thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Judge: Tennessee Must Allow Vote by Mail for All Amid Virus

Tennessee must give all of its 4.1 million registered voters the option to cast ballots by mail during the coronavirus pandemic , a judge ruled Thursday .
Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle ruled that the state ’ s limits on absentee voting during the pandemic constitute “ an unreasonable burden on the fundamental right to vote guaranteed by the Tennessee Constitution.
” The judge wrote that any eligible voter can get an absentee ballot to avoid contracting or passing on COVID-19 in the “ upcoming elections during the pendency of pandemic circumstances.
” The decision upends a determination by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office that fear of catching or unwittingly spreading the virus at the polls wouldn ’ t qualify someone to vote by mail , The state argued such an expansion wouldn ’ t be feasible for the 2020 elections , claiming lack of money , personnel and equipment for increased voting by mail , among other concerns .
The decision requires the state to “ prominently post on their websites and disseminate to County Election Officials that voters who do not wish to vote in-person due to the COVID-19 virus situation are eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or that such voters still have the option to vote in-person during Early voting or on Election Day.
” The judge wrote that the state has taken an “ unapologetic ” position and has relied on “ oddly skewed ” assumptions — including assuming preparations for 100 percent of registered voters to vote absentee if all were allowed — that go against its own expert and industry standards .
Eleven other states , meanwhile , have taken a “ can-do approach ” by relaxing voting by mail restrictions for the 2020 election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by mail for everyone for years , Lyle wrote .
“ When , however , normal industry-recognized assumptions are used , the evidence establishes that the resources are there to provide temporary expanded access to voting by mail in Tennessee during the pandemic if the State provides the leadership and motivation as other states have done , ” the judge wrote .
Hargett spokeswoman Julia Bruck indicated that the fight is expected to head for an appeal .
The attorney general ’ s office blasted the court ’ s decision as failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” within the state ’ s COVID-19 election plan .
“ It is yet another court decision replacing legislation passed by the people ’ s elected officials with its own judgment , largely ignoring the practicalities of implementing such a decision , and doing so in the midst of a pandemic and budget crisis , ” Attorney General Herbert Slatery said in a statement .
Tennessee has more than a dozen categories that qualify someone for an absentee ballot , from being sick to being 60 or older .
The Republican-led Legislature and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of offering absentee ballots to all voters , with lawmakers voting against Democratic expansion proposals more than once this week as they meet during pandemic times .
Instead , state election officials have recommended preparations as though all 1.4 million registered voters 60 and older — about one of every three registered voters — will cast mail-in ballots in the Aug. 6 primary .
Historically , Tennessee has historically seen less than 2.5 percent of votes cast by mail , the state has said .
Several states who have refused have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a federal judge last month ordered absentee voting be made available to any voter in the pandemic .
Tennessee ’ s voter turnout was 14 percent in the August 2016 primary , then almost 62 percent for the November 2016 general election , featuring the presidential election .
In the 2018 non-presidential year , about 30 percent of registered voters turned out for the August primary , and 54 percent in the November election .
Tennessee ’ s August election will be another test case as U.S. states try to safely prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election bid of President Donald Trump , who has been staunchly against opening up absentee voting to everyone during the pandemic .
The state court lawsuits were led by # UpTheVote901 and by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee .
“ This is a major victory for voting rights , said Dale Ho , director of the ACLU ’ s Voting Rights Project .
“ This ruling eliminates the excuse requirement for the 2020 elections , meaning Tennesseans will not have to risk their health in order to vote.
” The Lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Campaign Legal Center have filed a similar federal lawsuit .
Tennessee official : Don ’ t send forms yet for expanded voting Tennessee ’ s election coordinator told his local counterparts Friday not to send absentee voting applications to some Tennesseans just yet , guidance issued the day after a court ordered that all 4.1 million registered voters can vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic .
In his email , Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins told local election officials not to send the applications for people citing illness or COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state may be revising its application form and that it will ask an appeals court to block the expansion to allow all voters to cast ballots by mail during the pandemic .
Those seeking to vote by mail for other valid reasons , including all voters 60 or older , can still be sent applications , Goins wrote .
Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle ’ s ruling late Thursday instructs that anyone who “ determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote in-person at a polling place due to the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box on the absentee ballot application about “ being hospitalized , ill or physically disabled.
” Officials began accepting applications to vote by mail last month for the upcoming Aug. 6 primary election in Tennessee .
“ If a voter calls and ask for an application because of COVID-19 , go ahead and take their information so you can send them a form later with the revised language if we update the form or a stay is not granted , ” Goins wrote Friday morning .
The Tennessee Journal first reported the emails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying it complies with the court ’ s ruling .
But the decision drew criticism from a group that sued for the expansion in a separate federal case , calling the election official ’ s decision “ obstruction and defiance.
” And Democratic state Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro said in a Twitter response that “ court orders are not optional.
” “ The state ’ s order is clear , ” said Kristen Clarke , president of the Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law , which filed one of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstruction and defiance is intended to have one purpose — making it harder for people to vote.
” In a statement to The Associated Press , Goins said state officials “ have communicated to counties that they should maintain requests related to COVID-19 in a way that will allow them to be processed in compliance with the trial court order and any further orders in the case .
We are also in the process of updating our website with further guidance in accordance with the order.
” In the email , Goins also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own forms or put anything on their website about the expansion under the court ruling while his office works on language for its website .
The site was updated later Friday with the required notice about the court order .
The court ’ s ruling requires that state officials “ prominently post on their websites and disseminate to County Election Officials that voters who do not wish to vote in-person due to the COVID-19 virus situation are eligible to request an absentee ballot by mail or that such voters still have the option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Election Day.
” Lyle ruled that the state ’ s limits on absentee voting during the pandemic constitute “ an unreasonable burden on the fundamental right to vote guaranteed by the Tennessee Constitution.
” The judge wrote that any eligible voter can get an absentee ballot to avoid contracting or passing on COVID-19 in the “ upcoming elections during the pendency of pandemic circumstances.
” Eleven other states have relaxed voting by mail restrictions for the 2020 election , while two-thirds of states have allowed vote by mail for everyone for years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upends a determination by Republican Secretary of State Tre Hargett ’ s office that fear of catching or unwittingly spreading the virus at the polls wouldn ’ t qualify someone to vote by mail .
The state argued such an expansion wouldn ’ t be feasible for the 2020 elections , claiming lack of money , personnel and equipment for increased voting by mail , among other concerns .
Jonathan Mattise reports for The Associated Press .
Photo “ Absentee Ballot Drop Off ” by Jeff Knezovich .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Tennessee must give all of its 4.1 million registered voters the option to cast ballots by mail during the coronavirus pandemic, a judge ruled Thursday.
Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle ruled that the state’s limits on absentee voting during the pandemic constitute “an unreasonable burden on the fundamental right to vote guaranteed by the Tennessee Constitution.” The judge wrote that any eligible voter can get an absentee ballot to avoid contracting or passing on COVID-19 in the “upcoming elections during the pendency of pandemic circumstances.”
The decision upends a determination by Republican Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office that fear of catching or unwittingly spreading the virus at the polls wouldn’t qualify someone to vote by mail, The state argued such an expansion wouldn’t be feasible for the 2020 elections, claiming lack of money, personnel and equipment for increased voting by mail, among other concerns.
The decision requires the state to “prominently post on their websites and disseminate to County Election Officials that voters who do not wish to vote in-person due to the COVID-19 virus situation are eligible to request an absentee ballot by mail or that such voters still have the option to vote in-person during Early voting or on Election Day.”
The judge wrote that the state has taken an “unapologetic” position and has relied on “oddly skewed” assumptions — including assuming preparations for 100 percent of registered voters to vote absentee if all were allowed — that go against its own expert and industry standards. Eleven other states, meanwhile, have taken a “can-do approach” by relaxing voting by mail restrictions for the 2020 election, while two-thirds of states have allowed vote by mail for everyone for years, Lyle wrote.
“When, however, normal industry-recognized assumptions are used, the evidence establishes that the resources are there to provide temporary expanded access to voting by mail in Tennessee during the pandemic if the State provides the leadership and motivation as other states have done,” the judge wrote.
Hargett spokeswoman Julia Bruck indicated that the fight is expected to head for an appeal. The attorney general’s office blasted the court’s decision as failing to appropriately consider the “extensive safety measures” within the state’s COVID-19 election plan.
“It is yet another court decision replacing legislation passed by the people’s elected officials with its own judgment, largely ignoring the practicalities of implementing such a decision, and doing so in the midst of a pandemic and budget crisis,” Attorney General Herbert Slatery said in a statement.
Tennessee has more than a dozen categories that qualify someone for an absentee ballot, from being sick to being 60 or older.
The Republican-led Legislature and GOP Gov. Bill Lee have dismissed the idea of offering absentee ballots to all voters, with lawmakers voting against Democratic expansion proposals more than once this week as they meet during pandemic times.
Instead, state election officials have recommended preparations as though all 1.4 million registered voters 60 and older — about one of every three registered voters — will cast mail-in ballots in the Aug. 6 primary. Historically, Tennessee has historically seen less than 2.5 percent of votes cast by mail, the state has said.
Several states who have refused have been sued, including Texas, where a federal judge last month ordered absentee voting be made available to any voter in the pandemic.
Tennessee’s voter turnout was 14 percent in the August 2016 primary, then almost 62 percent for the November 2016 general election, featuring the presidential election. In the 2018 non-presidential year, about 30 percent of registered voters turned out for the August primary, and 54 percent in the November election.
Tennessee’s August election will be another test case as U.S. states try to safely prepare for the fall general election highlighted by the re-election bid of President Donald Trump, who has been staunchly against opening up absentee voting to everyone during the pandemic.
The state court lawsuits were led by #UpTheVote901 and by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee.
“This is a major victory for voting rights, said Dale Ho, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project.
“This ruling eliminates the excuse requirement for the 2020 elections, meaning Tennesseans will not have to risk their health in order to vote.”
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Campaign Legal Center have filed a similar federal lawsuit.
Tennessee official: Don’t send forms yet for expanded voting
Tennessee’s election coordinator told his local counterparts Friday not to send absentee voting applications to some Tennesseans just yet, guidance issued the day after a court ordered that all 4.1 million registered voters can vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic.
In his email, Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins told local election officials not to send the applications for people citing illness or COVID-19 as a reason. He wrote that the state may be revising its application form and that it will ask an appeals court to block the expansion to allow all voters to cast ballots by mail during the pandemic.
Those seeking to vote by mail for other valid reasons, including all voters 60 or older, can still be sent applications, Goins wrote.
Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle’s ruling late Thursday instructs that anyone who “determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote in-person at a polling place due to the COVID-19 situation” is eligible to check a box on the absentee ballot application about “being hospitalized, ill or physically disabled.”
Officials began accepting applications to vote by mail last month for the upcoming Aug. 6 primary election in Tennessee.
“If a voter calls and ask for an application because of COVID-19, go ahead and take their information so you can send them a form later with the revised language if we update the form or a stay is not granted,” Goins wrote Friday morning.
The Tennessee Journal first reported the emails.
The state defended the guidance, saying it complies with the court’s ruling. But the decision drew criticism from a group that sued for the expansion in a separate federal case, calling the election official’s decision “obstruction and defiance.” And Democratic state Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro said in a Twitter response that “court orders are not optional.”
“The state’s order is clear,” said Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which filed one of three similar lawsuits.
“This kind of obstruction and defiance is intended to have one purpose — making it harder for people to vote.”
In a statement to The Associated Press, Goins said state officials “have communicated to counties that they should maintain requests related to COVID-19 in a way that will allow them to be processed in compliance with the trial court order and any further orders in the case. We are also in the process of updating our website with further guidance in accordance with the order.”
In the email, Goins also told local officials not to update their own forms or put anything on their website about the expansion under the court ruling while his office works on language for its website. The site was updated later Friday with the required notice about the court order.
The court’s ruling requires that state officials “prominently post on their websites and disseminate to County Election Officials that voters who do not wish to vote in-person due to the COVID-19 virus situation are eligible to request an absentee ballot by mail or that such voters still have the option to vote in-person during Early voting or on Election Day.”
Lyle ruled that the state’s limits on absentee voting during the pandemic constitute “an unreasonable burden on the fundamental right to vote guaranteed by the Tennessee Constitution.” The judge wrote that any eligible voter can get an absentee ballot to avoid contracting or passing on COVID-19 in the “upcoming elections during the pendency of pandemic circumstances.”
Eleven other states have relaxed voting by mail restrictions for the 2020 election, while two-thirds of states have allowed vote by mail for everyone for years, the judge wrote.
The decision upends a determination by Republican Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office that fear of catching or unwittingly spreading the virus at the polls wouldn’t qualify someone to vote by mail. The state argued such an expansion wouldn’t be feasible for the 2020 elections, claiming lack of money, personnel and equipment for increased voting by mail, among other concerns.
– – –
Jonathan Mattise reports for The Associated Press.
Photo “Absentee Ballot Drop Off” by Jeff Knezovich. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Abolishing the Police Is Becoming a More Popular Idea Among Left-Wingers

Support for abolishing or defunding the police is quickly gaining support among left-wingers .
Prominent liberal figures are increasingly embracing the radical idea amid the nationwide protests and violence following the death of George Floyd .
Former Hillary Clinton campaign spokesman Brian Fallon , who now leads left-wing group Demand Justice , tweeted out his support for defunding the police on Wednesday .
Left-wing celebrities , including singer John Legend and women ’ s soccer player Megan Rapinoe , have signed a Black Lives Matter petition that calls for defunding the police .
“ We call for a national defunding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our communities and the resources to ensure Black people not only survive , but thrive , ” reads a May 30 post on Black Lives Matter ’ s website .
A Black Lives Matter protest in Fort Worth , Texas , on Thursday featured a speaker who called for abolishing the local police department .
“ What we are demanding , and what I demand , is that we abolish our law enforcement , ” Black Lives Matter organizer Natasha Nelson said .
A Massachusetts chapter of the United Auto Workers union on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defunding of local police departments , with the redistribution of resources to democratically community-controlled education , healthcare and housing infrastructure.
” The Daily Beast on Thursday published a Harvard University researcher ’ s op-ed titled , “ Disband the police.
” Brooklyn College professor Alex Vitale told Mother Jones magazine in an interview that “ there ’ s been a deepening of analysis among the activists who initially just wanted to jail some killer cops , but then began to see that that would not really fix the problem , ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democratic Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib urged skeptics in a May 31 tweet to “ dig deeper so that the # DefundPolice movement isn ’ t brushed aside.
” Another high-profile freshman Democrat , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York , previously said that America needs to have a “ real conversation ” about abolishing prisons .
“ Mass incarceration is our American reality .
It is a system whose logic evolved from the same lineage as Jim Crow , American apartheid , & slavery , ” she wrote in an October 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to change .
That means we need to have a real conversation about decarceration & prison abolition in this country.
” Peter Hasson is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Protester and Police ” by Lorie Shaull .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Peter Hasson
Support for abolishing or defunding the police is quickly gaining support among left-wingers.
Prominent liberal figures are increasingly embracing the radical idea amid the nationwide protests and violence following the death of George Floyd.
Former Hillary Clinton campaign spokesman Brian Fallon, who now leads left-wing group Demand Justice, tweeted out his support for defunding the police on Wednesday.
Left-wing celebrities, including singer John Legend and women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe, have signed a Black Lives Matter petition that calls for defunding the police.
“We call for a national defunding of police. We demand investment in our communities and the resources to ensure Black people not only survive, but thrive,” reads a May 30 post on Black Lives Matter’s website.
A Black Lives Matter protest in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday featured a speaker who called for abolishing the local police department.
“What we are demanding, and what I demand, is that we abolish our law enforcement,” Black Lives Matter organizer Natasha Nelson said.
A Massachusetts chapter of the United Auto Workers union on May 29 called for the “disarmament and defunding of local police departments, with the redistribution of resources to democratically community-controlled education, healthcare and housing infrastructure.”
The Daily Beast on Thursday published a Harvard University researcher’s op-ed titled, “Disband the police.”
Brooklyn College professor Alex Vitale told Mother Jones magazine in an interview that “there’s been a deepening of analysis among the activists who initially just wanted to jail some killer cops, but then began to see that that would not really fix the problem,” and now want to abolish law enforcement altogether.
Democratic Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib urged skeptics in a May 31 tweet to “dig deeper so that the #DefundPolice movement isn’t brushed aside.”
Another high-profile freshman Democrat, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, previously said that America needs to have a “real conversation” about abolishing prisons.
“Mass incarceration is our American reality. It is a system whose logic evolved from the same lineage as Jim Crow, American apartheid, & slavery,” she wrote in an October 2019 tweet. “To end it, we have to change. That means we need to have a real conversation about decarceration & prison abolition in this country.”
– – –
Peter Hasson is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Protester and Police” by Lorie Shaull. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Andy Ngo Files Lawsuit Seeking $900,000 from Rose City Antifa for 2019 Assaults

Independent journalist Andy Ngo is suing a Portland-based Antifa cell and several specific individuals nearly a year after he was brutally assaulted by a mob of black clad , masked agitators .
Ngo is seeking $ 900,000 in damages “ for assault , battery , emotional distress and racketeering by those who acted to ‘ suppress Ngo ’ s journalism through intimidation and violence , ’ and for “ ongoing neurological and health issues , ” the Portland Tribune reported .
A PDF of the lawsuit is here .
The complaint cites two other assaults on Ngo , one during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Customs Enforcement facility in Southwest Portland , and another that took place inside a local gym on May 7 , 2019 .
On June 29 , 2019 , the journalist was allegedly assaulted by members of Rose City Antifa during a street rally in downtown Portland while police officers stood back and did nothing .
Ngo would later tell Fox News host Tucker Carlson that the assault happened just “ a stone ’ s throw away from Portland ’ s most important institutions of the rule of law—the court houses , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated at a hospital emergency room and later admitted into the hospital to treat a serious head injury .
The Portland Police Department failed to arrest the any of the agitators caught on video assaulting Ngo during the demonstration , so he decided to take matters into his own hands .
“ Antifa is an openly extremist movement with the training and intent of destabilizing this country and overthrowing our constitution , ” Ngo said during a live-streamed press conference .
“ The protection of foolish politicians and the media have emboldened this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Listed as defendants in the lawsuit are Rose City Antifa , an “ unincorporated association , ” Corbyn Belyea , alleged Rose City Anitfa member Benjamin Bolen , local activist John Hacker , Madison Lee Allen and Joseph Christian Evans , who the lawsuit says lives under the Burnside Bridge , as well as 50 unnamed parties .
The lawsuit was filed by James L. Buchal — the chair of the Multnomah County Republicans , who is additionally defending Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson against criminal charges — Harmeet K. Dhillon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While not directly listed as defendants , Dhillon said she plans to pursue discovery and hold liable other associates listed into the 17-page suit , including alleged antifa leader Luis Marquez and Pop Mob , a local Portland group alleged to coordinate with Rose City Antifa .
The lawsuit accuses Bolen of punching Ngo during the May 1 protest , and accuses Hacker of throwing an “ unnamed liquid ” on Ngo at the local gym .
Finally , the suit alleges that six people wearing masks of Ngo ’ s face appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Halloween .
Ngo and Dhillon seem to have concluded that there ’ s virtually no chance of getting redress for the assaults in the deep blue city of Portland .
“ The mayor is very openly left wing and has never criticized Antifa one time , ” said Ngo of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler , who is also the police commissioner .
Dhillon described incoming Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt as “ a prosecutor who doesn ’ t believe in prosecution from what I can tell.
” Dhillon said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to state and local authorities , they couldn ’ t be bothered .
He received “ less than zero attention from them , which is really unfortunate because it is the job of law enforcement to keep citizens safe from these types of criminal assaults , ” Dhillon said .
“ Among the charges in this complaint is an Oregon racketeering corrupt organization ’ s charge due to the fact that Antifa and its allies work in coordination with one another to carry out these assaults , not just on Andy , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

by Debra Heine
Independent journalist Andy Ngo is suing a Portland-based Antifa cell and several specific individuals nearly a year after he was brutally assaulted by a mob of black clad, masked agitators.
Ngo is seeking $900,000 in damages “for assault, battery, emotional distress and racketeering by those who acted to ‘suppress Ngo’s journalism through intimidation and violence,’ and for “ongoing neurological and health issues,” the Portland Tribune reported. A PDF of the lawsuit is here.
With the support of @Liberty_Ctr, I’m suing Portland Antifa & individual associates involved in beating & robbing me. Antifa can no longer use the cloak of anonymity to intimidate & assault with impunity. You can find the lawsuit & support it at this link: https://t.co/j7jaIkxy8f pic.twitter.com/YpHIj8WncL — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) June 4, 2020
The complaint cites two other assaults on Ngo, one during a May 1 protest near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Southwest Portland, and another that took place inside a local gym on May 7, 2019.
On June 29, 2019, the journalist was allegedly assaulted by members of Rose City Antifa during a street rally in downtown Portland while police officers stood back and did nothing.
First skirmish I’ve seen. Didn’t see how this started, but @MrAndyNgo got roughed up. pic.twitter.com/hDkfQchRhG — Jim Ryan (@Jimryan015) June 29, 2019
Ngo would later tell Fox News host Tucker Carlson that the assault happened just “a stone’s throw away from Portland’s most important institutions of the rule of law—the court houses, the central police precinct.”
He was initially treated at a hospital emergency room and later admitted into the hospital to treat a serious head injury.
Update to @MrAndyNgo supporters — he is being admitted to the hospital overnight as a result of a brain bleed. You sick “journalists” and other hacks gloating about this should be ashamed. As for the rest, please pray for @MrAndyNgo who we need back in health — brave man!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤ https://t.co/XYVy4EbIzv — Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) June 30, 2019
The Portland Police Department failed to arrest the any of the agitators caught on video assaulting Ngo during the demonstration, so he decided to take matters into his own hands.
“Antifa is an openly extremist movement with the training and intent of destabilizing this country and overthrowing our constitution,” Ngo said during a live-streamed press conference. “The protection of foolish politicians and the media have emboldened this movement to carry out unprecedented terrorist attacks.”
Listed as defendants in the lawsuit are Rose City Antifa, an “unincorporated association,” Corbyn Belyea, alleged Rose City Anitfa member Benjamin Bolen, local activist John Hacker, Madison Lee Allen and Joseph Christian Evans, who the lawsuit says lives under the Burnside Bridge, as well as 50 unnamed parties. The lawsuit was filed by James L. Buchal — the chair of the Multnomah County Republicans, who is additionally defending Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson against criminal charges — Harmeet K. Dhillon, and the Center for American Liberty. While not directly listed as defendants, Dhillon said she plans to pursue discovery and hold liable other associates listed into the 17-page suit, including alleged antifa leader Luis Marquez and Pop Mob, a local Portland group alleged to coordinate with Rose City Antifa.
The lawsuit accuses Bolen of punching Ngo during the May 1 protest, and accuses Hacker of throwing an “unnamed liquid” on Ngo at the local gym.
Finally, the suit alleges that six people wearing masks of Ngo’s face appeared outside his family home to terrorize him on Halloween.
These 6 individuals wearing print-out masks of my face approached my family's home last night, repeatedly rang doorbell, pounded on window, recorded footage of property & gestured at cameras. There were no candy bags. This follows their doxing of my elderly mom's small business. pic.twitter.com/dH8qn1YS85 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) November 1, 2019
Ngo and Dhillon seem to have concluded that there’s virtually no chance of getting redress for the assaults in the deep blue city of Portland.
“The mayor is very openly left wing and has never criticized Antifa one time,” said Ngo of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who is also the police commissioner.
Dhillon described incoming Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt as “a prosecutor who doesn’t believe in prosecution from what I can tell.”
Dhillon said in a statement that when Ngo reported the assaults to state and local authorities, they couldn’t be bothered.
He received “less than zero attention from them, which is really unfortunate because it is the job of law enforcement to keep citizens safe from these types of criminal assaults,” Dhillon said.
“Among the charges in this complaint is an Oregon racketeering corrupt organization’s charge due to the fact that Antifa and its allies work in coordination with one another to carry out these assaults, not just on Andy, but on other journalists,” she added.
– – –
Debra Heine reports for American Greatness.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Districts Jettison School Police Officers Amid Protests

PORTLAND , Oregon ( AP ) — An increasing number of cities are rethinking the presence of school resource officers as they respond to the concerns of thousands of demonstrators — many of them young — who have filled the streets night after night to protest the death of George Floyd .
Portland Public Schools , Oregon ’ s largest school district , on Thursday cut its ties with the Portland Police Bureau , joining other urban districts from Minneapolis to Denver that are mulling the fate of such programs .
Protesters in some cities , including Portland , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools .
Floyd , who was handcuffed and prone on his stomach , died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee to Floyd ’ s neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest on May 25 .
Minneapolis suspended its school resource officer program on Tuesday .
Districts in St. Paul , Minnesota and Denver are considering doing the same .
Protesters in Charlottesville , Virginia , have made the end of the school resource officer program in their district one of their demands .
One of the sponsors of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest leader Tay Anderson , said Friday that he wants the 18 uniformed police officers assigned to the city ’ s middle and high schools to be replaced with nurses , counselors and restorative practice coordinators .
The district ’ s own public safety officers would remain and would call for help from police when needed , he said .
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said Thursday that he would also discontinue using school resource officers in two smaller metropolitan districts under a program that in total costs the city $ 1.6 million a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than two decades .
The three districts have a combined student population of nearly 53,000 , with more than 49,000 in Portland schools alone .
Having the officers in high schools has been a touchy topic for several years in this liberal city .
Students have protested in recent years for an end to the program , at one point even overwhelming a school board meeting .
“ Leaders must listen and respond to community .
We must disrupt the patterns of racism and injustice , ” Wheeler said Thursday of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulling police officers from schools.
” The presence of armed police officers in schools is a contentious one .
While many Portland residents applauded the decision , others raised immediate concerns about student safety in the event of a school shooting or other emergency .
A suicidal student last year brought a gun to a high school at one of the districts that will be affected by the decision and was tackled by the track coach in an incident that got national attention .
“ Over the last several years there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in public schools , ” said Portland Police Chief Jami Resch .
“ I want to reassure the public that if there is a public safety emergency at a school , PPB will respond.
” The move is “ a knee-jerk reaction , ” and the decision by a few districts to stop their programs could snowball — to the detriment of students nationwide , said Mo Canady , executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers , which represents about 10,000 dues-paying officers .
There are an estimated 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What happened last Monday is atrocious .
I don ’ t know how someone who wears a uniform , like I used to do , could get to that point .
That ’ s evil , ” Canady said of Floyd ’ s death .
“ But … I think there ’ s some shortsightedness here .
When it ’ s done right , the SRO program really is the epitome of community-based policing .
I hate to see the baby thrown out with the bathwater.
” Beyond their law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers endorsed by the U.S. Justice Department enlists them also as mentors , informal counselors and educators on topics ranging from bullying to drunk driving with the goal of promoting school safety .
But critics of the concept say the officers ’ presence can also lead to the criminalization of students , particularly students of color , who may be labeled as troublemakers for things such as not paying attention in class , using a cellphone or other minor infractions .
In 2015 , a school resource officer in South Carolina was caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the floor and dragging her across a classroom after she refused to surrender her cellphone .
Nationwide , 43 % of public schools had an armed law enforcement officer present at least once a week in the 2015-2016 school year , the last time the National Center for Education Statistics released data on this topic .
Properly trained officers work closely with school administrators , Canady said .
Generally there is an understanding that anything short of illegal activity should be handled by school officials , he said .
Gillian Flaccus reports for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : In this Dec. 9 , 2013 , file photo , a school resource officer in Anderson , Calif. , walks a middle school student back to class .
Portland Public Schools , Oregon ’ s largest school district , will discontinue its use of Portland Police Bureau school resource officers .
Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero said Thursday , June 4 , 2020 , the district needed to “ re-examine our relationship ” with the police in light of the nationwide upheaval over the death of George Floyd .
( Andreas Fuhrmann/The Record @ @ @ @ @ @

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) — An increasing number of cities are rethinking the presence of school resource officers as they respond to the concerns of thousands of demonstrators — many of them young — who have filled the streets night after night to protest the death of George Floyd.
Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest school district, on Thursday cut its ties with the Portland Police Bureau, joining other urban districts from Minneapolis to Denver that are mulling the fate of such programs. Protesters in some cities, including Portland, have demanded the removal of the officers from schools.
Floyd, who was handcuffed and prone on his stomach, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest on May 25.
Minneapolis suspended its school resource officer program on Tuesday. Districts in St. Paul, Minnesota and Denver are considering doing the same. Protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, have made the end of the school resource officer program in their district one of their demands.
One of the sponsors of the Denver proposal, school board member and protest leader Tay Anderson, said Friday that he wants the 18 uniformed police officers assigned to the city’s middle and high schools to be replaced with nurses, counselors and restorative practice coordinators. The district’s own public safety officers would remain and would call for help from police when needed, he said.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said Thursday that he would also discontinue using school resource officers in two smaller metropolitan districts under a program that in total costs the city $1.6 million a year and has been in place for more than two decades. The three districts have a combined student population of nearly 53,000, with more than 49,000 in Portland schools alone.
Having the officers in high schools has been a touchy topic for several years in this liberal city. Students have protested in recent years for an end to the program, at one point even overwhelming a school board meeting.
“Leaders must listen and respond to community. We must disrupt the patterns of racism and injustice,” Wheeler said Thursday of the most recent demonstrations. “I am pulling police officers from schools.”
The presence of armed police officers in schools is a contentious one.
While many Portland residents applauded the decision, others raised immediate concerns about student safety in the event of a school shooting or other emergency. A suicidal student last year brought a gun to a high school at one of the districts that will be affected by the decision and was tackled by the track coach in an incident that got national attention.
“Over the last several years there have been ongoing conversations about the police and their role in public schools,” said Portland Police Chief Jami Resch. “I want to reassure the public that if there is a public safety emergency at a school, PPB will respond.”
The move is “a knee-jerk reaction,” and the decision by a few districts to stop their programs could snowball — to the detriment of students nationwide, said Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers, which represents about 10,000 dues-paying officers.
There are an estimated 25,000 school resource officers nationwide, he said.
“What happened last Monday is atrocious. I don’t know how someone who wears a uniform, like I used to do, could get to that point. That’s evil,” Canady said of Floyd’s death. “But … I think there’s some shortsightedness here. When it’s done right, the SRO program really is the epitome of community-based policing. I hate to see the baby thrown out with the bathwater.”
Beyond their law enforcement role, the model for school resource officers endorsed by the U.S. Justice Department enlists them also as mentors, informal counselors and educators on topics ranging from bullying to drunk driving with the goal of promoting school safety.
But critics of the concept say the officers’ presence can also lead to the criminalization of students, particularly students of color, who may be labeled as troublemakers for things such as not paying attention in class, using a cellphone or other minor infractions. In 2015, a school resource officer in South Carolina was caught on video flipping a female student to the floor and dragging her across a classroom after she refused to surrender her cellphone.
Nationwide, 43% of public schools had an armed law enforcement officer present at least once a week in the 2015-2016 school year, the last time the National Center for Education Statistics released data on this topic.
Properly trained officers work closely with school administrators, Canady said. Generally there is an understanding that anything short of illegal activity should be handled by school officials, he said.
– – –
Gillian Flaccus reports for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: In this Dec. 9, 2013, file photo, a school resource officer in Anderson, Calif., walks a middle school student back to class. Portland Public Schools, Oregon’s largest school district, will discontinue its use of Portland Police Bureau school resource officers. Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero said Thursday, June 4, 2020, the district needed to “re-examine our relationship” with the police in light of the nationwide upheaval over the death of George Floyd. (Andreas Fuhrmann/The Record Searchlight via AP, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--May Jobs Report: 2.5 Million Jobs Gained, Unemployment Falls to 13.3 Percent

The U.S. economy gained 2.5 million jobs in May , while the unemployment declined to 13.3 % , according to Department of Labor data released Friday .
Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 2.5 million in May , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report , and the number of unemployed persons fell by 2.1 million to 21.0 million .
The new numbers indicate that the economy is recovering from the coronavirus shutdowns at faster rates than economists predicted .
“ The U.S. economy is more resilient than expected , ” chief strategist at Principal Global Investors Seema Shah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate declined by 1.4 percentage points to 13.3 % from April ’ s 14.7 % , which was the largest over-the-month increase and highest unemployment rate since at least 1948 .
“ Barring a second surge of COVID-19 , the overall U.S. economy may have turned a corner , as evidenced by the surprise job gains today , even though it still remains to be seen exactly what the new normal will look like , ” said Tony Bedikian , head of global markets at Citizens Bank , to CNBC .
Economists predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that almost one in five Americans were without a job during the month of May .
“ The forthcoming May jobs report will amount to a shocking sequel to the April horror story , ” said senior economic analyst for Bankrate Mark Hamrick , according to the publication .
“ It is likely to add further economic insult to the injury already established with the jobless rate .
.
.
Millions more are expected to fall off of payrolls.
” Alfredo Ortiz , President and CEO of Job Creators Network ( JCNF ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement that “ the time has come to ‘ Flatten the Fear ’ when it comes to COVID-19.
” JCNF launched a campaign Friday amplifying physicians who warn of the negative health consequences of the extended lockdowns as well as the importance of returning to jobs .
“ We don ’ t have any time to waste , ” Ortiz said .
“ The purpose of our campaign is to reduce fear through education – basic facts about Covid-19 – and we are putting a microphone in front of doctors who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else.
” Many Americans missed out on routine preventative care while hospitals were reserved for patients of the coronavirus , according to Ortiz .
“ The mental health effects of the lockdown have been equally devastating – measured by a 33 % increase in anti-anxiety drug prescriptions , a 75 % increase in hard liquor sales , and a 338 % increase in calls to the national Disaster Distress Helpline , ” Ortiz said .
JCNF ’ s first phase of their campaign consists of a billboard that the organization placed in Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , encouraging Americans to return to work .
“ We can isolate the few and protect the many instead of isolating the many to protect the few , ” Ortiz said .
“ If we don ’ t , sadly we will have more victims of COVID who never have the virus.
” Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Mary Margaret Olohan
The U.S. economy gained 2.5 million jobs in May, while the unemployment declined to 13.3%, according to Department of Labor data released Friday.
Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 2.5 million in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, and the number of unemployed persons fell by 2.1 million to 21.0 million.
The new numbers indicate that the economy is recovering from the coronavirus shutdowns at faster rates than economists predicted.
“The U.S. economy is more resilient than expected,” chief strategist at Principal Global Investors Seema Shah told CNBC.
May’s unemployment rate declined by 1.4 percentage points to 13.3% from April’s 14.7%, which was the largest over-the-month increase and highest unemployment rate since at least 1948.
“Barring a second surge of COVID-19, the overall U.S. economy may have turned a corner, as evidenced by the surprise job gains today, even though it still remains to be seen exactly what the new normal will look like,” said Tony Bedikian, head of global markets at Citizens Bank, to CNBC.
Economists predicted to Politico that jobs numbers will show that almost one in five Americans were without a job during the month of May.
“The forthcoming May jobs report will amount to a shocking sequel to the April horror story,” said senior economic analyst for Bankrate Mark Hamrick, according to the publication. “It is likely to add further economic insult to the injury already established with the jobless rate. . . Millions more are expected to fall off of payrolls.”
Alfredo Ortiz, President and CEO of Job Creators Network (JCNF), told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a statement that “the time has come to ‘Flatten the Fear’ when it comes to COVID-19.” JCNF launched a campaign Friday amplifying physicians who warn of the negative health consequences of the extended lockdowns as well as the importance of returning to jobs.
“We don’t have any time to waste,” Ortiz said. “The purpose of our campaign is to reduce fear through education – basic facts about Covid-19 – and we are putting a microphone in front of doctors who know more about the disease than anyone else.”
Many Americans missed out on routine preventative care while hospitals were reserved for patients of the coronavirus, according to Ortiz.
“The mental health effects of the lockdown have been equally devastating – measured by a 33% increase in anti-anxiety drug prescriptions, a 75% increase in hard liquor sales, and a 338% increase in calls to the national Disaster Distress Helpline,” Ortiz said.
JCNF’s first phase of their campaign consists of a billboard that the organization placed in Times Square, at Broadway and 43rd Street, encouraging Americans to return to work.
“We can isolate the few and protect the many instead of isolating the many to protect the few,” Ortiz said. “If we don’t, sadly we will have more victims of COVID who never have the virus.”
– – –
Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--DFL Lawmakers Want State and Federal Aid to Rebuild Minneapolis

DFL lawmakers want the state and federal governments to chip in to help repair the estimated $ 55 million in damage caused to Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman ( DFL-Brooklyn Park ) and the Legislature ’ s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus called for “ immediate legislative funding for Minneapolis and St. Paul rebuilding efforts ” in a joint statement .
“ The devastation that has hit Minneapolis , St. Paul , and surrounding communities will require all of us to come together to do our part and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resources , and infrastructure they need to rebuild and heal their community , ” said the Monday statement .
“ That is why we are calling for immediate access to legislative funds , for the community , to address this emergency situation .
In order to ensure the security and well-being of the communities impacted it is imperative that we act promptly and do everything we can within our legislative power to help , ” it added .
Lawmakers are expected to return to St. Paul this month for a special session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to see financial support for Minneapolis ’ s Lake Street included in a public infrastructure bill , The Star Tribune reported .
The city ’ s Community Planning and Economic Development division informed city leaders this week that an estimated 220 buildings were vandalized or destroyed during the riots , causing at least $ 55 million in damage .
The final figure will likely exceed the $ 55 million estimate and doesn ’ t include the damage in the neighboring city of St. Paul .
Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-MN-05 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create an “ Emergency Relief Fund ” specifically for “ communities trying to rebuild after social and civil rights crises.
” Omar , who represents the Minneapolis area in Congress , said the fund would allow cities and businesses harmed by civil unrest to apply for federal grants .
“ We have a moral responsibility to help communities heal economically .
Minneapolis ’ s economy has been ravaged .
Families are struggling to find places to buy food , local shop owners fear they ’ ll never open their doors again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job to return to .
The situation facing our city stems from a long history of discrimination , prejudice and violence in the community , ” Omar said in a press release .
“ It is no less worthy of federal relief than communities facing natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic , ” she continued .
“ But we can not rely on a Presidential Emergency Declaration to help direct FEMA resources to riot relief .
Our current president has proven we can not depend on such intervention .
So Congress must step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Council has already raised $ 4.9 million to help with the rebuilding effort .
“ We are overcome with gratitude for the outpouring of support for our Minneapolis businesses , ” the group said .
“ It will take millions of dollars to rebuild , and over 57,000 people have chipped in to make that a reality.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Minneapolis Damage from Riots ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

DFL lawmakers want the state and federal governments to chip in to help repair the estimated $55 million in damage caused to Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and the Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus called for “immediate legislative funding for Minneapolis and St. Paul rebuilding efforts” in a joint statement.
“The devastation that has hit Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities will require all of us to come together to do our part and ensure they have the help, access to resources, and infrastructure they need to rebuild and heal their community,” said the Monday statement.
“That is why we are calling for immediate access to legislative funds, for the community, to address this emergency situation. In order to ensure the security and well-being of the communities impacted it is imperative that we act promptly and do everything we can within our legislative power to help,” it added.
Lawmakers are expected to return to St. Paul this month for a special session and Gov. Tim Walz said he would like to see financial support for Minneapolis’s Lake Street included in a public infrastructure bill, The Star Tribune reported. The city’s Community Planning and Economic Development division informed city leaders this week that an estimated 220 buildings were vandalized or destroyed during the riots, causing at least $55 million in damage. The final figure will likely exceed the $55 million estimate and doesn’t include the damage in the neighboring city of St. Paul.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) announced that she will introduce a bill to create an “Emergency Relief Fund” specifically for “communities trying to rebuild after social and civil rights crises.” Omar, who represents the Minneapolis area in Congress, said the fund would allow cities and businesses harmed by civil unrest to apply for federal grants.
“We have a moral responsibility to help communities heal economically. Minneapolis’s economy has been ravaged. Families are struggling to find places to buy food, local shop owners fear they’ll never open their doors again, and many workers find themselves without a job to return to. The situation facing our city stems from a long history of discrimination, prejudice and violence in the community,” Omar said in a press release.
“It is no less worthy of federal relief than communities facing natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic,” she continued. “But we cannot rely on a Presidential Emergency Declaration to help direct FEMA resources to riot relief. Our current president has proven we cannot depend on such intervention. So Congress must step in.”
A local non-profit called Lake Street Council has already raised $4.9 million to help with the rebuilding effort.
“We are overcome with gratitude for the outpouring of support for our Minneapolis businesses,” the group said. “It will take millions of dollars to rebuild, and over 57,000 people have chipped in to make that a reality.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Minneapolis Damage from Riots” by Fibonacci Blue. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Minneapolis Bans Police Chokeholds, Neck Restraints in Wake of George Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — Minneapolis agreed Friday to ban chokeholds by police and to require officers to try to stop any other officers they see using improper force , in the first concrete steps to remake the city ’ s police department since George Floyd ’ s death .
The changes are part of a stipulation between the city and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights , which launched a civil rights investigation this week in response to the death of Floyd .
The City Council approved the agreement 12-0 .
Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm to people of color “ who have suffered generational pain and trauma as a result of systemic and institutional racism.
” “ This is just a start , ” Lucero said .
“ There is a lot more work to do here , and that work must and will be done with speed and community engagement.
” The agreement requires court approval and would become enforceable in court , unlike the department ’ s current policies on the use of force and duties to intervene .
It would require officers to immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of any neck restraint or chokehold .
Floyd , a handcuffed black man , died after Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on his neck , ignoring Floyd ’ s “ I can ’ t breathe ” cries and bystander shouts even after Floyd stopped moving .
His death has set off protests around the world .
Chauvin is charged with 2nd-degree murder .
Three other officers are charged with aiding and abetting .
All have been fired .
Lucero said the changes go further than the department ’ s current policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to stop improper use of force would face the same discipline as if they themselves used improper force .
The agreement also would require authorization from the police chief or a deputy chief to use crowd control weapons such as tear gas , rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades .
Such tactics were used in Minneapolis and other cities in the past week to disperse protesters .
The stipulation also sets a process for the city and state to negotiate longer-term changes , such as changing state laws that make it difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moment in time where we can totally change the way our police department operates , ” Mayor Jacob Frey told the council .
“ We can quite literally lead they way in our nation enacting more police reform than any other city in the entire country , and we can not fail.
” Meanwhile , a man who was with Floyd on the night he died told the New York Times that his friend didn ’ t resist arrest and instead tried to defuse the situation before he ended up handcuffed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maurice Lester Hall , a longtime friend of Floyd ’ s , was a passenger in Floyd ’ s car when police approached him May 25 as they responded to a call about someone using a forged bill at a shop .
Hall told the newspaper that Floyd was trying to show he was not resisting .
“ I could hear him pleading , ‘ Please , officer , what ’ s all this for ?
’ ” Hall told the Times .
Hall is a key witness in the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd .
Hall ’ s identity wasn ’ t made public until the Times ’ report .
Hall told “ Good Morning America ” that the situation escalated quickly and police grabbed Floyd , put him in a squad car , dragged him back out and then “ jumped on the back of the neck.
” He said Floyd was put in an ambulance and that he didn ’ t know his friend had died until the next day , when he saw the widely viewed bystander video on Facebook .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anyone to help because he was dying , ” Hall told the Times .
“ I ’ m going to always remember seeing the fear in Floyd ’ s face because he ’ s such a king .
That ’ s what sticks with me , seeing a grown man cry , before seeing a grown man die.
” Steve Karnowski reports for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz , Sen. Amy Klobuchar , right , and Sen. Tina Smith , third from right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by events following the George Floyd protests Friday , June 5 , 2020 at Hawthorne Crossings in north Minneapolis .
Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25 .
( Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via AP )

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AP) — Minneapolis agreed Friday to ban chokeholds by police and to require officers to try to stop any other officers they see using improper force, in the first concrete steps to remake the city’s police department since George Floyd’s death.
The changes are part of a stipulation between the city and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which launched a civil rights investigation this week in response to the death of Floyd. The City Council approved the agreement 12-0.
Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said the changes are necessary to stop ongoing harm to people of color “who have suffered generational pain and trauma as a result of systemic and institutional racism.”
“This is just a start,” Lucero said. “There is a lot more work to do here, and that work must and will be done with speed and community engagement.”
The agreement requires court approval and would become enforceable in court, unlike the department’s current policies on the use of force and duties to intervene. It would require officers to immediately report to their superiors when they see use of any neck restraint or chokehold.
Floyd, a handcuffed black man, died after Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on his neck, ignoring Floyd’s “I can’t breathe” cries and bystander shouts even after Floyd stopped moving. His death has set off protests around the world.
Chauvin is charged with 2nd-degree murder. Three other officers are charged with aiding and abetting. All have been fired.
Lucero said the changes go further than the department’s current policies. Any officer who doesn’t try to stop improper use of force would face the same discipline as if they themselves used improper force.
The agreement also would require authorization from the police chief or a deputy chief to use crowd control weapons such as tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades. Such tactics were used in Minneapolis and other cities in the past week to disperse protesters.
The stipulation also sets a process for the city and state to negotiate longer-term changes, such as changing state laws that make it difficult to fire problem officers.
“This is a moment in time where we can totally change the way our police department operates,” Mayor Jacob Frey told the council. “We can quite literally lead they way in our nation enacting more police reform than any other city in the entire country, and we cannot fail.”
Meanwhile, a man who was with Floyd on the night he died told the New York Times that his friend didn’t resist arrest and instead tried to defuse the situation before he ended up handcuffed on the ground and pleading for air.
Maurice Lester Hall, a longtime friend of Floyd’s, was a passenger in Floyd’s car when police approached him May 25 as they responded to a call about someone using a forged bill at a shop. Hall told the newspaper that Floyd was trying to show he was not resisting.
“I could hear him pleading, ‘Please, officer, what’s all this for?’” Hall told the Times.
Hall is a key witness in the state’s investigation into the four officers who apprehended Floyd. Hall’s identity wasn’t made public until the Times’ report.
Hall told “Good Morning America” that the situation escalated quickly and police grabbed Floyd, put him in a squad car, dragged him back out and then “jumped on the back of the neck.” He said Floyd was put in an ambulance and that he didn’t know his friend had died until the next day, when he saw the widely viewed bystander video on Facebook.
“He was just crying out at that time for anyone to help because he was dying,” Hall told the Times. “I’m going to always remember seeing the fear in Floyd’s face because he’s such a king. That’s what sticks with me, seeing a grown man cry, before seeing a grown man die.”
– – –
Steve Karnowski reports for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, right, and Sen. Tina Smith, third from right, meet with business owners that were affected by events following the George Floyd protests Friday, June 5, 2020 at Hawthorne Crossings in north Minneapolis. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. (Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via AP)


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--UAW Former President Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $1 Million from Members

Former United Auto Worker ( UAW ) President Gary Jones pleaded guilty this week to embezzling more than $ 1 million in dues money from members , as well as charges of racketeering and tax evasion .
Over eight years , top UAW officials sought reimbursements for what they claimed were conference-related expenses in California and Missouri but were personal expenses .
Jones and other top officials spent over $ 750,000 of UAW funds to pay for personal luxuries , including golf clubs and fees , private villas , and top shelf liquor and meals .
“ For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conspiracy , Jones used UAW money to purchase over $ 13,000 in cigars for the use of high-level UAW officials , ” the Department of Justice ( DOJ ) said .
Jones is facing a recommended sentence of up to 57 months in prison because of his plea deal and cooperation with authorities .
He ’ s the 14th person convicted in the ongoing UAW corruption investigation .
The combined sentences of the nine people who have been sentenced so far totals 180 months in prison , according to the DOJ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transparency in the future .
“ Their actions were selfish , immoral , and against everything we stand for as a Union , ” he said in a statement .
U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said the guilty pleas advanced the DOJ ’ s investigation .
“ While our criminal cases and the investigation of criminal conduct by individuals and entities continue , we will shift our focus to reforming the UAW so it serves the working men and women of the union first and foremost , ” Schneider said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with UAW President Rory Gamble as soon as possible to have these important discussions.
” U.S. Department of Labor District Director Thomas Murray said the plea exposed “ that the corruption within the UAW International Union extended all the way to the top office.
” “ Instead of fulfilling his sacred fiduciary duty to his fellow union members , Jones chose to betray their trust and embezzle over a million dollars from the UAW for himself and other high-ranking UAW officers , ” Murray said in a statement .
National Right to Work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption was rooted in compulsion .
“ Federal law gives union bosses the power to force workers under their so-called ‘ representation ’ against their will , and in states without Right to Work protections to force them to subsidize their activities or else be fired , ” Mix told The Center Square in an email .
Mix alleged the UAW endorsed presumptive presidential candidate Joe Biden , the former vice president , in return for him expanding union power and revoking right-to-work laws in 27 states .
“ Joe Biden and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they believe tens of thousands of workers in non-Right to Work states should have been fired had they sought to cut off the forced dues being paid to Gary Jones ’ corrupt UAW , ” he wrote .
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .
Photo “ Gary Jones ” by UAW .

by Scott McClallen
Former United Auto Worker (UAW) President Gary Jones pleaded guilty this week to embezzling more than $1 million in dues money from members, as well as charges of racketeering and tax evasion.
Over eight years, top UAW officials sought reimbursements for what they claimed were conference-related expenses in California and Missouri but were personal expenses.
Jones and other top officials spent over $750,000 of UAW funds to pay for personal luxuries, including golf clubs and fees, private villas, and top shelf liquor and meals.
“For example, in just one of the years of the conspiracy, Jones used UAW money to purchase over $13,000 in cigars for the use of high-level UAW officials,” the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.
Jones is facing a recommended sentence of up to 57 months in prison because of his plea deal and cooperation with authorities.
He’s the 14th person convicted in the ongoing UAW corruption investigation. The combined sentences of the nine people who have been sentenced so far totals 180 months in prison, according to the DOJ.
Current UAW President Rory Gamble promised accountability and transparency in the future.
“Their actions were selfish, immoral, and against everything we stand for as a Union,” he said in a statement.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said the guilty pleas advanced the DOJ’s investigation.
“While our criminal cases and the investigation of criminal conduct by individuals and entities continue, we will shift our focus to reforming the UAW so it serves the working men and women of the union first and foremost,” Schneider said in a statement. “I look forward to meeting with UAW President Rory Gamble as soon as possible to have these important discussions.”
U.S. Department of Labor District Director Thomas Murray said the plea exposed “that the corruption within the UAW International Union extended all the way to the top office.”
“Instead of fulfilling his sacred fiduciary duty to his fellow union members, Jones chose to betray their trust and embezzle over a million dollars from the UAW for himself and other high-ranking UAW officers,” Murray said in a statement.
National Right to Work Committee President Mark Mix said that the corruption was rooted in compulsion.
“Federal law gives union bosses the power to force workers under their so-called ‘representation’ against their will, and in states without Right to Work protections to force them to subsidize their activities or else be fired,” Mix told The Center Square in an email.
Mix alleged the UAW endorsed presumptive presidential candidate Joe Biden, the former vice president, in return for him expanding union power and revoking right-to-work laws in 27 states.
“Joe Biden and other forced dues proponents ought to explain why they believe tens of thousands of workers in non-Right to Work states should have been fired had they sought to cut off the forced dues being paid to Gary Jones’ corrupt UAW,” he wrote.
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi.
Photo “Gary Jones” by UAW.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Supreme Court Delays Federal Prison Inmates’ Release in Ohio

CINCINNATI , Ohio ( AP ) — The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the federal government ’ s request to delay the release of medically vulnerable inmates at a federal prison in eastern Ohio where hundreds have tested positive for the coronavirus .
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued the brief order Thursday evening — staying an order from a lower court to speed up the inmates ’ release — until the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals rules in the matter .
The Supreme Court last month denied the government ’ s request , mainly on procedural grounds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency appeals from Ohio .
Her ruling put on hold earlier orders that the Bureau of Prisons speed up the release of more than 800 medically vulnerable inmates at a federal prison in Elkton in eastern Ohio .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness and lead to death .
Inmate health has emerged as a major concern in Ohio and other states during the pandemic , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisons in the nation .
Hundreds of Elkton inmates and at least seven guards have tested positive for the coronavirus , and nine inmates have died .
On Friday , Fox 19 reported Elkton Federal Correctional Institution 523 inmates tested positive for the coronavirus .
Currently , Elkton holds 2,040 male inmates and an adjacent site houses 417 male inmates .
During the coronavirus pandemic , Ohio ’ s inmate population was hit hard by COVID-19 in April when two state prisons , Marion Correctional Institution and Pickaway Correctional Institution , became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently , Ohio has a total of 35,096 cases with 2,355 deaths , according to the Ohio Department of Health .
Dan Sewell reports for the Associated Press .
Star News Digitial Media ’ s Zachery Schmidt contributed to this report .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .

CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the federal government’s request to delay the release of medically vulnerable inmates at a federal prison in eastern Ohio where hundreds have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued the brief order Thursday evening — staying an order from a lower court to speed up the inmates’ release — until the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules in the matter.
The Supreme Court last month denied the government’s request, mainly on procedural grounds. The government appealed again. Sotomayor handles emergency appeals from Ohio.
Her ruling put on hold earlier orders that the Bureau of Prisons speed up the release of more than 800 medically vulnerable inmates at a federal prison in Elkton in eastern Ohio.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and lead to death.
Inmate health has emerged as a major concern in Ohio and other states during the pandemic, and Elkton has been one of the hardest-hit prisons in the nation.
Hundreds of Elkton inmates and at least seven guards have tested positive for the coronavirus, and nine inmates have died.
On Friday, Fox 19 reported Elkton Federal Correctional Institution 523 inmates tested positive for the coronavirus. Currently, Elkton holds 2,040 male inmates and an adjacent site houses 417 male inmates.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Ohio’s inmate population was hit hard by COVID-19 in April when two state prisons, Marion Correctional Institution and Pickaway Correctional Institution, became the country’s epicenter for the virus.
Currently, Ohio has a total of 35,096 cases with 2,355 deaths, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
– – –
Dan Sewell reports for the Associated Press. Star News Digitial Media’s Zachery Schmidt contributed to this report. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected] Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--U of M, Minneapolis Schools and Others Cut Ties with Police Department

Several institutions plan to cut ties with the Minneapolis Police Department ( MPD ) in response to the alleged murder of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who died while in police custody on Memorial Day .
University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel informed students last week that the school will no longer contract with the MPD for large events , like football games and concerts , or specialized law enforcement services , such as K-9 explosive detection units .
“ We have a responsibility to uphold our values and a duty to honor them .
We will limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrols and investigations that directly enhance the safety of our community or that allow us to investigate and apprehend those who put our students , faculty , and staff at risk , ” Gabel said in her letter .
Gabel closed the university at noon on Thursday “ out of respect for the planned memorial service for George Floyd.
” The Minneapolis Board of Education voted unanimously during a Tuesday meeting to terminate its contract with the police department for school resource officers .
“ I wanted to share with you that tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Education unanimously approved its resolution to immediately terminate our contract with the Minneapolis Police Department , which provides us with our school resource officers , ” Superintendent Ed Graff said in a statement .
“ The MPS leadership team and I are committed to preparing a plan that will support the safety of MPS students and staff in the coming school year by the Board resolution ’ s August 18 , 2020 deadline .
We look forward to engaging students , staff and families in this process over the summer , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recreation Board voted the next day to cut ties with the city ’ s police force , again in a unanimous vote .
Under the resolution , the Park and Recreation Board will no longer use Minneapolis police for “ park-sanctioned events ” and will cease directing park police to respond to MPD calls .
According to Minneapolis Council Member Steve Fletcher , the council approved a measure Friday that allows businesses to use “ private security services rather than off-duty Minneapolis police officers ” for special events .
The measure was sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was approved after more than 130 small business owners asked for the change in a letter to city leaders this week .
“ It is a city requirement for event planners and organizers to contract with off-duty officers for security at our events .
While we agree wholeheartedly that safety is a priority , we strongly disagree that MPD is best positioned to provide the security needed to make sure Minneapolis events are truly safe , ” said the letter .
Fletcher said earlier this week that the Minneapolis City Council is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and starting fresh .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Minneapolis Police Officer ” by Tony Webster .
CC BY 2.0 .

Several institutions plan to cut ties with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) in response to the alleged murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while in police custody on Memorial Day.
University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel informed students last week that the school will no longer contract with the MPD for large events, like football games and concerts, or specialized law enforcement services, such as K-9 explosive detection units.
“We have a responsibility to uphold our values and a duty to honor them. We will limit our collaboration with the MPD to joint patrols and investigations that directly enhance the safety of our community or that allow us to investigate and apprehend those who put our students, faculty, and staff at risk,” Gabel said in her letter.
Gabel closed the university at noon on Thursday “out of respect for the planned memorial service for George Floyd.”
The Minneapolis Board of Education voted unanimously during a Tuesday meeting to terminate its contract with the police department for school resource officers.
“I wanted to share with you that tonight in a special meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved its resolution to immediately terminate our contract with the Minneapolis Police Department, which provides us with our school resource officers,” Superintendent Ed Graff said in a statement.
“The MPS leadership team and I are committed to preparing a plan that will support the safety of MPS students and staff in the coming school year by the Board resolution’s August 18, 2020 deadline. We look forward to engaging students, staff and families in this process over the summer,” he added.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board voted the next day to cut ties with the city’s police force, again in a unanimous vote. Under the resolution, the Park and Recreation Board will no longer use Minneapolis police for “park-sanctioned events” and will cease directing park police to respond to MPD calls.
According to Minneapolis Council Member Steve Fletcher, the council approved a measure Friday that allows businesses to use “private security services rather than off-duty Minneapolis police officers” for special events.
The City Council just approved a staff direction instructing business licensing to stop requiring the use of off-duty MPD officers for special events. Thanks to @mplsward2 for bringing that forward, and to the small businesses and event planners who asked us to work on this! — Steve Fletcher – Minneapolis Ward 3 (@MplsWard3) June 5, 2020
The measure was sent to the Business Licensing Division for implementation and was approved after more than 130 small business owners asked for the change in a letter to city leaders this week.
“It is a city requirement for event planners and organizers to contract with off-duty officers for security at our events. While we agree wholeheartedly that safety is a priority, we strongly disagree that MPD is best positioned to provide the security needed to make sure Minneapolis events are truly safe,” said the letter.
Fletcher said earlier this week that the Minneapolis City Council is looking into “disbanding” the MPD and starting fresh.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Minneapolis Police Officer” by Tony Webster. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Nashville Group Compares Abolishing Police to Integration and Abolishing Slavery

Members of the grassroots coalition that wrote , petitioned , and campaigned for Nashvillians to create the Metro Community Oversight Board this week compared the idea of defunding police to some of history ’ s greatest civil rights accomplishments .
And members of this group , Community Oversight Nashville , also pushed socialism and communism as the best way forward for blacks .
Members of Community Oversight Nashville said as much on their Twitter feed this week .
One Twitter user quoted a media report that suggested that defunding law enforcement is impossible .
But members of Community Oversight Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response , Twitter user @ TheVastRightWin said this : “ What sane person would want to live in Nashville with clowns like you in any position of authority ?
” And members of Community Oversight Nashville this week retweeted remarks from Minneapolis City Council member Jeremiah Ellison , who boasted that he and his colleagues were about “ to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department.
” “ And when we ’ re done , we ’ re not simply gon na glue it back together , ” Ellison wrote .
“ We are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety and emergency response.
” In their retweet , members of Community Oversight Nashville said “ This can be us , NASHville.
” On their Twitter feed , members of the group also retweeted the words of Nashville resident Josh Black , who said “ we need to unlearn capitalism and begin studying the principles of socialism.
” “ It ’ s easy to tear down a racist system .
The tough part will be building a new society based on equality , ” Black wrote .
As The Tennessee Star reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversight board over police as part of a referendum .
One day after the vote , Nashville Fraternal Order of Police President James Smallwood said it ’ s important the board not exclude the perspectives of law enforcement officers .
As reported , FOP members also said they had serious constitutional concerns about the board and that it was a “ set up for some means of retaliation and retribution for a problem that doesn ’ t exist.
” Without the oversight board , FOP members previously told The Star , people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s supervisor , the district attorney ’ s office , the US attorney ’ s office , or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation , and even the FBI .
If they so choose , they could even go through the civil courts , FOP members added .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Nashville Police Car ” by Josh Beasley .
CC BY 2.0 .

Members of the grassroots coalition that wrote, petitioned, and campaigned for Nashvillians to create the Metro Community Oversight Board this week compared the idea of defunding police to some of history’s greatest civil rights accomplishments.
And members of this group, Community Oversight Nashville, also pushed socialism and communism as the best way forward for blacks.
Members of Community Oversight Nashville said as much on their Twitter feed this week.
One Twitter user quoted a media report that suggested that defunding law enforcement is impossible. But members of Community Oversight Nashville chimed in and said this:
“So did abolishing slavery and integration.”
In response, Twitter user @TheVastRightWin said this:
“What sane person would want to live in Nashville with clowns like you in any position of authority?”
And members of Community Oversight Nashville this week retweeted remarks from Minneapolis City Council member Jeremiah Ellison, who boasted that he and his colleagues were about “to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department.”
“And when we’re done, we’re not simply gonna glue it back together,” Ellison wrote.
“We are going to dramatically rethink how we approach public safety and emergency response.”
In their retweet, members of Community Oversight Nashville said “This can be us, NASHville.”
On their Twitter feed, members of the group also retweeted the words of Nashville resident Josh Black, who said “we need to unlearn capitalism and begin studying the principles of socialism.”
“It’s easy to tear down a racist system. The tough part will be building a new society based on equality,” Black wrote.
“Capitalism is anti-black. Socialism/Communism is pro-black.”
As The Tennessee Star reported in 2018, Nashville voters approved a civilian oversight board over police as part of a referendum.
One day after the vote, Nashville Fraternal Order of Police President James Smallwood said it’s important the board not exclude the perspectives of law enforcement officers.
As reported, FOP members also said they had serious constitutional concerns about the board and that it was a “set up for some means of retaliation and retribution for a problem that doesn’t exist.”
Without the oversight board, FOP members previously told The Star, people can already file complaints with an officer’s supervisor, the district attorney’s office, the US attorney’s office, or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and even the FBI.
If they so choose, they could even go through the civil courts, FOP members added.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Nashville Police Car” by Josh Beasley. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Steve Bannon Presents ‘The New Federal State of China’

In a Saturday edition of War Room : Pandemic , Steve Bannon is presenting a special episode today in the @ @ @ @ @ on “ The New Federal State of China.
” You can listen to the LIVE @ @ @ @ @ The New Federal State of China ” live now , from 11 a.m central ( @ @ @ @ @ :

In a Saturday edition of War Room:Pandemic, Steve Bannon is presenting a special episode today in the second hour of the program on “The New Federal State of China.”
You can listen to the LIVE one hour episode of “The New Federal State of China” live now, from 11 a.m central (12 noon eastern) here:


thetennesseestar--2020-06-06--Steve Bannon Presents ‘D-Day: Valor and Glory,’ on the 76th Anniversary of June 6, 1944

In a Saturday edition of War Room : Pandemic , Steve Bannon is presenting a special episode today , “ @ @ @ @ @ ” The invasion of Nazi-controlled Europe took place on June 6 , 1944 , when @ @ @ @ @ , and Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy , France .
You can @ @ @ @ @ hour episode of “ D-Day : Valor and Glory ” live now , from 10 @ @ @ @ @ eastern ) here :

In a Saturday edition of War Room: Pandemic, Steve Bannon is presenting a special episode today, “D-Day: Valor and Glory.”
The invasion of Nazi-controlled Europe took place on June 6, 1944, when thousands of American, British, and Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France.
You can listen to the LIVE one hour episode of “D-Day: Valor and Glory” live now, from 10 a.m central (11 a.m eastern) here:


thetennesseestar--2020-06-07--Exclusive: Bin Laden Raid Navy SEAL Recalls His Dog Cairo Fighting There with Him

The retired Navy SEAL operator and dog handler , who sweep Osama bin Laden ’ s compound with the Belgian Malinois military working dog Cairo , on the night of the fateful May 2 , 2020 raid told the Star Newspapers there were times , when the late dog seemed like the boss .
“ He taught me all sorts of things , ” said Will Chesney , the author of the battle memoirs of Cairo , “ No Ordinary Dog ” with Joe Layden .
“ One of the most important thing he taught me was to be present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out this excerpt from “ No Ordinary Dog.
” Chesney said dogs like Cairo was always in the present .
“ They don ’ t dwell on the past .
They don ’ t think about the future.
” When it came time for the raid , the warning order was short and sweet : “ Pick up your dog and get back to Virginia .
Now.
” Chesney ’ s unit , SEAL Team Six , was at the time stationed near Virginia Beach .
Cairo and his handler we assigned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the bin Laden raid was to conduct security checks , while the mission was executed upstairs , he said .
“ He was train to detect explosives and man-odor , ” Chesney said .
“ Our job was to do a couple of sweeps of the perimeter—looking for explosives or any tunnel systems , where someone could flee—once we were done with that we made our way to the building to sweep for explosives inside looking for any hidden rooms or false walls.
” It has always been a mystery about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not approve for a military book .
Many servicemembers take their chances and just go it alone .
In the case of this book , the Pentagon and the Navy was almost cruel .
“ They took out everything they wanted taken out , ” Chesney said , as he apologized for not going into more details about the raid .
The native of southeast Texas said the focus on the book was he combat service with his teams and his dogs , especially Cairo .
For example , Cairo did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said .
“ Maybe some do , but I never saw any dogs with metal teeth—that ’ s kinda the reason why I wanted to tell his story , ” said the combat veteran , whose decorations include the Silver Star and the Purple Heart .
“ There were so many articles in the media that had some things that were not 100 percent accurate , ” he said .
“ As for this piece of history , if Cairo ’ s story is going to be out there—it might as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the special warfare operator said .
“ He took two bullets for us—he did that before the bin Laden raid .
People think of him as ‘ Cairo , the dog on the bin Laden raid , ’ but it ’ s a lot more than that.
” Navy spiked use of SEAL Trident on book cover That said , it had to sting when despite his pleas the Navy sent his publisher a notification to the effect that the use of the Navy SEAL Trident was a violation of the Navy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Martin ’ s Press to print new covers .
The warrior wrote to the Navy after it sent its notice to his publisher : “ I myself earned the right to wear the Trident after completing BUDS training in class 246.
” Warrior and his dog in retirement After the bin Laden raid , Cairo continued to serve as a “ spare dog ” and Chesney kept seeking close contact with the enemy with his team .
In 2013 , Chesney was badly hurt with grenade that left him with a brain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or PTSD .
The aftermath of the grenade blast took a horrendous toll on him , so after battling migraines , chronic pain , memory issues and depression , he accepted that his military career was over .
“ It worked out perfect , because I had my medical issues , ” Chesney said .
“ I was processing out of the Navy—going through my medical—Cairo was getting old and it was the end of his working days , so it ended perfectly.
” They were brothers in war and brothers in peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of me and I was able to take care of him towards the end of his life , ” he said .
“ Everyone can relate—if you ’ re a dog lover especially—an animal lover .
You can communicate with your dog and your have a relationship .
I am sure everyone knows what I am talking about.
” Chesney said he had a motorcycle with a sidecar for Cairo and the two of them would ride around Virginia Beach and when they ’ d stop , people would always ask to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog did not like it much , Chesney would take Cairo out on his boat , just to be on water with his friend , he said .
“ At the end of his days , I never left his side , ” he said .
“ He was in pretty rough shape—cancer sucks.
” Chesney said it has dogs and they helped him getting over Cairo ’ s passing , just as Cairo got him through his dark times—and it all started for him on his first deployment , when he needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squadron .
“ I was walking in the team room once—somebody said , ‘ Raise your hand , if a dog has saved your life.
’ Everybody , almost everybody raised their hands .
Most guys had a couple of stories to tell , not just one , ” he said .
“ I knew I was going to get a collateral duty , that ’ s was drew me in.
” Neil W. McCabe is a Washington-based national political reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Media Fellow at the Gold Institute for International Strategies .
Prior to joining the Star Newspapers , McCabe covered the White House , Capitol Hill and national politics for One America News , Breitbart , Human Events and Townhall .
Before coming to Washington , he was a staff reporter for Boston ’ s Catholic paper , The Pilot , and the editor of two Boston-area community papers , The Somerville News and The Alewife .
McCabe is a public affairs NCO in the Army Reserve and he deployed for 15 months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow him : @ neilwmccabe2

The retired Navy SEAL operator and dog handler, who swept Osama bin Laden’s compound with the Belgian Malinois military working dog Cairo, on the night of the fateful May 2, 2011 raid told the Star Newspapers there were times, when the late dog seemed like the boss.
“He taught me all sorts of things,” said Will Chesney, the author of the battle memoirs of Cairo, “No Ordinary Dog” with Joe Layden. “One of the most important thing he taught me was to be present as much as you can.”
Check out this excerpt from “No Ordinary Dog.”
Chesney said dogs like Cairo was always in the present. “They don’t dwell on the past. They don’t think about the future.”
When it came time for the raid, the warning order was short and sweet: “Pick up your dog and get back to Virginia. Now.” Chesney’s unit, SEAL Team Six, was at the time stationed near Virginia Beach.
Cairo and his handler we assigned to Navy SEAL Team Six and their role during the bin Laden raid was to conduct security checks, while the mission was executed upstairs, he said.
“He was train to detect explosives and man-odor,” Chesney said. “Our job was to do a couple of sweeps of the perimeter—looking for explosives or any tunnel systems, where someone could flee—once we were done with that we made our way to the building to sweep for explosives inside looking for any hidden rooms or false walls.”
It has always been a mystery about what the Pentagon approves and what the Pentagon does not approve for a military book. Many servicemembers take their chances and just go it alone. In the case of this book, the Pentagon and the Navy was almost cruel.
“They took out everything they wanted taken out,” Chesney said, as he apologized for not going into more details about the raid.
The native of southeast Texas said the focus on the book was he combat service with his teams and his dogs, especially Cairo.
For example, Cairo did not have special metal teeth for the raid, he said.
“Maybe some do, but I never saw any dogs with metal teeth—that’s kinda the reason why I wanted to tell his story,” said the combat veteran, whose decorations include the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
“There were so many articles in the media that had some things that were not 100 percent accurate,” he said.
“As for this piece of history, if Cairo’s story is going to be out there—it might as well be the right one,” the special warfare operator said. “He took two bullets for us—he did that before the bin Laden raid. People think of him as ‘Cairo, the dog on the bin Laden raid,’ but it’s a lot more than that.”
Navy spiked use of SEAL Trident on book cover
That said, it had to sting when despite his pleas the Navy sent his publisher a notification to the effect that the use of the Navy SEAL Trident was a violation of the Navy’s copyright. That was enough for St. Martin’s Press to print new covers.
The warrior wrote to the Navy after it sent its notice to his publisher: “I myself earned the right to wear the Trident after completing BUDS training in class 246.”
His request was denied.
Warrior and his dog in retirement
After the bin Laden raid, Cairo continued to serve as a “spare dog” and Chesney kept seeking close contact with the enemy with his team. In 2013, Chesney was badly hurt with grenade that left him with a brain injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
The aftermath of the grenade blast took a horrendous toll on him, so after battling migraines, chronic pain, memory issues and depression, he accepted that his military career was over.
“It worked out perfect, because I had my medical issues,” Chesney said. “I was processing out of the Navy—going through my medical—Cairo was getting old and it was the end of his working days, so it ended perfectly.”
They were brothers in war and brothers in peace.
“He was able to take care of me and I was able to take care of him towards the end of his life,” he said. “Everyone can relate—if you’re a dog lover especially—an animal lover. You can communicate with your dog and your have a relationship. I am sure everyone knows what I am talking about.”
Chesney said he had a motorcycle with a sidecar for Cairo and the two of them would ride around Virginia Beach and when they’d stop, people would always ask to take pictures of Cairo.
Although the dog did not like it much, Chesney would take Cairo out on his boat, just to be on water with his friend, he said.
“At the end of his days, I never left his side,” he said. “He was in pretty rough shape—cancer sucks.”
Chesney said it has dogs and they helped him getting over Cairo’s passing, just as Cairo got him through his dark times—and it all started for him on his first deployment, when he needed to find a side job inside the squadron.
“I was walking in the team room once—somebody said, ‘Raise your hand, if a dog has saved your life.’ Everybody, almost everybody raised their hands. Most guys had a couple of stories to tell, not just one,” he said.
“I knew I was going to get a collateral duty, that’s was drew me in.”
– – –
Neil W. McCabe is a Washington-based national political reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. In addition to the Star Newspapers, he is a Media Fellow at the Gold Institute for International Strategies. Prior to joining the Star Newspapers, McCabe covered the White House, Capitol Hill and national politics for One America News, Breitbart, Human Events and Townhall. Before coming to Washington, he was a staff reporter for Boston’s Catholic paper, The Pilot, and the editor of two Boston-area community papers, The Somerville News and The Alewife. McCabe is a public affairs NCO in the Army Reserve and he deployed for 15 months to Iraq as a combat historian. Follow him: @neilwmccabe2