thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Joe Biden Ad Features Rapper Who Called Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan His ‘Mentor’

Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign released an ad this week narrated by a popular rapper who has called Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan his “ mentor ” and a “ great guy.
” The ad , narrated by Jeezy , aims to boost black voter turnout as part of the campaign ’ s “ Shop Talk ” series .
“ If you are out there marching in these streets , exercising your rights , you need to exercise your right to vote , too , ” Jeezy says in the ad , which is posted to the Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s the only way to make sure we get the change we ’ re looking for .
And I do mean we .
Us .
Better jobs , education , health care , and criminal justice reform.
” Jeezy , born Jay Jenkins , directs listeners to the voter registration website “ I Will Vote.
” According to the Detroit Metro Times , the campaign began running the ad on radio stations in Michigan on Thursday .
Jeezy , who began his career in Atlanta , has been open about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Democratic politicians have embraced the Nation of Islam leader despite his many anti-Semitic and anti-white statements over the years .
Farrakhan has blamed Jewish people for the Sept. 11 , 2001 attacks , the Holocaust , and referred to them as “ satanic.
” He also praised Adolf Hitler as a “ very great man.
” At a Nation of Islam event in February 2018 , Farrakhan asserted that “ Jews were responsible for all of this filth and degenerate behavior that Hollywood is putting out , turning men into women and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going down , ” he also said , according to CNN .
“ And Satan is going down .
And Farrakhan , by God ’ s grace , has pulled the cover off of that satanic Jew and I ’ m here to say your time is up , your world is through.
” Jeezy himself has not made anti-Semitic statements , but he has heaped praise on Farrakhan in interviews and met with him on multiple occasions .
“ Meeting of the minds , with my mentor .
The Honorable Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 17 , 2015 .
He called Farrakhan a “ great guy ” in an interview in October 2015 with Marc Lamont Hill , a former CNN contributor .
“ I like people with their own state of mind .
I like Farrakhan , ” he said .
The rapper described a conversation he had with Farrakhan a week before his arrest on gun charges in 2014 .
“ I just want you to know the enemy ’ s watching you , ” Jeezy recalled Farrakhan saying .
Farrakhan has cited an unspecified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticizing the U.S. government and the entertainment industry in Hollywood .
In one video posted on Facebook , Farrakhan blamed the “ enemy ” for promoting interracial marriage , which he said “ mongrelized ” the black race .
Jeezy was arrested in August 2014 on a weapons charge in connection with a murder following a concert for fellow rapper Wiz Khalifa .
The charges were dropped in December 2014 due to a lack of evidence .
In another interview in October 2015 , Jeezy said that Farrakhan had warned him that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after him because of a shift in the message in his music .
Jeezy was an early pioneer of “ trap ” music , a genre of rap that originated in the south and glorifies drug dealing .
His music has taken a more political tone in recent years along with many other artists in the industry .
Jeezy compared himself to Michael Jackson in the interview , saying that the pop star framed as a pedophile after his music ventured in a more activist direction .
“ They don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they did to Michael Jackson , ” he said in the interview .
Jeezy asserted that Jackson came under investigation for molesting children because his music took on a more politically aggressive tone .
“ They tried to make the man a pedophile .
They did that to him , ” Jeezy said of Jackson , who settled a lawsuit in the 1990s with the family of a boy who claimed he was molested by the pop star .
Jeezy is not the first rapper with ties to Farrakhan who Democrats have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Chicago-based rapper , appeared at the Democratic National Committee ’ s convention in August .
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Jeezy ” by Jeezy .

by Chuck Ross
Joe Biden’s presidential campaign released an ad this week narrated by a popular rapper who has called Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan his “mentor” and a “great guy.”
The ad, narrated by Jeezy, aims to boost black voter turnout as part of the campaign’s “Shop Talk” series.
“If you are out there marching in these streets, exercising your rights, you need to exercise your right to vote, too,” Jeezy says in the ad, which is posted to the Biden campaign’s YouTube channel.
“It’s the only way to make sure we get the change we’re looking for. And I do mean we. Us. Better jobs, education, health care, and criminal justice reform.”
Jeezy, born Jay Jenkins, directs listeners to the voter registration website “I Will Vote.”
According to the Detroit Metro Times, the campaign began running the ad on radio stations in Michigan on Thursday.
Jeezy, who began his career in Atlanta, has been open about his close relationship with Farrakhan. Numerous rappers and Democratic politicians have embraced the Nation of Islam leader despite his many anti-Semitic and anti-white statements over the years.
Farrakhan has blamed Jewish people for the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the Holocaust, and referred to them as “satanic.” He also praised Adolf Hitler as a “very great man.”
At a Nation of Islam event in February 2018, Farrakhan asserted that “Jews were responsible for all of this filth and degenerate behavior that Hollywood is putting out, turning men into women and women into men.”
“White folks are going down,” he also said, according to CNN. “And Satan is going down. And Farrakhan, by God’s grace, has pulled the cover off of that satanic Jew and I’m here to say your time is up, your world is through.”
Jeezy himself has not made anti-Semitic statements, but he has heaped praise on Farrakhan in interviews and met with him on multiple occasions.
“Meeting of the minds, with my mentor. The Honorable Minister Farrakhan,” Jeezy wrote on Twitter April 17, 2015.
He called Farrakhan a “great guy” in an interview in October 2015 with Marc Lamont Hill, a former CNN contributor.
“Who are your mentors?” Hill asked Jeezy.
“I like people with their own state of mind. I like Farrakhan,” he said.
The rapper described a conversation he had with Farrakhan a week before his arrest on gun charges in 2014.
“I just want you to know the enemy’s watching you,” Jeezy recalled Farrakhan saying.
Farrakhan has cited an unspecified “enemy” in the past when criticizing the U.S. government and the entertainment industry in Hollywood. In one video posted on Facebook, Farrakhan blamed the “enemy” for promoting interracial marriage, which he said “mongrelized” the black race.
Jeezy was arrested in August 2014 on a weapons charge in connection with a murder following a concert for fellow rapper Wiz Khalifa. The charges were dropped in December 2014 due to a lack of evidence.
In another interview in October 2015, Jeezy said that Farrakhan had warned him that the so-called “enemy” would eventually go after him because of a shift in the message in his music. Jeezy was an early pioneer of “trap” music, a genre of rap that originated in the south and glorifies drug dealing. His music has taken a more political tone in recent years along with many other artists in the industry.
Jeezy compared himself to Michael Jackson in the interview, saying that the pop star framed as a pedophile after his music ventured in a more activist direction.
“They don’t want you to get too powerful. Look what they did to Michael Jackson,” he said in the interview.
Jeezy asserted that Jackson came under investigation for molesting children because his music took on a more politically aggressive tone.
“They tried to make the man a pedophile. They did that to him,” Jeezy said of Jackson, who settled a lawsuit in the 1990s with the family of a boy who claimed he was molested by the pop star.
Jeezy is not the first rapper with ties to Farrakhan who Democrats have touted during the 2020 campaign. Common, a Chicago-based rapper, appeared at the Democratic National Committee’s convention in August.
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
– – –
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Jeezy” by Jeezy.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Commentary: Is the Chinese Communist Party Funneling Money to Rioters?

New developments reveal the breadth and depth of the Chinese Communist Party ’ s war against America .
Last week , federal authorities charged a New York City police officer with being a paid agent of the CCP for the past six years .
The indictment says handlers in the Chinese consulate had officer Baimadajie Angwang , a naturalized U.S. citizen , keeping tabs on Tibetans living in New York .
Angwang was being directed by the China Association for Preservation and Development of Tibetan Culture , part of the CCP United Front Work Department responsible for “ neutralizing sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority ” of the CCP , according to federal prosecutors .
The United Front Work Department is the CCP ’ s official overseas propaganda tool , one of the party ’ s “ Magic Weapons , ” in the words of Chairman Mao .
When the CCP seeks to “ neutralize ” opponents nothing is off the table , particularly when the neutralizer carries a gun .
Angwang was also a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve with a “ secret ” -level security clearance .
Did those vetting Angwang not know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Liberation Army and a member of the Chinese Communist Party , his mother is a retired government official and also a member of the CCP , and his brother serves as a reservist in the PLA , as prosecutors allege ?
Perhaps the Justice Department – and the Army – should be devoting more resources to countering the CCP espionage threat and less to diversity training .
CCP ’ s influence operations in the U.S. are widespread .
In 2018 , the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars , a Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Chinese Influence Operations in the U.S. : Shedding Some Light on All the Heat , ” arguing essentially there was nothing to worry about .
The think tank failed to disclose that Wang Huiyao , one of its panelists scheduled to speak , was a member of the CCP ’ s United Front Work Department and the Party ’ s Central Committee .
The CCP typically buys influence by offering their targets sweetheart deals to make them favorably disposed to China .
And they often use family members to reach their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden a $ 100,000 line of credit he and his wife used for a luxury shopping spree and $ 1.5 billion to set up an investment fund , it had all the earmarks of a classic influence operation .
The CCP ’ s threatened blacklist of American technology firms also fits with its influence operations , particularly how it is considering withholding the blacklist until after the election .
“ Many in China are hoping to reset relations with the U.S. should Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden defeat Mr. Trump , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden has laid out plans to increase engagement with China over regional issues such as Afghanistan , Iran and North Korea .
Mr. Biden would also likely engage China in dealing with climate change.
” Beijing is banking on tech firms eager to gain a piece of the China market to go all out for Joe Biden .
The CCP ran that play with Hollywood , and it paid off for Beijing and for Biden .
The office of then-Vice President Biden overruled a decision to grant asylum to a high-ranking CCP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value to the U.S. intelligence would be unprecedented .
The defector , Wang Lijun , was turned away after 30 hours inside the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu and given over to China ’ s Ministry of State Security .
Antony Blinken , Biden ’ s national security adviser , killed Wang ’ s asylum appeal .
Blinken feared China would cancel the upcoming visit by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping , whose visit was to be hosted by Biden , the Free Beacon reports .
During that visit , Xi and Biden met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DreamWorks Animation and Democratic mega donor .
On the final day of the visit , Dreamworks announced a $ 330 million joint venture with Chinese companies to develop and distribute animated films in China .
Hollywood has been a reliable ally of Beijing – and Biden – ever since .
Sometimes the CCP influence operations in the U.S. are even more brazen .
Wu Ting , the wife of China ’ s consul general in Chicago , emailed Wisconsin State Senate President Roger Roth in March asking him to submit a resolution praising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , helpfully attaching draft language for the resolution .
After trashing the outrageous request , Roth led the passage of a different resolution , stating “ the Communist Party of China deliberately and intentionally misled the world on the Wuhan Coronavirus.
” In April Ms. Wu was at it again , emailing CCP propaganda to the district director of Rep. Mike Gallagher , R-Wis. , including this gem : “ We are firmly opposed to racial discrimination and xenophobia against the local Chinese community and stigmatization of China and the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Mike Pompeo pulled no punches in describing what the CCP is up to : “ The CCP thinks it can drown out American cries for accountability with shouts of racism .
It wants to foment the kind of strife we ’ ve seen in Minneapolis , and Portland , and Kenosha , ” Pompeo told the Wisconsin State Senate .
The CCP could be using more than words to foment racial strife .
Retired CIA officer Sam Faddis lays out the evidence showing how the CCP could well be funneling money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter affiliate known as the Black Futures Lab are being routed through an organization known as the Chinese Progressive Association .
The CPA was founded in 1972 and according to a Stanford University paper , “ The CPA began as a Leftist , pro-People ’ s Republic of China organization , promoting awareness of mainland China ’ s revolutionary thought and workers ’ rights , and dedicated to self-determination , community control , and ‘ serving the people . '
” The CPA “ worked with other pro-PRC groups within the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Support for the PRC was based on the inspiration the members drew from what they saw as a successful grassroots model that presented a viable alternative to Western capitalism , ” the paper says .
CPA is especially active in San Francisco .
Russell Lowe , Sen. Dianne Feinstein ’ s office director who was outed as a Chinese spy is a close associate of CPA ’ s former Vice-Chair Eric Mar , Faddis reports .
The CPA has reliably toed the CCP propaganda line .
In 2017 the CPA joined with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ End National Security Scapegoating ( ENSS ) coalition .
This organization was created in reaction to what it calls “ pervasive efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice ( DOJ ) that target and prosecute Chinese-American individuals for espionage-related crimes .
… Today ’ s wrongful espionage prosecutions against Asian Americans must also be viewed and challenged alongside the broader foundation of racism and discrimination that fuels such injustices.
” Echoes of Ms. Wu .
Like the CCP , the CPA is using cries of racism not only to deflect responsibility for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against our government ’ s long-overdue crackdown on Beijing ’ s espionage within our country .
To be clear , as Faddis sums up , “ there is every indication the CPA , the outfit funneling money to the people burning our cities , is a Chinese intelligence front organization , part of what is China ’ s well known worldwide ‘ United Front ‘ apparatus.
” When corporate media express “ concern ” over anti-Asian racism without telling readers the CCP uses precisely such “ concerns ” in its propaganda and influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply those operations have penetrated all institutions in our society .
Curtis Ellis is a political communications consultant and senior policy adviser with America First Policies .
Photo “ Protesters ” by Lorie Shaull .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Curtis Ellis
New developments reveal the breadth and depth of the Chinese Communist Party’s war against America.
Last week, federal authorities charged a New York City police officer with being a paid agent of the CCP for the past six years. The indictment says handlers in the Chinese consulate had officer Baimadajie Angwang, a naturalized U.S. citizen, keeping tabs on Tibetans living in New York.
Angwang was being directed by the China Association for Preservation and Development of Tibetan Culture, part of the CCP United Front Work Department responsible for “neutralizing sources of potential opposition to the policies and authority” of the CCP, according to federal prosecutors.
The United Front Work Department is the CCP’s official overseas propaganda tool, one of the party’s “Magic Weapons,” in the words of Chairman Mao. When the CCP seeks to “neutralize” opponents nothing is off the table, particularly when the neutralizer carries a gun.
Angwang was also a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve with a “secret”-level security clearance. Did those vetting Angwang not know his father is retired from the People’s Liberation Army and a member of the Chinese Communist Party, his mother is a retired government official and also a member of the CCP, and his brother serves as a reservist in the PLA, as prosecutors allege?
Perhaps the Justice Department – and the Army – should be devoting more resources to countering the CCP espionage threat and less to diversity training.
CCP’s influence operations in the U.S. are widespread. In 2018, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a Washington think tank, held a panel discussion, “Chinese Influence Operations in the U.S.: Shedding Some Light on All the Heat,” arguing essentially there was nothing to worry about. The think tank failed to disclose that Wang Huiyao, one of its panelists scheduled to speak, was a member of the CCP’s United Front Work Department and the Party’s Central Committee.
The CCP typically buys influence by offering their targets sweetheart deals to make them favorably disposed to China. And they often use family members to reach their target.
When CCP-connected companies gave Hunter Biden a $100,000 line of credit he and his wife used for a luxury shopping spree and $1.5 billion to set up an investment fund, it had all the earmarks of a classic influence operation.
The CCP’s threatened blacklist of American technology firms also fits with its influence operations, particularly how it is considering withholding the blacklist until after the election.
“Many in China are hoping to reset relations with the U.S. should Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden defeat Mr. Trump,” the Wall Street Journal report. “Mr. Biden has laid out plans to increase engagement with China over regional issues such as Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea. Mr. Biden would also likely engage China in dealing with climate change.”
Beijing is banking on tech firms eager to gain a piece of the China market to go all out for Joe Biden. The CCP ran that play with Hollywood, and it paid off for Beijing and for Biden. The office of then-Vice President Biden overruled a decision to grant asylum to a high-ranking CCP official in charge of criminal investigations whose value to the U.S. intelligence would be unprecedented.
The defector, Wang Lijun, was turned away after 30 hours inside the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu and given over to China’s Ministry of State Security. Antony Blinken, Biden’s national security adviser, killed Wang’s asylum appeal.
Blinken feared China would cancel the upcoming visit by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, whose visit was to be hosted by Biden, the Free Beacon reports. During that visit, Xi and Biden met with Jeffrey Katzenberg, the head of DreamWorks Animation and Democratic mega donor. On the final day of the visit, Dreamworks announced a $330 million joint venture with Chinese companies to develop and distribute animated films in China. Hollywood has been a reliable ally of Beijing – and Biden – ever since.
Blinken is now Biden’s foreign policy adviser.
Sometimes the CCP influence operations in the U.S. are even more brazen. Wu Ting, the wife of China’s consul general in Chicago, emailed Wisconsin State Senate President Roger Roth in March asking him to submit a resolution praising the CCP’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, helpfully attaching draft language for the resolution.
After trashing the outrageous request, Roth led the passage of a different resolution, stating “the Communist Party of China deliberately and intentionally misled the world on the Wuhan Coronavirus.”
In April Ms. Wu was at it again, emailing CCP propaganda to the district director of Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., including this gem: “We are firmly opposed to racial discrimination and xenophobia against the local Chinese community and stigmatization of China and the Chinese people over the virus.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pulled no punches in describing what the CCP is up to:
“The CCP thinks it can drown out American cries for accountability with shouts of racism. It wants to foment the kind of strife we’ve seen in Minneapolis, and Portland, and Kenosha,” Pompeo told the Wisconsin State Senate.
The CCP could be using more than words to foment racial strife. Retired CIA officer Sam Faddis lays out the evidence showing how the CCP could well be funneling money to riot organizers.
Donations to a Black Lives Matter affiliate known as the Black Futures Lab are being routed through an organization known as the Chinese Progressive Association.
The CPA was founded in 1972 and according to a Stanford University paper, “The CPA began as a Leftist, pro-People’s Republic of China organization, promoting awareness of mainland China’s revolutionary thought and workers’ rights, and dedicated to self-determination, community control, and ‘serving the people.'”
The CPA “worked with other pro-PRC groups within the U.S. and San Francisco Bay Area. … Support for the PRC was based on the inspiration the members drew from what they saw as a successful grassroots model that presented a viable alternative to Western capitalism,” the paper says.
CPA is especially active in San Francisco. Russell Lowe, Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office director who was outed as a Chinese spy is a close associate of CPA’s former Vice-Chair Eric Mar, Faddis reports.
The CPA has reliably toed the CCP propaganda line. In 2017 the CPA joined with other pro-Beijing Bay Area groups to create the End National Security Scapegoating (ENSS) coalition. This organization was created in reaction to what it calls “pervasive efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that target and prosecute Chinese-American individuals for espionage-related crimes. … Today’s wrongful espionage prosecutions against Asian Americans must also be viewed and challenged alongside the broader foundation of racism and discrimination that fuels such injustices.”
Echoes of Ms. Wu. Like the CCP, the CPA is using cries of racism not only to deflect responsibility for the China virus but also to push back against our government’s long-overdue crackdown on Beijing’s espionage within our country.
To be clear, as Faddis sums up, “there is every indication the CPA, the outfit funneling money to the people burning our cities, is a Chinese intelligence front organization, part of what is China’s well known worldwide ‘United Front‘ apparatus.”
When corporate media express “concern” over anti-Asian racism without telling readers the CCP uses precisely such “concerns” in its propaganda and influence operations, we see yet again how deeply those operations have penetrated all institutions in our society.
– – –
Curtis Ellis is a political communications consultant and senior policy adviser with America First Policies.
Photo “Protesters” by Lorie Shaull. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--New York Times Publishes Pro-Beijing Official’s Op-Ed Praising Crackdown on Hong Kong Protesters

The New York Times published an opinion piece on Thursday from a pro-Beijing official in Hong Kong who accused pro-democracy protesters there of “ stirring up chaos ” against “ our motherland.
” In the article , entitled , “ Hong Kong is China , Like it or Not , ” Regina Ip defended the Chinese Communist Party ’ s ( CCP ) response to protests that started in Hong Kong in March 2019 over a proposed law that would allow for the extradition of fugitives to China .
“ After months of chaos in the city , something had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government did it , ” Ip wrote in praise of Beijing ’ s passage of a security law that clamped down on protests .
Ip said that the law limiting protests would ensure “ that Hong Kong does not become a danger to China.
” She also accused pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong of doing “ great harm to the city ” and “ stirring up chaos and disaffection toward our motherland.
” Ip said that “ the West tends to glorify these people as defenders of Hong Kong ’ s freedoms.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Beijing ’ s enforcer ” and as having close ties to top Communist party officials .
Ip is a member of Hong Kong ’ s executive council and the founder of the New People ’ s Party , which promotes pro-Beijing policies .
The op-ed appears amid heightened concern from the U.S. government regarding Beijing ’ s propaganda efforts in the West .
News outlets controlled by the CCP have used U.S. newspapers , including the Times , to publish advertorial inserts designed to look like legitimate news articles .
China Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department show that it paid The Times $ 50,000 in 2018 to publish the inserts .
The Times quietly deleted the advertorials from online versions of its newspaper in August .
The publication of the piece comes after the Times experienced an internal uprising among staff members over the publication of an op-ed on June 3 from Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton calling on President Trump to call on the U.S. military to “ restore order ” following riots in U.S. cities over the police-involved death of George Floyd .
Cotton said he supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more needed to be done to quell the rioting , looting , and killing that had occurred .
The Times attached a lengthy editor ’ s note to Cotton ’ s article , which led to the resignation of opinion page editor James Bennet .
The Ip op-ed had attracted some blowback on Thursday from journalists who saw it as CCP propaganda .
Ip ’ s op-ed does not disclose her close ties to the Chinese communist apparatus in Beijing , though The Times has previously reported on those links .
On July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ip resigned as Hong Kong ’ s secretary of security due to protests over a security bill she supported .
The article described Ip as “ enjoying particularly close ties to top Communist officials.
” “ Mrs .
Ip was widely seen as Beijing ’ s enforcer , sending police and immigration officers to perform sometimes politically controversial raids , ” The Times reported then .
According to The Times , the bill Ip supported would have allowed police to conduct warrantless searches during emergencies “ and would have authorized the shuttering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times also reported in 2003 that Ip “ kept a sword from the People ’ s Liberation Army at the front of her desk.
” Ip has spoken out against expanding civil liberties and voting rights in Hong Kong , which was handed over to the control of China from the United Kingdom in 1997 .
In 2002 , Ip stirred controversy when she argued against expanding the vote , saying that “ Adolf Hitler was returned by universal suffrage and he killed seven million Jews.
” The Times did not immediately respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story .
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Hong Kong Protests ” by Studio Incendo .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Chuck Ross
The New York Times published an opinion piece on Thursday from a pro-Beijing official in Hong Kong who accused pro-democracy protesters there of “stirring up chaos” against “our motherland.”
In the article, entitled, “Hong Kong is China, Like it or Not,” Regina Ip defended the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) response to protests that started in Hong Kong in March 2019 over a proposed law that would allow for the extradition of fugitives to China.
“After months of chaos in the city, something had to be done, and the Chinese government did it,” Ip wrote in praise of Beijing’s passage of a security law that clamped down on protests.
Ip said that the law limiting protests would ensure “that Hong Kong does not become a danger to China.”
She also accused pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong of doing “great harm to the city” and “stirring up chaos and disaffection toward our motherland.”
Ip said that “the West tends to glorify these people as defenders of Hong Kong’s freedoms.”
The Times has previously described Ip as “Beijing’s enforcer” and as having close ties to top Communist party officials. Ip is a member of Hong Kong’s executive council and the founder of the New People’s Party, which promotes pro-Beijing policies.
The op-ed appears amid heightened concern from the U.S. government regarding Beijing’s propaganda efforts in the West. News outlets controlled by the CCP have used U.S. newspapers, including the Times, to publish advertorial inserts designed to look like legitimate news articles.
China Daily’s filings with the U.S. Justice Department show that it paid The Times $50,000 in 2018 to publish the inserts.
The Times quietly deleted the advertorials from online versions of its newspaper in August.
The publication of the piece comes after the Times experienced an internal uprising among staff members over the publication of an op-ed on June 3 from Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton calling on President Trump to call on the U.S. military to “restore order” following riots in U.S. cities over the police-involved death of George Floyd.
If you had any doubt The New York Times is the enemy of free people, they're now publishing CCP puppets defending crushing activists in Hong Kong. "Something had to be done, and the Chinese authorities did it." Yeah? Fuck you. https://t.co/rlsZIp4Lbp — Ben Domenech (@bdomenech) October 1, 2020
Cotton said he supported peaceful protesting, but he argued that more needed to be done to quell the rioting, looting, and killing that had occurred.
The Times attached a lengthy editor’s note to Cotton’s article, which led to the resignation of opinion page editor James Bennet.
The Ip op-ed had attracted some blowback on Thursday from journalists who saw it as CCP propaganda.
Ip’s op-ed does not disclose her close ties to the Chinese communist apparatus in Beijing, though The Times has previously reported on those links.
On July 17, 2003, the paper reported that Ip resigned as Hong Kong’s secretary of security due to protests over a security bill she supported. The article described Ip as “enjoying particularly close ties to top Communist officials.”
“Mrs. Ip was widely seen as Beijing’s enforcer, sending police and immigration officers to perform sometimes politically controversial raids,” The Times reported then.
According to The Times, the bill Ip supported would have allowed police to conduct warrantless searches during emergencies “and would have authorized the shuttering of news organizations deemed seditious.”
The Times also reported in 2003 that Ip “kept a sword from the People’s Liberation Army at the front of her desk.”
Ip has spoken out against expanding civil liberties and voting rights in Hong Kong, which was handed over to the control of China from the United Kingdom in 1997.
In 2002, Ip stirred controversy when she argued against expanding the vote, saying that “Adolf Hitler was returned by universal suffrage and he killed seven million Jews.”
The Times did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this story.
– – –
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Hong Kong Protests” by Studio Incendo. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Titans’ Outbreak Now at 18, with Bills’ Game Possibly at Risk

NASHVILLE , Tennessee ( AP ) — The positive test results keep coming for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL ’ s first outbreak of COVID-19 .
If the positive results don ’ t stop , the Titans ’ next game , against Buffalo ( 3-0 ) on Oct. 11 , could be at risk , forcing the NFL into even more rearranging of the schedule .
The NFL postponed Sunday ’ s game between New England and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs after “ positive COVID-19 tests on both teams.
” ESPN reported on Saturday that Patriots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive .
The league also pushed the Colts-Bears game from an early kickoff to 4:25 p.m. to fill the slot left open by the Patriots-Chiefs .
On Saturday , another Titans player and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 , raising the team ’ s total to 18 since Sept. 24 , a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the NFL nor the Titans had announced the latest results .
This is the fifth straight day that at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had a positive test result return .
The outbreak seemingly started Sept. 24 when the Titans placed cornerback Greg Mabin from their practice squad on the reserve/COVID-19 list .
Since outside linebacker coach Shane Bowen ’ s test result came back positive on Sept. 26 , the Titans have had now eight players and seven other team personnel test positive .
Bowen didn ’ t travel with Tennessee ( 3-0 ) to Minnesota for their 31-30 win last week .
The Titans now on the reserve/COVID-19 list include : defensive captain DaQuan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide receiver Adam Humphries , outside linebacker Kamalei Correa , and rookie cornerback Kristian Fulton , their second-round pick out of LSU , with receiver Cameron Batson and tight end Tommy Hudson from the practice squad .
Offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson , Tennessee ’ s first-round pick out of Georgia , has been on the reserve/COVID-19 list since Sept. 6 .
The NFL first postponed , then rescheduled the Titans ’ game set for Sunday against Pittsburgh to Oct. 25 during Tennessee ’ s bye .
The league also moved Baltimore ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens now can play Pittsburgh on Nov. 1 .
Officials from the NFL and its players ’ union met with the Titans on Friday reviewing the situation .
The Minnesota Vikings ( 0-3 ) again had no positive test results from Friday ’ s tests , and they remain scheduled to visit Houston ( 0-3 ) on Sunday as scheduled .
The Vikings went back to work inside their facility Thursday .
The Titans had hoped to return to work inside their own building Monday or Tuesday .
The league has new protocols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed to a team with an outbreak to follow that include two different daily tests and gloves and face masks for everyone , including players , during practices .
With each day bringing more positive results , that return is in jeopardy .
The NFL announced Friday that the league and its players ’ union agreed to extend daily testing for the foreseeable future .
That includes teams during bye weeks , requiring players to stick around .
Teresa M. Walker is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee Titans , is shown Tuesday , Sept. 29 , 2020 , in Nashville , Tenn .
The Titans suspended in-person activities through Friday after the NFL says three Titans players and five personnel tested positive for the coronavirus , becoming the first COVID-19 outbreak of the NFL season in Week 4 .
( AP Photo/Mark Humphrey )

by Teresa M. Walker
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — The positive test results keep coming for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL’s first outbreak of COVID-19.
If the positive results don’t stop, the Titans’ next game, against Buffalo (3-0) on Oct. 11, could be at risk, forcing the NFL into even more rearranging of the schedule.
The NFL postponed Sunday’s game between New England and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs after “positive COVID-19 tests on both teams.” ESPN reported on Saturday that Patriots quarterback Cam Newton was among those testing positive. The league also pushed the Colts-Bears game from an early kickoff to 4:25 p.m. to fill the slot left open by the Patriots-Chiefs.
On Saturday, another Titans player and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19, raising the team’s total to 18 since Sept. 24, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the NFL nor the Titans had announced the latest results.
This is the fifth straight day that at least one member of the Titans’ organization has had a positive test result return. The outbreak seemingly started Sept. 24 when the Titans placed cornerback Greg Mabin from their practice squad on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Since outside linebacker coach Shane Bowen’s test result came back positive on Sept. 26, the Titans have had now eight players and seven other team personnel test positive. Bowen didn’t travel with Tennessee (3-0) to Minnesota for their 31-30 win last week.
The Titans now on the reserve/COVID-19 list include: defensive captain DaQuan Jones, long snapper Beau Brinkley, wide receiver Adam Humphries, outside linebacker Kamalei Correa, and rookie cornerback Kristian Fulton, their second-round pick out of LSU, with receiver Cameron Batson and tight end Tommy Hudson from the practice squad.
Offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson, Tennessee’s first-round pick out of Georgia, has been on the reserve/COVID-19 list since Sept. 6.
The NFL first postponed, then rescheduled the Titans’ game set for Sunday against Pittsburgh to Oct. 25 during Tennessee’s bye. The league also moved Baltimore’s bye to Week 7, so the Ravens now can play Pittsburgh on Nov. 1.
Officials from the NFL and its players’ union met with the Titans on Friday reviewing the situation.
The Minnesota Vikings (0-3) again had no positive test results from Friday’s tests, and they remain scheduled to visit Houston (0-3) on Sunday as scheduled. The Vikings went back to work inside their facility Thursday.
The Titans had hoped to return to work inside their own building Monday or Tuesday. The league has new protocols for teams dealing with an outbreak or exposed to a team with an outbreak to follow that include two different daily tests and gloves and face masks for everyone, including players, during practices.
With each day bringing more positive results, that return is in jeopardy.
The NFL announced Friday that the league and its players’ union agreed to extend daily testing for the foreseeable future. That includes teams during bye weeks, requiring players to stick around.
– – –
Teresa M. Walker is a reporter for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, is shown Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans suspended in-person activities through Friday after the NFL says three Titans players and five personnel tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the first COVID-19 outbreak of the NFL season in Week 4. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Ohio Public Health Advisory System: Indicator Five – Outpatient Visits for COVID-like Illness

This is the fifth report in an eight-part series on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System ( OPHAS ) .
OPHAS has seven indicators and each of Ohio ’ s 88 counties is assigned a color based on the number of indicators that are triggered .
Indicator five measures the sustained increase in outpatient visits for COVID-like illness .
According to the state website , the indicator “ provides information on the health care seeking behavior of the population and a sense of how concerned residents are about their current health status and the virus.
” A county triggers this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three week period when there is an increasing trend in the number of people going to a healthcare provider with COVID symptoms ( listed below ) who then receive a COVID confirmed or suspected diagnosis .
The outpatient data comes from health care providers who assign diagnostic codes to patients , and that information is provided electronically every 24 hours to the Ohio Department of Health ( ODH ) .
ODH Press Secretary Melanie Amato told The Ohio Star that outpatient data for COVID-like illness are provided by “ Ohio ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as one health system ( Promedica ) that is not part of an HIE.
” She continued , “ there are two HIEs in Ohio , CliniSync and The Health Collaborative ( THC ) .
THC covers the Cincinnati area as well as part of Dayton while CliniSync covers the rest of the state.
” However , the indicator is not COVID-specific .
Amato said coding is left up to the doctor who may provide a COVID test or diagnose someone clinically without a test .
“ How cases get coded depends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests is one of those factors , ” Dr. Elizabeth Laffay , D.O.
, an emergency and functional medicine physician , told The Star .
“ When rapid tests are available we can use them at the doctor ’ s discretion but when they are limited may only use them for patients being transferred to another health care facility , inpatient psychiatric facility or those being admitted to the hospital.
” Laffay added , “ The outpatient visits are based on ICD-10 coding and the result of a medical visit is based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient or the doctor express COVID concern it could be worded in a way that could end up being coded as a COVID rule out .
The physician ’ s wording in the documentation would trigger a medical coder to code it COVID-like.
” The numbers for COVID-like visits do not equal public health cases as found on the state ’ s website .
“ A physician can literally just say it ’ s COVID and it counts as a clinical diagnosis for the purposes of the health care provider and billing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an official public health case , a confirmed case must be the result of a positive polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) test or clinical diagnosis .
A clinical diagnosis is determined as follows , at least one of the following symptoms : Any one of the following symptoms : Severe respiratory illness with at least one of the following : Indicator five has no magnitude control .
Ashland County tripped the measure from September 10-14 when the area recorded a small increase in the 7-day average of COVID-like outpatient visits from 2.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ashland recorded five COVID-positive cases on September 10 and seven on September 14 – logging zero hospitalizations on both days .
Since March , the county has 280 cases , 32 hospitalizations and 5 deaths .
Governor DeWine commented on Ashland County Thursday saying that it remained in red and highlighted the “ continued resistance to mask wearing and social distancing in the county.
” But the bulk of the cases in Ashland County were recorded at the same time Ashland University brought students back to campus on August 31 .
Indicator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illnesses .
Outpatient visits for allergies , colds and the flu spike in the fall , according to Live Science .
These common ailments have same and similar symptoms as COVID .
According to Laffay , many doctors address COVID in their charting for liability reasons – “ to mitigate liability blowback , COVID is often mentioned at some point during charting.
” Therefore as cold and flu season ramp up , indicator five will no doubt be triggered often .
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reporter at WMFD-TV .
Follow Jack on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Coronavirus Patient ” by Official U.S. Navy Page .
CC BY 2.0 .

This is the fifth report in an eight-part series on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System (OPHAS).
OPHAS has seven indicators and each of Ohio’s 88 counties is assigned a color based on the number of indicators that are triggered.
Indicator five measures the sustained increase in outpatient visits for COVID-like illness.
According to the state website, the indicator “provides information on the health care seeking behavior of the population and a sense of how concerned residents are about their current health status and the virus.”
A county triggers this indicator during any five consecutive days over a three week period when there is an increasing trend in the number of people going to a healthcare provider with COVID symptoms (listed below) who then receive a COVID confirmed or suspected diagnosis.
The outpatient data comes from health care providers who assign diagnostic codes to patients, and that information is provided electronically every 24 hours to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
ODH Press Secretary Melanie Amato told The Ohio Star that outpatient data for COVID-like illness are provided by “Ohio’s Health Information Exchanges (HIE) as well as one health system (Promedica) that is not part of an HIE.” She continued, “there are two HIEs in Ohio, CliniSync and The Health Collaborative (THC). THC covers the Cincinnati area as well as part of Dayton while CliniSync covers the rest of the state.”
However, the indicator is not COVID-specific. Amato said coding is left up to the doctor who may provide a COVID test or diagnose someone clinically without a test.
“How cases get coded depends on several factors – the availability of tests is one of those factors,” Dr. Elizabeth Laffay, D.O., an emergency and functional medicine physician, told The Star. “When rapid tests are available we can use them at the doctor’s discretion but when they are limited may only use them for patients being transferred to another health care facility, inpatient psychiatric facility or those being admitted to the hospital.”
Laffay added, “The outpatient visits are based on ICD-10 coding and the result of a medical visit is based on how the doctor charts. If a patient or the doctor express COVID concern it could be worded in a way that could end up being coded as a COVID rule out. The physician’s wording in the documentation would trigger a medical coder to code it COVID-like.”
The numbers for COVID-like visits do not equal public health cases as found on the state’s website. “A physician can literally just say it’s COVID and it counts as a clinical diagnosis for the purposes of the health care provider and billing,” said Amato.
To count as an official public health case, a confirmed case must be the result of a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or clinical diagnosis.
A clinical diagnosis is determined as follows, at least one of the following symptoms:
fever (measured or subjective)
chills
rigors
myalgia
headache
sore throat
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea
fatigue
congestion or runny nose
OR
Any one of the following symptoms:
cough
shortness of breath
difficulty breathing
new olfactory disorder
new taste disorder
OR
Severe respiratory illness with at least one of the following:
clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia
acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Indicator five has no magnitude control. Ashland County tripped the measure from September 10-14 when the area recorded a small increase in the 7-day average of COVID-like outpatient visits from 2.7 to 5.7.
In the same timeframe, Ashland recorded five COVID-positive cases on September 10 and seven on September 14 – logging zero hospitalizations on both days. Since March, the county has 280 cases, 32 hospitalizations and 5 deaths.
Governor DeWine commented on Ashland County Thursday saying that it remained in red and highlighted the “continued resistance to mask wearing and social distancing in the county.” But the bulk of the cases in Ashland County were recorded at the same time Ashland University brought students back to campus on August 31.
Indicator five is sensitive to symptoms of other illnesses. Outpatient visits for allergies, colds and the flu spike in the fall, according to Live Science. These common ailments have same and similar symptoms as COVID.
According to Laffay, many doctors address COVID in their charting for liability reasons – “to mitigate liability blowback, COVID is often mentioned at some point during charting.”
Therefore as cold and flu season ramp up, indicator five will no doubt be triggered often.
– – –
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star. Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV. Follow Jack on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Coronavirus Patient” by Official U.S. Navy Page. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Omar Says She Resents Anyone Who Says Trump ‘Is Not Racist’

Rep. Ilhan Omar said she resents anyone who does not think President Donald Trump is racist or a white supremacist .
Her comments were made during a Thursday MSNBC interview in reaction to the president ’ s Wednesday night rally in Duluth , Minnesota .
“ What is going on with Omar ?
I have been reading the reports for two years about how corrupt and crooked she is , ” said Trump .
“ Then she tells us how to run our country .
Can you believe it ?
How the hell did Minnesota elect her ?
” Omar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump “ has ideas of feeling that Somalis are worthless ” and repeatedly called him a white supremacist .
“ You know , the president mocked his wife for wanting to go to Africa .
He ’ s called African nations , you know , shitholes .
This is not someone who has really hidden his hate for me and everything that I represent , ” said Omar .
“ I resent anyone who says this president is not racist .
I resent anyone who says , you know , this president is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last four years and in his history , this president has told us who he is and we can no longer turn a blind eye to that .
He ’ s destroying our country , and we have to make sure we defeat him.
” She concluded the interview by claiming the president loves to create division and chaos in order to distract “ people from his inability to lead.
” “ What we have on the Democratic side is enthusiasm for the first time to join arms , to get rid of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News .
He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform , and reported for The Daily Caller .
Photo “ Ilhan Omar ” by Ayman Mohyeldin Twitter .

by Anthony Gockowski
Rep. Ilhan Omar said she resents anyone who does not think President Donald Trump is racist or a white supremacist.
Her comments were made during a Thursday MSNBC interview in reaction to the president’s Wednesday night rally in Duluth, Minnesota.
“What is going on with Omar? I have been reading the reports for two years about how corrupt and crooked she is,” said Trump. “Then she tells us how to run our country. Can you believe it? How the hell did Minnesota elect her?”
Omar said she’s not surprised that Trump “has ideas of feeling that Somalis are worthless” and repeatedly called him a white supremacist.
“You know, the president mocked his wife for wanting to go to Africa. He’s called African nations, you know, shitholes. This is not someone who has really hidden his hate for me and everything that I represent,” said Omar. “I resent anyone who says this president is not racist. I resent anyone who says, you know, this president is not a white supremacist because for the last four years and in his history, this president has told us who he is and we can no longer turn a blind eye to that. He’s destroying our country, and we have to make sure we defeat him.”
"This is not someone who has really hidden his hate for me and everything that I represent." Rep. @IlhanMN on Trump. pic.twitter.com/RpTr3nlrLy — MSNBC Live with Ayman Mohyeldin (@AymanMSNBC) October 1, 2020
She concluded the interview by claiming the president loves to create division and chaos in order to distract “people from his inability to lead.”
“What we have on the Democratic side is enthusiasm for the first time to join arms, to get rid of this fascist in the White House,” she said.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and reported for The Daily Caller.
Photo “Ilhan Omar” by Ayman Mohyeldin Twitter.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Former Democratic Lawmaker Pushes Back on Civil Rights Commission Recommendation to Cut Charter Scho

Former Democratic Lawmaker Pushes Back on Civil Rights Commission Recommendation to Cut Charter School Funding

A former Democratic lawmaker disagrees with recommendations from the “ Education Equity in Michigan , ” report the Michigan Civil Rights Commission ( MCRC ) adopted Wednesday .
The report was issued after the MCRC held statewide public hearings in 2018 and 2019 .
Buzz Thomas was the Democratic Leader of the Michigan House and the Democratic Floor Leader of the Michigan Senate in the late 1990s and the early 2000s and is the board chair of Michigan Association of Public School Academies ( MAPSA ) , the state charter school association .
Although most of the report contains positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and insulting ” descriptions of charter schools and the advice to cut charter school funding .
Thomas sent a letter Friday explaining his concerns to the MCRC and Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , neither of which responded to a request for comment by the time of publishing .
The MCRC recommended Proposal A of the Michigan Constitution be amended , so charter school students only receive 75 percent of the state foundation grant that goes to other public school students .
“ Schools and students also would be helped by changing the underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding would no longer follow students to their school of choice or a charter school , ” the report reads .
In the letter , Thomas argues the MCRC ’ s action disproportionately attacks Black and Brown students .
“ Charter schools in Michigan serve about 10 percent of all students , most of whom are Black and Brown students , and most of whom live in poverty .
About 67 percent of all students in charter schools are minorities , compared to the state average of about 34 percent , ” Thomas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charter school students are enrolled in the subsidized lunch program ( a key indicator of poverty ) , compared to the state average of 50 percent .
Half the students in Detroit and Flint attend charter schools.
” Charter schools provide another avenue for parents who choose to send their kids to what they believe is a better school , Thomas argued .
“ Rather than funding students , you suggest we fund institutions – institutions many parents decided no longer served their children well , ” Thomas wrote .
“ Empowering parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward with equity and access.
” Thomas questioned the reports ’ executive summary describing the state ’ s school system : “ Charter schools siphoning off public tax money from the traditional school system.
” The summary repeats the language of Attorney General Dana Nessel in a lawsuit the state won against U.S. Department of Education ( DOE ) Secretary Betsy DeVos .
“ Charter schools are public schools in every way , and they don ’ t ‘ siphon money ’ away from traditional public schools any more than traditional public schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public schools , ” Thomas wrote .
Thomas argued it ’ s not sensible to revoke money from institutions serving students from low-income families .
“ So , when you talk about devaluing a student simply because he or she attends a charter school , you ’ re talking about primarily Black and Brown students .
You ’ re talking about half the children in Detroit and Flint , ” Thomas wrote .
“ It boggles the mind that the Michigan Civil Rights Commission just adopted a report that tells half the students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re only worth three-quarters of a person.
” 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 “ Buzz Thomas ” by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation .
Background Photo “ Michigan Capitol ” by Pkay Chelle CC BY 2.0 .

by Scott McClallen
A former Democratic lawmaker disagrees with recommendations from the “Education Equity in Michigan,” report the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC) adopted Wednesday.
The report was issued after the MCRC held statewide public hearings in 2018 and 2019.
Buzz Thomas was the Democratic Leader of the Michigan House and the Democratic Floor Leader of the Michigan Senate in the late 1990s and the early 2000s and is the board chair of Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA), the state charter school association.
Although most of the report contains positive recommendations, Thomas disagreed with “inaccurate and insulting” descriptions of charter schools and the advice to cut charter school funding.
Thomas sent a letter Friday explaining his concerns to the MCRC and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, neither of which responded to a request for comment by the time of publishing.
The MCRC recommended Proposal A of the Michigan Constitution be amended, so charter school students only receive 75 percent of the state foundation grant that goes to other public school students.
“Schools and students also would be helped by changing the underlying policy structure of Proposal A so that funding would no longer follow students to their school of choice or a charter school,” the report reads.
In the letter, Thomas argues the MCRC’s action disproportionately attacks Black and Brown students.
“Charter schools in Michigan serve about 10 percent of all students, most of whom are Black and Brown students, and most of whom live in poverty. About 67 percent of all students in charter schools are minorities, compared to the state average of about 34 percent,” Thomas wrote.
“About 75 percent of charter school students are enrolled in the subsidized lunch program (a key indicator of poverty), compared to the state average of 50 percent. Half the students in Detroit and Flint attend charter schools.”
Charter schools provide another avenue for parents who choose to send their kids to what they believe is a better school, Thomas argued.
“Rather than funding students, you suggest we fund institutions – institutions many parents decided no longer served their children well,” Thomas wrote. “Empowering parents in diverse communities is vital to moving forward with equity and access.”
Thomas questioned the reports’ executive summary describing the state’s school system: “Charter schools siphoning off public tax money from the traditional school system.”
The summary repeats the language of Attorney General Dana Nessel in a lawsuit the state won against U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Betsy DeVos.
“Charter schools are public schools in every way, and they don’t ‘siphon money’ away from traditional public schools any more than traditional public schools ‘siphon money’ away from charter public schools,” Thomas wrote.
Thomas argued it’s not sensible to revoke money from institutions serving students from low-income families.
“So, when you talk about devaluing a student simply because he or she attends a charter school, you’re talking about primarily Black and Brown students. You’re talking about half the children in Detroit and Flint,” Thomas wrote.
“It boggles the mind that the Michigan Civil Rights Commission just adopted a report that tells half the students in Detroit and Flint that they’re only worth three-quarters of a person.”
– – –
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 “Buzz Thomas” by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. Background Photo “Michigan Capitol” by Pkay Chelle CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Former House Speaker Kirk Cox Is Serious About Bid for Virginia Governor

Longtime state Delegate Kirk Cox ( R-Colonial Heights ) is very serious about running for Virginia governor in the 2021 gubernatorial elections , but he is steadfast on waiting until the rapidly-approaching general elections have concluded to officially announce his campaign .
Despite recently filing paperwork with the state of Virginia to establish a campaign committee , Cox feels the November election , specifically securing another term for President Trump and congressional seats for Republicans , take priority at the moment .
But Cox said he understands how important the governor ’ s race will ultimately be after taking part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing special session on the legislative sidelines .
“ I ’ ve watched for the last eight months what happened when the Democrats control the Governorship , the Senate and the House , so in November that can not happen , ” Cox said in an interview with The Virginia Star .
If elected governor , Cox would bring with him 22 years of experience as a public school teacher and 31 years of experience in the Virginia House of Delegates , with almost a third of those years serving in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been both Majority Leader and Speaker [ of the House ] , ” Cox said .
“ I would say during my leadership tenure , you can point to a Virginia that was very , very well run .
When I left the speakership , we were the number one state to do business .
We left with a $ 1.2 billion tax cut , and I think you can contrast that to the tax increases we saw from the Democrats this January.
” Cox believes that his tenure as Majority Leader and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions while working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will be beneficial in his run for the governorship .
The veteran delegate described himself as a hard worker and mentioned that he has a track record of winning elections as well as a robust history of legislative accomplishments to draw from .
Some of those achievements are mentioned above and others include over 120 pieces of legislation for veterans and the establishment of the Virginia Online Network ( OVN ) , an online consortium that offers degrees in high demand fields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University , James Madison University and the Virginia Community College System .
When asked what actions he would undergo if elected in 2021 , Cox brought up three main policies : public safety , education and the economy .
In line with the feelings of many other Republican state legislators , Cox emphasized the need for increased public safety while criticizing some of the legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly this year .
Cox argued that some of those bills needed to be rolled back or modified , but did acknowledge that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be addressed with reasonable legislation .
In terms of his vision for the economy , Cox talked about achieving economic development through tax cuts and reducing regulations , calling Virginia “ way too burdened by regulations.
” Lastly , Cox asserted the need for more practical degrees at Virginia colleges to produce more plumbers , electricians , CDL drivers , etc .
Even though Cox is technically waiting to officially announce his bid for governor , he strongly believes that he has the requisite tools and experience for the job .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Cox said .
“ I think I have broad base support and I think I can appeal to all segments of the Republican Party.
” Cox Added : “ I do think [ I ] can really identify with folks that are working hard , that are essential workers , and can really relate.
” For the gubernatorial primary , which takes place in June 2021 , Cox ’ s only current competitor would be Sen. Amanda Chase ( R-Chesterfield ) who announced her bid for governor last February and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should trust me because I have a reputation of doing what I said I would do , ” Cox said .
“ I ’ ll be very candid with people in a civil way .
I ’ ll tell them exactly where I ’ m at and I ’ ll listen .
I think that is a quality that we ’ ve lost a little bit .
I certainly have the ability to work across the aisle and get things done .
And as Governor you want to be able to do that.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Background Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Amadeust .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .

Longtime state Delegate Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) is very serious about running for Virginia governor in the 2021 gubernatorial elections, but he is steadfast on waiting until the rapidly-approaching general elections have concluded to officially announce his campaign.
Despite recently filing paperwork with the state of Virginia to establish a campaign committee, Cox feels the November election, specifically securing another term for President Trump and congressional seats for Republicans, take priority at the moment.
But Cox said he understands how important the governor’s race will ultimately be after taking part in the 2020 regular session and now the ongoing special session on the legislative sidelines.
“I’ve watched for the last eight months what happened when the Democrats control the Governorship, the Senate and the House, so in November that cannot happen,” Cox said in an interview with The Virginia Star.
If elected governor, Cox would bring with him 22 years of experience as a public school teacher and 31 years of experience in the Virginia House of Delegates, with almost a third of those years serving in a leadership position.
“I’ve been both Majority Leader and Speaker [of the House],” Cox said. “I would say during my leadership tenure, you can point to a Virginia that was very, very well run. When I left the speakership, we were the number one state to do business. We left with a $1.2 billion tax cut, and I think you can contrast that to the tax increases we saw from the Democrats this January.”
Cox believes that his tenure as Majority Leader and Speaker, and having to make difficult decisions while working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will be beneficial in his run for the governorship.
The veteran delegate described himself as a hard worker and mentioned that he has a track record of winning elections as well as a robust history of legislative accomplishments to draw from.
Some of those achievements are mentioned above and others include over 120 pieces of legislation for veterans and the establishment of the Virginia Online Network (OVN), an online consortium that offers degrees in high demand fields from Old Dominion University, George Mason University, James Madison University and the Virginia Community College System.
When asked what actions he would undergo if elected in 2021, Cox brought up three main policies: public safety, education and the economy.
In line with the feelings of many other Republican state legislators, Cox emphasized the need for increased public safety while criticizing some of the legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly this year.
Cox argued that some of those bills needed to be rolled back or modified, but did acknowledge that situations with bad cops do occur and should be addressed with reasonable legislation.
In terms of his vision for the economy, Cox talked about achieving economic development through tax cuts and reducing regulations, calling Virginia “way too burdened by regulations.”
Lastly, Cox asserted the need for more practical degrees at Virginia colleges to produce more plumbers, electricians, CDL drivers, etc.
Even though Cox is technically waiting to officially announce his bid for governor, he strongly believes that he has the requisite tools and experience for the job.
“I’m very motivated to run,” Cox said. “I think I have broad base support and I think I can appeal to all segments of the Republican Party.”
Cox Added: “I do think [I] can really identify with folks that are working hard, that are essential workers, and can really relate.”
For the gubernatorial primary, which takes place in June 2021, Cox’s only current competitor would be Sen. Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield) who announced her bid for governor last February and has been campaigning ever since.
“Virginians should trust me because I have a reputation of doing what I said I would do,” Cox said. “I’ll be very candid with people in a civil way. I’ll tell them exactly where I’m at and I’ll listen. I think that is a quality that we’ve lost a little bit. I certainly have the ability to work across the aisle and get things done. And as Governor you want to be able to do that.”
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Background Photo “Virginia Capitol” by Amadeust. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Ohio Schools Among the Safest to Reopen According to Report

As schools around the country continue to struggle with opening to in-person learning , a new report shows Ohio as one of the top places in the nation for schools to reopen safely .
As some students learn online , through a hybrid model or in person in classrooms because of COVID-19 , the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on the safest schools to reopen .
It ranked Ohio as seventh .
“ In-person school is vital for the economy because it both provides temporary supervision for children during the day and most importantly helps students have a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Jill Gonzalez , a WalletHub analyst , said .
“ Of course , we should put everyone ’ s safety first , and only open schools in a safe way.
” In-person school closings during the pandemic often forced parents to stay at home , placing a burden particularly on single parents who could not work from home , Gonzalez said .
At the same time , Gonzalez pointed toward studies that show students develop better when in a classroom .
“ In the long-term , studies show that in-person schooling provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to better social development and mental health , compared to online learning .
Students who get instruction in the classroom therefore may have better economic futures.
” WalletHub compared the states , using 15 metrics , including things like number of child COVID-19 cases per 100,000 children , the average public school size and the ratio of students to school nurses .
Ohio ranked 9th in child COVID-19 cases per 100,000 children and 18th in the overall likelihood of COVID-19 infections .
Ohio ranks four spots behind neighboring Pennsylvania , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next closest Midwestern state , Wisconsin .
The report ranked Vermont as the nation ’ s safest schools and Mississippi as the least safe .
J.D .
Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio , Georgia , Alabama and Texas .
He has served as a reporter , editor , managing editor and publisher .
Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square .
Photo “ Kids Learning ” by Tom Britt .
CC BY 2.0 .

by J.D. Davidson
As schools around the country continue to struggle with opening to in-person learning, a new report shows Ohio as one of the top places in the nation for schools to reopen safely.
As some students learn online, through a hybrid model or in person in classrooms because of COVID-19, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on the safest schools to reopen. It ranked Ohio as seventh.
“In-person school is vital for the economy because it both provides temporary supervision for children during the day and most importantly helps students have a better chance of achieving future economic success,” Jill Gonzalez, a WalletHub analyst, said. “Of course, we should put everyone’s safety first, and only open schools in a safe way.”
In-person school closings during the pandemic often forced parents to stay at home, placing a burden particularly on single parents who could not work from home, Gonzalez said.
At the same time, Gonzalez pointed toward studies that show students develop better when in a classroom.
“In the long-term, studies show that in-person schooling provides more effective learning for students, in addition to better social development and mental health, compared to online learning. Students who get instruction in the classroom therefore may have better economic futures.”
WalletHub compared the states, using 15 metrics, including things like number of child COVID-19 cases per 100,000 children, the average public school size and the ratio of students to school nurses.
Ohio ranked 9th in child COVID-19 cases per 100,000 children and 18th in the overall likelihood of COVID-19 infections.
Ohio ranks four spots behind neighboring Pennsylvania, which was third, but five spots ahead of the next closest Midwestern state, Wisconsin.
The report ranked Vermont as the nation’s safest schools and Mississippi as the least safe.
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J.D. Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. He has served as a reporter, editor, managing editor and publisher. Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square.
Photo “Kids Learning” by Tom Britt. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Warner and Gade Face off in Second Debate for Senate

Incumbent Senator Mark Warner ( D ) and challenger Daniel Gade ( R ) debated police reforms , social justice , and COVID-19 at Norfolk State University on Saturday evening .
The live-streamed event was the second debate between the two candidates .
Warner touted his experience as a governor and senator , and cast himself as a middle-of-the-road Democrat .
Gade portrayed himself as a free-thinker who nonetheless supports many traditional Republican values .
Near the beginning of the debate , moderators asked the candidates , “ Do you believe there were good people on both sides of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to speak clearly : I disavow racism , ” Gade replied .
“ I disavow White supremacists .
And if you ’ re out there , if you happen to be a White supremacist and you ’ re watching this right now , I don ’ t want your vote , I don ’ t want your money , and shame on you for your attitudes and disrespect.
” Gade said President Trump “ badly fumbled ” the issue when he spoke about the 2017 “ Unite the Right ” riot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ known segregationist ” in 2002 to the 13th District bench .
Warner replied , “ I ’ m proud of our administration ’ s record .
We were the most diverse administration at that point in Virginia ’ s history.
” When pressed by a moderator , Warner added , “ The judge in question was part of an arrangement where there were a series of judges put forward by the Republicans and a series of judges put forward by the Democrats , and part of the judges that were put forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to serve with great distinction .
And the fact is , that was only done in conjunction with that Republican controlled legislature.
” Moderators asked , “ When do you think federal officials should move in to deal with unrest during a protest ?
” Warner replied , “ I think these decisions should be made as is law , as is legal and are procedures in this country : by the mayors and the governors.
” Warner referred to his experience with chain-of-command as a governor .
“ The notion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the objections of the mayor or the governor is wrong .
It has been used by this administration , I believe , in ways to escalate and not de-escalate violent situations.
” Gade said , “ The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land , and federal law supersedes state and local law in cases like this .
We need to defend federal properties , to prevent lawbreakers from destroying or damaging federal properties , and we need to intervene to protect the civil rights of American citizens.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,300 comments on the Facebook video of the debate .
Many commenters praised the moderators .
Others discussed points related to individual questions , or supported their candidates .
James Holland wrote , “ Warner has done well .
VOTE for him.
” Brandon Wandell said , “ I voted for Mark Warner every time I saw his name on the ballot , but Gade is winning this debate .
But with no publicly elected experience , Gade has no record at all.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Virginia Senate Debate ” by WAVY TV 10 .

Incumbent Senator Mark Warner (D) and challenger Daniel Gade (R) debated police reforms, social justice, and COVID-19 at Norfolk State University on Saturday evening. The live-streamed event was the second debate between the two candidates. Warner touted his experience as a governor and senator, and cast himself as a middle-of-the-road Democrat. Gade portrayed himself as a free-thinker who nonetheless supports many traditional Republican values.
Near the beginning of the debate, moderators asked the candidates, “Do you believe there were good people on both sides of the riots in Charlottesville?”
“Allow me to speak clearly: I disavow racism,” Gade replied. “I disavow White supremacists. And if you’re out there, if you happen to be a White supremacist and you’re watching this right now, I don’t want your vote, I don’t want your money, and shame on you for your attitudes and disrespect.” Gade said President Trump “badly fumbled” the issue when he spoke about the 2017 “Unite the Right” riot. Gade also challenged Warner for appointing a “known segregationist” in 2002 to the 13th District bench.
Warner replied, “I’m proud of our administration’s record. We were the most diverse administration at that point in Virginia’s history.” When pressed by a moderator, Warner added, “The judge in question was part of an arrangement where there were a series of judges put forward by the Republicans and a series of judges put forward by the Democrats, and part of the judges that were put forward in that package was Richard Taylor who went on to serve with great distinction. And the fact is, that was only done in conjunction with that Republican controlled legislature.”
Moderators asked, “When do you think federal officials should move in to deal with unrest during a protest?”
Warner replied, “I think these decisions should be made as is law, as is legal and are procedures in this country: by the mayors and the governors.” Warner referred to his experience with chain-of-command as a governor. “The notion that you would send in, over the objections of the mayor or the governor is wrong. It has been used by this administration, I believe, in ways to escalate and not de-escalate violent situations.”
Gade said, “The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land, and federal law supersedes state and local law in cases like this. We need to defend federal properties, to prevent lawbreakers from destroying or damaging federal properties, and we need to intervene to protect the civil rights of American citizens.”
By Saturday night, there were 2,300 comments on the Facebook video of the debate. Many commenters praised the moderators. Others discussed points related to individual questions, or supported their candidates. James Holland wrote, “Warner has done well. VOTE for him.”
Brandon Wandell said, “I voted for Mark Warner every time I saw his name on the ballot, but Gade is winning this debate. But with no publicly elected experience, Gade has no record at all.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Virginia Senate Debate” by WAVY TV 10.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--Elder Abuse Increasing in Tennessee, Comptrollers’ Report

Elder financial exploitation is apparently increasing in Tennessee , according to a report that Tennessee Comptrollers released this week .
The Adult Protective Services ( APS ) program operates within the Tennessee Department of Human Services and operates a statewide hotline and reporting system for complaints about all types of elder abuse , the report said .
“ APS also investigates reports of elder abuse .
APS data confirms that , from 2015 to 2019 , the number of reports it received for all elder abuse categories increased by 52 percent , while reports of financial exploitation increased by 87 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ press release .
“ One overarching concern , expressed by stakeholders across the state , is that state law limits the types of investigations of elder financial exploitation that APS , the agency most closely associated with issues concerning elder abuse , can undertake .
APS can investigate these cases only when they involve a caregiver and the misuse of government funds.
” Comptrollers said that Tennessee ’ s approach to protect elderly adults from financial exploitation is made up of “ a patchwork of state and local entities.
” “ APS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large number of reports of suspected elder financial exploitation that do not meet the criteria for investigation under the law , and that it refers these to law enforcement and district attorneys general , among other entities , ” the press release said .
“ The effectiveness of Tennessee ’ s patchwork approach , however , is unknown due to data limitations .
Although efforts have ramped up in recent years to better coordinate the review of suspected cases of elder financial exploitation , there is no statewide system to track elder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statewide system , it is not possible to track the progress or resolution of cases when they are shared between state and local agencies .
The lack of a statewide data system also prevented OREA from fully estimating the prevalence and cost of elder financial abuse in Tennessee.
” OREA ’ s research found that APS does not have enough intake workers and district attorneys lack the specialized staff to tackle the complexities of some elder financial exploitation cases .
Intake workers at APS are not always able to follow up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

Elder financial exploitation is apparently increasing in Tennessee, according to a report that Tennessee Comptrollers released this week.
The Adult Protective Services (APS) program operates within the Tennessee Department of Human Services and operates a statewide hotline and reporting system for complaints about all types of elder abuse, the report said.
“APS also investigates reports of elder abuse. APS data confirms that, from 2015 to 2019, the number of reports it received for all elder abuse categories increased by 52 percent, while reports of financial exploitation increased by 87 percent,” according to a Comptrollers’ press release.
“One overarching concern, expressed by stakeholders across the state, is that state law limits the types of investigations of elder financial exploitation that APS, the agency most closely associated with issues concerning elder abuse, can undertake. APS can investigate these cases only when they involve a caregiver and the misuse of government funds.”
Comptrollers said that Tennessee’s approach to protect elderly adults from financial exploitation is made up of “a patchwork of state and local entities.”
“APS officials told OREA that the agency receives a large number of reports of suspected elder financial exploitation that do not meet the criteria for investigation under the law, and that it refers these to law enforcement and district attorneys general, among other entities,” the press release said.
“The effectiveness of Tennessee’s patchwork approach, however, is unknown due to data limitations. Although efforts have ramped up in recent years to better coordinate the review of suspected cases of elder financial exploitation, there is no statewide system to track elder financial abuse cases in Tennessee. Without a statewide system, it is not possible to track the progress or resolution of cases when they are shared between state and local agencies.
The lack of a statewide data system also prevented OREA from fully estimating the prevalence and cost of elder financial abuse in Tennessee.”
OREA’s research found that APS does not have enough intake workers and district attorneys lack the specialized staff to tackle the complexities of some elder financial exploitation cases. Intake workers at APS are not always able to follow up on each report, the press release said.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-10-04--President Trump Makes a Surprise Visit to Say Thank You to the Supporters Gathered Outside Walter Re

President Trump Makes a Surprise Visit to Say Thank You to the Supporters Gathered Outside Walter Reed

President Donald Trump briefly left the hospital Sunday in his car to wave to supporters gathered outside .
The president ’ s visit came shortly after he promised his supporters “ a surprise ” in a video posted a video on social media .
“ We ’ re getting great reports from the doctors – this is a great hospital , Walter Reed .
The work they so is absolutely amazing and I want to thank them all : the nurses , the doctors – everybody here ” the President began .
I ’ ve also gotten to meet some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and what a group .
I also think we ’ re going to pay a little surprise to some of the great patriots that we have out on the street and they ’ ve been out there a long time and they ’ ve got Trump flags and they love our country so — I ’ m telling anybody but you , but I ’ m about to make a little surprise visit.
” “ It ’ s been a very interesting journey , ” Trump continued .
“ I learned a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by really going to school .
This is the real school .
This isn ’ t the let ’ s read the books school .
And I get it , and I understand it .
And it ’ s a very interesting thing.
” Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Dan Scavino – best known as the president ’ s social media specialist – posted pictures of the president ’ s drive-by greeting .
Since his admission to the hospital on Friday , hundreds of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support of the Commander-in-Chief .
Earlier in the day , Trump ’ s doctor said he “ continued to improve ” and suggested he could be discharged as early as Monday .
Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor of The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
The Associated Press contributed to the support .

President Donald Trump briefly left the hospital Sunday in his car to wave to supporters gathered outside.
The president’s visit came shortly after he promised his supporters “a surprise” in a video posted a video on social media.
“We’re getting great reports from the doctors – this is a great hospital, Walter Reed. The work they so is absolutely amazing and I want to thank them all: the nurses, the doctors – everybody here” the President began.
I’ve also gotten to meet some of the soldiers and the first responders, and what a group. I also think we’re going to pay a little surprise to some of the great patriots that we have out on the street and they’ve been out there a long time and they’ve got Trump flags and they love our country so — I’m telling anybody but you, but I’m about to make a little surprise visit.”
“It’s been a very interesting journey,” Trump continued. “I learned a lot about COVID. I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school. This isn’t the let’s read the books school. And I get it, and I understand it. And it’s a very interesting thing.”
Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Dan Scavino – best known as the president’s social media specialist – posted pictures of the president’s drive-by greeting. Since his admission to the hospital on Friday, hundreds of Trump supporters have gathered for an around-the-clock rally in support of the Commander-in-Chief.
POTUS goes for a ride to thank supporters who have gathered outside of Walter Reed Medical Center… pic.twitter.com/xJ1OoqFTIE — Dan Scavino🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) October 4, 2020
Earlier in the day, Trump’s doctor said he “continued to improve” and suggested he could be discharged as early as Monday.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor of The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. The Associated Press contributed to the support.
Photo “President Trump Surprise” by Dan Scavino.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-05--Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Takes Over Nashville’s Last Private Prison Run by CoreCivic

Sheriff Daron Hall oversaw the swearing in of 118 CoreCivic employees to DCOS employees .
Hall compared the new merger to newlyweds .
“ To me , this is a marriage , this is our wedding .
I don ’ t know if anybody gets married at six o ’ clock in the morning outdoors and with masks on and the cold .
But this is our wedding .
We ’ re gon na be married .
It ’ s the way I feel , ” stated Hall .
“ Extremely proud of you , and I want you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe we ’ re a family.
” Mayor John Cooper tweeted the news , endorsing the decision initially promulgated by city council members earlier this year .
“ This morning , @ NashSheriff has officially taken over managing the former CoreCivic prison .
Thank you @ DaronHall7 for completing the transition .
Nashville has ended its relationship with private prisons.
” CoreCivic has managed the Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility for about thirty years .
In recent years , their relationship with the Metropolitan Council became strained .
Council members Emily Benedict ( District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced a bill that would prevent the city from contracting out prisons to private entities .
The transition follows CoreCivic ’ s decision this past July to not extend their contract .
The company sent a letter to the sheriff , mayor , and city council which accused them of lying about CoreCivic to promote their political interests .
They also warned that the city ’ s budget would further strain by de-privatizing the prison .
“ It appears that you and some members of the Metro Nashville Council are pushing an agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideologically driven and completely ignores CoreCivic ’ s decades long history of exceptional performance , ” stated the letter .
“ While we acknowledge that it is Metro ’ s prerogative to take steps toward ending our contract , we can not allow our company , more importantly our employees , to be used as a punching bag by political opportunists who do not value the services we provide.
” The city council hoped to extend their contract with CivicCore long enough for a smooth transition between the company and DCOS , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be strung along while Metro takes calculated steps ” to end their partnership .
In a statement issued to The Tennessee Star , CoreCivic Public Affairs Manager Ryan Gustin explained that their company ’ s estimate of the city ’ s burdened budget was based on a study by Sheriff Hall .
Gustin also added that Hall admits to never seeing any of the problems cited by city council – rather , the transition was more of a “ philosophical change.
” “ From the moment this transition was announced , CoreCivic indicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seamless transition of the MDCDF to the Davidson County Sheriff ’ s Office , and earlier today we fulfilled that commitment .
We remain proud of the long-term track record of transformative reentry services and operational quality we ’ ve provided , ” stated Gustin .
“ I would also like to share that the MDCDF facility is a great example of the robust services we have been proud to provide to the individuals in our care .
Our dedicated corrections professionals at MDCDF – including teachers , counselors and chaplains – have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educational services and counseling to help individuals leaving incarceration achieve successes in work and life.
” The company cites that its work with programs like Go Further and Men of Valor , along with 19 other programs and assistance with obtaining GEDs , have helped inmates rejoin their communities .
The Sheriff ’ s department didn ’ t issue any comment by press time .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility ” by the Nashville Sheriff ’ s Office .

Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCOS) officially assumed management of the Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility (MDCDF) early Sunday morning.
Sheriff Daron Hall oversaw the swearing in of 118 CoreCivic employees to DCOS employees. Hall compared the new merger to newlyweds.
“To me, this is a marriage, this is our wedding. I don’t know if anybody gets married at six o’clock in the morning outdoors and with masks on and the cold. But this is our wedding. We’re gonna be married. It’s the way I feel,” stated Hall. “Extremely proud of you, and I want you to know as we go forward that we believe we’re a family.”
Mayor John Cooper tweeted the news, endorsing the decision initially promulgated by city council members earlier this year.
“This morning, @NashSheriff has officially taken over managing the former CoreCivic prison. Thank you @DaronHall7 for completing the transition. Nashville has ended its relationship with private prisons.”
This morning, @NashSheriff has officially taken over managing the former CoreCivic prison. Thank you @DaronHall7 for completing the transition. Nashville has ended its relationship with private prisons. https://t.co/L9aoqR9xYD — Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) October 4, 2020
CoreCivic has managed the Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility for about thirty years. In recent years, their relationship with the Metropolitan Council became strained. Council members Emily Benedict (District 7) and Freddie O’Connell introduced a bill that would prevent the city from contracting out prisons to private entities.
The transition follows CoreCivic’s decision this past July to not extend their contract. The company sent a letter to the sheriff, mayor, and city council which accused them of lying about CoreCivic to promote their political interests. They also warned that the city’s budget would further strain by de-privatizing the prison.
“It appears that you and some members of the Metro Nashville Council are pushing an agenda that’s void of facts, ideologically driven and completely ignores CoreCivic’s decades long history of exceptional performance,” stated the letter. “While we acknowledge that it is Metro’s prerogative to take steps toward ending our contract, we cannot allow our company, more importantly our employees, to be used as a punching bag by political opportunists who do not value the services we provide.”
The city council hoped to extend their contract with CivicCore long enough for a smooth transition between the company and DCOS, but CoreCivic said they wouldn’t “be strung along while Metro takes calculated steps” to end their partnership.
In a statement issued to The Tennessee Star, CoreCivic Public Affairs Manager Ryan Gustin explained that their company’s estimate of the city’s burdened budget was based on a study by Sheriff Hall. Gustin also added that Hall admits to never seeing any of the problems cited by city council – rather, the transition was more of a “philosophical change.”
“From the moment this transition was announced, CoreCivic indicated that we would ensure a safe and seamless transition of the MDCDF to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, and earlier today we fulfilled that commitment. We remain proud of the long-term track record of transformative reentry services and operational quality we’ve provided,” stated Gustin. “I would also like to share that the MDCDF facility is a great example of the robust services we have been proud to provide to the individuals in our care. Our dedicated corrections professionals at MDCDF – including teachers, counselors and chaplains – have proudly facilitated a wide range of evidence-based educational services and counseling to help individuals leaving incarceration achieve successes in work and life.”
The company cites that its work with programs like Go Further and Men of Valor, along with 19 other programs and assistance with obtaining GEDs, have helped inmates rejoin their communities.
The Sheriff’s department didn’t issue any comment by press time.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Sheriff Hall at Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility” by the Nashville Sheriff’s Office.