thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Marsha Blackburn Urges Bill Barr to Investigate Planned Parenthood

Senator Marsha Blackburn ( R-Tenn. ) joined Senator Tom Cotton ( R-Ark . )
in sending a letter on Thursday to Attorney General Bill Barr urging the Department of Justice to investigate Planned Parenthood .
Specifically , they asked Barr to investigate whether dozens of Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country fraudulently applied for and received loans from the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) despite knowing they were ineligible to apply .
This , according to a press release Blackburn released Thursday .
Under the statuary text of the CARES Act , organizations like these affiliates were expressly prohibited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Small Business Administration confirmed last month that its standing affiliation rules apply to the new PPP , which excludes organizations like Planned Parenthood that employ its type of governance and affiliation structure and exceed the cap on total employees , the press release said .
“ The Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES Act was designed by Congress to help struggling small businesses and nonprofit organizations by giving them access to low-cost loans for expenses like keeping their employees on payroll during this pandemic .
It was not designed to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers like Planned Parenthood , ” the two senators in the press release .
“ The funds in the program are not unlimited , and were depleted once already because of high demand .
Planned Parenthood fraudulently taking tens of millions of dollars that were intended to help keep those small businesses and nonprofit organizations afloat can not stand and must be addressed.
” The letter was also signed by Senators John Boozman ( R-Ark . )
, Mike Braun ( R-Ind . )
, Bill Cassidy ( R-La . )
, John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( R-Texas ) , Steve Daines ( R-Mont . )
, Mike Enzi ( R-Wyo . )
, Joni Ernst ( R-Iowa ) , Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) , Cindy Hyde-Smith ( R-Miss . )
, Jim Inhofe ( R-Okla. ) , John Kennedy ( R-La . )
, James Lankford ( R-Okla. ) , Mike Lee ( R-Utah ) , Kelly Loeffler ( R-Ga. ) , Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) , David Perdue ( R-Ga. ) , Jim Risch ( R-Idaho ) , Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) , Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sasse ( R-Neb . )
, Rick Scott ( R-Fla. ) , Tim Scott ( R-S.C. ) , John Thune ( R-S.D . )
and Todd Young ( R-Ind. )
.
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--After Backing Alleged Domestic Abuser Keith Ellison, Minnesota Dems Say State Rep Is ‘Trivializing’

After Backing Alleged Domestic Abuser Keith Ellison, Minnesota Dems Say State Rep Is ‘Trivializing’ Domestic Abuse

The Minnesota DFL Party , which supported accused domestic abuser Keith Ellison in his run for attorney general , criticized a Republican lawmaker Thursday for “ trivializing the severity of domestic abuse.
” Ellison was accused of domestic abuse in 2018 by Karen Monahan , an ex-girlfriend who spent several years volunteering for the DFL .
Despite the allegations , Chairman Ken Martin and his party stood by Ellison in the race for attorney general .
A police report from 2005 appears to show that the police were called on Ellison that year after he assaulted a woman .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Ellison and hired external investigator Susan Ellingstad to conduct the review .
Ellingstad , a Democratic donor and legal partner with the DFL ’ s lead attorney , concluded that the claims against Ellison were “ unsubstantiated.
” Her report stated that there were at least three witnesses who offered testimony corroborating Monahan ’ s story .
The three witnesses all said that Monahan came to them after the incident and told them about Ellison ’ s actions .
In a Thursday tweet , the party criticized state Rep. Mary Franson ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers trying their best to save lives during a pandemic to domestic abusers.
” “ We can disagree about the best path forward without trivializing the severity of domestic abuse , ” the DFL said on Twitter .
The statement was issued in response to Franson ’ s suggestion that Minnesotans who support Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s coronavirus restrictions have “ Stockholm Syndrome.
” “ These people have bonded with their abuser ( government ) and they can ’ t think rationally , ” she said .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform to speak out about domestic violence and criticized Sens .
Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Thursday for their hypocrisy on the issue .
“ You , Tina Smith , were implicit in domestic violence , along with Amy Klobuchar , when I broke my silence regarding the abusive relationship with Keith Ellison , ” she said on Twitter .
“ You are using this issue as a tool for your interest .
It ’ s wrong.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ email protected ] .

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


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Republicans Criticize ‘Alarming’ Interpretation of Executive Authority in Letter to Walz and Ellison

The Senate Republican Caucus expressed concern over the governor ’ s “ alarming ” interpretation of executive authority in a letter sent this week to Gov .
Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison .
“ Your interpretation of the scope of the Governor ’ s authority under Minnesota Statutes , section 12.45 , is incorrect and inconsistent with legislative intent and with a more measured reading of the law .
Most importantly , it is an infringement on the Legislature ’ s fundamental and exclusive authority to define and prescribe the punishment for a crime , ” states the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes issue with an executive order issued by Walz that makes it a gross misdemeanor for a business owner , manager , or supervisor to require or encourage an employee to violate the governor ’ s orders .
Current law states that the violation of an executive order is only a misdemeanor .
“ Ultimately , this interpretation of executive authority is alarming because there would be no limitation to the severity of the punishment that Governor Walz or any other Governor acting under emergency powers authority could impose without any legislative action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Statutes , chapter 12 , is not a blank check for the imposition of criminal penalties , ” the letter continues .
The letter was issued after Attorney General Ellison sued a restaurant owner who planned to reopen his six locations for business in defiance of the governor ’ s orders .
Ellison ’ s office threatened the owner with $ 25,000 in fines per location , which would amount to $ 150,000 total .
“ However , based on the civil complaint issued by Attorney General Ellison on May 17 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share our concerns about the plight of Minnesota businesses , ” says the letter .
Republicans believe the civil penalty sought by the executive branch “ sends a heavy-handed message to small businesses and workers who seek to safely reopen just like their big box competitors.
” The letter concludes with a threat to terminate the governor ’ s peacetime emergency declaration during the upcoming special session .
“ We certainly hope this is not the message you intended to make , and we stand ready to work with you on ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In light of this recent lawsuit and the looming June 12 special session , please understand that the previous restraint shown by the Senate to not exercise the authority granted under M.S .
12.31 to terminate the current peacetime emergency powers has become tenuous.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Tim Walz ” by Tim Walz .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Ohio Sees Slight Decrease in Unemployment Numbers, Over 1.2 Million People Have Filed Claims Over th

Ohio Sees Slight Decrease in Unemployment Numbers, Over 1.2 Million People Have Filed Claims Over the Last Nine Weeks

Ohio saw more than 46,000 people file for unemployment benefits last week , according to numbers released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services ( ODJFS ) .
This marks the first time Ohio ’ s unemployment weekly claims have been under 50,000 when the coronavirus hit the state two months ago , and Gov .
Mike DeWine shut down the economy .
Even though last week ’ s data reached this milestone , the weekly filings from the week ending May 16 only went down by 5,000 claims from the week ending May 9 .
Ohioans asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down as of last weekend , 90 percent of Ohio ’ s economy had opened up , the Associated Press reported .
Since mid-March , more than 1.2 million people have filed for unemployment benefits in Ohio .
Nationally , America has seen 38.6 million people claim unemployment during the same nine-week span .
Ohio has accounted for three percent of America ’ s unemployment benefit claims during this time period .
According to WBNS , ODJFS has given benefits to 619,000 Ohioans totaling over $ 2.8 billion .
This accounts for 52 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance .
ODJFS continues to deal with hackers trying to infiltrate its system .
This time , around 24 people who claimed unemployment benefits had their personal information exposed during a data breach .
The agency announced on Wednesday that it was able to fix the problem within the first hour of discovering the hack .
ODJFS said that “ no evidence of any widespread data compromise.
” Earlier this month , ODJFS dealt with another hack that sent junk data to part of the agency ’ s website where employers “ can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it is available due to COVID-19.
” The agency stopped the hack from creating false claims in its system .
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .
Photo “ People Filing Out Paperwork ” by Micah Sitting .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Foundation Says Breach of Unemployment Claimants’ Data Causes Loss of Public Trust in Ohio Governmen

Foundation Says Breach of Unemployment Claimants’ Data Causes Loss of Public Trust in Ohio Government

With the data breach exposing the information of unemployed Ohioans , one foundation is saying that the government ’ s failure to address known flaws with the benefits system means the public has lost trust in the state .
Deloitte Consulting is handling pandemic unemployment assistance claims for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services .
At least 130,000 independent contractors who filed 1099 forms but have not yet received benefits had their information , including addresses and social security numbers exposed on the Deloitte system , WLWT reported .
ODJFS called the case a unique circumstance that enabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to inadvertently access a restricted page when logged into the PUA website .
The data breach of Ohio ’ s unemployment system , specifically the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program ( PUA ) under the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services , has led to the theft of Social Security numbers , names , and full addresses of our fellow Buckeyes struggling to get by .
This epitomizes the reason why Ohio ’ s Future Foundation has vocally and persistently called for a well-thought-out and well-prepared plan to reopen Ohio .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirements ; vague and confusing last-minute government orders , and individuals waiting weeks on end to receive financial assistance from a system they have paid into .
Now we have seen the ultimate bottom falling out — a breach of public trust through the leak of private personal information .
Let us be very clear on one salient point , the issues within Ohio ’ s unemployment system were well known in 2019 by the state .
Last year , they were notified by the federal government that Ohio ’ s unemployment system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its poor funding .
Now Lieutenant Governor Husted has asked for billions of dollars from the federal government that Ohioans will be paying interest on to the tunes of tens , if not hundreds , of millions of dollars .
Deloitte ’ s system for Colorado and Illinois also was breached , ABC News said .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Michigan Autodealerships, Medical Care, Retail to Reopen Next Week

Michigan retail businesses , autodealerships and medical services will begin to reopen next week , Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer announced on Thursday .
The latest executive order allows retail businesses to reopen on Tuesday with health and safety guidelines , including providing COVID-19 training to workers .
The training must include the proper use of personal protection equipment and steps to take if a worker suspects he or she has symptoms of the coronavirus , among other information .
The order also allows autodealerships statewide to open by appointment on Tuesday .
Starting Friday , health care providers will no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical , dental and veterinary procedures .
“ As businesses continue to reopen , it ’ s crucial that they adopt strict safety measures to protect their employees , customers , and their families , ” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun , the chief deputy for health and chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services , said in a statement .
“ I know that as medical professionals begin offering nonessential procedures again , they will do everything in their power to protect patients and their families from COVID-19.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed starting immediately , as long as attendees practice social distancing .
“ The data shows that Michigan is ready to phase in these sectors of our economy , but we must stay vigilant and ensure we ’ re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19 , ” Whitmer said in a statement .
“ On behalf of our brave first responders on the front lines of this crisis , we must continue to all do our part by staying safer at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we can to stop the spread of this virus.
” Michigan currently has more than 53,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , according to the MDHHS .
The death toll in the state is 5,129 .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Vanderbilt Poll Claims ‘Sky High’ Approval for Mayor Cooper, Just 19 Percent of Participants Were Re

Vanderbilt Poll Claims ‘Sky High’ Approval for Mayor Cooper, Just 19 Percent of Participants Were Republicans

A new poll from Vanderbilt University claims the approval rating for Mayor John Cooper is “ sky high , ” but only 19 percent of respondents said they identify as Republicans .
Another 45 percent of respondents said they identify as Democrats , while 26 percent said they are Independents and 10 percent said they are “ something else.
” Only 21 percent said their political views are “ very conservative ” or “ conservative , ” compared to 30 percent who said they are “ liberal ” or “ very liberal.
” Forty-eight percent said their political views are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that Mayor Cooper has an 80 percent approval rating , the “ highest approval rating of any mayor since the first Vanderbilt Poll-Nashville was conducted in 2015.
” The poll claims support for Metro Nashville ’ s public institutions is at a “ record-high.
” Support for the Metro Nashville Council increased 13 points to 70 percent this year , while approval of the Metro Nashville School Board jumped from 37 percent to 68 percent .
Overall , 63 percent of respondents said they believe Nashville is “ generally on the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are “ very ” or “ moderately ” worried about the impact of the coronavirus shutdowns on their personal finances .
Just 62 percent rated the city ’ s economy as “ very ” or “ fairly ” good , down 20 points from an 82 percent rating in last year ’ s poll .
“ Local residents are understandably anxious about the pandemic , but they are very pleased by the response of local officials so far , ” John Geer , dean of the College of Arts and Science , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Cooper rightly gets a lot of credit for how he ’ s handled the COVID-19 crisis .
This support will be invaluable as he wrestles with some difficult decisions ahead concerning budgets and getting the city back on track.
” Increasing property taxes ( 28 percent ) and temporarily reducing funding for affordable housing ( 36 percent ) were rated as the top solutions for addressing the current budget crisis .
However , the poll asked respondents about a five percent property tax increase , whereas Mayor Cooper has proposed a 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just 33 percent of Nashville residents surveyed in the poll said they approve of President Donald Trump ’ s job performance .
The poll is conducted annually by the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions at Vanderbilt University .
The poll surveyed 1,036 registered Davidson County voters over the age of 18 between April 9 and May 10 .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Carol Swain Commentary: Americans Should Reject Joe Biden’s Race-Baiting Tactics

“ You ain ’ t black if you don ’ t back me over Trump.
” I cringed when Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presumptive presidential nominee , made this startling , demeaning statement about black Americans who dare think for themselves .
His ugly , offensive remarks that I and other blacks who support President Trump are no longer black is a racist statement , period .
It should be categorically rejected by all Americans .
I am black , and I assure you that I will not be voting for Joe Biden this fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ past who seek to frighten and bully racial and ethnic minorities using symbolism , tokenism , and racial tropes .
Take away the fear tactics , and there might be a mass exodus of blacks from the Democratic Party .
Biden ’ s racist remarks are sickening , and it ’ s an old story with Democrats .
We ’ ve come to expect the same tired mantra that race-baiting Democrats use every year – that blacks “ belong ” to them .
Not only am I voting for Donald J. Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power to get him reelected as the last hope for American society .
Otherwise , Democrats will use the coronavirus to turn off the lights to our nation and strip us of our civil rights and liberties that remain .
It is disgusting to watch Democrats such as Biden , Nancy Pelosi , and Chuck Schumer put progressive politics above the good of our nation , and that includes above the good of American minorities as well .
Believe it .
Let the record reflect that I was born and raised in rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God , doors opened that allowed me to become a tenured university professor at two top-tier universities : Princeton and Vanderbilt .
I believe in America and the American Dream .
The values and principles that guide you to success will never be told or shared if blacks wait on liberal Democrats to tell them the truth about what it takes to make it in America .
Playing the race card is as natural as breathing for Joe Biden .
During the 2020 presidential campaign , Biden has told reporters , “ White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism .
There has always been racism in America .
White supremacists have always existed , they still exist.
” In saying this , Biden , like a parrot , was simply repeating the familiar refrain of the progressive left that has taken over the Democratic Party .
According to them , racism is institutional and is the root of white supremacy .
This man , Biden , can not think for himself , and every time he opens his mouth he digs his hole a little bit deeper .
Before the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white supremacist ” referred to people who felt that having white skin made them superior to other racial and ethnic groups .
“ White nationalism ” was the belief that whites should constitute a dominant and separate group able to determine its own future .
After Trump ’ s unexpected election , the labels changed meaning .
The terms “ white supremacist ” and “ white nationalist ” are now applied to any white person who voted for Donald Trump or who refused to embrace the mantra that all whites are oppressors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social and economic attainments – are victims .
If America is ever to thrive again , we must reject the racism of the progressive left and treat racial and ethnic minorities as equals .
That means sharing with minorities the secrets for success and educating them about the Democratic Party ’ s genocidal agenda toward minority communities .
Also , the current COVID-19 pandemic has produced yet another type of racial oppression directed at minority communities through the aggressive use of contact tracers and police power , all done in the name of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former tenured professor at Vanderbilt and Princeton universities .
Her Be The People News blog and podcast empower individuals to think independently , understand their responsibilities , and make a difference in the world .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-22--Ohio Sees Slight Decrease in Unemployment Numbers, More Than 1.2 Million People Have Filed Claims Ov

Ohio Sees Slight Decrease in Unemployment Numbers, More Than 1.2 Million People Have Filed Claims Over the Last Nine Weeks


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Tennessee Crime Victims Say Passing Marsy’s Law Is Essential This Year

Crime victim advocates say they want members of the Tennessee General Assembly to consider Marsy ’ s Law before they adjourn their session for the year .
Supporters said this in an emailed press release this week .
“ As the legislature decides what bills will be voted on before they adjourn the session for the year , crime victims want lawmakers to know the rights of victims can not wait , ” the press release said .
As The Tennessee Star reported in February , State Sen. John Stevens ( R-Huntingdon ) and State Rep .
Patsy Hazlewood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation that they say would strengthen the rights of crime victims in Tennessee ’ s Constitution .
This resolution will ensure that victims of crime have equal , constitutional rights on the same level as those accused and convicted of crimes , according to the press release .
“ If passed in two consecutive general assemblies , the constitutional amendment guaranteeing these protections would be placed on the November 2022 ballot for voters to approve , ” the press release said .
According to the press release , adopting Marsy ’ s Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to assert the critical rights to which they are promised including : • The right to be free from harassment , intimidation , and abuse throughout the criminal justice system , including reasonable protection from the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused • The right , upon request , to reasonable notice of any release or escape of an accused • The right to full and timely restitution from the offender • The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The right , upon request , to confer with the prosecution • The right to be fully informed of all rights afforded to crime victims As The Star reported in March , Marsy ’ s Law members warned Tennessee sheriffs at the onset of COVID-19 in the United States not to release inmates from their jails unless they notify the inmates ’ alleged victims .
“ During these unprecedented times , we are grateful for our law enforcement leaders who work every day to keep us safe .
We understand many sheriffs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just ask that victims also be considered , ” said Bonnie Brezina of Marsy ’ s Law for Tennessee .
“ Victims are already dealing with added stress by being isolated from supportive family members and resources .
They should not have to deal with the possibility of being contacted or encountered by an accused perpetrator they believed was safely locked up in jail.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Patsy Hazlewood ” @ @ @ @

Gov. Bill Lee said more than 23,000 Tennesseans have received a free COVID-19 test at one of 67 drive-through testing sites over the past three weekends.
“Testing remains one of the most important tools for gaining more information in our fight against COVID-19, and the 23,000 tests we’ve completed over the last three weekends have provided incredibly valuable data,” Lee said in a statement. “We’re grateful to the thousands who came out to receive a test this weekend and we continue to remind Tennesseans: when in doubt, get a test.”
Last weekend alone, 5,153 Tennesseans received a free COVID-19 test. Lee said the free testing is part of the Unified Command Group’s efforts to widen access to testing regardless of symptoms.
“Our weekend sites have been equipped to meet the demand for free testing across the state,” said Dr. Lisa Piercey, Tennessee Department of Health commissioner. “With ample capacity at our county health departments during the week, we continue to encourage Tennesseans to take advantage of free testing at these locations.”
The Tennessee Department of Health has a map of testing sites published on its website. As of Thursday, Tennessee had completed 236,328 COVID-19 tests. That’s more than double the number of tests performed in states like Minnesota, which claims it has the ability to test up to 20,000 individuals in a day, but has yet to surpass 6,000 daily tests.
Between Wednesday and Thursday, Tennessee tested an additional 9,227 residents, according to the Department of Health.
Tennessee has also performed more than twice as many tests as Kentucky, which had tested 81,391 residents as of Thursday.
Most of Tennessee’s COVID-19 tests have been performed by non-state health labs, which account for 225,427 of the state’s 236,328 total tests.
Tennessee now has 14,096 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 237 deaths, and 6,783 recovered patients.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “North Carolina National Guard Members” by the National Guard. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Commentary: China Should Not Provoke the United States

In the immense and multifaceted controversy over the coronavirus pandemic , and in the midst of tumultuous pre-electoral events in the United States , the role of the Chinese government in inflicting this economic and public health disaster on the world has been the subject of comparative restraint .
Were it not for these other preoccupations in this American election year , and expert research confirmed official Chinese complicity , by negligence or malice , in the generation of the pandemic , with the complicity of the World Health Organization , there would be some danger of an intemperate response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific judgments but my canvass of those more knowledgeable on the subject indicates that it is extremely unlikely that this was a naturally occurring virus ; it seems to have emerged , presumably accidentally , from the viral research center in Wuhan .
It is difficult to put an acceptable face on the conduct of the Chinese government in recognizing the gravity of the problem by isolating Wuhan within China while not curtailing extensive direct air contact between Wuhan and many foreign countries , or even disclosing candidly and promptly the gravity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures about the pandemic in China are obviously fictitious .
Being as positive as reasonably possible , it seems that the Chinese were experimenting with a range of dangerous viruses , and that this one escaped unintentionally , and the highest levels of the Chinese government determined to deny what was happening , thereby assuring the infection of much of the world .
If this was deliberate Chinese government policy from the start , it was an act of war ; though it could not be responded to with outright hostilities .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had succumbed to the frequent habit of those with aggressive ambitions of believing what they wished to believe .
Moreover , they appear to have assumed the United States and the West generally would continue to tolerate immense trade deficits , the endless theft of intellectual property , systematic Chinese violations of international law in international waters , the creeping takeover of underdeveloped countries through a corrupt program of loans , and generally the “ Belt and Road ” program of expanding Chinese hegemony throughout East and South Asia and Africa .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ periods of Chinese decline and exploitation by foreign powers , was disparagement of foreigners and a comprehensive lack of interest in them , serene national self-confidence , and the Chinese leadership seems to have assumed that the West would not respond effectively to any provocation .
There has never in the history of the nation-state been anything like the almost simultaneous bifurcation in radically different directions of two leading world powers about 40 years ago .
As the Soviet Union relaxed its dictatorship while maintaining its collectivist economy , China maintained its totalitarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state capitalism , albeit with considerable retention of a command economy .
In these last 40 years , all the world has seen the Soviet Union quickly disintegrate and the international Communism that had threatened the West in the Cold War die with it , as China has risen to be the most formidable economic rival the United States has had since before World War I .
The leaders of China are over-confident .
Whether the coronavirus pandemic was premeditated or of accidental origin but magnified by malice and negligence , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
While there has been considerable Democratic congressional support for President Trump ’ s policy of identifying the Chinese threat—as well as requiring the end of practically unlimited trade deficits , theft of industrial and technological intelligence , misuse of the extensive Chinese presence in American universities , bribing and bullying of American industries with threats of ending access to the Chinese market , and a steadily more assertive foreign policy in the Far East and Africa—before coronavirus there was still a broad consensus including almost all of the Democratic Party that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s appeasement of Beijing .
This was based on the assumption that China eventually would succumb to the temptations of consumerist democracy and grow into a state of rules-based coexistence with the West .
Lately , even Joe Biden , who opened his campaign with bland assurances that China was no danger to the United States , seems ( with the help of the polls ) to be outgrowing that delusion .
China shows no signs whatever of seeking vast military conquest as Nazi Germany did , nor of using an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West in the world and build an alliance on ostensibly Marxist principles as the Soviet Union did .
China ’ s advance is traditional Han Chinese nationalism enabled and lubricated by what leaders in Beijing imagine to be an original method of using state capitalism to suborn and dominate resource-rich underdeveloped countries and , by focus and discipline , to out-distance and overawe what they have effortlessly convinced themselves is a flabby and irresolute West led by an erratic and hedonistic America .
But underestimating America ’ s determination to maintain its position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan , Nazi Germany , and the Soviet Union learned to their regret ) .
America Has Many Strong Cards to Play In cooperation with all of the other aggrieved countries ( approximately 120 have demanded to know how the pandemic began ) , the United States must seek and reach a consensus on the level of China ’ s duplicity in propagating this pandemic .
Then it must lead the insertion of a military presence in the international waters around China to ensure that Chinese sovereignty is not imposed upon the freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the existing tariff replacement agreement is ratified and observed by China , the United States must still rigorously enforce the end of the systematic Chinese technological theft .
The United States must end Chinese espionage and propagandistic activities around American universities and encourage its allies to do the same and , if appropriate , roll back the number of student visas issued to the Chinese .
It must strictly enforce the policy that already officially exists against the acquisition of American commercial interests that could be harmful to the U.S. national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything that is strategic either by its essential nature or because of the extent of its commercial significance .
China must be deterred from abusing the international organizations that it has been allowed to join but whose rules it has not observed , and China ’ s neighbors which resent the People ’ s Republic ’ s overbearing influence must be leagued together in defensive arrangements to resist commercial and political aggression .
The example of Myanmar ( Burma ) , is indicative of China ’ s propensity to overplay its hand : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country dispensed with the military regime that had indulged Beijing and effectively threw the Chinese out , bag and baggage .
There is no shortage of Americans , especially in Hollywood and the American media , who are eager to salute China as a super-state exposing the corruption and venality of Trumpian America and urging what amounts to a policy of submission to Chinese leadership .
Fortunately , the overwhelming majority of Americans , given a clear policy choice , will reject any such cowardly and shameful course .
The United States is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a more motivated ethos , comparatively well-functioning institutions , and the advantages of a free society , an enterprise economy , and serious allies .
The president is right to try to preserve the existing trade arrangements and build on them , and he is right to be thorough in determining how this pandemic was unleashed .
He is right to make it clear that Chinese conduct is unacceptable and that America and its allies have the ability to discourage and punish it .
As soon as the political fireworks end and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years is identified , a national and international consensus should be built quickly behind all of these objectives .
Everyone accepts that China is a great nation and a great development story , but the West and the United States , in particular , should be submissive to no one .
Conrad Black has been one of Canada ’ s most prominent financiers for 40 years , and was one of the leading newspaper publishers in the world as owner of the British telegraph newspapers , the Fairfax newspapers in Australia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of smaller newspapers in the U.S. , and most of the daily newspapers in Canada .
He is the author of authoritative biographies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Richard Nixon , one-volume histories of the United States and Canada , and most recently of Donald J. Trump : A President Like No Other .
He is a member of the British House of Lords as Lord Black of Crossharbour .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Illegal Alien Arrested in Deadly-Hit-And Run as County Looks to Buck ICE

An illegal alien was arrested in a Northern Virginia suburb for his alleged involvement in a deadly hit-and-run accident and handed over to immigration officials , but local leaders are looking to scrap a program that allows law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) .
Officials in Prince William County , Virginia , have debated ending a years-long partnership program with federal immigration authorities , the 287 ( g ) program .
The introduction of new jail board appointees is expected to lead to the end of this partnership , according to proponents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , an illegal alien was arrested after he allegedly struck a man with his vehicle , killing him , and speeding off , according to ICE .
Federal authorities and proponents of the program are pointing to the arrest of this man as a prime example of why the partnership needs to stay in place .
A 62-year-old northern Virginia man , attempting to cross a road in the early morning hours of May 6 , was struck by two vehicles , with the injuries he sustained ultimately causing him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NOVA .
The second vehicle that struck him as he laid on the road sped away .
The Prince William County Police Department identified and arrested 35-year-old Walner Alberto Pichinte Echeverria May 18 , Inside NOVA reported .
Pichinte Echeverria , a Salvadoran national , was living unlawfully in the U.S. and was placed in ICE on May 21 , spokeswoman for the agency told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ Walner Alberto Pichinte Echeverria , 35 , an unlawfully present Salvadoran national , was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William County Police Department in Manassas , Virginia , after his arrest May 18 for felony hit and run , ” ICE spokeswoman Kaitlyn Pote said in a statement provided to the DCNF .
“ On May 19 , a designated immigration officer with the 287 ( g ) Program at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center in Manassas , Virginia , trained to identify and process removable aliens with criminal charges , served Pichinte a warrant of arrest and an immigration detainer , ” Pote continued .
“ He remains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removal proceedings.
” The 287 ( g ) program allows Prince William County to verify the immigration status of suspects who are arrested and charged with a crime .
If the individual is discovered to be living in the U.S. unlawfully , they are subsequently handed over to ICE .
The Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center has been a partner in the program since 2007 , according to ICE .
The cooperation agreement also allows the agency to pay for most of the tab for immigration enforcement .
Critics of the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t expend their own resources to assist federal authorities .
“ The goal of 287 ( g ) is to enhance public safety by identifying aliens , lodging immigration detainers , and initiating removal proceedings by issuing charging documents on criminal and removable aliens booked into the jail facility , ” ICE said in a statement .
The agency added that in fiscal year 2019 , the program resulted in close to 25,000 law enforcement encounters with aliens in the custody of participating jurisdictions — nearly 1,600 of those took place in Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country have entered into these 287 ( g ) programs .
There are a total of 124 law enforcement agencies across 22 states that have entered into such agreements .
The partnership has become controversial among progressive community leaders , particularly in response to the Trump administration ’ s immigration policies .
Prince William County , much like the rest of northern Virginia , has shifted toward the Democratic Party , and the now-Democrat-controlled county board of supervisors may have set the stage to scrap it .
At the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday , three new appointments were made to the county ’ s jail board by a party-line vote .
The appointees include Democratic state Del .
Elizabeth Guzman , who has explicitly voiced her desire to end 287 ( g ) ; Cozy Bailey , the president of the county ’ s NAACP chapter ; and Democrat Tracey Lenox .
Prince William County Sheriff Glendell Hill urged the Board of County Supervisors to not to make appointments based on controversial issues like immigration enforcement , according to Potomac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointees to the county jail board , Elizabeth Guzman , a Peruvian immigrant to the U.S. , has pledged to end 287 ( g ) .
She has previously claimed that she would be pulled over by police at least once every two weeks because of her ethnicity , and has said the 287 ( g ) program is unnecessary because jails in the state already check immigration status .
Hill denied the claim that jails can verify the immigration status of inmates without an agreement with ICE .
The possible demise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ g ) program has prompted supporters to mobilize .
A rally was held in Woodbridge , Virginia , Tuesday in support of the program and of Hill , a fifth-term sheriff who has overseen the program for years .
“ There ’ s nothing wrong with law enforcement working with law enforcement to keep your community safe , ” said Tom Homan , the former acting director of ICE and now senior fellow at the Immigration and Reform Law Institute ( IRLI ) .
“ Now those on the left that want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support sanctuary cities , here ’ s your battle cry.
” IRLI , a nonprofit group based in Washington , D.C. , that advocates for lower levels of immigration , also expects the county ’ s 287 ( g ) program to be at risk .
However , some see the arrest of Pichinte Echeverria as an world example of the program ’ s benefits .
“ This case is a textbook example of why communities need the 287 ( g ) program , ” Dale L. Wilcox , executive director and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DCNF in a statement .
“ An illegal alien who commits the kind of crimes alleged here should not only be off our streets , but out of our country .
They are a threat to all residents including other immigrants .
Prince William County residents should demand accountability from leaders who are making their community more dangerous for political convenience , ” Wilcox said .
The Commonwealth ’ s Attorneys Office , which prosecutes all criminal and traffic cases occurring within Prince William County , did not immediately respond to a request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Mueller’s ‘Pit Bull’ to Headline Fundraiser for Joe Biden

A top prosecutor on the special counsel ’ s team will headline a fundraiser in June for former Vice President Joe Biden .
Andrew Weissmann , a former Justice Department official , will take part in a “ fireside chat ” for the Biden Victory Fund to be held online on June 2 .
The event will be moderated by Anne Milgram , the former attorney general for New Jersey .
Weissmann ’ s support for Biden is certain to renew allegations of political bias from one of the special counsel team ’ s top lawyers .
Weissmann was assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former FBI director .
He mostly handled the case against Paul Manafort , the former Trump campaign chairman who was convicted on money-laundering and tax evasion charges related to his work in Ukraine .
Weissmann ’ s aggressive prosecutorial tactics earned him the nickname “ Mueller ’ s pit bull ” from some in the media .
During the probe , President Donald Trump often pointed to Weissmann ’ s position on the special counsel ’ s team as evidence of a political bias in the investigation .
The prosecutor attended an event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 8 , 2016 .
He also donated $ 6,600 to the DNC , Clinton and Obama presidential campaigns .
Weissmann ’ s post-Mueller career path has highlighted his political leanings .
He joined MSNBC as a legal analyst in November 2019 .
A report of the Mueller investigation found no evidence that members of the Trump campaign conspired with the Russian government or that any Trump associates acted as agents of Russia .
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Andrew Weissman ” by MSNBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Boutique Venues of Nashville Owner Dan Cook Can’t Get Response From Mayor Cooper’s Office Regarding

Boutique Venues of Nashville Owner Dan Cook Can’t Get Response From Mayor Cooper’s Office Regarding His Declining Business

On Friday ’ s Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Michael Patrick Leahy and all-star panelist Crom Carmichael welcomed the owner of Nashville Boutique Venues Dan Cook to the newsmakers line .
During the third hour , Cook described his attempts to contact Mayor John Cooper ’ s office to discuss the phase openings and how it ’ s negatively impacted his business .
He expressed his disappointment that he has not received any type of return communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several attempts but appeared hopeful with the local media attention he ’ s been able to attain .
Leahy : We are joined now by Dan Cook , the owner of a couple of really great venues here in Nashville .
Clementine and Ruby ’ s .
Good morning Dan .
Cook : Good morning gentlemen , how are you ?
Leahy : So Dan , Mayor John Cooper has that on Monday we ’ ll move into phase two .
What does that mean for your businesses ?
Cook : Well you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right direction but as you may recall in phase two gatherings which are weddings and other private events we ’ re slated to move to 50 people not to exceed adding events .
Mayor Cooper actually reduced that number in phase two from 50 to 25 .
So my lobbying efforts over the last week have gone in the opposite direction apparently .
Leahy : Hold it .
He was going to move it before you started lobbying he was going to move it to 50 and then after you finished he reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that right ?
Cook : Yeah .
You know we have a petition out because 50 is uneconomic for our industry of 20,000 who are of course out of work .
We ’ ve gotten on a bunch of news channels and it ’ s hard not to attribute this to some kind of spite .
There is no logical rationale .
Leahy : None whatsoever .
This is stunning .
You want basically no limit I guess on the number ?
Cook : No .
No .
We don ’ t mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess on Monday when we moved to phase two restaurants and retailers can operate at 75 % capacity .
And this Friday , today when your unemployed you forget the day of the week , but today the entire state can open at 100 % capacity .
So restaurants just down the road in Williamson County can be open today at 100 % and so can retailers .
Leahy : Did you every personally talk to the mayor about this ?
Cook : We have tried every way conceivable to get to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council members .
They have gotten it to his office but no one from his administration has called us , reached out to us , or offered any sort of explanation .
Leahy : Did they explain why they decreased it from 50 to 25 ?
Cook : No .
No .
At the press conference yesterday a reporter asked the mayor that question directly and boy he pulled out a grab bag of political speak but there was no answer .
Carmichael : Dan , are you trying to approach them on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of venues here in Nashville ?
Cook : No , there ’ s not an association .
I ’ m trying to reach them really as a point person for again the 20,000 in this ecosystem .
Carmichael : OK. And the media in this town has been receptive to asking you questions on air ?
Cook : They have .
We actually appeared on News Channel 2 , News Channel 4 , Fox News .
We were in The Nashville Post , I believe it was yesterday .
And I expect to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of days .
Carmichael : Good for them because that ’ s local news and it ’ s important .
20,000 people ’ s livelihoods matter .
I ’ ve only met the mayor one time and he seems like a logical guy .
I mean , he really does .
This is just kind of disappointing because in Nashville for example there have only been 51 deaths in three months .
And when I say only 51 there are 8,000 deaths a year in Davidson County every year anyway .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every month in Davidson County from some other reason .
And the deaths that are happening are almost exclusively in the 75 years and older age group .
And so it would seem like your venues when you have an event at your venue you know exactly who ’ s entering .
There are so many reasons that you ought to be able to open .
These are weddings .
They are families .
Our daughter got married on May 4 of last year .
And we had a wonderful time .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughters that are now having to postpone their weddings because of the coronavirus .
And it just does a lot of emotional and family harm .
Not to mention the economic harm that it ’ s doing to 20,000 people .
Cook : Yes .
It ’ s really devastating .
There are a lot of stories to tell you .
I received a call from a dear friend of mine in the industry two days ago who was almost in tears and said that she did not want to lose her business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t know what to do .
And those kinds of stories I hear every day .
But Crom , to your point earlier this morning about contact tracing .
I think we can all agree it ’ s a joke and a red herring .
However , in my industry it is perhaps the only industry where contact tracing could work because everyone that comes to one of our events is invited .
Well here ’ s are theory .
The theory goes that because the mayor ’ s healthcare advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trace infected people back to my venue or any venue where private events happen we have that hung around our hand .
Whereas if somebody gets the virus at a restaurant , or Green Hills Mall , or at a bar , or at a movie theater , they ’ ll never know where they got it .
So we get disproportionately penalized in the eyes of the mayor ’ s advisory group .
So I think that could be their rational .
Leahy : But they are not telling you their rationale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us the rationale .
Carmichael : You all could very easily take people ’ s temperatures before they come in .
You see signs on the doors of every venue you go into where it says that if you are coughing and have a fever don ’ t come in .
And things like that .
And these events are people who know each other .
Why on earth would somebody with a fever and coughing want to attend an event with friends and family ?
They just simply wouldn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distressed .
And I will say this , my grandfather was the Chancellor of Vanderbilt many many years ago and my dad was dean of students and I would like to think that Vanderbilt was more rational and logical in those days than they are now .
There are some decisions that come out of Vanderbilt that are real head-scratchers .
The doctor who is the mayor ’ s chief head health doctor is a bone doctor .
He ’ s not even an infectious disease specialist .
Carmichael : He seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve seen him interviewed on TV and unfortunately , he ’ s not asked tough questions .
What do you say to the 20,000 people who have lost their livelihoods because of your policies ?
Pretend they are right in front of you .
Tell us what you would say to them .
That ’ s a fair question to ask somebody who is hurting people with their policies .
That ’ s a very fair question .
In fact the mayor needs to be asked that question because these policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and given the data .
Leahy : Dan , how much is this governmental action costing your business ?
Cook : Well , added up for all intents and purposes we ’ ve been shut down for five to seven months so that is half of my revenue this year will get eliminated .
And what the future brings , who knows .
A lot of people are reticent to have events going forward .
Leahy : Do you believe you have the cause of legal action against the city ?
Cook : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know the response there but it ’ s something we will look at when the dust settles .
For now we ’ re trying to get on with business .
I tell ya , as each new phase happens we are noticing new moral hazards .
The interesting development this week with the announcement of phase two and the opening of the rest of the state is that any wedding that wants to cancel today has three great options .
They can go five minutes down the road to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the venues are wide open by the way .
Cook : We have to stay closed .
You could have this in your backyard or you could buy out a restaurant in Davidson County .
Leahy : You can buy out a restaurant in Williamson County and do it there ?
Leahy : Wow .
Unequal treatment for your business .
Dan Cook will you come back next Friday and tell us what ’ s going on ?
Carmichael : I really do applaud the media for having him on and I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people like this lady who ’ s losing her 25-year businesses .
It ’ s just so terrible .
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 .
Photo “ The Clementine ” by Nashville Boutique Venues .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Steve Bannon Presents ‘Descent Into Hell: The Persecution of Religion under the CCP’

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


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Commentary: The CDC’s Guidelines for Back-to-School Under COVID Sound Traumatizing

When schools reopen in the US amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , they will be even more restrictive than they already were .
Schools have long controlled students ’ movements and imposed constraints on where they can go , when , and with whom .
With virus concerns , those controls will increase in quantity and intensity .
NPR recently proclaimed that “ disruption from the pandemic constitutes an ‘ adverse childhood experience ’ for every American child.
” While many children are sad to be away from their friends and activities , being home with their family members for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ adverse childhood experience ” for most American children .
Returning to schools with extreme virus control and social distancing measures , however , could very well be traumatic for many kids .
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) issued its recommendations for school reopening , including encouraging daily temperature checks and/or symptom checking , face coverings for all staff and children over two , desks spaced six feet apart , staggered schedules , no cafeteria or playground use , installed partitions and physical barriers , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restrictions on outside visitors , including parents .
As images emerge from countries around the world that have reopened schools , US parents are getting a glimpse of what extreme social distancing measures could look like here , including the latest from Chinese schools in which social distancing “ wings ” are strapped onto children ’ s backs to ensure that they stay far apart from each other .
It ’ s no wonder that a new RealClear opinion poll found that 40 percent of parents intend to choose homeschooling or virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
And many European parents are refusing to send their children back to school .
These strict social distancing efforts at schools arise as more evidence suggests that children are largely spared from the dangers of COVID-19 infection .
Even as concerns have risen recently over a Kawasaki-like inflammatory disease related to COVID-19 that has impacted some children , the risk appears miniscule .
According to The Wall Street Journal : A study in the journal Lancet last week reported 10 children with the inflammatory syndrome in Bergamo , Italy—the city with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 times higher than the normal incidence .
Most were older and suffered more severe cardiac symptoms than those typically found with Kawasaki .
But the authors also estimated that probably no more than 0.1 % of children who had been exposed to the virus were affected .
All hospitalized patients had been discharged , and the authors recommend treating patients with steroids to calm their immune system .
The Journal article goes on to state : During these times parents and doctors need to be especially vigilant .
But as a society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the risks to children from the coronavirus are small , especially relative to others .
The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity projects that children under 15 are 6.83 to 20.07 times more likely to die of the flu or pneumonia than coronavirus—assuming 150,000 COVID-19 fatalities in the U.S. this year—and 128 times more likely to die of an accident .
We should care deeply about children ’ s health and safety , but like much about this pandemic , it ’ s important to make sure that the response isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many parents and educators are rightfully concerned about children ’ s mental health during these lockdowns , but when lockdowns end and schools reopen , children ’ s mental health could be worsened with extreme social distancing measures that remove any of the potentially enjoyable pieces of schooling , such as playground time , extracurriculars , and gathering with friends .
Stripped of these accessories that can often compensate for the more oppressive parts of conventional schooling , it ’ s not surprising that some parents and students would choose to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic ends .
Kerry McDonald is a Senior Education Fellow at FEE and author of Unschooled : Raising Curious , Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom ( Chicago Review Press , 2019 ) .
She is also an adjunct scholar at The Cato Institute and a regular Forbes contributor .
Kerry has a B.A .
in economics from Bowdoin College and an M.Ed .
in education policy from Harvard University .
She lives in Cambridge , Massachusetts with her husband and four children .
You can sign up for her weekly newsletter on @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Trump Threatens to Override Governors If They Do Not Open Churches

President Donald Trump called on governors Friday to open houses of worship “ right now , ” warning he will override governors ’ orders if they do not allow Americans to attend religious services .
Trump spoke Friday at the White House where he said governors should allow churches and places of worship to open , saying that if governors have any questions on this , “ they ’ re going to have to call me , but they ’ re not going to be successful in that call.
” “ These are places that hold our society together and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The people are demanding to go to church and synagogue , go to their mosque .
Many millions of Americans embrace worship as an essential part of life.
” The president added that he is confident that faith leaders will make sure their congregations are safe .
“ I know them well .
They love their congregations , they love their people , they don ’ t want anything bad to happen to them or anyone else , ” Trump said .
“ The governors need to do the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places of faith to open right now , ” Trump said .
“ For this weekend .
If they don ’ t do it , I will override the governors .
In America , we need more prayer , not less.
” The religious freedom organization First Liberty applauded the president ’ s words in a Friday statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ The discrimination that has been occurring against churches and houses of worship has been shocking , ” said Kelly Shackelford , who is president , CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We applaud the President ’ s strong stance today demanding that these attacks must stop and that churches and houses of worship be freed to safely open.
” “ Americans are going to malls and restaurants , ” Shackelford said .
“ They need to be able to go to their houses of worship.
” Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Biden Denies the Blackness of Any Black Voters Who Won’t Vote for Him

During a skyped interview on a New York City radio talk show Friday , Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden belittled any black voters who would not vote for him .
“ If you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t black , ” Biden told Charlamagne , the black host of the New York City-based Breakfast Club radio show .
Somewhat taken aback , Charlamagne shot back , “ it don ’ t have nothin ’ to do with Trump .
It has something to do with I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look at my record man !
” Biden interjected .
“ I extended the Voting [ Rights Act ] 25 years !
I have a record that is second to none !
The NAACP ’ s endorsed me every time I ’ ve run .
I mean—come on !
Take a look at the record !
” Biden had earlier told the host that there are “ multiple black women being considered ” for the position .
Senator Tim Scott , ( R-S.C ) took offense to Biden ’ s apparent denial of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he exclaimed on Fox Business upon hearing the comments .
“ That is the most arrogant , condescending comment I ’ ve heard in a very long time and that ’ s saying something.
” The man who sponsored and led the charge to enact the 1990 ’ s crime bill that locked up more African American males than any other piece of legislation , and President Trump comes along and through his criminal justice reform corrects the absolute mistakes made by Joe Biden !
For him to make such an arrogant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the numbers , 1.3 million African Americans voted for Trump .
He ’ s saying to 1.3 million African Americans that you ’ re not black ?
Who in the heck does he think he is ?
!
The Trump Campaign was quick to respond to the comments : Debra Heine reports for American Greatness .
Photo “ Joe Biden Interview ” by The Breakfast Club .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Music City Dedicates This Year’s Fourth of July Celebration to First Responders

Music City will honor healthcare heroes , first responders and frontline workers with a televised fireworks show from downtown Nashville on Fourth of July , the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced today .
There will be no public concert or spectators allowed in parks .
A short fireworks display will be set to recorded music by Nashville artists , which will air locally on NewsChannel 5 .
Country music superstar Brad Paisley , who was previously scheduled to headline this year ’ s Fourth of July event , will instead headline in 2021 , giving the community something to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to book a trip to Nashville next year .
“ The community deserves a celebration and our healthcare and frontline workers deserve to be honored , ” said Butch Spyridon , the president and CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “ Music City has consistently had one of the largest July 4th celebrations in the nation , and while the crowds will be asked to stay home this year and our fireworks display will be minimal , we still wanted to find a way to celebrate our country and our city during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcast the one-hour show from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Go to visitmusiccity.com/july4th for information on the live-streamed event .
“ NewsChannel 5 is proud to safely share this celebration with the community we love , ” said Lyn Plantinga the vice president and general manager of NewsChannel 5 .
“ It is a privilege to help honor the strength of all of our neighbors and give special thanks to the frontline workers who protect us each and every day .
Our entire team is looking forward to July 4th.
” Let Freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Dr. Pepper is taking a different tone this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Due to social distancing guidelines and the desire to responsibly keep the community safe , this year ’ s Independence Day event will be limited to a televised show to be watched from home .
Riverfront Parks will be closed to the public to discourage spectators .
Typically , the event attracts tens of thousands of spectators to Lower Broadway and generates millions of dollars in visitor spending by hosting a full day of free family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse lineup of Nashville-based talent and a 30-minute fireworks show choreographed to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony .
Let Freedom Sing !
Music City July 4th is produced by the NCVC in support of the city .
No Metro Nashville general fund revenue is used to put on the event .
Let Freedom Sing !
Music City July 4th is presented by Dr. Pepper and partners include NewsChannel 5 , Jack Daniel ’ s , Kroger , Omni Nashville Hotel and General Jackson Showboat .
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can follow her blog , Bethany Writes , Instagram and Twitter .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Let’s Trace the Democratic Elites and the Media First, Says Crom Carmichael

On Friday ’ s 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 .
At the end of the second hour , Carmichael discussed the concept of contact tracing and suggested that perhaps the Democratic elite and the media should be the first to explore that option .
He reflected on the House Democrats that recently proposed that the country could employ millions of people as contract tracers and speculated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have them unionized .
Leahy : President Trump making some common sense there so , of course , the left hates him .
Carmichael : Yes .
I want to talk about contact tracing but before we do that just for a second , The Wall Street Journal had an article about Italy .
Now Italy went into the coronavirus outbreak economically in much much worse shape than the US .
Almost the entire middle class in Italy now is in desperate poverty .
And this is a fascinating article .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carmichael : An entire generation .
That assumes certain good policies .
It gives you an idea of what can happen .
Let me just say this because I used to teach a class , and I said now let ’ s say you have one person on an island who is working 16 hours a day seven days a week to survive .
Now this person on the island happens to represent both the perfect dictatorship and the perfect democracy all rolled into one .
So whatever policy that one person wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person can say I dictate this will be the policy or I vote that this will be the policy and its one and the same .
Carmichael : So this person one day wakes up and says there will be national healthcare on this island from this day forward , this moment forward .
And then that day that person goes while he ’ s working 16 hours a day seven days a week to survive on that particular day breaks his leg and can ’ t move for 10 days .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens to that person ?
And it actually took them a while as they looked around at each other .
And finally one of them says , didn ’ t they die ?
And I said , yes .
He died but that morning he dictated that there would be national healthcare on that island and he died anyway .
And it takes a little while to get around to the fundamental fact that if you don ’ t have the fundamental resources to support some program that benefits all of the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resources than you can make the claim anytime you want to .
You just can ’ t fulfill it .
And what Italy is running into now is that their social safety net is falling completely apart because they don ’ t have the means to sustain hardly any part of it .
That goes to what Trump was saying .
We have got to reopen .
We have to have a functioning economy of the rich .
I ’ m talking about wealth in the sense of rich .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society of food shelter , healthcare .
You have to have a functioning society that is generating a certain amount of wealth to do that .
But getting back to what we were talking about with contact tracing .
I have said that contact tracing is actually an impossible thing to achieve .
But the Democrats have pushed it and pushed it and pushed it as part of the reopening .
That we can not reopen without contact tracing .
Then you have these people from Johns Hopkins who are despicable people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the federal government .
Leahy : And the public school health is called the John Hopkins Public School of Health , wait for it… The Bloomberg School of Health .
Carmichael : There you go .
Ok .
So you ’ ve got these people that go on there .
If they were told to support Andrew Cuomo ’ s call on nursing homes they would get up there and do it .
If they were told to do it they would do it .
They are the ones who talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have it .
There was a Democrat House member who yesterday got up on the House floor that said , we have 35 million people that are unemployed we can take millions of those people , that ’ s what he said , millions of those people and train them to be contact tracers .
Now , what else would he want them to be ?
Carmichael : He would want them to be union members .
He would want them to be union members .
So that you have millions of union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democrat Party .
At the end of all this and you ’ re trying to dig down deep , this gets into complex problem-solving .
That because on the face of it it makes no sense .
Because it literally says you have to be able to identify who you ’ ve been within six feet of for the last 14 days .
Nobody can do that .
That ’ s not even possible .
If everybody has an app on their phone , I don ’ t think apps get you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grocery store .
They might know you are in the grocery store but they won ’ t know everybody you were next to .
But think how frightening it would be if they did ?
I think contact tracing is an interesting idea .
We need to test it .
Let ’ s take all the members of the Democratic Party who are elected legislators in every state and we ’ re going to contact trace them as a test to see if it ’ s even possible .
So we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who they talk to , and what they say .
Because when you talk there are spittles of little things that come out of your mouth that might and depending on what word… Carmichael : Thank you .
That ’ s it !
( Leahy laughs ) the respiratory droplet might go farther than another word .
So we need to know what Democrats are saying .
Leahy : Which words are going to shoot the respiratory droplets the farthest ?
Carmichael : So we need to know what Democrats are saying regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be a member of the press that they are talking to .
And then we need to contact trace the press .
Leahy : So you see the American Federation of Contact Tracers being part of the AFCAL with the political move to do what ?
Carmichael : That ’ s what the Democrats would like .
The Democrats would only support the TSA if they were union members .
Leahy : There you go .
Carmichael : That ’ s what this is all about .
Leahy : So I told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
They actually are trying to get everybody to be contact traced and tested so that they could have a federal database of DNA to track everybody .
But I was wrong .
Carmichael : This is more simple than that .
That is very complex .
This is all about the money .
This is all about the money .
But there is a way to test it and that ’ s to test the elites of the Democratic Party and the elites in the media .
Listen to the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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--2020-05-23--Manny Sethi: We Must Tackle Our Asian Carp Invasion

U.S. Senate candidate Manny Sethi has announced a plan to tackle Tennessee ’ s Asian Carp problem .
This , according to an emailed press release Sethi sent out Friday .
Asian Carp is an invasive species that poses a threat to Tennessee ’ s rivers , streams and lakes .
Silver Carp , a type of Asian Carp , can grow to 60 pounds and can leap up to eight feet in the air .
These fish can seriously injure boaters and those engaged in water sports .
Because Asian Carp migrate from state to state , Sethi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal level .
“ Tennessee has done an excellent job of tracking the spread of Asian Carp and addressing it in our state .
We need federal resources as part of the effort to stop the spread of Asian Carp .
They are depleting food sources and changing the entire ecosystem of rivers and streams .
Native fish are at risk of being replaced entirely by this invasive species , ” Sethi said .
“ Because of this , we face huge economic threats if the Asian Carp invasion continues .
By utilizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can save ourselves millions of dollars in the long run.
” As Asian Carp continue to reproduce and migrate , there is a significant economic threat to Tennessee , Sethi said .
Boating and fishing are a way of life for many Tennesseans , and they are part of the economy in many Tennessee counties .
To protect them , Sethi said we must control the Asian Carp population .
Sethi released the following plan to address the Asian Carp threat in Tennessee : • Continue to study the efficacy of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state solutions such as construction of sound barriers at other possible points of entry • Consider electric barriers as necessary to reduce the carp population Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
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Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Manny Sethi ” by Manny Sethi .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Tara Reade’s Legal Representation Leaves Her Amid Doubts Over Her Story

2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden ’ s accuser Tara Reade is no longer represented by Douglas Wigdor , Wigdor LLP announced Friday .
The firm made the decision to no longer represent Reade ’ s allegations against the former vice president Wednesday , but said in a press release that the firm still strongly believes that Reade has been “ subjected to a double standard in terms of the media coverage she has received.
” Reade accused Biden , a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate , of kissing her , touching her and penetrating her with his fingers without her consent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate staffer in 1993 .
Biden and his campaign have denied Reade ’ s allegations repeatedly .
“ Much of what has been written about Ms. Reade is not probative of whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted her , but rather is intended to victim-shame and attack her credibility on unrelated and irrelevant matters , ” the firm said in a statement .
“ We genuinely wish Ms. Reade well and hope that she , as a survivor , is treated fairly.
” “ We have and will continue to represent survivors regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies , ” the firm concluded .
Wigdor LLP did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Wigdor LLP announced May 7 that the firm would be representing Reade and her allegations of sexual assault against Biden .
News of Reade ’ s representation came after a report from the DCNF highlighting the Biden accuser ’ s lack of legal representation .
“ We at Wigdor LLP firmly believe that every survivor of sexual assault has the right to competent legal counsel , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we would any other victim of sexual violence , ” the firm said in a press release .
News that Wigdor had dropped Reade ’ s case follows a variety of reports that cast doubts on aspects of Reade ’ s story , including her statement that she obtained an undergraduate degree at Antioch University and obtained a law degree from Seattle University School of Law .
An Antioch University spokeswoman told Politico in a statement that Reade did not graduate from Antioch University , though she attended Antioch for three academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle University School of Law confirmed that the Biden accuser did graduate in 2004 , Politico reported .
Reade told The New York Times that she obtained her Bachelor ’ s degree at Antioch University through a “ protected program ” intended for victims of domestic abuse .
She did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the DCNF .
Court records show that Reade did endure spousal abuse from her ex-husband in the 1990s , Politico reported .
Reade said that this abuse prompted her to change her name , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her status at Antioch University .
Reade previously said that her Bachelor ’ s degree was obtained under special circumstances through an agreement with former Chancellor Toni Murdock , and that she had to present coursework that was completed before she changed her name .
Murdock denied knowledge of such an agreement to Politico , but the Monterey County Weekly reported Thursday that an unofficial transcript of the Seattle University School of Law lists Antioch University as Reade ’ s institution that granted her an undergraduate degree .
“ We can confirm that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School of Law with a JD degree in 2004 , ” Seattle University School of Law spokesman David Sandler told the DCNF on Friday .
“ Federal privacy regulations prevent us from sharing additional information about the educational records of former students.
” “ Our current admission requirements are publicly posted on the Seattle University School of Law website , ” he added .
“ As in the past , they are consistent with American Bar Association standards for law schools.
” Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Beacon Center of Tennessee Sends Legislature A Guide to Remove Burdensome Regulations

The Nashville-based Beacon Center of Tennessee released a new solutions guide for Gov .
Bill Lee and the state legislature on Friday that focused on making some of the deregulation done by executive order during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent .
This , according to an emailed press release Beacon put out Friday .
“ While this pandemic and the resulting shutdowns and economic devastation have been awful for Tennessee and the country , there is a small silver lining in an otherwise bleak situation .
Many states , including Tennessee , have removed unnecessary and burdensome regulations on a temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in the press release .
“ If we believe that removing these regulations during a public health emergency is the right thing to do , then it should always be the right thing to do .
Repealing the red tape will allow more people to access quality healthcare for less money , help people get back to work more quickly , and save localities money while reforming the criminal justice system.
” This guide includes easing restrictions in the healthcare industry , specifically in telemedicine and certificate of need laws , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a lower cost .
It also includes streamlining the licensure process to get more Tennesseans back to work and enacting pre-trial reform to ease local budgetary issues.
” Among some of Beacon ’ s recommendations : • Eliminate and Reform Certificate of Need Requirements : Beacon staff suggest permanently removing limitations on healthcare services and capacity .
They said Certificate of Need laws raise the price of healthcare , lead to worse health outcomes , and reduce the number of facilities and overall capacity .
In order to increase hospital bed capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement for hospital beds if the increase was related to treating COVID-19 patients , Beacon said .
• Empower the Use of Telemedicine : Beacon said that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee , the state ’ s largest insurance provider , has now gone on record saying it will permanently cover telemedicine visits .
• Enact Pre-trial Reform to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Ease Local Budgetary Pain : Beacon said that pre-trial reform for low-level , nonviolent charges would help prevent any future outbreaks by reducing jail populations without compromising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when many local budgets are strained as a result of the economic shutdown , safely reducing pre-trial populations could ease pressure on both the state and local governments ’ budgets , according to the report .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
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Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Justin Owen ” by Beacon Center .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Newly Released Data Shows Ohio’s Current Unemployment Rate Stands at Almost 17 Percent

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services released numbers on Friday that showed truly how devastating the coronavirus has been on Ohio ’ s economy .
The data shows Ohio ’ s unemployment rate jumped 11 percentage points between March and April .
In reaction to this news , Rea S. Hederman Jr. , executive director of the Economic Research Center at The Buckeye Institute , said these numbers were anticipated .
“ In the first jobs report after Ohio shutdown due to the coronavirus , the state ’ s unemployment rate skyrocketed — as expected — from 5.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , with the number of employed workers dropping by 823,700 , the sharpest decline ever recorded , ” Hederman Jr. said .
“ And while Ohio ’ s economy is reopening , May ’ s jobs report is likely to be worse as weekly unemployment claims continue to increase.
” “ Every single sector of Ohio ’ s economy lost jobs in April , with the private sector losing 781,700 jobs while the government lost 42,000 , ” he added .
“ Most of Ohio ’ s job losses came in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry losing more than 263,000 jobs.
” Hederman Jr. also said the job report does not include the thousands of Ohioans who left the workforce voluntarily because of the coronavirus .
“ The picture of the economic harm caused by the virus has become clearer , ” he said .
“ While some of these layoffs are temporary , policymakers need to act swiftly to help workers and businesses.
” To aid in the recovery , the Buckeye Institute executive said that Ohio needs to “ protect public health , jump start Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s budget , and prepare Ohio for tomorrow.
” Suggestions the Buckeye Institute makes to help with these changes are implementing permanent telehealth access , allowing deferred payments on the commercial activities tax and protecting business and workers from coronavirus lawsuits , according to the think tank ’ s press release .
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media .
If you have any tips , email Zachery at [ email protected ] Follow Zachery on Twitter @ zacheryschmidt2 .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Judge Sides with Whitmer in State of Emergency Extension Fight

A Michigan Court of Claims judge has ruled in the favor of Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , saying that she had the authority to extend Michigan ’ s state of emergency order .
Judge Cynthia Stephens said that while Whitmer had the authority to extend the order under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 , she did overstep by trying to extend it under the Emergency Management Act of 1976 , which requires legislative authority , according to reporting by The Detroit News .
Stephens ’ ruling overrides the argument from the Republican-led legislature that Whitmer could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the outlet said .
“ Today ’ s decision recognizes that the Governor ’ s actions to save lives are lawful and her orders remain in place , ” the governor ’ s office said in a statement .
“ She will continue to do what she ’ s always done : take careful , decisive actions to protect Michiganders from this unprecedented , global pandemic.
” The legislature originally filed its lawsuit on May 6 .
Whitmer extended Michigan ’ s state of emergency at the end of April and extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following week .
Republicans argued that the 1945 emergency powers law only covers local emergencies , according to CBS News .
Stephens rejected that argument .
“ It is apparent the EPGA employs broad terminology that empowers the Governor to act for the best interests of all the citizens of this state , not just the citizens of a particular county or region , ” Stephens wrote .
That means Whitmer is able to cite the 1945 law in order to extend state of emergency orders .
“ We ’ re still reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Court acted quickly to clarify legal issues of significant importance to the people of this State , ” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a statement .
“ With this clarity , it ’ s my hope that our public officials and residents can move forward with confidence that the Governor has acted in accordance with the authority provided to her under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act .
It ’ s time for us all to focus on the health and safety of the People in this State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary legal battles in our courts.
” Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield ( R-107-Levering ) said he plans to fight the ruling .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Minnesota State Fair Canceled for First Time in More Than 70 Years

The general manager of the Minnesota State Fair announced Friday morning that the annual gathering will be canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We ’ ve been working hard and doing our very best with preparations for the 2020 State Fair .
The picture was cloudy in March , but things have cleared up considerably since then .
Right now is the time of year when things need to really take off if we ’ re going to have a fair , but we can see that we ’ re out of runway and can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be no State Fair this year , ” General Manager Jerry Hammer said in a statement .
He acknowledged that the cancellation “ will have a big impact on thousands of businesses and the tens of thousands of people whose talent , dedication and love bring the fair to life.
” “ The State Fair is built on a vast network of agriculturists , vendors , artists , entertainers , competitors , amusement operators , sponsors , State Fair staff and thousands more who always give their very best .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost all have been affected during the past two months .
Some are doing okay , but many have eroded including some who provide our biggest and best programs , ” he continued .
Hammer said in April that alternate fair dates , significant restrictions , or a change in the duration of the fair wouldn ’ t be considered .
“ The State Fair needs to be a full-on celebration .
That ’ s what makes it very special for so many of us , ” he said Friday .
The annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two million visitors in its 12-day stretch , generated an estimated $ 268 million in the Twin Cities economy in 2018 .
According to its website , the fair employs nearly 90 year-round , 450 seasonal , and 2,300 fair-time workers every year .
Many small businesses count on revenue from the fair each year .
The infamous Sweet Martha ’ s , for instance , brings in at least $ 3 million in just 12 days selling its product at the fair .
“ So this isn ’ t a difficult decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s the right thing to do , ” Hammer concluded .
“ As we go through this strange summer , we ’ re extremely grateful for the understanding and support of everyone who makes the State Fair possible – especially the millions of fair fans from around the globe .
The best thing we can all do right now is to help the world recover and heal.
” The Minnesota State Fair was last canceled in 1946 because of the polio epidemic and has been canceled just six times ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began in 1859 .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
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Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Minnesota State Fair ” by Tony Webster .
CC BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Business Groups Call Walz’s Plan for Outdoor Dining Only ‘Disastrous Setback’

Minnesota business leaders have said they were blindsided by Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s announcement that bars and restaurants will be allowed to resume only outdoor dining on June 1 .
Under new guidelines announced Wednesday , bars and restaurants can reopen for outdoor dining on June 1 and must limit seating to no more than 50 people .
Salons , barbershops , and other personal care services can reopen June 1 , but must limit capacity to 25 percent of the building ’ s maximum occupancy .
Like bars and restaurants , appointments are required and no walk-ins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was surprising and disappointing , especially given the many conversations we ’ ve been having with the governor and the Hospitality Roundtable convened by DEED Commissioner Grove .
While it ’ s good for those restaurants that are able to offer outdoor seating , it will leave many behind around our state who can not host patrons in an outdoor patio setting .
Many of our operators have begun to hire back their staff to use their PPP loan money and ordering products for reopening on June 1 , so this is another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota President Liz Rammer said in a statement released Wednesday .
She said many businesses are facing “ financial collapse ” and called on state lawmakers to pass a targeted relief package for the hospitality industry .
“ Today ’ s announcement further delays the incoming revenue these small businesses need to survive , ” she added .
“ It ’ s also disappointing to hear that there has been no accommodation made for opening recreational RV camping at private campgrounds in time for Memorial Weekend – one of the biggest revenue opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In an interview with KSTP , Rammer said the hospitality industry is on the “ verge of collapse ” and revealed that outdoor dining only was “ never part of our conversation ” with the governor .
“ While continued progress to reopen is important , we hoped the governor would take more meaningful steps today , ” Minnesota Chamber of Commerce President Doug Loon said in a press release .
“ We understand the focus on safety , and so do businesses that have protection plans in place and are ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t sufficiently recognize the ability of businesses – many of them small businesses – to innovate and protect employees and customers , ” he continued .
“ Without further action to promptly open , more of our small businesses will be unable to return , serve their customers and support their communities.
” The American Legion of Minnesota sent a letter to the governor Friday objecting to his plan for reopening .
“ On behalf of more than 66,000 American Legion veterans serving in 550 Minnesota communities , we stand with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and hospitality industries and dispute the restrictions placed on opening our Posts , ” said the letter .
“ Governor , we are disappointed in your decision .
Your fellow veterans urge you to reconsider and modify the established June 1 opening criteria.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Dining Outdoors ” by Susanne Nilsson .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-05-23--Attorneys General Association Slams Nessel for ‘Putting Mussels Before Michigan’

The Republican Attorneys General Association ( RAGA ) issued a statement criticizing Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Friday , saying she prioritized mussels over dam safety , leading to massive flooding in the state .
More than 10,000 Midland residents were displaced after heavy rains overflowed Edenville Dam , then Sanford Dam , earlier this week .
Nessel sued the owner of Edenville Dam just three week ago , saying that it allegedly killed thousands of freshwater mussels by lowering water levels , RAGA said .
As a result of state pressure to keep water levels high , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spillway capacity and collapsed.
” “ Democrat Dana Nessel clearly has her priorities mixed up .
As the top law enforcement officer in the state , an attorney general has a duty to protect its citizens , ” said RAGA Chairman Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said in a statement .
“ Newsflash : a personal environmental protection crusade does not trump the safety of the people within your state .
Unfortunately , the Democrat prioritized a handful of small crustaceans over the well-being of thousands of Michiganders.
” RAGA also accused Nessel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions ” by tweeting about Trump and his “ legal and moral responsibility ” to wear a face mask while touring a Ford manufacturing plant .
Trump was given a mask by Ford , which he said he wore while in the “ back area ” of the plant , according to NBC News .
“ As a Michigan native and as an attorney general , I believe that it is clear that Democrat Dana Nessel ’ s dangerous mix of political pandering and misplaced priorities resulted in massive property damage and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RAGA Vice Chairman Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said in a statement .
“ Even worse , instead of apologizing for putting the interest of mussels before the safety of the people of Michigan , Nessel deflected blame by playing political games and coming unhinged during President Trump ’ s visit.
” Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Midland , as well as requested federal aid to help with recovery efforts .
“ The people of Michigan won ’ t forget that when it mattered , ‘ Nessel ’ s Mussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , homes and communities of hardworking Michiganders , ” Carr said .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]