thetennesseestar--2020-05-08--Commentary: Liberal Billionaire John Arnold Has More Dollars Than Sense

Liberal billionaire John Arnold makes no sense .
He is worried that the country ’ s population will decline , but he generously supports the abortion lobby .
He is concerned about global warming , but he tore down a historic , old mansion to build a new 20,000 square-foot home , which can not possibly have a tiny “ carbon footprint.
” He wants to help catch criminals while he works to get them released quickly before trial – and then after sentencing if a pandemic occurs .
Concern for the rights and wellbeing of prisoners is commendable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take precedence .
Arnold paid for a spy plane to fly over Baltimore , Maryland and record images to help police solve crimes , but he did not inform the city ’ s residents or their elected leaders .
Unsurprisingly , some residents were not thrilled once news broke about the spying program , and it was quickly halted .
Arnold then offered to pay for three planes to surveil the city .
After months of consideration , city officials finally approved the use of the planes .
Unfortunately , surveilling honest citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today ’ s world of quarantining all rather than focusing upon the sick and most vulnerable .
Of course , John Arnold has schizophrenically jumped on the latest crusade of the wealthy elites , the almost blind support for convicted and imprisoned criminals .
For example , he wants to eliminate bail and put more criminals back out onto the streets faster , while at least in Baltimore have spies in the skies to presumably return them to jail .
To further his agenda , the often-wrong but idea-filled billionaire paid to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to advise judges on which suspects are safe to release before their trials .
While having an objective tool might sound like a good idea , people are complex ; and it is far from clear that a tool using a simple formula can adequately assess which offenders are likely to reoffend .
As previously reported , the Arnold tool utterly failed in assessing the dangerousness of a pair of armed robbery suspects .
Two Indiana residents , wearing hoodies and gloves , allegedly entered a New Orleans pharmacy to rob it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ zip ties , and engaged in a shootout with police as they attempted to flee injuring an officer .
Incredibly , Arnold ’ s assessment tool assigned these suspects the lowest risk score possible – a 1 out of 6 .
Certainly , judges can make mistakes , but public safety should be better served by judges carefully evaluating arrestees , rather than relying on some random billionaire ’ s formula .
After all , that is what judges are paid to do – use their best judgment to free the innocent while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it does not end there for Arnold ; now he would like to free convicted criminals because they might contract the coronavirus in jail , which is a terrible idea .
A few weeks ago , he tweeted : “ 49 inmates and 65 employees of the Harris County jail system have tested positive for Covid-19 .
Even if you ’ re not sympathetic to those incarcerated ( though you should be ) , safely decreasing jail populations is necessary for the health of the staff.
” On the other hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of prisoners in four states , nearly all prisoners – 96 % , in fact – who tested positive for the coronavirus had no symptoms .
Out of more than 170,000 federal prisoners , there have been only 42 coronavirus deaths .
Furthermore , out of more than 134,000 Texas state prisoners , there have only been about 20 coronavirus deaths .
So at this point , it seems like a huge overreaction to just start freeing inmates because they might contract the virus .
Unsurprisingly , a number of criminals who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reoffending within just days or weeks of their release .
A Florida convict was recently charged for a murder that took place just a week after his release .
Dozens of New York criminals who were released have already been rearrested for crimes , including a convicted murderer who attempted to rob a bank after being released .
Finally , a Utah convict , who had been released from a halfway house just a few days before , broke into a woman ’ s house , tied her up , told her he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened to kill her .
Thankfully , her young son was awakened by her screams and called the police , who were able to rearrest the thug .
Even if there were merit to just throwing open the jail doors , where would these inmates go ?
Would they move in with older relatives and endanger their health ?
Would they live on the streets , where they might also pick up the coronavirus ?
How many of these criminals is John Arnold willing to house at his palatial estate ?
After all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition to his bad criminal justice reform ideas , Arnold also supports gun control , which makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves from criminals .
In 2018 , Arnold ’ s foundation announced that it was giving tens of millions of dollars to the National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research and promised to raise even more .
Furthermore , the foundation hired Jeremy Travis , who played a key role in crafting New York City ’ s gun ban , to serve as its Executive Vice President of Criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Arnold appears to be more worried about criminals than he is the general public .
No doubt , Arnold has a fancy security system at his home and armed security to keep him and his family safe – so he has little reason to fear being a victim of violent crime , unlike those who he would disarm with his wrong-headed gun control push .
Rather than cater to the whims of out-of-touch billionaires , policymakers should focus on protecting the lives and property of those most vulnerable to criminals , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the working class .
Richard McCarty is the Director of Research at Americans for Limited Government Foundation .
Photo “ John Arnold ” by Arnold Ventures .

by Richard McCarty
Liberal billionaire John Arnold makes no sense. He is worried that the country’s population will decline, but he generously supports the abortion lobby. He is concerned about global warming, but he tore down a historic, old mansion to build a new 20,000 square-foot home, which cannot possibly have a tiny “carbon footprint.” He wants to help catch criminals while he works to get them released quickly before trial – and then after sentencing if a pandemic occurs. Concern for the rights and wellbeing of prisoners is commendable, but the safety of the public should take precedence.
Arnold paid for a spy plane to fly over Baltimore, Maryland and record images to help police solve crimes, but he did not inform the city’s residents or their elected leaders. Unsurprisingly, some residents were not thrilled once news broke about the spying program, and it was quickly halted. Arnold then offered to pay for three planes to surveil the city. After months of consideration, city officials finally approved the use of the planes. Unfortunately, surveilling honest citizens seems to be all the rage in today’s world of quarantining all rather than focusing upon the sick and most vulnerable.
Of course, John Arnold has schizophrenically jumped on the latest crusade of the wealthy elites, the almost blind support for convicted and imprisoned criminals. For example, he wants to eliminate bail and put more criminals back out onto the streets faster, while at least in Baltimore have spies in the skies to presumably return them to jail. To further his agenda, the often-wrong but idea-filled billionaire paid to create a “public safety assessment” tool to advise judges on which suspects are safe to release before their trials.
While having an objective tool might sound like a good idea, people are complex; and it is far from clear that a tool using a simple formula can adequately assess which offenders are likely to reoffend. As previously reported, the Arnold tool utterly failed in assessing the dangerousness of a pair of armed robbery suspects. Two Indiana residents, wearing hoodies and gloves, allegedly entered a New Orleans pharmacy to rob it. The alleged assailants bound two employees with zip ties, and engaged in a shootout with police as they attempted to flee injuring an officer. Incredibly, Arnold’s assessment tool assigned these suspects the lowest risk score possible – a 1 out of 6.
Certainly, judges can make mistakes, but public safety should be better served by judges carefully evaluating arrestees, rather than relying on some random billionaire’s formula. After all, that is what judges are paid to do – use their best judgment to free the innocent while keeping society safe from dangerous criminals.
But it does not end there for Arnold; now he would like to free convicted criminals because they might contract the coronavirus in jail, which is a terrible idea. A few weeks ago, he tweeted: “49 inmates and 65 employees of the Harris County jail system have tested positive for Covid-19. Even if you’re not sympathetic to those incarcerated (though you should be), safely decreasing jail populations is necessary for the health of the staff.”
On the other hand, according to a recent survey of thousands of prisoners in four states, nearly all prisoners – 96%, in fact – who tested positive for the coronavirus had no symptoms. Out of more than 170,000 federal prisoners, there have been only 42 coronavirus deaths. Furthermore, out of more than 134,000 Texas state prisoners, there have only been about 20 coronavirus deaths. So at this point, it seems like a huge overreaction to just start freeing inmates because they might contract the virus.
Unsurprisingly, a number of criminals who have been released due to the pandemic are reoffending within just days or weeks of their release. A Florida convict was recently charged for a murder that took place just a week after his release. Dozens of New York criminals who were released have already been rearrested for crimes, including a convicted murderer who attempted to rob a bank after being released. Finally, a Utah convict, who had been released from a halfway house just a few days before, broke into a woman’s house, tied her up, told her he was going to rob her, and threatened to kill her. Thankfully, her young son was awakened by her screams and called the police, who were able to rearrest the thug.
Even if there were merit to just throwing open the jail doors, where would these inmates go? Would they move in with older relatives and endanger their health? Would they live on the streets, where they might also pick up the coronavirus? How many of these criminals is John Arnold willing to house at his palatial estate? After all, they have to go somewhere.
In addition to his bad criminal justice reform ideas, Arnold also supports gun control, which makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves from criminals. In 2018, Arnold’s foundation announced that it was giving tens of millions of dollars to the National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research and promised to raise even more. Furthermore, the foundation hired Jeremy Travis, who played a key role in crafting New York City’s gun ban, to serve as its Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice.
Like a good liberal, John Arnold appears to be more worried about criminals than he is the general public. No doubt, Arnold has a fancy security system at his home and armed security to keep him and his family safe – so he has little reason to fear being a victim of violent crime, unlike those who he would disarm with his wrong-headed gun control push. Rather than cater to the whims of out-of-touch billionaires, policymakers should focus on protecting the lives and property of those most vulnerable to criminals, including the elderly, the poor, and the working class.
– – –
Richard McCarty is the Director of Research at Americans for Limited Government Foundation.
Photo “John Arnold” by Arnold Ventures.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-08--Ohio Unemployment Tops 1.1 Million in Seven Weeks Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Just over 61,000 Ohioans filed jobless claims for the week ending May 2 , down from the nearly 100,000 claims filed the previous week .
This brings the total number of claims over the past seven weeks to 1.1 million – a sum surpassing the combined total of claims for the last three years – the US Department of Labor reported Thursday .
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services says it has now distributed more than $ 1.9 billion in unemployment checks to more than 536,000 claimants , the Associated Press reported ; adding : A new process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohioans to file alphabetically on designated days of the week .
Those who have a last name beginning with A through H should file on Sundays .
Mondays will be designated for individuals I through P , and Tuesdays for the rest of the alphabet .
Wednesday through Saturday will be open to anyone , but officials warn to expect higher volume those days .
To file and unemployment insurance claim , visit https : //unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/ or call 1-877-644-6562 ( OHIO-JOB ) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays , from 9 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays .
The ODJFS noted that claims by workers who lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus can enter the mass layoff number 2000180 on their applications .
However , if affected individuals have already submitted claims without this number , they do not need to add it .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two weeks .
Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reporter at The Ohio Star .
Photo “ Unemployment Insurance Claims Office ” by Bytemarks .
CC BY 2.0 .

Just over 61,000 Ohioans filed jobless claims for the week ending May 2, down from the nearly 100,000 claims filed the previous week. This brings the total number of claims over the past seven weeks to 1.1 million – a sum surpassing the combined total of claims for the last three years – the US Department of Labor reported Thursday.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services says it has now distributed more than $1.9 billion in unemployment checks to more than 536,000 claimants, the Associated Press reported; adding:
Nationally, nearly 3.2 million laid-off workers applied for unemployment benefits last week. Roughly 33.5 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the seven weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began, forcing millions of employers to close their doors.
A new process introduced at the end of April asks Ohioans to file alphabetically on designated days of the week. Those who have a last name beginning with A through H should file on Sundays. Mondays will be designated for individuals I through P, and Tuesdays for the rest of the alphabet. Wednesday through Saturday will be open to anyone, but officials warn to expect higher volume those days.
To file and unemployment insurance claim, visit https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/ or call 1-877-644-6562 (OHIO-JOB) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
The ODJFS noted that claims by workers who lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus can enter the mass layoff number 2000180 on their applications. However, if affected individuals have already submitted claims without this number, they do not need to add it.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness, including pneumonia or death.
– – –
Samantha Witwer is a reporter at The Ohio Star.
Photo “Unemployment Insurance Claims Office” by Bytemarks. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-08--Whitmer Extends Stay-at-Home Order until May 28

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer extended the “ Stay Home , Stay Safe ” order on Thursday to May 28 , while initiating her MI Safe Start Plan .
The plan allows manufacturing workers , such as those at automotive companies , to resume work on May 11 .
Companies must conduct daily entry screening protocol for those entering the facility , including a questionnaire about symptoms and a temperature screening .
Facilities must also create dedicated entry points and suspend the entry of nonessential people .
“ We ’ re not out of the woods yet , but this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safe Start plan to re0engage our economy safely and responsibly , ” Whitmer said in a statement .
“ As we continue to phase in sectors of our economy , I will keep working around the clock to ensure our businesses adopt best practices to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19.
” Manufacturing facilities must also train workers on symptoms of COVID-19 , how it is transmitted , the use of personal protective equipment , and how to notify the business if they are showing symptoms of the coronavirus .
All Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear masks when they can not stay six feet apart and consider face shields if they can not maintain three feet of separation .
“ The safety of our workers is our top priority and I am confident that Michigan manufacturers are prepared to deliver on the worker protections included in today ’ s order , ” said John Walsh , President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association , in a statement .
“ We believe the manufacturing industry has a big role to play in Michigan ’ s economic recovery and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way.
” Michigan had nearly 69,000 people file for unemployment insurance benefits during the week ending May 2 , according to recently released data by the U.S. Department of Labor .
Nearly 3 million claims were filed nationally .
More than 1.3 million have filed since the coronavirus pandemic began , according to data analysis by MLive .
“ When we all keep doing our part , we can reduce the risk of a second wave and re-engage our economy safely and responsibly , ” Whitmer said .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order on Thursday to May 28, while initiating her MI Safe Start Plan.
The plan allows manufacturing workers, such as those at automotive companies, to resume work on May 11. Companies must conduct daily entry screening protocol for those entering the facility, including a questionnaire about symptoms and a temperature screening. Facilities must also create dedicated entry points and suspend the entry of nonessential people.
“We’re not out of the woods yet, but this is an important step forward on our MI Safe Start plan to re0engage our economy safely and responsibly,” Whitmer said in a statement. “As we continue to phase in sectors of our economy, I will keep working around the clock to ensure our businesses adopt best practices to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19.”
Manufacturing facilities must also train workers on symptoms of COVID-19, how it is transmitted, the use of personal protective equipment, and how to notify the business if they are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.
All Michigan businesses are currently required to have workers wear masks when they cannot stay six feet apart and consider face shields if they cannot maintain three feet of separation.
“The safety of our workers is our top priority and I am confident that Michigan manufacturers are prepared to deliver on the worker protections included in today’s order,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association, in a statement. “We believe the manufacturing industry has a big role to play in Michigan’s economic recovery and we’re ready to lead the way.”
Michigan had nearly 69,000 people file for unemployment insurance benefits during the week ending May 2, according to recently released data by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nearly 3 million claims were filed nationally. More than 1.3 million have filed since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to data analysis by MLive.
“When we all keep doing our part, we can reduce the risk of a second wave and re-engage our economy safely and responsibly,” Whitmer said.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-05-08--Minnesota County With Highest Unemployment Rate Has Zero COVID-19 Cases

More than 600,000 Minnesotans have filed for unemployment since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
According to the Department of Employment and Economic Development ( DEED ) , the state has had 633,405 applications for unemployment insurance since March 16 .
That number represents a little more than 20 percent of the state ’ s workforce , Fox 9 reported Wednesday .
As of Thursday , both Hennepin and Ramsey counties had an unemployment rate of 21 percent .
Cook County ’ s workforce has been hit the hardest by the pandemic , with 32 percent of its labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county had zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday .
Cook County is one of just three counties in Minnesota with no confirmed cases .
Around 200,000 unemployment applications were filed in the first two weeks of the pandemic , but the state continues to see between 3,000 and 9,000 applications per day .
Since the beginning of May , about 35,000 Minnesotans have filed for unemployment .
As of April 24 , Minnesota had 536,742 unemployment claims , meaning the state has seen 96,663 new applications in the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications in a single day when 32,176 Minnesotans filed for unemployment insurance .
Nationally , an additional 3.17 million Americans filed for unemployment in the week ending May 2 , bringing the total number of unemployment claims filed over the past seven weeks to 33.5 million .
Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s revised stay-at-home order allows retail establishments to conduct curbside pick-up and delivery .
His office estimated that the revision would allow up to 30,000 Minnesotans to return to work .
Two lawsuits have been filed against Gov .
Walz and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the coronavirus restrictions are unconstitutional .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

More than 600,000 Minnesotans have filed for unemployment since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the state has had 633,405 applications for unemployment insurance since March 16. That number represents a little more than 20 percent of the state’s workforce, Fox 9 reported Wednesday.
As of Thursday, both Hennepin and Ramsey counties had an unemployment rate of 21 percent. Cook County’s workforce has been hit the hardest by the pandemic, with 32 percent of its labor force filing for unemployment. However, the county had zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday. Cook County is one of just three counties in Minnesota with no confirmed cases.
Around 200,000 unemployment applications were filed in the first two weeks of the pandemic, but the state continues to see between 3,000 and 9,000 applications per day. Since the beginning of May, about 35,000 Minnesotans have filed for unemployment.
As of April 24, Minnesota had 536,742 unemployment claims, meaning the state has seen 96,663 new applications in the past two weeks.
March 18 saw the most applications in a single day when 32,176 Minnesotans filed for unemployment insurance.
Nationally, an additional 3.17 million Americans filed for unemployment in the week ending May 2, bringing the total number of unemployment claims filed over the past seven weeks to 33.5 million.
Gov. Tim Walz’s revised stay-at-home order allows retail establishments to conduct curbside pick-up and delivery. His office estimated that the revision would allow up to 30,000 Minnesotans to return to work.
Two lawsuits have been filed against Gov. Walz and his administration by small business owners who believe the coronavirus restrictions are unconstitutional.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-05-08--Minnesota Churches, Business Owners File Second Lawsuit Against Walz’s ‘Draconian’ Shutdown Orders

A second lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Gov .
Tim Walz on behalf of multiple Minnesota churches and small business owners .
The complaint asks the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota to strike down Walz ’ s emergency executive orders issued during the coronavirus pandemic as unconstitutional under the First , Fifth , and 14th Amendments .
The lawsuit says the governor “ chose a draconian shutdown that picks winners and losers , with devastating effects.
” “ The State does not have a compelling reason for prohibiting church services where congregants can otherwise practice adequate social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vast secular activities exempted under the EOs , nor has it selected the least restrictive means to further any purported interest , ” states the complaint .
The lawsuit was filed by the Upper Midwest Law Center on behalf of Northland Baptist Church , Living Word Christian Center , and the owners and operators of Glow In One Mini Golf , Myron ’ s Cards and Gifts , and 18/8 Fine Men ’ s Salons .
The suit names Walz , Attorney General Keith Ellison , and three county attorneys as defendants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walz administration has “ deprived all Plaintiffs of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment ” because his executive orders “ ban Plaintiffs ’ work and speech but except other similarly situated persons and businesses from their restrictions.
” A different lawsuit was filed against Walz last week , but the Upper Midwest Law Center said its complaint “ differs markedly ” from the first lawsuit and poses “ different constitutional questions.
” “ In this litigation we ask the Court to declare Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and enjoin him , Attorney General Keith Ellison , and the county attorneys charged with enforcement of the executive orders from enforcing them .
The Plaintiff businesses also seek money damages from Gov .
Walz for the tremendous losses they have faced due to the executive orders , ” James Dickey , lead trial counsel for the law firm , explained in a statement .
“ Gov .
Walz ’ s orders exceed his statutory authority and violate fundamental rights , so we will be seeking a temporary restraining order from the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this matter to the Eighth Circuit and Supreme Court if needed , ” he said .
Howard Root , chair of the Upper Midwest Law Center , said the organization “ can not sit idly by while the governor uses this pandemic to shred the Constitution.
” “ The Constitution requires that the Governor respect the individual rights of all citizens at all times , narrowly tailor any restrictions , and apply the same rules to all , ” said Doug Seaton , president of the law center .
“ It is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these constitutional requirements.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ U.S .
District Court for the District of Minnesota ” by Tony Webster .
CC BY 2.0 .

A second lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Gov. Tim Walz on behalf of multiple Minnesota churches and small business owners.
The complaint asks the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota to strike down Walz’s emergency executive orders issued during the coronavirus pandemic as unconstitutional under the First, Fifth, and 14th Amendments. The lawsuit says the governor “chose a draconian shutdown that picks winners and losers, with devastating effects.”
“The State does not have a compelling reason for prohibiting church services where congregants can otherwise practice adequate social distancing protocol, especially when compared to the vast secular activities exempted under the EOs, nor has it selected the least restrictive means to further any purported interest,” states the complaint.
The lawsuit was filed by the Upper Midwest Law Center on behalf of Northland Baptist Church, Living Word Christian Center, and the owners and operators of Glow In One Mini Golf, Myron’s Cards and Gifts, and 18/8 Fine Men’s Salons. The suit names Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and three county attorneys as defendants.
According to the lawsuit, the Walz administration has “deprived all Plaintiffs of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment” because his executive orders “ban Plaintiffs’ work and speech but except other similarly situated persons and businesses from their restrictions.”
A different lawsuit was filed against Walz last week, but the Upper Midwest Law Center said its complaint “differs markedly” from the first lawsuit and poses “different constitutional questions.”
“In this litigation we ask the Court to declare Gov. Walz’s executive orders unconstitutional and enjoin him, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the county attorneys charged with enforcement of the executive orders from enforcing them. The Plaintiff businesses also seek money damages from Gov. Walz for the tremendous losses they have faced due to the executive orders,” James Dickey, lead trial counsel for the law firm, explained in a statement.
“Gov. Walz’s orders exceed his statutory authority and violate fundamental rights, so we will be seeking a temporary restraining order from the U.S. District Court and are prepared to take this matter to the Eighth Circuit and Supreme Court if needed,” he said.
Howard Root, chair of the Upper Midwest Law Center, said the organization “cannot sit idly by while the governor uses this pandemic to shred the Constitution.”
“The Constitution requires that the Governor respect the individual rights of all citizens at all times, narrowly tailor any restrictions, and apply the same rules to all,” said Doug Seaton, president of the law center. “It is clear that his continuing lockdown executive orders fail these constitutional requirements.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota” by Tony Webster. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-08--State Rep. Grendell Drafts Bill to Force More Data Transparency from Dr. Amy Acton on COVID-19

State Rep. Diane Grendell ( R- Geauga County ) wants Ohio Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton to be more forthcoming about COVID-19 statistics .
Grendell drafted the “ Truth in COVID-19 Statistics ” bill , the Record-Courier reported .
She said the bill will be introduced in the House later this week , and she expects it to gain bipartisan support .
Grendell said she will ask her colleagues to sign on to the bill and submit it as an official bill .
Right now it is so new that it doesn ’ t have a number .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the bill aims to order more specific data from the Ohio Department of Health ( ODH ) as it pertains to the coronavirus .
“ We are facing a historic and unprecedented time in history as we deal with the challenges of COVID-19 and I do think it ’ s important that Ohioans receive clarity on how these coronavirus figures are being compiled by ODH , ” said Grendell .
“ As these numbers are driving vital health , economic policy , and livelihood decisions , it ’ s crucial that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are detailed for the people of Ohio so that it is clear why certain decisions are being made.
” Grendell wants such requirements as : • Each day must be based on day to day figures with the date of confirmation and date of death ; • Release the modeling and all supporting figures , documents , and the margin of error .
Also include the modeling projections and if there are adjustments to the modeling to indicate this as well ; and • Identify infection rates of nursing homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private mental hospitals , developmental disabilities hospitals , and congregate hospital locations public and private .
“ With so many individuals and families being severely impacted in my district , it ’ s necessary that we have full transparency on these numbers and that they are easily accessible to the public , ” Grendell said .
According to her campaign website , Grendell has medical and legal expertise .
In addition to having been a state representative , she served for 18 years as a judge on the Ohio Eleventh District Court of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ohio Supreme Court , having been appointed by the chief justice to rule on Ohio Supreme Court cases nine times .
She was a JAG officer in the Ohio Military Reserve , and is a registered nurse and attorney with a business and psychology degree .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .

State Rep. Diane Grendell (R- Geauga County) wants Ohio Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton to be more forthcoming about COVID-19 statistics.
Grendell drafted the “Truth in COVID-19 Statistics” bill, the Record-Courier reported. She said the bill will be introduced in the House later this week, and she expects it to gain bipartisan support.
Grendell said she will ask her colleagues to sign on to the bill and submit it as an official bill. Right now it is so new that it doesn’t have a number.
According to a press release from her office, the bill aims to order more specific data from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) as it pertains to the coronavirus.
“We are facing a historic and unprecedented time in history as we deal with the challenges of COVID-19 and I do think it’s important that Ohioans receive clarity on how these coronavirus figures are being compiled by ODH,” said Grendell. “As these numbers are driving vital health, economic policy, and livelihood decisions, it’s crucial that we understand where these numbers derived from and that they are detailed for the people of Ohio so that it is clear why certain decisions are being made.”
Grendell wants such requirements as:
Each day must be based on day to day figures with the date of confirmation and date of death;
Release the modeling and all supporting figures, documents, and the margin of error. Also include the modeling projections and if there are adjustments to the modeling to indicate this as well; and
Identify infection rates of nursing homes, state mental hospitals, private hospitals, private mental hospitals, developmental disabilities hospitals, and congregate hospital locations public and private.
“With so many individuals and families being severely impacted in my district, it’s necessary that we have full transparency on these numbers and that they are easily accessible to the public,” Grendell said.
According to her campaign website, Grendell has medical and legal expertise.
In addition to having been a state representative, she served for 18 years as a judge on the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals and had 203 cases published by the Ohio Supreme Court, having been appointed by the chief justice to rule on Ohio Supreme Court cases nine times. She was a JAG officer in the Ohio Military Reserve, and is a registered nurse and attorney with a business and psychology degree.
– – –
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-08--After COVID-19, Nashville Scheduled to Partially Reopen Economy on Monday

After 53 days in quarantine , Nashville will move to Phase One of Mayor John Cooper ’ s plan to reopen the city ’ s economy , at least partially , this coming Monday .
Cooper wasted no time announcing this while opening a press conference Thursday .
“ This is not a broad reopening .
It is a more targeted next phase of response to the disease .
The goal is to get us gently back to work while managing the presence of the disease in our community , ” Cooper said .
Cooper said Nashville residents and officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make difficult choices as they try to revive the city ’ s economy .
“ We have a passing grade from our health benchmarks , but not a completely perfect grade .
We aren ’ t pretending to be perfect in passing this test .
Positive cases will naturally trend up with increased testing .
But we have successfully protected our hospital capacity , ” Cooper said .
“ Last week on April 30 we were supposed to have opened the Music City Center as an emergency 1,400 bed hospital , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that didn ’ t happen .
Our hospitalization and mortality rates are relatively low .
Our transmission rate could be better , but is still around one after several weeks .
The time for the disease to double is flat , always an important public health metric.
” Also at the press conference , Metro Coronavirus Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir said COVID-19 claimed the life of two more Davidson County residents , a 74-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman .
Both had underlying health conditions .
As of Thursday , the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
As The Tennessee Star reported last month , Cooper issued a four-phased plan to reopen Nashville ’ s economy .
According to ASafeNashville.org , for each of the four phases Nashville is in , city officials will only advance to the next phase if the area meets one of two benchmarks .
The website said either the number of COVID-19 cases in Davidson County must remain stable or the number must decline over a 14-day period .
Jahangir said city officials will slow the process down “ if something worrisome presents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the four phases involve the following : • In Phase One retail businesses will open and restaurants will have dine-in services , all at half-capacity and added guidelines and restrictions and operations will be present .
Employees will be screened daily to ensure that they are symptom free and they will be required to wear cloth face coverings .
Other public gatherings will be limited to 10 people or less .
Everyone out in public should wear cloth masks and , if you are able , still work from home .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can go to three-quarters capacity with certain guidelines .
In addition , personal hygiene businesses like hair and nail salons will open but only for appointments , no walk-ins , and limited to 10 people inside the building at one time .
Playgrounds , tennis courts , and basketball courts will open .
Other public gatherings , including worship services , will be limited to 50 people and with adherence to strict physical distancing protocols .
• In Phase Three businesses and restaurants will go to full capacity .
In addition , bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity .
Gyms and fitness facilities will open .
Other gatherings will be limited to 100 , again with adherence to strict physical distancing protocols .
• In Phase Four , bars and entertainment venues will be at full capacity , and sport venues will open with adherence to physical distancing protocols and best practices .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ John Cooper ” by John Cooper .

After 53 days in quarantine, Nashville will move to Phase One of Mayor John Cooper’s plan to reopen the city’s economy, at least partially, this coming Monday.
Cooper wasted no time announcing this while opening a press conference Thursday.
“This is not a broad reopening. It is a more targeted next phase of response to the disease. The goal is to get us gently back to work while managing the presence of the disease in our community,” Cooper said.
Cooper said Nashville residents and officials will have to learn, adjust, and make difficult choices as they try to revive the city’s economy.
“We have a passing grade from our health benchmarks, but not a completely perfect grade. We aren’t pretending to be perfect in passing this test. Positive cases will naturally trend up with increased testing. But we have successfully protected our hospital capacity,” Cooper said.
“Last week on April 30 we were supposed to have opened the Music City Center as an emergency 1,400 bed hospital, and it’s a prayerful event that that didn’t happen. Our hospitalization and mortality rates are relatively low. Our transmission rate could be better, but is still around one after several weeks. The time for the disease to double is flat, always an important public health metric.”
Also at the press conference, Metro Coronavirus Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir said COVID-19 claimed the life of two more Davidson County residents, a 74-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman. Both had underlying health conditions. As of Thursday, the virus had killed 35 county residents, he said.
As The Tennessee Star reported last month, Cooper issued a four-phased plan to reopen Nashville’s economy.
According to ASafeNashville.org, for each of the four phases Nashville is in, city officials will only advance to the next phase if the area meets one of two benchmarks. The website said either the number of COVID-19 cases in Davidson County must remain stable or the number must decline over a 14-day period.
Jahangir said city officials will slow the process down “if something worrisome presents in those metrics.”
According to Jahangir, the four phases involve the following:
• In Phase One retail businesses will open and restaurants will have dine-in services, all at half-capacity and added guidelines and restrictions and operations will be present. Employees will be screened daily to ensure that they are symptom free and they will be required to wear cloth face coverings. Other public gatherings will be limited to 10 people or less. Everyone out in public should wear cloth masks and, if you are able, still work from home.
• In Phase Two, businesses and restaurants can go to three-quarters capacity with certain guidelines. In addition, personal hygiene businesses like hair and nail salons will open but only for appointments, no walk-ins, and limited to 10 people inside the building at one time. Playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts will open. Other public gatherings, including worship services, will be limited to 50 people and with adherence to strict physical distancing protocols.
• In Phase Three businesses and restaurants will go to full capacity. In addition, bars and entertainment venues will open at half capacity. Gyms and fitness facilities will open. Other gatherings will be limited to 100, again with adherence to strict physical distancing protocols.
• In Phase Four, bars and entertainment venues will be at full capacity, and sport venues will open with adherence to physical distancing protocols and best practices.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “John Cooper” by John Cooper.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-09--Nashville Police Will Show Up if Newly-Reopened Businesses Don’t Follow COVID-19 Rules

Nashville business owners who are gearing up to reopen Monday better comply with all of Mayor John Cooper ’ s safety rules for COVID-19 , or else police might pay them a visit .
As The Tennessee Star reported Friday , after days in quarantine , Nashville will move to Phase One of Cooper ’ s plan to reopen the city ’ s economy , at least partially , this coming Monday .
Metro Public Health Director Michael Caldwell said at a press conference Friday that for the first offense county officials will tell managers how to comply — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing just that .
For a second infraction county officials will deliver a warning .
“ Even after the warning , if they do not listen to us there are a number of actions we could take , ” Caldwell said .
“ There is fining , as well as [ actions against ] whatever permits they may have , depending on the type of facility that they are .
They will jeopardize those permits , but we don ’ t want to get to that level.
” Caldwell also encouraged people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that don ’ t toe the line .
Metro Health spokesman Brian Todd told The Star in an email Friday that county officials have already responded to more than 500 complaints since Cooper announced his Safer at Home Order .
“ Any retail establishment that is not following the Order can be warned or can be cited ( Slider House is an example ) and can be fined $ 50 per infraction .
MPHD ’ s citation would be to Metro Environmental Court , ” Todd said .
“ And it is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per violation which , depending on the nature of the violation , could [ be ] $ 50 per person involved in the violation .
For example if a restaurant with a maximum allowable number of 50 people was cited for having 100 people inside , then the establishment could be fined $ 50 for each person over the allowable capacity.
” As The Tennessee Star reported last month , Cooper issued a four-phased plan to reopen Nashville ’ s economy .
According to ASafeNashville.org , for each of the four phases Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance to the next phase if the area meets one of two benchmarks .
The website said either the number of COVID-19 cases in Davidson County must remain stable or the number must decline over a 14-day period .
Caldwell said Friday that county officials have ample resources to police all of Nashville ’ s businesses .
“ We will hire up to 20 additional environmental health investigators , ” Caldwell said .
“ This will complement our already existing team of 10 to assess and to ensure compliance with our Phase One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to complain about a local business can file a report at the county government ’ s website .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Metro Nashville Police Car ” by Nashville.gov .

Nashville business owners who are gearing up to reopen Monday better comply with all of Mayor John Cooper’s safety rules for COVID-19, or else police might pay them a visit.
As The Tennessee Star reported Friday, after days in quarantine, Nashville will move to Phase One of Cooper’s plan to reopen the city’s economy, at least partially, this coming Monday.
Metro Public Health Director Michael Caldwell said at a press conference Friday that for the first offense county officials will tell managers how to comply — and come back later to make sure they are doing just that. For a second infraction county officials will deliver a warning.
“Even after the warning, if they do not listen to us there are a number of actions we could take,” Caldwell said.
“There is fining, as well as [actions against] whatever permits they may have, depending on the type of facility that they are. They will jeopardize those permits, but we don’t want to get to that level.”
Caldwell also encouraged people to never give business to any establishments that don’t toe the line.
Metro Health spokesman Brian Todd told The Star in an email Friday that county officials have already responded to more than 500 complaints since Cooper announced his Safer at Home Order.
“Any retail establishment that is not following the Order can be warned or can be cited (Slider House is an example) and can be fined $50 per infraction. MPHD’s citation would be to Metro Environmental Court,” Todd said.
“And it is there the business could be fined $50 per violation which, depending on the nature of the violation, could [be] $50 per person involved in the violation. For example if a restaurant with a maximum allowable number of 50 people was cited for having 100 people inside, then the establishment could be fined $50 for each person over the allowable capacity.”
As The Tennessee Star reported last month, Cooper issued a four-phased plan to reopen Nashville’s economy.
According to ASafeNashville.org, for each of the four phases Nashville is in, city officials will only advance to the next phase if the area meets one of two benchmarks. The website said either the number of COVID-19 cases in Davidson County must remain stable or the number must decline over a 14-day period.
Caldwell said Friday that county officials have ample resources to police all of Nashville’s businesses.
“We will hire up to 20 additional environmental health investigators,” Caldwell said.
“This will complement our already existing team of 10 to assess and to ensure compliance with our Phase One reopening.”
Caldwell also said people who want to complain about a local business can file a report at the county government’s website.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Metro Nashville Police Car” by Nashville.gov.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-09--Commentary: Is the CDC Meddling with the 2020 Election?

The coronavirus crisis is reaping big political benefits for Democrats .
President Trump ’ s signature achievement—a booming economy with record low unemployment , rising middle-class wages , and a sky-high stock market—lies in tatters .
At least 33 million Americans abruptly and without warning are out of work .
Second-quarter gross domestic product estimates are horrifying , a double-digit dive that the country has never experienced even in the direst economic times .
Americans are scared for their health and fearful of the future .
Neighbors are turning on each other ; the inner tyrant of every state governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been unleashed .
And President Trump has been denied access to his only stimulant—energetic political rallies where he connects directly with supporters across the country .
Instead , the president has been stuck in Washington , D.C. , listening to the advice of “ experts ” who used fraudulent models to convince him in late March to “ shut down ” the country .
Trump ’ s rival , Joe Biden , has been safely shuttered away in his home studio where he struggles to read teleprompter scripts or offer articulate responses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic National Convention has been canceled so the American electorate won ’ t be able to assess Biden ’ s frailty and incoherence on a national stage a few months before Election Day .
At the same time , near-daily disclosures confirm that corrupt federal prosecutors and cops loyal to Barack Obama targeted Trump associates to sabotage his 2016 candidacy and then derail his presidency under the ruse of Russian election collusion .
The two events , anyone who has been paying attention over the past five years certainly realizes , are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming clear that the coronavirus crisis may succeed where the Russia collusion hoax failed : To oust Donald Trump from the Oval Office .
And the Centers for Disease Control is looking more and more like the 2020 version of James Comey ’ s FBI .
The agency that foisted the disastrous experiment of “ social distancing ” on 330 million unwitting American lab rats continues to inveigh on matters far beyond its purview or expertise .
Not satisfied with throwing tens of millions of American workers on the unemployment line or forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of school with its initial “ Flatten the Curve ” plan immediately followed by its “ Slow the Spread ” plan , the CDC has prepared yet another outlandish plan to prolong the nation ’ s misery .
The document was leaked to the press last week and published by the Associated Press on Thursday sourced by—surprise !
—an anonymous government official who was “ not authorized to speak to reporters.
” ( Stop me if you ’ ve heard this before or a gazillion times in the Trump era . )
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site-specific decisions related to reopening schools , restaurants , summer camps , churches , daycare centers and other institutions , ” the AP reported .
“ It had been widely shared within the CDC and included detailed ‘ decision trees , ’ flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios.
” As one would expect , the guidance is a labyrinth of costly , unconstitutional , and draconian recommendations that would result in a permanent paranoid police state for the foreseeable future .
Our children would be turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class parties , and extracurricular activities would be canceled , cafeterias would close , and classmates seated six feet apart in some sort of educational dystopia .
“ If a cafeteria is or group dining room is typically used , serve meals in classrooms instead .
Consider keeping classes together to include the same group of children each day.
” Rather than join hands in prayer or extend blessings of peace with fellow congregants , churchgoers would wear masks and stand six feet apart .
Church-centered celebrations would move online .
“ Consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance limited or be held virtually if social distancing is difficult , such as funerals , weddings , religious education classes , youth events , support groups and other programming.
” Choirs and musical ensembles would be canceled .
( If this doesn ’ t make you wonder what sort of heartless sadists populate powerful government agencies , nothing will . )
The clergy is encouraged to conduct “ virtual ” visits , except for last rites .
Bars and restaurants , the lifeblood of the country ’ s social life and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would lose any modicum of fun or fellowship .
In fact , bars would really never reopen and restaurants would more resemble the TSA line at the airport than the enjoyable experience with friends and family we all remember .
“ Consider reducing occupancy and limiting the size of parties dining in together .
.
.
all tables and bar stools six feet apart.
” ( Aside from being cruel , these bureaucrats apparently have no friends , either . )
This wholly unrealistic approach would replace the center of people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virus .
Every action would be calculated against the nonstop threat of a disease that is proving to be far less lethal to the general public than predicted .
The government , not the individual , would demand compliance for the benefit of the “ common good , ” the feigned moral imperative of every power-lusting authoritarian in political history .
It is a prescription for despair .
The White House , mercifully and wisely , has shelved the plan .
But it ’ s hard to see the proposal as anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depressed , isolated , and angry throughout the year , manifesting itself in a rebellion at the ballot box this November against the man allegedly responsible for causing so much misery—Donald Trump .
This latest guidance , however , isn ’ t the only politically-motivated stunt coming from the CDC .
The agency has published a series of voting recommendations that fulfill long-sought goals of the Democratic Party .
This includes mail-in ballots and early voting .
“ Encourage drive-up voting for eligible voters if allowed in the jurisdiction , ” the guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from nursing homes , long-term care facilities , and senior living residences , to minimize COVID-19 exposure among older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions.
” ( Trump won voters 65 and older in 2016 . )
Mail-in ballots are broadly supported by Democrats , including the party ’ s doyenne , Michelle Obama , who is publicly voicing support for legislation permitting nationwide absentee voting .
The former first lady joined other Democrats in condemning Wisconsin ’ s in-person primary last month .
“ Today , Wisconsin voters had to choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves and their family safe , ” Obama tweeted on April 7 .
“ No American should ever have to make that choice .
We must do better to ensure voting is safe for all voters.
” Her husband followed up a few days later .
“ Everyone should have the right to vote safely , and we have the power to make that happen , ” the former president tweeted on April 10 .
“ Let ’ s not use the tragedy of a pandemic to compromise our democracy .
Check the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be plenty of reason to be highly suspicious of the CDC ’ s uninvited meddling in the 2020 election .
A column in RealClearPolitics on Wednesday detailed the protracted debacle that could ensue following a mail-in election .
“ You ’ re looking at a prescription for mail-in mayhem and vote-counting chaos , ” Adam Goodwin wrote .
“ First ballots will be counted ( and re-counted ) well beyond Election Day , meaning no immediate winner , no instant gratification , no balloon drops in hotel ballrooms .
The impatience will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate result will teeter .
Next , in those critical swing states where declarations are made about who won and lost , the lawsuits will flow built upon a common gripe : the vote itself is flawed , incomplete , and wrong , if not manipulated , corrupted or rigged.
” The Justice Department , CIA , and FBI abused their power and authority to try to sway the 2016 election by seeding fear that Donald Trump was a Russian stooge and his associates were Kremlin agents .
Four years later , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The last thing the country needs is a repeated attempt—with far more devastating consequences—by partisan bad actors in Atlanta .
The White House would be well advised to empty out that agency before it ’ s too late .
Julie Kelly is a political commentator and senior contributor to American Greatness .

by Julie Kelly
The coronavirus crisis is reaping big political benefits for Democrats. President Trump’s signature achievement—a booming economy with record low unemployment, rising middle-class wages, and a sky-high stock market—lies in tatters. At least 33 million Americans abruptly and without warning are out of work. Second-quarter gross domestic product estimates are horrifying, a double-digit dive that the country has never experienced even in the direst economic times.
Americans are scared for their health and fearful of the future. Neighbors are turning on each other; the inner tyrant of every state governor, mayor, and police officer has been unleashed. And President Trump has been denied access to his only stimulant—energetic political rallies where he connects directly with supporters across the country.
Instead, the president has been stuck in Washington, D.C., listening to the advice of “experts” who used fraudulent models to convince him in late March to “shut down” the country.
Trump’s rival, Joe Biden, has been safely shuttered away in his home studio where he struggles to read teleprompter scripts or offer articulate responses to softball questions from late-night hosts. The Democratic National Convention has been canceled so the American electorate won’t be able to assess Biden’s frailty and incoherence on a national stage a few months before Election Day.
At the same time, near-daily disclosures confirm that corrupt federal prosecutors and cops loyal to Barack Obama targeted Trump associates to sabotage his 2016 candidacy and then derail his presidency under the ruse of Russian election collusion.
The two events, anyone who has been paying attention over the past five years certainly realizes, are not unrelated. Moreover, it’s becoming clear that the coronavirus crisis may succeed where the Russia collusion hoax failed: To oust Donald Trump from the Oval Office.
Prolonging the Nation’s Misery
And the Centers for Disease Control is looking more and more like the 2020 version of James Comey’s FBI. The agency that foisted the disastrous experiment of “social distancing” on 330 million unwitting American lab rats continues to inveigh on matters far beyond its purview or expertise.
Not satisfied with throwing tens of millions of American workers on the unemployment line or forcing tens of millions of American students out of school with its initial “Flatten the Curve” plan immediately followed by its “Slow the Spread” plan, the CDC has prepared yet another outlandish plan to prolong the nation’s misery.
The document was leaked to the press last week and published by the Associated Press on Thursday sourced by—surprise!—an anonymous government official who was “not authorized to speak to reporters.” (Stop me if you’ve heard this before or a gazillion times in the Trump era.)
“The guidance contained detailed advice for making site-specific decisions related to reopening schools, restaurants, summer camps, churches, daycare centers and other institutions,” the AP reported. “It had been widely shared within the CDC and included detailed ‘decision trees,’ flow charts to be used by local officials to think through different scenarios.”
As one would expect, the guidance is a labyrinth of costly, unconstitutional, and draconian recommendations that would result in a permanent paranoid police state for the foreseeable future.
Our children would be turned into obsessive-compulsive cultists; field trips, class parties, and extracurricular activities would be canceled, cafeterias would close, and classmates seated six feet apart in some sort of educational dystopia.
“If a cafeteria is or group dining room is typically used, serve meals in classrooms instead. Consider keeping classes together to include the same group of children each day.”
Rather than join hands in prayer or extend blessings of peace with fellow congregants, churchgoers would wear masks and stand six feet apart. Church-centered celebrations would move online.
“Consider whether other gatherings may have to have attendance limited or be held virtually if social distancing is difficult, such as funerals, weddings, religious education classes, youth events, support groups and other programming.”
Choirs and musical ensembles would be canceled. (If this doesn’t make you wonder what sort of heartless sadists populate powerful government agencies, nothing will.) The clergy is encouraged to conduct “virtual” visits, except for last rites.
Bars and restaurants, the lifeblood of the country’s social life and the livelihood for millions of small business owners, would lose any modicum of fun or fellowship. In fact, bars would really never reopen and restaurants would more resemble the TSA line at the airport than the enjoyable experience with friends and family we all remember.
“Consider reducing occupancy and limiting the size of parties dining in together . . . all tables and bar stools six feet apart.” (Aside from being cruel, these bureaucrats apparently have no friends, either.)
More Political Stunts
This wholly unrealistic approach would replace the center of people’s lives—family, faith, and friends—with a virus. Every action would be calculated against the nonstop threat of a disease that is proving to be far less lethal to the general public than predicted. The government, not the individual, would demand compliance for the benefit of the “common good,” the feigned moral imperative of every power-lusting authoritarian in political history.
It is a prescription for despair.
The White House, mercifully and wisely, has shelved the plan. But it’s hard to see the proposal as anything but an egregious attempt to keep Americans depressed, isolated, and angry throughout the year, manifesting itself in a rebellion at the ballot box this November against the man allegedly responsible for causing so much misery—Donald Trump.
This latest guidance, however, isn’t the only politically-motivated stunt coming from the CDC. The agency has published a series of voting recommendations that fulfill long-sought goals of the Democratic Party. This includes mail-in ballots and early voting.
“Encourage drive-up voting for eligible voters if allowed in the jurisdiction,” the guidance reads. “Encourage relocating polling places from nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and senior living residences, to minimize COVID-19 exposure among older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions.” (Trump won voters 65 and older in 2016.)
Mail-in ballots are broadly supported by Democrats, including the party’s doyenne, Michelle Obama, who is publicly voicing support for legislation permitting nationwide absentee voting. The former first lady joined other Democrats in condemning Wisconsin’s in-person primary last month.
“Today, Wisconsin voters had to choose between making their voice heard and keeping themselves and their family safe,” Obama tweeted on April 7. “No American should ever have to make that choice. We must do better to ensure voting is safe for all voters.”
Her husband followed up a few days later. “Everyone should have the right to vote safely, and we have the power to make that happen,” the former president tweeted on April 10. “Let’s not use the tragedy of a pandemic to compromise our democracy. Check the facts of vote by mail.”
That should be plenty of reason to be highly suspicious of the CDC’s uninvited meddling in the 2020 election. A column in RealClearPolitics on Wednesday detailed the protracted debacle that could ensue following a mail-in election.
“You’re looking at a prescription for mail-in mayhem and vote-counting chaos,” Adam Goodwin wrote. “First ballots will be counted (and re-counted) well beyond Election Day, meaning no immediate winner, no instant gratification, no balloon drops in hotel ballrooms. The impatience will build as quickly as faith in an accurate result will teeter. Next, in those critical swing states where declarations are made about who won and lost, the lawsuits will flow built upon a common gripe: the vote itself is flawed, incomplete, and wrong, if not manipulated, corrupted or rigged.”
The Justice Department, CIA, and FBI abused their power and authority to try to sway the 2016 election by seeding fear that Donald Trump was a Russian stooge and his associates were Kremlin agents. Four years later, we are still sorting out that mess.
The last thing the country needs is a repeated attempt—with far more devastating consequences—by partisan bad actors in Atlanta. The White House would be well advised to empty out that agency before it’s too late.
– – –
Julie Kelly is a political commentator and senior contributor to American Greatness.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-09--Steve Bannon Presents ‘Descent into Hell – The Chinese People: Voices of Defiance’

An all new LIVE STREAM of Descent into Hell – The Chinese People : Voices of Defiance starts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday .
Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon began the daily War Room : Pandemic radio show and podcast on January 25 , when news of the virus was just beginning to leak out of China around the Lunar New Year .
Bannon and co-hosts bring listeners exclusive analysis and breaking updates from top medical , public health , economic , national security , supply chain and geopolitical experts weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s broadcast partners are America ’ s Voice News , the John Fredericks Radio Network , Salem Media Group , and Newsmax TV and the podcast is available on Apple , Spotify , Stitcher , SoundCloud , and Google Play .
You can watch past episodes here .
Previously , Bannon hosted a series of three , two-hour long special programs entitled Descent into Hell : The Chinese People Confront the CCP .
The groundbreaking specials aired live on the John Fredericks Radio Network , America ’ s Voice Network , Dish TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ND TV , GTV and GNews in Mandarin .
For more information , visit www.pandemic.warroom.org and @ WarRoomPandemic .

An all new LIVE STREAM of Descent into Hell – The Chinese People: Voices of Defiance starts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday.
Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon began the daily War Room: Pandemic radio show and podcast on January 25, when news of the virus was just beginning to leak out of China around the Lunar New Year. Bannon and co-hosts bring listeners exclusive analysis and breaking updates from top medical, public health, economic, national security, supply chain and geopolitical experts weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET.
The show’s broadcast partners are America’s Voice News, the John Fredericks Radio Network, Salem Media Group, and Newsmax TV and the podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, and Google Play.
You can watch past episodes here.
Episode 167: 10 a.m. ET livestream link:
Episode 168: 11 a.m. ET livestream link:
Previously, Bannon hosted a series of three, two-hour long special programs entitled Descent into Hell: The Chinese People Confront the CCP.
The groundbreaking specials aired live on the John Fredericks Radio Network, America’s Voice Network, Dish TV Channel 219, The Epoch Times, ND TV, GTV and GNews in Mandarin.
For more information, visit www.pandemic.warroom.org and @WarRoomPandemic.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-09--Illegal Crossings Plummet as Coronavirus Pandemic Shuts Down Border

Arrests along the U.S.-Mexico border in April dropped to some of their lowest levels in several years after the Trump administration restricted border crossings due to the coronavirus pandemic .
There were a total of 16,789 enforcement actions on the U.S. southern border during April , according to the latest data provided by Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) .
That figure marks a 50 % drop in enforcement actions compared to March , and a substantial decline from the more than 109,000 actions taken in April 2019 .
Enforcement actions are now at their lowest since April 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by CBP agents and individuals who were turned away at the border .
When broken down , agents in April made 15,862 apprehensions and turned away 927 individuals who appeared at the border .
The precipitous decline comes after President Donald Trump declared both the northern and southern borders effectively closed to all non-essential traffic .
The order , first announced March 20 and extended for another 30 days on April 20 , only permits “ essential ” cross-border movement .
This consists of travel for medical and educational purposes , emergency response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone engaged in “ lawful cross-border trade.
” Notably , the order strictly prohibits the entrance of any individual who does not have proper documentation or illegal entrants .
All illegal immigrants are ordered to be immediately turned back when possible .
Border Patrol agents have long used Title 8 to apprehend and detain foreign nationals who illegally cross into the U.S. , and this authority is still being utilized .
Since the border shut down , agents have also utilized authority under Title 42 , which allows for the swift process and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Title 42 are intended to be kept out of facilities where they are “ encountered , ” carrying less legal ramification than an “ apprehension.
” These aliens are also not “ deported , ” but technically “ expelled , ” a process that can be conducted much faster .
Title 42 was wielded prolifically in April , according to CBP ’ s latest data .
Of the 15,862 apprehensions made last month , 14,416 were expelled under Title 42 and only 1,446 were apprehend under Title 8 .
The data suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the border are being swiftly turned back instead of being processed at facilities where they risk spreading the coronavirus .
Jason Hopkins is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Jason Hopkins
Arrests along the U.S.-Mexico border in April dropped to some of their lowest levels in several years after the Trump administration restricted border crossings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There were a total of 16,789 enforcement actions on the U.S. southern border during April, according to the latest data provided by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). That figure marks a 50% drop in enforcement actions compared to March, and a substantial decline from the more than 109,000 actions taken in April 2019. Enforcement actions are now at their lowest since April 2017.
Enforcement actions include both apprehensions made by CBP agents and individuals who were turned away at the border. When broken down, agents in April made 15,862 apprehensions and turned away 927 individuals who appeared at the border.
The precipitous decline comes after President Donald Trump declared both the northern and southern borders effectively closed to all non-essential traffic.
The order, first announced March 20 and extended for another 30 days on April 20, only permits “essential” cross-border movement. This consists of travel for medical and educational purposes, emergency response operations, public health services, and anyone engaged in “lawful cross-border trade.”
Notably, the order strictly prohibits the entrance of any individual who does not have proper documentation or illegal entrants. All illegal immigrants are ordered to be immediately turned back when possible.
Border Patrol agents have long used Title 8 to apprehend and detain foreign nationals who illegally cross into the U.S., and this authority is still being utilized. Since the border shut down, agents have also utilized authority under Title 42, which allows for the swift process and return of illegal entrants.
Aliens processed under Title 42 are intended to be kept out of facilities where they are “encountered,” carrying less legal ramification than an “apprehension.” These aliens are also not “deported,” but technically “expelled,” a process that can be conducted much faster.
Title 42 was wielded prolifically in April, according to CBP’s latest data.
Of the 15,862 apprehensions made last month, 14,416 were expelled under Title 42 and only 1,446 were apprehend under Title 8. The data suggest the vast majority of illegal aliens appearing before the border are being swiftly turned back instead of being processed at facilities where they risk spreading the coronavirus.
– – –
Jason Hopkins is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-09--Former Tennessean Editor Clint Brewer Discusses Facebook Giving Grants to News Organizations

Former journalist and current public affairs strategist Clint Brewer joined The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – Friday morning on the newsmakers line .
During the second hour , Brewer weighed in on Facebook ’ s recent grants to local and national organizations which ironically were all left-leaning .
He questioned why any self-respecting news outlet would want to take a grant when they should be figuring out ways to increase their business on their own adding that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objectively .
Leahy : We are joined by our good friend .
A former journalist and current public strategist and all-around good guy .
All-star panelist Clint Brewer .
Clint , you and I talked and I asked you to consider what Facebook is doing in a private conversation a couple of weeks ago .
And I said , “ Hey look at what the Facebook propaganda project is doing .
I mean the Facebook journalism project is doing.
” ( Laughs ) And I said , “ My goodness , why would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why would anybody apply for a Facebook journalism grant ?
” Well because they have the same world view which is basically left-wing liberal .
They just announced $ 16 million in funding to local journalists .
We did not apply because there is no way you could maintain your journalistic integrity and take money from Facebook .
Let me tell you who got the money from Facebook here .
Hint , none of them are Conservatives .
( Laughs ) The Daily Memphian got $ 75,000 .
The Justice Through Journalism Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Radio got $ 100,000 .
Out and About in Nashville got $ 69,000 .
And the New Tri-State Defender in Memphis got $ 50,000 .
I don ’ t know anything about those guys but they sound like they ’ re liberal .
I ’ m just curious why these guys apply and take the money .
And doesn ’ t it make them unable to report at all with any objectiveness about any objectivity about Facebook ?
Brewer : Yeah , I got a lot of mixed feelings about this project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that some of these organizations or the scope and the size of their news operations are such that they are sort of intensely local .
So I don ’ t know that they ’ re going to be diving into national policy to regulating consumer internet platforms .
The Tri-State Defender in Memphis is one of the oldest black newspapers in the country .
And it was incredibly active and important during the civil rights era back when American newspapers were frankly kind of dangerous .
Brewer : I think there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truly hyper-local publications who are never going to cover Facebook .
They ’ re just not .
You guys are different .
You delve into national policy .
You ’ re in multiple states .
But then I look at it like the Los Angeles Times got money .
Brewer : It ’ s not even about journalistic objectivity to me .
It ’ s more like how come the industry doesn ’ t just get back to the point where they can learn how to make money again .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you want to safeguard journalism in America then the people who run these businesses , they ’ re not charities they are still businesses , need to figure out how to make money again .
Some of these are large news organizations that are almost kind of embarrassing that they are taking a grant from Facebook .
They ought to be able to stand up their businesses on their own .
It ’ s almost like waving the white flag claiming we don ’ t know how to be capitalists anymore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see who ’ s asked and received them .
This is like saying , we give up .
Leahy : Part of the reason I think is if you look at digital advertising now about two-thirds of the revenue goes more to Google and Facebook .
Brewer : Yes , they are huge .
They dominate every part of the state .
It just seems odd to me that some national news organizations are taking grants from anybody .
It seems counter-intuitive to what they are supposed to do .
Leahy : We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the big competition there is the Minnesota Star Tribune .
They took $ 150,000 from Facebook .
( Laughs ) Brewer : The Star Tribune has done some great investigative work over the years .
It ’ s a paper that setting politics aside and has done good work off and on over the decades .
Leahy : More off than on recently .
( Chuckles ) Brewer : I just know people who ’ ve worked there and know it to be quality journalists .
But what bothers me about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but some of these news organizations felt they needed to do it all .
The ownness is kind of on the news organizations as to why would you apply for that when you might be writing about them ?
Why would you apply for that when you ought to be out there learning to make the money yourself .
Leahy : The Boston Globe took another $ 150,000 from Facebook .
( Laughs ) Brewer : Those are national brand news organizations .
It perplexes me .
It really does .
Leahy : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , “ Look I can ’ t prove it in a court of law but I absolutely believe that Facebook is throttling our site because they don ’ t like our politics.
” You ’ ll see sometimes they kind of do this periodically with test runs and sometimes they throttle you and sometimes they let you go .
But basically they don ’ t like our message .
I can guarantee you that Google has removed The Tennessee Star from its business news search because they don ’ t like what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just pure censorship .
I think ultimately where we need to go is anti-trust litigation against them because to my mind they are in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act because they have , in effect , not a complete monopoly , but pretty close to an oligopoly in part because of the technology and in part that backbone by government federal funding .
What do you think of the possibility of such an anti-trust lawsuit being brought against them ?
Brewer : I think the possibility is low .
I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
Traditionally anti-trust activities have been brought on by the federal government , right ?
Brewer : Usually you get one or more cabinet-level departments involved .
Usually , you have some activist Senators or House Chairman who decide there need to be hearings on it .
It hasn ’ t happened in a while particularly in the communications space .
Breaking up MaBell in the late 80s is the last time this happened ?
I just don ’ t know if there is a modern-day template for it anymore .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to happen at a national level before elected officials of any administration , the last one , this one , and the next one would get the courage to do it .
Because you know , there are very prevalent platforms and deciding to take them on would be a huge fight .
A very big fight .
Leahy : I agree with you .
This means entrepreneurial news outlets like The Tennesee Star and our company Star News Digital Media we just need to be more focused and harder working and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works .
It ’ s working well in Tennessee and we ’ re starting to expand it in other states as well .
Clint Brewer , thanks so much for joining us .
And we will see you at Peg Leg Porker in some time in the next week or so .
And then hopefully next week in the studio when we figure out which schedule fits best for your timeline .
Brewer : Sounds good to me man .
I ’ m looking forward to it .
Listen to the full second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .

Former journalist and current public affairs strategist Clint Brewer joined The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – Friday morning on the newsmakers line.
During the second hour, Brewer weighed in on Facebook’s recent grants to local and national organizations which ironically were all left-leaning. He questioned why any self-respecting news outlet would want to take a grant when they should be figuring out ways to increase their business on their own adding that this would prevent them from reporting on Facebook objectively.
Leahy: We are joined by our good friend. A former journalist and current public strategist and all-around good guy. All-star panelist Clint Brewer. Clint, you and I talked and I asked you to consider what Facebook is doing in a private conversation a couple of weeks ago.
And I said, “Hey look at what the Facebook propaganda project is doing. I mean the Facebook journalism project is doing.” (Laughs) And I said, “My goodness, why would anybody who values their journalistic objectivism, why would anybody apply for a Facebook journalism grant?”
Well because they have the same world view which is basically left-wing liberal. They just announced $16 million in funding to local journalists. We did not apply because there is no way you could maintain your journalistic integrity and take money from Facebook. Let me tell you who got the money from Facebook here.
Hint, none of them are Conservatives. (Laughs) The Daily Memphian got $75,000. The Justice Through Journalism Project in Memphis got $72,000. Nashville Public Radio got $100,000. Out and About in Nashville got $69,000. And the New Tri-State Defender in Memphis got $50,000.
I don’t know anything about those guys but they sound like they’re liberal. I’m just curious why these guys apply and take the money. And doesn’t it make them unable to report at all with any objectiveness about any objectivity about Facebook?
Brewer: Yeah, I got a lot of mixed feelings about this project. I guess what I would say is that some of these organizations or the scope and the size of their news operations are such that they are sort of intensely local. So I don’t know that they’re going to be diving into national policy to regulating consumer internet platforms.
The Tri-State Defender in Memphis is one of the oldest black newspapers in the country. And it was incredibly active and important during the civil rights era back when American newspapers were frankly kind of dangerous.
Leahy: Yes.
Brewer: I think there is some merit in some of these grants to truly hyper-local publications who are never going to cover Facebook. They’re just not. You guys are different. You delve into national policy. You’re in multiple states. But then I look at it like the Los Angeles Times got money.
Leahy: Yeah!
Brewer: It’s not even about journalistic objectivity to me. It’s more like how come the industry doesn’t just get back to the point where they can learn how to make money again. That’s the safest thing you could do. If you want to safeguard journalism in America then the people who run these businesses, they’re not charities they are still businesses, need to figure out how to make money again.
Some of these are large news organizations that are almost kind of embarrassing that they are taking a grant from Facebook. They ought to be able to stand up their businesses on their own. It’s almost like waving the white flag claiming we don’t know how to be capitalists anymore. It’s just disappointing to see who’s asked and received them. This is like saying, we give up.
Leahy: Yes.
Brewer: We can’t make ends meet anymore.
Leahy: Part of the reason I think is if you look at digital advertising now about two-thirds of the revenue goes more to Google and Facebook.
Brewer: Yes, they are huge. They dominate every part of the state. It just seems odd to me that some national news organizations are taking grants from anybody. It seems counter-intuitive to what they are supposed to do.
Leahy: We own The Minnesota Sun in Minnesota. And the big competition there is the Minnesota Star Tribune. They took $150,000 from Facebook. (Laughs)
Brewer: The Star Tribune has done some great investigative work over the years. It’s a paper that setting politics aside and has done good work off and on over the decades.
Leahy: More off than on recently. (Chuckles)
Brewer: I just know people who’ve worked there and know it to be quality journalists. But what bothers me about it is not favoring left-wing or favoring right-wing but some of these news organizations felt they needed to do it all. The ownness is kind of on the news organizations as to why would you apply for that when you might be writing about them? Why would you apply for that when you ought to be out there learning to make the money yourself.
Leahy: The Boston Globe took another $150,000 from Facebook. (Laughs)
Brewer: Those are national brand news organizations. It perplexes me. It really does.
Leahy: And I look at this and I say, “Look I can’t prove it in a court of law but I absolutely believe that Facebook is throttling our site because they don’t like our politics.” You’ll see sometimes they kind of do this periodically with test runs and sometimes they throttle you and sometimes they let you go. But basically they don’t like our message. I can guarantee you that Google has removed The Tennessee Star from its business news search because they don’t like what we’re doing.
This is just pure censorship. I think ultimately where we need to go is anti-trust litigation against them because to my mind they are in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act because they have, in effect, not a complete monopoly, but pretty close to an oligopoly in part because of the technology and in part that backbone by government federal funding. What do you think of the possibility of such an anti-trust lawsuit being brought against them?
Brewer: I think the possibility is low. I think we’ve discussed this before on the show. Traditionally anti-trust activities have been brought on by the federal government, right?
Leahy: Right.
Brewer: Usually you get one or more cabinet-level departments involved. Usually, you have some activist Senators or House Chairman who decide there need to be hearings on it. It hasn’t happened in a while particularly in the communications space. Breaking up MaBell in the late 80s is the last time this happened?
I just don’t know if there is a modern-day template for it anymore. It would really really, something egregious would have to happen at a national level before elected officials of any administration, the last one, this one, and the next one would get the courage to do it. Because you know, there are very prevalent platforms and deciding to take them on would be a huge fight. A very big fight.
Leahy: I agree with you. This means entrepreneurial news outlets like The Tennesee Star and our company Star News Digital Media we just need to be more focused and harder working and better able to find a model that works. It’s working well in Tennessee and we’re starting to expand it in other states as well.
Clint Brewer, thanks so much for joining us. And we will see you at Peg Leg Porker in some time in the next week or so. And then hopefully next week in the studio when we figure out which schedule fits best for your timeline.
Brewer: Sounds good to me man. I’m looking forward to it.
Listen to the full second hour here:

– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-09--Bill Hagerty Delivers Statement on Michael Flynn

U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty has released a statement after the Department of Justice dropped criminal cases against General Michael Flynn .
This , after an internal memo raised serious questions about the nature of the investigation .
“ After years of political harassment and abuse , General Michael Flynn , a war hero , has been exonerated , ” Hagerty said in a press release .
“ Dirty Cop James Comey and his Obama-Biden allies must address their entrapment of General Flynn , which ruined his life .
Their actions are unacceptable and the American people deserve answers.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the United States Department of Justice ( DOJ ) filed a motion on Thursday to dismiss its case against Michael Flynn .
“ The United States of America hereby moves to dismiss with prejudice the criminal information filed against Michael T. Flynn pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 48 ( a ) , the motion reads .
“ The Government has determined , pursuant to the Principles of Federal Prosecution and based on extensive review and careful consideration of the circumstances , that continued prosecution of this case would not serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case , including newly discovered and disclosed information appended to the defendant ’ s supplemental pleadings … .
the Government has concluded that the interview of Mr. Flynn was untethered to , and unjustified by , the FBI ’ s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn.
” The motion also says that the interview the FBI conducted with Flynn on January 23 , 2017 , did not have a “ legitimate investigative basis.
” As a result , the DOJ said the statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview were “ material even if untrue.
” This DOJ decision comes after FBI internal documents that were released on April 29 showed the agency ’ s real intentions .
Also happening Thursday , it was announced that Mueller and DOJ prosecutor Brandon Van Grack withdrew himself from the Flynn case .
No reason was given as to why he departed .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Background Photo “ DOJ Building ” by Baseball @ @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty has released a statement after the Department of Justice dropped criminal cases against General Michael Flynn.
This, after an internal memo raised serious questions about the nature of the investigation.
“After years of political harassment and abuse, General Michael Flynn, a war hero, has been exonerated,” Hagerty said in a press release.
“Dirty Cop James Comey and his Obama-Biden allies must address their entrapment of General Flynn, which ruined his life. Their actions are unacceptable and the American people deserve answers.”
As The Tennessee Star reported this week, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a motion on Thursday to dismiss its case against Michael Flynn.
“The United States of America hereby moves to dismiss with prejudice the criminal information filed against Michael T. Flynn pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 48(a), the motion reads. “The Government has determined, pursuant to the Principles of Federal Prosecution and based on extensive review and careful consideration of the circumstances, that continued prosecution of this case would not serve the interests of justice.”
“After a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case, including newly discovered and disclosed information appended to the defendant’s supplemental pleadings …. the Government has concluded that the interview of Mr. Flynn was untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn.”
The motion also says that the interview the FBI conducted with Flynn on January 23, 2017, did not have a “legitimate investigative basis.” As a result, the DOJ said the statements Flynn provided the FBI during this January interview were “material even if untrue.”
This DOJ decision comes after FBI internal documents that were released on April 29 showed the agency’s real intentions.
Also happening Thursday, it was announced that Mueller and DOJ prosecutor Brandon Van Grack withdrew himself from the Flynn case. No reason was given as to why he departed.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Background Photo “DOJ Building” by Baseball Watcher. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-09--AG Barr: FBI Under Comey Set a ‘Perjury Trap’ for Michael Flynn

Attorney General William Barr said he believes the FBI under James Comey set a “ perjury trap ” for Michael Flynn , the former national security adviser .
Barr defended the Justice Department ’ s decision to drop charges against Flynn for making false statements to the FBI .
“ It was an easy decision , ” Barr said in an interview with CBS News , which aired Friday .
He added : “ I think easy because once I saw all the facts and some of the tactics used by the FBI in this instance and also the legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an easy decision.
” Documents from the FBI ’ s investigation of Flynn show that Comey “ purposely went around the Justice Department ” in an effort to interview Flynn about his contacts with Russia ’ s ambassador , Barr said .
He cited a Jan. 4 , 2017 , memo that recommended closing a counterintelligence investigation against Flynn that had been open since mid-August 2016 .
Peter Strzok , the FBI deputy chief of counterintelligence , intervened to prevent the investigation from ending .
He wrote in internal FBI messages that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested that the investigation remain open , a reference to the FBI ’ s executive offices .
Strzok interviewed Flynn at the White House on Jan. 24 , 2017 , about his conversation with the Russian ambassador .
Flynn pleaded guilty on Dec. 1 , 2017 , to making false statements in the interview .
He has since retracted his claim to have made false statements , saying he took a plea under pressure from prosecutors who threatened to charge his son with crimes .
Barr questioned the FBI ’ s rationale for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a transcript of Flynn ’ s phone calls with the ambassador , Sergey Kislyak , he noted .
“ There was nothing wrong with it whatever .
In fact , it was laudable , ” Barr said .
“ So there was no mystery about the call.
” FBI officials kept the counterintelligence investigation open for the “ express purpose of trying to catch , lay a perjury trap for General Flynn , ” he said .
“ They didn ’ t warn him the way we usually would be required by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They bypassed the Justice Department .
They bypassed the protocols at the White House and so forth .
These were things that persuaded me that there was not a legitimate counterintelligence investigation going on .
”

by Chuck Ross
Attorney General William Barr said he believes the FBI under James Comey set a “perjury trap” for Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser.
Barr defended the Justice Department’s decision to drop charges against Flynn for making false statements to the FBI.
“It was an easy decision,” Barr said in an interview with CBS News, which aired Friday.
He added: “I think easy because once I saw all the facts and some of the tactics used by the FBI in this instance and also the legal problems with the case, it was an easy decision.”
Documents from the FBI’s investigation of Flynn show that Comey “purposely went around the Justice Department” in an effort to interview Flynn about his contacts with Russia’s ambassador, Barr said.
He cited a Jan. 4, 2017, memo that recommended closing a counterintelligence investigation against Flynn that had been open since mid-August 2016.
Peter Strzok, the FBI deputy chief of counterintelligence, intervened to prevent the investigation from ending. He wrote in internal FBI messages that the bureau’s “7th floor” requested that the investigation remain open, a reference to the FBI’s executive offices.
Strzok interviewed Flynn at the White House on Jan. 24, 2017, about his conversation with the Russian ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2017, to making false statements in the interview. He has since retracted his claim to have made false statements, saying he took a plea under pressure from prosecutors who threatened to charge his son with crimes.
Barr questioned the FBI’s rationale for the Flynn interview. The FBI already had a transcript of Flynn’s phone calls with the ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, he noted.
“There was nothing wrong with it whatever. In fact, it was laudable,” Barr said. “So there was no mystery about the call.”
FBI officials kept the counterintelligence investigation open for the “express purpose of trying to catch, lay a perjury trap for General Flynn,” he said.
“They didn’t warn him the way we usually would be required by the department,” Barr said.
“They bypassed the Justice Department. They bypassed the protocols at the White House and so forth. These were things that persuaded me that there was not a legitimate counterintelligence investigation going on.”
– – – Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Background Photo “DOJ Building” by Another Believer. CC BY-SA 3.0.