a hybrid instruction model for students with learning disabilities being taught in-person four days a week and virtual for one day .
Under Young ’ s plan teachers would voluntarily opt-in to teaching in-person and would choose to conduct that assignment at one of 13 select RPS schools .
Young ’ s proposal failed when it was not seconded by any other school board member .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ students will have to spend about 12 calendar months respectively , spanning from last March to June of 2021 , learning from behind a screen and potentially missing out on valuable education only attainable by being physically present .
Virginia State Senator Siobhan Dunnavant ( R-Henrico ) described RPS students not being in a classroom for a year as “ deeply concerning ” and said she thinks all public schools in Virginia should be offering both in-person and virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ All the things that schools provide beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get if they are not there , ” Dunnavant told The Virginia Star .
“ For kids and teachers that have health risks , virtual is completely appropriate and really works .
But for a lot of kids , it ’ s not working and we know that because we ’ ve seen the increased rate of failure in kids , and we have reading and math benchmarks we ’ re concerned about .
“ We need to make sure that our kids have a chance at a future and in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an education that is sound.
” The Star reached out to Sen. Jennifer McClellan ( D-Richmond City ) for comment on the RPS decision and potential impact on students ’ education , but did not get a response before press time .
RPS students will begin their second semester on February 8 .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

Richmond Public Schools (RPS) will continue with virtual learning only for the rest of the 2020-21 academic year.
During a Monday night meeting, the RPS School Board voted 8-1 to keep students away from the classroom for another several months after Superintendent Jason Kamras gave a presentation and recommended the school district remain virtual.
“The administration’s recommendation is that we remain fully virtual for the second semester for three reasons,” Kamras said during the meeting. “First, the rapidly rising infection rates. Second, based on the feedback from our teachers and families, and third, because of some unintended consequences that would exacerbate inequalities if we did some back in-person.”
“This is one of the most heartbreaking recommendations I have ever made to you, likely ever will make,” Kamras added. “I live for being with and around kids, and the thought of proactively recommending to you that we not do that for another several months is heartbreaking. I don’t do it lightly, but I do it because I believe our number one responsibility is protecting the health and safety of our students, families and staff.”
In explaining his second reason, Kamras discussed the results of a survey sent out to school staff and families about the second semester where the majority of respondents indicated a desire to remain fully virtual. In a RPS direct newsletter last Thursday, Kamras reported that the survey received 10,000 respondents, and 80 percent of staff as well as 63 percent of families supported keeping virtual instruction.
Nevertheless, Kamras did admit in his presentation that virtual learning does come with downsides and can have long-term consequences for certain students.
Almost every school board member was in support of Kamras’ recommendation, but some made additional comments on the matter during the meeting.
Elizabeth Doerr (1st District) said she did not want to “underestimate some of the very real mental health and other impacts, especially to those families that have children with special needs,” virtual learning can bring, while Kenya Gibson (3rd District) requested the board to consider revisiting the topic again in early March and also think about how summer school will operate at that time.
The only member to vote against Kamras’ recommendation was Jonathan Young (4th District).
During discussions, Young proposed his own idea for a hybrid instruction model for students with learning disabilities being taught in-person four days a week and virtual for one day. Under Young’s plan teachers would voluntarily opt-in to teaching in-person and would choose to conduct that assignment at one of 13 select RPS schools.
Young’s proposal failed when it was not seconded by any other school board member.
With the decision now made, RPS students will have to spend about 12 calendar months respectively, spanning from last March to June of 2021, learning from behind a screen and potentially missing out on valuable education only attainable by being physically present.
Virginia State Senator Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico) described RPS students not being in a classroom for a year as “deeply concerning” and said she thinks all public schools in Virginia should be offering both in-person and virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
“All the things that schools provide beyond curriculum for our children, they do not get if they are not there,” Dunnavant told The Virginia Star. “For kids and teachers that have health risks, virtual is completely appropriate and really works. But for a lot of kids, it’s not working and we know that because we’ve seen the increased rate of failure in kids, and we have reading and math benchmarks we’re concerned about.
“We need to make sure that our kids have a chance at a future and in order to get that you have to have an education that is sound.”
The Star reached out to Sen. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond City) for comment on the RPS decision and potential impact on students’ education, but did not get a response before press time.
RPS students will begin their second semester on February 8.
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Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Republican Organizations File Lawsuit to Ensure Georgia Follows State Laws for January 5 Runoff Elec

Republican Organizations File Lawsuit to Ensure Georgia Follows State Laws for January 5 Runoff Elections

The Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party filed a lawsuit to ensure Georgia election law is properly followed for the January 5 runoff election .
The lawsuit demands that poll watchers be allowed to do their jobs as permitted under Georgia law , and safeguards in the law for ballot “ drop boxes ” are upheld , according to a statement issued Tuesday by the Republican National Committee .
The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County .
The complaint is available here .
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said , “ While we continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general election , we also must fight to ensure they never happen again .
Election laws need to be properly followed so Americans can have confidence in the results .
This lawsuit seeks to force Georgia election officials to simply follow the laws on their books as they pertain to poll watchers and drop boxes .
We will never stop fighting to ensure free and fair elections in our country.
” Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer said , “ We must restore confidence in the integrity of our elections .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their job and obey the law is over.
” During the November 3 general election and recount , the legal right of political party committees to appoint poll watchers to observe the process was abridged in various polling and tabulation locations across Georgia .
This lawsuit attempts to force Georgia election officials to properly enforce the law so this does not happen again for the January 5 runoff .
The suit also demands the state clarify rules promulgated by the Georgia State Election Board to ensure drop boxes are properly secured and surveilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not properly followed during the November 3 general election , the plaintiffs said , and the suit demands that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger promptly prepare and distribute materials and guidance instructing the continuous video surveillance of all drop box locations .
The RNC said it has spent tens of millions of dollars over the last two years funding legal efforts in multiple states for election integrity across the country .
Drop-boxes will have cost President Donald Trump the election if Joe Biden wins Georgia , pointing to the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pollster John McLaughlin said in an exclusive statement this weekend to The Georgia Star News .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .
Photo “ People Voting ” by Wyofile Wyofile .
CC BY 2.0 .

The Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party filed a lawsuit to ensure Georgia election law is properly followed for the January 5 runoff election.
The lawsuit demands that poll watchers be allowed to do their jobs as permitted under Georgia law, and safeguards in the law for ballot “drop boxes” are upheld, according to a statement issued Tuesday by the Republican National Committee.
The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County. The complaint is available here.
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said, “While we continue to fight multiple cases of election irregularities from the general election, we also must fight to ensure they never happen again. Election laws need to be properly followed so Americans can have confidence in the results. This lawsuit seeks to force Georgia election officials to simply follow the laws on their books as they pertain to poll watchers and drop boxes. We will never stop fighting to ensure free and fair elections in our country.”
Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer said, “We must restore confidence in the integrity of our elections. The time for begging elections officials to do their job and obey the law is over.”
During the November 3 general election and recount, the legal right of political party committees to appoint poll watchers to observe the process was abridged in various polling and tabulation locations across Georgia. This lawsuit attempts to force Georgia election officials to properly enforce the law so this does not happen again for the January 5 runoff.
The suit also demands the state clarify rules promulgated by the Georgia State Election Board to ensure drop boxes are properly secured and surveilled. Laws pertaining to drop boxes were not properly followed during the November 3 general election, the plaintiffs said, and the suit demands that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger promptly prepare and distribute materials and guidance instructing the continuous video surveillance of all drop box locations.
The RNC said it has spent tens of millions of dollars over the last two years funding legal efforts in multiple states for election integrity across the country.
Drop-boxes will have cost President Donald Trump the election if Joe Biden wins Georgia, pointing to the state’s most important concern for the Senate runoffs, Pollster John McLaughlin said in an exclusive statement this weekend to The Georgia Star News.
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Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
Photo “People Voting” by Wyofile Wyofile. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Michigan Gov. Whitmer Announces Another 12 Days of Pandemic ‘Pause’

Although the audio feed for Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s digital news conference Monday afternoon wasn ’ t completely clear , one message came through loud and clear : the three-week economic pause imposed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will be extended 12 days beyond its initial Dec. 8 deadline .
The new deadline is Dec. 20 .
The extended pause continues the closure of bars , restaurants , bowling alleys , movie theaters and Detroit ’ s casinos .
The governor said she would provide links to the scientific studies she said guided her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted Michigan hospitals are at 79 % capacity , but repeated her claim from last week in which she said it ’ s too soon to gauge how many COVID-19 infections occurred over the Thanksgiving Day weekend .
Pivoting from the pandemic , the governor addressed events that occurred this past weekend .
“ It ’ s time to put the election behind us , ” Whitmer said , referencing protests outside the home of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson .
The governor condemned the behavior and comments of protestors , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Lee Chatfield , R-Levering ; and Rep. Cynthia Johnson , D-Detroit .
Whitmer ’ s remarks were followed by equally garbled comments by Michigan Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy Director for Health Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun .
Khaldun said daily cases of COVID-19 are declining but still high .
She also said hospitalization rates are high , but also slowing .
Bruce Walker is a regional editor at The Center Square .
He previously worked as editor at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy ’ s MichiganScience magazine and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .

by Bruce Walker
Although the audio feed for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s digital news conference Monday afternoon wasn’t completely clear, one message came through loud and clear: the three-week economic pause imposed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will be extended 12 days beyond its initial Dec. 8 deadline.
The new deadline is Dec. 20.
The extended pause continues the closure of bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, movie theaters and Detroit’s casinos. The governor said she would provide links to the scientific studies she said guided her administration’s decision.
The governor noted Michigan hospitals are at 79% capacity, but repeated her claim from last week in which she said it’s too soon to gauge how many COVID-19 infections occurred over the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
Pivoting from the pandemic, the governor addressed events that occurred this past weekend.
“It’s time to put the election behind us,” Whitmer said, referencing protests outside the home of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The governor condemned the behavior and comments of protestors, including alleged threats made against Benson; House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering; and Rep. Cynthia Johnson, D-Detroit.
Whitmer’s remarks were followed by equally garbled comments by Michigan Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy Director for Health Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun.
Khaldun said daily cases of COVID-19 are declining but still high. She also said hospitalization rates are high, but also slowing.
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Bruce Walker is a regional editor at The Center Square. He previously worked as editor at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy’s MichiganScience magazine and The Heartland Institute’s InfoTech & Telecom News.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Democratic Lieutenant Governor Candidate Digs Up the 2019 Virginia Democratic Scandals

