thetennesseestar--2020-06-27--Council Unanimously Approves Plan to Dismantle Minneapolis Police

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — The Minneapolis City Council on Friday unanimously approved a proposal to change the city charter to allow the police department to be dismantled , following widespread criticism of law enforcement over the killing of George Floyd .
The 12-0 vote is just the first step in a process that faces significant bureaucratic obstacles to make the November ballot , where the city ’ s voters would have the final say .
And it came amid a spate of recent shootings in Minnesota ’ s largest city that have heightened many citizens ’ concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The proposed amendment next goes to a policy committee and to the city ’ s Charter Commission for a formal review , at which point citizens and city officials can also weigh in .
“ I hope that the Charter Commission will recognize the moment that we are in and take our offer of support , however we can provide it , to expedite this process so that voters have a chance to have their voices heard on this important question and this important moment in our city ’ s history , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis force has come under heavy pressure since Floyd , a Black man in handcuffs , died May 25 after a police officer pressed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
Activists have long accused the department of being unable to change a racist and brutal culture , and earlier this month , a majority of the council proclaimed support for dismantling the department .
Jeremiah Ellison , a member of the council , said before the vote that the charter has been a barrier to the kinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to draft language posted online , the amendment would replace the department with a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention , “ which will have responsibility for public safety services prioritizing a holistic , public health-oriented approach.
” The amendment goes on to say the director of the new agency would have “ non-law-enforcement experience in community safety services , including but not limited to public health and/or restorative justice approaches.
” It also provides for a division of licensed peace officers who would answer to the department ’ s director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association , which represents over 10,000 law enforcement officers , called the vote a “ haphazard effort to dismantle the police department ” that will create “ an unsafe environment ” without sufficient resources to prevent crime .
A leading activist group , the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice for Jamar , said the amendment lacks teeth and would leave power in the hands of the council and mayor ’ s office , which it said have failed for decades to control the police .
The coalition instead supports putting the department under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council with the power to hire , fire and prosecute officers .
Council members who support the change wanted to seize on a groundswell of support for significant policing changes following Floyd ’ s death .
If they don ’ t get the charter change on the November ballot , their next chance won ’ t come until November 2021 , they say .
Barry Clegg , chairman of the Charter Commission , said the process feels rushed .
“ As I understand it , they are saying , ‘ We are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know what it ’ s going to look like yet .
We won ’ t implement this for a year , we ’ ll figure it out , ’ ” Clegg said .
“ For myself anyway , I would prefer that we figured it out first , and then voted on it.
” Clegg said that to get the proposed amendment question on the November ballot , it has to be finalized by Aug. 21 .
He said if the Charter Commission took its final action at its Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough time for it to get passed by the full council , go through a veto period , and then , if vetoed , have time to spare for a possible mayoral veto override .
Once on the ballot , the measure would go to voters .
Mayor Jacob Frey doesn ’ t support abolishing the department , a stance that got him booed off the street by activists who demonstrated outside his house and demanded to know where he stood .
Frey expressed concerns about the draft amendment , including whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a police presence going forward .
He also said that when something currently goes wrong , the chief and the mayor are accountable — but under the new plan , accountability would be dispersed among 14 people .
Frey questioned whether policing practices would vary , based on ward or other factors .
“ There is a significant lack of clarity .
And if I ’ m seeing a lack of clarity , so are our constituents , ” said Frey , who has said he supports deep structural change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when someone calls 911 , there will always be a response that ’ s appropriate , including the option for a response by employees authorized to use force , Fletcher said .
But the vast majority of calls that police officers currently take will be answered by employees with different expertise , he said .
Miski Noor , an organizer with Black Visions , criticized the proposed amendment for creating a division of licensed peace officers at all .
She said it “ would give current and former police way too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Steven Belton , president and chief executive of Urban League Twin Cities , said the way some council members went forward without a concrete plan is “ irresponsible.
” “ The problem that needs to be stated up front , from my perspective , is racism .
… I ’ m not sure what they are trying to fix here , ” he said .
Don Blyly , whose beloved science fiction and mystery bookstores were destroyed by arson in the unrest that followed Floyd ’ s death , said if local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to policing , he won ’ t reopen in Minneapolis .
“ There are legitimate problems with the Minneapolis police , but the way the politicians are going about it is just ridiculous , ” Blyly said .
“ They are pandering to a certain segment of the electorate.
” Steve Karnowski and Amy Forliti are reporters for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this May 28 , 2020 file photo , Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks during a news conference in Minneapolis .
Minneapolis City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , on a proposal to do away with the city ’ s police department and create a new community safety and violence prevention department .
While the majority of City Council members have said they would support dismantling the police department after the death of George Floyd , the ultimate decision to amend the city charter would go before voters in November .
( Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP File )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-27--Bill Hagerty’s Campaign Says U.S. Chamber of Commerce Endorsement Won’t Stop Him from Supporting Don

Bill Hagerty’s Campaign Says U.S. Chamber of Commerce Endorsement Won’t Stop Him from Supporting Donald Trump’s Agenda

Officials with U.S. Senate candidate Bill Hagerty ’ s campaign on Friday reiterated that Hagerty will push for President Donald Trump ’ s agenda , even if a national organization that opposes some of Trump ’ s immigration policies want Hagerty in office .
As The Tennessee Star reported this week , the United States Chamber of Commerce , the world ’ s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations , endorsed Hagerty .
Trump wants a border wall stretching the entire length of the United States-Mexico border .
U.S. Chamber of Commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this that do not align with Trump ’ s .
The Star asked Hagerty ’ s campaign for a comment .
“ Bill Hagerty has earned the President ’ s trust and seal of approval five times .
First as Donald Trump ’ s Tennessee Victory Chair , then serving as a senior leader of the Trump transition team , next he was tapped as President Trump ’ s Ambassador to Japan , then receiving President Trump ’ s complete and total endorsement for U.S. Senate and most recently , the President personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve on the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups , ” Sigler said .
“ Bill will work closely with President Trump and Senator Marsha Blackburn – who was also endorsed by the Chamber – to rebuild our economy , stand up to China , stop illegal immigration , build the wall , protect the unborn , defend our Second Amendment rights , and restore law and order .
” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed the candidacy of now-U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) when she ran for the office in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials , on their website , say a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border “ would hardly solve all our immigration problems.
” As reported , Chamber officials said they endorsed Hagerty because of his business background .
U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas J. Donohue said it ’ s important to have leaders who understand the American system of government and free enterprise .
“ As our country faces many challenges and is collectively working to not just reopen our economy , but return to growth and expanded opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like former U.S .
Ambassador Bill Hagerty , ” Donohue said .
“ He has a proven track record of leading responsibly and standing up for good policies .
The U.S. Chamber is proud to endorse Ambassador Hagerty and looks forward to partnering with him in the future.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Background Photo “ U.S .
Chamber of Commerce Building ” by AgnosticPreachersKid .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .

by Thomas Catenacci
A group of 27 Republican congressmen urged President Donald Trump to order a Justice Department-appointed special counsel investigation of “legitimate questions” about election irregularities.
The Republican congressmen asked Trump to direct Attorney General William Barr to appoint the special counsel, according to a letter obtained by Politico that was sent to the White House on Wednesday. Reps. Lance Gooden, Paul Gosar, Louie Gohmert, Scott Perry and Jody Hice were among the 27 congressmen who signed onto the letter.
“The American people deserve a definitive resolution to the uncertainty hovering over the outcome of our election, but legitimate questions of voter fraud remain unanswered,” the congressmen wrote.
Barr said on Dec. 1 that the Department of Justice has yet to find any evidence of election fraud that could sway the result, sparking criticism from conservatives. Trump hesitated when asked if he still had confidence in Barr.
“The Department of Justice has been asked on multiple occasions to launch an investigation into this matter, but inaction from the Department along with public comments made by the Attorney General indicate a lack of willingness to investigate the irregularities your campaign and other elected officials across the nation have alleged,” the Republican congressmen continued.
“The appointment of a Special Counsel would establish a team of investigators whose sole responsibility is to uncover the truth and provide the certainty America needs,” they added.
Several news organizations including The Associated Press and Fox News declared former Vice President Joe Biden the winner of the election on Nov. 7. Trump’s campaign has filed numerous lawsuits alleging widespread fraud, but courts across the country have handed the campaign many defeats.
Texas filed a new lawsuit against Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin Tuesday arguing the states altered their election procedures illegally. Alabama and Louisiana have expressed interest in joining the suit, according to Newsweek.
“Our Country stands at an important crossroads,” the lawsuit said. “Either the Constitution matters and must be followed, even when some officials consider it inconvenient or out of date, or it is simply a piece of parchment on display at the National Archives.”
“We ask the Court to choose the former,” it continued.
– – –
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-27--U.S Republicans Ask Nessel to Investigate Whitmer’s COVID-19 Policy; Whitmer Creates Nursing Home Ta

U.S Republicans Ask Nessel to Investigate Whitmer’s COVID-19 Policy; Whitmer Creates Nursing Home Task Force

Congressional Republicans intensified their questioning of Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s nursing home policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Members of the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis sent a letter asking Attorney General Dana Nessel to investigate the impact of Whitmer ’ s executive orders that placed COVID-19 patients into the same buildings , but different units , as elderly nursing home residents .
They also sought investigations into four other state governors who set similar policies .
U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise , R-La.
, had previously requested similar information from Whitmer , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid accusations that her policies may have contributed to thousands of elderly deaths .
“ Grieving families of those who died as a result of these orders deserve answers about why they were put in place and the full extent of their impact , and there is no amount of stonewalling , name-calling , or blame-shifting that will make us give up on getting them , ” Scalise said in a statement .
Four congressmen requested the number of COVID-19 patients who were admitted into nursing homes daily after Jan. 1 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
Whitmer ’ s administration has contended their practices were based on science and data , and that alternate care facilities weren ’ t suitable for many COVID-10 patients .
Ryan Jarvi , Nessel ’ s press secretary , said they had received the letter and are preparing a response .
COVID-19 has killed 2,064 nursing home residents in the state as of Thursday , approximately 35 percent of the state ’ s total deaths from the virus .
Charles Camosy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethics at Fordham University , told The Center Square he believed a “ throwaway culture ” led states to enact policies that endangered nursing home patients .
“ In addition , many more states rationed their [ personal protective equipment ] , training , and extra staff such that nursing home staff were left out in the cold , ” Camosy wrote in an email .
“ We simply didn ’ t care about this throwaway population before the pandemic – and now the log has been turned over and we see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that ’ s one of the silver linings of the pandemic .
We are being forced to look at things we previously wanted kept out of sight and out of mind.
” Nursing homes and assisted living facilities account for about 43 percent of the COVID-19 deaths across the nation , the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity estimated .
Camosy called the high death rate a “ profound moral failure to care for and protect the least among us .
The highest duties for traditional Christians and the heart of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Whitmer on Friday signed Executive Order 2020-135 to create a bipartisan Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ( DHHS ) .
That task force will analyze data on COVID-19 in nursing homes , report its findings to Whitmer , and recommend future actions to prevent the virus spread in nursing homes by Aug. 31 , 2020 .
“ These actions will help our state protect more nursing home residents and staff in the case of a second wave , ” Whitmer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I will work closely with the task force and with everyone who wants to help us protect our most vulnerable communities , the heroes on the front lines , and our families from this virus.
” State Director of AARP Michigan Paula Cunningham said she ’ s “ optimistic ” that the task force “ will identify best practices to ensure that nursing home residents and staff are better served and protected going forward.
” Whitmer also signed Executive Order 2020-136 to extend restrictions on visiting long-term care facilities and other congregate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
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 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-27--Walz Distributes $841M in Federal COVID Aid to Cities, Counties

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — Gov .
Tim Walz approved plans Thursday to distribute $ 841 million in federal coronavirus aid to cities and counties across Minnesota , along with another $ 12 million for food banks and food shelves that have seen a surge in demand since the pandemic hit the state .
The money comes from the $ 2.1 billion that Minnesota received under a sweeping federal economic rescue law known as the CARES Act .
The state will distribute the $ 841 million to local governments according to a set of population-based formulas that lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special session , under a deal that later fell apart after House Democrats added other spending measures to the bill .
The Democratic governor ultimately followed the original agreement as he used his executive authority to allocate the money by himself .
“ This funding will bring much-needed relief to communities across the state as we continue to battle this pandemic together , ” Walz said in a statement .
Senate Republicans had sought legislation spelling out the distribution formulas because the federal funds weren ’ t subject to legislative approval , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unilaterally and could have decided differently .
His reliance on emergency powers to deal with the pandemic as he sees fit has been a sore point among GOP lawmakers , but the House Democratic majority blocked a move to cancel those powers .
Republican Sen. Julie Rosen , who led the negotiations for the Senate majority , welcomed the governor ’ s agreement to follow the deal on distributing the money , as did two influential groups that lobby for communities across the state .
“ These are dollars our local communities need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the costs of fighting COVID , along with lost revenue due to COVID , ” Rosen said in a statement .
“ I ’ m very happy the funds are finally going to be fairly distributed to where they are needed.
” Communities can ’ t use the money simply to replace lost revenue , but they can use it to fill the holes in their budgets caused by unexpected spending arising from the pandemic .
“ Cities set their budgets for 2020 last fall , long before the effects of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities have been forced to alter and modify their operations , purchase equipment and redeploy staff to address the challenges of maintaining essential services to residents , ” David Unmacht , executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities , said in a statement .
Congress passed the CARES Act three months ago , and Minnesota cities and counties had been waiting since then for clarity on how much they would receive and when they would get it .
The money will start going out next week .
“ COVID-19 has had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state — even the areas that have not been hit by a wave of cases — and this funding will help local governments continue to deal with the public health crisis and start to revive their local economies , ” Audrey Nelsen , president of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and Willmar City Council member , said in a statement .
The state will use much of its share of the $ 2.1 billion to cover money it has already spent responding to the pandemic , but the governor allocated $ 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office said around 300,000 Minnesotans have visited food shelves each month since the pandemic began , about a 30 % increase over normal .
The state ’ s food banks are distributing approximately 2.4 million pounds of food weekly , up 20 % to 40 % since last year .
Steve Karnowski reports for the Associated Press .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-27--Attorney Jim Roberts Takes Victory Lap as Metro Government Found in Violation of Tennessee’s Open Me

Attorney Jim Roberts Takes Victory Lap as Metro Government Found in Violation of Tennessee’s Open Meeting Act

Live from Music Row Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Nashville attorney Jim Roberts to the newsmakers line .
At the top of the second hour , Roberts weighed in on his recent victory as the Metro government was found to be in violation of Tennessee ’ s Open Meeting Act statute .
He contrasted his victory with the major league soccer franchise ’ s quest to take over Nashville Fairgrounds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxpayers could get stuck with a large bill for the stadium should the MLS decided to leave .
Leahy : As a guest this morning and breaking news , our very good friend Attorney Jim Roberts .
And Jim just secured a huge victory in court .
He represents the group that said , this soccer stadium deal is an illegal deal .
A judge last night agreed with him .
And we welcome to our microphones right now as he ’ s driving through East Tennessee Jim Roberts .
Good morning Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How are you doing today ?
Leahy : I ’ m doing well .
I think from a legal victory point of view you are doing quite well also .
Tell us a little bit about your legal victory yesterday in court .
Roberts : Well , yesterday was a big day .
As expected the court ruled that the Metropolitan government violated a Tennessee statute called the Open Meetings Act which is designed to prevent corruption and dishonesty in government .
And we had caught Metro doing that .
Instead of fixing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their dishonesty and they got shown the door yesterday .
Leahy : What happens next ?
Roberts : What we caught the sports authority which is part of Metro was illegally holding a meeting .
They held a meeting to approve a 192 million contract and they intentionally didn ’ t know the public .
They now have to go back and have a full meeting and review this contract and do it like they are supposed to do it which is under the public eye and public scrutiny instead of sneaking it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leahy : Will they do that or are they going to appeal this ruling .
Roberts : That ’ s an interesting question .
I don ’ t speak for Metro .
I think they would be unwise to appeal it .
The problem they have though is with the company they handed this contract to secretly has been accused in all sorts of criminal bid-rigging and criminal behavior .
It will be interesting to see if the sports authority really wants to get back in business with a company that is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the name of this company .
Roberts : It ’ s called Mortenson ’ s .
Mortenson was on the Denver city convention center expansion project and they got kicked off last December for fraud and bid-rigging with another participant .
Pretty much all of their corporate folks got indicted criminally .
They did some pretty dishonest things .
The question is do we want to bring these people to Nashville and let them be part of our projects .
Leahy : What is the relationship between this vote and the major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Nashville ?
Roberts : This is all part of it .
MLS wants to come in and take control of our fairgrounds and they want to take control of the entire fairgrounds and basically run everybody off .
They are using John Ingram as a sort of frontman locally to get the team here .
This is all part of the litigation to stop that .
We really don ’ t want to see the fairgrounds destroyed for no good reason .
So this is one part of the litigation .
Having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight continues .
Leahy : What will the major league soccer franchise do now ?
They don ’ t have a home .
They don ’ t have a soccer game being planned .
What impact will that have on the National Major League soccer franchise ?
Roberts : You have to understand there are no signed contracts .
Major league soccer has made no promise to Nashville .
At best they promised to allow a Nashville business to host games .
The decision of where those games are played is still MLS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over that .
They can decide to play for one year and they can move the team to Birmingham next year and we would have no control over that .
We ’ d be left with a half-a-billion-dollar stadium to pay for .
This is why it ’ s a bad deal .
The MLS controls everything and Nashville has no rights and no protection while the taxpayers take all the risk .
For some reason , the Metro government thinks this is a good idea .
Leahy : Will the major league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s hard to know .
they can do anything they want .
It is completely controlled by MLS .
MLS has made no promises to Nashville .
There are no guarantees that they will stay or even come here .
All we really know is that a Nashville company has got the right to put on games .
We don ’ t know where those games are going to be .
Leahy : Jim Roberts , congratulations on your victory .
Come back and tell us more .
Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-27--Ohio Speaker of the House Threatens to Remove Capitol Square from City of Columbus

Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder ( R-Glenford ) announced he is looking into whether the Ohio Capitol can be annexed from the City of Columbus ’ city limits as a result of the city not protecting the Capitol from recent protests .
“ We ’ re researching it currently .
If Columbus isn ’ t interested in protecting state property we need to consider removing Capitol Square from the City , ” he said in an emailed statement .
The House Speaker issued this statement after he appeared on the Ohio Christian Alliance Podcast News in Focus Thursday and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove Capitol Square from Columbus and create something that looks like Washington D.C .
Furthermore , Householder said he is considering legislation that would “ would take the authority away from the city prosecutor and give it to the attorney general for prosecution in downtown Columbus.
” Senate President Larry Obhof ( R-Medina ) , when asked about Householder ’ s comments , he told WCPN ’ s Sound of Ideas that he didn ’ t know if Capitol Square could be removed from Columbus .
However , Obhof said he had talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think the more important issue , the underlying issue is that – I think he and I agree – that we need to do more to protect the Statehouse from vandalism , ” he said .
Householder ’ s potential stark measure comes as a result of the Columbus Police Department not adequately defending the Capitol during the recent protests in downtown Columbus .
In the last month , the Capitol has been vandalized by people who were protesting George Floyd ’ s death .
The first time came in the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statehouse by breaking 28 windows and setting the lawn on fire .
Earlier in June , Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein dropped all charges against the protesters who were arrested failing to disperse and violating curfew orders .
Two weeks later , the second incident occurred where protesters defaced the Ohio Statehouse with red paint .
Householder said on the podcast these protests were an “ attack on our government and way of life and the things we believe in.
” In addition , Ohio ’ s House Speaker said he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if anything was going to get torn up during the May 29 protest that it would be state property rather than city or county property .
In thinking of ways to hold Columbus accountable for these protests , Householder is thinking of deducting Columbus ’ local government funds .
“ If they are not going to protect the citizens and property of the state of Ohio then they don ’ t deserve to have those funds , ” he said .
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-27--Nashville Officials to Force People to Wear Masks in Public for COVID-19

As of Friday night , members of the Metro Nashville Board of Health did not say specifically why they voted in favor of mandating face coverings or face masks in public to combat COVID-19 .
Board members did not answer The Tennessee Star ’ s emailed questions about the matter before Friday ’ s stated deadline .
• What medical evidence did the officials involved in this decision cite that proves the efficacy of masks in preventing transmission of COVD-19 ?
• What is the data on cases , hospitalizations , and death rates to which they point as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the legal authority for the mask mandate ?
• What is the enforcement mechanism ?
Board members met late Friday afternoon to vote on the matter , according to the county government ’ s website .
Former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson seemed to suggest on his Twitter feed that face masks or coverings do not successfully combat COVID-19 .
“ Can Team Mask please explain Brazil ” Berenson said in one Tweet .
“ Face diapers have been required in many cities and provinces since April – two months – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As with lockdowns , there is just no coherent real-world evidence masks work as anything but social control.
” In another tweet , Berenson retweeted information that the Danish Health Authority put out saying it “ does not encourage healthy individuals who go about their daily business to wear mouth or face masks.
” “ It is uncertain that they have any effect on virus transmission , ” the Danish Health Authority officials said in a flyer .
The flyer went on to say that “ mouth or face masks can cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing you have to know how to use a mask correctly and how to dispose of it responsibly , ” the flyer said .
“ Incorrect use of a mouth or face mask can increase the risk of your hands being contaminated with the virus when you e.g .
remove or correct the mouth/face mask , thereby increasing the risk of contact spread.
” Members of the Metro Nashville Board of Health scheduled an emergency meeting Friday to deliberate whether to mandate people wear face coverings or masks in public .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s website .
Metro Coronavirus Task Force Chair Alex Jahangir called the meeting , according to Nashville Public Radio .
“ Disagreement has surfaced in recent days between Mayor John Cooper , who wants to mandate masks for everyone , and the director of Metro Health , Dr. Michael Caldwell .
Caldwell has said he is trying to avoid a backlash and doesn ’ t want to add to the ‘ tension ’ by imposing a rule that would be impossible to enforce , ” according to the station .
“ Dr .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coronavirus task force , has called it a ‘ difference of opinion.
’ But he confirms to WPLN News that he was responsible for calling the emergency meeting to debate a public health order .
In recent days , public health officials across Tennessee have pleaded with residents to wear masks as one of the last ways to stop the continued spread of the virus without reverting to restrictions on daily life.
” As The Tennessee Star reported this week , Cooper announced Nashville entered Phase Three of a four-phased plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic hit the United States .
This , despite Nashville officials saying they have tallied higher numbers of the virus .
“ Our 14-day case average is trending upward , but our testing capacity continues to increase , and more than 81,000 Nashvillians have received a COVID-19 test across Davidson County .
We currently have 125 contact tracing investigators , well above our target of 105 .
Our health care capacity remains in good shape , ” Cooper said .
“ We currently have 27 percent of floor beds and 24 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And that all exceeds our target for 20 percent for both of these vital resources .
Like our neighbors in other states and cities , our public health experts have determined that our COVID-19 public health benchmarks remain within an acceptable range to safely begin Phase Three.
” Nashville officials plan to keep the city in Phase Three for at least four weeks , Cooper said .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk Steakhouse Owner Joins Lawsuit Against Nashville and Tennessee Governments

The man who owns Kid Rock ’ s Big Honky Tonk and Steakhouse is reportedly taking Nashville officials to court .
That man , Steve Smith , reportedly said city officials impose hardships on his business because of COVID-19 but look the other way when it comes to protestors .
This , according to The Tennessean .
“ When confronted with the clear disparity in how government officials were treating restaurants/bars compared to the individuals participating in protests , both Mayor ( John ) Cooper and Director ( Michael ) Caldwell basically said these individuals have the right to peacefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lawsuit states .
Smith joined The Local Spot owner Geoffrey Reid in the lawsuit that Reid filed last month , according to The Tennessean .
The Tennessee Star ’ s attempts to reach Kid Rock ’ s were unsuccessful .
As The Star reported last month , according to that lawsuit , Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee relied on erroneous information about COVID-19 and acted against the state and U.S. constitutions when he passed down executive orders that forced one Nashville businessman to close his bar .
This , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit names Lee and Cooper , among others , as defendants .
The Local Spot also offers live music .
“ The Defendants ’ plan of quarantining the entire population and closing all ‘ non- essential ’ businesses has resulted in the unprecedented and devastating deprivation of citizens ’ fundamental and natural rights , including , the right to travel , the freedom of association , the freedom of religion , the right to be free from illegal seizure , property rights , economic rights and other civil liberties protected by the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lawsuit .
“ Further , Defendants ’ efforts have resulted in economic devastation to the state and county .
The Governor ’ s office estimates that 15 percent of Tennessee workers have filed for unemployment , retail businesses have lost $ 870 million in net sales and Tennessee GDP has been reduced by $ 5 billion dollars .
Plaintiffs likewise have experienced economic devastation , as has many other business owners.
” Chris Song , spokesman for Mayor Cooper , said in an email last month that members of his office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reid said in his lawsuit that he was having a record year , with revenue up 56 percent over the previous year , until the government forced him to close his business in March .
He also said his business does not get significant revenue from pick up or delivery .
“ Upon being able to apply for a loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program , Reid did so , but the funds were depleted before he could be approved .
Reid was approved during the second round of funding of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , he has not received such funds , ” according to the lawsuit .
“ As a direct result of being closed by the Defendants ’ Orders , Reid has incurred significant monetary losses which exceed $ 200,000 .
Reid opened his establishment under severe restrictions on May 11 , 2020 pursuant to Metro ’ s orders .
If Reid is not allowed to fully open The Local as a live music venue and bar/restaurant in the near future , it is highly probable that Reid will have to close The Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , health officials in Tennessee have cited 14 Nashville businesses including Kid Rock ’ s , for allegedly not complying with coronavirus public health orders .
Attorney Brian Lewis , who represents the owner of Kid Rock ’ s Honky Tonk and other businesses , said the citation was “ selective prosecution , ” and they intend to fight it .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Kid Rock ’ s Big Honky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by Kid Rock ’ s Big Honky Tonk and Rock n ’ Roll Steakhouse .

by Peter Hasson
Twenty-eight congressional Democrats signed a letter Wednesday condemning the Department of Education for ruling that public schools that allow biological males who identify as transgender to play girls’ sports are violating Title IX civil rights legislation.
Democratic Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined 27 House Democrats in signing the letter, which charged that the department’s order “discriminates against transgender youth” by restricting girls’ sports to biological females.
“The decision of the Department of Education to issue a determination targeting transgender student athletes on the eve of Pride Month is not coincidental. It is a transparent example of their campaign against the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ children,” Connecticut Rep. Jahana Hayes, the letter’s lead signer, said in a press release.
The DOE on May 15 issued a ruling stating that public schools that allow biological males into girls’ athletics are violating Title IX, which protects women’s access to education and athletics.
The Department of Justice previously backed a lawsuit filed by high school girls in Connecticut who said the liberal state’s transgender policies violated their rights.
Sports across the country are on hold due to the novel coronavirus, but biological males who identify as transgender have previously racked up accomplishments in female athletics.
Franklin Pierce University runner CeCe Telfer, for example, won an NCAA DII women’s track championship in May 2019. Telfer is a biological male who identifies as transgender.
University of Montana runner June Eastwood, a biological male who identifies as a transgender woman, was named the Big Sky Conference’s female athlete of the week in October 2019. Both Eastwood and Telfer previously competed on their university’s men’s team before switching to the women’s team.
Rachel McKinnon, a biological male who identifies as transgender, won women’s cycling world championships in both 2018 and 2019.
Wednesday’s letter isn’t the first instance of Democratic politicians arguing in favor of allowing biological males into female athletics.
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar in February 2019 called for an investigation into USA Powerlifting for barring biologically male athletes from women’s events.
A piece of Democratic legislation called the Equality Act, which passed the House with unanimous support from Democrats, would require schools to allow biologically male athletes into girls’ sports, if the male athletes identify as transgender.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, pledged to get the Equality Act passed into law within his first 100 days in office, if he wins the November election.
“Transgender equality is the civil rights issue of our time,” Biden wrote in a January tweet. “There is no room for compromise when it comes to basic human rights.”
– – –
Peter Hasson is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Commentary: Will the Renaming Game Hit Leftist States and Cities?

You might call it being hoist on your own petard .
The move is on , as is known , to change the names of American military bases that are named for Confederate generals .
The New York Times , among many others on the Left , was furious .
The Times headline : The Times story began this way : Eventually the story got to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her Talibanesque drive to remove statues and busts of those associated with the Confederacy that are located around the Capitol .
All of this now will — and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red flag to the American Left and the Democratic Party that warns , “ Be careful what you wish for.
” Why ?
Let ’ s move on from the names of military bases — to the names of some very interesting “ others ” that Democrats and the Left seem to be studiously avoiding .
Here ’ s a small list .
New York .
Yes , you read that right .
New York , the beating heart of the American Left and the liberal media , is named for the Duke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s King James II .
That would be the very same Duke of York described here in the Daily Caller back in 2017 : Head south from the city and state named for a slave trader to none other than Joe Biden ’ s own state of Delaware .
Founded by one Thomas West , who was titled Baron De La Warr .
At one point he was appointed governor of Virginia , where this is reported about him in the Encyclopedia Virginia : So De La Warr is known for slaughtering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Delaware , the Delaware Bay , and the Delaware River are all named for him .
Will Joe Biden — he who has been for decades the senator from Delaware — demand his state change its name ?
Hmmm .
South of Delaware is Baltimore .
The Encyclopedia Britannica records this : Move over to Wikipedia and one learns this : Baltimore , recall , is the hometown of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , where both her father and brother served as mayor .
Fox News recently headlined this : Go one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baltimore and one comes to Virginia , named for Queen Elizabeth I — the “ Virgin Queen.
” Check in with Amazon and find this book by Nick Hazlewood for sale : And the information on the book ’ s contents says this : Throughout history , blame for the introduction of slavery in America has been squarely placed upon the slave traders who ravaged African villages , the merchants who auctioned off human lives as if they were cattle , and the slave owners who ruthlessly beat their helpless victims .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men , another person who has seemingly been able to avoid the blame due her .
The origins of slavery — often described as America ’ s shame — can actually be traced back to a woman , England ’ s Queen Elizabeth I .
During the 1560s , Elizabeth was encouraging a Renaissance in her kingdom but also knew her country ’ s economy could not finance her dreams for it .
On direct orders from Her Majesty , John Hawkyns set sail from England .
His destination : West Africa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Virginia , recall , is currently run by Democrat Gov .
Ralph Northam , with Democrats having control of the state legislature .
Will they step up and rename their state ?
By all means , don ’ t forget Austin , the capital of Texas and often described as the most liberal city in the state .
Austin is named for Stephen F. Austin .
Austin is frequently described as the “ George Washington of Texas , ” which is to say he is considered the state ’ s founding father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slave owner himself , but the Times quotes “ Gregg Cantrell , a history professor at Texas Christian University who wrote the 1999 book ‘ Stephen F. Austin : Empresario of Texas , ’ ” as follows : A couple years ago the progressives who run Austin set about taking stock of the streets and buildings in the city named for Confederates .
But as the New York Times reported , the drive to rename streets and buildings stopped with changing the name of the city itself .
Hmmm .
So what do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are these , and doubtless other , American states or cities named for historical figures who were serious slave traders or slave owners or rulers who ordered and perpetuated slavery .
Or , in the case of the Baron De La Warr , a brutal killer of Native Americans .
The inevitable question : Will all those liberals out there demanding that military bases be stripped of their names do the same with the states and cities they run ?
Will Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stripped from their state and city ?
What about the Democrats who run Delaware , Baltimore , Virginia , and Austin ?
Jeffrey Lord , a contributing editor to The American Spectator , is a former aide to Ronald Reagan and Jack Kemp .
An author and former CNN commentator , he writes from Pennsylvania at [ email protected ] .
His new book , Swamp Wars : Donald Trump and The New American Populism vs .
The Old Order , is now out from Bombardier Books .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Judge: US Must Free Migrant Children from Family Detention

HOUSTON , Texas ( AP ) — A federal judge on Friday ordered the release of children held with their parents in U.S. immigration jails and denounced the Trump administration ’ s prolonged detention of families during the coronavirus pandemic .
U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee – who was appointed by President Obama in 2009 – penned the order that applies to children held for more than 20 days at three family detention centers in Texas and Pennsylvania operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
Some have been detained since last year .
Citing the recent spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gee set a deadline of July 17 for children to either be released with their parents or sent to family sponsors .
The family detention centers “ are ‘ on fire ’ and there is no more time for half measures , ” she wrote .
Gee ’ s order said ICE was detaining 124 children in its centers , which are separate from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services facilities for unaccompanied children that were holding around 1,000 children in early June .
The numbers in both systems have fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the U.S. is expelling most people trying to cross the border or requiring them to wait for their immigration cases in Mexico .
Gee oversees a long-running court settlement governing the U.S. government ’ s treatment of immigrant children known as the Flores agreement .
Her order does not directly apply to the parents detained with their children .
Gee ’ s order says ICE can decline to release a child if there is not a suitable sponsor , the child ’ s parent waives rights under the Flores agreement , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to appear at a scheduled hearing.
” ICE did not respond to a request for comment Friday .
But most parents last month refused to designate a sponsor when ICE officials unexpectedly asked them who could take their children if the adults remained detained , according to lawyers for the families .
The agency said then it was conducting a “ routine parole review consistent with the law ” and Gee ’ s previous orders .
Advocates contend that ICE should release all families from detention especially as the coronavirus has spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filings revealed Thursday , ICE said 11 children and parents have tested positive for COVID-19 at the family detention center in Karnes City , Texas .
At the detention center in nearby Dilley , at least three parents and children — including a child who turned 2 this week — were placed in isolation after two private contractors and an ICE official tested positive for the virus .
Amy Maldonado , an attorney who works with detained families , said Gee “ clearly recognized that the government is not willing to protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is their obligation.
” “ They need to make the sensible choice and release the parents to care for their children , ” she said of the government .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
The vast majority of people recover .
More than 2,500 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
The agency says it has released at least 900 people considered to have heightened medical risk and reduced the populations at its three family detention centers .
But in court filings last month , ICE said it considered most of the people in family detention to be flight risks because they had pending deportation orders or cases under review .
Nomann Merchant is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this Aug. 23 , 2019 file photo , immigrants seeking asylum hold hands as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley , Texas .
The isolation of at least three families at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ’ s detention center in Dilley , has raised new fears of the coronavirus spreading through a facility that has long been accused of providing substandard medical care .
( AP Photo/Eric Gay , File )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Census Report Shows Widespread Demographic Changes in the United States

Minority populations are increasing and the white majority is on the decline , according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday .
Over the past decade , the white population grew by 10.5 million individuals , a 4.3 % increase , while the Hispanic population grew by 10.1 million individuals , a 20 % increase , the Census figures show .
Among white people , there were 1.34 births for every death , whereas the Hispanic population had 5.81 births for every death , according to the report .
The report also indicated that the Asian-American population had a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5.2 million individuals over the past decade , a 30 % growth in population size .
International immigration of 3.2 million Asian-Americans over the past decade primarily drove this population growth as it accounted for nearly two-thirds of it .
“ We are browning from bottom up in our age structure , ” Brookings Institution senior fellow William Frey told NBC News .
“ This is going to be a diversified century for the United States , and it ’ s beginning with this youngest generation.
” The population estimates indicate that whites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current population of the United States , whereas minorities make up the remaining 39.9 % .
But according to projections , the white majority will be in the minority of the total U.S. population by the year 2045 .
According to the Brookings Institution , minority immigration and natural population increase is driving the demographic change towards a majority-minority country .
The total population of the United States grew by 19.5 million individuals , or 5.9 % , this past decade .
The growth of the white population was responsible for 54.2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth was responsible for 51.8 % of the growth .
This proportion of the population growth is expected to decrease for the white population and increase for minority groups over time .
Overall , the United States is getting older ; specifically , the white population is getting older and less younger , while minorities make up the majority of individuals under the age of 16 .
Over the past decade , the percentage of the white population 65 and older rose from 14.4 % to 18.1 % .
The percentage of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined from 22.6 % to 21.1 % .
These trends contributed to an overall increase in the median age of the white population from 39.0 to 40.2 years over the past decade .
Neil Shah is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Feds to Send Tennessee $1 Million for Mental Health Concerns

The federal government will distribute $ 1 million of taxpayer money to cater to Tennesseans ’ mental health needs as they pertain to COVID-19 .
This , according to a press release the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services put out this week .
“ There are a lot of people out there , dealing with stress , anxiety , fear , and depression , who are hurting right now .
We want people to know that it ’ s OK to not feel OK right now and that help is available , and thanks to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers will be able to help more people , ” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams , in the press release .
“ We are grateful to our federal partners for this funding , and the department is committed to leveraging all available resources to support the needs of Tennesseans and the community providers who serve them.
” The Tennessee Star asked TDMHSAS spokesman Matthew Parriott this week what measures are in place , if any , to make certain state officials will only spend this money on things directly related to COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant will be contracted out to community mental health providers we currently work with , ” Parriott said in an email .
Parriott also said that any Tennessee resident “ who has experienced mental health impacts as a result of COVID-19 is eligible to receive services.
” As reported this week , U.S. officials estimate that 20 million Americans have been infected with the coronavirus since it first arrived in the United States , meaning that the vast majority of the population remains susceptible .
Thursday ’ s estimate is roughly 10 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases that have been confirmed .
Officials have long known that millions of people were infected without knowing it and that many cases are being missed because of gaps in testing .
The news comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the COVID-19 pandemic as about a dozen states are seeing worrisome increases in cases .
The administration also looks to get its scientific experts back before the public more as it tries to allay anxieties about the pandemic while states begin reopening .
Since mid-May , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the economy moving again , the panel ’ s public health experts have been far less visible than in the pandemic ’ s early weeks .
Twenty million infections means that about 6 percent of the nation ’ s 331 million people have been infected .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Commentary: The Impossibility of a Police-Less Society

The hue and cry for a police-less society is serious stuff .
For some advocates , the term “ defund the police ” refers simply to making victimless crimes ( drug use , etc . )
the responsibility of social workers rather than police officers .
But to others it means eliminating law enforcement entirely .
Is such a condition possible ?
Can a society function without any law enforcement agents ?
Let ’ s say that tomorrow , as if by magic , police departments across the country disappeared .
There is no reason to believe that abolishing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One can easily argue the opposite case – that the absence of police would encourage crime – but there is simply no way to imagine that crime would decrease following the abolition of the police .
So , we would still have murder , rape , assault , theft , arson , vandalism , and the rest , more or less as we have them now .
What , if anything , would be done about them ?
Libertarian champions of abolishing the police are clear about what , for them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead of a single group with a mandate to serve a given area , there would be competing police forces selling their services to citizens .
To begin with , this means you must be wealthy enough to afford police in order to benefit from them .
Homeless people , most likely , can not afford police , so they would become even easier targets than they already are .
Steal their stuff , kill them if you want to , and nobody ’ s going to stop you , because nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It may be against the law to kill them , but who ’ s going to enforce that law ?
This distinction between the law and its enforcement reveals a deeper problem , and that is the administration of law through the court .
No libertarian I know of advocates eliminating the court system , because there needs to be a uniform set of laws that everyone adheres to .
You might conceivably have competing police forces , but competing courts would be complete chaos .
Without regulation of the courts , any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following its own set of laws .
One might hold that white people ’ s houses should be given to blacks as reparations , while another doesn ’ t .
Without a geographic jurisdiction between courts , who would decide which was right ?
No one .
In such a dispute , the winner would be the one with the most guns and the greatest willingness to use them .
The pretense to any kind of law and order would completely disappear .
Let us assume that everyone could afford to hire a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay for disadvantaged citizens to be protected .
Suppose there is a robbery and the victims call their ( not “ the ” ) police .
The victims know the person who robbed them , he ’ s actually a neighbor , so their police apprehend the guy at his home .
But not so fast .
The accused perp employs a different police force , and he does not recognize the right of somebody else ’ s police force to arrest him .
So when he sees the victim ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , who arrive and confront the victim ’ s police .
This situation would be quite tense .
For the sake of this experiment , let ’ s assume there ’ s a law that requires anyone accused of a crime by any police force to appear in court to answer the charge .
Where does it go from there ?
Suppose the court is informed of the matter and demands the accused ’ s appearance .
Who ’ s going to force him to go ?
“ The ” police ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point , there are only two alternatives .
1 ) The court overrules the accused ’ s police and orders the victim ’ s police to grab the accused and haul him downtown .
This means that the court has the right to choose which police force it believes , and that means… that the police force is back .
The police is whichever of the various police forces the court prefers at a given moment .
The others may go on functioning , but in a disagreement , the court will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all intents and purposes that ’ s the only one that has any real power .
Or , 2 ) The whole arrest falls apart , because nobody has any say over anybody else .
Two police forces of equal power in disagreement with each other equals stasis .
Nothing gets done , because ultimately nobody has any power .
The victim , if he ’ s smart , will go to the accused ’ s house and rob him , knowing that he can get back whatever was taken and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The abstraction that the free market can supply any service and that justice is merely another service is patently false .
Justice is not a commodity with different “ brands ” ; it is an objective reality that admits no differences .
The serving of justice must adhere to that singular reality , and to do that , there can be only one servant of justice , only one police force .
The important thing is that you keep a sharp eye on the one police force .
They need policing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
Kenneth LaFave , PhD , is the author of Experiencing Leonard Bernstein ( Rowman & Littlefield ) .
Photo “ Defund the Police Protester ” by morrisonbrett .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--DC Mayor Tells Residents to Stay Home for 4th of July, Promotes Black Lives Matter Gatherings

Democratic Washington , D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told residents to spend the 4th of July at home , despite encouraging Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) gatherings happening en masse amid the coronavirus outbreak .
“ Just because there are going to be fireworks downtown — doesn ’ t mean I have to go , ” Bowser said at a press conference Thursday .
She said she hopes to see a significant reduction in crowd sizes related to July 4th events , according to Fox 5 .
The mayor did not share the same COVID-19 concerns for BLM protests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd , who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes , video showed .
Bowser posted a video of herself amid a large crowd of BLM supporters that do not appear to be maintaining six-feet distances from one another .
President Donald Trump has planned his second edition of “ Salute to America ” on Independence Day on the White House South Lawn .
The display will feature “ music , military demonstrations , and flyovers to honor our Nation ’ s service members and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kayleigh McEnany said , according to The Washington Times .
Bowser ’ s office did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Black Lives Matter Plaza ” by Ted Eytan .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--A Convicted Terrorist Sits on Board of Charity Handling Black Lives Matter Fundraising

Thousand Currents , the California-based charity that manages fundraising operations for the national arm of Black Lives Matter , includes on its board a convicted terrorist whose sentence was commuted by former President Bill Clinton on his last day in office .
Susan Rosenberg was identified as the vice chair of the Thousand Currents board of directors on the charity ’ s website until Wednesday when the page was taken down after the conservative think tank Capital Research Center detailed her involvement with a communist terrorist group that had carried out bombings in New York and Washington , D.C. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s involvement with the May 19 Communist Organization , which carried out its bombing campaign to create a contrast to former President Ronald Reagan ’ s “ Morning in America ” campaign promise , earned her a spot on the FBI ’ s Most Wanted List , according to The Washington Examiner .
She was arrested in New Jersey in 1984 while unloading 740 pounds of stolen explosives and a sub-machine gun from a truck .
Rosenberg was released from prison in 2001 after having her sentence commuted by Clinton , serving 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White lobbied aggressively against Rosenberg ’ s commutation at the time , noting that she had allegedly been one of the getaway drivers in the 1981 Brink ’ s robbery , which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and one security guard .
Rosenberg was charged with crimes in the robbery , but those charges were dropped because she was already in prison , The New York Times reported .
Rosenberg was also identified as a member of the Thousand Currents board of directors in the charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IRS for its 2016 , 2017 and 2018 fiscal years , indicating that the former terrorist has been involved with the group for the entirety of its fiscal sponsorship arrangement with Black Lives Matter Global Foundation , which began in 2016 .
Financial statements prepared by Thousand Currents reveal that 83.3 % of BLM Global Foundation ’ s total spending during its 2017 , 2018 and 2019 fiscal years was spent on travel , consulting and payroll , while only about 6 % was put toward grants to outside organizations such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Foundation previously reported .
BLM Global Network Managing Director Kailee Scales told the DCNF the figures “ do not reflect , for example , the in kind support for chapters and fundraising directed to chapters and programmatic assistance to chapters , that would not show up as direct grants on the audited financials.
” In addition to removing the page on its website disclosing Rosenberg as a member of its board of directors , Thousand Currents also took down a page that had disclosed financial information for the charity such as audits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thousand Currents did not return the DCNF ’ s request for comment .
BLM Global Network has raised a substantial sum of money since the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who died on May 25 in Minneapolis police custody .
Andrew Kerr is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Susan Rosenberg ” by Kensington Books .
Background Photo “ Black Lives Matter Rally ” by Anthony Quintano .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Joe Biden Keeps Inflating the Coronavirus Death Toll

Former Vice President Joe Biden has repeatedly inflated America ’ s coronavirus death toll by hundreds of thousands and millions of deaths when talking about the virus .
Biden gaffed on Thursday , saying that “ over 120 million ” people were “ dead from COVID ” before correcting himself .
Biden has struggled to get right the number of coronavirus deaths , which is at roughly 121,000 , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
In a May 1 interview on MSNBC ’ s “ Morning Joe , ” Biden placed the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Look Joe , over 600,000 dead .
Many of them are people who are those , those , those workers , those nurses , doctors some of them , because they put themselves in a position to save other people ’ s lives , protect the rest of society .
And we talk about that number , like 600,000-plus people … ” Biden said .
MSNBC host Joe Scarborough corrected him , noting that the real number at the time was one-tenth the size at 60,000 .
In a May 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden appeared to place the number of deaths in the millions , saying the pandemic “ has cost us more than 85,000 jobs as of today , lives of millions of people , millions of people , millions of jobs.
” Biden continued on without correcting himself .
Biden avoided botching the number in a May 21 interview with a local Florida station by looking at his notes before answering the question .
Biden and his campaign have repeatedly spread inaccurate information relating to the virus .
A misleading March 31 Biden campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump had called the virus a “ hoax.
” In reality , Trump said that Democrats ’ political reaction to the virus was a “ hoax.
” “ The video makes it seem like Trump is calling the disease itself a hoax , which he hasn ’ t done .
The words are Trump ’ s , but the editing is Biden ’ s , ” PolitiFact noted , rating the claim “ false.
” Another Biden campaign video falsely accused Trump of silencing a career CDC official who warned the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from The Washington Post awarded the claim four out of four Pinocchios .
The Biden campaign didn ’ t return an email seeking comment for this article .
Peter Hasson is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Seattle Mayor Meets with Protesters Over Dismantling Zone

SEATTLE , Washington ( AP ) — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan met with demonstrators Friday after some lay in the street or sat on barricades to thwart the city ’ s effort to dismantle an “ occupied ” protest zone that has drawn scorn from President Donald Trump and a lawsuit from nearby businesses .
Crews arrived with heavy equipment early Friday morning at the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest , an occupied protest zone in Seattle , ready to dismantle barriers set up after protesters seized the area June 8 following clashes with police .
But by mid-morning , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk conflict .
Omari Salisbury , a local journalist who attended the afternoon meeting between protesters and the mayor , told reporters afterward that the mayor had agreed to wait until Sunday morning to remove most of the barricades .
A spokesperson said late Friday the mayor met with Black ministers and some of the organizers and suggested “ steps that she believes can be taken in the coming days , including the removal of the barriers to create more access.
” Seattle police had no plans to return this weekend to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with demonstrators , Durkan ’ s spokesperson said .
The collective of protesters , activists , educators and volunteers in the CHOP was formed after clashes with police who tear-gassed people protesting the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Durkan has expressed support for the protest , calling it “ a peaceful expression of our community ’ s collective grief and their desire to build a better world.
” But following several shootings in the area , Durkan earlier this week said the city would wind down the protest zone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , she had said police would return to the nearby precinct .
Nearby businesses and property owners filed a federal lawsuit against the city on Wednesday for its tolerance of the zone , saying officials had been complicit in depriving them of their rights to their property .
The businesses said they did not intend to undermine the anti-police-brutality or Black Lives Matter messaging of the protest .
But they said they had limited access to their businesses , and sometimes have been threatened for photographing protesters in public areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The work crews intended to remove the barricades , not the remaining protesters , on Friday .
Sam Zimbabwe , city transportation director , told Salisbury , who has been live-streaming the protest .
Workers were preserving artwork that had been painted on the wooden barricades , Zimbabwe said , adding that the department would work to return it to the people who created it .
“ We ’ re not trying to have conflict , ” he said .
A number of protesters remained camped in tents outside the East Precinct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic would remain even after the other barriers are removed Sunday , according to Salisbury .
The city has not given a timeline for officers ’ return to the building except to say it would be in the near future .
Protesters want the removal of legal protections known as “ qualified immunity ” for police who violate rights of members of the public — an issue that would need to be addressed in state law , not by the city .
The demonstrators have also called for cutting the Seattle police budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community health and other programs .
The mayor has proposed a much more modest cut of $ 20 million to help balance the city ’ s budget through the end of this year .
Gene Johnson is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : Protesters lie down and sit in the street after workers and heavy equipment from the Seattle Department of Transportation arrived at the the CHOP ( Capitol Hill Occupied Protest ) zone in Seattle , Friday , June 26 , 2020 , with the intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in the area .
Several blocks in the area have been occupied by protesters since Seattle Police pulled back from their East Precinct building following violent clashes with demonstrators earlier in the month .
( AP Photo/Ted S. Warren )


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Minneapolis Council Members Who Want to Abolish Police Have Received $63,000 in Private Security

Minneapolis has spent $ 63,000 on private security for three council members who want to abolish the city ’ s police department .
Council Member Phillipe Cunningham confirmed the report in a statement released on Twitter Friday night .
“ I will confirm I have received numerous death threats since I was campaigning for either being transgender or outspoken about police accountability and systems change .
I do not feel comfortable saying more about that .
Security was offered to me by the city , and I accepted because I need to keep my family safe from the very real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cunningham noted that Mayor Jacob Frey receives a security detail 365 days a year , which is paid for out of “ the same pool of money ” covering Cunningham ’ s security .
“ I believe any reasonable person would have accepted help like I did .
It ’ s unfortunate my family ’ s safety has been exploited for a news talking point , ” Cunningham continued .
“ I will also add that [ the Minneapolis Police Department ] claimed to have not known about the threats or reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson confirmed with FOX 9 that Council Members Cunningham , Andrea Jenkins , and Alondra Cano are receiving the protection of a private security detail .
According to the report , the city is spending $ 4,500 a day on the security for a total of $ 63,000 in expenses over the past three weeks .
“ My concern is the large number of white nationalist ( s ) in our city and other threatening communications I ’ ve been receiving , ” Jenkins told the outlet in an email .
The report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Council unanimously approved a proposal to change the city charter .
The change to the charter will allow for the dismantling of the police department , which would be replaced with a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention .
If the process is successful , the change ultimately will be placed on the November ballot for voters to decide on .
Earlier this month , nine members of the council committed themselves to “ ending ” the Minneapolis Police Department and “ creating a new transformative model.
” Anthony Gockowski is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Phillipe Cunnigham ( Left ) ” by Phillipe Cunningham .
Photo “ Alondra Cano ( Middle ) ” by Alondra Cano .
Photo “ Andrea Jenkins ( Right ) ” by Andrea Jenkins .
Background Photo “ Minneapolis City Council Meeting ” by Tony Webster .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Appeals Court Orders Most Michigan Gyms Closed

Hours before Michigan ’ s indoor fitness centers were allowed to open for the first time in months , a Sixth U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals panel told the gyms to keep their doors shut .
A three-judge panel issued an emergency stay sought by Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , freezing the preliminary injunction from U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney that would have allowed gyms to open at 12:01 am Thursday .
“ We sympathize deeply with the business owners and their patrons affected by the governor ’ s order , ” the order said .
“ Crises like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to save lives .
Yet those measures can have extreme costs – costs that often are not borne evenly.
” A group of fitness centers sued Whitmer in May , alleging her orders violated their constitutional rights .
Judges Julia Smith Gibbons , Deborah Cook and Chad Readler wrote that , although the plaintiffs risk losing their businesses , Whitmer ’ s interest in curbing the spread of COVID-19 is “ at least equally significant.
” “ Shaping the precise contours of public health measures entails some difficult line-drawing , ” they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Constitution wisely leaves that task to officials directly accountable to the people.
” Mahoney had previously approved reopening gyms after 13 weeks of forced closure , writing that the state appeared to have “ no real or substantial ” basis for keeping indoor gyms closed to protect the public health while swimming pools , nightclubs and salons could reopen under restrictions .
Scott Erskine , a managing Partner at Erskine Law representing more than 150 fitness centers , told The Center Square they respect the court ’ s decision but believe Whitmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay shuttered .
Erskine said he thinks the court based its decision based on a citation about an outbreak in a dance class in South Korea .
“ That was the only rationale that the governor cited in her brief keeping gyms closed .
Not data in the United States .
Not science .
An outbreak in a foreign country from February , ” Erksine said in an email .
“ Meanwhile there have not been any reported outbreaks in gyms in the U.S. , either pre-Covid closures or in any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen.
” Erskine argued that gyms could open safely and benefit stressed Michigan residents seeking to stay healthy .
“ My clients are in the business of helping people be healthy .
Gyms today are cleaner and more sanitary than most businesses , ” Erskine said .
“ My clients can scientifically prove that they help people with obesity , hypertension and diabetes , three of the comorbidities that lead to complications with COVID-19 .
My clients can also scientifically prove that the fitness industry helps ease stress , anxiety and depression , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state suffer today.
” “ Today three Republican-appointed judges got it right : in the fight against a global pandemic , courts must give governors broad latitude to make quick , difficult decisions , ” Brown said in a statement .
“ The governor will continue to take the actions necessary to save lives.
” Gyms in parts of Northern Michigan opened on June 10 .
Whitmer has said she plans to reopen gyms , movie theatres , and other activities by July 4 if COVID-19 trends downward .
Scott McClallen is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Judge Rejects Cameras in the Courtroom for Former Police Officers’ Pretrial Hearings in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS , Minnesota ( AP ) — A Minnesota judge on Friday rejected allowing cameras in the court for pretrial proceedings of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd .
News media organizations as well as defense attorneys had requested the audio and visual recordings .
But Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill rejected the request , noting the prosecution had objected .
Minnesota rules allow the judge , prosecutors or defense attorneys to veto camera coverage during criminal court proceedings before a conviction .
The judge will rule later on whether cameras will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed a motion Thursday on behalf of the ex-officers to allow recording of all pretrial and trial proceedings .
The motion argues that the recordings are necessary to guarantee the officers get a fair trial in light of what the defense calls “ multiple and inappropriate public comments ” by prosecutors and other officials .
“ The State ’ s conduct has made a fair and unbiased trial extremely unlikely and the Defendants seek video and audio coverage to let a cleansing light shine on these proceedings .
Doing otherwise allows these public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote attorney Thomas Plunkett , representing J. Kueng , one of four fired officers charged in Floyd ’ s death .
The motion notes that Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo recently called Floyd ’ s death “ murder.
” Floyd died May 25 after a white police officer , Derek Chauvin , pressed his knee against the handcuffed Black man ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
Kueng , Thomas Lane and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired after Floyd ’ s death .
In a statement Friday , Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison , whose office is leading the prosecution , said allowing cameras in the courtroom “ will create more problems than it would solve , ” by altering the way lawyers present evidence and possibly intimidating witnesses .
“ In short , the likelihood of creating more sensation than understanding is very high ” if cameras were allowed at trial , Ellison said .
All four ex-officers are due in court Monday for pretrial hearings on issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody with bail set at $ 1 million with conditions , while Thao ’ s conditional bail is $ 750,000 .
Lane and Kueng are free on bond .
Written by the Associated Press .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Ohio House Democrats Introduce Three More Bills Focused on Reforming the State’s Law Enforcement Con

Ohio House Democrats Introduce Three More Bills Focused on Reforming the State’s Law Enforcement Conduct

Ohio House Democrats introduced three new pieces of legislation Thursday aimed at reforming police officer conduct in the state .
With the addition of these three new proposals , House Democrats have introduced four pieces of legislation this week that focused on police conduct and procedures .
House Bill 706 , the first bill the Democrats introduced on Tuesday , focused on implementing more training for state law enforcement .
Ohio House Democrats said these bills “ come on the heels of continued peaceful demonstrations across Ohio and the country in response to the killings of George Floyd , Breonna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Americans.
” House Bill 707 , which was introduced by Reps. Jessica Miranda ( D-Forest Park ) and Kristin Boggs ( D- Columbus ) , tries to ban law enforcement ’ s use of tear gas .
Earlier this month , Ohio Democrats sent a letter to Gov .
Mike DeWine asking him to ban tear gas usage .
In the letter , Democrats argued that using tear gas should be banned due to potential health effects , the potential for it to spread the coronavirus and because the gas violates people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The next criminal justice reform bill titled House Bill 709 , which is sponsored by Reps. Sedrick Denson ( D-Cincinnati ) and Terrence Upchurch ( D-Cleveland ) , wants to establish a police database for use of force .
This bill would require law enforcement agencies to submit a record to a database maintained by the Ohio Attorney General .
Law enforcement would have to submit this type of request to the attorney general if a police officer ’ s use of force results in death , injury , or when an officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction of a person .
Finally , House Bill 710 , which is also sponsored by Upchurch and Denson , would “ prohibit police officers from engaging in biased policing and other status-based profiling and to require the attorney general ’ s office to establish rules regarding such police practices.
” Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .
Photo “ Ohio Police Officers ” by Becker1999 .
CC @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-06-28--Steve Cohen Calls for Bill Barr’s Impeachment

Rep. Steve Cohen ( D-TN-09 ) called for the impeachment of U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr during a House Judiciary Committee hearing last week .
In a statement released before the hearing , Cohen claimed the Department of Justice “ has clearly been corrupted ” under Barr ’ s leadership .
He pointed to the recent removal of Geoffrey Berman , former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York , and the Justice Department ’ s request to dismiss its criminal case against Michael Flynn as evidence of corruption .
“ This important agency , charged with upholding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy trying to protect the President and his close associates from the law .
I expect the witness testimonies will unmask a culture of corruption so vast and unaccountable that the American people will be appalled and repelled .
This hearing will explore the very essence of checks and balances in our system of government , and I hope everyone will be paying attention , ” said Cohen .
During the Wednesday hearing , Cohen said the House should “ pursue impeachment of Bill Barr because he is reigning terror on the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s antitrust investigation of 10 mergers in the cannabis industry .
Cohen characterized the investigation as “ harassment by Bill Barr of an industry he didn ’ t like.
” The Justice Department ’ s Office of Professional Responsibility said in a memo released earlier this month that the Antitrust Division “ acted consistent with all applicable laws , regulations , and DOJ guidelines in its review of the proposed cannabis mergers.
” According to Politico , Cohen has sent a letter to his fellow House Democrats urging them to consider impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intend to introduce a resolution laying out many instances of Attorney General Barr ’ s misconduct and urging the Judiciary Committee to continue its investigations into these instances , evaluate the evidence , and to determine if this constitutes impeachable conduct , ” Cohen said in the letter , a copy of which was obtained by Politico .
Rep. Bill Pascrell ( D-NJ-09 ) said on Twitter that he would support the motion to impeach Barr , while Rep. Rashida Tlaib ( D-MI-13 ) said Barr “ should resign.
” Anthony Gockowski is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Mark Green Introduces Bill to Provide Transparency on Federal Funds Spent in China

U.S. Rep. Mark Green ( R-TN-07 ) recently introduced a bill to require annual reporting on federal funds spent in China .
The bill , called the Our Money in China Transparency Act , would require detailed annual reporting on any federal funds spent on activities conducted in collaboration with China ’ s entities and institutions , Green explained in a press release .
“ As our nation recovers from the devastating impacts of a virus unleashed on the world by the lies and dishonesty of the Chinese Communist Party , America ’ s taxpayers deserve a closer look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China , ” Green said .
“ My bill provides a detailed tabulation of every penny spent in any activity in collaboration with China ’ s institutions and entities .
This is a common sense approach to ensure that we , the American people , have complete transparency about our money in China , ” he added .
The bill is Green ’ s latest effort to put pressure on the Chinese Communist Party .
In April , he introduced the Secure Our Systems Against China ’ s Tactics Act , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategically acquire companies critical to America ’ s national security during the coronavirus pandemic .
He also introduced the Bring American Companies Home Act , which would pay the moving expenses of American companies that move their production from China back to the U.S. During a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in May , Green said the coronavirus pandemic has been “ made worse by China ’ s deception.
” Meanwhile , Sen. Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) introduced a bill in April that would empower Americans to sue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the harm caused by the coronavirus .
“ China ’ s Communist Party must face consequences for its role in the origin and spread of the coronavirus , ” Blackburn said .
“ Under this legislation , Americans will have the opportunity to take China to court in the U.S. and demand accountability for their lies and deceit.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Rep .
Mark Green @ @ @ @ @ @

by Scott McClallen
First, COVID-19 disrupted classes in 2020, and now it’s teachers keeping kids out of class in 2022.
More than 29,000 Minneapolis students couldn’t attend class Monday as a teachers’ union strike entered its 10th school day.
The striking teachers are seeking a “living wage,” smaller class sizes, and “safe and stable schools.”
The strike began March 8 with the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) and Education Support Professionals (ESP) saying the groups were demanding “a living wage” for ESPs, smaller class sizes, and “safe and stable schools,” the union posted on Facebook.
In a video posted on Facebook page Sunday, union officials said they want ESPs to have a minimum $35,000 annual salary.
Teacher Chapter President Greta Callahan said parties have been negotiating.
“This contract needs to get settled,” Callahan said. “We want kids back in school and it feels like we are the only ones acting like that right now.”
Average teacher salaries in St. Paul are $85,000, compared to the average Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) teacher salary of $71,535.
World Population Review says the average Minnesota teacher makes $59,221.
The Sahan Journal reported that despite the high teacher salary, raises for the Minneapolis district have lagged in recent years.
MPS said it shared its “last, best, and final” offer on Sunday that includes: 2% cost of living increases, with up to 12% raises for new teachers, in year one of the contract and 2% increases for all in the second year.
Increase starting wages for 85% of current ESPs to $23 per hour or more, bringing most full-time ESPs close to $35,000 annually.
Increase wages over two years between 8.2% and 34.6% (depending on job classification), with an average increase of 15.6%.
Move the lowest-paid ESPs from $15.45 per hour to $18 per hour.
Pay ESPs $6,000 in bonuses ($3,000 in each of the next 2 years).
$3.5 million to additional hours for ESPs.
Four additional paid duty days for professional development.
“We know that our students want to be back in school with their teachers and ESPs and our staff desperately want to see our students,” Minneapolis School Board Chair Kim Ellison said in a video. “We believe this is the fastest way possible to get our students back to school.”
The proposal would cost $9.3 million in the first year and $13.4 million in the second.
“MPS is reaching beyond its financial means on behalf of our ESPs and will need to make more than $10 million in reductions for the next school year as a result,” the MPS website says.
“We’ll be back out on the line tomorrow fighting for safe and stable schools!” the MFT tweeted Sunday.
The state’s education funding formula is based on enrollment, which has declined at MPS from 32,732 in 2019 to in 2022, 29,100.
The school doesn’t have data on where the roughly 3,632 kids who left went, MPS media coordinator Crystina Lugo-Beach told The Center Square in an email.
MPS said all pre-K through 12th classes would be canceled “for the duration of the strike.” Axios reported that the district is facing a a $21.5 million budget deficit for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
– – –
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 “Minneapolis Public Schools” by Minneapolis Public Schools.


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Dr. Simone Gold Commentary: We Do Not Consent

Author ’ s note : The below is the Op-Ed that was accepted to USAToday on June 24 .
They deleted key phrases/paragraphs for their print paper and then they refused to print it at all online .
It is clear to me as a physician-lawyer that the disinformation about both Covid-19 and the Constitution has caused us to turn a medical issue into a legal crisis .
The scientific usefulness of a mask has been so aggressively overstated , and the foundational importance of the Constitution has been so aggressively understated , that we have normalized people screaming obscenities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid virus was supposed to be contained in the kind of lab where people wear astronaut suits and go through triple sealed doors .
It is a con of massive proportion to assert that now , having escaped those environs , a bandana will magically do the trick .
The pore size of cloth face coverings range from ~ 20-100 microns .
The Covid virus is 200-1000x smaller than that , at 0.1 microns .
Putting up a chain link fence will not keep out a mosquito .
Even the most esteemed medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety .
“ Expanded masking protocols ’ greatest contribution may be to reduce the transmission of anxiety … ” Of course , by knowledge or common sense observation , most Americans already know that masking everyone is superstition .
But unlike privately carrying a lucky charm , mandating facial coverings requires the consent of the governed .
Many cultures mandate clothing that appears totally irrational to outsiders .
Never have those cultures pretended that there is a scientific basis for their clothing requirement .
Their leaders rule , and their citizens accept , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to religious or cultural preference .
Not wearing a mask is not mere “ personal choice ” like deciding between a head covering or a t-shirt .
It is a flashpoint for being a free human being who has consented to be governed but has not consented to be ruled .
We do not consent to a masked America , because that is a fundamental change in American society , culture , norms , and rights .
People who are apathetic toward their own liberty can not eliminate Constitutional rights for those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first ( or last ) time that people who believe in superstition are screaming the loudest .
The Constitution exists precisely to protect all people during times of mass hysteria .
The mask has become the most visible symbol of # socialconditioning to Americans determined to preserve individual freedom .
Thus far most Americans have continued to give their consent to be governed .
But you are trying our patience .
Simone Gold , MD , JD , FABEM , is a board certified emergency physician .
She graduated from Chicago Medical School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn her Juris Doctorate degree .
She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York .
Dr. Gold worked in Washington D.C. for the Surgeon General , as well as for the Chairman of the Labor & Human Resources Committee .
She works as an emergency physician on the frontlines whether or not there is a pandemic .
Her clinical work serves all Americans : from urban-inner city , to suburban , to the IHS .
Her legal work has focused on conflicts between hospitals and insurers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy issues relating to law and medicine .
She always leads with the facts .
Read more at The Gold Opinion .


thetennesseestar--2020-06-29--Commentary: When Enough is Enough, the ‘Woke’ Are ‘Awakening’

Recently , I read with great interest James Lindsay ’ s essay called “ The Woke Breaking Point.
” There , he invites his readers to ask friends and acquaintances “ What would it take for you to say that the Woke movement has gone too far ?
” This , he suggests , is a way to help people keep themselves honest : if you consider in advance what state of affairs , specifically , would be “ too far , ” then you will be able to recognize better the excesses of the totalitarian Left and more ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it becomes absolutely necessary .
Reframing the question , he writes : “ Ask .
When is enough , enough ?
” To his credit , Lindsay recognizes that posing this question is a tricky rhetorical gambit .
“ To get real about this , you shouldn ’ t expect this conversation to go well , ” he writes .
“ It might , of course , depending on the relationship , but it ’ s very likely to be received defensively or with an assumption that you ’ ve lost your mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : don ’ t expect it to go well .
Don ’ t expect them to come around .
Don ’ t expect them to take you seriously .
Just get the question out there where they have to think about it.
” I agree wholeheartedly that it is important for everyone who is not entirely on board with the Woke agenda to seriously consider this question .
I am involved in a group chat with seven men , most of whom I know from high school .
We are all in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of things , but many of our conversations are political .
I think it ’ s fair to say that a couple of the guys consider themselves “ nonpolitical.
” One or two have some political interests , but are not particularly keen on defining themselves politically .
And four of us have much to say on these matters .
We have heated disagreements , but it ’ s also safe to say that no one in the chat is a left-wing activist .
Given these conditions , I was especially curious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindsay ’ s question .
He was right – there was some defensiveness in how the question was received .
My friend from Texas readily agreed that it has already gone much too far and that enough was enough a long time ago .
Of those who were not yet ready to concede that , none were willing to name a specific line that , if crossed , would be too far .
My cousin , a Maryland architect , wanted me to clarify terms – a common response from him .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have “ gone too far ” ?
It means , I explained , the point at which wokeness becomes a danger to the traditional American understanding of civic law and liberty .
Then we got into how to define “ danger.
” Once we got past the semantics , he conceded that it has already shown itself to be dangerous – but a long-term danger , not an imminent one .
Thus , he admitted it had already “ gone too far.
” Another friend , who works in K-12 public education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ gone too far , ” wanted to find ways to express that , but rightly noted that “ not everyone has the job security ” that I do .
He continued : “ I am an at-will employee and I can be terminated at any time.
” Citing the fact that he has children to feed , he said “ I ’ m not losing my job ( potentially ) so I can publicly let my opinion be heard .
That is a pussy move , and a choice I make.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he does face personal and professional risks in speaking to the excesses of the progressive Left .
But the fact he can not say those things without jeopardizing this job in public education is one more illustration of just how deeply those excesses have permeated our institutions .
On the whole , it was an interesting and somewhat tense conversation .
But it demonstrated the absence of the implicit question that follows the one Lindsay asks .
All the men who participated in the chat agreed that the Left has “ gone too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rage on the Left are “ dangerous ” to the nation .
They all agreed enough is already enough .
And yet , when one says “ Enough is enough ” – when one says that a line has been crossed – one implies that there will be a response or a reaction .
President Obama said the use of chemical weapons in Syria was a “ red line.
” But when Syria used chemical weapons , the promised consequences never materialized .
Once you agree that “ enough is enough , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at which it would be , you run smack into another question – one that is reminiscent of schoolyard taunts : “ Well ?
What are you going to do about it ?
” Despite the agreement in my group chat that “ enough is already enough , ” no one could name any response they were willing to take , except for voting .
Some of them probably won ’ t even do that .
Only two people on the chat will certainly be voting for Trump .
The others that vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party , or will write in a candidate .
But obviously , voting in November is no real response at all .
If “ enough ” is truly enough , then simply resolving to take the trouble to cast a vote in November seems wholly inadequate to countering the excesses of the Left .
Donald Trump can ’ t stop this .
Only the citizens who have had “ enough ” can do it .
Voting isn ’ t enough .
My friend from Texas was right to ask me : “ Adam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] point ?
What are your public actions ?
” Well , of course , I vote .
My writing—essays like the one you ’ re reading – are one way that I try to combat the zealots .
As a teacher , I don ’ t adopt any “ antiracist pedagogies.
” But I do teach the tradition of Western thought , and I stress that taking this tradition seriously will equip my students with the most effective means of fighting racism .
I speak out on campus – when I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I give some money to organizations that I believe might effectively counter the Left ’ s assault on America .
I could probably do more though .
And you probably can , too .
When you ’ ve answered Lindsey ’ s question ( if you can answer it – and if you can ’ t , you ’ re with the mob on the road to Utopia , come hell or high water – probably the former ) ask yourself the next question : “ Well ?
What am I going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my chat ( referring to my comments ) cautioned the others , saying to be wary of people suggesting you must do X , Y , or Z. I ’ m not asking anyone to do X , Y , or Z .
If you have had “ enough , ” I ’ m asking that you do something .
Ask yourself : given my own gifts and my own limitations , how can I contribute ?
For all of us , this will require some sacrifice .
This means you also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are willing and able to sacrifice .
But if you ’ re unwilling to sacrifice anything – if you ’ re unwilling to respond in any way other than casting a ballot – then it doesn ’ t matter what you say : you haven ’ t had enough .
Adam Ellwanger is an associate professor of English at the University of Houston – Downtown where he directs the M.A .
program in rhetoric and composition .
His new book , Metanoia : Rhetoric , Authenticity , and the Transformation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State University Press in 2020 .