thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Follow the Richmond Money: Mayors Race Wide Open

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney blew away challengers Alexsis Rodgers and Kim Gray with September campaign fundraising .
Data from The Virginia Public Access Project shows Stoney ’ s campaign reported $ 224,602 , Rodgers reported $ 98,283 , and Gray reported $ 83,455 .
However , pundit Paul Goldman said all three top candidates are doing well financially .
“ I see Kim [ Gray ] and Alexsis [ Rodgers ] raising a lot of money , I think they probably could do $ 400,000 or more before it ’ s over , ” Goldman said .
“ That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than enough.
” Stoney has raised a total of $ 771,585 while Gray and Rodgers have raised $ 338,606 and $ 321,479 respectively .
In September , Stoney spent $ 171,225 in the category TV/Radio advertising , and $ 951 on Web/Online Ads/Email .
Gray spent $ 25,577 on TV/Radio , $ 1,175 on Newspaper Ads , and $ 211 on Web/Online Ads/Email .
Rodgers spent $ 20,866 on Web/Online Ads/Email .
Goldman said that TV/Radio spending is costly because it reaches people outside the city of Richmond even though they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s races .
He said Rodgers ’ spending on a web presence makes sense .
“ I think she ’ s focusing on people under 40 , they probably are the least likely to watch TV and other things , so at least she ’ s using the new social media , she knows how to do it , ” he said .
“ I see her ads and I surf the internet , they ’ re probably the only ads that I see.
” Goldman was surprised by the low numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They have to spend some money , ” Goldman said .
“ Obviously Stoney ’ s very well known , ” he added .
“ There ’ s a lot of undecided [ voters ] , or there were , so if you ’ re Gray or Rodgers , you ’ re not very well known , not as well known as the incumbent , so you need to let people know who you are , particularly the [ undecided voters ] who want an alternative to the incumbent.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,000 , adding up to $ 71,226 .
She also reported 651 donations of $ 100 or less , for a total of $ 22,366 .
“ She ’ s more of a grassroots oriented candidate , in terms of where shes coming from , ” Goldman said .
“ Younger people are used to giving 10 , 20 , 30 dollars out of the blue.
” Goldman added , “ So the Democrats are much more into that .
Younger people , the Bernie side of things , the AOC side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , and that ’ s reflecting her basis of support .
It shows a good enthusiasm so it means that her vote is likely to stay with her.
” Stoney received 105 donations of $ 100 or less , for a total of $ 3,743 ; he reported 149 donations more than $ 100 , adding up to $ 205,736 .
Gray reported 77 donations of $ 100 or less , totaling $ 5,150 , and 109 contributions more than $ 100 , totaling $ 65,061 .
“ [ They ] have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regardless of what it is , with 400 grand you can get what you need to .
You can have enough staff , enough mailings , enough everything .
That said , you have to manage your money correctly , but 400 grand is enough to get elected mayor of Richmond.
” Full disclosure : In September , the John Fredericks Radio Network donated $ 400 to Kim Gray ’ s campaign .
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by Kim Gray .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Doctor Asks Court to Dismiss Murder Indictment in 25 Deaths

COLUMBUS , Ohio ( AP ) — Lawyers for the Ohio hospital doctor charged with murder in 25 patient deaths accused the prosecutor of misconduct and asked Tuesday that the court dismiss the indictment handed up by a grand jury .
Former intensive care doctor William Husel is accused of ordering excessive painkillers for patients who died shortly thereafter in the Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System .
Prosecutors charged him only in cases involving at least 500 micrograms of fentanyl , saying doses that big in nonsurgical situations pointed to an intent to prematurely snuff out lives .
Husel ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ron O ’ Brien wrongly influenced the grand jury and prejudiced Husel by excluding information about a patient who received even larger dosages — a total of 2,500 micrograms of fentanyl plus 16 micrograms of hydromorphone in a 37-minute span — and survived for 10 days afterward , eventually dying with no trace of fentanyl in her system .
O ’ Brien didn ’ t seek an indictment in that death “ because he knew that presenting that evidence to the grand jury would reveal the truth — that 500 micrograms of fentanyl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ and that administering such a dose does not indicate an intent to cause or hasten death , ” the defense attorneys wrote in the court filing .
They also requested a copy of the transcript of the grand jury proceedings , which are generally secret .
A statement from O ’ Brien said his office is reviewing the matter and will file a response in court .
Husel , 44 , previously pleaded not guilty and maintains he was providing comfort care for dying patients , not trying to kill them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Florida-based attorney known for successfully defending high-profile clients such as Casey Anthony and Aaron Hernandez .
The case is one of the biggest of its kind ever brought against an American health care professional .
Mount Carmel ’ s review concluded Husel ordered excessive painkillers for about three dozen patients who died over several years .
Colleagues who administered the medication weren ’ t criminally charged , but the hospital system said it fired 23 nurses , pharmacists and managers after its internal investigation and referred various employees to their respective state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mount Carmel also has made changes in its operations and reached related settlements totaling more than $ 16.7 million over the deaths of at least 17 patients .
More lawsuits by patients ’ families remain pending .
Husel and some of his former colleagues also filed defamation cases that accuse Mount Carmel of spreading a false narrative about what happened .
Mount Carmel denies that and has stood by the findings of its review .
Kantele Franko is a reporter for The Associated Press .

by Tom Joyce
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is leading a group of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief regarding federal immigration law.
The attorneys general are asking the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold a federal statute to enforce federal immigration law in United States v. Hansen.
“In the middle of this man-made disaster at our southern border, we need every tool and law available,” Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in a press release. “The last thing we need is anyone incentivizing migrants to come here illegally and further straining our social safety net. Border communities are being overwhelmed by the influx of people.”
A grand jury charged California resident Helaman Hansen with multiple crimes in 2017 for scamming hundreds of noncitizens out of more than $1 million by promising them a nonexistent path to citizenship.
According to the release, Hansen was charged under a federal statute for encouraging people to come to the United States illegally for “commercial advantage or private financial gain,” according to the release.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals then struck down the statute arguing that the words “encourage” and “induce,” in the law are too broad.
General Brnovich and the attorneys general argue in their amicus brief that the Ninth Circuit decision jeopardizes the constitutionality of criminal law in all 50 states. They worry that the decision may cause other state and federal courts to invalidate existing criminal laws.
The other attorneys general who signed the brief is from the states of: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
– – –
Tom Joyce is a contributor to The Center Square.
Photo “Mark Brnovich” by Mark Brnovich. Background Photo “U.S. Supreme Court” by AscendedAnathema. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Commentary: Joe Biden’s Green New Deal, a Bad Deal for the Great Lakes State

Michigan ’ s auto pioneers cemented their historical reputations by making Detroit the home of the American dream .
Now in 2020 , Joe Biden wants to adopt a radical climate agenda that would eliminate fossil fuels and decimate Michigan ’ s auto industry .
It seems Joe Biden ’ s dream would be a nightmare to Michiganders .
Worst of all , Joe Biden is proud of it—stating that the Green New Deal is a “ crucial framework ” of a Biden-Harris administration .
Yet suddenly last week during the Presidential debate , Joe Biden flip-flopped , stating he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past year shows a different story , however .
Just last summer during the 2019 Democrat Debate at Fox theater here in Detroit , Joe Biden proudly said that he would make sure fossil fuels are “ eliminated.
” Reminder for Joe Biden : more than 98 percent of all vehicles sold in 2019 run on fossil fuels , a number not expected to change dramatically anytime soon .
While our economy has diversified following the painful Great Recession under former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm , Michigan is still the center of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michiganders work in automotive manufacturing alone , and that does not include the millions of others in the auto industry , including engineers , technicians , and support staff .
Simply put , the auto industry is connected in some way to nearly every Michigan family , and destroying it would shatter more than just jobs , but Michigan as we know it .
Our cherished auto industry would not be the only thing impacted here in Michigan though , as energy costs would skyrocket .
Families in Northern Michigan would be forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the 182,000 Michiganders who work in the fossil fuel industry directly would be without jobs , ending any chance for Michigan ’ s prosperous future .
Joe Biden ’ s message for Michiganders is simple ; vote for me , and I ’ ll make sure to eliminate your job and your healthcare plan that your union negotiated for you .
Even in the face of a global pandemic , Biden refuses to let the coronavirus crisis go to waste , and he ’ s not hiding that from you either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic is an “ opportunity ” to “ fundamentally change the science relating to global warming.
” Biden also said this spring that the coronavirus crisis is an “ opportunity ” to include his Green New Deal agenda into the coronavirus relief legislation .
Just a refresher on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ’ s Green New Deal , who is a member of Biden ’ s climate advisory panel , a policy he desperately wants to adopt : It would cost the average Michigander nearly $ 75,000 in the first year alone ( more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , eliminate fossil fuels entirely , take away your right to eat meat , somehow eliminate cow farts , and cost the country nearly $ 100 trillion .
Somehow amidst all this frightening mess , UAW executives abandoned all pretense of representing what is best for workers and crammed an endorsement of Biden down the throats of autoworkers .
While Joe Biden tries to eliminate any Michigan manufacturing job he can find , President Trump is working hard to protect Michiganders .
Since taking office , President Trump has delivered on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phase One of the China Trade Deal , and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement , which replaces the disastrous North American Free Trade Agreement that Joe Biden himself helped pass .
Instead of trying to politicize coronavirus and push radical policies , President Trump has led an unprecedented response that radically increased testing capacity , mobilized the private sector , protected workers ’ paychecks , and set up for the Great American Comeback .
Joe Biden ’ s feelings about autoworkers are very clear .
In March , he told a union member in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sh*t. ” Now , with his promised radical climate agenda , Joe is working hard to eliminate our livelihoods .
In essence , Joe Biden sees autoworkers and the automotive industry as the enemy of the people .
When November 3rd comes around , I know how the vast majority of autoworkers will vote .
Together , we will proudly ignore Joe Biden ’ s disastrous Green New Deal and instead support four more years of President Trump ’ s record of Promises Made , Promises Kept .
After all ; we deserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Workers for Trump as well as co-chairman of the Republican Party of Michigan .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .
Background Photo “ Green New Deal Supporters ” by Becker1999 .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Steve Bannon Describes How the Withering Fire of the Right Is Going to Force Biden to Answer Questio

Steve Bannon Describes How the Withering Fire of the Right Is Going to Force Biden to Answer Questions

Live from Virginia Tuesday morning on The John Fredericks Show – weekdays on WNTW AM 820/ FM 92.7 – Richmond , WJFN FM 100.5 – Central Virginia , WMPH AM 1010 / FM 100.1 / FM 96.9 ( 7-9 PM ) Hampton Roads , WBRG AM 1050 / FM 105.1 – Lynchburg/Roanoke and Weekdays 6-10 am and 24/7 Stream – host Fredericks welcomed political strategist Steve Bannon to the show to describe how the time has come for Joe Biden to explain emails and ties to the Chinese .
Fredericks : Joining us now , Stephen K. Bannon of War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Frederick ’ s Radio Network .
Monday to Saturday also on AVN Live , The Dish Channel 219 , Newsmax , 11 to midnight .
Steve great to have you , man .
I was excited to have you on today especially .
Thank you .
Bannon : Always an honor John .
And thank you .
Tomorrow , John Fredericks is a pretty important day .
You know what tomorrow is ?
Bannon : The one-year anniversary of the starting of the War Room on the John Frederick Radio Network one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched one year tomorrow .
Dan the producer told me yesterday we ’ re gon na do a very special show tomorrow .
I think he may have a very special co-host that we ’ re gon na have to ask you to join us .
And we ’ re gon na really kick it off .
War Room Impeachment started one year ago tomorrow .
And the show has metastasized and has become I think it ’ s the biggest show in the world .
Fredericks : That ’ s the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no question .
And it was visionary what you and I did .
I remember .
I don ’ t want to eat up time here but Steve and I talked on a Sunday afternoon at ( Bannon laughs ) one o ’ clock exactly it was just before one of the football games came on we talked to like 12:30 and in one day .
That was on Tuesday .
That show going live across the nation set up at the Breitbart Embassy there , you .
Bannon : You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richmond team was amazing we launched it within 24 hours .
Fredericks : 24 hours and we launched it .
Bannon : And Brian Kolfage says it ’ s nonsense with the southern district of New York the reason we could launch nationally is that all the work that Brian Kolfage had done for me that basically can provide a platform that I had at Breitbart that we did that we needed much smaller .
But we were able to launch a national show with The John Frederick Radio Network .
And what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things .
Able to launch it in that tiny show with the content .
It ’ s all about content .
Fredericks : The content is king .
I drove to Richmond because I was at home that day in Virginia Beach .
I drove to Richmond .
I scoured up whatever microphones… Fredericks : and other loose equipment I had .
Then I went to my studio in Washington I took stuff out of there .
I piecemealed the whole thing together .
Put the network in .
We got the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all done on Monday .
We did a test on Monday , and then Tuesday at 10:00 .
Actually no .
It was that 9 a.m Tuesday that we went live .
( Chuckles ) That ’ s pretty good .
Bannon : No .
It just shows you what an entrepreneur you are .
But listen we never would never think that two weeks out because we ’ re two weeks out from game day .
That this uh you know your deplorables channel , which you ’ ve become I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to see all of the world , journalists comments .
If you want to see what the deplorables are thinking , listen to John Fredericks and listen to his callers .
Bannon : Because that ’ s what Breitbart Radio used to be .
I said John Fredericks has got it .
He ’ s got his hand on the pulse .
And just listen to it .
I got ta tell you I ’ ve never had a foreign journalist or I ’ ve never had a national journalist come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re wrong .
Everybody says it ’ s amazing because you get all kinds of misdirection plays by the mainstream media .
If you want to hear what people are thinking about want to hear where they are .
Here ’ s what I think is important today .
Joe Biden peaked three weeks too early .
And now he ’ s in the witness protection program .
Why is he in the witness protection program ?
Because we dropped these emails on him at the exactly perfect time .
Now if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would have been more perfect but be that as may , these things have traumatized the Biden campaign .
He is now in a witness protection program .
Okay ?
He is traumatized .
They can ’ t respond to it .
They ’ re letting their media praetorian guard out there saying it ’ s a Russian ops .
Everybody knows that ’ s nonsense .
That ’ s fading away even as we speak .
They ’ re going to have to confront more emails .
They ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re going to have Matthew Tyrmand on today .
He ’ s a fabulous investigative journalist .
He ’ s been working with Peter Schweizer and Jack Posobiec over at One America .
They have a trove of 26,000 emails and a guy , I think his name is Bevan Cooney who ’ s a former business partner of Hunter Biden who ’ s flipped .
Completely flipped .
And Tyrmand ’ s been talking to him in federal prison I think for the last couple of years .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
There are all types of new documents out there .
Off of the hard drive .
You ’ re going to see media companies coming out with stories in the next 24 to 48 hours for the debate on Thursday that show that these guys are having meetings and in business with Chinese Communist Party intelligence assets or intelligence operatives .
This is not about a drug problem or a wayward son .
This is about a father who knowingly allowed this to happen and was part of it .
Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not about Hunter Biden .
People don ’ t care about Hunter Biden .
People care about Joe Biden .
Joe Biden wants to be commander-in-chief .
Joe Biden wants to be the chief magistrate of the United States .
Joe Biden wants to be president of the United States .
He is going to have to stand and deliver on Thursday night in front of the whole nation with Donald Trump beating him about the head and shoulders about this .
He ’ s going to have to answer every one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations .
And he better be on point .
I get to tell you , unlike Hillary Clinton who I always called a hard target , he ’ s a soft target .
Hillary Clinton whether you like her hate her had been through 20 years of the right all over her .
Okay , she was ready .
She was game ready .
And she couldn ’ t even take the withering fire we put on her .
Joe Biden is soft .
He ’ s never been touched in 47 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and never really had an opponent .
In the Obama years , it was President Obama taking the heat , not Joe Biden .
Joe Biden glides .
He ’ s a glad-hander .
Now for the first time in his life with three weeks to go in a presidential campaign he ’ s getting the withering fire that the right can put on him with documents .
With information that he ’ s not prepared for .
His campaign staff has been a disaster .
They kept putting him on TV on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a master class .
He teaches a master class and how to not let people spin .
But asks direct questions and not let them off the hook .
The young woman is on there and completely melts down .
Basically says yes the emails are authentic .
They pulled her from TV and she ’ s gon na be on the bench until after the campaign .
But you ’ re seeing that they peaked and Trump is starting to surge .
And let me give be very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story today about Corey and Bossie and some other guys helping out on 16 , it ’ s fine .
What ’ s relevant is the buried lead about 10 paragraphs down .
Bob Paduchik who ran Ohio for us in ’ 16 .
He knows Ohio better than anybody .
He was the guy that was the first guy to tell me to come back , we got this .
And when Paduchick tells it , you can take that to the bank and cash it .
He ’ s saying right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back to Ohio .
This is so important .
What Trump is doing is he is now surging in the areas of the states you need to surge in .
He ’ s surging in Florida .
In Pennsylvania .
And the Biden is not structurally set up to run a campaign .
They ’ re running a 1996 model where you buy a bunch of TV advertising .
Van Jones laid it out last night .
He ’ s a smart guy whether you like it or not .
Listen to @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Policy Advisor, Commentator, and Farmer Martha Boneta Joins Host Fredericks to Discuss the Deceit of

Policy Advisor, Commentator, and Farmer Martha Boneta Joins Host Fredericks to Discuss the Deceit of Denver Riggleman

Live from Virginia Tuesday morning on The John Fredericks Show – weekdays on WNTW AM 820/ FM 92.7 – Richmond , WJFN FM 100.5 – Central Virginia , WMPH AM 1010 / FM 100.1 / FM 96.9 ( 7-9 PM ) Hampton Roads , WBRG AM 1050 / FM 105.1 – Lynchburg/Roanoke and Weekdays 6-10 am and 24/7 Stream – host Fredericks welcomed policy advisor , commentator , and farmer Martha Boneta to the show .
During the program , Fredericks and Boneta discussed their shock of Denver Riggleman ’ s comments on CNN where he threw President Trump under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue .
They both reflected on how much they had done to get him elected and felt his actions were not only a stab in the back to the President and themselves but also to hard-working American ’ s .
Fredericks : Joining me now Martha Boneta and the sometimes host of The John Fredericks Radio Show .
She ’ s a radio and tv personality in her own right .
A farmer and also a bundler for major candidates and gets a bunch of donors .
She ’ s a donor also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job out there .
And she ’ s with us now .
Martha Boneta .
Everybody in Virginia knows Martha Boneta .
Hey Martha , great to have you .
Boneta : Good morning , good morning !
And I will be at the debate as well .
I am so excited .
Fredericks : Are you going to Tennessee for that will you be in Nashville ?
Boneta : Yes going to Tennessee and I leave tomorrow .
And I ’ m going to be raising money the first day .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate .
I ’ m so excited .
You know our President has done more for our nation than any other president in the history of our country .
And every day I thank God to be an American .
And I ’ m just so grateful to be alive for such a time as this .
Fredericks : I know .
Well , it ’ s great that you ’ ll be at the debate .
And don ’ t forget to put a mask on so you ’ re not on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Always yes .
Agreed .
Agreed .
Yes .
( Fredericks chuckles ) Well you know I have to tell you , here we are we ’ re 15 days away from one of the , if not the most historic elections of my lifetime .
And you know the insanity continues .
The craziness continues .
And all I can say is if you love America and you care about the future of our nation , and you care about the opportunities that this president has created every day for hard-working Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the vote for President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence .
Fredericks : Martha Boneta with us here on The John Fredericks Show .
We ’ re also on Facebook Live .
So Martha earlier yesterday I got the video .
I didn ’ t see it live .
I got the video of Denver Riggleman on CNN blasting the president .
Throwing him under the bus saying that he might vote for Joe Biden over something the president said about QAnon .
Which I don ’ t even know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell you , Martha , I was very upset over that and very disappointed in Denver .
You and I are two of the people that worked our tails off for Denver Riggelman the entire time .
We defended him no matter what he did in the campaign against Bob Good .
You and I were there the whole time .
We raised money for him .
We made phone calls for him .
You made a robocall .
I made a call .
I did texts .
I did a mailer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent for him .
The president backed Denver to the hilt .
He sent a Tweet out and did a robocall for him .
And then at the 11th hour , with 15 days to go , Denver Riggleman throws President Trump under the bus and says he might vote for Biden .
How did that make you feel ?
Boneta : I was shocked and stunned because as you know loyalty is everything .
And you know this president endorsed Denver Riggleman at a critical time and has done everything possible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days before the election , my heart .
I ’ m crushed .
Like I can ’ t believe it .
I ’ m still in shock .
I mean that hard work and effort that went into his election .
You worked around the clock trying to get helping to try to help get him re-elected .
You know the amount of time and effort .
Phone calls .
Texts and emails .
Trying to get the vote out for him .
All the money and time that was spent .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election , I ’ m shocked .
I don ’ t have words for what this is now .
And I think blue Virginia has been you know of course applauding Denver ’ s comment from CNN .
Fredericks : Is there anything that Denver did that you and I didn ’ t back him 100 percent on ?
Anything ?
Boneta : I mean I don ’ t .
I can ’ t , I don ’ t know all of his videos .
Fredericks : Yeah the answer is zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I were there for him 100 percent of the time .
President Trump was there for him 100 percent of the time .
So Trump had his back and in his time of need .
Boneta : And so you know you and I , and I have talked about this , how loyalty means everything .
It ’ s so important .
And you know one thing people can say about you , John , and about me , is that we are loyal to the end of time .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this development .
I don ’ t even know what to say .
What do you say to somebody that says that days before an election , when this president has done everything to support Denver Riggleman ?
What do you say ?
Fredericks : Well because look , I mean it ’ s fair weather Denver right ?
Basically , Denver is looking for his next political opportunity .
So what I got from his statement is this at the end of the day it ’ s all about Denver .
Nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his friends , the people that stood behind him in his time of need .
Screw us .
We were just expendable .
We were used .
The president was used .
And at the president ’ s time of dire need , he kicks him under the train and runs over him twice .
That ’ s fine okay .
That ’ s fine .
But at the end of the day , Trump stood by Denver and Denver didn ’ t stand by him .
Fredericks : And so why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m thinking to myself why would you do this ?
Why would you do this 15 days out ?
Right ?
You ’ re doing it 15 days out because you ’ re looking for your next political opportunity .
That ’ s all it is .
So now he wants to run for governor .
So he says let me distance myself from Trump and appeal to the never-Trumper crowd and somehow that ’ s going to be my pathway to be the Republican nominee .
Hey , I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think there ’ s a Trump voter in Virginia that is ever going to vote for this guy again .
What say you ?
Boneta : Well I can tell you that it ’ s this kind of behavior that voters detest .
I don ’ t care if you ’ re a Republican or if you ’ re a Democrat .
But voters do not like the politicians that that are so self-absorbed and you know they only care about themselves .
And they don ’ t care about the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say anything , do anything to get elected , and then when it ’ s convenient for them .
They ’ re squishes .
They switch and they change .
Like you said with the wind .
If this is a strategy to run for governor it ’ s it ’ s not going to work .
It ’ s not going to work .
The American people are smarter than that .
Virginia is smarter than that .
You know he smells what blood in the water now ?
Is that what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride this wave so he can get more attention and maybe this will help him get more media attention ?
I don ’ t know .
But it ’ s shocking because this is how you treat the people that worked tirelessly to help you get elected ?
You know we never forget .
Fredericks : You know Martha I think you nailed it .
You know he saw sharks in the water and Trump was down in the polls .
So he ’ s like you know let me distance myself from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Throw him under the bus .
But along with that , he stabs everybody else in the back .
Right ?
Fredericks : When he got censored you and I were there for him .
Boneta : We had his back .
Fredericks : When he did the gay marriage although you and I have different views on that yes you and I stood behind him on that .
When he broke with the President on a couple of key items you and I stood behind him on it .
And said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote his conscience .
Everything he did we stood behind him to the bitter end .
Fredericks : And he got blown out in that convention and you know what ?
He ’ s still whining about it .
And to me , it ’ s like get over it , all right ?
You got 41 of the vote as an incumbent .
Bob Good and Bonnie and Clyde kicked your butt .
And let me tell you the other thing .
It was you and I who told him three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in trouble .
And he wouldn ’ t listen .
And he beat his chest , ubers and ego , about how you know pack a lunch , or pack of meals , or pack MREs , or pack bazookas or whatever he said .
And he got blown out .
So get over it .
You lost .
Move on .
Boneta : Right and that ’ s the dignified elegant thing to do .
Time and time again if you look back over you know the true statesmen and servants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept .
I mean they ’ re not happy about it .
But they move on , because it ’ s not about them .
It ’ s about serving the people .
And I feel as though everyday hard-working Americans .
And I ’ m talking about the heart and soul of our country – people that you know every day , they all , you know what do they care about ?
The kitchen table issues .
Do I have enough money to feed my family ?
Can I buy an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
You know it what this does , is it ’ s basically saying I don ’ t care about you .
I don ’ t care about your struggles .
I don ’ t care about everything that your family goes through every single day just to make ends meet .
This is all about me .
And I ’ m going to take this opportunity to beat my chest and show that I ’ m going to throw this president , that has done so much for me and this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election .
Listen to the full show here :


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Spanberger and Freitas Square Off in Debate on COVID, Health Care and National Security

Incumbent Representative Abigail Spanberger ( D-VA-07 ) and Republican challenger state Del .
Nick Freitas ( R-Culpeper ) took part in their first debate Tuesday night , discussing a wide array of ongoing issues on the national and state levels .
The forum was moderated by Washington Week Managing Editor and a national political reporter for The Washington Post , Robert Costa , lasting a little less than an hour .
Some of the primary and relevant topics debated by the candidates were on health care , the coronavirus pandemic and national security threats .
On the topic of health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protections for people with pre-existing conditions and the Affordable Care Act ( ACA ) .
“ If we ’ re really serious about making sure that we have access to affordable and quality healthcare , there is one way and one way only to do it , ” Freitas said .
“ You have to increase the supply of the doctors , the nurses , the clinics , the hospital and the specialists , but it is Democrat regulations that are standing in the way of doing that.
” Freitas also called claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with pre-existing conditions “ absurd.
” Spanberger rebutted that “ the ACA is the program , is the law of the land , that protects people with pre-existing conditions.
” The freshman congresswoman then stated Medicaid expansion extended health care to thousands of Virginians in the 7th district and helped hospitals in rural areas .
Costa ’ s then asked the candidates about their position on abortion , a contentious , hotbed topic for many Americans .
Spanberger answered the question with a simple response , saying “ Roe v. Wade is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that is what I support.
” She also added that politicians should not insert themselves into the decision making that takes place between a woman and her health care provider .
Freitas asserted that there should be more options for women to consider than just abortion and that he wants “ to foster a society where we encourage life , where we welcome life into this country and where we provide the resources to mothers that they desperately need so that they can choose life.
” Next , the candidates were asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The first was if President Donald Trump should listen more closely to health experts in Washington D.C. “ Whenever we ’ re looking at a government response to something as significant as a pandemic , of course we need to listen to health experts , ” Freitas responded .
“ We also need to listen to economists , public policy experts and [ legislators ] because we need a comprehensive approach in order to deal with COVID.
” Additionally , Freitas mentioned examples of models that would allow businesses to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and questioned whether Spanberger believes it ’ s necessary to go into another national lockdown at this point .
In her answer Spanberger first brought up the country ’ s coronavirus death toll and unemployment numbers , she then moved on to calling for stronger leadership from the White House and a coordinated approach to stopping the virus .
“ It is incredibly important that we be able to deliver the PPE and the testing supplies in order to get this virus under control , because the way that we will open our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our consumer confidence is by ensuring that we have beaten this virus , ” Spanberger said .
The second question on COVID asked the candidates what they would tell the next president , either Trump or Biden , to make a priority for the pandemic response in 2021 .
Spanberger doubled down arguing that getting the virus under control should be the highest priority and highlighted legislation she sponsored to get President Trump to use the Defense Production Act to deploy personal protective equipment and testing supplies .
Freitas offered two ideas : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better coordination between federal , state and local governments to make sure proper resources are being allocated to those in need , and allowing the economy to safely and responsibly reopen .
Spanberger and Freitas were also asked if they thought Confederate monuments should stay up or be removed , an issue that had gripped many parts of Virginia the past four months .
Freitas said that he has voted against a blanket removal of all the statues and that contextualization or putting up more statues of prominent civil rights leaders was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Confederate monuments should be removed and military bases who are named after Confederate generals should be replaced with American heroes .
When asked what the country ’ s biggest national security threat was , both candidates spoke about the dangers from countries such as China , Iran , Russia and North Korea , but differed on how to bolster national security .
Spanberger argued for strong leadership standing up to dictators and using strong international partnerships and alliances , while Freitas argued the need to re-prioritize defense spending to address specific threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. troops from Afghanistan .
One of the only topics Freitas and Spanberger agreed on was infrastructure specifically prioritizing brining adequate broadband to rural communities , a problem people in Central and Southwest Virginia have struggled with since the pandemic shifted many jobs and schools online .
With 13 days left until the November 3 general elections , the Cook Political Report considers the race for Virginia ’ s 7th congressional district as leaning Democrat , but with a partisan voting index of Republican plus six .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Nick Freitas ” by VPM .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Breitbart News Political Editor Matt Boyle Reviews the Biden Business Model and Their Culture of Cor

Breitbart News Political Editor Matt Boyle Reviews the Biden Business Model and Their Culture of Corruption

Live from Virginia Tuesday morning on The John Fredericks Show – weekdays on WNTW AM 820/ FM 92.7 – Richmond , WJFN FM 100.5 – Central Virginia , WMPH AM 1010 / FM 100.1 / FM 96.9 ( 7-9 PM ) Hampton Roads , WBRG AM 1050 / FM 105.1 – Lynchburg/Roanoke and Weekdays 6-10 am and 24/7 Stream – host Fredericks welcomed Breitbart News Political Editor Matt Boyle to the show to outline Joe Biden ’ s culture of corruption .
Fredericks : Joining us now , the political editor for Breitbart .
Go to Breitbart.com Matt Boyle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ man .
Boyle : Always a pleasure John .
Great to be here .
Fredericks : Matt I want to know what is going on with this New York Post story on Joe and Hunter Biden and how deep is it ?
How real is it ?
Where is it going , Matt ?
Boyle : Well yeah it ’ s not just The New York Post .
We also have flipped one of Hunter Biden ’ s business partners .
My colleague here at Breitbart News Peter Schweizer .
He who also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flipped one of Hunter ’ s former business partners Bevan Cooney who ’ s currently serving a sentence in federal prison for defrauding Indian tribes and investments that they had .
And he has now turned on Hunter Biden and provided us with 26,000 emails .
We ’ ve published a handful of them already .
We ’ ve got many many more stories in the works .
And we ’ re going to be working on getting those emails out to the public .
You know getting 26,000 emails out and verifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s a lot of work .
So our team is working very hard around the clock trying to get through this very dense material .
So you put that together with the fact that Hunter Biden ’ s laptop you know has made it out there with these various emails .
And again nobody from the Biden campaign et cetera has denied the authenticity of these emails .
Nobody ’ s challenged their veracity .
This a massive scandal that ’ s completely captured the attention of the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only story that matters .
And by the way , I would make a note here that this is no longer a Hunter Biden scandal or some you know outer ring Biden family member scandal .
This is a Joe Biden scandal now .
Joe Biden ’ s actions as Vice President of the United States and would be President are at play here .
We now know how Joe Biden would operate as President of the United States .
It would be the most corrupt administration in American history because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs like the mob .
Like it feels like The Sopranos or something .
Everybody got part of the action .
You know this person ’ s got this thing going on .
This family member ’ s got that thing going on .
Every single thing that Joe Biden was assigned to as Vice President of the United States by Barack Obama there were people in his family and in his orbit who got a cut of the action .
So let ’ s go down the list .
Boyle : Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different home building deals .
He never built homes before in his life and then got a contract to build a million homes in Iraq when Joe Biden was put in charge of that portfolio .
We know what happened in Ukraine .
Hunter gets a piece of the action there .
We know what happened in Kazakhstan .
We know what happened in Russia .
We know what happened in China .
In Costa Rica one of Joe Biden ’ s other brothers .
They have a family business model that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what ’ s become clear in these emails that have come out from the Hunter Biden laptop as well as from the U.S. Senate report .
As well as from this business partner who is flipped on Hunter Biden , Bevan Cooney who is again currently in prison .
And their other business partner Devon Archer and was also convicted that he had his conviction vacated by a judge .
And then an appellate court overturned the lower judge ’ s decision to vacate the conviction and has reinstated the conviction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll be going to jail too .
It seems like there ’ s a lot going on , and there ’ s a lot of corruption here where the Biden family has a business model that they apply to government .
And by the way , it ’ s also worth noting , that so the first emails that we put out from this Hunter Biden business partner who flipped on him , and gave us these Bevan Cooney emails .
In this first story that we put out on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , or Hunter Biden and his business partners arranged secret meetings at the White House for this group of 30 or so Chinese investors from the Chinese Communist Party ’ s so-called self-proclaimed entrepreneurs .
They aren ’ t really entrepreneurs .
They ’ re really CCP connected individuals .
The person who hosted that delegation at the White House is this guy named Jeffrey Zients he was then the deputy director of the office of management and budget .
He now leads the Joe Biden transition team and he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
So the guy who would staff the government , the entire government , if Joe Biden were elected president , is directly involved and implicated in this whole scandal .
So Joe Biden is directly connected to all of these actions .
There are a number of questions he needs to answer that he hasn ’ t answered .
He keeps running away from reporters about it .
And this is the dominant story in the news going into the final days of the campaign .
And this is why you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in President Trump ’ s direction .
A five-point swing going President Trump ’ s way in Florida in a new poll out today .
One-point race in North Carolina according to the ABC Washington Post Poll .
And I think that they ’ re undercounting President Trump ’ s support there .
Then national polls are swinging the president ’ s way as well .
The Investors Business Daily poll out today .
Their tracking poll has a two-point race nationally .
That ’ s from double digits just a few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re learning more and more about just how corrupt Joe Biden would be .
By the way , that ’ s not to mention the fact that Joe Biden has surrounded himself with wall street and K street lobbyists and all sorts of different scum from the financial elite .
Including people like Steve Rattner , Tim Geithner , these guys are pension thieves .
That ’ s what we ’ ve talked about this before .
They stole the Delphi pensions .
The Delphi salaried retirees pensions to top off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s another instance where Joe Biden was engaged in corrupt activity .
Anything that Joe Biden was assigned to , it seems like everybody ’ s getting a cut of the action that ’ s in the know and that ’ s connected and you know that ’ s it ’ s a family business .
It ’ s like the mob .
And then the regular people out there across the country get screwed over .
So a good example of that is the Delphi Salaried Retirees Association .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screw over the Delphi retirees , is donating to Joe Biden ’ s campaign .
No wonder why Tim Geithner the former treasury secretary is donating and who is also involved in that as we ’ ve seen reported with various emails he is donating to the Joe Biden campaign .
So again , as you look at the broader picture here , the culture of corruption that would come to the White House if Joe Biden is winning the election is very distasteful to the American people .
They don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might have issues with Trump ’ s personality , you know it is what it is .
I get it .
Like I ’ m a fan of the president ’ s personality .
But I understand the issue with that .
But then they look back at the Obama years especially all the corruption surrounding Joe Biden and his family and the stuff that he did to undermine the American worker on behalf of his family .
And you know to line his own pockets and to line his family ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there .
And they ’ re like yeah , maybe we don ’ t want this .
It ’ s not so not such a good idea .
Listen to the full show here :


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Congressional Debate: Candidates Scott Taylor and Incumbent Elaine Luria Spar Over Stimulus Packages

Congressional Debate: Candidates Scott Taylor and Incumbent Elaine Luria Spar Over Stimulus Packages and Gun Control

Republican challenger Scott Taylor and incumbent Representative Elaine Luria ( D-Virginia Beach ) faced off Tuesday night in their first televised debate .
The 2nd Congressional District race is currently a toss-up .
Political reporter Joe St. George served as the moderator .
Questions featured were presented in three segments : from the moderator first , then viewers , and lastly from Taylor and Luria .
Topics included stimulus packages , mask mandates , the defense budget , gun rights , police reform and funding , relations with China , and Medicaid .
In her opening statements Luria opted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history – instead focusing on hers – and even thanked Taylor for the debate .
Luria emphasized her dedication to protecting the Paycheck Protection Program and healthcare coverage for pre-existing conditions .
While Taylor ’ s opening statements also focused on his accomplishments and sympathies for constituents ’ struggles during the pandemic , he opted to criticize Luria ’ s political record .
Taylor cited Luria ’ s frequent support of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , voting against a second round of stimulus checks , and use of taxpayer dollars on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the stimulus bill “ because it won ’ t target enough for relief.
” The representative also mentioned her vote against Pelosi ’ s two HEROES Acts due to excessive partisanship .
Luria argued that Republicans don ’ t want to include child or income tax credits , or nationwide plans for addressing the coronavirus .
Taylor rebutted that only localities know best how to address the pandemic .
He also downplayed Luria ’ s vote against Pelosi ’ s legislation , stating that the only ones who voted against it were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparred over the other ’ s level of dedication to constituents during their respective times as representative .
Taylor claimed Luria hadn ’ t provided enough resources or services for constituents , especially during the coronavirus ; Luria claimed that Taylor didn ’ t provide her with any case files when she assumed office .
Both candidates vehemently denied the other ’ s claims .
Taylor supported reallocation of defense spending , but no reductions .
Luria supported increasing naval presence in the Western Pacific .
Both candidates established China as a threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach tragedy arose during discussion of gun control laws , prompted by a viewer question .
Luria stated that she supports the 2nd Amendment .
However , she stated an urgent need for stricter gun ownership laws ; she voiced her support for red flag laws and bans on suppressors .
“ We do need responsible guardrails on gun ownership .
UBCs are a very simple first step in order to protect people in our community.
” Taylor took the opposite stance , deferring qualifications for gun ownership to individual choice rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luria for her initial statements following the Virginia Beach mass shooting .
“ There were still bodies on the ground and blood on the floor when my opponent was tweeting her support of gun control .
Every single policy that advanced wouldn ’ t have prevented that tragedy.
” On the topic of a national mask mandate , both candidates said they preferred to leave mask-wearing up to individuals .
Taylor argued that some of the lockdown measures had a worse impact than the virus .
Luria criticized President Donald Trump for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Both candidates stated that they wouldn ’ t defund the police .
However , Luria stated that she would ban no-knock warrants , chokeholds , and racial profiling .
In his closing remarks , Taylor focused on his many police endorsements , as well as Luria ’ s silence during the riots and her majority support of Pelosi .
“ This evening and this race is about contrast .
It is a myth that my opponent is a moderate , ” stated Taylor .
“ Sure both of us support veterans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy .
But there ’ s a demonstrable difference in our actual votes.
” In her closing remarks , Luria relied on her recent passage of legislation , and positioned herself as an advocate for Medicaid expansion and pre-existing condition coverage .
“ There are 23 million Americans who could lose their healthcare .
And [ Taylor ] very clearly said he doesn ’ t believe in Medicaid expansion.
” The opponents ’ battle for the 2nd Congressional District seat first began in 2018 .
Luria unseated then-incumbent Taylor narrowly , securing 51 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , polls rank the race as a toss-up .
The outcome of this election weighs into which party will control the House .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Virginia Second District Congressional Debate ” by CSPAN .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--William & Mary Reinstates Three Women’s Sports Teams After Threat of Title IX Lawsuit

William and Mary ( W & M ) announced Monday it is reinstating the women ’ s swimming , gymnastics and volleyball sports programs after a group of lawyers representing student-athletes on those teams threatened to sue the university in violation of Title IX compliance .
This all stems from the decision last month by former W & M athletics director Samantha Huge to cut seven sports teams at the end of the current academic year because of large budget deficits as a result of COVID-19 .
In September , Arthur Bryant , from the firm Bailey & Glasser , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student-athletes , wrote a letter to W & M president Katherine Rowe that the legal team intended on filing a class action lawsuit against the university for being in violation of Title IX standards if those sports programs were not reinstated .
In a release put out by W & M on Monday , the suit was acknowledged as a reason the three sports were reinstated .
“ After a detailed review , Interim Director of Athletics Jeremy Martin concluded that attainment of the anticipated roster adjustments was uncertain and the plan would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall , ” the release read .
“ To bring about decisive progress more swiftly , the three women ’ s sports would need to be restored .
“ Accordingly , the university is reinstating Women ’ s Gymnastics , Women ’ s Swimming and Women ’ s Volleyball , which will continue as Division I varsity sports.
” After the decision was announced , Bryant called it “ a major victory for gender equity , everyone at William & Mary , and all who care about fairness and the law , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law firm .
Nevertheless , Martin said that there was no clear or easy way to immediately reinstate the other suspended sports programs of men ’ s indoor and outdoor track and field , swimming and gymnastics , according to the W & M release .
“ We know that this process has caused pain .
We will need to continue rebuilding trust by our actions going forward , ” Martin said .
“ We have moved quickly over the last week to meet with students , coaches and alumni groups supporting alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We remain committed to that effort.
” W & M English professor Suzanne Hagedorn , who was going to hold a vote of no confidence for Huge before she eventually resigned , told The Virginia Star applauded the reinstatement , but brought up the fact that the Title IX issues were pointed out when the cuts were originally made last month and the four men ’ s teams still suspended .
As part of the faculty-led effort to remedy these issues , Hagedorn and other colleagues drafted motions to be considered at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Faculty Assembly – a 21-member body consisting of professors from all academic departments .
During that faculty assembly meeting , which took place on Tuesday afternoon via Zoom call , the body approved an amended version of Hagedorn ’ s motion recommending the establishment of an athletics task force charged with examining W & M ’ s initial decision to cut seven programs as well as Monday ’ s decision .
If the recommendation is taken up by the university , the task force would include faculty , regular students and athletes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the local community .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ William & Mary Women ’ s Volleyball Team ” by William & Mary Women ’ s Volleyball Team .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Virginia Tech Cancels Spring Break

Virginia Tech Cancels Spring Break

Virginia Tech announced that the Spring 2021 semester will continue with a combination of in-person , hybrid , and online classes .
According to the Monday announcement , the school ’ s traditional week-long spring break will be replaced with five individual days off spread over several weeks to discourage students from traveling .
“ As was demonstrated during the fall semester , courses may either be fully online , hybrid , or fully-in-person as determined by each instructor .
Every effort will be made to continue making progress towards a return to in-person instruction , ” the announcement states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Owczarski told The Virginia Star that students will not be given discounts or refunds for involuntary online classes .
“ Standard tuition and mandatory fees apply for all courses regardless of the modality , ” Owczarski said .
The announcement summarized the new spring break format : “ These one-day breaks will have no classes , assignments , nor assessments and will begin on Friday , Feb. 5 and will continue on Thursday , Feb. 25 ; Wednesday , March 17 ; Tuesday , April 6 ; and Monday , April 26.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Facebook to say that the format would not work well .
“ The one day break won ’ t really be a break because there will be assignments and assessments that week and this will turn into a study day , ” Kristine Kingston , who has a kid attending the school , commented .
“ Would have been better to at least have attached the days to weekends to give a couple of days in a row.
” Anne Scott Yonke , who is a student , replied to the announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s still disappointing as a current student .
It ’ s hard to justify paying out of state tuition for all or mostly online courses .
The online classroom is subpar at best , and as someone who hasn ’ t had much experience with online classes , I ’ m not doing well .
If we ’ re doing mostly online courses , there should be the credit/no-credit option that was presented to us last semester.
” Currently , only six percent of classes are being held fully in-person ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of fall semester courses are online , according to Owczarski .
Also she noted that the winter session will be 100 percent online .
Officials haven ’ t yet decided what percentage of spring classes will be held in each mode .
About 8,400 students currently occupy campus residence halls , with approximately 220 rooms set aside for COVID-19 isolation .
The school has not cut staffing due to the pandemic .
Director of the Heritage Foundation Center for Education Policy Lindsey Burke said students and families expect more than academic course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for college .
“ Students expect to have that residential experience , they expect to be able to meet another cohort of students that they can work with over the course of their careers , there ’ s a lot that students expect to get when they pay that hefty tuition price , ” Burke said .
“ There are quite a few universities across the country that are cutting their tuition prices to reflect the experience that students will have this year that is very different than what a lot of students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You look at Southern New Hampshire University is cutting , they ’ re discounting their tuition by 60 percent this year.
” “ For a lot of universities it ’ s closer to a 10 percent reduction .
You can look at Georgetown , Johns Hopkins , they ’ ve said they ’ re cutting their tuition by 10 percent this year to reflect that different experience.
” Burke said universities can save money by downsizing non-teaching roles and cutting less-popular courses .
“ Colleges certainly have room to cut tuition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ The non-teaching administrative staff bloat that has accumulated over the years is one of the drivers of ever-increasing costs.
” “ Time will tell , ” Burke said .
Students may gravitate to cheaper universities , or they may pursue non-traditional options like apprenticeships instead of degrees unless universities lower tuition .
“ They might not have the luxury of not doing it in the future .
Students might say , ‘ The product that we ’ re receiving is not worth the price that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ So we ’ ll see how long universities can continue to charge full freight and not offer that in-person experience.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Virginia Tech Campus ” by Virgina Tech .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--Emails Suggest Walz Admin Quickly Decided Against Restoring Columbus Statue

Emails obtained by the Star Tribune indicate that Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s administration decided not to reinstall a Christopher Columbus statue the same day it was toppled over by a group of protesters .
The statue , which stood outside the State Capitol building , was torn down in broad daylight by a group of vandals affiliated with the American Indian Movement ( AIM ) .
Mike Forcia , chairman of AIM , said he alerted Walz ’ s office of his plans prior to the June 10 incident .
Lt. Gov .
Peggy Flanagan welcomed the statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after it was pulled down .
“ I can ’ t say I ’ m sad the statue of Christopher Columbus is gone .
I ’ m not , ” she said .
“ The arrival of Christopher Columbus to what is now the Americas set in motion centuries of violence and genocide against the Indigenous people who already lived here.
” According to internal emails obtained by the Star Tribune , Flanagan ’ s statement originally concluded with a declaration that the state government would “ not put the statue back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the last sentence ?
” a person identified as a press aide by the Star Tribune replied to the statement .
“ Obviously we ’ re not putting it back up but we should have a democratic process about what takes its place.
” “ We can ’ t say right now it won ’ t go back up , ” another aide said .
A recent report from a Minnesota Senate joint committee claims that the Walz administration knew protesters were coming to the Capitol building “ five hours and 33 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Minnesota state troopers arrived one hour and 19 minutes before the destruction of Capitol property , but only one state trooper was present when the destruction occurred , ” the report states .
The Department of Public Safety ’ s tribal liaison was sent out to meet with the agitators in order to address “ community and cultural concerns , ” according to the report .
“ The commissioner of Public Safety admitted that in retrospect he would have sent out more than one trooper to meet with rioters .
Rather he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide an additional barrier between troopers and rioters .
The ‘ complex environment we are living in today ’ was part of the reasoning behind the lack of the use of force to protect State Capitol property , ” the report continues .
“ The Commissioner of Public Safety admitted if they could do it over again , they would make different tactical decisions but given the ‘ climate they were under ’ they made the decisions they made , ” it says .
Forcia has been charged with felony first-degree property damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he likely won ’ t face any jail time .
Instead , the Ramsey County Attorney ’ s Office will pursue a “ restorative process.
” Forcia ’ s actions resulted in more than $ 150,000 in damage to the Capitol grounds , the Senate report said .
Lt. Gov .
Flanagan recently announced the formation of two task forces to help decide the fate of the Columbus statue and other Capitol artwork .
The task forces will provide recommendations to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board ( CAAPB ) on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota State Capitol should be a place where all Minnesotans are seen , heard , and valued , ” said Flanagan , who serves as chair of the CAAPB .
“ These task forces will inform the CAAPB so that our work can be more inclusive , engaged , and reflective of what it means to build a Capitol that is truly the People ’ s House.
” A vote from the 12-member CAAPB will ultimately decide if the Columbus statue is returned to the Capitol .
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform , and reported for The Daily Caller .
Photo “ Columbus Statue ” by Tony Webster .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-21--District Six School Board Member Fran Bush Discusses the Systemic Challenges Facing Metro Nashville

District Six School Board Member Fran Bush Discusses the Systemic Challenges Facing Metro Nashville Public Schools

Live from Music Row Tuesday 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 Michael Patrick Leahy welcomed MNPS District Six school board member Fran Bush to the studio to discuss the systemic challenges facing Metro Nashville Public Schools and what surprised her as a new school board member .
Leahy : We are joined as we often are on Tuesdays by our good friend Clint Brewer .
Welcome , Clint .
Brewer : Hey , how are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re glad to have you here .
And our special guest this morning , a member of the Metro Nashville Public Schools , representing District Six , Fran Bush .
Now , Fran , you went out and you stomped your opponents with a 60 percent win .
That was pretty impressive .
You had three opponents .
It ’ s pretty impressive .
But now that you won you get on the Metro Nashville Public School Board .
What surprised you about that ?
Bush : Well , you know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was elected , of course .
Thank you to all of my supporters and those who helped me win this election .
Especially my husband bless his heart , right ?
He supported me through this whole process and once I got on the board , I didn ’ t realize how political this particular business was for our kids .
Leahy : So talk about that .
What struck you as a political in your very first meetings in the Metro Nashville Public School Board which you ’ re one of nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first got on the board , it was pretty challenging because we had Dr. Sean Joseph who was the past superintendent .
So that was pretty challenging because he came with a lot of baggage .
And when I started to look at what was happening with our district before I got elected it was already in my mind that I had to do something .
that I had to stop the bleeding in Metro Nashville Public Schools with this particular superintendent .
And it was very hard because of course , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So how do you go on and you challenge something so huge ?
Leahy : So then so Sean Joseph was the suit that the superintendent schools when you joined the school board .
Bush : Yes , he was .
Leahy : And he was let ’ s just say kindly , problematic .
Shall we say ?
Bush : Yes , that ’ s very kind .
So my first speech was is that your time is up .
Oh , I sure he was delighted it was he in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I bet he was delighted to hear that listening .
Bush : Well , he already knew prior to my win that I was not very I was not one of his fans after I start to see the course he was taking with our schools .
And of course , I heard from a lot of teachers , students , and parents .
And it was just my job to be proactive with even being a new school board member , which was very challenging because as you can imagine I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on such a big challenge along with my other two board members Amy Frock and Jill Speering .
Leahy : So there were two other board members who are aligned with you at this time .
Leahy : Thinking it was time to move Dr. Shawn Joseph out .
Show him the door if you will .
Bush : You know , it was really challenging for me because of course being Black and he was Black .
Being the first Black superintendent , I got a lot of grief .
Leahy : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would get on that ?
Bush : Well , you know because he was the first African-American superintendent and me coming on the board and being so , you know always you know supportive to all of our children .
But they just couldn ’ t understand some of our Black community couldn ’ t understand why and what my goal was in doing this .
And it was evident that the superintendent brought a lot of very bad baggage from the D.C. and Maryland areas .
Leahy : They brought a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions .
I mean , we don ’ t need to get into all the gory details .
But generally speaking , money was spent in a way I would say , you know , I guess the phrase that comes to mind is , he spent money like a drunken sailor .
But that would be an insult to drunken sailors .
Those are my words , not yours .
Bush : Yeah .
It was a lot of money that was fan contractual wise .
Giving that type of money and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatten their pockets and corporations .
And not doing the fair process and procedures on getting contracts .
Leahy : And that was sort of one of many issues about his performance .
Bush : Absolutely .
And then we came with a very huge backlash of sexual harassment .
And you know being sued .
Bush : More problems and more problems .
And those things were ignored so that really cost us a lot more money .
Leahy : So in the end he ends up resigning .
Bush : Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the board gave him a buttload of money to leave us .
And that was something that I definitely was against he should have taken a lesser package to exit .
And that ’ s not what the board decided on .
Leahy : So you were dissenting on that .
And in that exit agreement , there was a part of the exit agreement that was a violation of your free speech rights .
Bush : Yeah , you know our first amendment and our fourteenth Amendment rights were violated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of the decision-making decided to go against us knowing that it was the wrong thing to do .
Leahy : And so you sued because in that agreement you are not allowed to say anything at all about dr. Joseph .
Leahy : You sued , and what happened with that lawsuit ?
Bush : Oh , well , we won .
And it was overwhelmingly huge .
Basically , the judge just slammed him and told him you know , basically I ’ m going have him face all of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it should have not been done this way .
So it was a huge embarrassment .
A huge embarrassment to Shawn Joseph and his team .
So now as I understand they ’ re appealing .
And we ’ ll see what happens .
Which I don ’ t think they ’ re going to .
Leahy : Have you followed that case , Clint ?
Brewer : I mean , it ’ s non-disparagement language , right ?
And as I recall his contract when he was hired also had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came in and said that you wanted to stop the bleeding in Metro schools and this system has had trouble for decades .
I just read a story that the school system is down like 4,200 kids year-over-year .
Talk a little bit about those systemic challenges in the school system .
It wasn ’ t just the spending under Shawn Joseph .
It was a lack of progress in student attainment in all of the marks , you have to hit .
Talk a little bit about that , about where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move it forward .
Bush : Absolutely .
Just so we ’ re more transparent about the numbers .
We are actually at 6,900 students that have left our district .
So we were very concerned .
I ’ m very concerned on the direction , and your right .
It has been decades since we haven ’ t really have not got this right .
We supported Dr. Adrienne Battle as our interim .
We felt that she was able because she ’ s a homegrown educator .
She ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we needed at that time and became the superintendent of our schools .
But unfortunately , we are still trying to navigate in a way that we can move this district forward .
We ’ re still not moving forward .
I ’ ve always said that we are a reactive district and not a proactive district .
So with this pandemic , we know this pandemic was very unprecedented for all of the schools across this country .
But being here in Nashville , we saw things that could have been done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the planning .
And the reason why we lost so many students is because parents said , not my student .
We should have been planning way before now .
After March we should have been planning and getting these children back in school safely .
Leahy : So let me ask this .
Where do we stand right now in Metro Nashville Public Schools ?
Who ’ s back in class ?
Who ’ s not in class ?
Are they playing sports ?
What what what is the current status ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is that we have phased in our K through two students .
That was a couple weeks ago .
Leahy : K through two students are there in person .
Bush : Five days a week .
If could just kind of go back a little bit .
We had a survey we have we had 53 percent of our parents who said they want in-person learning .
And we had 47 percent that said I want to keep my child at home for reasons that they wanted .
We wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids are going back in person .
Today is a great day .
We are phasing in our case our third and fourth graders today so I ’ m a little excited today .
Leahy : So third and fourth graders can go in person .
Bush : Yeah , and then the next week after that week we ’ re going to be phasing in every grade except for our high schoolers .
And that ’ s where we ’ re having major concerns about .
Our high school is being out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they go back into the classroom .
Leahy : Oh my goodness of the classroom .
They are losing so much education .
Bush : So much learning time is in the and the gap is widening every day for these students if they ’ re not back in that classroom .
Leahy : And the performance of Metro Nashville Public Schools has been about the worst in the state for some time .
Hasn ’ t it ?
Bush : Well , we ’ ve been in the bottom for quite some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have rebounded a little bit sooner and better during this pandemic but pandemic .
This was an opportunity for us to really get it right .
but because we had that lack of planning and not really staying focused on what we should have been focused on .
And that is getting these students back in school safely .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fran Bush ” by Fran Bush Facebook .
Background Photo “ MNPS ” by Metro Nashville Public Schools .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-22--Republicans Will Put PPP Funding Back on the Floor for a Vote Despite Democrats’ Efforts to Block It

Republicans Will Put PPP Funding Back on the Floor for a Vote Despite Democrats’ Efforts to Block It, Sen. Blackburn Says

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) told CNBC ’ s SquawkBox on Wednesday that Republicans will try again to pass their bill that would provide PPP and vaccine funding despite Democrats ’ attempts to block the efforts .
CNBC asked Blackburn if she would vote for a deal if the White House and the Treasury Department reached an agreement with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA-12 ) .
In response , Blackburn said , “ What we ’ re going to do is put our bill that we have already had on the floor back on the floor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issues that most people say we need to address : more PPP , plussing up unemployment , money for vaccines , testing.
” She was asked again about her support , and she said she does not yet know what type of deal would be reached .
Republicans have had a bill ready , worth about $ 500 billion .
She spoke against spending $ 2 billion on unneeded projects .
“ This is not the time to be bailing out cities and states that have mismanaged themselves , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be addressing marijuana sales or usage or research .
This is the time to focus on getting people back to work and children back in school.
” A majority of Democrats in the Senate on Tuesday voted against a standalone relief bill that would have restarted the Paycheck Protection Program , Forbes reported .
Blackburn is not alone in saying that taxpayers should not bail out mismanaged states .
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines ( R-MT ) said , “ I support another package .
What I don ’ t support is having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened in places like California and New York that are not COVID related , ” according to a story by The Hill .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .
Photo “ Marsha Blackburn ” by Marsha Blackburn .

The Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) recently revealed that 22 Arizonans have been indicted for drug-related charges following a multi-year investigation of a South Phoenix criminal street gang.
“According to the criminal complaints filed last week, in January 2020, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) began an investigation targeting a drug and firearms supplier in South Phoenix. In February 2021, in conjunction with the DPS investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Violent Street Gang Task Force began investigating the Lindo Park Crips (LPC), a criminal street gang operating in South Phoenix,” according to a press release from the USAO.
The release outlined that DPS and FBI investigators targeted LPC members and drug suppliers, ultimately leading to a major bust. Investigators reportedly found over 2,000 grams of cocaine, 35,000 counterfeit pills suspected to contain fentanyl, 26 grams of methamphetamine, four and a half grams of crack, 32 doses of MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy or XTC), and weapons, including 17 firearms and eight Glock conversion devices.
All 22 defendants are charged with either conspiracy to distribute cocaine or fentanyl, and some are charged with actual possession of the drugs. Furthermore, several are charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.
According to the release, these charges incur heavy fines and jail time if convicted. For the drug charges, a conviction for conspiracy to distribute or intent to sell the amount of cocaine charged in the complaint carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine, while a conviction for the amount of fentanyl can be up to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Moreover, a conviction for illegally possessing a firearm carries jail time up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
Most of the 22 individuals come from Phoenix, but others hail from cities across Arizona, including Avondale, Florence, Buckeye, and Goodyear. The youngest defendant is Jesus Salazar, 24, of Avondale, while the eldest is 62-year-old Terry Lee King of Phoenix.
The USAO stated that this case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCFETF) operation which seeks to dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States.
All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
As The Arizona Sun Times reported, Border Patrol agents recently seized 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.1 kilograms of heroin at a highway checkpoint at the El Centro Station. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBS) said the drugs confiscated had an estimated street value of $190,000. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on the person’s tolerance. Based on that statistic, this bust alone involved enough fentanyl to kill over 2 million people.
According to statistics from CBS, 3,513.15 kilograms of illicit fentanyl were confiscated in May, which would hypothetically be enough to kill 1,756,575,000 people under the DEA’s metric.
– – –
Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Phoenix Police Department” by Phoenix Police Department.


thetennesseestar--2020-10-22--Commentary: Biden’s Top Five Job-Killing Policies

Under a Joe Biden presidency , millions of American workers would lose their jobs , families would struggle to pay higher taxes , and many would be forced into unions against their will .
At a time when millions of Americans are already struggling due to Covid-19 economic shutdowns , Biden ’ s job-killing policies would be a disaster .
Biden ’ s pledge to impose a national minimum wage of $ 15 could cost the U.S. as many as two million jobs , according to a new report from the Employment Policies Institute , a pro-free market think tank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum wage is $ 7.25 per hour .
By increasing that number by more than 100 % , the think tank found that millions of jobs would be eliminated in just the first six years of the policy change .
Hardest hit will be young people and low-skilled workers .
It would severely damage poorer states with lower costs of living , such as Mississippi , Arkansas and South Carolina .
The report suggests that the majority of jobs lost will be those held by women , 10 % of jobs affected will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % by black workers .
The report anticipates that under a Biden presidency , women would make up 61 percent of total jobs lost due to an increase in the minimum wage .
Biden ’ s energy policies would put an end to U.S. energy independence , something made possible for the first time in 60 years by President Donald Trump ’ s America-first policies .
Biden ’ s campaign website calls the Green New Deal “ a crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face.
” While Biden insists he won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eliminate all fossil fuels by 2035 , which will eliminate hundreds of high-paying jobs lost in states such as Pennsylvania , Ohio and Texas .
In addition , Biden want to “ recommit ” the U.S. to the Paris climate agreement .
According to the Heritage Foundation , the energy regulations in that agreement would destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs , harm American manufacturing , and destroy $ 2.5 trillion in gross domestic product by the year 2035 .
The centerpiece of Biden ’ s labor agenda is the so-called Protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan would force millions of workers to join a union and pay union dues .
Today , 27 states , including Arizona , Georgia , Michigan and Texas , have right-to-work laws that give workers the right to choose to join the union .
The National Right to Work Committee warns that these state laws are effectively repealed under the Biden plan .
“ Not only is eliminating Right to Work protections wrong because individual workers deserve the freedom to decide whether or not to join and financially support a union , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws have a proven track record of economic benefits , especially when it comes to job creation , ” explained Patrick Semmens , spokesman for the National Right to Work Committee .
During the Democratic primaries last year , Biden told an audience in South Carolina , “ First thing I ’ d do is repeal those Trump tax cuts.
” A repeal of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would impose a large tax increase on the American people .
According to Americans for Tax Reform , thanks to the Trump tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earning the median family income of $ 73,000 saw a tax cut of over $ 2,000– a 58 % reduction in federal taxes .
A single parent with one child with annual income of $ 41,000 saw a tax cut of $ 1,304 — a 73 % reduction in federal taxes .
Under Biden ’ s plan , the effective tax rate for the top 1 % would increase from 26.8 % to 39.8 % , according to the Tax Policy Center .
That means top earners in California and New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of around 53 % — compared with the roughly 40 % they pay in effective rates today .
Biden ’ s death tax would force families to pay the government 45 percent of a family farm , ranch , or family-owned businesses upon the death of a loved one .
In some cases , the families would be forced to break up the business in order to pay the taxes .
In August , Biden told ABC News that he would “ lock down ” the economy again to combat the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost during the spring lockdowns and just over half have been recovered .
To threaten another shut down is irresponsible .
Biden ’ s only experience with job creation , has been creating jobs for his son , Hunter , through graft and corruption .
Catherine Mortensen is the Vice President of Communications at Americans for Limited Government .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-22--Metro Nashville Council Determined to Keep Property Taxes High, Council Member Warns

Members of the Nashville Metro Council are evidently not keen on the Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act .
As reported , The Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act referendum , if approved , would roll back Nashville Mayor John Cooper ’ s 34 to 37 percent tax increase .
The Tennessean reported Wednesday that Metro Council members formally oppose the Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act .
Metro Council member At-Large Steve Glover , meanwhile , told The Tennessee Star Wednesday his colleagues rejected a bill he put forward that he said would have given one more option to voters to say the Council can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent in a year or 12 percent over a two-year period maximum .
“ Voters would have to vote on letting us do that , ” Glover said .
“ It gave a lot more room to the government .
Six percent is more than fair.
” The other 40 Metro Council members did not return The Tennessee Star ’ s requests for comment Wednesday .
As reported last week , a dispute concerning the Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act will go to trial October 26 through October 28 , per the orders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyle .
This , according to Nashville attorney Jim Roberts .
As reported , Roberts is fighting the Davidson County Election Commission to get the Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act referendum on the December 5 ballot .
He said Commission members are playing unfair games with him and the public .
Glover said his colleagues went out of their way to stifle his bill .
“ I wanted to defer my bill one meeting and let the judge make the ruling on November 3 .
It may be that the judge calls it unconstitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get on the ballot .
But what they did was they moved to defer it indefinitely , ” Glover said .
“ [ Metro Council member ] Freddie O ’ Connell moved to defer it until Aug. 23 of 2023 , the last Council meeting there will be of this term .
Which basically is of no use to the taxpayers whatsoever .
None.
” But Glover said he won ’ t stop fighting for taxpayers .
“ The taxpayers should be fuming that there has been no action by this legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be their voice to help them at all , None , ” Glover said .
“ All this body has done is figure out ways to take more advantage of them than even the mayor tried to do.
” As reported last month , members of the Davidson County Election Commission voted to neither approve nor reject the Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act .
They instead passed the matter on to a chancery court to guide them on how to proceed , and also moved the “ conditional ” date of the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Nashville City Hall ” by euthman .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-22--Pope Francis Becomes First Pope to Endorse Same-Sex Civil Unions

ROME , Italy ( AP ) — Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pontiff while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary “ Francesco , ” which premiered Wednesday at the Rome Film Festival .
The papal thumbs-up came midway through the film that delves into issues Francis cares about most , including the environment , poverty , migration , racial and income inequality , and the people most affected by discrimination .
“ Homosexual people have the right to be in a family .
They are children of God , ” Francis said in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You can ’ t kick someone out of a family , nor make their life miserable for this .
What we have to have is a civil union law ; that way they are legally covered.
” While serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires , Francis endorsed civil unions for gay couples as an alternative to same-sex marriages .
However , he had never come out publicly in favor of civil unions as pope .
The Jesuit priest who has been at the forefront in seeking to build bridges with gays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Martin , praised the pope ’ s comments as “ a major step forward in the church ’ s support for LGBT people.
” “ The Pope ’ s speaking positively about civil unions also sends a strong message to places where the church has opposed such laws , ” Martin said in a statement .
Catholic Church teaching holds that gays must be treated with dignity and respect but that homosexual acts are “ intrinsically disordered.
” A 2003 document from the Vatican ’ s doctrine office stated that the church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not lead in any way to approval of homosexual behavior or to legal recognition of homosexual unions.
” That document was signed by the then-prefect of the office , Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger , the future Pope Benedict XVI and Francis ’ predecessor .
One of the main characters in the documentary is Juan Carlos Cruz , the Chilean survivor of clergy sexual abuse whom Francis initially discredited during a 2018 visit to Chile .
Cruz , who is gay , said that during his first meetings with the pope in May 2018 after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him that God made Cruz gay .
Cruz tells his own story in snippets throughout the film , chronicling both Francis ’ evolution on understanding sexual abuse as well as to document the pope ’ s views on gay people .
Director Evgeny Afineevsky had remarkable access to cardinals , the Vatican television archives and the pope himself .
He said he negotiated his way in through persistence , and deliveries of Argentine mate tea and Alfajores cookies that he got to the pope via some well-connected Argentines in Rome .
“ Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the only way to achieve something is to break the rule and then to say , ‘ I ’ m sorry , ’ ” Afineevsky said in an interview ahead of the premiere .
The director worked official and unofficial channels starting in early 2018 , and ended up so close to Francis by the end of the project that he showed the pope the movie on his iPad in August .
The two recently exchanged Yom Kippur greetings ; Afineevsky is a Russian-born Jew now based in Los Angeles .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the director said Francis presented him with a birthday cake during a private meeting at the Vatican .
But “ Francesco ” is more than a biopic about the pope .
Wim Wenders did that in the 2018 film “ Pope Francis : A Man of His Word , ” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival .
“ Francesco , ” is more a visual survey of the world ’ s crises and tragedies , with audio from the pope providing possible ways to solve them .
Afineevsky , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary “ Winter on Fire : Ukraine ’ s Fight for Freedom , ” traveled the world to film his pope movie : The settings include Cox ’ s Bazaar in Bangladesh where Myanmar ’ s Rohingya sought refuge ; the U.S.-Mexico border ; and Francis ’ native Argentina .
“ The film tells the story of the pope by reversing the cameras , ” said Vatican communications director Paolo Ruffini , who was one of Afineevsky ’ s closest Vatican-based collaborators on the film .
Ruffini said that when Afineevsky first approached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tamp down his hopes for interviewing the pope .
“ I told him it wasn ’ t going to be easy , ” he said .
But Ruffini gave him some advice : names of people who had been impacted by the pope , even after just a brief meeting .
Afineevsky found them : the refugees Francis met with on some of his foreign trips , prisoners he blessed , and some of the gays to whom he has ministered .
“ I told him that many of those encounters had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that there he would find a veritable gold mine of stories that told a story , ” Ruffini said .
“ He would be able to tell story of the pope through the eyes of all and not just his own.
” Francis ’ outreach to gays dates to his first foreign trip in 2013 , when he uttered the now-famous words “ Who am I to judge , ” when asked during an airborne news conference returning home from Rio de Janiero about a purportedly gay priest .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transsexual prostitutes , and welcomed people in gay partnerships into his inner circle .
One of them was his former student , Yayo Grassi , who along with his partner visited Francis at the Vatican ’ s Washington D.C. embassy during the pope ’ s 2015 visit to the U.S .
The Vatican publicized that encounter , making video and photos of it available , after Francis was ambushed during that same visit by his then-ambassador , Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano , who invited the anti-gay marriage activist Kim Davis to meet with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience made headlines at the time and was viewed by conservatives as a papal stamp of approval for Davis , who was jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses .
The Vatican , however , vigorously sought to downplay it , with the Vatican spokesman saying the meeting by no means indicated Francis ’ support for her or her position on gay marriage .
However , the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was fervently opposed to gay marriage when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires .
Then , he launched what gay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God ” against Argentina ’ s move to approve same-sex marriage .
The pope ’ s authorized biographer , Sergio Rubin , said at the time of his 2013 election that Bergoglio was politically wise enough to know the church couldn ’ t win a straight-on fight against gay marriage .
Instead , Rubin said , Bergoglio urged his fellow bishops to lobby for gay civil unions instead .
It wasn ’ t until Bergoglio ’ s proposal was shot down by the conservative bishops ’ conference that Bergoglio publicly declared his opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altogether .
Francis , in the new documentary , confirms Rubin ’ s account of what transpired .
Of his belief in the need for legislation to protect gays living in civil relationships , he said : “ I stood up for that.
” Francis DeBernardo , executive director of New Ways Ministry , an organization of LGBT Catholics , praised Francis ’ comments as a “ historic ” shift for a church that has long seen as persecuting gays .
“ At the same time , we urge Pope Francis to apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bless these same unions of love and support within the Catholic Church , too , ” he said in a statement .
However , more conservative commentators sought to play down Francis ’ words and said that while secular civil unions are one thing , a church blessing of them is quite another .
In a tweet , conservative U.S. author and commentator Ryan Anderson noted that he and some of his colleagues had gone on record a decade ago saying they would support federal civil unions for any two adults who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an arrangement , Anderson said , would leave churches the option of refusing to recognize these unions as marriage .
Nicole Winfield is a reporter for The Associated Press .
Photo “ Pope Francis ” by Long Thiên .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-22--Appeals Court Rules North Carolina Absentee Ballots Postmarked By November 3 Are Valid If They Arriv

Appeals Court Rules North Carolina Absentee Ballots Postmarked By November 3 Are Valid If They Arrive Before November 12

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the North Carolina State Board of Elections on Tuesday , allowing it to count absentee ballots that arrive before Nov. 12 as long as they were postmarked by Nov. 3 .
“ All ballots must still be mailed on or before Election Day , ” said Circuit Judge James Wynn in the court ’ s 12-3 ruling .
“ The change is simply an extension from three to nine days after Election Day for a timely ballot to be received and counted .
That is all.
” The Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the extension , saying that it violated North Carolina ’ s election code .
The court ’ s ruling upheld an earlier decision by U.S. District Judge William Osteen , who said that changing the state ’ s rules only weeks before the election could result in “ judicially created confusion.
” His decision prompted an appeal from the Trump campaign , who argued that the decision was a “ wholesale alteration ” of North Carolina ’ s election laws , Reuters reported .
The decision was lauded as a victory by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the first state in the country to mail ballots to voters who had requested them , and over two million ballots have been cast so far , over 40 % of which have been from registered Democratic voters .
North Carolina is also the only state in the country to feature competitive races at the presidential , senatorial and gubernatorial levels .
Democratic nominee Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump in the state by 3.1 points , while GOP Sen. Thom Tillis trails Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham by consistent single-digit margins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roy Cooper has led his challenger , Republican Lt. Gov .
Dan Forest , by wider margins , polls show .
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-22--Senator Marsha Blackburn’s New Bill Tackles Big Tech Censorship and ‘Fact-Checkers’

U.S .
Senator Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) is co-sponsoring a reform bill tackling Big Tech ’ s censorship and “ fact-checking ” policies .
The bill , “ Online Freedom and Viewpoint Diversity Act , ” is a reform of Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act ( CDA ) .
Section 230 hasn ’ t been updated in nearly 25 years .
The goal of the reform is to “ clarify the original intent of the law and examine Big Tech ’ s content moderation practices.
” The original language of the bill provides protection for something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ ( 2 ) CIVIL LIABILITY : No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be held liable on account of – ( A ) any action voluntarily taken in good faith to restrict access to or availability of material that the provider or user considers to be obscene , lewd , lascivious , filthy , excessively violent , harassing , or otherwise objectionable , whether or not such material is constitutionally protected… ” The reform seeks to narrow the open-ended phrase “ otherwise objectionable.
” The updated bill would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which promotes terrorism , self-harm , or unlawfulness .
Other sponsors of the bill are Senators Roger Wicker ( R-MS ) and Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) .
Legislative discussion on Section 230 reforms long preceded this election year .
A comprehensive repeal of the CDA is out of the question – many legislators agree it would render the tech industry vulnerable to legal battles .
In order to limit liability , the tech industry would likely exert more censorship .
In their latest fact sheet explaining the reforms , Blackburn explained the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The polished megaplatforms we associate with online research and debate exert unprecedented influence over how Americans discover new information , and what information is available for discovery .
Moreover , the contentious nature of current conversations provides perverse incentive for these companies to manipulate the online experience in favor of the loudest voices in the room .
There exists no meaningful alternative to these powerful platforms , which means there will be no accountability for the devastating effects of this ingrained ideological basis until Congress steps in and brings liability protections into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Tech for censoring the New York Post after it released details of emails indicating a potential scandal involving Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , his son Hunter , and the Ukraine .
Last week , Twitter locked the newspaper ’ s account after it released the story .
Facebook placed their own restrictions on the story initially , even limiting users from sharing the article .
The bill will appear before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce , Science , & Transportation next week on October 28 .
Corinne Murdock is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-10-22--Amy Coney Barrett Has More Support Than Any Other Trump Supreme Court Nominee, Poll Shows

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has more support than either of President Donald Trump ’ s previous nominees , a poll released Wednesday found .
A Morning Consult poll released Wednesday found that 51 % of voters said the Senate should confirm Barrett , numbers which have risen three percentage points from last week .
The poll surveyed 1,994 voters between October 16 and October 18 with a 2-point margin of error .
Morning Consult found that Barrett has more support from voters than Trump Supreme Court nominees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh had at any time during their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes primarily from Independents , the poll found .
Forty-four percent of Independents now back her confirmation , and Democratic support for Barrett is up five percentage points from last week to 32 % .
Democratic support for Barrett is also up 18 percentage points from the day that Trump nominated Barrett .
Over a third of voters polled say have heard “ a lot ” about Barrett ’ s confirmation hearings — numbers that are higher than the 27 % of voters who said they heard , saw , or read about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s televised town halls .
An EWTN News and RealClear Opinion Research poll released Monday evening also found that 46 % of Catholics support Barrett ’ s confirmation .
Twenty-eight percent of Catholics opposed Barrett ’ s confirmation , and 27 % of Catholics said they needed more information .
Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .