thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--FBI Senior Officials Accused of Sexual Misconduct in at Least 6 Instances, AP Investigation Reveals

Several high-ranking male FBI officials were accused of sexual misconduct against employees , an Associated Press reported Wednesday .
At least six allegations of sexual misconduct , including assault , over the last five years have been levied against senior FBI officials , the AP investigation found .
The officials at least appear to have dodged discipline , the AP reported .
“ They ’ re sweeping it under the rug , ” a former FBI analyst who asked to only be identified by her first name , Becky , said .
She said she was licked on the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 , the AP reported .
Becky said she was threatened by the same man at least twice before and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after leaving the FBI .
“ As the premier law enforcement organization that the FBI holds itself out to be , it ’ s very disheartening when they allow people they know are criminals to retire and pursue careers in law enforcement-related fields , ” the former analyst said , the AP reported .
Several of the officials were transferred or retired , with their pensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims , according to the AP .
Federal law enforcement officials who are disciplined typically don ’ t see an impact in their professional life since they are granted anonymity .
Advocacy groups and Congress have pushed for protections for employees who report misconduct and suggested that an outside agency should review the disciplinary cases , the AP reported .
“ They need a # MeToo moment , ” Democratic California Rep. Jackie Speier said , according to the AP .
“ It doesn ’ t surprise me that , in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still in the Dark Ages.
” The FBI “ maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment ” and claims have resulted in supervisors being removed from positions , the bureau said in a statement , according to the AP .
Severe cases may result in criminal charges , and investigations include “ the credibility of the allegations , the severity of the conduct , and the rank and position of the individuals involved , ” the statement said .
Meanwhile , 17 women in a federal lawsuit are claiming systemic sexual harassment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Virginia , the AP reported .
An anonymous , female former FBI employee said in the lawsuit that a special agent in charge “ imprisoned , tortured , harassed , blackmailed , stalked and manipulated ” her into multiple “ non-consensual sexual encounters ” and never faced disciplinary action before retiring in 2016 , the AP reported .
Another woman told federal investigators that the former assistant director of the Insider Threat Office , Roger Stanton , drunkenly drove a female employee home , then groped her in her apartment building ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general report obtained by the AP .
And James Hendricks , the former special agent in charge of the office in Albany , New York , sexually harassed eight FBI subordinates , according to the IG , the AP reported .
Hendricks was not named in the IG report , but was later identified by a local newspaper and confirmed by the AP .
The AP noted that its investigation did not cover FBI officials who didn ’ t report romantic relationships with subordinates .
Kaylee Greenlee is a reporter for the Daily @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Barr Learned of Hunter Biden Investigation Months Ago, But Managed to Keep It Secret: Report

Attorney General William Barr knew months ago about investigations into Hunter Biden ’ s business dealings , but kept the information from spilling into public view even as President Donald Trump publicly called for investigations into the son of the president-elect .
According to The Wall Street Journal , Barr was briefed before the spring about investigations into Biden , which Biden revealed in a statement on Wednesday issued through his father ’ s presidential transition team .
Biden said that prosecutors with the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Delaware had contacted his attorney regarding an investigation into his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the investigation told the Daily Caller News Foundation that it began in 2018 , and that the U.S. attorneys ’ contact with Biden ’ s lawyers signals that the investigation has moved from a “ covert ” to an “ overt ” stage .
Other reports suggest that Biden is also a target or subject of money laundering investigations .
CNN reported that the investigations are scrutinizing Biden ’ s business deals with CEFC China Energy , a major Chinese energy conglomerate that paid Biden approximately $ 6 million in 2017 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the probe has already rankled President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress , who have publicly called for Barr to investigate Hunter Biden ’ s business dealings .
According to The Journal , Barr took steps to avoid providing information to Republican members of Congress about the investigations .
“ Congressional Republicans are furious that Barr never told us the news , even in confidence , ” a source who works on Capitol Hill told the DCNF .
Trump took a thinly veiled shot at the Justice Department on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr ’ s statement earlier this month that the Justice Department had not seen enough evidence of voter fraud to overturn the results of the election .
Trump has also criticized Barr over the lack of developments in an investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe that did not produce results before the election .
Barr tapped the prosecutor leading that investigation , John Durham , to serve as special counsel on Oct. 19 .
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Chuck Ross is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Background Photo “ Department of Justice Building ” by Another Believer .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .

A dozen individuals have been charged in a gun-running conspiracy that funneled firearms from Tennessee and Kentucky to Chicago, according to a release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In total, the 12 individuals are facing a 21-count indictment with charges for dealing in firearms without a license, transporting and receiving firearms into another state, making false statements to a federally licensed firearm dealer, and multiple other offenses.
Three of the alleged members of the gun pipeline were enlisted members of the U.S. Army and were stationed at Fort Campbell in Clarksville.
Demarcus Adams, Brandon Miller, and Jarius Brunson, along with other individuals charged in the indictment, allegedly purchased legal firearms from dealers in the area. After securing the guns, the DOJ contends the group would deliver the firearms to individuals in Chicago.
Law enforcement officials also claim the scheme was connected to gang violence in Chicago, saying that “the defendants conspired to purchase and deliver over 90 illegally obtained firearms to the Chicago area to facilitate the ongoing violent disputes between the Pocket Town Gangster Disciples and their rival gangs.”
Authorities detailed that at least two deaths were connected to firearms distributed in the movement from Tennessee to the Chicago area.
In addition to Clarksville, the organized crime circle operated in Oak Grove, Kentucky:
“The indictment further alleges the methods used by co-conspirators to purchase firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in the Clarksville, Tenn. and Oak Grove, Kentucky areas, which included communicating via text messages to coordinate the purchase and delivery of firearms to the Chicago area; providing false information on firearms purchase application forms; and using apps such as Zelle and CashApp to facilitate payment for the illegal transfer of firearms. On one occasion, the indictment alleges that in addition to several firearms available for sale, Brandon Miller had 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition available for purchase,” the release from the DOJ details.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Justice Department Announces Superseding Indictment Charging 12 in Gun-Running Conspiracy to Supply” by The Justice Department.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act Attorney Jim Roberts Optimistic with Revised Petition and Ready fo

Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act Attorney Jim Roberts Optimistic with Revised Petition and Ready for Court in Spring 2021

Live from Music Row Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed Nashville attorney Jim Roberts to the newsmakers line .
During the third hour , Roberts explained how he is circling back to the Chancery Court with a revised petition aided by Vanderbilt professors to ensure its wording is indisputable and meets the judge ’ s new requirements .
He added that he ’ s looking at getting 60,000 signatures on the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes of setting a mid-April 2021 election date .
Leahy : We are joined on our newsmaker line by our good friend attorney Jim Roberts .
The man who put together the Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act and has gone through a lot of legal proceedings to get a petition up to repeal the 34 percent property tax here that was struck down I suppose that at first level of the courts .
But you ’ re at it again .
Jim , welcome , and tell us where things stand at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you .
The lawsuit is not over .
But knowing how long the judicial system takes and knowing that Metro would stall and delay we decided to fall back and do another petition and we are in the process .
We have finalized it .
We ’ ve got a couple of the Vanderbilt law professor ’ s reviewing it and a few other lawyers .
And just trying to make sure it ’ s perfect .
And as soon as we get through these holidays it ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household in Nashville or Davidson County .
Carmichael : So it ’ ll hit the mailbox has somewhere between the New Year ’ s and when people have to pay the much higher property taxes that they owe .
Roberts : That ’ s right .
That ’ s right .
We ’ re hoping to mail about the last day of December it it ’ ll get there right after New Year ’ s .
So when people are starting the new year out , they ’ re going to think the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be to repeal this 34 percent tax increase .
Carmichael : How many signatures do you have to have for this ?
Roberts : We ’ re going to have about 33,000 which sounds like a lot but with not a whole lot of effort .
We gathered over 27,000 signatures last time .
And we just have to do a little extra effort this time .
Carmichael : And how many do you want to get so that you know that you ’ ve got plenty of margin ?
Roberts : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be honest with you .
I want to send a real message to the mayor that the taxpayers don ’ t think this is funny .
They don ’ t think it ’ s appropriate and they don ’ t think that the legal shenanigans that the Metro Department of Law are appropriate .
People should have gotten a chance to vote on this .
They were so desperate to keep this off the ballot that they were willing to do anything to stop it .
Carmichael : Well , that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main point that the voters should have a right to vote on something like this .
If my memory serves me correct when Mayor Cooper was candidate Cooper , he opposed a property tax increase .
And so if you ’ re going to flip then you ought to let the voters decide and you ought to make a case to the voters on something this big .
That ’ s how a democratically run city should operate .
So I ’ m very hopeful that you ’ ll get your 60,000 signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been determined .
Is that correct ?
Roberts : We are within a comma or maybe a word here or there .
We ’ re taking the input .
I mean the court added on a lot of requirements that didn ’ t exist in the law and said we didn ’ t comply with them because they didn ’ t exist .
So we ’ re trying to go through her order and say alright , what does the judge say we have to do ?
And we ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure we ’ ve done everything the judge said .
And sometimes that means changing a word here or making sure it ’ s almost redundant because Metro is going to claim every word is confusing and nobody knows what any word means because that ’ s their dishonest argument .
So we ’ re trying to be extra double careful .
Carmichael : Good , good .
I think that ’ s very very wise .
Leahy : Now if you start collecting signatures in early January , how long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 60,000 ?
Roberts : How long will it take ?
We don ’ t think more than about three weeks to be honest with you .
Carmichael : Okay .
So then if you reach your goal and you turn all of your signatures in by the end of January will the petition have an election date ?
Roberts : Absolutely .
With Metro Charter , it has to be 80 days after they turned in and that puts us at about mid-April .
And so we ’ re going to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s when we ’ ll tee it up .
It will probably be April 15 or 24 .
Roberts : Well you know we are aiming for that .
we had to wait till after the Christmas holidays .
It ’ s all a little close to the holidays .
You know people just have a lot of other things on their minds .
But you know made people are still really mad about this and they should be .
The citizens should be furious .
And it ’ s hard even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lengths that Metro met went to keep you from voting on it .
Leahy : Let ’ s continue that theme .
Jim let ’ s continue that theme .
So we are at the end of January , you submit these 60,000 signatures which are well over the number that you need .
Then it goes to the election division that gives it to the Metro Clerk .
At what point then do the minions in the legal department of Metro Nashville start suing in Chancery Court again ?
Roberts : Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think they will because again , they ’ re desperate .
They will probably file suit immediately .
Last time they stalled and delayed .
If you remember , they voted to sue but then did nothing .
And so I eventually sued them with what ’ s called a mandamus to force them .
And then they sort of responded .
So it was pretty clear to me that they had no intention of doing anything except just stalling and delaying .
They ’ ll still take that same tactic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have to tie this up .
This is a power grab for money .
They don ’ t want to give this money back .
They don ’ t want to be held accountable for this money .
They ’ re going to pull this out .
And they ’ ve already probably spent half as much money as an election would cost just fighting this .
Carmichael : Now you ’ re not asking them to give money back .
You are not asking them to refund this tax increase .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be asking to repeal it going forward .
Is that correct ?
Roberts : That ’ s correct .
The judge did rule that we could not retroactively lower the tax rate .
That ’ s not really Tennessee law , but it ’ s certainly the law of the Davidson County Chancery Court .
So instead of fighting that upon appeal we just said okay fine .
You got away with one year , but next year you ’ re going to take it back to 2019 .
Because that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We don ’ t have an ongoing tax rate .
Every year it ’ s a brand new tax rate .
They start from scratch .
And so in 2021 , they ’ re going to start at the 2019 rate and that ’ s all we ’ re going to give them .
And they ’ re going to get to keep their 34 percent for one year .
And they can use that for their COVID problems .
But starting next year they ’ re going back .
So we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it and put some fiscal responsibility on them .
Leahy : So this petition that you put forward and the referendum will address all of the problems that the Chancery Court Judge identified the first time .
And you expect the minions in the Metro legal department to file challenges again .
It will go again to Chancery Court .
Is there any chance that Chancery Court with all the changes you ’ ve made will side once again with Metro legal ?
Roberts : Well there ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court .
The last time part of the problem I ran into was the election commission itself who didn ’ t really know what to do .
This time it ’ s going to be very easy for the election commission to say look , they ’ ve done everything we told them to do .
So it will really be this time the Metro Government fighting this one on the Election Commission and the citizen .
So it ’ ll be two on one .
But it will be us against Metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve done everything .
The first petition met the legal requirements as they stood at the time .
We ’ re now having to deal with added requirements and we ’ re going to follow those added requirements .
We ’ ll litigate those up on a deal later .
But that ’ s not what we ’ re worried about right at the moment .
Leahy : That makes sense .
I would say at the outset that the odds that they would win when they challenge again are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Carmichael : Well what Jim ’ s group is doing , and he ’ s getting expert legal opinion in addition to his own , is to make sure that the language in his petition meets the requirements .
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 online at iHeart Radio .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Crom Carmichael Questions Why the Media Is Now Reporting on the Alleged Wrong Doings of Hunter and t

Crom Carmichael Questions Why the Media Is Now Reporting on the Alleged Wrong Doings of Hunter and the Biden Crime Family

Live from Music Row Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio .
During the second hour , Carmichael questioned why the mainstream media has only now decided to bring attention to Hunter Biden ’ s alleged illegal business dealings which potentially included his father Vice-President Joe Biden , and uncle .
He later added that it seemed plausible that Hunter was used and abused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launder money from foreign actors into the U.S. Leahy : A great question by Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri .
We were reporting it at the Tennessee Star in early October and all these details , nobody in the mainstream media was reporting it .
Carmichael : Well , here ae the things that we know to be true .
We know that Hunter Biden received three and half-million dollars from the wife of the mayor of Moscow .
We know from Tony Bobulinski that he received five million dollars at least from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party .
And we also know about his deal in Ukraine .
And there are bound to be others .
Leahy : Crooked , crooked , crooked is what it says to me .
Carmichael : And then we also now know is that James , you know , Jimmy .
We need to come up with a Jimmy the something .
( Leahy laughs ) Carmichael : That would be good .
Well , Joe Biden , we ’ ll call him Don Biden .
Leahy : Joey , if you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the theme from The Godfather .
Carmichael : Don Biden has for years run essentially an organized crime family through his various political offices .
And so now the question is why is this all coming up now ?
And so now the question is why is all this coming up now ?
The Biden ’ s claimed that they only learned about the investigation two days ago .
That ’ s just as silly as Eric Swalwell ’ s claim that the Russian ’ s are the ones who are providing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have is you now have a perspective President of the United States who we now know is open to be blackmailed by any number of foreign governments that gave him money .
But this particular tax issue here ’ s what ’ s interesting .
And now we ’ re getting into the area of evidence and predicting .
But not knowing .
And that is this .
We do have emails showing the three and a half million dollars from the mayor ’ s wife that got into the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know it existed and we know it existed in the United States .
Now if that money ended up in Hunter Biden ’ s pockets or the Biden family ’ s pockets and they didn ’ t declare income taxes on it , this is what brought down Al Capone .
Al Capone didn ’ t go to prison for all the crimes he committed .
He went to prison because he failed to pay income taxes on the income that he made from all the crimes .
And so if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government finds that you did have income that did was not declared , and I believe that the percentage where you get into real trouble is if you did not declare more than 25 percent of your income , then that constitutes tax fraud .
I ’ m not sure about that .
We have to ask a tax attorney .
But there is some percentage that if you don ’ t declare any percentage of that or above that you can ’ t claim I just screwed up and missed something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , then you ’ re then unless you ’ re Leona Helmsley , if you ’ re lower than that , typically they just charge you an amount of money plus interest plus penalties which are pretty extensive .
So that ’ s what they would do .
But in this case , they ’ re investigating tax fraud which means undeclared income .
Now during the campaign , if you recall , Hunter Biden was declaring before the courts of Arkansas that he didn ’ t have any money and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child support for his love child that he had with a stripper from Arkansas .
And he had that child and then he denied it .
But the DNA proved that he was the father .
So he was pleading that he didn ’ t have any money .
But then all of a sudden we get a report that Hunter had about $ 500,000 .
dollars in back taxes and it was miraculously paid for within 24 hours .
Leahy : All that to me , when I hear that evidence it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Biden ’ s got all this money coming in why doesn ’ t he have enough money to pay his bills ?
Carmichael : Well , yes to pay his bills .
He also might be living a very very high lifestyle .
Leahy : That is also true .
Carmichael : He might be gambling you can you know , you can gamble away any amount of money .
There are a lot of ways to spend money and in ways that are not responsible .
His wife who is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasted all their money on drugs and girlfriends .
Carmichael : Yeah .
Drugs and women and gambling and then he wasted the rest .
( Chuckles ) Leahy : And I haven ’ t seen the gambling claim with him , but it wouldn ’ t surprise me .
( Laughs ) I ’ m just saying I think that ’ s bound to be in there too just because of the nature of the behavior .
Carmichael : Yes , all these things .
Carmichael : Yes it is and tragic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
I ’ m absolutely convinced of that because his father abused him and used him in order to make money so that Joe Biden , The Godfather of the family could live however he wanted to .
Leahy : It leads you to believe that his role was basically to get the money in and to give it a Daddy-o or wherever else and then just get a little cut of it .
Carmichael : And give it to Jimmy Biden .
Jimmy the Sneak .
Carmichael : And so then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out now ?
Leahy : I can ’ t tell you that but I can speculate .
That ’ s all we can do is speculate because this has been around for two years .
Leahy : Because it ’ s the day after the Safe Harbor day for the selection of presidential electors according to the statute .
Carmichael : Let me change the question .
Why is it coming out at all ?
Why is the media now acknowledging that it ’ s true when they ’ ve known it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Leahy : They want to get it out now before he ’ s inaugurated .
They want to get all that bad stuff out but spin it their own way .
Carmichael : Could be there to me that there are forces that want Biden out of office .
Carmichael : As soon as possible .
And they haven ’ t even gotten the electors yet .
Leahy : Did you hear Joe Biden yesterday say he ’ s proud of his son ?
Carmichael : Well he is .
Hell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , I ’ d say I was proud of him too .
Carmichael : Yeah , we need to always throw that word in .
Listen to the full second 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 online at iHeart Radio .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Crom Carmichael Outlines the Existential Threat of the Chinese Communist Party to America and Its Cu

Crom Carmichael Outlines the Existential Threat of the Chinese Communist Party to America and Its Culture

Live from Music Row Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio .
During the second hour , Carmichael defined and outlined what he called the four levels of thinking that the United States has with other countries while explaining how China has continuously lobbied between being our adversary and our enemy .
Through permeating our culture by way of media , Hollywood , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become an existential threat to America without firing one shot .
Leahy : It is Friday , December the 11 .
Two weeks before Christmas .
In the studio with us The original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael .
Good morning Crom .
Carmichael : Michael , how are you , sir ?
Leahy : Well , it ’ s two weeks before Christmas and we ’ re going to see if the Supreme Court will deliver a Christmas present to the country by choosing to take this Texas lawsuit .
Carmichael : Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court decides ?
Is it a vote of the entire court ?
And then when will we know the decision ?
Leahy : The decision to take it up ?
Carmichael : Yeah , not for the first question but who decides ?
Leahy : I ’ m not sure of this .
Carmichael : You know , can we find out because I ’ ve even asked lawyers and they don ’ t know .
Leahy : I think I know too .
Carmichael : What do you think it is ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know .
There has to be a minimum of nine justices who say they want to hear the case .
I don ’ t know if it ’ s three or four .
So if they say yeah , we want to hear it then they would hear it .
That ’ s what I think but I don ’ t know .
Carmichael : We ’ re going to know the answers here soon I think .
What ’ s today ?
Friday ?
Leahy : We should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes .
I think you are right .
I think we ’ ll know over the weekend whether or not they are going to hear the case .
Leahy : Before nine o ’ clock on Monday , which would mean by Sunday evening because the case is asking for an injunction , a temporary restraining order to prevent these states from naming and casting ballots for electors .
Carmichael : Which the Supreme Court has the authority if they decide to hear the case to delay that .
Leahy : They absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 14th is set in statute , not in the Constitution .
Carmichael : But I ’ ll tell you what I want to talk about Michael and that is I ’ m reading another book .
Leahy : All you do is read books , Crom .
( Chuckles ) Carmichael : I think I ’ ve mentioned it to you .
I have finished the book on the French Revolution .
And you are correct .
Robespierre did die .
He did not make it through .
Carmichael : He didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this book .
But it ’ s fascinating .
Leahy : However if a Democrat wrote the history he might have made it .
( Chuckles ) Carmichael : He might have made it .
Yeah , it ’ d be like The Man in the High Castle .
But I want to talk about the Communist Chinese Party ’ s influence in our country .
And there are four levels but there may be more but for me , there are four levels of thinking about a relationship that the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to be only one of these and so it can be overlapped .
One is an ally .
One is a competitor .
One is an adversary .
And one is an enemy .
And so for example , I put Great Britain as an ally and they are also a competitor .
So that ’ s okay .
There ’ s nothing wrong with being in competition with your allies .
China is and I put them somewhere between an adversary and an enemy .
They ’ re also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are between adversary and enemy means that as a competitor we need to consider their nature and how we compete with them .
Leahy : My view is they ’ re moving very rapidly from adversary to an enemy .
Carmichael : Yeah , and that ’ s the point I ’ m getting ready to make .
Is that they are somewhere in between there .
But let ’ s look at the institutions that the Communist Chinese Party has a tremendous influence on .
They spend tens of millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting their position with politicians .
And you see what they did with Eric Swalwell who is claiming his situation is a Russian plot which is the silliest thing .
Leahy : Even the guys at Axios are laughing hysterically at that .
Carmichael : But Pelosi says she still has confidence in him .
That ’ s problematic .
Carmichael : What I ’ m saying is that she may be in the pocket of the Chinese Communist Party .
We know about Dianne Feinstein Chinese staffer .
And let me make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this .
The Communist Chinese Party is the authoritarian ruling structure of China .
Not all Chinese .
In fact , the great majority of Chinese are not Communists and the Chinese people themselves would like to be free but they don ’ t understand what freedom is because they really never have been free .
They ’ ve been ruled by either dynasties or Communists for essentially their entire history for thousands of years .
But let ’ s look at what that the Communist Chinese party .
They ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infiltrated our educational system .
And that ’ s where the Confucius institutes and also I believe that there is probably significant support by the Communist Chinese Party with the 1619 Project .
Leahy : Oh absolutely .
The New York Times false history of America that is permeating our schools .
Carmichael : Yes .
To try to destroy our history .
Because you have to destroy our history if you ’ re going to destroy the value system that underpins America and what makes it different from China .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even infiltrated Hollywood .
And they ’ ve infiltrated many many of our businesses .
And they ’ ve infiltrated a lot of our culture .
And so the influence of the Communist Chinese Party is somewhere between an adversary and an enemy that ’ s influence is probably the greatest existential threat that we have as a country .
And when I say existential let ’ s be sure that we understand the definition of that .
Because a lot of people in the media use it and they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it means the rest of your very existence .
Leahy : A threat to your very existence .
And by the way from a logical perspective and what we know about Democrats .
When they charge you with doing something and they ’ re aggressive in that charge and means they ’ re doing exactly that .
And if you tie back to this the whole Russia Russia Russia influencing that they charge falsely against Donald Trump really I ’ ve always thought has been a deflection against their own corruption and control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Yeah , and let ’ s be very clear about something .
Russia is is somewhere between an adversary and an enemy .
I ’ ll accept that .
Russia is not a competitor .
They don ’ t make anything that we would buy .
What they are is their country is based on natural resources… Carmichael : That they sell to in the world market .
That ’ s how they make their money .
The Russian economy is smaller than that of Italy .
I ’ m going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller than that of Italy .
If a communist took over the Italian government and declared war on the United States , what would be our response would be Mamma Mia !
( Laughter ) And then we would all laugh because we wouldn ’ t be concerned about that .
Now does the Soviet Union have nuclear missiles ?
Yes .
But do they have the ability to influence our institutions ?
And the answer is no .
In fact , when they were a more powerful country they actually did try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the Communist Chinese Party is approaching it from a very different standpoint .
And here ’ s what ’ s the most important part about what the Communist Chinese Party is trying to do .
They ’ re trying to take over our country without firing a shot .
And that ’ s because you have to look at the way that the Communist Chinese Party operates within their own country .
And the way that they operate within their own country is how they would like to see the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communist Chinese Party ’ s influence .
And so when you look at a map of China and that area of the world there are three different shadings .
One is the core of China .
The second is that part of China that was conquered by the most recent two dynasties in China .
And then you have the vassal states that are the ones that pay homage to China and more or less it ’ s like mob protection money .
Because if you ’ ll pay the money and give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t destroy your business .
And those would include Vietnam .
It would include the Korea ’ s .
Now I don ’ t think South Korea is in that group now , but they were .
But North Korea is .
And China wants South Korea to be in it .
North China does want Taiwan to be in it , but it ’ s not now .
And so you have all of the countries .
Thailand was in there and still is in that they ’ re under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of China , any religious group , which is why there ’ s a slave labor camp , any religious group in China is squashed because religion runs contradictory to their idea of authoritarianism .
Leahy : Yes .
Because religion promotes independent thought yes by every individual .
They hate that .
Carmichael : It also sets up the authority for the individual which is really to God .
That ’ s the ultimate authority .
Leahy : And that ’ s really what the United States was based on .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And so that ’ s why they ’ re trying to tear down our statues why they ’ re trying to change the names of all of our institutions away from the founding fathers because of the ideas that this country was founded on .
And that this is an ongoing battle .
Leahy : It is and it ’ s one that has kind of snuck up on us .
But now it ’ s right here and we ’ ve got to do something about it .
Listen to the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Commentary: Why Politicians Are Incentivized to Embrace COVID-19 Restrictions—Even If They Don’t Wor

Commentary: Why Politicians Are Incentivized to Embrace COVID-19 Restrictions—Even If They Don’t Work

Over the weekend Dr. Ashish Jha , dean of the Brown University School of Public Health , took to Twitter to criticize Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker for not taking more assertive government action to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
“ Massachusetts has more new COVID cases per capita than Georgia , Florida , or Texas , ” observed Jha , who also serves as the Director of the Harvard Global Health Institute .
“ Our hospitalizations , deaths are up 100 % in [ the ] last 3 weeks .
But our casinos and tanning salons are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases average roughly 5,000 a day in early December .
The Bay State ’ s mortality rate is rapidly closing in on New Jersey and New York—the states with the highest COVID-19 mortality in the United States—despite various public policy restrictions Baker had put in place to slow the virus down .
These measures included a 10 p.m. curfew , mask wearing for all people over the age of 5 when in public ( even outdoors and when social distancing ) , capacity limits on private residences , and travel limitations that included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents .
Jha ’ s solution wasn ’ t to follow the example of Georgia , Florida , and Texas , and abandon the measures Baker had put in place that had proven so ineffective .
Instead , he proposed that Baker , whom he called out by name in his tweet , put more restrictions on businesses and individuals In effect , Jha was urging Baker to double down on the “ targeted enforcement ” strategy that wasn ’ t working .
And that ’ s precisely what Baker did just four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most people doing most of the right things are probably not enough , ” Baker said during a briefing on Tuesday .
“ Significantly more people are suffering from severe COVID-related illnesses , and this sharp increase is putting a strain on our healthcare system and our frontline health care workers.
” The new rules will result in the closure of some entertainment venues and strict capacity limits for businesses .
Hospitals have also been directed to “ curtail inpatient elective surgeries ” to make room for a potential influx of patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffing and beds , ” Baker announced .
It ’ s unclear if Baker ’ s actions were a direct response to Jha , who had previously defended Baker ’ s COVID-19 response before writing his scathing critique .
Whatever the case , Jha ’ s comment betrays a flaw in both lockdowns and the “ targeted approach ” he favors .
As Jha admits , Massachusetts has more new COVID cases than Georgia , Florida , or Texas—states that have few or zero government restrictions in place in contrast to Massachusetts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As I recently observed , several academic studies show there is little or no correlation between government restrictions and lower COVID mortality rates .
So why do governors and politicians continue to use harmful lockdowns and draconian restrictions if they are ineffective ?
Public choice theory may hold a clue .
Public choice , as the Library of Economics and Liberty explains , applies economic theories and methods to the analysis of political behavior , an area once solely the province of political scientists and sociologists .
As Adam Smith famously illustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surest way to advance one ’ s self-interest is through exchange , which means advancing the interest of someone else .
But , in the realm of politics , the most direct path to success often involves treading on the interests of others .
For Baker , the most rational action he can take under increasing pressure to “ do something ” in the face of surging coronavirus cases is probably more government restrictions , even if those restrictions have adverse outcomes .
Consider that at very least his actions will give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus seriously and “ listening to experts ” like Jha , who no doubt genuinely believes he ( or public health officials like him ) possesses the knowledge to tame the virus and save lives if politicians would just listen and get the lockdown formula right .
Meanwhile , imposing new restrictions likely costs Baker very little .
It ’ s a rare case where a politician ’ s own business or personal freedom is impacted in a meaningful way .
While passing harmful restrictions that achieve no public good might seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assumes that politicians are operating out of their own self-interest like anyone else—not for “ the common good.
” After all , one need only look at the flack countries like Sweden and politicians like South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem have received for not using lockdowns and other strict government restrictions to tame the virus .
And it ’ s not just media applying this pressure .
Some public health experts argue that the absence of government restrictions is akin to violence .
“ In this moment , the focus on personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s violent , ” Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson , a social epidemiologist at Ohio State University , told the Boston Globe .
“ What we are seeing is the manifestation of the lack of public health infrastructure in this country , and leadership.
” It ’ s important to remember that politics , above all else , is about self preservation .
And imposing government restrictions that don ’ t work and cause serious harms is a better political strategy for most politicians than telling people to act responsibly , wash hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid touching your face .
So if you ’ re wondering why our world has begun to resemble a Joseph Heller or Kafka novel where orders and action seem arbitrary , senseless , and counterintuitive , look to public choice theory .
It will help you understand that there is a method to the madness , even though it is indeed madness .
And it all stems from removing decision-making from individuals , who have the knowledge to behave rationally in a way that benefits the public good , and placing it the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t .
Jonathan Miltimore is the Managing Editor of FEE.org .
His writing/reporting has been the subject of articles in TIME magazine , The Wall Street Journal , CNN , Forbes , Fox News , and the Star Tribune .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--St. Louis Prosecutor Ousted from McCloskey Case After She ‘Initiated a Criminal Prosecution for Poli

St. Louis Prosecutor Ousted from McCloskey Case After She ‘Initiated a Criminal Prosecution for Political Purposes,’ Court Says

A St. Louis , Missouri , attorney has been barred from prosecuting Mark and Patricia McCloskey , who were charged after they were seen on video warding off rioters with guns outside their luxury home in June during nationwide unrest .
Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner was accused of having “ initiated a criminal prosecution for political purposes ” after it was found that she had circulated two fundraising emails about the case to aid her re-election bid , according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .
The McCloskey legal team argued that Gardner circulated one such email weeks ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlet reported .
“ Like a needle pulling thread , she links the defendant and his conduct to her critics , ” wrote Judge Thomas Clark II , who determined the city attorney was unfit to prosecute the case , in a ruling reported by the Post-Dispatch .
“ These emails are tailored to use the June 28 incident to solicit money by positioning her against the defendant and her more vocal critics.
” Clark ’ s disqualification applies only to Mark McCloskey ’ s charges , but Gardner ’ s office as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case , the local outlet reported .
Patricia McCloskey ’ s trial has been transferred to another circuit attorney , but the city will need to find another prosecutor for her husband , according to the Post-Dispatch .
“ This is what we wanted , ” the couple ’ s defense lawyer Joel Schwartz said , according to the local outlet .
“ We would like a fair-minded prosecutor to take a look at the alleged crimes and reassess the evidence and see what they come up with because we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of the charges .
… As long as that happens , then I think we ’ ll have the right outcome and that would hopefully be no charges.
” The pair pleaded not guilty in October after city authorities charged them with unlawful use of weapon and evidence tampering , the Post-Dispatch reported .
The McCloskey ’ s later faced a brandishing offense , according to the local outlet .
Law enforcement executed a search warrant in July and seized the AR-15 Mark McCloskey allegedly used to protect his St. Louis mansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ [ They said ] that they were going to kill us , ” Patricia McCloskey told Fox News in July about the demonstrators around her home .
“ They were going to come in there .
They were going to burn down the house.
” “ They were going to be living in our house after I was dead , and they were pointing to different rooms and said , ‘ That ’ s going to be my bedroom and that ’ s going to be the living room and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shower in that room , ” she continued .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Kim Gardner ” by KSDK News .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Coffee County Election Board Alleges Serious Flaws with Electronic Voting Systems and Processing Pro

Coffee County Election Board Alleges Serious Flaws with Electronic Voting Systems and Processing Procedures

Coffee County Election Board testified that there are serious flaws with the state ’ s electronic voting systems .
In a video presented during Georgia House hearing on Thursday , Coffee County Elections Director Misty Martin walked the viewer and other officials through use of the scanning and uploading software , pointing out several key issues that she claimed allowed for voter fraud .
During the video , Martin presented examples of how the voting system could allow elections supervisors to override votes or accept double votes within the electronic adjudication process , as well as scan and electronically vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video depicted monitors ’ inability to watch the adjudication process from the accepted amount of social distancing .
All Georgia counties used Dominion Voting Systems ( Dominion ) for the general election and post-election recounts .
Last Friday , the Coffee County Election Board submitted a letter to the Georgia Secretary of State ’ s office about an inability to certify their electronic recount numbers due to an “ inability to repeatably [ sic ] duplicate creditable election results.
” Reportedly attached to the letter was a spreadsheet detailing how the electronic recount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that document wasn ’ t made available publicly .
In response to the letter , the secretary of state ’ s office stated that they were investigating the county ’ s recount procedures .
Coffee County was the last to complete their recount results .
Martin had reported that their electronic tally was off by 51 votes .
“ [ T ] hough she could not say for certain that she had scanned the same batch of 50 ballots twice , that seemed a likely possibility , ” stated the secretary of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County letter blamed the voting system for the 51-vote discrepancy , but Ms. Martin could not specify what machine problems were encountered.
” Nowhere in the statement did the office address the documentation that the county reported having attached to their letter .
According to the secretary of state ’ s office , they ’ d informed Martin of her duty to certify the recount immediately .
At the time of press , the secretary of state ’ s office hasn ’ t issued any followup statements on Coffee County ’ s testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Ballot Machine ” by Lance Fisher CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Some Virginia Parents Withhold Federal Aid Forms To Protest Virtual Learning

Parents frustrated with virtual learning have found a new way to protest schools — by not turning in forms that the districts use to apply for federal funds .
Although state and local taxes support many public school costs , the federal government provides grants to schools for federally connected children , including children living on some low-rent properties and children of active duty military , living on federal property .
“ NO Federal Card return until all our option 1 students are back face to face , ” said 2020 Virginia Beach School Board candidate Joanna Moran on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rare way for parents to substantially impact school leadership .
According to Virginia Beach City Public Schools proposed 2019-2020 budget , the district expected $ 8.9 million under the Impact Aid Law , about 1.13 percent of the total budget .
Nearby York County budgeted for $ 8.7 million of those federal funds in the current fiscal year .
However , the protest effort has been unintentionally undercut by a recently passed aid law that says already-returned federal cards from the previous year can be used again in current budget planning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aid Coronavirus Relief Act into law .
This bill allows school districts to use their FY 2021 student federal card count for their FY 2022 Impact Aid application , ” a parent update from the Virginia Beach City Public Schools says .
“ Families who have federal cards at home are asked to shred them as soon as possible .
They do not need to be returned to the schools.
” Some parents supported Moran ’ s effort and criticized school leaders for keeping schools closed .
Commenter Betsy Dixon said , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize when they make statements about the severity of the virus is that our own medical panel for VBCPS has advised the district to remain open .
Claims like “ well at least they won ’ t die from COVID ” make me irate , because it ’ s not the only way to die and the impact on mental health will have an impact on a generation of children , and subsequently effect their own children .
Parents and teachers alike should be given the choice to have face to face or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan to not turn in the surveys would hurt students .
“ So by not returning the federal cards are you creating a financial issue ?
Doesn ’ t this provide a significant part of the education budget ?
Teachers are still teaching classes right ?
” Ailo Sumner commented .
Robert Novak has a child in the York County school district .
He told The Virginan-Pilot , “ I ’ m not going to go overboard , but if [ school leaders ] ask for my help in any way shape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , they ’ re not going to get it.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Evidence Shows Raphael Warnock Is an Anti-Semite, Says Republican National Committee

A member of the Republican National Committee said this week that Joe Biden is traveling to Georgia to campaign for an anti-Semite — Democrat Raphael Warnock , who wants to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate .
“ Now that Joe Biden is headed down to Georgia to campaign with Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff , Joe Biden must be asked if he agrees with Warnock ’ s anti-Semitic comparisons , ” said RNC Rapid Response Director Steve Guest .
Guest said this in a press release that he emailed Thursday .
“ The evidence continues to keep mounting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an anti-Semite .
FOX News reports Warnock compared Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to segregationist George Wallace , ” Guest wrote .
“ Warnock also called Israel an ‘ Apartheid ’ state , said Israel was ‘ a land of violence and bloodshed and occupation , ’ referred to Israeli leaders as ‘ clever politicians , ’ and accused them of being ‘ racist and vicious.
’ It ’ s no surprise , anti-Semite Linda Sarsour is on board with Warnock .
• In 2018 , Warnock likened Israeli Jews to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-Semite and anti-American pastor Jeremiah Wright and he has refused to distance himself .
• Warnock has cozied up with a Democrat Congressman who called Jews “ termites.
” Guest also said that Warnock has praised Marxism , called police officers ‘ gangsters and thugs ’ and ‘ bullies , ’ and cozied up to Fidel Castro in 1995 .
As The Georgia Star News reported this week , U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA-12 ) held a virtual fundraiser Monday for Raphael Warnock and fellow Democrat Jon Ossoff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Senate .
As reported , U.S. Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) and U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) , are on the January 5 , 2021 ballot for the U.S. Senate against Ossoff and Warnock , respectively .
As The Star News reported Sunday , U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) endorsed Ossoff and Warnock to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Minnesota Lawmakers Agree on COVID-19 Stimulus Bill but Disagree on Extending Unemployment Insurance

Lawmakers announced an apparent $ 216 million stimulus deal with Gov .
Tim Walz , House Democrats and Senate Republicans .
The Legislature plans to take up the bill in a special session Monday .
Sen. Eric Pratt , R-Prior Lake , said if the deal is approved Monday , the first checks could be sent in December .
The bill seeks a one-time $ 100 million appropriation from the general fund in fiscal year 2021 for relief payments to restaurants , bars , gyms and other businesses experiencing a drop in revenue of 30 % or more because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Dec. 18 to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
• $ 14 million in cash grants through the state Economic Development department to movie theaters and large convention centers that have seen business dip by 30 % or more • $ 102 million in cash grants through a program run by each county , targeted for businesses that were were affected by government-imposed restrictions .
Grant funds must be used to support payroll expenses , rent , mortgage payments , utility bills and other regular expenses .
However , Republicans and Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Republicans want to limit the extension at $ 200 million from Minnesota ’ s unemployment trust fund – a five-week extension – while Democrats want more than double that at 13 weeks .
“ We are continuing to work through this extraordinary year using extraordinary means to ensure the most vulnerable Minnesotans receive the help they need , ” said House Ways and Means Chair Rep. Lyndon Carlson , DFL–Crystal .
“ This brand new COVID-19 assistance package will play an integral role in our state ’ s strategy to maintain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am pleased that the Ways and Means committee was able to give this critical package of bills a thorough public hearing as we work to strike an agreement before Monday ’ s special session .
” Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .
Photo “ Minnesota Capitol ” by Gabriel Vanslette .
CC BY 3.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Jon Ossoff Calls for Abolishing Death Penalty in Response to Activists Calling to Protect Murderers

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff issued several statements supporting total eradication of the death penalty .
Ossoff ’ s stance aligned with petitions to save violent murderers from execution .
The candidate ’ s tweets occurred as part of the ongoing social media trend inspired by scheduled federal executions taking place .
Users petitioned that the prisoners should be reprieved of their death sentence .
Social media users and celebrities claimed that man executed Thursday , Brandon Bernard , was given an unfair sentence .
Bernard , then 18 years old , and four other young men abducted and robbed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bagley , who were driving home from Sunday church service .
After the gang locked the couple in the trunk , Bernard ’ s accomplice , Christopher Vialva , shot Todd and Stacy in the head .
While Todd died instantly , Stacy was still alive when Bernard set the car on fire .
Up until their death , the young couple attempted to share the gospel and pray with their assailants .
Although some stated that Bernard only followed orders and never intended murder , or that Stacie died from the gunshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove that statement patently false .
Bernard and one of the other men poured lighter fluid on the car before Vialva shot the couple , and multiple medical examiners established that Stacie died of smoke inhalation .
Following Bernard , the next execution was scheduled for Alfred Bourgeois – activists also petitioned to delay and reverse his sentence .
The court reported that Bourgeois “ systemically abused and tortured ” his two-year-old daughter physically , sexually , and mentally ; Bourgeois murdered his daughter by bashing her head into his truck window .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death penalty aligned with his campaign platform , which proposes to abolish mandatory minimum sentencing , legalize certain drugs , prohibit nonviolent drug-related incarcerations , ban private prisons , end cash bail .
“ Our approach to punishment must respect the human dignity of incarcerated people and recognize that except for the most dangerous violent criminals , successful re-entry to society after incarceration is crucial for both the convicted and the public , ” he said .
It was unclear from the candidate ’ s tweets and his platform whether he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentences .
The Georgia Star News reached out to the Ossoff campaign to ask about his proposed alternative to the death penalty for criminals who commit crimes that earn a death sentence .
Campaign spokespersons didn ’ t respond by press time .
Ossoff ’ s brief tweet matched statements made by other Democratic politicians , including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY-14 ) .
The next federal execution will take place January 12 for Lisa Montgomery , followed by Cory Johnson and Dustin Higgs .
All three individuals were convicted of murder .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Jon Ossoff ” by Jon Ossoff .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Governor Mike DeWine Warns Ohioans to Watch Hospital Capacity as Health Director Mulls Outpatient Tr

Governor Mike DeWine Warns Ohioans to Watch Hospital Capacity as Health Director Mulls Outpatient Treatments for COVID-19

COLUMBUS , Ohio – During the Thursday COVID briefing , Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said that he “ took an oath to do everything to protect the lives and wellbeing of fellow Ohioans ” and that the next three weeks will be the most critical in battling COVID .
DeWine then stressed the importance of Ohioans understanding and keeping an eye on hospital capacity in their respective communities .
Following his opening remarks , The Ohio Star asked DeWine about hospital capacity and what hospitals and his administration are doing to alleviate capacity pressure .
First , hospital workers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with sick , are being quarantined .
We ’ ve known for almost 10 months there ’ d be need for more labor and space now , both that were drastically diminished from early policy decisions .
We ’ ve known we ’ d need to re-open closed wings , utilize temporary units we created in the beginning , and keep caregivers working .
What are hospitals doing about the need for labor and space and how are you holding their leaders accountable since 94 % of Ohioans are masking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you called President Trump early in the pandemic about Battelle and got their technology approved .
Will you get on the phone with the president and demanded that federal authorities change protocol on therapeutic drugs that have been shown to deter severe effects of COVID when administered early and get them to people on an outpatient basis ?
The answer from Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff , Ohio Department of Health ( ODH ) chief medical officer : First with your question about hospitals .
It ’ s a very good question .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems have been looking at from the beginning of the pandemic .
Early on the issue really was an issue that related to the space and supplies that we needed to be able to safely care for patients with COVID-19 .
We rapidly responded and stood up a whole variety of capabilities .
The Battelle capability is one of the great examples .
It ’ s an example of incredible innovation in Ohio , and incredible cooperation across the state and across healthcare organizations in the state working with industry – in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve moved forward , you ’ re correct .
The issue really is not with the space .
Our hospitals have been able to activate units , repurpose units and physical capabilities very rapidly .
It ’ s really been an issue of personnel .
Here ’ s the challenge .
Healthcare personnel are not people you take off the street and put at the bedside .
Preparing healthcare providers of all sorts of definitions requires a lot of training , a lot of preparation , certainly more than can be accomplished in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state from the beginning of this pandemic have been working with educational institutions to accelerate training programs .
We ’ ve been looking at innovations in terms of safely orienting health care providers at the bedside , cutting time off of that by using some innovative models to ensure that we do that safely .
I could go on and on .
The issue really is about helping to prepare a workforce but doing it safely as we do it rapidly .
In terms of therapeutics .
There ’ s actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on inside the state looking at how we can take therapeutics that have been clearly demonstrated , and approved by the FDA for use in the outpatient arena and applying it there , I point today as the best example to the two monoclonal antibody therapies , which are available in Ohio .
Which are being utilized pretty broadly across the state .
Those are the therapies the research has shown very clearly are best suited to the outpatient arena .
Some of the other therapies we are using in the hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their impact on sicker , hospitalized patients .
The one thing we ’ ve wanted to do is avoid getting ahead of the research .
The doctor ’ s comment that space isn ’ t an issue comes after DeWine said Monday , “ heads of hospitals have told me , it is unsustainable at this level .
So , we ’ ve got to not only slow it down from going up , we ’ ve got to begin taking it down.
” There was no mention from Dr. Vanderhoff about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers trained-up – hiring back those that have been furloughed or laid off .
As one nurse told The Star “ it ’ s cheaper for them to pay overtime than to hire back an additional worker when you factor in benefits.
” Regarding drug therapies to effectively treat COVID patients early in order to keep them out of understaffed hospitals , Vanderhoff failed to address the issue of getting more therapies in the pipeline by aggressive support , like that provided early on by DeWine on behalf of Battelle .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be administered in a single dose , intravenously on an outpatient basis , according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) .
In the FDA Emergency Use Authorization ( EUA ) announcement on monoclonal antibodies , use is approved for those with high risk for progressing to severe COVID infection/hospitalization .
The EUA reports that for “ patients at high risk for disease progression , hospitalizations and emergency room visits occurred in 3 % on average compared to 10 % in placebo-treated patients.
” It is not clear how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hydroxychloroquine ( HCQ ) and Ivermectin – the first with over 70 years of use , the second with about 40 , have also shown efficacy , particularly when administered early .
In an October 5 , 2020 article published in National Center for Biotechnology Information , a systematic review of studies found that HCQ is effective – and consistently so when provided early – for COVID .
The study ’ s authors concluded , “ because HCQ is inexpensive and widely available , we believe that future treatment will and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is unclear what Ohio is doing with its two million dose stash of HCQ .
Ivermectin , an anti-parasitic drug , has shown to be effective as a prophylaxis and early treatment for COVID , as reported by Healio .
According to the New England Journal of Medicine , Remdesivir has shown to improve recovery time from COVID by 33 % , with a mortality rate of 6.7 % of those studied who took the drug versus 11.9 % of those who took a placebo .
But this study was for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of Cleveland Clinic Florida doctors addressed the study in a letter and concluded , “ much earlier administration of Remdesivir would achieve a greater effect on survival.
” A study is currently underway on the efficacy in an outpatient setting , administered early in the disease .
The Star contacted the ODH to determine how readily available and how easily prescribed are the aforementioned HCQ , Ivermectin and Remdesivir but had not received a response by press time .
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at WMFD-TV .
Follow Jack on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Virginia Teachers Union Calls for Statewide Virtual Instruction Until Mid-January

The Virginia Education Association ( VEA ) is calling for all public schools in the Commonwealth to switch to virtual instruction for the next month because of the recent rise in COVID-19 numbers throughout the state .
“ I am calling on Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and the superintendents and school boards across this great Commonwealth to immediately order a conversion to all-virtual instruction in public schools until at least mid-January 2021 , when the numbers can be re-evaluated , ” Fedderman said .
“ Those governing our public schools owe it to the students , their families and communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professionals to minimize [ COVID ] exposures , not compound them , ” Fedderman continued .
In his statement , Fedderman did concede that virtual learning is not a true substitute for traditional instruction and that the students ’ learning losses will be made up .
The VEA , a nonprofit teachers union that represents more than 40,000 school workers , made its plea on the same day governor Northam imposed new statewide coronavirus restrictions that did not impact schools , meaning the decision to conduct in-person , virtual or hybrid learning is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During his press briefing on the new measures , Northam said “ one size doesn ’ t fit all ” when it comes to different school districts and localities , and that the state will continue to give public schools discretion to choose a desired instructional method .
If the governor were to adhere to the VEA ’ s request , the decision would impact a total of 2,122 public schools , including the ones already virtual , and 1,252,756 students , according to GreatSchools.org and the Virginia Department of Education ( VDOE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first part of the academic year , most school divisions have chosen to open the classrooms to children in some capacity .
According to the VDOE , 98 out of 132 school divisions are either in-person , partially in-person , all hybrid or partially hybrid , while 34 are fully remote .
Of the 98 localities with students in classrooms , only 15 divisions have students in-person for four plus days a week .
The majority , 42 districts , fall under the partially in-person category , where some students are at school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all others are remote or hybrid .
In recent weeks , several school districts have decided to adjust plans for the return to in-person learning , especially in the Richmond-metro area .
Henrico County Public Schools was supposed to begin sending students back in phases starting November 30 , but have now pushed it back to January .
Chesterfield County Public Schools reversed course at the end of November and returned students to remote instruction until the end of January , while the Richmond Public Schools decided on Monday to remain virtual for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to previous reporting from The Virginia Star , Virginia Beach and Fairfax County , the state ’ s largest school system , were cancelling or postponing in-person instruction .
Hanover County , which has had students in classrooms since September 8 , could be suspending its face-to-face learning option if COVID cases in the school division continue to rise , Superintendent Michael Gill said Tuesday in a message to families , faculty and staff .
The Virginia Department of Health outbreaks in school settings dashboard currently lists 10 schools , a mix of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in progress .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Michigan Senate Passes Bill Aiming to Limit Epidemic Orders to 28 Days Without Additional Approval

The Michigan Senate on Thursday night approved a bill 22-16 along party lines that aims to limit the state health department ’ s epidemic order power .
SB 1253 , if signed into law , would amend the Public Health Code so Department of Health and Human Services ( MDHHS ) Director Robert Gordon ’ s epidemic orders would be only valid for up to 28 days unless both houses of the Legislature approves Gordon ’ extension request .
The state health department has issued epidemic orders authorized by a 1978 law that can prohibit the gathering of people for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enacted an epidemic order to extend a shutdown of dine-in at restaurants and in-person instruction at high schools through Dec. 20 .
The bill would be retroactive to an epidemic order beginning Nov. 15 .
Sen. Lana Theis , R-Brighton Township , said Gordon is “ unaccountable ” to constituents and shouldn ’ t be able to issue , in perpetuity , “ business-killing orders ” that “ disrupt lives and threaten livelihoods.
” Sen. Ed McBroom , R-Vulcan , said Whitmer ’ s administrations orders “ neuter [ ed ] the Legislature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and added : “ Here ’ s our chance to re-assert some sort of opportunity for the real democratic process to work here.
” “ We owe the people of the state of Michigan better than this bill , which does little more than bog down a process where swift , intelligent actions grounded in science is warranted.
” Whitmer ’ s office didn ’ t respond to a request for comment , but she ’ d likely veto the bill .
The first-term Democrat has previously said any attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irresponsible , dangerous , and foolish.
” For the last nine months , lawmakers have sparred on striking a balance between protecting public health and the minimizing the collateral damage caused by epidemic orders shutting down businesses through no fault of their own .
Some businesses have been forced to shut down longer than they ’ ve been allowed to open in 2020 , and the hospitality industry has been hit especially hard , with at least 2,000 restaurants closed so far with projections up to 6,000 under continued restrictions .
The National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supports the bill .
“ The Michigan Supreme Court has made it clear with their recent decision concerning the Governor ’ s abuse of the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 , that the balance of power in governance of our state is one of the hallmarks of our system of representative government and must be respected , ” NFIB State Director Charlie Owens said in a statement .
“ Unfortunately , the governor has continued to usurp the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches by continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct control.
” Owens argued Senate Bill 1253 would restore a proper balance between the executive office and the Legislature .
“ No state agency should have the authority to shut down entire segments of the state ’ s economy without legislative oversight and approval , ” Owens said .
Whitmer initially used a 1945 law to issue unilateral statewide orders until the Michigan Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional on Oct. 2 .
So Whitmer turned to her administration ’ s backup power that grants the state health department the authority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue a mask mandate .
COVID-19 has been a primary or contributing factor in 10,395 Michigan deaths since March .
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square .
A graduate of Hillsdale College , his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org .
Previously , he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Holding a Phone While Driving Will be Illegal in Virginia Come January

Virginia drivers who like to use their phone while behind the wheel will need to break that dangerous habit once the new year begins or be ready to cough up money .
Thanks to legislation passed by the General Assembly last spring , starting January 1 it will be illegal to hold a phone while driving in the Commonwealth .
“ Research demonstrates that texting while driving or driving while looking at your phone is often more dangerous than driving while intoxicated .
It ’ s behavior that we need to try to modify , ” Sen. Scott Surovell ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill , said in an interview with The Virginia Star .
Current law prohibits drivers from reading emails or text messages as well as manually entering letters or text into a communications device .
This new law prohibits texting , dialing a phone number , browsing social media , checking the weather , etc .
According to DRIVE SMART Virginia , a non-profit organization working to improve road safety , there are five exceptions to the new state code .
Those include : the operator of an emergency vehicle while performing official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped or parked , anyone using their device to report an emergency , using an amateur or citizens band radio and operators of Virginia Department of Transportation ( VDOT ) vehicles during official duties .
“ I don ’ t think people realize how important this law is because you can ’ t go down the road without seeing somebody weaving , phone in hand , completely distracted , ” Janet Brooking , DRIVE SMART Virginia executive director , told The Star .
“ It ’ s such a commonplace habit now.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but – to make sure Virginians had ample time to be notified of the changes – it does not become effective and law enforcement are not allowed to enforce it until the new year , according to Virginia State Police public relations director Corinne Geller .
For the past several months , DRIVE SMART has been responsible for that effort to inform the public .
The organization has put up relevant signage at rest areas around the state , got VDOT to post information on their roadway signs , and even has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Farm being shared on social media , Brooking said .
Any driver found in violation will be subject to a $ 125 fine for the first offense and then a $ 250 for the second or subsequent offenses .
A person who violates the law while driving in a work zone will also be fined $ 250 , according to the new law .
Dana Schrad , Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police executive director , told The Star that the money from fines handed out will go into the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for schools .
But a locality can create an ordinance to override the state law and bring those funds back to the county or city if they want to .
Schrad also mentioned she ’ s heard through informal conversations that some law enforcement agencies said they are going to have a period once the law becomes effective where officers are more likely to give verbal or written warnings instead of citations , but officer discretion and how a person is driving will still come into play .
The Star contacted several police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new law will be handled , but most did not respond before press time or declined to talk .
According to DRIVE SMART , the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that 80 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of all near-crashes involve driver inattention within three seconds , and that texting increases a person ’ s risk of crashing by 2300 percent because it involved manual , visual and cognitive distraction .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Documents Show Warnock Downplayed Child Abuse Cover-Up Scandal

Local authority and state documents indicate that Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock may have downplayed his role in the child abuse cover-up scandal .
The documents also revealed that the church camp in question , Camp Farthest Out , was shut down by the state due to multiple other child abuse allegations .
The Washington Free Beacon released the documents earlier this week in a series of two articles .
The first set of documents came from local law enforcement , detailing Warnock ’ s insistence on inserting himself into the case and obstructing justice .
According to the police report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking with investigators by claiming that the camp ’ s attorney needed to be present .
An investigator told Warnock that he couldn ’ t invoke the right to attorney on behalf of the counselors .
Then , despite multiple warnings from investigators that interrupting interviews was a crime of hindering and obstructing the investigation , Warnock continually attempted to interrupt and end the interviews .
At one point , Warnock forcibly pulled a camper away from police to prevent them from pointing the investigators to the accused abusers .
Warnock then told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak with the officers .
Only after that did the investigators arrest Warnock .
Warnock has claimed that he was “ thanked for [ his ] cooperation ” by law enforcement .
He also stated that he was attempting to ensure the campers or counselors had legal representation – though the police report noted that the individuals being questioned came forward voluntarily and were informed of their rights .
The second set of documents included a denial of certification from Maryland health officials in 2003 , who revoked the church camp ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child abuse incidents and safety-code violations .
The denial for re-certification detailed a lack of fire code requirements , supervisors for swimming campers , and an annual report on the camp ’ s procedures .
It also stated that the camp operator failed to report the child abuse allegations and incidents .
A year prior , an inspection report detailed a lack of medical personnel , medical record-keeping , proper facilitation of medications and prescription drugs , and inadequate plumbing .
An emphasized note from the inspector read that the staff weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began his work with the camp shortly after joining the affiliated church , Douglas Memorial Community Church , in 2001 .
Spokespersons with Warnock ’ s campaign didn ’ t respond to The Georgia Star News request for comment by press time .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Guaranteed Income Coming to 55 Richmond, Virginia Families for Two Years

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney is expanding a guaranteed income program , thanks to new funds from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey .
On Tuesday , Stoney announced that the city would receive a $ 500,000 grant that would allow them to expand the program to 55 families , thanks to a $ 15 million donation from Dorsey to association Mayors for a Guaranteed Income .
“ The launch of the Richmond Resilience Initiative in late October constituted a significant investment in the health , wealth and dignity of Richmond families , ” Stoney said in a press release .
“ Receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s launch not only multiplies the city ’ s capacity to empower hardworking heads of household but endorses the pragmatic progressivism fueling this program.
” In October , days before Stoney was re-elected , he announced the Richmond Resiliance Initiative ( RRI ) would provide $ 500 per month for two years to 18 needy families , according to a press release .
The program is also funded by city allocations of some CARES Act funds and donations from the Robins Foundation , a Richmond-based foundation that provides grants to non-profits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release , the RRI targets families who make too much to qualify for other benefits but still fall below a living wage .
Participants are selected from among clients of a Richmond agency focused on helping low-income families .
In the October press release , mayor of Stockton , California , and founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income , Michael Tubbs said , “ It is no surprise that Mayor Stoney brings such forward-thinking leadership to a challenge he ’ s identified in his community .
Guaranteed income is the most direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits systems , and the design of this program demonstrates how well he knows and serves his constituents who would otherwise be slipping through the cracks of an insufficient social safety net.
” Tubbs ’ city instituted a similar program , and then Tubbs lost in his bid for re-election , according to Fox 40 .
Other cities and governments have experimented with guaranteed basic income , including Finland , where 2000 citizens were given 650 euros a month to see if the program would improve employment among recipients .
The program ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than expected , according to The American Thinker .
Guaranteed basic income , which targets individuals under a specific economic level , is different than universal basic income , which targets all members of a population , according to MarketWatch .
In a report released earlier this year , Finnish researchers found , “ The basic income recipients were more satisfied with their lives and experienced less mental strain than the control group .
They also had a more positive perception of their economic welfare.
” However , researchers also found that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a University of Helsinki article .
“ The results of the Finnish basic income experiment suggest that basic income does not increase employment , ” the article states .
“ Basic income comes with the idea that unemployed people know what is best for them , and that without obligations and sanctions they will be more equipped to navigate the labour market .
As people are able to keep the money they receive from basic income even if they get a job , the programme comes with significant benefits.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t aim to improve employment , but rather to support families who are already employed but not making enough .
“ Guaranteed income payments are meant to supplement the existing safety net – a portfolio of risk-reducing measures designed to protect families from losing financial security or derailing long-term financial goals because of enduring poverty or an unexpected event like a global pandemic , severe recession , or personal tragedy , ” Stoney ’ s October release said .
Stoney hinted at potential future government support of the mostly non-profit initiative .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this plan is a first step toward state and national policy that will help qualified , working families in need to close the gap between the social safety net and sustainable employment , ” the Mayor said in October .
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Metro Nashville Health Director Resigns Due to ‘Unconscious Bias Against Women’

Metro Public Health Director Michael Caldwell is out of a job because of what he described as an “ unconscious bias against women.
” Caldwell addressed this topic and resigned his position during a Metro Board of Health meeting this week .
This , after various women complained about Caldwell ’ s behavior .
During the meeting Caldwell apologized and said he took full responsibility .
“ As the fact-finders have concluded , I have acted with unconscious bias against women , ” Caldwell said referring to a report that described his behaviors .
“ I ask that you focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and know that they have shaken me to my core fundamentally and changed my point of view .
This is a wakeup call for me , both personally and professionally.
” One colleague , for instance , complained that Caldwell called on men before women at meetings .
“ The bias was something I was never aware of , and I am focused on improving myself both personally and professionally , ” Caldwell said .
District 16 Metro Council member Ginny Welsch tweeted this week that Caldwell is “ a less-than-forthright leader.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from his position as Metro ’ s public health director immediately.
” The Nashville-based WKRN reported that “ the Metro Board of Health unanimously voted 6-0 to accept his resignation during a meeting called to address Dr. Caldwell ’ s behavior.
” “ Dr .
Caldwell ’ s resignation is effective immediately and he will clean out his office Friday , ” the station reported .
“ However , he will serve in an advisory position through December 31 .
He will still be paid as a Metro employee during this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” As The Tennessee Star reported in May , Caldwell explained Nashville Mayor John Cooper ’ s COVID-19 restrictions at a press conference that month .
For the first offense county officials would tell business managers how to comply — and come back later to make sure they were doing just that .
For a second infraction county officials would deliver a warning .
“ Even after the warning , if they do not listen to us there are a number of actions we could take , ” Caldwell said .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions against ] whatever permits they may have , depending on the type of facility that they are .
They will jeopardize those permits , but we don ’ t want to get to that level.
” Caldwell also encouraged people to never give business to any establishments that don ’ t toe the line .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Nashville City Hall ” by Nicolas Henderson .
CC BY 2.0 .

A dozen individuals have been charged in a gun-running conspiracy that funneled firearms from Tennessee and Kentucky to Chicago, according to a release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In total, the 12 individuals are facing a 21-count indictment with charges for dealing in firearms without a license, transporting and receiving firearms into another state, making false statements to a federally licensed firearm dealer, and multiple other offenses.
Three of the alleged members of the gun pipeline were enlisted members of the U.S. Army and were stationed at Fort Campbell in Clarksville.
Demarcus Adams, Brandon Miller, and Jarius Brunson, along with other individuals charged in the indictment, allegedly purchased legal firearms from dealers in the area. After securing the guns, the DOJ contends the group would deliver the firearms to individuals in Chicago.
Law enforcement officials also claim the scheme was connected to gang violence in Chicago, saying that “the defendants conspired to purchase and deliver over 90 illegally obtained firearms to the Chicago area to facilitate the ongoing violent disputes between the Pocket Town Gangster Disciples and their rival gangs.”
Authorities detailed that at least two deaths were connected to firearms distributed in the movement from Tennessee to the Chicago area.
In addition to Clarksville, the organized crime circle operated in Oak Grove, Kentucky:
“The indictment further alleges the methods used by co-conspirators to purchase firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in the Clarksville, Tenn. and Oak Grove, Kentucky areas, which included communicating via text messages to coordinate the purchase and delivery of firearms to the Chicago area; providing false information on firearms purchase application forms; and using apps such as Zelle and CashApp to facilitate payment for the illegal transfer of firearms. On one occasion, the indictment alleges that in addition to several firearms available for sale, Brandon Miller had 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition available for purchase,” the release from the DOJ details.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].com.
Photo “Justice Department Announces Superseding Indictment Charging 12 in Gun-Running Conspiracy to Supply” by The Justice Department.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-12--Following Court Losses, Giuliani Says Legal Team Moves to ‘Plan B,’ State-Level Lawsuits

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thetennesseestar--2020-12-13--Tennessee Spent 25 Percent More Per Job to Recruit Businesses in 2020

Attracting new jobs to Tennessee in 2020 has cost taxpayers 25 % more in FastTrack economic incentive grants than last year , according to data from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development ( TNECD ) .
The TNECD has spent an average of $ 5,448 this year for each new job commitment incentivized by a FastTrack grant .
Rural job recruitment proved particularly costly .
On average , the state provided $ 9,765 in FastTrack grants per rural job – more than three times last year ’ s average .
The department has finalized more than $ 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with just under $ 55 million in additional grants still pending .
Of FastTrack grants that have been finalized , per job grant amounts range from $ 250 to $ 16,000 .
Shoe retailer Genesco Inc. ’ s expansion in Davidson County in February cost the state $ 16,000 per job – the costliest per job recruitment in 2020 .
The state provided $ 10,000 per new job to McKee Foods Corporation for its expansion in Hamilton County and more than $ 11,100 per new job to AutoZone Texas LLC for its Henderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant – $ 35 million – went to General Motors for a $ 1.7 billion expansion at its Spring Hill plant .
Unlike every other FastTrack grant approved this year , the General Motors expansion will not create any new jobs in the Spring Hill location .
The grant will be used to help retrain 2,000 existing plant employees during the transition to electric-vehicle production .
The TNECD said several factors are considered when the department formulates an incentives package , including the amount a company will invest , how many and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and industry trends .
“ Over the past several years , our focus has shifted slightly from recruiting projects with a high headcount to projects that will provide higher quality , higher wage jobs , ” TNECD spokesperson Jennifer McEachern told The Center Square in an email .
Sometimes , McEachern said , increasing the per job incentive amount is necessary to attract higher quality jobs .
The program has critics who believe the state shouldn ’ t hand out money to companies relocating or expanding in Tennessee .
In the Beacon Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government waste , fraud and abuse , a FastTrack grant for radio host and author Dave Ramsey ’ s headquarters expansion and the FastTrack program itself took two of the three slots for government waste this year .
“ Beacon has always advocated for eliminating corporate welfare programs and lowering taxes for all businesses instead , ” Beacon Center Executive Vice President Stephanie Whitt told The Center Square in an email .
“ These latest numbers just further prove these programs are ineffective and an increasingly bad return on investment.
” Vivian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for The Center Square .
Her writing has appeared in the Detroit News , The Hill , and publications of The Heartland Institute .

by Scott McClallen
About $13.5 million in taxpayer grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund will help train 8,500 workers across nearly 300 Michigan businesses to earn industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state’s greatest asset – our people – helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and ‘make it’ in Michigan,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “These grants help us put thousands of Michiganders on paths to good-paying jobs and empower hundreds of Michigan businesses across the state develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy.”
The program launched in 2014. Since then, more than 6,000 Michigan businesses have received Going PRO Talent Fund awards to train 175,000 new and existing workers.
More than 60% of the employers receiving funds are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and result in the employee acquiring a credential for a transferable skill recognized by the industry.
Susan Corbin, the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said these grants keep Michigan businesses competitive globally.
“Programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund help businesses throughout Michigan train the talent they need in order to stay competitive in the global economy,” Corbin said in a statement. “Investments like these help us connect individuals and business leaders with tailored opportunities and unique resources they need to prosper. Together, we are creating a competitive and innovative environment that improves the quality of life for people who live, work and do business in Michigan.”
The average training cost per worker is $1,250. According to 2021 data, average hourly wages for Going PRO Talent Fund participants increased by $5.71 six months after completing training.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund has continued to help Michigan employers retain their workers by providing the necessary support for them to help upskill their workforce,” LEO’s Office of Employment and Training director Stephanie Beckhorn said in a statement. “These trainings have also provided an opportunity for employees to gain industry-recognized credentials they need to grow and thrive in these in-demand careers.”
LEO makes Going PRO Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their crucial training needs, then work with their local MWAs and other partners to develop strategic training plans.
David Worthams, director of Employment Policy for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said the talent fund is “arguably the best talent development program the state of Michigan has to offer.”
“As we get into the next cycle of grants, employers and their employees will see huge strides in new skills that we need as we move into the future of manufacturing in the state, Worthams said in a statement. “This is another reason why Michigan is one of the best states to do business in.”
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi. In 2021, he published a book on technology and privacy. He co-hosts the weekly Michigan in Focus podcast.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-13--Commentary: President Trump’s Unique Political Strengths

Perhaps because John Batchelor is more an objective observer than most radio hosts , as well as the author of Ain ’ t You Glad You Joined the Republicans ?
: A Short History of the GOP , he was , to my knowledge , the first publicly to note Donald Trump ’ s unique political strengths .
The first unique political strength is that President Trump is blessed with his enemies .
This is sometimes a challenging concept for apolitical ( i.e.
, normal ) people—and even for many politicians—to grasp .
After all , the vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t court them .
Yet , in politics , one ’ s enemies ’ attacks earn candidates their partisan stripes amongst their party ’ s base .
This applies to both major parties ( and likely minor parties , as well ) .
To cite some recent examples : when American Greatness publishes a philippic against U.S. Representative Adam Schiff ( D-Calif. ) , Democrats will more ardently support and defend Schiff .
If the failing New York Times ( hereinafter , “ FNYT ” ) runs a hit piece against U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans will more ardently support Nunes .
Why ?
Because Republicans loathe the FNYT , they presume that its attacks upon Nunes mean he must be doing something right .
For Democrats , the same holds if American Greatness attacks Schiff .
Given this political calculus , the elite media ’ s overwhelming animus , distortions , and outright lies are what initially garnered Republican support for candidate and then President Trump , well before his successful policies cemented it .
( This explains , too , the effete NeverTrump movement .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservatives ” in the elite media and those elected GOP members who would curry their favor .
Thus , when NeverTrumpers try to proselytize Republicans to oppose the president through these elite media platforms , the only credibility they destroy is their own . )
President Trump ’ s second unique political strength is how he brings out the worst in his enemies .
Animus has eternally animated relations between politicians ; ask Julius Caesar .
And like Julius Caesar , Donald Trump has an uncanny ability to make his enemies lower their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and themselves in their efforts to destroy him .
Even during Watergate , the battle between President Nixon and the press did not lead the latter to self-immolate its credibility .
Not so today ’ s discredited elite media who knowingly , willfully , and deliberately abetted the propagandizing of the Russiagate lie ; censored the Biden family ’ s financial ties to America ’ s enemies to influence a presidential election and stop Trump ; and committed myriad other acts of journalistic corruption .
So too , the swampy political class and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of respectability by orchestrating the Russiagate scam , including Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’ s special investigation and the bogus impeachment proceedings .
They have incessantly and with impunity broken laws against leaking classified information and then nominated a compromised , senile mediocrity .
Meanwhile , they have been lying to the American electorate that he ’ s competent , and even denied Americans much-needed COVID-19 relief funds all to help prevent President Trump ’ s reelection .
All of these sins will ultimately redound to their political detriment and destruction .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique political strengths : his willingness to fight back tooth and nail against these elitists .
It is what Republican populists most admire about him , and it is what they are continuing to seek in all their elected officials—and in themselves .
Thus , there is one more unique political strength in President Trump ’ s arsenal , one which will ultimately affect his legacy .
While Trump ’ s enemies may have won this election , it will prove a Pyrrhic victory .
In 2020 , the Left has destroyed itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee , current itinerant guitarist , American Greatness contributor , and Monday co-host of the “ John Batchelor Show .
”


thetennesseestar--2020-12-13--Nearly 50 Percent Approve of Trump’s Performance, Poll Finds

Almost 50 % of registered voters approved of Donald Trump ’ s performance as president , according to a Hill-HarrisX poll published Thursday .
The poll , which was conducted from Dec. 3 to Dec. 7 , showed that 49 % of respondents favored the president ’ s performance , while 51 % disapproved , according to the Hill-HarrisX poll .
The president has been hovering just below or at 50 % for several months , polls show .
The previous Hill-HarrisX poll , which was conducted from Nov. 27 until Nov. 30 and was the first Hill-HarrisX poll completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of respondents approved of the president ’ s performance while 50 % disapproved .
That approval rating was a two-point increase from an October poll .
The president has an average approval rating of 44.6 % across several polls , according to Real Clear Politics , while 52.4 disapprove of Trump ’ s job performance .
Among Republican voters , 85 % approved of the president , the December Hill-HarrisX poll found .
Conversely , 82 % of the Democratic voters polled disapproved , as did 56 % of independents .
The poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. with a 1.58 percentage point margin of error , according to the Hill-HarrisX poll .
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .