thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Department of Human Rights Launches Civil Rights Investigation of Minneapolis Police Department

Gov .
Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced Tuesday that the state will begin a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department after one of its officers was charged with murder in the death of George Floyd .
The state agency has also filed a human rights complaint against the police department in relation to Floyd ’ s death .
The investigation will examine policies , procedures , and practices over the past 10 years to determine if the Minneapolis Police Department has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press release from Walz ’ s office .
“ George Floyd should be alive .
He deserved to live a life full of dignity and joy , ” said Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero , who will lead the investigation .
“ Community leaders have been asking for structural change for decades .
They have fought for this and it is essential that we acknowledge the work and commitment of those who have paved the path to make today ’ s announcement possible , ” she added .
Lucero said her department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ immediately implement interim measures in advance of long-term measures to address systemic discriminatory practices.
” Gov .
Walz said the actions announced Tuesday are just some of the “ many steps to come in our effort to restore trust with those in the community who have been unseen and unheard for far too long.
” “ Silence is complicity .
Minnesotans can expect our administration to use every tool at our disposal to deconstruct generations of systemic racism in our state , ” he added .
“ As we move forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we do , not what we say .
It is going to take action at all levels from the neighborhood on up , to get the change we need to see.
” Critics say the police department ’ s culture resists change , despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017 .
Arradondo himself was among five black officers who sued the police department in 2007 over alleged discrimination in promotions , pay , and discipline .
They said in their lawsuit that the department had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The city eventually settled the lawsuit for $ 740,000 .
The U.S. Department of Justice also promised a “ robust criminal investigation ” into Floyd ’ s death in a statement released last week , The Minnesota Sun reported .
A joint statement from the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the District of Minnesota , the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division , and the FBI ’ s Minneapolis Field Office said the investigation into the tragic Memorial Day incident is “ a top priority.
” The full press conference announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below : The Associated Press contributed to this report .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Tim Walz ” by Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus .

Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced Tuesday that the state will begin a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department after one of its officers was charged with murder in the death of George Floyd.
The state agency has also filed a human rights complaint against the police department in relation to Floyd’s death.
The investigation will examine policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years to determine if the Minneapolis Police Department has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped, according to a press release from Walz’s office.
“George Floyd should be alive. He deserved to live a life full of dignity and joy,” said Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, who will lead the investigation.
“Community leaders have been asking for structural change for decades. They have fought for this and it is essential that we acknowledge the work and commitment of those who have paved the path to make today’s announcement possible,” she added.
Lucero said her department will seek an agreement from city leadership to “immediately implement interim measures in advance of long-term measures to address systemic discriminatory practices.”
Gov. Walz said the actions announced Tuesday are just some of the “many steps to come in our effort to restore trust with those in the community who have been unseen and unheard for far too long.”
“Silence is complicity. Minnesotans can expect our administration to use every tool at our disposal to deconstruct generations of systemic racism in our state,” he added. “As we move forward, we ask the community to watch what we do, not what we say. It is going to take action at all levels from the neighborhood on up, to get the change we need to see.”
Critics say the police department’s culture resists change, despite the elevation of Medaria Arradondo as its first black police chief in 2017.
Arradondo himself was among five black officers who sued the police department in 2007 over alleged discrimination in promotions, pay, and discipline. They said in their lawsuit that the department had a history of tolerating racism and discrimination. The city eventually settled the lawsuit for $740,000.
The U.S. Department of Justice also promised a “robust criminal investigation” into Floyd’s death in a statement released last week, The Minnesota Sun reported. A joint statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office said the investigation into the tragic Memorial Day incident is “a top priority.”
The full press conference announcing the civil rights investigation can be watched below:
– – –
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tim Walz” by Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--More Than 1,200 Columbus City Business Leaders Pen Letter to City Council That Supports Declaring Ra

More Than 1,200 Columbus City Business Leaders Pen Letter to City Council That Supports Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis

Over 1,200 Business leaders in Columbus City threw their weight behind a resolution the city passed Monday that declared racism a public health crisis .
“ We support the resolution because we are profoundly outraged and heartbroken that our fellow citizens continue to see themselves in the anguished face of George Floyd pleading for air under the knee of a white man sworn to protect ; hear themselves in the nervous voice of Christian Cooper , a bird-watcher whose skin tone is suddenly used to falsely suggest he is a threat ; and in , the experiences of countless more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , threatened and physically harmed , ” the letter says ; adding : Democrats , Republicans and Independents endorsed the document to show their support for the resolution .
Business leaders who signed acknowledge there is work that needs to be done by their organizations and leadership .
“ We believe in and will work for an America that can – and must- do far better to provide basic human rights protections , create a level playing field , and easier paths to the American dream , ” the statement says .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in recognizing the need for change.
” John Lowe , the CEO of Jeni ’ s Splendid Ice Creams who started the letter supporting the resolution , told The Columbus Dispatch that he was surprised by the amount of support the letter has received .
“ I was blown away by the Columbus community rallying around us , ” he said .
“ I thought it was important for business leaders to step up and speak out .
If ever there was a time to be inclusive , it is now.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entity in Ohio to declare racism a public health crisis .
Franklin County was the first to do so in May , The Dispatch reported .
At the state level , Ohio Democrats introduced legislation that declared racism a public health crisis .
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .
Photo “ Columbus City Council Meeting ” by the Columbus City Council .

Over 1,200 Business leaders in Columbus City threw their weight behind a resolution the city passed Monday that declared racism a public health crisis.
“We support the resolution because we are profoundly outraged and heartbroken that our fellow citizens continue to see themselves in the anguished face of George Floyd pleading for air under the knee of a white man sworn to protect; hear themselves in the nervous voice of Christian Cooper, a bird-watcher whose skin tone is suddenly used to falsely suggest he is a threat; and in, the experiences of countless more Americans of color, so frequently demeaned, threatened and physically harmed,” the letter says; adding:
We are proud to call the City of Columbus home – and prouder still that Columbus is coming together to find ways to deal unflinchingly with the role racism plays in undermining public health, and seeking solutions for what have felt for too long like intractable issues.
Democrats, Republicans and Independents endorsed the document to show their support for the resolution.
Business leaders who signed acknowledge there is work that needs to be done by their organizations and leadership.
“We believe in and will work for an America that can – and must- do far better to provide basic human rights protections, create a level playing field, and easier paths to the American dream,” the statement says. “We believe this resolution is an important step in recognizing the need for change.”
John Lowe, the CEO of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams who started the letter supporting the resolution, told The Columbus Dispatch that he was surprised by the amount of support the letter has received.
“I was blown away by the Columbus community rallying around us,” he said. “I thought it was important for business leaders to step up and speak out. If ever there was a time to be inclusive, it is now.”
Columbus City Council is the second government entity in Ohio to declare racism a public health crisis. Franklin County was the first to do so in May, The Dispatch reported.
At the state level, Ohio Democrats introduced legislation that declared racism a public health crisis.
– – –
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected] Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.
Photo “Columbus City Council Meeting” by the Columbus City Council.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Whitmer Fails to Discuss Nursing Home Deaths in Testimony to Oversight Committee

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer left out information on nursing homes and other long-term care residential facilities during her testimony about the coronavirus to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce on Tuesday .
The state ’ s decision to place people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus into nursing homes has been met with harsh criticism , especially as the state continues to not track or report data related to deaths in those facilities .
Michigan is just one of three states that does not track or report data about deaths from COVID-19 in nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other two states are Montana and South Dakota .
Nearly 70 percent of all coronavirus deaths have been individual 70 years old or older , according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
In her testimony , Whitmer discussed efforts to secure personal protection equipment , increased testing and implementing contact tracing .
She mentioned nursing homes just once , while talking about testing .
“ The state continues to facilitate broad testing within several other types of congregate care facilities , including skilled nursing facilities , adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelters and settings that host migrant agricultural workers , ” Whitmer said in her testimony .
Whitmer ’ s most recent order on nursing homes came on May 20 and allowed a “ holistic decision-making process ” to ensure that residents diagnosed with coronavirus “ will only be discharged from a hospital to a facility that is capable of safely isolating the resident , ” according to a statement from the governor ’ s office .
A Michigan Senator has submitted legislation that would prevent hospitals from transferring coronavirus-positive patients into nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed outrage that her mother had caught the virus while in a nursing home .
“ Nursing homes are not hospitals — no one expects them to be — and state government shouldn ’ t force them to take in patients with COVID-19 , ” Sen. Peter Lucido ( R-8-Shelby ) said in a statement .
“ There ’ s no telling how many people fell ill or even died as a result of this practice .
My bill would ensure that it stops and would help ensure the health and safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes , and the staff who care for them , by better mitigating their exposure to the virus at the facilities.
” Lucido has also called for an investigation into the executive orders that made the policy possible .
Tori Sachs , executive director of Michigan Rising Action , went after Whitmer in an opinion piece published in The Detroit News on Sunday .
“ Whitmer likes to say she is using “ facts , ” “ science ” and “ data ” to inform her decisions .
How can we take that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have data or a plan to keep the most vulnerable populations in Michigan safe ?
” she wrote .
“ The vulnerable residents living in nursing homes can not afford to wait any longer for the Whitmer administration to enact new safety measures and a holistic plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 to the population who is most at risk of dying from the virus.
” Michigan currently has more than 57,700 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered is more than 38,000 .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ] Photo “ Gretchen Whitmer ” by Energy and Commerce Committee .

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer left out information on nursing homes and other long-term care residential facilities during her testimony about the coronavirus to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce on Tuesday.
The state’s decision to place people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus into nursing homes has been met with harsh criticism, especially as the state continues to not track or report data related to deaths in those facilities.
Michigan is just one of three states that does not track or report data about deaths from COVID-19 in nursing homes, according to Axios. The other two states are Montana and South Dakota.
Nearly 70 percent of all coronavirus deaths have been individual 70 years old or older, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
In her testimony, Whitmer discussed efforts to secure personal protection equipment, increased testing and implementing contact tracing. She mentioned nursing homes just once, while talking about testing.
“The state continues to facilitate broad testing within several other types of congregate care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, adult foster care, local jails, homeless shelters and settings that host migrant agricultural workers,” Whitmer said in her testimony.
Whitmer’s most recent order on nursing homes came on May 20 and allowed a “holistic decision-making process” to ensure that residents diagnosed with coronavirus “will only be discharged from a hospital to a facility that is capable of safely isolating the resident,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.
A Michigan Senator has submitted legislation that would prevent hospitals from transferring coronavirus-positive patients into nursing homes after a member of the Michigan House expressed outrage that her mother had caught the virus while in a nursing home.
“Nursing homes are not hospitals — no one expects them to be — and state government shouldn’t force them to take in patients with COVID-19,” Sen. Peter Lucido (R-8-Shelby) said in a statement. “There’s no telling how many people fell ill or even died as a result of this practice. My bill would ensure that it stops and would help ensure the health and safety of the vulnerable people who reside at nursing homes, and the staff who care for them, by better mitigating their exposure to the virus at the facilities.”
Lucido has also called for an investigation into the executive orders that made the policy possible.
Tori Sachs, executive director of Michigan Rising Action, went after Whitmer in an opinion piece published in The Detroit News on Sunday.
“Whitmer likes to say she is using “facts,” “science” and “data” to inform her decisions. How can we take that statement seriously when the state still doesn’t have data or a plan to keep the most vulnerable populations in Michigan safe?” she wrote. “The vulnerable residents living in nursing homes cannot afford to wait any longer for the Whitmer administration to enact new safety measures and a holistic plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 to the population who is most at risk of dying from the virus.”
Michigan currently has more than 57,700 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The death toll is 5,553 and the number recovered is more than 38,000.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]
Photo “Gretchen Whitmer” by Energy and Commerce Committee.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Mayor John Cooper Says He’s No Hypocrite for Violating His Own COVID-19 Restrictions at George Floyd

Mayor John Cooper Says He’s No Hypocrite for Violating His Own COVID-19 Restrictions at George Floyd Rally

In late April Nashville Mayor John Cooper discussed a four-phased plan to reopen the city ’ s economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and told anxious business owners to remain patient because , as he said , safety was paramount .
“ Every Nashvillian feels an urge to return to business as normal .
Many livelihoods depend on it , ” Cooper said at a press conference .
“ But everyone , business owners , employees , and customers should trust that places of business , schools , and all venues throughout Nashville are safe .
Consumer confidence lies at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rollout must be data-driven , not purely date-driven .
This is essential to avoid a false start , which would simply prolong the economic effects of the coronavirus in Davidson County.
” But this past weekend , during the second of the four phases , Cooper seemed to forget his own words and attended a rally at Legislative Plaza that honored George Floyd .
Floyd died in Minneapolis while in police custody .
How does Cooper justify continuing his COVID-19 restrictions on businesses when he himself violated those restrictions at this Saturday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged others to do so ?
In an email , Cooper spokesman Chris Song told The Tennessee Star that “ Cooper has consistently supported the right of all Nashvillians to safely engage in public demonstrations while observing public health protocols.
” “ This includes his vocal support for the Safer at Home Order protest in downtown Nashville on April 19 , ” Song said .
During an April 20 press conference , Cooper said he was “ all for the rally.
” “ I just want everyone to do it safely and remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re doing the rally .
This is a period of time where we want public participation , but we want it safely .
We hear their message and agree with the message , ” Cooper said at the time .
“ We want a restart .
It ’ s just going to be a priority to have the restart done safely , not to undo the progress .
What we really want is long-term mitigation of the disease to keep our health care capacity in place for those who may , unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s George Floyd rally , several thousand people attended the event .
Cooper thanked many of them for wearing masks to protect themselves against the virus .
But many of those people , especially those near the speaker ’ s platform , stood close to one another , by only a matter of inches — and not feet .
Cooper and his staff previously told the city ’ s business owners that they would not tolerate anyone deviating from the mayor ’ s required safety protocols .
Members of his of staff warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bars could only serve at 75 percent of capacity .
Live music events could hold no more than 25 people .
Amusement and attraction venues , meanwhile , could open at only 50 percent capacity .
Also , during Phase Two , according to Metro Coronavirus Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir , city officials would limit other public gatherings , including worship services , to 50 people and with adherence to strict physical distancing protocols .
Before Phase One started , Metro Public Health Director Michael Caldwell warned the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not comply with Cooper ’ s rules for safety that they could face fines or loss of business permits .
Caldwell then announced that city officials had hired up to 20 additional environmental health inspectors to ensure compliance with Cooper ’ s Phase One reopening .
As reported , one Nashville business owner has named Cooper and Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee in a federal lawsuit .
That man , The Local Spot owner Geoffrey Reid , said the two politicians ’ COVID-19 requirements forced him to close his business and caused economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following the Floyd rally , as The Star reported , protestors resorted to violence .
They vandalized the Metro Courthouse and , later , parts of lower Broadway .
Since Saturday , former Nashville mayor candidate Carol Swain said she warned Cooper not to attend the event .
Nashville Council member at Large Steve Glover also said he didn ’ t want Cooper to attend Saturday ’ s rally .
Neither did Council member at Large Sharon Hurt .
Hurt said she didn ’ t want Cooper to attend because she said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing requirements on COVID-19 .
“ I don ’ t want to see a second wave pandemic run rampant through our communities , ” Hurt told The Star .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ John Cooper ” by Nashville.gov .

In late April Nashville Mayor John Cooper discussed a four-phased plan to reopen the city’s economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and told anxious business owners to remain patient because, as he said, safety was paramount.
“Every Nashvillian feels an urge to return to business as normal. Many livelihoods depend on it,” Cooper said at a press conference.
“But everyone, business owners, employees, and customers should trust that places of business, schools, and all venues throughout Nashville are safe. Consumer confidence lies at the heart of our economy. A safe rollout must be data-driven, not purely date-driven. This is essential to avoid a false start, which would simply prolong the economic effects of the coronavirus in Davidson County.”
But this past weekend, during the second of the four phases, Cooper seemed to forget his own words and attended a rally at Legislative Plaza that honored George Floyd. Floyd died in Minneapolis while in police custody.
How does Cooper justify continuing his COVID-19 restrictions on businesses when he himself violated those restrictions at this Saturday’s rally at Legislative Plaza — and encouraged others to do so?
In an email, Cooper spokesman Chris Song told The Tennessee Star that “Cooper has consistently supported the right of all Nashvillians to safely engage in public demonstrations while observing public health protocols.”
“This includes his vocal support for the Safer at Home Order protest in downtown Nashville on April 19,” Song said.
During an April 20 press conference, Cooper said he was “all for the rally.”
“I just want everyone to do it safely and remember to socially distance yourself while you’re doing the rally. This is a period of time where we want public participation, but we want it safely. We hear their message and agree with the message,” Cooper said at the time.
“We want a restart. It’s just going to be a priority to have the restart done safely, not to undo the progress. What we really want is long-term mitigation of the disease to keep our health care capacity in place for those who may, unfortunately, need it.”
As for Saturday’s George Floyd rally, several thousand people attended the event. Cooper thanked many of them for wearing masks to protect themselves against the virus. But many of those people, especially those near the speaker’s platform, stood close to one another, by only a matter of inches — and not feet.
Strict Physical Distancing Protocols
Cooper and his staff previously told the city’s business owners that they would not tolerate anyone deviating from the mayor’s required safety protocols.
Members of his of staff warned that, during Phase Two, restaurants and bars could only serve at 75 percent of capacity. Live music events could hold no more than 25 people. Amusement and attraction venues, meanwhile, could open at only 50 percent capacity.
Also, during Phase Two, according to Metro Coronavirus Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir, city officials would limit other public gatherings, including worship services, to 50 people and with adherence to strict physical distancing protocols.
Before Phase One started, Metro Public Health Director Michael Caldwell warned the city’s business owners that if they repeatedly did not comply with Cooper’s rules for safety that they could face fines or loss of business permits. Caldwell then announced that city officials had hired up to 20 additional environmental health inspectors to ensure compliance with Cooper’s Phase One reopening.
As reported, one Nashville business owner has named Cooper and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in a federal lawsuit. That man, The Local Spot owner Geoffrey Reid, said the two politicians’ COVID-19 requirements forced him to close his business and caused economic devastation to him and Davidson County.
Feared Second Wave
Following the Floyd rally, as The Star reported, protestors resorted to violence. They vandalized the Metro Courthouse and, later, parts of lower Broadway.
Rioters have resorted to violence nationwide.
Since Saturday, former Nashville mayor candidate Carol Swain said she warned Cooper not to attend the event. Nashville Council member at Large Steve Glover also said he didn’t want Cooper to attend Saturday’s rally. Neither did Council member at Large Sharon Hurt.
Hurt said she didn’t want Cooper to attend because she said it violated the city’s current social distancing requirements on COVID-19.
“I don’t want to see a second wave pandemic run rampant through our communities,” Hurt told The Star.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “John Cooper” by Nashville.gov.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--US Job Losses in May Could Raise 3-Month Total to 30 Million

WASHINGTON , D. C. ( AP ) — The epic damage to America ’ s job market from the viral outbreak will come into sharper focus Friday when the government releases the May employment report : Eight million more jobs are estimated to have been lost .
Unemployment could near 20 % .
And potentially fewer than half of all adults may be working .
Beneath the dismal figures will be signs that job cuts , severe as they are , are slowing as more businesses gradually or partially reopen .
Still , the economy is mired in a recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely be painfully slow .
Economists foresee unemployment remaining in double-digits through the November elections and into 2021 .
If their forecast of 8 million jobs lost in May proves correct , it would come on top of April ’ s loss of 20.5 million jobs — the worst monthly loss on record — and bring total job cuts in the three months since the viral outbreak intensified to nearly 30 million .
That ’ s more than three times the jobs lost in the 2008-2009 Great Recession .
And if the jobless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would be double the worst level during that previous recession .
Overhanging the jobs picture is widespread uncertainty about how long the unemployed will remain out of work .
Most of the layoffs in recent months were a direct result of the sudden shutdowns of businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
As many of these businesses reopen , at least partially , workers who had been laid off have held out hope of being rehired soon .
But some small employers might not reopen at all if the recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once companies do reopen , their business may not fully return until Americans are confident they can shop , eat out and return to other previous habits without becoming sick .
For now , most people who have lost jobs still say they expect their unemployment to prove temporary .
Even if just one-third of the job losses turn out to be permanent , though , that would leave 10 million people who will need to find work at new employers or even in new occupations .
That is still more than all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A hole that size would take years to fill .
Hiring will likely rebound over the summer and fall as states and cities further lift restrictions on economic activity .
But it won ’ t match the huge job cuts this spring .
Oxford Economics , a consulting firm , estimates that the economy will regain 17 million jobs by year ’ s end , a huge increase by historic standards .
But that would make up for barely more than half the losses .
Seth Carpenter , an economist at UBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , future hiring will likely be slow and could be interrupted by another wave of the pandemic .
Adam Ozimek , chief economist at Upwork , notes that the fastest year for job growth since the Great Recession was 3 million jobs in 2014 .
Even at that pace , it would take at least several years to return to the pre-pandemic job market .
Since mid-March , more than 40 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits .
That doesn ’ t mean that that many people are still unemployed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In some states , self-employed and “ gig ” workers applied under their regular state unemployment systems before they were able to file under a new federal program that has made them eligible for benefits for the first time .
In addition , some people who lost jobs early and applied for unemployment aid have been rehired .
That , along with slowing layoffs , helps explain why the net job loss for May is expected to be far less than April ’ s .
Goldman Sachs estimates that up to 3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been rehired .
Weekly surveys of small businesses by the Census Bureau show an uptick in the number of such companies that are hiring and providing more hours of work , though the gains are slight .
In mid-May , the most recent data available , nearly 10 % of small companies surveyed said they had added jobs in the past week , and 12 % said they had added hours .
Both figures were roughly double their level three weeks earlier .
Still , 16 % said they had cut jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still cutting hours — figures that are consistent with ongoing but smaller job cuts in May .
Three-quarters of states have allowed dining-in services to resume at restaurants , though most are still restricting total capacity .
Many states have reopened gyms , hair salons and movie theaters .
But a meaningful rebound will require greater public willingness to return to their old activities without fear of contracting the virus .
Adam Kamins , senior regional economist at Moodys Analytics , said this probably won ’ t happen until a vaccine is available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dozens of cities since the weekend in response to the killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd may also weigh on the economy in the short term , though analysts for now expect the consequences to be limited .
Kamins said the economic damage was likely mitigated by the fact that so much activity is still closed down in large cities like New York and Washington , with many people already working from home .
Data from the restaurant reservation app OpenTable showed a slight drop in dine-in activity Monday and Tuesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It certainly doesn ’ t help to have this layer of uncertainty added on , ” Kamins said .
Heidi Shierholz , senior economist at the progressive Economic Policy Institute and a former chief economist at the Labor Department , suggested that more government aid will be necessary to keep consumers and businesses afloat so that many laid-off workers will have jobs to return to .
“ Those jobs are not going to come back if the federal government doesn ’ t do the things it needs to do to stimulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and confidence is going to be there , so that those businesses will need to call workers back , ” Shierholz said .
Christopher Rugaber is an economics writer for the Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this May 21 , 2020 file photo , a man looks at signs of a closed store due to COVID-19 in Niles , Ill. U.S. businesses shed 2.76 million jobs in May , as the economic damage from the historically unrivaled coronavirus outbreak stretched into a third month .
The payroll company ADP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a combined 22.6 million jobs since March.AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh , File )

WASHINGTON, D. C. (AP) — The epic damage to America’s job market from the viral outbreak will come into sharper focus Friday when the government releases the May employment report: Eight million more jobs are estimated to have been lost. Unemployment could near 20%. And potentially fewer than half of all adults may be working.
Beneath the dismal figures will be signs that job cuts, severe as they are, are slowing as more businesses gradually or partially reopen. Still, the economy is mired in a recession, and any rebound in hiring will likely be painfully slow. Economists foresee unemployment remaining in double-digits through the November elections and into 2021.
If their forecast of 8 million jobs lost in May proves correct, it would come on top of April’s loss of 20.5 million jobs — the worst monthly loss on record — and bring total job cuts in the three months since the viral outbreak intensified to nearly 30 million. That’s more than three times the jobs lost in the 2008-2009 Great Recession. And if the jobless rate does reach 20% for May, it would be double the worst level during that previous recession.
Overhanging the jobs picture is widespread uncertainty about how long the unemployed will remain out of work. Most of the layoffs in recent months were a direct result of the sudden shutdowns of businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As many of these businesses reopen, at least partially, workers who had been laid off have held out hope of being rehired soon.
But some small employers might not reopen at all if the recession drags on much longer. And even once companies do reopen, their business may not fully return until Americans are confident they can shop, eat out and return to other previous habits without becoming sick. For now, most people who have lost jobs still say they expect their unemployment to prove temporary.
Even if just one-third of the job losses turn out to be permanent, though, that would leave 10 million people who will need to find work at new employers or even in new occupations. That is still more than all the jobs lost in the Great Recession.
A hole that size would take years to fill. Hiring will likely rebound over the summer and fall as states and cities further lift restrictions on economic activity. But it won’t match the huge job cuts this spring. Oxford Economics, a consulting firm, estimates that the economy will regain 17 million jobs by year’s end, a huge increase by historic standards. But that would make up for barely more than half the losses.
Seth Carpenter, an economist at UBS, said that after an initial bounce-back, future hiring will likely be slow and could be interrupted by another wave of the pandemic.
Adam Ozimek, chief economist at Upwork, notes that the fastest year for job growth since the Great Recession was 3 million jobs in 2014. Even at that pace, it would take at least several years to return to the pre-pandemic job market.
Since mid-March, more than 40 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits. That doesn’t mean that that many people are still unemployed. The figure likely includes some duplicate filings: In some states, self-employed and “gig” workers applied under their regular state unemployment systems before they were able to file under a new federal program that has made them eligible for benefits for the first time.
In addition, some people who lost jobs early and applied for unemployment aid have been rehired. That, along with slowing layoffs, helps explain why the net job loss for May is expected to be far less than April’s. Goldman Sachs estimates that up to 3 million people who were initially laid off have already been rehired.
Weekly surveys of small businesses by the Census Bureau show an uptick in the number of such companies that are hiring and providing more hours of work, though the gains are slight. In mid-May, the most recent data available, nearly 10% of small companies surveyed said they had added jobs in the past week, and 12% said they had added hours. Both figures were roughly double their level three weeks earlier.
Still, 16% said they had cut jobs, and a third said they were still cutting hours — figures that are consistent with ongoing but smaller job cuts in May.
Three-quarters of states have allowed dining-in services to resume at restaurants, though most are still restricting total capacity. Many states have reopened gyms, hair salons and movie theaters. But a meaningful rebound will require greater public willingness to return to their old activities without fear of contracting the virus.
Adam Kamins, senior regional economist at Moodys Analytics, said this probably won’t happen until a vaccine is available or testing expands significantly.
Civil unrest in dozens of cities since the weekend in response to the killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd may also weigh on the economy in the short term, though analysts for now expect the consequences to be limited. Kamins said the economic damage was likely mitigated by the fact that so much activity is still closed down in large cities like New York and Washington, with many people already working from home.
Data from the restaurant reservation app OpenTable showed a slight drop in dine-in activity Monday and Tuesday that might have been caused by the protests.
“It certainly doesn’t help to have this layer of uncertainty added on,” Kamins said.
Heidi Shierholz, senior economist at the progressive Economic Policy Institute and a former chief economist at the Labor Department, suggested that more government aid will be necessary to keep consumers and businesses afloat so that many laid-off workers will have jobs to return to.
“Those jobs are not going to come back if the federal government doesn’t do the things it needs to do to stimulate the economy, so that the demand and confidence is going to be there, so that those businesses will need to call workers back,” Shierholz said.
– – –
Christopher Rugaber is an economics writer for the Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: In this May 21, 2020 file photo, a man looks at signs of a closed store due to COVID-19 in Niles, Ill. U.S. businesses shed 2.76 million jobs in May, as the economic damage from the historically unrivaled coronavirus outbreak stretched into a third month. The payroll company ADP reported Wednesday that businesses have let go of a combined 22.6 million jobs since March.AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-03--Brian Wilson: Did Mayor Cooper Cut a Deal with Black Lives Matter to Reduce Police Protection During

Brian Wilson: Did Mayor Cooper Cut a Deal with Black Lives Matter to Reduce Police Protection During Riots in Return for Support of 32 Percent Property Tax Increase?

On his radio program Monday morning , Brian Wilson , the host of 99.7 FM WTN ’ s Nashville ’ s Morning News , wondered out loud whether Nashville Mayor John Cooper engaged in a “ quid pro quo ” with Black Lives Matter to reduce police protection during the Nashville riot on Saturday night in exchange for support of his proposed 32 percent property tax increase .
Wilson , the veteran broadcaster and former Fox News reporter , began by discussing the marathon 11 hour Nashville Metro Council hearing that began at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here is a partial transcript of Wilson ’ s remarks during the 8 a.m. hour of his program on Monday : The hearing was hijacked by commenters saying that we should defund the Police Department .
Where was that coming from ?
That was not organic .
That ’ s what you call astroturf .
It was planned .
And I now have and I ’ ve posted it on my social media page on Facebook , Brian Wilson Radio the evidence of this .
The thing that kept the Council members occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Black Lives Matter and others .
I have here a posting they put on there giving people the talking points that they were supposed to talk about when they called into the council chambers .
When they went to the Council chambers to talk about the budget .
And it ’ s very clear .
Every talking point is what you heard all night long .
This was very much organized by Black Lives Matter .
And because they overwhelmed the phone system and because they dominated an 11-hour council meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police department .
We did not get to hear those people who have a legitimate concern about a 32 percent property tax increase .
And you ’ ve got to say wow there was that .
Ok. That was one story .
The other storyline that we are developing here this morning has to do with the police department ’ s response or lack thereof during the riot .
And some of the decisions that were made at the highest levels of the police department to not allow police officers to wear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a decision to pull back the police officers that were defending the courthouse .
Police officers who were in danger because they weren ’ t allowed to have the proper gear .
Somebody apparently decided that we don ’ t want to look militaristic .
We don ’ t want to look like we are military police .
We want to look approachable and nice .
So no you can ’ t wear your riot gear .
Every police officer on the force that was required to go out there and try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their best gear to protect themselves has a bone to pick with the mayor and the hierarchy of that police department who made that decision .
And believe it or not , I now believe that what happened with the council hearing last night being hijacked by Black Lives Matter and what happened with the police response to the rioting over the weekend are somehow connected .
You say , well how does that work , Brian ?
I can ’ t quite connect the dots .
Let me connect the dots for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me why Mayor Munchkin , Mayor John Cooper posted something on social media saying you should in violation of his own COVID-19 orders , you should go and attend this rally downtown today .
It was a mystery to me why he would do that .
Because it goes against everything that he has said that he wanted us to do .
You are not supposed to have gatherings of more than 25 people according to the mayor ’ s order .
And yet he has a social media following followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on down !
Participate in this rally !
That doesn ’ t make sense .
Why would he do that ?
Why would you then go to a rally when you knew full well there was a very good chance it was going to devolve into something other than a peaceful protest as the day wore on .
I mean you didn ’ t have to be a genius to figure that out .
Just look around the country and see what was going on .
They always start peacefully and then they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did he do that ?
Well , it now makes very good sense to me .
It now almost appears as if there was a quid pro quo with the mayor and Black Lives Matter .
The mayor apparently made decisions that kept Black Lives Matter ’ s free from policing while they rioted in this city and caused problems .
He basically endorsed a rally that put people there and then made decisions with his police department that left large swaths of the city unprotected .
It ’ s almost as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll stay out of your way while you bring mayhem upon our city , and then you need to help me out when it comes time for the budget discussion by blocking anybody who wants to complain about my 32 percent tax proposal .
It sort of makes sense doesn ’ t it ?
Now did that happen ?
We ’ ll never know .
Was it something that was unspoken ?
I don ’ t know .
Something that was planned ?
Who knows ?
All I know is these two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s response was woefully inadequate .
Decisions were made at the highest level to not give police officers the protective gear they needed to defend themselves .
As a result of that decision and where they placed the police officers we left the courthouse at risk .
We left Lower Broadway at risk .
We heard testimony today from somebody that was an eyewitness that said he got there when the windows had been smashed and the fires were burning in the Boot Barn and there wasn ’ t one police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal cut ?
I don ’ t know .
Sure looks suspicious , doesn ’ t it ?
Black Lives Matter , don ’ t worry , we ’ ll stay out of your way but I need your help when it comes to the budget .
Something doesn ’ t smell right about this .
Something doesn ’ t smell right .
And I think there are real legitimate questions that can be asked .
Why am I the only one who seems to be asking them ?
Why is this radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these two things that are going on ?
Anybody who has a business in downtown Broadway has every reason absolutely PO ’ d this morning .
To learn that in the middle of a riot there was nobody there to protect the most iconic important economic engine of our entertainment industry , Lower Broadway .
The Ryman left uncovered .
Why ?
Why were police officers put on the street without the protective gear they need to defend themselves ?
It was because of that decision they had to pull back from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on fire as a result of that decision .
They weren ’ t covering the places they needed to cover and they put police officers at risk telling them that they could not use the protective gear because they didn ’ t want to look like they were military police .
Am I the only one outraged about this ?

On his radio program Wednesday morning, Brian Wilson, the host of 99.7 FM WTN’s Nashville’s Morning News, wondered out loud whether Nashville Mayor John Cooper engaged in a “quid pro quo” with Black Lives Matter to reduce police protection during the Nashville riot on Saturday night in exchange for support of his proposed 32 percent property tax increase.
Wilson, the veteran broadcaster and former Fox News reporter, began by discussing the marathon 11 hour Nashville Metro Council hearing that began at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and did not end until 5:15 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Here is a partial transcript of Wilson’s remarks during the 8 a.m. hour of his program on Monday:
The hearing was hijacked by commenters saying that we should defund the Police Department. Where was that coming from? That was not organic. That’s what you call astroturf. It was planned. And I now have and I’ve posted it on my social media page on Facebook, Brian Wilson Radio the evidence of this.
The thing that kept the Council members occupied all night long was an organized effort by Black Lives Matter and others. I have here a posting they put on there giving people the talking points that they were supposed to talk about when they called into the council chambers.
When they went to the Council chambers to talk about the budget. And it’s very clear. Every talking point is what you heard all night long. This was very much organized by Black Lives Matter. And because they overwhelmed the phone system and because they dominated an 11-hour council meeting with discussions and insane discussions about defunding the police department.
We did not get to hear those people who have a legitimate concern about a 32 percent property tax increase. And you’ve got to say wow there was that. Ok. That was one story. The other storyline that we are developing here this morning has to do with the police department’s response or lack thereof during the riot.
And some of the decisions that were made at the highest levels of the police department to not allow police officers to wear the protective gear that they had. Somebody made a decision to pull back the police officers that were defending the courthouse.
Police officers who were in danger because they weren’t allowed to have the proper gear. Somebody apparently decided that we don’t want to look militaristic. We don’t want to look like we are military police. We want to look approachable and nice. So no you can’t wear your riot gear.
Every police officer on the force that was required to go out there and try to be a police officer without using their best gear to protect themselves has a bone to pick with the mayor and the hierarchy of that police department who made that decision.
And believe it or not, I now believe that what happened with the council hearing last night being hijacked by Black Lives Matter and what happened with the police response to the rioting over the weekend are somehow connected.
You say, well how does that work, Brian? I can’t quite connect the dots. Let me connect the dots for you. It was always a mystery to me why Mayor Munchkin, Mayor John Cooper posted something on social media saying you should in violation of his own COVID-19 orders, you should go and attend this rally downtown today.
It was a mystery to me why he would do that. Because it goes against everything that he has said that he wanted us to do. You are not supposed to have gatherings of more than 25 people according to the mayor’s order. And yet he has a social media following followed by thousands of people and he posted come on down!
Participate in this rally! That doesn’t make sense. Why would he do that? Why would you then go to a rally when you knew full well there was a very good chance it was going to devolve into something other than a peaceful protest as the day wore on. I mean you didn’t have to be a genius to figure that out.
Just look around the country and see what was going on. They always start peacefully and then they get out of control. Why then did he do that? Well, it now makes very good sense to me. It now almost appears as if there was a quid pro quo with the mayor and Black Lives Matter.
The mayor apparently made decisions that kept Black Lives Matter’s free from policing while they rioted in this city and caused problems. He basically endorsed a rally that put people there and then made decisions with his police department that left large swaths of the city unprotected.
It’s almost as if the quid pro quo was, I’ll stay out of your way while you bring mayhem upon our city, and then you need to help me out when it comes time for the budget discussion by blocking anybody who wants to complain about my 32 percent tax proposal. It sort of makes sense doesn’t it? Now did that happen?
We’ll never know. Was it something that was unspoken? I don’t know. Something that was planned? Who knows? All I know is these two things are true. The police department’s response was woefully inadequate. Decisions were made at the highest level to not give police officers the protective gear they needed to defend themselves.
As a result of that decision and where they placed the police officers we left the courthouse at risk. We left Lower Broadway at risk. We heard testimony today from somebody that was an eyewitness that said he got there when the windows had been smashed and the fires were burning in the Boot Barn and there wasn’t one police officer on the street! Was there a deal cut? I don’t know.
Sure looks suspicious, doesn’t it? Black Lives Matter, don’t worry, we’ll stay out of your way but I need your help when it comes to the budget. Something doesn’t smell right about this. Something doesn’t smell right. And I think there are real legitimate questions that can be asked.
Why am I the only one who seems to be asking them? Why is this radio station alone in its coverage and criticism of these two things that are going on? Anybody who has a business in downtown Broadway has every reason absolutely PO’d this morning.
To learn that in the middle of a riot there was nobody there to protect the most iconic important economic engine of our entertainment industry, Lower Broadway. The Ryman left uncovered. Why? Why were police officers put on the street without the protective gear they need to defend themselves?
It was because of that decision they had to pull back from the courthouse and the courthouse was set on fire as a result of that decision. They weren’t covering the places they needed to cover and they put police officers at risk telling them that they could not use the protective gear because they didn’t want to look like they were military police. Am I the only one outraged about this?
– – –
Photo “Brian Wilson” by SuperTalk 99.7 WTN.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Tennessee Judge: Virus By-Mail Voting Guidelines Ambiguous

NASHVILLE , Tennessee ( AP ) — A Tennessee judge on Wednesday said the state ’ s guidance about who can vote by mail due to the coronavirus is “ very ambiguous , ” and she cited “ weighty proof ” that other states have expanded to let all voters cast absentee ballots this year — something Tennessee officials say is not feasible .
In a hearing via video conference due to the pandemic , Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle cast doubts on some of the state ’ s key arguments against two lawsuits that seek a by-mail voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curb the virus ’ spread at the polls .
Lyle also cautioned that whatever she orders needs to be “ a practical , workable solution , or it will throw the election into chaos.
” She raised particular concerns about costs for local governments .
The judge plans to rule Thursday on whether to issue a temporary injunction to allow all voters to request absentee ballots in the Aug. 6 primary .
A similar federal lawsuit is also pending .
At one point , she cited a section of the state Constitution that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never be denied ” to any person entitled to do so .
“ When I read that , it really resonated with me that what you ’ re saying is , ‘ It ’ s better to deny the injunction even if the result is that people don ’ t vote , ’ ” Lyle said .
“ That ’ s what you ’ re saying , that they don ’ t get to access that fundamental right that we all treasure under the Tennessee Constitution.
” Alex Rieger of the attorney general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false correlation , ” since election officials are taking numerous precautions for in-person voting .
“ Even though COVID is a pandemic , the cure can ’ t be worse than the disease , ” Rieger said .
“ And in this case , asking county officials to do something they can not will damage and potentially disenfranchise voters.
” Tennessee has more than a dozen categories that qualify someone for an absentee ballot , from being sick to being 60 or older .
State election officials have recommended preparations as though all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will cast mail-in ballots in the August primary .
Tennessee has historically seen less than 2.5 % of votes cast by mail , the state has said .
About a third of states , including Tennessee , require a reason to vote absentee , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures .
Plaintiffs ’ attorneys said Wednesday that about a dozen states have made the change to allow by-mail ballots this year for all registered voters .
Several states have been sued to seek the expansion .
Currently , the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone who “ is quarantined because of a potential exposure or who has tested positive to COVID-19 should vote absentee by-mail as a person who is ill. ” Fear of getting sick or unwittingly passing on the virus at the polls aren ’ t considered valid reasons to vote by mail .
“ This all seems very ambiguous , ” Lyle said of the guidance on absentee voting due to COVID-19 .
“ I don ’ t see clarity here , and when people are signing things under oath , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state claims that if it ’ s forced to allow by-mail voting for all , it ’ s planning to prepare as though all 4.1 million registered voters will cast absentee ballots .
Tennessee ’ s voter turnout was 14 % in the August 2016 primary , then 54 % for the November 2016 general election , featuring the presidential election .
The state has contended it doesn ’ t know how many people would vote during an absentee-for-all option amid the pandemic , or which method they would choose .
Plaintiffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already has what it needs for the by-mail expansion in the August election , “ as long as you didn ’ t assume absurd , completely ahistoric levels of overall voter turnout.
” Jonathon Mattise reports for The Associated Press .
Phot “ Vote by Mail ” by League of Women Voters of California LWVC CC2.0 .

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — A Tennessee judge on Wednesday said the state’s guidance about who can vote by mail due to the coronavirus is “very ambiguous,” and she cited “weighty proof” that other states have expanded to let all voters cast absentee ballots this year — something Tennessee officials say is not feasible.
In a hearing via video conference due to the pandemic, Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle cast doubts on some of the state’s key arguments against two lawsuits that seek a by-mail voting option for all voters this year to curb the virus’ spread at the polls. Lyle also cautioned that whatever she orders needs to be “a practical, workable solution, or it will throw the election into chaos.” She raised particular concerns about costs for local governments.
The judge plans to rule Thursday on whether to issue a temporary injunction to allow all voters to request absentee ballots in the Aug. 6 primary. A similar federal lawsuit is also pending.
At one point, she cited a section of the state Constitution that says the right to vote “shall never be denied” to any person entitled to do so.
“When I read that, it really resonated with me that what you’re saying is, ‘It’s better to deny the injunction even if the result is that people don’t vote,’” Lyle said. “That’s what you’re saying, that they don’t get to access that fundamental right that we all treasure under the Tennessee Constitution.”
Alex Rieger of the attorney general’s office called that a “false correlation,” since election officials are taking numerous precautions for in-person voting.
“Even though COVID is a pandemic, the cure can’t be worse than the disease,” Rieger said. “And in this case, asking county officials to do something they cannot will damage and potentially disenfranchise voters.”
Tennessee has more than a dozen categories that qualify someone for an absentee ballot, from being sick to being 60 or older. State election officials have recommended preparations as though all 1.4 million registered voters 60 and older will cast mail-in ballots in the August primary. Tennessee has historically seen less than 2.5% of votes cast by mail, the state has said.
About a third of states, including Tennessee, require a reason to vote absentee, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Plaintiffs’ attorneys said Wednesday that about a dozen states have made the change to allow by-mail ballots this year for all registered voters. Several states have been sued to seek the expansion.
Currently, the state’s guidance on the 2020 election says someone who “is quarantined because of a potential exposure or who has tested positive to COVID-19 should vote absentee by-mail as a person who is ill.” Fear of getting sick or unwittingly passing on the virus at the polls aren’t considered valid reasons to vote by mail.
“This all seems very ambiguous,” Lyle said of the guidance on absentee voting due to COVID-19. “I don’t see clarity here, and when people are signing things under oath, it’s problematic.”
The judge also questioned why the state claims that if it’s forced to allow by-mail voting for all, it’s planning to prepare as though all 4.1 million registered voters will cast absentee ballots.
Tennessee’s voter turnout was 14% in the August 2016 primary, then 54% for the November 2016 general election, featuring the presidential election.
The state has contended it doesn’t know how many people would vote during an absentee-for-all option amid the pandemic, or which method they would choose.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Steven Mulroy argued the state already has what it needs for the by-mail expansion in the August election, “as long as you didn’t assume absurd, completely ahistoric levels of overall voter turnout.”
– – –
Jonathon Mattise reports for The Associated Press.
Phot “Vote by Mail” by League of Women Voters of California LWVC CC2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Suspect Arrested During Nashville Riots Says He ‘Did Not Do What They Said,’ Lives Now in Tennessee,

Suspect Arrested During Nashville Riots Says He ‘Did Not Do What They Said,’ Lives Now in Tennessee, Not Texas

Nashville Police listed three of the 28 people they arrested during last Saturday ’ s riots as living out-of-state .
Pierceson Harris , 27 , of Arlington , Texas was , according to police records , one of those three people .
Police charged him with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest , according to the Nashville Police Department ’ s website .
Harris confirmed the police arrested him , but he also told The Tennessee Star he has lived in Nashville for the past year and a half .
Harris said he has no ties to ANTIFA .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case [ with you ] .
I just want to check with my attorney first so I don ’ t mess anything up .
No , I did not do any of what they said .
I just found out today what I was alleged to have been doing during the protest , ” Harris said .
“ Honestly , the whole thing is not true in any respect or any regard .
But I would love to give you my side of the story , if I am able to.
” Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not wish to comment at this time .
Harris identified his attorney as Dawn Deaner of the Nashville-based Choosing Justice Initiative .
Deaner did not return The Star ’ s requests for comment Wednesday .
According to the CJI ’ s website , members of the group work “ to end wealth-based disparities in Nashville ’ s criminal legal system through education , advocacy , and direct legal representation.
” “ We are not about giving charity — we are about pursuing justice .
We offer agency to people living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who want to be heard ; and who have a right to be treated fairly and equitably in our courts , ” according to CJI ’ s website .
“ By acting in solidarity with those experiencing injustice , we are building new models of justice that solve problems , provide healing , enable equitable treatment and empower people with choices beyond the status quo.
” Deaner , a former Nashville public defender , founded the organization in 2018 , the website said .
“ In this age of mass criminalization and incarceration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to operate courtrooms like conveyor belts , where people are still judged too often by how they look instead of who they are , ” according to the group ’ s website .
“ CJI recognizes that justice requires equity , and equity requires consideration for the individual .
As such , CJI works to identify and eliminate mass injustice where it exists.
” As reported , several thousand protestors descended upon Nashville ’ s Legislative Plaza Saturday on behalf of George Floyd .
Many of the protestors carried signs demanding government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The crowd , composed of whites and blacks , chanted “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ No Justice , No Peace ” many times over .
Later in the day , and after Saturday ’ s rally , protestors resorted to violence — by trashing the Metro Courthouse and , later , parts of lower Broadway .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Pierceson Harris ” by Pierceson Harris .

Nashville Police listed three of the 28 people they arrested during last Saturday’s riots as living out-of-state.
Pierceson Harris, 27, of Arlington, Texas was, according to police records, one of those three people. Police charged him with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to the Nashville Police Department’s website.
Harris confirmed the police arrested him, but he also told The Tennessee Star he has lived in Nashville for the past year and a half.
Harris said he has no ties to ANTIFA.
“I would definitely like to get into my case [with you]. I just want to check with my attorney first so I don’t mess anything up. No, I did not do any of what they said. I just found out today what I was alleged to have been doing during the protest,” Harris said.
“Honestly, the whole thing is not true in any respect or any regard. But I would love to give you my side of the story, if I am able to.”
Harris later told us that, no, he did not wish to comment at this time.
Harris identified his attorney as Dawn Deaner of the Nashville-based Choosing Justice Initiative.
Deaner did not return The Star’s requests for comment Wednesday.
According to the CJI’s website, members of the group work “to end wealth-based disparities in Nashville’s criminal legal system through education, advocacy, and direct legal representation.”
“We are not about giving charity — we are about pursuing justice. We offer agency to people living in poverty who know what justice is; who want to be heard; and who have a right to be treated fairly and equitably in our courts,” according to CJI’s website.
“By acting in solidarity with those experiencing injustice, we are building new models of justice that solve problems, provide healing, enable equitable treatment and empower people with choices beyond the status quo.”
Deaner, a former Nashville public defender, founded the organization in 2018, the website said.
“In this age of mass criminalization and incarceration, our need for efficiency has caused us to operate courtrooms like conveyor belts, where people are still judged too often by how they look instead of who they are,” according to the group’s website.
“CJI recognizes that justice requires equity, and equity requires consideration for the individual. As such, CJI works to identify and eliminate mass injustice where it exists.”
As reported, several thousand protestors descended upon Nashville’s Legislative Plaza Saturday on behalf of George Floyd. Many of the protestors carried signs demanding government either defund or abolish the police. The crowd, composed of whites and blacks, chanted “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace” many times over.
Later in the day, and after Saturday’s rally, protestors resorted to violence — by trashing the Metro Courthouse and, later, parts of lower Broadway.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Pierceson Harris” by Pierceson Harris.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Commentary: Check Your Radical Privilege

In the taxpayer-funded , cushy corridors of leftist academe , the radically chic proselytizers of hatred smugly define their concept of “ White Privilege ” : If you don ’ t need to care about a societal problem , it is because of your white privilege .
( The shorthand for “ White privilege ” is simply “ privilege , ” because 1619 . )
By pouring this racist tenet of cultural Marxism into those too intellectually and emotionally immature to resist the call to hate others , oneself , and America , the object is to inure its adherents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s actions by any moral criteria except vapid virtue signaling .
If these insular radicals were still capable of introspection , they ’ d shortly realize they epitomize “ privilege.
” The riots have brought a shameful raft of plunder , violence , murder and the typical host of leftist defenses for the indefensible .
After inanely attempting to blame their violence on everyone but themselves , the rioters ’ and their Leftist abettors ’ most common and callow propaganda point is “ we can rebuild property , we can ’ t bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly less economically illiterate ones dismissively chime in with “ big box stores have insurance.
” Of course , these privileged radicals and their “ radically chic ” celebrity bail bondsmen aren ’ t tossing money into a rebuilding fund for these economically distressed communities .
Rather , they are reinforcing the cycle of mayhem and destruction by bailing out its perpetrators .
Now , if one crassly notes this or any other aspect of their dangerous hypocrisy , the radicals and their enablers respond with : “ Check your privilege.
” As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science is settled , ” one realizes the slogan “ check your privilege ” is the programmed default of brainwashed radicals who haven ’ t yet been told by their indoctrinators what next to say .
Nevertheless , scream it they do , when called to account by those harmed by the riots .
Herewith , then , is a brief and by no means exhaustive accounting of the people the rioting radicals and their enablers believe need to “ check their white privilege ” : • The peaceful protestors who had gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and police brutality ; • The overwhelming majority of Americans who support the constitutional right to assemble , peacefully protest , and petition government for the redress of grievances—in this instance police brutality ; • The residents of already economically distressed minority communities that will be further decimated for generations ; • The owners of stores that serve these communities , especially the minority-owned small businesses who were already on the brink due to the pandemic lockdowns ; • The people wounded by the rioters ; • The family of the murdered Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contractor for the Department of Homeland Security killed in the riots .
As their callous cries of “ check your privilege ” to those aggrieved above evince , these armchair Stalinists have had their capacity for empathy indoctrinated away .
This makes it all the easier for them not to care about the societal costs and consequences of their actions and ideology , because these costs and consequences won ’ t hit home or even close to it , especially if that home is a mansion safe within a gated community .
Truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking one ’ s own ideological comrades ’ criminality is not only excusable ; not only justifiable ; but morally necessary .
This radical privilege of perverting one ’ s sins into virtues is the cardinal immorality undergirding the intrinsically evil socialist ideologies of communism and fascism .
In juxtaposition , the moral citizens of our free republic agree with the Great Emancipator , President Lincoln : “ There can be no successful appeal from the ballot to the bullet.
” They also agree with Senator Robert F. Kennedy that “ The vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of black people in this country want to live together , want to improve the quality of our life , and want justice for all human beings that abide in our land.
” Thus , when order has been restored and Americans heal from this latest spasm of leftist-inspired violence , people of goodwill , sound mind , and stout heart must send a nonnegotiable demand to the rioters and their Liberal abettors before they do more damage : “ Check your radical privilege.
” The Hon .
Thaddeus McCotter is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee , current itinerant guitarist , American Greatness contributor , and Monday co-host of the “ John Batchelor Show .
”

by Thaddeus G. McCotter
In the taxpayer-funded, cushy corridors of leftist academe, the radically chic proselytizers of hatred smugly define their concept of “White Privilege”: If you don’t need to care about a societal problem, it is because of your white privilege. (The shorthand for “White privilege” is simply “privilege,” because 1619.)
By pouring this racist tenet of cultural Marxism into those too intellectually and emotionally immature to resist the call to hate others, oneself, and America, the object is to inure its adherents against the ability to measure one’s actions by any moral criteria except vapid virtue signaling. If these insular radicals were still capable of introspection, they’d shortly realize they epitomize “privilege.”
The riots have brought a shameful raft of plunder, violence, murder and the typical host of leftist defenses for the indefensible. After inanely attempting to blame their violence on everyone but themselves, the rioters’ and their Leftist abettors’ most common and callow propaganda point is “we can rebuild property, we can’t bring back the dead.” The ever so slightly less economically illiterate ones dismissively chime in with “big box stores have insurance.”
Of course, these privileged radicals and their “radically chic” celebrity bail bondsmen aren’t tossing money into a rebuilding fund for these economically distressed communities. Rather, they are reinforcing the cycle of mayhem and destruction by bailing out its perpetrators. Now, if one crassly notes this or any other aspect of their dangerous hypocrisy, the radicals and their enablers respond with: “Check your privilege.”
As with climate change’s “the science is settled,” one realizes the slogan “check your privilege” is the programmed default of brainwashed radicals who haven’t yet been told by their indoctrinators what next to say. Nevertheless, scream it they do, when called to account by those harmed by the riots.
Herewith, then, is a brief and by no means exhaustive accounting of the people the rioting radicals and their enablers believe need to “check their white privilege”:
The peaceful protestors who had gathered to protest the death of George Floyd and police brutality;
The overwhelming majority of Americans who support the constitutional right to assemble, peacefully protest, and petition government for the redress of grievances—in this instance police brutality;
The residents of already economically distressed minority communities that will be further decimated for generations;
The owners of stores that serve these communities, especially the minority-owned small businesses who were already on the brink due to the pandemic lockdowns;
The people wounded by the rioters;
The family of the murdered Patrick Underwood, an African-American, and federal contractor for the Department of Homeland Security killed in the riots.
As their callous cries of “check your privilege” to those aggrieved above evince, these armchair Stalinists have had their capacity for empathy indoctrinated away. This makes it all the easier for them not to care about the societal costs and consequences of their actions and ideology, because these costs and consequences won’t hit home or even close to it, especially if that home is a mansion safe within a gated community.
Truly, there is nothing more privileged than thinking one’s own ideological comrades’ criminality is not only excusable; not only justifiable; but morally necessary. This radical privilege of perverting one’s sins into virtues is the cardinal immorality undergirding the intrinsically evil socialist ideologies of communism and fascism.
In juxtaposition, the moral citizens of our free republic agree with the Great Emancipator, President Lincoln: “There can be no successful appeal from the ballot to the bullet.” They also agree with Senator Robert F. Kennedy that “The vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings that abide in our land.”
Thus, when order has been restored and Americans heal from this latest spasm of leftist-inspired violence, people of goodwill, sound mind, and stout heart must send a nonnegotiable demand to the rioters and their Liberal abettors before they do more damage: “Check your radical privilege.”
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The Hon. Thaddeus McCotter is the former chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee, current itinerant guitarist, American Greatness contributor, and Monday co-host of the “John Batchelor Show.”


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--St. Paul Man Charged with Attempted Murder for Shooting at Police During Riots

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — One Minnesota man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at police officers during unrest in Minneapolis last week , while two others face federal charges for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails into a suburban government building , according to charges made public Tuesday .
The charges are the latest to stem from unrest following the death of George Floyd , a handcuffed black man who died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes , ignoring Floyd ’ s cries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jaleel Stallings , 27 , of St. Paul , was charged in Hennepin County with two counts of second-degree attempted murder , multiple counts of assault and other charges for allegedly firing multiple shots at SWAT officers during unrest Saturday in Minneapolis .
According to the criminal complaint , SWAT officers were patrolling in an unmarked white van , with two marked squad cars behind them , when Stallings stepped out from behind a white pickup truck and walked toward the officers .
The complaint said Stallings crouched down and officers thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they fired a marking round .
In return , Stallings fired three to four shots toward the officers , narrowly missing them , then ran away , the complaint said .
Officers found him and handcuffed him after a struggle .
They found an AK-47 style pistol near the right bumper of the truck , the complaint said .
No officers were injured .
Stallings is scheduled for a first court appearance Wednesday and it ’ s not immediately clear if he has an attorney to comment on his behalf .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Long Lake , and Fornandous Henderson , 32 , of Savage , were charged with arson and possession of Molotov cocktails , after authorities say they threw the devices into a courthouse in Dakota County , south of the Twin Cities , on Friday .
According to an affidavit from an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives , police in Apple Valley responded to reports of fire early Friday and found broken windows , smoke and flames .
Inside , they found broken glass jars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containing ignitable liquid and a charred red bandanna .
Officers searched a car registered to Ziegler and found materials inside that are used to make Molotov cocktails .
After putting out the fire , authorities found Ziegler and Henderson on a road nearby and arrested them .
One detective noticed fresh soot on their hands , the complaint said .
The attorneys for Ziegler and Henderson both said they had no immediate comment , as they had just received the cases .
The charges come a day after an Illinois man was charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in riots .
Charges accuse Matthew Lee Rupert , 28 , of Galesburg , Illinois , of posting self-recorded videos of himself online , showing him handing out explosive devices to others and encouraging them to throw them at law enforcement .
He ’ s also shown damaging property and attempting to light a business on fire , according to the charges .

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AP) — One Minnesota man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at police officers during unrest in Minneapolis last week, while two others face federal charges for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails into a suburban government building, according to charges made public Tuesday.
The charges are the latest to stem from unrest following the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes, ignoring Floyd’s cries that he couldn’t breathe.
Jaleel Stallings, 27, of St. Paul, was charged in Hennepin County with two counts of second-degree attempted murder, multiple counts of assault and other charges for allegedly firing multiple shots at SWAT officers during unrest Saturday in Minneapolis.
According to the criminal complaint, SWAT officers were patrolling in an unmarked white van, with two marked squad cars behind them, when Stallings stepped out from behind a white pickup truck and walked toward the officers. The complaint said Stallings crouched down and officers thought he was going to throw something at them so they fired a marking round.
In return, Stallings fired three to four shots toward the officers, narrowly missing them, then ran away, the complaint said. Officers found him and handcuffed him after a struggle. They found an AK-47 style pistol near the right bumper of the truck, the complaint said. No officers were injured.
Stallings is scheduled for a first court appearance Wednesday and it’s not immediately clear if he has an attorney to comment on his behalf.
In federal court, Garrett Ziegler, 24, of Long Lake, and Fornandous Henderson, 32, of Savage, were charged with arson and possession of Molotov cocktails, after authorities say they threw the devices into a courthouse in Dakota County, south of the Twin Cities, on Friday.
According to an affidavit from an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, police in Apple Valley responded to reports of fire early Friday and found broken windows, smoke and flames. Inside, they found broken glass jars and liquor bottles, intact glass jars containing ignitable liquid and a charred red bandanna.
Officers searched a car registered to Ziegler and found materials inside that are used to make Molotov cocktails. After putting out the fire, authorities found Ziegler and Henderson on a road nearby and arrested them. One detective noticed fresh soot on their hands, the complaint said.
The attorneys for Ziegler and Henderson both said they had no immediate comment, as they had just received the cases.
The charges come a day after an Illinois man was charged for allegedly traveling to Minneapolis to participate in riots. Charges accuse Matthew Lee Rupert, 28, of Galesburg, Illinois, of posting self-recorded videos of himself online, showing him handing out explosive devices to others and encouraging them to throw them at law enforcement. He’s also shown damaging property and attempting to light a business on fire, according to the charges.
– – –
Written by Associated Press’ Amy Forliti.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--NASCAR Ready for Long-Term Commitment in Nashville

Here ’ s what NASCAR hopes is the honky tonk truth — that a Nashville reboot is good enough this time to make the sport a tough ticket in the heart of one of the entertainment hot spots of the south .
The first step ?
Convincing its star drivers the trip to Nashville Superspeedway in 2021 is the spark of a motorsports rebirth in the area and not just another lazy ride on an intermediate concrete track .
And , that the Superspeedway will prove a worthy choice over the historic half-mile Fairgrounds .
“ One snooze fest at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coffin of the fairgrounds , bummer , ” tweeted Chase Elliott , NASCAR ’ s most popular driver .
There ’ s little sense now debating which track is worthy of the renovations and safety upgrades necessary to hold Cup Series races at least through 2024 .
Dover Motorsports , Inc. held on to the track it developed nearly 20 years ago — a potential $ 46 million sale in 2014 fell through — and kept it in its back pocket should the time come when NASCAR wanted to expand its geographic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race fans for two NASCAR weekends at Dover International Speedway — noted by the seating capacity of roughly 135,000 seats in 2001 stripped to about 55,000 this season — which cushioned the blow of moving the race to Nashville .
So it ’ s off to Music City , where NASCAR wants to hit the right notes .
The Nashville area appears ready to go racing .
The stock series staged a wildly successful blowout last December for its season-ending awards celebration .
Drivers performed burnouts on Broadway , NASCAR fan and country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a party and — step aside , Randy Travis — there was a NASCAR-themed night at the Grand Ole Opry .
“ We need to make sure that we match the expectations of the industry and the Nashville community with what we do with the facility and how we operate , ” Dover track president Mike Tatoian told The Associated Press .
The TV numbers also showed there was a demand for NASCAR in Nashville .
Fox Sports said Nashville ranks as the 14th-best TV market this season and was 14th as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a sport that has suffered ratings declines over the last decade .
When NASCAR returned from its hiatus this season in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic , Nashville tuned in and was the fourth-highest market for the race at Darlington Raceway .
Dover wants to act smart in the expansion .
The company said it would pump $ 8 million to $ 10 million into the track for capital improvements and does not plan to add permanent seating beyond the 25,000 capacity currently at track .
“ We only have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve had a maintenance person just to help .
So we ’ ve never been able to take advantage of the phone calls that we still get today from people that want to rent the facility for various things .
Now , we ’ re able to do that again.
” The 1.33-mile concrete track was built in 2001 by Dover Motorsports and hosted NASCAR and IndyCar events until 2011 .
Nashville Superspeedway held Xfinity and Truck events , as well as IndyCar races , from 2001 until 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all three series returning to the schedule .
But the track has never held an elite Cup Series race .
“ We were successful , ” Tatoian said , “ we just weren ’ t successful enough to sustain ourselves .
There ’ s a big difference between Cup and those other two races.
” There was a cry for NASCAR to return to the old Fairgrounds , where the Cup Series ran 42 times from 1958 through 1984 , and the lower-level Xfinity and Truck Series last raced there in 2000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t much of an option , said Ben Kennedy , NASCAR vice president of racing development .
“ While they continue to work on the Fairgrounds and are optimistic about what the future might look like there , this has been kind of a separate conversation , ” Kennedy said .
Kennedy added : “ We ’ ll certainly stay in touch with them as things move along and continue to support them there.
” Dover expected the Superspeedway to become a NASCAR fixture and not just a placeholder until the Fairgrounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a race date of June 20 , 2021 , and — as the tentative first race in NBC ’ s portion of TV schedule — it would be a blast to debut under the lights .
The track sits about 35 miles southeast of Nashville , closer to Gladeville , Tennessee .
“ I think the uniqueness of it tied to the market is kind of a win-win scenario , ” Kennedy said .
“ I think it will certainly add a little bit of variety to the schedule , kind of another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next iterations of the 2021 schedule.
” Dover has been a NASCAR home sine 1969 and the site of two race weekends each year since 1971 .
The concrete mile track , where seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson has 11 career victories , was scheduled to hold a race in May this season until the coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement .
Dover is expected to run Cup races on Aug. 22 and 23 .
“ Our company will get stronger , which means our situation in Dover will get even better , ” Tatoian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be some disappointed fans and we understand that .
But if you ’ re a true NASCAR fan , you really will embrace this , even though it may mean going to Dover one less time.
” Dan Gelston reports for The Associated Press .

Here’s what NASCAR hopes is the honky tonk truth — that a Nashville reboot is good enough this time to make the sport a tough ticket in the heart of one of the entertainment hot spots of the south.
The first step? Convincing its star drivers the trip to Nashville Superspeedway in 2021 is the spark of a motorsports rebirth in the area and not just another lazy ride on an intermediate concrete track.
And, that the Superspeedway will prove a worthy choice over the historic half-mile Fairgrounds.
“One snooze fest at that joint will put the nail in the coffin of the fairgrounds, bummer,” tweeted Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s most popular driver.
There’s little sense now debating which track is worthy of the renovations and safety upgrades necessary to hold Cup Series races at least through 2024. Dover Motorsports, Inc. held on to the track it developed nearly 20 years ago — a potential $46 million sale in 2014 fell through — and kept it in its back pocket should the time come when NASCAR wanted to expand its geographic schedule. There was little appetite among race fans for two NASCAR weekends at Dover International Speedway — noted by the seating capacity of roughly 135,000 seats in 2001 stripped to about 55,000 this season — which cushioned the blow of moving the race to Nashville.
So it’s off to Music City, where NASCAR wants to hit the right notes.
The Nashville area appears ready to go racing. The stock series staged a wildly successful blowout last December for its season-ending awards celebration. Drivers performed burnouts on Broadway, NASCAR fan and country music star Blake Shelton was the star of a party and — step aside, Randy Travis — there was a NASCAR-themed night at the Grand Ole Opry.
“We need to make sure that we match the expectations of the industry and the Nashville community with what we do with the facility and how we operate,” Dover track president Mike Tatoian told The Associated Press.
The TV numbers also showed there was a demand for NASCAR in Nashville. Fox Sports said Nashville ranks as the 14th-best TV market this season and was 14th as well in 2018, a solid showing for a sport that has suffered ratings declines over the last decade. When NASCAR returned from its hiatus this season in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Nashville tuned in and was the fourth-highest market for the race at Darlington Raceway.
Dover wants to act smart in the expansion. The company said it would pump $8 million to $10 million into the track for capital improvements and does not plan to add permanent seating beyond the 25,000 capacity currently at track.
“We only have one person out there,” Tatoian said. “We’ve had a maintenance person just to help. So we’ve never been able to take advantage of the phone calls that we still get today from people that want to rent the facility for various things. Now, we’re able to do that again.”
The 1.33-mile concrete track was built in 2001 by Dover Motorsports and hosted NASCAR and IndyCar events until 2011. Nashville Superspeedway held Xfinity and Truck events, as well as IndyCar races, from 2001 until 2011. Tatoian said he’s open to all three series returning to the schedule. But the track has never held an elite Cup Series race.
“We were successful,” Tatoian said, “we just weren’t successful enough to sustain ourselves. There’s a big difference between Cup and those other two races.”
There was a cry for NASCAR to return to the old Fairgrounds, where the Cup Series ran 42 times from 1958 through 1984, and the lower-level Xfinity and Truck Series last raced there in 2000.
The Speedway Motorsports Inc.-owned Fairgrounds weren’t much of an option, said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR vice president of racing development.
“While they continue to work on the Fairgrounds and are optimistic about what the future might look like there, this has been kind of a separate conversation,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy added: “We’ll certainly stay in touch with them as things move along and continue to support them there.”
Dover expected the Superspeedway to become a NASCAR fixture and not just a placeholder until the Fairgrounds becomes a viable option. NASCAR eyed a race date of June 20, 2021, and — as the tentative first race in NBC’s portion of TV schedule — it would be a blast to debut under the lights. The track sits about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, closer to Gladeville, Tennessee.
“I think the uniqueness of it tied to the market is kind of a win-win scenario,” Kennedy said. “I think it will certainly add a little bit of variety to the schedule, kind of another turning point as we think about the next iterations of the 2021 schedule.”
Dover has been a NASCAR home sine 1969 and the site of two race weekends each year since 1971. The concrete mile track, where seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson has 11 career victories, was scheduled to hold a race in May this season until the coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement. Dover is expected to run Cup races on Aug. 22 and 23.
“Our company will get stronger, which means our situation in Dover will get even better,” Tatoian said. “Unfortunately, there are going to be some disappointed fans and we understand that. But if you’re a true NASCAR fan, you really will embrace this, even though it may mean going to Dover one less time.”
– – –
Dan Gelston reports for The Associated Press.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-04--Iowa GOP Rep. Steve King Falls to Primary Challenger Randy Feenstra

Feenstra will advance as the Republican nominee for Iowa ’ s 4th Congressional District , which consists of the largely rural northwestern part of the state .
The race was perhaps the most watched of the night , as many in King ’ s own party had endorsed his main opponent and were privately eager to see him fall .
While King had the advantages that come with incumbency , Feenstra had the backing of most GOP organizations and his party ’ s leadership in both chambers of Congress .
King , a nine-term incumbent , had a long history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist , bigoted and xenophobic .
He was stripped of his committee seats early in 2019 after asking when terms such as “ white nationalism ” became offensive .
King ’ s comments nearly led to him being censured by the House of Representatives in January of 2019 , and resulted in bipartisan calls for him to resign .
During the campaign , Feenstra had argued that King being stripped of his committees had made him an ineffective member unable to adequately represent his constituents .
King had attempted to paint Feenstra as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swamp.
” Feenstra ’ s victory is a sigh of relief for many Republicans , as he was viewed as a much stronger nominee due to his lack of personal baggage .
Feenstra is now set to face Democratic nominee J.D .
Scholten , who ran uncontested Tuesday night , in the November general election .
As the 2018 Democratic nominee , Scholten lost to King by three points , only two years after King had won reelection by a whopping 22 point margin .
Andrew Trunksy is a reporter for the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feenstra ” by Randy Feenstra .

by Andrew Trunksy
Republican Iowa Rep. Steve King lost his primary against Republican state Sen. Randy Feenstra Tuesday night.
Feenstra will advance as the Republican nominee for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, which consists of the largely rural northwestern part of the state.
The race was perhaps the most watched of the night, as many in King’s own party had endorsed his main opponent and were privately eager to see him fall. While King had the advantages that come with incumbency, Feenstra had the backing of most GOP organizations and his party’s leadership in both chambers of Congress.
King, a nine-term incumbent, had a long history of comments that were widely condemned as racist, bigoted and xenophobic. He was stripped of his committee seats early in 2019 after asking when terms such as “white nationalism” became offensive.
King’s comments nearly led to him being censured by the House of Representatives in January of 2019, and resulted in bipartisan calls for him to resign.
During the campaign, Feenstra had argued that King being stripped of his committees had made him an ineffective member unable to adequately represent his constituents. King had attempted to paint Feenstra as an embodiment of the “D.C. Swamp.”
Feenstra’s victory is a sigh of relief for many Republicans, as he was viewed as a much stronger nominee due to his lack of personal baggage.
Feenstra is now set to face Democratic nominee J.D. Scholten, who ran uncontested Tuesday night, in the November general election. As the 2018 Democratic nominee, Scholten lost to King by three points, only two years after King had won reelection by a whopping 22 point margin.
– – –
Andrew Trunksy is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Randy Feenstra” by Randy Feenstra.