Paul Goldman , candidate in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor , slammed likely gubernatorial candidate former Governor Terry McAuliffe in a Monday press release .
Goldman censured McAuliffe and establishment Democrats for calling for Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax ( D ) to resign in 2019 without due process after allegations of sexual abuse involving Fairfax , who is running for governor in 2021 .
“ With all due respect for Terry [ McAuliffe ] , he threw Ralph [ Northam ] and Justin [ Fairfax ] under the proverbial political bus , he didn ’ t care about due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wanted to score political points , ” Goldman said .
Goldman said he was motivated by a commitment to the ideals of democracy , but he didn ’ t say why he chose this week for his press release .
Democratic political strategist Ben Tribbett suggested that it could be because McAuliffe is expected to announce his candidacy for governor soon .
The former Governor has filed paperwork for a 2021 gubernatorial campaign , but has not officially declared that he will run .
“ [ McAuliffe ] needs to address why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same for the Party Establishment , ” Goldman said .
“ By calling on Fairfax to immediately resign , they in effect declared him guilty in the court of public opinion .
They did same to Governor Northam .
This violated what we Democrats are supposed to believe.
” Goldman ’ s release highlights the complicated maneuvering and strategy of a Democratic Party rattled by one week in February 2019 when separate scandals surfaced involving all three top Democratic elected officials .
Even after leaving the governor ’ s office in 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party of Virginia and will be a strong contender for the Democratic nomination .
McAuliffe was quick to criticize Fairfax for his 2019 scandal , and quick to support beloved Senator Louise Lucas ( D-Portsmouth ) when she was charged with felonies earlier this year .
Fairfax spokesperson Lauren Burke told The Virginia Star that immediately after the first allegations of sexual abuse surfaced against Fairfax , McAuliffe attacked Fairfax .
Burke said , “ McAuliffe was the first to demand [ that Fairfax ] resign without knowing anything.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Burke said .
“ [ McAuliffe ] tweeted at 5:03 p.m. ” Burke said that Fairfax didn ’ t know about Goldman ’ s press release until after it came out , and she said Fairfax and Goldman aren ’ t working together .
Another reason for Goldman ’ s press release is his own candidacy .
Goldman used the press release to highlight his qualifications for office , including experience standing up for due process .
“ If Terry [ McAuliffe ] and the Democratic Party Establishment want to take us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can declare you guilty until proven innocent , then I for one want to know , ” Goldman said .
“ No one should hunger to be Lieutenant Governor so much that he is afraid to speak truth to power.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Paul Goldman ” by NoblesTV .

Paul Goldman, candidate in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, slammed likely gubernatorial candidate former Governor Terry McAuliffe in a Monday press release. Goldman censured McAuliffe and establishment Democrats for calling for Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax (D) to resign in 2019 without due process after allegations of sexual abuse involving Fairfax, who is running for governor in 2021.
“With all due respect for Terry [McAuliffe], he threw Ralph [Northam] and Justin [Fairfax] under the proverbial political bus, he didn’t care about due process, about getting the facts, he wanted to score political points,” Goldman said.
Goldman said he was motivated by a commitment to the ideals of democracy, but he didn’t say why he chose this week for his press release. Democratic political strategist Ben Tribbett suggested that it could be because McAuliffe is expected to announce his candidacy for governor soon. The former Governor has filed paperwork for a 2021 gubernatorial campaign, but has not officially declared that he will run.
“[McAuliffe] needs to address why he played Judge and Jury, the same for the Party Establishment,” Goldman said. “By calling on Fairfax to immediately resign, they in effect declared him guilty in the court of public opinion. They did same to Governor Northam. This violated what we Democrats are supposed to believe.”
Goldman’s release highlights the complicated maneuvering and strategy of a Democratic Party rattled by one week in February 2019 when separate scandals surfaced involving all three top Democratic elected officials.
Even after leaving the governor’s office in 2018, McAuliffe has been a leading voice of the Democratic Party of Virginia and will be a strong contender for the Democratic nomination. McAuliffe was quick to criticize Fairfax for his 2019 scandal, and quick to support beloved Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) when she was charged with felonies earlier this year.
Fairfax spokesperson Lauren Burke told The Virginia Star that immediately after the first allegations of sexual abuse surfaced against Fairfax, McAuliffe attacked Fairfax. Burke said, “McAuliffe was the first to demand [that Fairfax] resign without knowing anything.”
“The story broke at 5 p.m.,” Burke said. “[McAuliffe] tweeted at 5:03 p.m.”
Burke said that Fairfax didn’t know about Goldman’s press release until after it came out, and she said Fairfax and Goldman aren’t working together.
Another reason for Goldman’s press release is his own candidacy. Goldman used the press release to highlight his qualifications for office, including experience standing up for due process.
“If Terry [McAuliffe] and the Democratic Party Establishment want to take us back to an accusation culture, where they can declare you guilty until proven innocent, then I for one want to know,” Goldman said. “No one should hunger to be Lieutenant Governor so much that he is afraid to speak truth to power.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Paul Goldman” by NoblesTV.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy Stepping Down from House to Focus on Run for Virginia Governor

Virginia State Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy ( D-Prince William ) said Tuesday that she was resigning from her position in the House of Delegates to focus on securing the Democratic nomination for the 2021 gubernatorial election .
Carroll Foy , one of several Democratic candidates for governor , announced the decision in a video posted to social media .
“ I ’ m stepping down from the House of Delegates to focus 100 percent of my time on building a grassroots movement to meet this moment , ” Carroll Foy said in the video .
“ Helping families and workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tough , but so are we .
Together we can rebuild a Virginia that leaves no one behind.
” “ I was honored to serve the people of the 2nd District and proud of what we were able to accomplish , and now I ’ m ready to keep working for you as governor , ” Carroll Foy continued .
The two-term lawmaker is now free to raise campaign money and travel throughout the Commonwealth during the quickly-approaching General Assembly session because fundraising by legislators is banned during regular sessions under Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted a statement of sly criticism from one of her rivals for the Democratic nomination and now former legislative colleague : Senator Jennifer McClellan ( D-Richmond ) .
“ I have served the people of Virginia for 15 years and will continue to do so in the midst of this unprecedented crisis , ” McClellan wrote in a statement provided to The Virginia Star .
“ I will always put public service first : That means fighting for my constituents to build a stronger and more equitable Virginia as we navigate the Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders to get things done in Richmond , and that ’ s exactly what I plan to do this legislative session and as Governor.
” Carroll Foy ’ s resignation , which takes effect on Saturday , makes the House ’ s 2nd District seat available and starts a truncated timeline to have a special election to fill the vacancy before the General Assembly convenes on January 13 .
Just hours after the news , Governor Ralph Northam announced that he has called for a special election to take place on January 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson told The Star there are two people interested in running for the seat in the special election as Republicans , but did not want to name the potential candidates since they have not officially made decisions yet .
Virginia Democrats are now working on plans to select their nominee for the election by Saturday or Sunday , likely through a party primary , according to the Washington Post .
In terms of potential Democratic candidates , Del .
Lamont Bagby ( D-Henrico ) told The Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former small business owner and community leader , is looking to run and , according to the PW Perspective , activist Rozia Henson has announced his bid for the 2nd District seat .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Jennifer Carroll Foy ” by Jennifer Carroll Foy .
Background Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Matheus Gonçalves CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Virginia State Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-Prince William) said Tuesday that she was resigning from her position in the House of Delegates to focus on securing the Democratic nomination for the 2021 gubernatorial election.
Carroll Foy, one of several Democratic candidates for governor, announced the decision in a video posted to social media.
“I’m stepping down from the House of Delegates to focus 100 percent of my time on building a grassroots movement to meet this moment,” Carroll Foy said in the video. “Helping families and workers recover and building a post-COVID economy will be tough, but so are we. Together we can rebuild a Virginia that leaves no one behind.”
“I was honored to serve the people of the 2nd District and proud of what we were able to accomplish, and now I’m ready to keep working for you as governor,” Carroll Foy continued.
The two-term lawmaker is now free to raise campaign money and travel throughout the Commonwealth during the quickly-approaching General Assembly session because fundraising by legislators is banned during regular sessions under Virginia law.
The decision by Carroll Foy prompted a statement of sly criticism from one of her rivals for the Democratic nomination and now former legislative colleague: Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond).
“I have served the people of Virginia for 15 years and will continue to do so in the midst of this unprecedented crisis,” McClellan wrote in a statement provided to The Virginia Star. “I will always put public service first: That means fighting for my constituents to build a stronger and more equitable Virginia as we navigate the Coronavirus crisis every day. Virginians elected Democratic leaders to get things done in Richmond, and that’s exactly what I plan to do this legislative session and as Governor.”
Carroll Foy’s resignation, which takes effect on Saturday, makes the House’s 2nd District seat available and starts a truncated timeline to have a special election to fill the vacancy before the General Assembly convenes on January 13.
Just hours after the news, Governor Ralph Northam announced that he has called for a special election to take place on January 5, less than a month away.
Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson told The Star there are two people interested in running for the seat in the special election as Republicans, but did not want to name the potential candidates since they have not officially made decisions yet.
Virginia Democrats are now working on plans to select their nominee for the election by Saturday or Sunday, likely through a party primary, according to the Washington Post.
In terms of potential Democratic candidates, Del. Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico) told The Star that he’s heard Candi King, a former small business owner and community leader, is looking to run and, according to the PW Perspective, activist Rozia Henson has announced his bid for the 2nd District seat.
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Jennifer Carroll Foy” by Jennifer Carroll Foy. Background Photo “Virginia Capitol” by Matheus Gonçalves CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Nashville’s 34 Percent Property Tax Increase Earns Tennessee Pork of the Year Award

Nashville ’ s 34 percent property tax increase is the “ Pork of the Year , ” according to the Beacon Center of Tennessee ’ s annual Pork Report , which the organization released Tuesday .
Staff at the Beacon Center of Tennessee say that their annual Tennessee Pork Report reveals millions of dollars in government waste , fraud , and abuse .
“ At a time when Nashville is among the hottest cities in the country and has skyrocketing tax revenue , the city is somehow still in massive debt , ” according to a press release that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of making the changes necessary to fix the problem , such as reforming its unbelievably generous city pension system , enacting a spending cap , or getting rid of the egregious lifetime health insurance benefits for Council members , the mayor and City Council raised taxes on hard-working Nashvillians while making absolutely no sacrifices themselves.
” Beacon staff , in their report , also said that finance guru Dave Ramsey accepted $ 2 million in tax money to expand his headquarters in Franklin .
As reported last year , Ramsey hosts his nationally-syndicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
• The city of Knoxville and Knox County bailing out Zoo Knoxville , an entity that Beacon staff said shouldn ’ t have accepted public funding in the first place .
• The Memphis EDGE board used tax dollars to fund the NBC television series Bluff City Law , which the network later cancelled .
This is the 15th such report that Beacon has published .
As The Star reported last year , the 2019 Tennessee Pork Report cited various examples of waste , fraud , and abuse , including Graceland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Memphis , which landed the property $ 75 million in tax dollars .
Another example — officials in the financially-strapped city of Nashville giving millions of dollars to Amazon and the NFL draft .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

Nashville’s 34 percent property tax increase is the “Pork of the Year,” according to the Beacon Center of Tennessee’s annual Pork Report, which the organization released Tuesday.
Staff at the Beacon Center of Tennessee say that their annual Tennessee Pork Report reveals millions of dollars in government waste, fraud, and abuse.
Beacon is a right-of-center think tank.
“At a time when Nashville is among the hottest cities in the country and has skyrocketing tax revenue, the city is somehow still in massive debt,” according to a press release that the Nashville-based Beacon emailed Tuesday.
“Instead of making the changes necessary to fix the problem, such as reforming its unbelievably generous city pension system, enacting a spending cap, or getting rid of the egregious lifetime health insurance benefits for Council members, the mayor and City Council raised taxes on hard-working Nashvillians while making absolutely no sacrifices themselves.”
Representatives for Nashville Mayor John Cooper did not return The Tennessee Star’s request for comment Tuesday.
Beacon staff, in their report, also said that finance guru Dave Ramsey accepted $2 million in tax money to expand his headquarters in Franklin. As reported last year, Ramsey hosts his nationally-syndicated radio talk show from a new facility there.
Ramsey’s staff did not return a request for comment Tuesday.
Other 2020 Pork Report entries included:
• The city of Chattanooga spent more than $6 million on unused street lights.
• The city of Knoxville and Knox County bailing out Zoo Knoxville, an entity that Beacon staff said shouldn’t have accepted public funding in the first place.
• The Memphis EDGE board used tax dollars to fund the NBC television series Bluff City Law, which the network later cancelled.
This is the 15th such report that Beacon has published.
As The Star reported last year, the 2019 Tennessee Pork Report cited various examples of waste, fraud, and abuse, including Graceland’s veiled threats to move out of Memphis, which landed the property $75 million in tax dollars. Another example — officials in the financially-strapped city of Nashville giving millions of dollars to Amazon and the NFL draft.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Tennessee Will Support Texas in U.S. Supreme Court Election Lawsuit Against Four Other States, Attor

Tennessee Will Support Texas in U.S. Supreme Court Election Lawsuit Against Four Other States, Attorney General Announces

The Tennessee Attorney General ’ s Office has consistently taken the position that only a State ’ s legislature has @ @ @ @ @ change election laws .
This Office pressed that argument in cases defending Tennessee ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and in amicus briefs in cases involving similar challenges in other courts .
This is @ @ @ @ @ ’ s action in the Supreme Court seeks to vindicate the same important separation-of-powers principles @ @ @ @ @ we joined Missouri ’ s amicus brief in support of that action .

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office has consistently taken the position that only a State’s legislature has the authority to make and change election laws. This Office pressed that argument in cases defending Tennessee’s election laws against pandemic-related challenges and in amicus briefs in cases involving similar challenges in other courts. This is not something new.
Texas’s action in the Supreme Court seeks to vindicate the same important separation-of-powers principles, and that is why we joined Missouri’s amicus brief in support of that action.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-09--Ohio Attorney General Yost Taking ‘Deep Dive into the Legal Theories’ of Texas Lawsuit Filed in U.S.

Ohio Attorney General Yost Taking ‘Deep Dive into the Legal Theories’ of Texas Lawsuit Filed in U.S. Supreme Court

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the United States Supreme Court , according to the AG ’ s December 8 press release .
The Lone Star State ’ s top legal advisor alleges that the four states broke federal election laws by ignoring the role of the legislature in each state to choose electors and make election laws .
The Center Square reported attorneys general from Alabama , Arkansas , Florida , Kentucky , Louisiana , South Carolina and South Dakota are also expected to join Texas in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General Dave Yost to find out if Ohio will join .
• Will Attorney General Yost be signing Ohio on to the Texas case filed with the Supreme Court ?
• Or , will he file an amicus curiae brief ?
• Why ?
Why not ?
Bethany McCorkle , spokesperson for Yost , responded , “ We are doing a deep dive into the legal theories and factual allegations in Texas and will make a decision once that is completed.
” The U.S. Supreme Court called for a response from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College will meet on December 14 to cast their votes .
The Texas AG alleges the states used the COVID pandemic as an excuse for breaking federal and state election laws by making last-minute changes to voting processes that skewed the results of the 2020 general election .
The states violated statutes enacted by their duly elected legislatures , thereby violating the Constitution .
By ignoring both state and federal law , these states have not only tainted the integrity of their own citizens ’ vote , but of Texas and every other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to abide by the rule of law casts a dark shadow of doubt over the outcome of the entire election .
We now ask that the Supreme Court step in to correct this egregious error .
Paxton ’ s statement claims that for a presidential election each state must appoint its electors to the Electoral College in a manner that complies with the Constitution – which is a function of each state legislature .
As The Star reported , Pennsylvania skirted the legislature , which had updated the state ’ s election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supreme court made changes to mail-in rules just weeks before the 2020 Presidential General Election .
Election certification guidelines called for Georgia to certify by November 20 , Michigan by November 23 , Pennsylvania also by November 23 and Wisconsin by December 1 .
In a letter obtained by The Star , Ohio State Representative Diane Grendel ( R-Chesterland ) – who served as a judge on the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals , urges Yost to expedite due diligence required to verify the legitimacy of the Texas lawsuit and “ join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star .
Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV .
Follow Jack on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the United States Supreme Court, according to the AG’s December 8 press release.
The Lone Star State’s top legal advisor alleges that the four states broke federal election laws by ignoring the role of the legislature in each state to choose electors and make election laws.
The Center Square reported attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina and South Dakota are also expected to join Texas in the lawsuit.
The Ohio Star contacted Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to find out if Ohio will join.
The Star’s asked AG Yost’s office:
Will Attorney General Yost be signing Ohio on to the Texas case filed with the Supreme Court? Or, will he file an amicus curiae brief? Both? Neither? Why? Why not?
Bethany McCorkle, spokesperson for Yost, responded, “We are doing a deep dive into the legal theories and factual allegations in Texas and will make a decision once that is completed.”
The U.S. Supreme Court called for a response from the four states by Thursday. The Electoral College will meet on December 14 to cast their votes.
The Texas AG alleges the states used the COVID pandemic as an excuse for breaking federal and state election laws by making last-minute changes to voting processes that skewed the results of the 2020 general election.
Paxton, a Republican, said in a released statement:
Trust in the integrity of our election processes is sacrosanct and binds our citizenry and the States in this Union together. Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin destroyed that trust and compromised the security and integrity of the 2020 election.
He continued:
The states violated statutes enacted by their duly elected legislatures, thereby violating the Constitution. By ignoring both state and federal law, these states have not only tainted the integrity of their own citizens’ vote, but of Texas and every other state that held lawful elections. Their failure to abide by the rule of law casts a dark shadow of doubt over the outcome of the entire election. We now ask that the Supreme Court step in to correct this egregious error.
Paxton’s statement claims that for a presidential election each state must appoint its electors to the Electoral College in a manner that complies with the Constitution – which is a function of each state legislature.
As The Star reported, Pennsylvania skirted the legislature, which had updated the state’s election law in 2019, when the state supreme court made changes to mail-in rules just weeks before the 2020 Presidential General Election.
Election certification guidelines called for Georgia to certify by November 20, Michigan by November 23, Pennsylvania also by November 23 and Wisconsin by December 1.
In a letter obtained by The Star, Ohio State Representative Diane Grendel (R-Chesterland) – who served as a judge on the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals, urges Yost to expedite due diligence required to verify the legitimacy of the Texas lawsuit and “join Texas in their bid for election transparency.”
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Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star. Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV. Follow Jack on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-12-10--Williamson County Students Watch Video About Non-Binary Teens

Students who attend the Williamson County School System recently watched a video that seems to promote teenagers who live non-binary lifestyles .
In the video , available for people to watch on YouTube , a person , apparently a teenage girl , talks about a friend she made before she entered the seventh-grade .
“ He came out to me , and he was like ‘ Hey , I ’ m gender non-binary .
You can call me any pronouns as long as they ’ re not ‘ she , ’ ” the unidentified girl said .
“ So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really a girl ?
’ It was a whole lot of things that had just wrapped around me and it was stressful making the choice and it was stressful wanting to tell someone , because , before meeting him , I didn ’ t know who to tell .
I was feeling disappointed with myself for a long time.
” Tennessee Stands spokesman Gary Humble said in a mass email to group members Wednesday that many people moved to Williamson County “ from California to escape this kind of nonsense in our education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was apologetic to parents that they were not first notified before the school decided that it was a good idea to teach ‘ self-care ’ through a very confused child with gender non-binary friends , who stabs themselves with sewing needles .
Mr. Gish takes it upon himself to ‘ focus on the whole child and the social/emotional needs of our community , ’ ” Humble said .
“ In case you haven ’ t been paying attention , this ‘ whole child ’ philosophy is the product and of our illustrious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was personally appointed by Governor Bill Lee.
” Gish , in a message to students ’ families , said that the school ’ s counseling department prepares lessons for students “ on a variety of topics from organization and college/career ready skills to kindness and leadership.
” “ Included with the presentation was a snippet of a video released by the MGH Clay Center targeting self-care practices in middle school .
Our Counseling Department had the video snipped to begin mid-way through as students were being interviewed about positive coping skills ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sports , etc . )
, ” Gish wrote .
“ Some classrooms watched the entire six-minute video , though , which included examples of a negative coping skill ( self-harm ) and a reference to a student ’ s struggle with gender identity .
While these scenarios do occur in our school and local community , we always give parents a heads up any time sensitive issues are being discussed at school .
I apologize that this oversight occurred today and that some students watched the entire video , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Non-Binary Video ” by Tennessee Stands .

A 17-year-old student allegedly opened fire Friday at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, killing 10 people and wounding another 10, authorities said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said police found explosive devices, including a Molotov cocktail, at the suspected shooter’s home and a vehicle, as well as around the Santa Fe High School where the shooting took place.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, a junior at the school, was being held without bond on a capital murder charge.
Abbott said the suspect originally intended to commit suicide following the shooting but told law enforcement officials after he was arrested that he didn’t have the courage to go through with killing himself.
The governor said two guns were used in the attack — a shotgun and a .38-caliber revolver. He said the suspect’s father legally owned both guns.It was not clear whether the father knew his son had taken the weapons.
Abbott said there were “one or two” other people of interest being interviewed about the shooting.
Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said, “Injured students and staff have been transported to local hospitals.” He also said an officer from the Santa Fe Independent School District was among those shot.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the shooting as an “absolutely horrific attack,” one of many that have “been going on too long in this country.” Trump told the victims and their families that “we’re with you in this tragic hour and we will be with you forever.” He vowed to get guns “out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves and to others.”
An unidentified male student described fleeing the school during an interview with KHOU-TV in Houston. He said that after he heard three shots, “we all took off in the back, and I tried to get into the trees. I didn’t want to be in sight. I heard four more shots, and then we jumped the fence to somebody’s house.”
An unidentified female student said tearfully on cable channel CNN, “Nobody should have to go through this. Nobody should have to feel that pain.”
Facebook post
Pagourtzis had posted an image on Facebook of himself wearing a “Born to Kill” shirt, but the motive for Friday’s attack wasn’t known.
Abbott saidthat unlike previous school shootings, “there were not those types of warning signs” about the Santa Fe suspect. The governor saidthe early investigation had found no prior criminal history for Pagourtzis.
“The red-flag warnings were either nonexistent or very imperceptible,” Abbott said, though he acknowledged Pagourtzis’ posting of the photo on Facebook.
That same Facebook profile described Pagourtzis as planning to enter the U.S. Marine Corps next year, but the Marine Corps told The Associated Press it had reviewed its records and had found no one by that name as either a recruit or a person in their delayed entry pool.
Classmates described Pagourtzis as quiet and an avid video game player who routinely wore a black trench coat and black boots to class. He had played football on the school’s junior varsity squad and danced as part of a church group. Those who know him expressed shock he might be involved in the killings.
Calls for action
The latest incident came about three months after a shooter with a semiautomatic rifle killed 17 students and school staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. It was the third-deadliest school shooting in American history.
The Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, said urgent action was needed to prevent gun violence.
“Congress must show as much courage as they have, and act now to ensure that no other community or family must endure the unthinkable horror of gun violence. Our children deserve real leadership: a vote to prevent gun violence now.”
Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin said Congress must implement reforms that lawmakers recently passed “to make schools safer and keep deadly weapons away from those who should not have them.”
“Our hearts are filled with grief over this horrific loss of life,” he added.
Santa Fe is located in southeastern Texas between the cities of Houston and Galveston.
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Some information for this report came from Associated Press.
VOA News


thetennesseestar--2020-12-10--Commentary: Potential Biden-Era Pentagon Reminder That Personnel Equals Policy

Whether the president is Biden or Trump moving forward , now more than ever the adage that personnel equals policy is spot-on when it comes to appointing Cabinet members and senior administration officials .
In the days ahead , the person who serves as the next secretary of defense , regardless of administration , will determine policy that will impact the Pentagon — and indeed the world — for years .
The president will handle the meta defense issues , but the secretary of defense will handle issues that will dramatically impact the above .
What sort of person might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be ?
Look no further than Joe Biden ’ s pick to be the next secretary of state as an example of someone who will show how we will address global stability going forward .
Biden has reportedly tagged Antony Blinken , a former deputy secretary of state and deputy national security adviser in the Obama administration , to run the State Department .
According to a 2013 profile in Politico , Blinken was a vocal supporter of the disastrous effort to intervene in the Libyan civil war , displaying a progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Contrast Blinken with many of the other potential candidates to take over the State Department and you can see that the more establishment Blinkenites will reinstate the Obama-era policies that escalated the faux wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and opened up new fronts in Syria , Libya , and beyond .
Not to mention the horrific assuaging of Iran , which we have been just about to harness .
( One can only wonder how much cash is already waiting on the tarmac ) .
CNN reported on December 8 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin , the former commander of US Central Command , to be his secretary of defense , two sources familiar with the decision told CNN on Monday .
If true , and if confirmed by the Senate , Austin would be the first African-American to lead the Department of Defense.
” How Gen. Austin would propose to solve the military challenges posed by China and Russia versus the pressure to find cuts to defense is hopefully something Biden will spend a lot of time discussing with Austin and anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One example of a long-term challenge is the balance between defense spending priorities and cuts needed to pay for coronavirus pandemic response pressures and balancing the budget .
The Next-Generation Air Dominance ( NGAD ) program , approved by the Pentagon , is one great idea moving forward that will aid the Air Force to be flexible in the face of emerging threats in a cost-effective manner .
Currently , according to Bloomberg News , over the next 10 years , the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program is expected to come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The NGAD might help alleviate the massive financial burdens of this dysfunctional trillion-dollar program .
One big problem in the process of modernizing the Pentagon ’ s contracting system resides in Congress .
Breaking Defense reported on November 17 , 2020 , “ Air Force acquisition czar Will Roper ’ s novel acquisition strategy for the Next-Generation Air Dominance ( NGAD ) program has been approved by service leaders , just in time for the DoD 2022 budget .
But the decision may be too late to stave off a congressional whack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much less convince lawmakers to bump up funding in 2022.
” This is something that the Air Force wants , yet there seems to be resistance from interests on Capitol Hill who want the troubled F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program to continue unabated .
Crazy as , well , everything else in D.C. at the moment .
I ’ ve written before about my thoughts on the flawed ( yet brilliantly originally conceived ) F-35 .
Here and in other spaces .
I ’ m not even going to hyperlink at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want my opinion .
Simply put , as the F-35s were being “ manufactured ” over the last 20 years , the bad guys have figured out how the technology works .
It has gone from cutting edge to utterly flaccid over two decades of research and attempted deployment — Russians have already rolled out anti-aircraft batteries crafted to target the F-35s .
Seriously .
Therefore it makes sense to spend less on the F-35 technology and to diversify with other fighter jet technology .
No offense to the developers or builders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Congress charged with oversight .
So what would be a provident example of what to do , whether under Trump or Biden ?
I would suggest the NGAD a good next step in air defense technology and the future of stealth , but not if it takes decades and funds that can be used for something that actually works .
I ’ ll get to this in another column .
As it stands , our future defense interests are in the hands of TBD government officials .
Let ’ s hope they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women who want a flexible program to combat emerging threats and to stay away from the interventionism-focused crap-quitment that has proven not to work and , seriously , cost American lives .
In the short term , I ’ d love to hear more from Mr. Blinken and the Biden “ transition team ” on the question .
Christian Josi is the Founder and Managing Director of C. JOSI & COMPANY , a global communications and public affairs resource organization , and Principal of SLAYMEDIA LLC , a multimedia development and production enterprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former Executive Director of The American Conservative Union and CPAC , he is a veteran communications advisor and political operative , proven nonprofit management expert , author , and frequent opinion columnist for a variety of publications on a variety of subjects .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-10--House Passes the Defense Bill That Trump Promised to Veto

The House of Representatives Passed a $ 741 billion defense bill Tuesday evening despite President Donald Trump ’ s repeated threats to veto the legislation .
The bipartisan bill passed 335-78 , receiving more than the two-thirds support necessary to override a presidential veto .
The legislation authorizes a 3 % pay raise for U.S. troops and requires the renaming of military bases named after Confederate figures .
Trump ’ s qualms with the bill , however , have little to do with the anything related to national defense .
Instead , Trump has insisted that he would veto the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 230 , which grants social media companies broad immunity from content published on their platforms .
“ I hope House Republicans will vote against the very weak National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) , which I will VETO , ” Trump tweeted Tuesday afternoon .
Despite the president ’ s threat , multiple lawmakers touted the bill ’ s overwhelming , bipartisan passage .
“ Today the House sent a strong , bipartisan message to the American people : Our service members and national security are more important than politics , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who chairs the House Armed Services Committee .
His comments were echoed by Republican Rep. Paul Mitchell , who said that “ Today ’ s bipartisan vote affirms the importance of the NDAA for our military personnel and national security.
” If the bill passes with at least 67 votes in the Senate , then Trump could likely face the first veto override of his presidency .
Though some Republicans have said that they will work to override a possible Trump veto , including Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe , the chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken differently .
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said that he would not vote to override a veto , saying that “ Section 230 needs to get done , ” according to The New York Times .
The bill now heads to the Senate , which is expected to pass it overwhelmingly in the coming days .
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .