thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--MLB Cancels All-Star Game for First Time Since 1945

LOS ANGELES , California ( AP ) — Dodger Stadium ’ s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer .
The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic , and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic .
The 2021 game is set for Atlanta ’ s Truist Park , home to the Braves since 2017 .
Because of the pandemic , opening day had already been delayed from March 26 to July 23 or 24 .
“ Once it became clear we were unable to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game , which is 2022 , ” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement .
No date for the 2022 game has been announced , although Dodgers President Stan Kasten said it would take place in the third week of July .
This year will be the first time since 1945 that no game is held .
Travel restrictions because of World War II kept the game scheduled for Boston ’ s Fenway Park and any player selections from taking place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the next season .
The Dodgers hosted the only the Midsummer Classic in Dodger Stadium history in 1980 , won 4-2 by the National League .
The stadium — third-oldest in baseball behind Fenway and Chicago ’ s Wrigley Field — is the only park in the majors not to have increased its 56,000-seat capacity since it opened in 1962 .
That ’ s not to say it hasn ’ t changed , however .
Since 2013 , the stadium that overlooks downtown Los Angeles has undergone a series of structural and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the field level , tiered seating and bar areas overlooking both bullpens .
The ballpark has also gotten new HD video screens and sound systems , wider concourses and renovated restrooms , kids play areas , displays to honor the franchise ’ s storied history , new home and visiting clubhouses and batting cages .
And that doesn ’ t include the $ 100 million in renovations that helped the Dodgers land the 2020 game .
Those feature two acres of food and entertainment offerings in a new center field plaza and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevators , escalators and bridges to improve circulation around the ballpark without changing its picturesque look and feel .
The speaker tower sound system in center field is being replaced .
New so-called “ home run seats ” are being added in front of existing outfield seats .
“ We had a lot of elaborate preparations coming into this year , not the least of which is this huge , fantastic renovation , ” Kasten said on a video conference call .
The Dodgers have installed a sign above the visitors ’ bullpen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It arrived without a date , making it viable to use for the upcoming 60-game regular season .
“ It will be a constant reminder that Los Angeles is getting a game , ” Kasten said , adding that money pledged by MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for community projects around the game will be spent this year .
People who purchased tickets for this year ’ s game will be offered an incentive to let the team hang on to their money until 2022 , Kasten said .
Refunds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The coronavirus slowed construction at the stadium .
In mid-April , retired Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully narrated a brief video of the project .
Scully , now 92 , announced the 1959 All-Star game hosted by the Dodgers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum ( the second such game played that year ) .
He joined Mel Allen on the call for NBC on Aug. 3 .
It was the first Midsummer Classic to be played on the West Coast , and also one of only two games to be played outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in 1981 , when it was held on Aug. 9 because of the players ’ strike .
The Dodgers also hosted the game at Ebbets Field in 1949 before they moved to the West Coast from Brooklyn .
The Dodgers have produced four different All-Star Game MVPs : Maury Wills in 1962 ; Steve Garvey in 1974 and ’ 78 ; Don Sutton in 1977 ; and Mike Piazza in 1996 .
From the 87-year-old Wills to the 51-year-old Piazza , all are still living and may have played a part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would surely have made an appearance , either in person or via video , where he has turned up several times since retiring in 2016 .
He and Brent Musburger worked the 1980 game in LA for CBS radio .
The Dodgers had been planning to host the 91st All-Star Game since being chosen in 2018 .
They sent teams of planners to Washington , D.C. , in 2018 and Cleveland last year to study what did and didn ’ t work for those host cities .
Besides the Futures Game , Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days at the stadium , there would have been a Fan Fest and other events and commercial tie-ins around the game .
In February 2018 , the Los Angeles City Council estimated an economic impact of $ 89.4 million from hosting the game .
The Dodgers had committed to paying $ 100,000 for city services needed as part of the game .
Beth Harris is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this Oct. 25 , 2017 , file photo , the Houston Astros and the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the baseball World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles .
Dodger Stadium ’ s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer .
The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday , July 3 , 2020 , because of the coronavirus pandemic , and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic .
( AP Photo/Tim Donnelly , File )

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) — Dodger Stadium’s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer.
The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic. The 2021 game is set for Atlanta’s Truist Park, home to the Braves since 2017.
Because of the pandemic, opening day had already been delayed from March 26 to July 23 or 24.
“Once it became clear we were unable to hold this year’s All-Star festivities, we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game, which is 2022,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
No date for the 2022 game has been announced, although Dodgers President Stan Kasten said it would take place in the third week of July.
This year will be the first time since 1945 that no game is held. Travel restrictions because of World War II kept the game scheduled for Boston’s Fenway Park and any player selections from taking place that year. It was pushed back to the next season.
The Dodgers hosted the only the Midsummer Classic in Dodger Stadium history in 1980, won 4-2 by the National League.
The stadium — third-oldest in baseball behind Fenway and Chicago’s Wrigley Field — is the only park in the majors not to have increased its 56,000-seat capacity since it opened in 1962.
That’s not to say it hasn’t changed, however.
Since 2013, the stadium that overlooks downtown Los Angeles has undergone a series of structural and behind-the-scenes improvements, including two entrance plazas on the field level, tiered seating and bar areas overlooking both bullpens. The ballpark has also gotten new HD video screens and sound systems, wider concourses and renovated restrooms, kids play areas, displays to honor the franchise’s storied history, new home and visiting clubhouses and batting cages.
And that doesn’t include the $100 million in renovations that helped the Dodgers land the 2020 game. Those feature two acres of food and entertainment offerings in a new center field plaza and spruced-up outfield pavilions. Also added were elevators, escalators and bridges to improve circulation around the ballpark without changing its picturesque look and feel. The speaker tower sound system in center field is being replaced. New so-called “home run seats” are being added in front of existing outfield seats.
“We had a lot of elaborate preparations coming into this year, not the least of which is this huge, fantastic renovation,” Kasten said on a video conference call.
The Dodgers have installed a sign above the visitors’ bullpen in right field noting the All-Star game. It arrived without a date, making it viable to use for the upcoming 60-game regular season.
“It will be a constant reminder that Los Angeles is getting a game,” Kasten said, adding that money pledged by MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for community projects around the game will be spent this year.
People who purchased tickets for this year’s game will be offered an incentive to let the team hang on to their money until 2022, Kasten said. Refunds will also be offered beginning Monday.
The coronavirus slowed construction at the stadium. In mid-April, retired Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully narrated a brief video of the project.
Scully, now 92, announced the 1959 All-Star game hosted by the Dodgers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (the second such game played that year). He joined Mel Allen on the call for NBC on Aug. 3.
It was the first Midsummer Classic to be played on the West Coast, and also one of only two games to be played outside the month of July. The other was in 1981, when it was held on Aug. 9 because of the players’ strike.
The Dodgers also hosted the game at Ebbets Field in 1949 before they moved to the West Coast from Brooklyn.
The Dodgers have produced four different All-Star Game MVPs: Maury Wills in 1962; Steve Garvey in 1974 and ’78; Don Sutton in 1977; and Mike Piazza in 1996. From the 87-year-old Wills to the 51-year-old Piazza, all are still living and may have played a part in this year’s festivities.
Scully would surely have made an appearance, either in person or via video, where he has turned up several times since retiring in 2016. He and Brent Musburger worked the 1980 game in LA for CBS radio.
The Dodgers had been planning to host the 91st All-Star Game since being chosen in 2018. They sent teams of planners to Washington, D.C., in 2018 and Cleveland last year to study what did and didn’t work for those host cities.
Besides the Futures Game, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game over three days at the stadium, there would have been a Fan Fest and other events and commercial tie-ins around the game.
In February 2018, the Los Angeles City Council estimated an economic impact of $89.4 million from hosting the game. The Dodgers had committed to paying $100,000 for city services needed as part of the game.
– – –
Beth Harris is a reporter for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: In this Oct. 25, 2017, file photo, the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers play in Game 2 of the baseball World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Dodger Stadium’s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer. The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday, July 3, 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic. (AP Photo/Tim Donnelly, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--LA School Police Chief Quits After Budget Cut by School Board

The Los Angeles School police chief resigned from his post Wednesday , less than a year after he took the job and less than 24 hours after the district ’ s board cut $ 25 million from his department ’ s budget , Fox News Reports .
Police Chief Tod Chamberlain said the cuts put him in a “ position that makes my ability to effectively , professionally and safely impact those groups unachievable.
” “ I can not support modifications to my position , the organization and most importantly , the community ( students , staff and families ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially life-threatening , ” he added .
Chamberlain was named L.A. School Police chief in November 2019 .
He was a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department when he retired at the rank of commander and was working as a lecturer in criminal justice at Cal State Los Angeles .
Chamberlain ’ s resignation came after the Los Angeles Unified School Board on Tuesday voted 4-3 to reduce the LA School Police budget by 35 % , and to divert those funds to hire more social workers , counselors and campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students .
One board member initially wanted to slash the police budget by 50 percent .
Chamberlain said during the meeting that the $ 25 million reduction means the Los Angeles Unified School Board will need to lay off 65 officers , close 39 vacant officer positions and eliminate the school police force ’ s entire overtime budget .
Last week , the union which represents LAUSD teachers voted in favor of completely eliminating LASPD .

by Catherine Smith
The Los Angeles School police chief resigned from his post Wednesday, less than a year after he took the job and less than 24 hours after the district’s board cut $25 million from his department’s budget, Fox News Reports.
Police Chief Tod Chamberlain said the cuts put him in a “position that makes my ability to effectively, professionally and safely impact those groups unachievable.”
“I cannot support modifications to my position, the organization and most importantly, the community (students, staff and families) that I believe will be detrimental and potentially life-threatening,” he added.
Chamberlain was named L.A. School Police chief in November 2019. He was a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department when he retired at the rank of commander and was working as a lecturer in criminal justice at Cal State Los Angeles.
Chamberlain’s resignation came after the Los Angeles Unified School Board on Tuesday voted 4-3 to reduce the LA School Police budget by 35%, and to divert those funds to hire more social workers, counselors and campus safety aids at schools with more Black students. One board member initially wanted to slash the police budget by 50 percent.
Chamberlain said during the meeting that the $25 million reduction means the Los Angeles Unified School Board will need to lay off 65 officers, close 39 vacant officer positions and eliminate the school police force’s entire overtime budget.
Last week, the union which represents LAUSD teachers voted in favor of completely eliminating LASPD.
– – –
Catherine Smith reports for American Greatness.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Hundreds of Bush Administration Officials Declare Support for Joe Biden

A large group of officials who worked for former President George W. Bush will endorse the former Democrat Vice President Joe Biden .
The group formed a super PAC Wednesday , called “ 43 Alumni for Biden , ” a reference to Bush , the 43rd president and described its formation as an effort to restore “ the principles of unity , tolerance and compassion to the greatest elected office in the world , ” according to Reuters .
The group is another example of efforts being made by anti-Trump Republicans to defeat the President in November .
The 43 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who worked on Bush ’ s 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns , and who told Reuters that Trump is a “ danger ” to the nation .
It also lists former Republican National Committee ( RNC ) officials Kelly Ganzberger , Michael Turk and Serenity Hanley among its organizing committee members , The Daily Caller reported .
“ Whether you worked in the earliest days of the 43rd Administration or sprinted to the finish in January 2009 , you know a thing or two about serving the grand ideals and exceptional people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PAC writes on its front page .
“ Together we saw compassion in action , strength on display and the steady leadership of a true statesman who inspired us to meet some of America ’ s greatest challenges.
” The Super PAC plans to release ‘ testimonial videos ’ praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states .
The group says on their website : The Daily Caller reported in June , Freddy Ford , a spokesman for Bush suggested that the 43rd president has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will vote in November .
Some former Bush administration officials , including former Secretary of State Colin Powell have thrown their support behind Biden .
Powell previously endorsed former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 , and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016 .

by Catherine Smith
A large group of officials who worked for former President George W. Bush will endorse the former Democrat Vice President Joe Biden.
The group formed a super PAC Wednesday, called “43 Alumni for Biden,” a reference to Bush, the 43rd president and described its formation as an effort to restore “the principles of unity, tolerance and compassion to the greatest elected office in the world,” according to Reuters.
The group is another example of efforts being made by anti-Trump Republicans to defeat the President in November.
The 43 Alumni for Biden, includes Jennifer Millikin, who worked on Bush’s 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns, and who told Reuters that Trump is a “danger” to the nation. It also lists former Republican National Committee (RNC) officials Kelly Ganzberger, Michael Turk and Serenity Hanley among its organizing committee members, The Daily Caller reported.
“Whether you worked in the earliest days of the 43rd Administration or sprinted to the finish in January 2009, you know a thing or two about serving the grand ideals and exceptional people of our country,” the super PAC writes on its front page. “Together we saw compassion in action, strength on display and the steady leadership of a true statesman who inspired us to meet some of America’s greatest challenges.”
The Super PAC plans to release ‘testimonial videos’ praising Biden from high-profile Republicans and will hold get-out-the-vote efforts in the most competitive states.
The group says on their website:
“Bound by our shared work experience and a belief in a brighter tomorrow, we endorse Joe Biden for President,” they write. “Political differences may remain among us, but we look forward to a time when civil, honest and robust policy discussions are the order of the day.”
The Daily Caller reported in June, Freddy Ford, a spokesman for Bush suggested that the 43rd president has not made up his mind on how he will vote in November. Some former Bush administration officials, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell have thrown their support behind Biden. Powell previously endorsed former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016.
– – –
Catherine Smith reports for American Greatness.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--PG&E Exits Bankruptcy, Pays $5 Billion into Wildfire Fund

SAN FRANCISCO , California ( AP ) — Pacific Gas & Electric has emerged from a contentious bankruptcy saga that began after its long-neglected electrical grid ignited wildfires in California that killed more than 100 people .
The nation ’ s largest utility announced Wednesday it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and paid $ 5.4 billion in initial funds and 22.19 % of its stock into a trust for victims of wildfires caused by its outdated equipment .
“ This is an important milestone , but our work is far from over , ” Bill Smith , PG & E @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
“ Our emergence from Chapter 11 marks just the beginning of PG & E ’ s next era — as a fundamentally improved company and the safe , reliable utility that our customers , communities and California deserve.
” A federal judge last month approved a $ 58 billion plan for the company to emerged from bankruptcy by June 30 , the deadline that the company had to meet to qualify for coverage from a $ 21 billion wildfire insurance fund created by California last year .
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way for PG & E to pay $ 25.5 billion for losses from devastating fires in 2017 and 2018 .
Dozens of lawsuits were settled during the ordeal , with $ 13.5 billion earmarked for more than 80,000 people who lost family , homes , businesses and other property in the fires .
The company plans to find a new CEO to replace Bill Johnson , who stepped down June 30 after just 14 months on the job .
It has overhauled its board of directors , including 11 members who were just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has committed to slicing up its sprawling territory into regional units to be more responsive to the different needs of the 16 million people who rely on it for power .
Financing the plan requires PG & E to nearly double its debt , saddling the company with a burden its critics fear will make it more difficult to raise the estimated $ 40 billion for improvements that the utility still needs to make to its electrical grid .
This marks the second time in 16 years that PG & E has navigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about how it should operate in the future .
The last time the company emerged from bankruptcy , in 2004 , electricity rates soared and management focused even more on boosting profits instead of upgrading its power supply .
About the Headline Photo : In this Aug. 15 , 2019 file photo , a Pacific Gas & Electric worker walks in front of a truck in San Francisco .
Pacific Gas & Electric has emerged from a contentious bankruptcy saga that began after its long-neglected electrical grid ignited wildfires in California that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & E announced Wednesday , July 1 , 2020 , it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and paid $ 5.4 billion in initial funds and 22.19 percent of its stock into a trust for victims of wildfires caused by its outdated equipment .
( AP Photo/Jeff Chiu , File )

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) — Pacific Gas & Electric has emerged from a contentious bankruptcy saga that began after its long-neglected electrical grid ignited wildfires in California that killed more than 100 people.
The nation’s largest utility announced Wednesday it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and paid $5.4 billion in initial funds and 22.19% of its stock into a trust for victims of wildfires caused by its outdated equipment.
“This is an important milestone, but our work is far from over,” Bill Smith, PG&E interim chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Our emergence from Chapter 11 marks just the beginning of PG&E’s next era — as a fundamentally improved company and the safe, reliable utility that our customers, communities and California deserve.”
A federal judge last month approved a $58 billion plan for the company to emerged from bankruptcy by June 30, the deadline that the company had to meet to qualify for coverage from a $21 billion wildfire insurance fund created by California last year.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali’s decision cleared the way for PG&E to pay $25.5 billion for losses from devastating fires in 2017 and 2018.
Dozens of lawsuits were settled during the ordeal, with $13.5 billion earmarked for more than 80,000 people who lost family, homes, businesses and other property in the fires.
The company plans to find a new CEO to replace Bill Johnson, who stepped down June 30 after just 14 months on the job. It has overhauled its board of directors, including 11 members who were just recently appointed. PG&E also has committed to slicing up its sprawling territory into regional units to be more responsive to the different needs of the 16 million people who rely on it for power.
Financing the plan requires PG&E to nearly double its debt, saddling the company with a burden its critics fear will make it more difficult to raise the estimated $40 billion for improvements that the utility still needs to make to its electrical grid.
This marks the second time in 16 years that PG&E has navigated a complex bankruptcy case that has raised questions about how it should operate in the future. The last time the company emerged from bankruptcy, in 2004, electricity rates soared and management focused even more on boosting profits instead of upgrading its power supply.
– – –
About the Headline Photo: In this Aug. 15, 2019 file photo, a Pacific Gas & Electric worker walks in front of a truck in San Francisco. Pacific Gas & Electric has emerged from a contentious bankruptcy saga that began after its long-neglected electrical grid ignited wildfires in California that killed more than 100 people. PG&E announced Wednesday, July 1, 2020, it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and paid $5.4 billion in initial funds and 22.19 percent of its stock into a trust for victims of wildfires caused by its outdated equipment. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu,File)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Tennessee High School Teacher Wins $50,000 Amazon Award

NASHVILLE , Tennessee ( AP ) — A Tennessee high school teacher and Tennessee State University alumna has won a @ @ @ @ @ .
First-year teacher Shasta Charlton is a 2020 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year @ @ @ @ @ a computer science teacher and Robotics Club staffer at Whites Creek Comprehensive High School in @ @ @ @ @ in news release that Charlton didn ’ t know much about robots , but she @ @ @ @ @ to build and code one to win the award .
The award includes $ 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 in school supplies .
Charlton says although she doesn ’ t have a computer @ @ @ @ @ YouTube videos and books to work it out .

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — A Tennessee high school teacher and Tennessee State University alumna has won a $50,000 award from Amazon.
First-year teacher Shasta Charlton is a 2020 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Award recipient. She is a computer science teacher and Robotics Club staffer at Whites Creek Comprehensive High School in Nashville.
Tennessee State said in news release that Charlton didn’t know much about robots, but she and her students still managed to build and code one to win the award. The award includes $25,000 for the school and $25,000 in school supplies.
Charlton says although she doesn’t have a computer science degree, she used YouTube videos and books to work it out.
– – –
Photo “Shasta Charlton” by Tennessee State University.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--As Nashville Officials Force Many to Sit Out July 4, Social Justice Demonstrations in the City Conti

As Nashville Officials Force Many to Sit Out July 4, Social Justice Demonstrations in the City Continue

While many people sit out July 4 due to Nashville Mayor John Cooper ’ s COVID-19 restrictions , social justice organizers are planning yet another rally in the city Saturday .
Teens For Equality will meet at Nashville ’ s Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park Saturday at 4 p.m. Central , members of the group said on their Twitter page .
Members of Black Lives Matter Nashville , relaying Teens for Equality ’ s information on their own Facebook page , told demonstrators to expect a busy day .
“ Fill the streets with pride flags , and the afro/pan-African flags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture , such as the flag of your country .
We will be taking a longer route than last time , and will be holding a moment of silence for the recent deaths of Elijah McClain , Rayshard Brooks , George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Daniel Hambricks , Joques Clemmons , and many more victims of police brutality , ” according to the Facebook post .
“ We will stop at the @ peoplesplazatn where there will be water , snacks , first aid , and medics .
We will also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where you can honor them by dropping off a note , flowers , stuffed animals , candles , and whatever you deem fit !
We will then end at our starting point , have a finishing word , there you will find voter registration and food trucks , which you can also access in the beginning.
” As The Tennessee Star reported Friday , staff at the Beacon Center of Tennessee said Mayor John Cooper shows double standards and enforces bad COVID-19 policies upon the city .
Beacon is a right-of-center think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely inconsistent and derelict in his duty when it comes to enforcing existing rules , allowing some businesses to openly flout the law and marching with large groups of people himself in violation of his own orders , ” Beacon CEO Justin Owen said .
“ Despite claiming that the purpose of the original shutdown was to flatten the curve , the mayor keeps moving the goalposts .
Even though city officials have stated that they are very comfortable with the hospital capacity , the mayor is still going to punish law-abiding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a previous phase.
” Citing an increase in COVID-19 cases , Cooper said at a press conference Thursday that the city will go back to the second of its four-phased rollout to reopen the city .
Nashville will formally go from Phase Three back to Phase Two on Friday .
The city will remain in Phase Two for the next several weeks , Cooper said .
But Owen , in his press release , said Cooper needs to reevaluate his actions .
“ Between this , an inconsistent mask mandate that exempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbearably massive tax increase , Mayor Cooper needs to think about the harm he is doing to all Nashville citizens and the future of the city before it is too late , ” Owen said .
Many socially-driven businesses and activities that opened in Phase Three will now have to temporarily close , including event and entertainment venues .
Nashville ’ s limit on gathering size is now 25 .
Restaurants will move back from 75 percent capacity to 50 percent capacity , as permitted in Phase One , Cooper said Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three , will remain open , including dog parks , skate parks , basketball courts , and playgrounds .
And recreational leagues and pools are still allowed , Cooper said .
Additionally , all bars in Davidson County , known as limited-service restaurants that derive the majority of their revenue from alcohol sales , will close for a minimum of 14 days beginning Friday , Cooper said .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

While many people sit out July 4 due to Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s COVID-19 restrictions, social justice organizers are planning yet another rally in the city Saturday.
Teens For Equality will meet at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park Saturday at 4 p.m. Central, members of the group said on their Twitter page.
July fourth protest by @ teens.4.equality on Instagram! That is where you can find more details! Hope to see you all there ❤ retweet and share please 🙏 pic.twitter.com/7b2Bg2SBT0 — Teens For Equality (@teens_4equality) June 30, 2020
Members of Black Lives Matter Nashville, relaying Teens for Equality’s information on their own Facebook page, told demonstrators to expect a busy day.
“Fill the streets with pride flags, and the afro/pan-African flags. Or a flag to embrace your culture, such as the flag of your country. We will be taking a longer route than last time, and will be holding a moment of silence for the recent deaths of Elijah McClain, Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daniel Hambricks, Joques Clemmons, and many more victims of police brutality,” according to the Facebook post.
“We will stop at the @peoplesplazatn where there will be water, snacks, first aid, and medics. We will also have picture frames of the previous names mentioned, where you can honor them by dropping off a note, flowers, stuffed animals, candles, and whatever you deem fit! We will then end at our starting point, have a finishing word, there you will find voter registration and food trucks, which you can also access in the beginning.”
As The Tennessee Star reported Friday, staff at the Beacon Center of Tennessee said Mayor John Cooper shows double standards and enforces bad COVID-19 policies upon the city. Beacon is a right-of-center think tank.
“The Mayor has been completely inconsistent and derelict in his duty when it comes to enforcing existing rules, allowing some businesses to openly flout the law and marching with large groups of people himself in violation of his own orders,” Beacon CEO Justin Owen said.
“Despite claiming that the purpose of the original shutdown was to flatten the curve, the mayor keeps moving the goalposts. Even though city officials have stated that they are very comfortable with the hospital capacity, the mayor is still going to punish law-abiding, rule-following citizens and struggling businesses by reverting to a previous phase.”
Citing an increase in COVID-19 cases, Cooper said at a press conference Thursday that the city will go back to the second of its four-phased rollout to reopen the city. Nashville will formally go from Phase Three back to Phase Two on Friday. The city will remain in Phase Two for the next several weeks, Cooper said.
But Owen, in his press release, said Cooper needs to reevaluate his actions.
“Between this, an inconsistent mask mandate that exempts some but not others, and the unbearably massive tax increase, Mayor Cooper needs to think about the harm he is doing to all Nashville citizens and the future of the city before it is too late,” Owen said.
Many socially-driven businesses and activities that opened in Phase Three will now have to temporarily close, including event and entertainment venues. Nashville’s limit on gathering size is now 25. Restaurants will move back from 75 percent capacity to 50 percent capacity, as permitted in Phase One, Cooper said Thursday.
Metro Parks facilities, opened in Phase Three, will remain open, including dog parks, skate parks, basketball courts, and playgrounds. And recreational leagues and pools are still allowed, Cooper said.
Additionally, all bars in Davidson County, known as limited-service restaurants that derive the majority of their revenue from alcohol sales, will close for a minimum of 14 days beginning Friday, Cooper said.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--AP Source: NFL to Play Black Anthem Before National Anthem

“ Lift Ev ’ ry Voice and Sing ” will be performed live or played before “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” prior to each NFL game during Week 1 and the league is considering putting names of victims of police brutality on helmet decals or jersey patches , a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press .
The person said the league is working collaboratively with players to recognize victims of systemic racism throughout the season in a variety of ways .
The person spoke to the AP on Thursday on condition of anonymity because discussions between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing .
Additional plans include the use of educational programs and storytelling about the victims and their families similar to the league ’ s PSA on Botham Jean released in January and the Super Bowl commercial on Corey Jones featuring his cousin , former NFL star Anquan Boldin .
“ Lift Ev ’ ry Voice and Sing ” is traditionally known as the Black anthem .
It ’ ll be played first when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans to kick off the NFL regular season on Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans will be in attendance Week 1 or at all this season because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The league is considering asking fans to sign a waiver and wear masks , according to a person familiar with those conversations .
The NFL announced last month it is committing $ 250 million over 10 years to social justice initiatives , targeting what it calls “ systemic racism ” and supporting “ the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans.
” Following the nationwide protests sparked by the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denounced racism in a video prompted greatly by a players ’ video seeking NFL action .
Rob Maaddi is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this Aug. 15 , 2019 , file photo , Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ( 8 ) leaps over Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander ( 23 ) during the first half of a NFL football preseason game , in Baltimore .
Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman is tweaking and refining a record-setting unit led by NFL MVP Lamar Jackson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key component of an attack with several newcomers in the mix .
( AP Photo/Gail Burton , File )

“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” will be performed live or played before “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to each NFL game during Week 1 and the league is considering putting names of victims of police brutality on helmet decals or jersey patches, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press.
The person said the league is working collaboratively with players to recognize victims of systemic racism throughout the season in a variety of ways. The person spoke to the AP on Thursday on condition of anonymity because discussions between the league and the NFL Players Association are ongoing.
Additional plans include the use of educational programs and storytelling about the victims and their families similar to the league’s PSA on Botham Jean released in January and the Super Bowl commercial on Corey Jones featuring his cousin, former NFL star Anquan Boldin.
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” is traditionally known as the Black anthem. It’ll be played first when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans to kick off the NFL regular season on Sept. 10.
It’s uncertain whether fans will be in attendance Week 1 or at all this season because of the coronavirus pandemic. The league is considering asking fans to sign a waiver and wear masks, according to a person familiar with those conversations.
The NFL announced last month it is committing $250 million over 10 years to social justice initiatives, targeting what it calls “systemic racism” and supporting “the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans.”
Following the nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell denounced racism in a video prompted greatly by a players’ video seeking NFL action.
– – –
Rob Maaddi is a reporter for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: In this Aug. 15, 2019, file photo, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps over Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during the first half of a NFL football preseason game, in Baltimore. Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman is tweaking and refining a record-setting unit led by NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who is expected to again be the key component of an attack with several newcomers in the mix. (AP Photo/Gail Burton, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Hugh Downs, Genial Presence on TV News and Game Shows, Dies

NEW YORK CITY , New York ( AP ) — Hugh Downs , the genial , versatile broadcaster who became one of television ’ s most familiar and welcome faces with more than 15,000 hours on news , game and talk shows , has died at age 99 .
Downs died of natural causes at his home in Scottsdale , Arizona , on Wednesday , said his great-niece , Molly Shaheen .
“ The Guinness Book of World Records ” recognized Downs as having logged more hours in front of the camera than any television personality until Regis Philbin passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBC ’ s “ Today ” and “ Tonight ” shows , the game show “ Concentration , ” co-hosted the ABC magazine show “ 20/20 ” with Barbara Walters and the PBS series “ Over Easy ” and “ Live From Lincoln Center.
” His signature sign-off at the end of “ 20/20 ” told viewers : “ We ’ re in touch , so you be in touch.
” “ I ’ ve worked on so many different shows and done so many shows at the same time , ” Downs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I once said I ’ d done everything on radio and television except play-by-play sports .
Then I remembered I ’ d covered a boxing match in Lima , Ohio , in 1939.
” Downs began his broadcasting career at the age of 18 as a $ 12-a-week announcer on a small Ohio radio station .
When television came along , he at first looked on it as a gimmick , but quickly realized “ it was probably a juggernaut , and I ’ d better be in on it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was a television incubator in the 1950 , for “ Kukla , Fran & Ollie ” and “ Hawkins Falls , ” which he said was television ’ s first soap opera .
In 1954 , he went to New York for “ The Home Show.
” In 1961 , Newsweek described him as “ a gluttonous reader with a first-rate brain that he keeps curried and exercised like a prize poodle.
” His reputation was such that he even won the right to approve any commercial he was assigned to read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air .
“ My loyalty was with the person tuning in , ” he said .
“ It was expedient .
If I lost my credibility , what use would I be to a client ?
” He showed his principled side again in 1997 , when he took a vacation day on “ 20/20″ rather than be part on a show that included an interview with Marv Albert after the sportscaster was caught in a lurid sexual assault scandal .
On Twitter Thursday , CBS News political correspondent Ed O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ 20/20 ’ in 1999 and died at age 99 in the year 2020 .
Sweet symmetry .
Rest easy , Hugh Downs .
One of the best.
” Downs had a particular interest in science , once launching into a monologue on the Paar show on the science underlying water-skiing .
It prompted Paar to quip , “ Well , Hugh , when you drown , you ’ ll know the reason why.
” His interest in problems of the aging — he even earned a postgraduate degree in gerontology — was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Over Easy ” as well as many of his “ 20/20 ” pieces .
“ We all suffer in our culture from the idea … that youth was the big thing , ” he said .
“ There has been kind of a loss of respect for older people , and we lose gleaning wisdom from older people .
We lose the ability to see that impairment and decrepitude don ’ t necessarily go along with age.
” His work on “ 20/20″ also showed his adventurous spirit , such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whale , and another time he put on breathing apparatus to swim near a great white shark .
There was a hazardous expedition to the South Pole in which one participant nearly fell to his death .
“ I ’ m interested in science , the environment , medicine and certain personalities , ” he said .
“ I just do the stories I want to do .
I don ’ t want to be just the anchor.
” Downs began his work as Paar ’ s second banana in 1957 , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ The Home Show.
” In a highly publicized incident in February 1960 , Paar stormed off the air in a dispute involving network cutting a Paar “ water closet ” ( toilet ) joke the censors disliked .
Downs won praise for calmly telling the audience “ I ’ d like to think this is not final ” and keeping the live show running until signoff time .
Downs said later that he expected that Paar would at any minute return to the stage “ with some punch line or something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downs said he was eventually grateful for the boost the brouhaha gave his career .
Paar finally returned to the show a few weeks later .
Paar ’ s departure from “ Tonight ” in 1962 paved the way for Johnny Carson .
Downs , meanwhile , began his nine-year run as host of the “ Today ” show .
Walters was a “ Today ” colleague for part of that time .
She admired Downs and praised his generosity and collegiality .
He expressed his views modestly in the 1995 book “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Television , 1920-1961 ” : “ In a way the less talent you have or deploy , the less chance you have of overexposure .
That may be why I have been on network television more than anybody in the world.
” David Bauder is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : This Jan. 12 , 2012 file photo shows Hugh Downs at the “ Today ” show 60th anniversary celebration in New York .
Downs , a genial and near-constant presence on television from the 1950s through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family said Downs died of natural causes Wednesday , July 1 , 2020 , in Scottsdale , Ariz .
He was 99 .
Downs was a host of the ‘ Today ’ show on NBC , worked on the ‘ Tonight ’ show when Jack Paar was in charge , and hosted the long-running game show “ Concentration.
” ( AP Photo/Evan Agostini , File )

NEW YORK CITY, New York (AP) — Hugh Downs, the genial, versatile broadcaster who became one of television’s most familiar and welcome faces with more than 15,000 hours on news, game and talk shows, has died at age 99.
Downs died of natural causes at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Wednesday, said his great-niece, Molly Shaheen.
“The Guinness Book of World Records” recognized Downs as having logged more hours in front of the camera than any television personality until Regis Philbin passed him in 2004.
He worked on NBC’s “Today” and “Tonight” shows, the game show “Concentration,” co-hosted the ABC magazine show “20/20” with Barbara Walters and the PBS series “Over Easy” and “Live From Lincoln Center.”
His signature sign-off at the end of “20/20” told viewers: “We’re in touch, so you be in touch.”
“I’ve worked on so many different shows and done so many shows at the same time,” Downs said in a 1986 Associated Press interview. “I once said I’d done everything on radio and television except play-by-play sports. Then I remembered I’d covered a boxing match in Lima, Ohio, in 1939.”
Downs began his broadcasting career at the age of 18 as a $12-a-week announcer on a small Ohio radio station. When television came along, he at first looked on it as a gimmick, but quickly realized “it was probably a juggernaut, and I’d better be in on it.”
He was an announcer in Chicago, which was a television incubator in the 1950, for “Kukla, Fran & Ollie” and “Hawkins Falls,” which he said was television’s first soap opera. In 1954, he went to New York for “The Home Show.”
In 1961, Newsweek described him as “a gluttonous reader with a first-rate brain that he keeps curried and exercised like a prize poodle.”
His reputation was such that he even won the right to approve any commercial he was assigned to read, striving to keep dubious claims off the air.
“My loyalty was with the person tuning in,” he said. “It was expedient. If I lost my credibility, what use would I be to a client?”
He showed his principled side again in 1997, when he took a vacation day on “20/20″ rather than be part on a show that included an interview with Marv Albert after the sportscaster was caught in a lurid sexual assault scandal.
On Twitter Thursday, CBS News political correspondent Ed O’Keefe noted: “He retired from ‘20/20’ in 1999 and died at age 99 in the year 2020. Sweet symmetry. Rest easy, Hugh Downs. One of the best.”
Downs had a particular interest in science, once launching into a monologue on the Paar show on the science underlying water-skiing. It prompted Paar to quip, “Well, Hugh, when you drown, you’ll know the reason why.”
His interest in problems of the aging — he even earned a postgraduate degree in gerontology — was highlighted in his Public Broadcasting Service series “Over Easy” as well as many of his “20/20” pieces.
“We all suffer in our culture from the idea … that youth was the big thing,” he said.
“There has been kind of a loss of respect for older people, and we lose gleaning wisdom from older people. We lose the ability to see that impairment and decrepitude don’t necessarily go along with age.”
His work on “20/20″ also showed his adventurous spirit, such as the time he got to ride a killer whale, and another time he put on breathing apparatus to swim near a great white shark. There was a hazardous expedition to the South Pole in which one participant nearly fell to his death.
“I’m interested in science, the environment, medicine and certain personalities,” he said. “I just do the stories I want to do. I don’t want to be just the anchor.”
Downs began his work as Paar’s second banana in 1957, after a stint as host of NBC’s “The Home Show.”
In a highly publicized incident in February 1960, Paar stormed off the air in a dispute involving network cutting a Paar “water closet” (toilet) joke the censors disliked. Downs won praise for calmly telling the audience “I’d like to think this is not final” and keeping the live show running until signoff time.
Downs said later that he expected that Paar would at any minute return to the stage “with some punch line or something. He didn’t.” But Downs said he was eventually grateful for the boost the brouhaha gave his career.
Paar finally returned to the show a few weeks later.
Paar’s departure from “Tonight” in 1962 paved the way for Johnny Carson. Downs, meanwhile, began his nine-year run as host of the “Today” show. Walters was a “Today” colleague for part of that time. She admired Downs and praised his generosity and collegiality.
He expressed his views modestly in the 1995 book “The Box: An Oral History of Television, 1920-1961”: “In a way the less talent you have or deploy, the less chance you have of overexposure. That may be why I have been on network television more than anybody in the world.”
– – –
David Bauder is a reporter for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: This Jan. 12, 2012 file photo shows Hugh Downs at the “Today” show 60th anniversary celebration in New York. Downs, a genial and near-constant presence on television from the 1950s through the 1990s, has died. His family said Downs died of natural causes Wednesday, July 1, 2020, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 99. Downs was a host of the ‘Today’ show on NBC, worked on the ‘Tonight’ show when Jack Paar was in charge, and hosted the long-running game show “Concentration.” (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Steve Bannon Presents: Descent Into Hell

An all new LIVE STREAM of Descent Into Hell starts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday .
The two-hour special takes a closer look at the life of everyday Chinese citizens under the Chinese Communist Party and will air live on the John Fredericks Radio Network , America ’ s Voice Network , Dish TV Channel 219 , The Epoch Times , ND TV , GTV and GNews in Mandarin .
John Fredericks said , “ A longtime China hawk and global leader in the fight for freedom of the Chinese people , Mr. Bannon was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predict and call attention to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak .
This show will be groundbreaking in detailed strategy and the latest firsthand news from the world ’ s experts on the Chinese Communist Party.
” Previously , Bannon hosted a series of three , two-hour long special programs titled Descent into Hell : The Chinese People Confront the CCP .
The show ’ s broadcast partners are America ’ s Voice News , the John Fredericks Radio Network , Salem Media Group , and Newsmax TV and the podcast is available on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Google Play .
The former White House Chief Strategist began the daily War Room : Pandemic radio show and podcast on January 25 , when news of the virus was just beginning to leak out of China around the Lunar New Year .
Bannon and co-hosts bring listeners exclusive analysis and breaking updates from top medical , public health , economic , national security , supply chain and geopolitical experts weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET .
You can watch past episodes here .
For more information , visit www.pandemic.warroom.org @ @ @ @

An all new LIVE STREAM of Descent Into Hell starts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday.
The two-hour special takes a closer look at the life of everyday Chinese citizens under the Chinese Communist Party and will air live on the John Fredericks Radio Network, America’s Voice Network, Dish TV Channel 219, The Epoch Times, ND TV, GTV and GNews in Mandarin.
John Fredericks said, “A longtime China hawk and global leader in the fight for freedom of the Chinese people, Mr. Bannon was one of the first people in the world to accurately predict and call attention to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. This show will be groundbreaking in detailed strategy and the latest firsthand news from the world’s experts on the Chinese Communist Party.”
EP 264: 10:00 a.m.
EP 265:War Room Pandemic President Trump Remarks at Mt. Rushmore: 11:00 a.m.
Previously, Bannon hosted a series of three, two-hour long special programs titled Descent into Hell: The Chinese People Confront the CCP.
The show’s broadcast partners are America’s Voice News, the John Fredericks Radio Network, Salem Media Group, and Newsmax TV and the podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, and Google Play.
The former White House Chief Strategist began the daily War Room: Pandemic radio show and podcast on January 25, when news of the virus was just beginning to leak out of China around the Lunar New Year. Bannon and co-hosts bring listeners exclusive analysis and breaking updates from top medical, public health, economic, national security, supply chain and geopolitical experts weekdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET.
You can watch past episodes here.
For more information, visit www.pandemic.warroom.org and @WarRoomPandemic.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Michigan Sees 460 New Confirmed Coronanvirus Cases, Second-Highest Number Since June 1

Michigan saw 460 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus announced on Friday , the second-highest number of new cases since June 1 , according to analysis from BridgeMI .
The number follows Thursday ’ s 543 new cases , the highest number since June 1 .
The two-day total breaks the 1,000 confirmed cases mark .
Michigan currently has 64,675 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , with an additional 7,003 possible cases , according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
The death toll for the state is currently 5,966 .
The areas hit the hardest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Wayne , Oakland , Macomb and Kent counties , in that order .
Detroit currently has more than 11,600 confirmed cases and 1,445 deaths .
Wayne County , which is counted separately from Detroit , has more than 10,400 confirmed cases and 1,163 deaths .
Oakland County — the third hardest hit area — has a little more than 9,000 confirmed cases and 1,049 deaths .
They were followed by Macomb County with more than 7,000 confirmed cases and 882 deaths and Kent County with more than 4,700 confirmed cases and 133 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care facilities are also battling the virus , with more than 7,000 confirmed cases among residents .
Of these , 5,523 have recovered or are currently recovering , while 1,980 have died .
Whitmer moved Michigan to Phase 4 of her MI Safe Start plan at the beginning of June .
Under the plan , Phase 4 reopens retail , restaurants and bars , among others .
She also announced that schools would be reopening in the fall .
The increase in cases follows the eased lockdown restrictions and reopened bars , restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed bars again on Wednesday but said that restaurants and bar are now allowed to deliver alcohol directly to customers .
“ We owe it to our front line heroes who have sacrificed so much during this crisis to do everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the chance of a resurgence like we are seeing in other states , ” Whitmer said in a statement announcing the bar closures .
“ Following recent outbreaks tied to bars , I am taking this action today to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If we want to be in a strong position to reopen schools for in-person classroom instruction this fall , then we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don ’ t wipe out all the progress we have made.
” More than 51,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Michigan , according to the MDHHS .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]

Michigan saw 460 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus announced on Friday, the second-highest number of new cases since June 1, according to analysis from BridgeMI.
The number follows Thursday’s 543 new cases, the highest number since June 1. The two-day total breaks the 1,000 confirmed cases mark.
Michigan currently has 64,675 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with an additional 7,003 possible cases, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The death toll for the state is currently 5,966.
The areas hit the hardest include the City of Detroit, followed by Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Kent counties, in that order. Detroit currently has more than 11,600 confirmed cases and 1,445 deaths. Wayne County, which is counted separately from Detroit, has more than 10,400 confirmed cases and 1,163 deaths. Oakland County — the third hardest hit area — has a little more than 9,000 confirmed cases and 1,049 deaths.
They were followed by Macomb County with more than 7,000 confirmed cases and 882 deaths and Kent County with more than 4,700 confirmed cases and 133 deaths.
Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are also battling the virus, with more than 7,000 confirmed cases among residents. Of these, 5,523 have recovered or are currently recovering, while 1,980 have died.
Whitmer moved Michigan to Phase 4 of her MI Safe Start plan at the beginning of June. Under the plan, Phase 4 reopens retail, restaurants and bars, among others. She also announced that schools would be reopening in the fall.
The increase in cases follows the eased lockdown restrictions and reopened bars, restaurants and retail. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed bars again on Wednesday but said that restaurants and bar are now allowed to deliver alcohol directly to customers.
“We owe it to our front line heroes who have sacrificed so much during this crisis to do everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the chance of a resurgence like we are seeing in other states,” Whitmer said in a statement announcing the bar closures. “Following recent outbreaks tied to bars, I am taking this action today to slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe. If we want to be in a strong position to reopen schools for in-person classroom instruction this fall, then we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don’t wipe out all the progress we have made.”
More than 51,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Michigan, according to the MDHHS.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Walz Asks Federal Government to Help Twin Cities Rebuild from $500M Worth of Rioting Damage

Gov .
Tim Walz has requested federal financial assistance to help the Twin Cities recover from more than $ 500 million worth of damage caused by rioting .
In a press release , Walz ’ s office said nearly 1,500 Twin Cities businesses were vandalized , burned , or looted during the late May riots , with current estimates of the damage exceeding $ 500 million .
Walz asked President Donald Trump on Thursday to “ declare a major disaster for the State of Minnesota because of extensive fire damage to public infrastructure caused by civil unrest.
” Assistance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) would reimburse local governments for debris removal , emergency protective measures , and damage to public buildings , Walz ’ s office said .
“ We ’ re asking our federal partners to step up and help our communities recover , ” Walz said .
“ We need to come together to ensure Minnesotans who were victims of this destruction have access to critical infrastructure they need so they can go to the grocery store , pick up their medication , and live their lives .
Together , we will rebuild.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard since World War II , noting that more than 10,000 public safety officials were called to the scene .
“ We are committed to helping our communities rebuild , but we can ’ t do this on our own , ” said Lt. Gov .
Peggy Flanagan .
“ While state , tribal , and local budgets are stretched thin by COVID-19 , we need everyone to step up , including the federal government , to restore safety and critical infrastructure to our communities.
” Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that she intends to introduce a bill to create an “ Emergency Relief Fund ” specifically for “ communities trying to rebuild after social and civil rights crises.
” Omar , who represents the Minneapolis area in Congress , said the fund would allow cities and businesses harmed by civil unrest to apply for federal grants .
A local non-profit called Lake Street Council has now raised more than $ 7.5 million to support rebuilding efforts in Minneapolis .
At least 10 Minnesotans are facing various criminal charges in connection to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at police officers during the unrest .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Minnesota Riots ” by Lorie Shaull .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Gov. Tim Walz has requested federal financial assistance to help the Twin Cities recover from more than $500 million worth of damage caused by rioting.
In a press release, Walz’s office said nearly 1,500 Twin Cities businesses were vandalized, burned, or looted during the late May riots, with current estimates of the damage exceeding $500 million.
Walz asked President Donald Trump on Thursday to “declare a major disaster for the State of Minnesota because of extensive fire damage to public infrastructure caused by civil unrest.” Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would reimburse local governments for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and damage to public buildings, Walz’s office said.
“We’re asking our federal partners to step up and help our communities recover,” Walz said. “We need to come together to ensure Minnesotans who were victims of this destruction have access to critical infrastructure they need so they can go to the grocery store, pick up their medication, and live their lives. Together, we will rebuild.”
He said the riots marked the first full mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard since World War II, noting that more than 10,000 public safety officials were called to the scene.
“We are committed to helping our communities rebuild, but we can’t do this on our own,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “While state, tribal, and local budgets are stretched thin by COVID-19, we need everyone to step up, including the federal government, to restore safety and critical infrastructure to our communities.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) said last month that she intends to introduce a bill to create an “Emergency Relief Fund” specifically for “communities trying to rebuild after social and civil rights crises.” Omar, who represents the Minneapolis area in Congress, said the fund would allow cities and businesses harmed by civil unrest to apply for federal grants.
A local non-profit called Lake Street Council has now raised more than $7.5 million to support rebuilding efforts in Minneapolis.
At least 10 Minnesotans are facing various criminal charges in connection to the riots, including a St. Paul man who was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at police officers during the unrest.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Minnesota Riots” by Lorie Shaull. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Minnesota’s Betty McCollum Touts ‘Decade’ of Work to Change Washington Redskins Name

Rep. Betty McCollum ( D-MN-04 ) praised FedEx and Nike for their efforts to pressure the Washington Redskins into changing the team ’ s “ harmful ” name and mascot .
“ I have been working on this for almost a decade because I believe all people , including Native Americans , should be treated with dignity and respect – and not dehumanized as mascots , ” McCollum said in a statement .
FedEx , the official sponsor of the team ’ s stadium , formally asked the Washington Redskins Thursday night to change its name .
Nike then removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store .
The team announced Friday that it will conduct a “ thorough review ” of its name and mascot “ in light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community.
” “ This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni , the organization , sponsors , the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field , ” said Dan Snyder , owner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest developments are a “ tipping point ” in the movement to “ change the name of the Washington football team.
” “ Now that the corporate community is joining the movement and putting the dignity of people over profits , it is a true example of transformative change and signals that we are at a tipping point .
I commend Nike , FedEx , and others for taking action .
Now it is up to the NFL , Commissioner Roger Goodell , and team owner Dan Snyder to do the same .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
Snyder , however , said in a 2013 interview that he would “ never change the name.
” “ It ’ s that simple .
NEVER—you can use caps , ” he said .
In other interviews , Snyder has argued that the mascot connotes “ honor ” and “ respect.
” Native American groups held a protest outside U.S. Bank Stadium last year when the Minnesota Vikings hosted the Washington Redskins for Thursday Night Football .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Background Photo “ Washington Redskins ” by Keith Allison .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) praised FedEx and Nike for their efforts to pressure the Washington Redskins into changing the team’s “harmful” name and mascot.
“I have been working on this for almost a decade because I believe all people, including Native Americans, should be treated with dignity and respect – and not dehumanized as mascots,” McCollum said in a statement.
FedEx, the official sponsor of the team’s stadium, formally asked the Washington Redskins Thursday night to change its name. Nike then removed all official Redskins gear from its online store.
JUST IN: @FedEx has asked the Washington @Redskins to change its name. Here is the statement: “We have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name.“ — ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) July 2, 2020
The team announced Friday that it will conduct a “thorough review” of its name and mascot “in light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community.”
“This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field,” said Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins.
McCollum said the latest developments are a “tipping point” in the movement to “change the name of the Washington football team.”
“Now that the corporate community is joining the movement and putting the dignity of people over profits, it is a true example of transformative change and signals that we are at a tipping point. I commend Nike, FedEx, and others for taking action. Now it is up to the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell, and team owner Dan Snyder to do the same. Change the mascot. Change the name,” she said.
Snyder, however, said in a 2013 interview that he would “never change the name.”
“It’s that simple. NEVER—you can use caps,” he said. In other interviews, Snyder has argued that the mascot connotes “honor” and “respect.”
Native American groups held a protest outside U.S. Bank Stadium last year when the Minnesota Vikings hosted the Washington Redskins for Thursday Night Football.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Background Photo “Washington Redskins” by Keith Allison. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Gov. DeWine Unveils New Guidelines for Schools Reopening in the Fall

Gov .
Mike DeWine announced Thursday new guidelines schools will follow when they open up again in the fall .
According to the guidelines , schools will have to assess symptoms , wash and sanitize hands to prevent spread , thoroughly clean and sanitize the school environment to limit spread on shared surfaces , practice social distancing , and implement a face coverings policy .
“ We know that each school system , and perhaps each school building , will likely look different in the fall .
We also know that Ohio has a long history of local control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools best , ” DeWine said .
“ Working together and consulting with educators and other health officials , we have developed a set of guidelines , backed by science , that each school should follow when developing their reopening plans.
” DeWine said school staff members must wear face coverings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus .
The only time staff members don ’ t have to wear face coverings is if it impacts the learning process .
Also , DeWine recommends students in 3rd grade and up wear face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to work with the Ohio General Assembly to make sure that CARES Act money can help school districts that experience unanticipated costs with these new policies .
To help schools implement these changes , the Ohio Department of Education has created a document designed to help “ teachers , principals , and administrators with solutions to safety challenges , ” according to DeWine ’ s press release .
This document specifies specific resources and information for “ community decision-makers as they contemplate how to reopen safely.
” These guidelines were made with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parents , the Ohio Federation of Teachers , Ohio Education Association , Ohio Association of Public School Employees , Buckeye Association of School Administrators , Ohio School Boards Association , Ohio Association of School Business Officials , Alliance for High Quality Education , and Ohio Association of Career Tech Education .
Ohio ’ s return to school plan comes on the heels of the American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) , which is an organization that represents 67,000 pediatricians , recommending last week that children return to school this fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ adolescent development and well-being and provide our children and adolescents with academic instruction , social and emotional skills , safety , reliable nutrition , physical/speech and mental health therapy , and opportunities for physical activity , among other benefits , ” the AAP recommendations say .
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday new guidelines schools will follow when they open up again in the fall.
According to the guidelines, schools will have to assess symptoms, wash and sanitize hands to prevent spread, thoroughly clean and sanitize the school environment to limit spread on shared surfaces, practice social distancing, and implement a face coverings policy.
“We know that each school system, and perhaps each school building, will likely look different in the fall. We also know that Ohio has a long history of local control and that school administrators and teachers know their schools best,” DeWine said. “Working together and consulting with educators and other health officials, we have developed a set of guidelines, backed by science, that each school should follow when developing their reopening plans.”
DeWine said school staff members must wear face coverings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The only time staff members don’t have to wear face coverings is if it impacts the learning process. Also, DeWine recommends students in 3rd grade and up wear face coverings.
The governor also said he is going to work with the Ohio General Assembly to make sure that CARES Act money can help school districts that experience unanticipated costs with these new policies.
To help schools implement these changes, the Ohio Department of Education has created a document designed to help “teachers, principals, and administrators with solutions to safety challenges,” according to DeWine’s press release. This document specifies specific resources and information for “community decision-makers as they contemplate how to reopen safely.”
These guidelines were made with the input of school superintendents, teachers, parents, the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Ohio Education Association, Ohio Association of Public School Employees, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio Association of School Business Officials, Alliance for High Quality Education, and Ohio Association of Career Tech Education.
Ohio’s return to school plan comes on the heels of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which is an organization that represents 67,000 pediatricians, recommending last week that children return to school this fall.
“Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being and provide our children and adolescents with academic instruction, social and emotional skills, safety, reliable nutrition, physical/speech and mental health therapy, and opportunities for physical activity, among other benefits,” the AAP recommendations say.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected] Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--Trans Women Will Help Oversee Nashville Police If Community Oversight Board Gets its Way

Trans women of color and formerly incarcerated individuals in Nashville , among other groups , must help city officials monitor members of the Metro Nashville Police Department , said members of the city ’ s Community Oversight Board .
COB members said this in a letter they sent to Mayor John Cooper this week .
Cooper invited members of the COB to serve on a Use of Force Committee .
COB members accepted .
Members of the COB said they “ strongly recommend ” that the following groups of people , among others , participate : • LGBTQ ( with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color ) “ We strongly believe the addition of these community groups is indispensable to the success of this Committee and will be of great value to the team .
We also feel it necessary to note the importance of ensuring that Committee members are not currently seated elected officials , ” COB members told Cooper .
“ For the Community Oversight Board to be fully engaged in this committee there must be intentional space for the voice of the community to be heard both before and during the course of the scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this Committee should offer a clear understanding of when each recommendation will take effect ( no longer than 30 days without special exception ) so that the success of these goals are both expected and measured.
” As The Tennessee Star reported last month , COB members plan to help city officials find Nashville ’ s next police chief .
Chief Steve Anderson will retire in likely six months ’ time .
This , as reported , after left-wing activists and Metro Council members pushed for either Anderson to resign or for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Anderson would not meet with COB members , and that caused friction .
Nashville Fraternal Order of Police ( FOP ) members have long said they have serious constitutional concerns about the board .
FOP members have even said the board is “ set up for some means of retaliation and retribution for a problem that doesn ’ t exist.
” As The Star reported in April , COB members demanded that police officers stop asking people about their immigration and citizenship status .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

Trans women of color and formerly incarcerated individuals in Nashville, among other groups, must help city officials monitor members of the Metro Nashville Police Department, said members of the city’s Community Oversight Board.
COB members said this in a letter they sent to Mayor John Cooper this week. Cooper invited members of the COB to serve on a Use of Force Committee. COB members accepted.
Members of the COB said they “strongly recommend” that the following groups of people, among others, participate:
• Immigrants
• Homeless people
• LGBTQ (with a specific focus on Trans women of color)
• Senior citizens
• Faith leaders
• Formerly incarcerated individuals
• Racially-diverse Nashville natives.
“We strongly believe the addition of these community groups is indispensable to the success of this Committee and will be of great value to the team. We also feel it necessary to note the importance of ensuring that Committee members are not currently seated elected officials,” COB members told Cooper.
“For the Community Oversight Board to be fully engaged in this committee there must be intentional space for the voice of the community to be heard both before and during the course of the scheduled meetings of the committee. The recommendations of this Committee should offer a clear understanding of when each recommendation will take effect (no longer than 30 days without special exception) so that the success of these goals are both expected and measured.”
As The Tennessee Star reported last month, COB members plan to help city officials find Nashville’s next police chief. Chief Steve Anderson will retire in likely six months’ time. This, as reported, after left-wing activists and Metro Council members pushed for either Anderson to resign or for Cooper to fire him.
As reported, Anderson would not meet with COB members, and that caused friction. Nashville Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) members have long said they have serious constitutional concerns about the board. FOP members have even said the board is “set up for some means of retaliation and retribution for a problem that doesn’t exist.”
As The Star reported in April, COB members demanded that police officers stop asking people about their immigration and citizenship status.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-07-04--As Americans Gather at Rushmore to Hear Trump, Protesters Set Roadblocks

KEYSTONE , South Dakota ( AP ) — President Donald Trump is planning a fiery Mount Rushmore speech Friday night including denunciations of protesters he says are trying to “ tear down ” the nation ’ s history .
He ’ s adding the condemnation of those who pull down statues to a big fireworks show and his more traditional July Fourth praise of America ’ s past and values .
But hours before the event , protesters blocked a road leading to the monument .
Authorities worked to move the demonstrators , mostly Native Americans protesting that South Dakota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lakota people against treaty agreements .
One group parked three vans across the road and took the tires from two of them to make it more difficult to remove them .
Several demonstrators climbed on top of the vans chanting “ Land back !
” Police warned the protesters to disperse but didn ’ t take any immediate action against them .
The sheriff ’ s office said attendees had been told to arrive early so should have been past the roadblock .
The president has spoken forcefully against other protesters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have tried to topple Confederate monuments and statues honoring those who have benefited from slavery , planned to target “ the left wing mob and those practicing cancel culture , ” said a person familiar with his remarks and describing them only on condition of anonymity .
The president was to preside over a fireworks display at an event expected to draw thousands , even as coronavirus cases spike across the country .
Trump was expecting a South Dakota show of support , with the state Republican Party selling T-shirts that feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Thomas Jefferson , Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln .
But concern about the coronavirus risk and wildfire danger from the fireworks , along with the Native American groups ’ protests were also present .
Republican Gov .
Kristi Noem , a Trump ally , has said social distancing won ’ t be required during the event and masks will be optional .
Event organizers were to provide masks to anyone who wanted them and planned to screen attendees for symptoms of COVID-19 .
The Republican mayor of the largest city near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be watching for an increase in cases after the event , the Rapid City Journal reported .
Enthusiastic attendees were unlikely to disqualify themselves “ because they developed a cough the day of or the day before , ” Mayor Steve Allender said .
The small town of Keystone , which lies a couple of miles from the monument , was buzzing with people Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks and the president .
Many wore pro-Trump T-shirts and hats .
Few wore masks .
“ This is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Julys that I talk about , ” said Mike Stewhr , who brought his family from Nebraska .
Mike Harris of Rapid City said he was a Republican but wore a mask and waved an anti-Trump flag .
He also was sporting a handgun on each hip .
He said he was worried the event would spark a COVID-19 outbreak .
“ I think it ’ s a bad example being set by our president and our governor , ” Harris said .
Robin Pladsen , director of the Keystone Chamber of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand sanitizer from a tent .
She said the tourist influx would help businesses pay back loans they had taken out to survive the economic downtown but acknowledged the health risk for the town .
Leaders of several Native American tribes in the region also raised concerns that the event could lead to virus outbreaks among their members , who they say are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of an underfunded health care system and chronic health conditions .
“ The president is putting our tribal members at risk to stage a photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites , ” said Harold Frazier , chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe .
Some Native American groups used Trump ’ s visit to protest the Mount Rushmore memorial itself , pointing out that the Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people .
More than 100 protesters , many Lakota , lined the road leading from Keystone to the monument holding signs and playing Lakota music in 95-degree heat .
Some held their fists in the air as cars loaded with event attendees passed by .
Others held signs that read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” “ You Are On Stolen Land ” and “ Dismantle White Supremacy.
” “ The president needs to open his eyes .
We ’ re people , too , and it was our land first , ” said Hehakaho Waste , a spiritual elder with the Oglala Sioux tribe .
Security for the event itself was tight .
The governor ’ s spokesperson , Maggie Seidel , would not say whether the South Dakota National Guard was being deployed , but said organizers are making sure it is a safe event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger at the national memorial have said setting off fireworks over the forest was a bad idea that could lead to a large wildfire .
Fireworks were called off after 2009 because a mountain pine beetle infestation increased the fire risks .
Noem pushed to get the fireworks resumed soon after she was elected , and enlisted Trump ’ s help .
The president brushed aside fire concerns earlier this year , saying , “ What can burn ?
It ’ s stone.
” Trump made no mention of the fire danger in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it many years ago , and for some reason they were unable or unallowed to do it , ” he said .
“ They just weren ’ t allowed to do it , and I opened it up and we ’ re going to have a tremendous July 3 and then we ’ re coming back here , celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington , D.C. ” Trump has presided over a several large-crowd events — in Tulsa , Oklahoma , and at an Arizona megachurch — even as health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks and social distancing .
He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from D.C. ’ s mayor .
Trump and first lady Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse .
Stephen Groves and Darlene Superville are reporters for The Associated Press .
AP writers Jill Colvin in Washington and Todd Richmond in Madison , Wisconsin , contributed to this article .
About the Headline Photo : Law enforcement officers meet Thursday , July 2 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thief Lake where traffic trying to enter the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , S.D.
, will be stopped and screened .
Ticket holders to the fireworks display Friday at Mount Rushmore will be allowed to continue along Highway 244 .
Those without tickets will be told to turn around .
President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Mount Rushmore on Friday .
( Jeff Easton/Rapid City Journal via AP )

KEYSTONE, South Dakota (AP) — President Donald Trump is planning a fiery Mount Rushmore speech Friday night including denunciations of protesters he says are trying to “tear down” the nation’s history. He’s adding the condemnation of those who pull down statues to a big fireworks show and his more traditional July Fourth praise of America’s past and values.
But hours before the event, protesters blocked a road leading to the monument. Authorities worked to move the demonstrators, mostly Native Americans protesting that South Dakota’s Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people against treaty agreements.
One group parked three vans across the road and took the tires from two of them to make it more difficult to remove them. Several demonstrators climbed on top of the vans chanting “Land back!” Police warned the protesters to disperse but didn’t take any immediate action against them.
The sheriff’s office said attendees had been told to arrive early so should have been past the roadblock.
The president has spoken forcefully against other protesters in Washington, D.C., and other cities who have tried to topple Confederate monuments and statues honoring those who have benefited from slavery, planned to target “the left wing mob and those practicing cancel culture,” said a person familiar with his remarks and describing them only on condition of anonymity.
The president was to preside over a fireworks display at an event expected to draw thousands, even as coronavirus cases spike across the country.
Trump was expecting a South Dakota show of support, with the state Republican Party selling T-shirts that feature Trump on the memorial alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. But concern about the coronavirus risk and wildfire danger from the fireworks, along with the Native American groups’ protests were also present.
Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, a Trump ally, has said social distancing won’t be required during the event and masks will be optional. Event organizers were to provide masks to anyone who wanted them and planned to screen attendees for symptoms of COVID-19.
The Republican mayor of the largest city near the monument, Rapid City, said he would be watching for an increase in cases after the event, the Rapid City Journal reported.
Enthusiastic attendees were unlikely to disqualify themselves “because they developed a cough the day of or the day before,” Mayor Steve Allender said.
The small town of Keystone, which lies a couple of miles from the monument, was buzzing with people Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks and the president. Many wore pro-Trump T-shirts and hats. Few wore masks.
“This is going to rank up in the top Fourth of Julys that I talk about,” said Mike Stewhr, who brought his family from Nebraska.
Mike Harris of Rapid City said he was a Republican but wore a mask and waved an anti-Trump flag. He also was sporting a handgun on each hip. He said he was worried the event would spark a COVID-19 outbreak.
“I think it’s a bad example being set by our president and our governor,” Harris said.
Robin Pladsen, director of the Keystone Chamber of Commerce, handed out face masks and hand sanitizer from a tent. She said the tourist influx would help businesses pay back loans they had taken out to survive the economic downtown but acknowledged the health risk for the town.
Leaders of several Native American tribes in the region also raised concerns that the event could lead to virus outbreaks among their members, who they say are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of an underfunded health care system and chronic health conditions.
“The president is putting our tribal members at risk to stage a photo op at one of our most sacred sites,” said Harold Frazier, chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Some Native American groups used Trump’s visit to protest the Mount Rushmore memorial itself, pointing out that the Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people.
More than 100 protesters, many Lakota, lined the road leading from Keystone to the monument holding signs and playing Lakota music in 95-degree heat. Some held their fists in the air as cars loaded with event attendees passed by. Others held signs that read “Protect SoDak’s First People,” “You Are On Stolen Land” and “Dismantle White Supremacy.”
“The president needs to open his eyes. We’re people, too, and it was our land first,” said Hehakaho Waste, a spiritual elder with the Oglala Sioux tribe.
Security for the event itself was tight. The governor’s spokesperson, Maggie Seidel, would not say whether the South Dakota National Guard was being deployed, but said organizers are making sure it is a safe event.
Several people who once oversaw fire danger at the national memorial have said setting off fireworks over the forest was a bad idea that could lead to a large wildfire. Fireworks were called off after 2009 because a mountain pine beetle infestation increased the fire risks.
Noem pushed to get the fireworks resumed soon after she was elected, and enlisted Trump’s help. The president brushed aside fire concerns earlier this year, saying, “What can burn? It’s stone.”
Trump made no mention of the fire danger in fresh comments Thursday.
“They used to do it many years ago, and for some reason they were unable or unallowed to do it,” he said. “They just weren’t allowed to do it, and I opened it up and we’re going to have a tremendous July 3 and then we’re coming back here, celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C.”
Trump has presided over a several large-crowd events — in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and at an Arizona megachurch — even as health officials warn against large gatherings and recommend face masks and social distancing. He plans a July Fourth celebration on the National Mall in Washington despite health concerns from D.C.’s mayor. Trump and first lady Melania Trump plan to host events from the White House South Lawn and from the Ellipse.
– – –
Stephen Groves and Darlene Superville are reporters for The Associated Press. AP writers Jill Colvin in Washington and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed to this article.
About the Headline Photo: Law enforcement officers meet Thursday, July 2, 2020, at the site near Horse Thief Lake where traffic trying to enter the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, S.D., will be stopped and screened. Ticket holders to the fireworks display Friday at Mount Rushmore will be allowed to continue along Highway 244. Those without tickets will be told to turn around. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Mount Rushmore on Friday. (Jeff Easton/Rapid City Journal via AP)