thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--Georgia Election Official Gabriel Sterling Reveals Woman Used His Voting Address After a Month of De

Georgia Election Official Gabriel Sterling Reveals Woman Used His Voting Address After a Month of Defending Election Integrity

Voting Systems Manager Gabriel Sterling revealed on Tuesday that a woman used his address to vote in the general election and request an absentee ballot for the runoff election .
Sterling learned of the fraudulent voting after he received a flier from a voting organization reminding the woman , Meron Fissha , to return her absentee ballot .
“ The Lord moves in mysterious ways , ” remarked Sterling on the matter .
Fissha later admitted to Fox 5 that she ’ d voted but hadn ’ t updated her address .
Fissha also claimed that she lived and worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fissha ’ s current residential address is in Maryland .
Sterling also shared that Fissha had sold him the home in 2018 – not recently .
“ The woman I bought my home from over 2 yrs ago trying to vote from it absentee , ” wrote Sterling .
“ I ’ ve filed [ an ] official challenge to stop her from casting an apparently illegal vote .
Not a glitch , she signed an oath stating she lives here to vote .
That ’ s a false swearing.
” However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud .
“ Illegal voting is how I ’ d classify it .
Fraud implies a greater conspiracy , ” stated Sterling .
“ Another irony , Fair Fight sent her a reminder to get the absentee she requested in quickly .
They sent it to her name… my address .
The Fulton Elections Board has acted and stated that my challenge to the qualifications of the woman attempting to vote from the house I purchased from her 2 years ago meets probable cause.
” Fair Fight is a voting rights organization founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stacey Abrams .
Another voting rights organization founded by Abrams , The New Georgia Project , was one of four groups under investigation by the secretary of state ’ s office for voter fraud .
Although some doubted that the woman under investigation had intended to vote illegally , Sterling clarified that the woman had done so after not living at the address for years .
“ It ’ s over 2 years .
over 2 full election cycles , ” wrote Sterling .
“ She illegally votes in races here…she signed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
I followed the process available to me under the law…I challenged her ability to cast a legal vote.
” Others argued that it was a glitch in the voting system .
Sterling refuted those claims as well .
“ Not a glitch , she signed an oath stating she lives here to vote .
That ’ s false swearing , ” wrote Sterling .
“ [ T ] his person vacated this residence permanently .
Moved elsewhere .
Knowingly .
Then signed an oath stating it was her residence .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a felony in fact.
” Shortly after Sterling filed his election challenge , election officials voted to approve it .
“ The Fulton Elections Board has acted and stated that my challenge to the qualifications of the woman attempting to vote from the house I purchased from her two years ago meets probable cause , ” explained Sterling .
One of the board members voted against accepting Sterling ’ s challenge of the voter .
“ Who was the one who thinks this didn ’ t meet probable cause , ” responded Sterling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ridiculous.
” In the aftermath of the general election , Sterling has blamed President Donald Trump for “ inspiring people to commit potential acts of violence ” by discussing voting irregularities and voter fraud affidavits .
Sterling has also consistently defended the election results , even guaranteeing that the general election was the most secure in Georgia ’ s history .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--140,000 Doses of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Arrive in Virginia

Roughly 140,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Virginia on Wednesday after the state had initially placed an order with the company last week , the Virginia Department of Health ( VDH ) said in a news release .
Shipments of Moderna ’ s vaccine , approved for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday , as well as Pfizer-BioNTech ’ s vaccine are being delivered to healthcare facilities and health departments across the Commonwealth this week .
The two vaccines are going to 96 “ geographically diverse locations ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That distribution includes an additional weekly allocation of 50,000 doses from Pfizer , the VDH said .
“ Vaccines are our way out of this pandemic .
With Pfizer-BioNTech and now Moderna vaccines available , more Virginians are able to get vaccinated , ” State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver said .
“ The interest we are seeing from community members on when they can get vaccinated indicates people want this protection , ” Oliver continued .
“ We are working hard to get vaccines to people as quickly as possible .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face mask , practice social distancing , and wash your hands frequently.
” For the next several weeks , Virginia is planning to receive a weekly allocation of 100,000 vaccine doses , split evenly between the two producers , based on estimates from Operation Warp Speed , but that number is a projection and could be different depending on how quickly the vaccines are manufactured , the release said .
Under phase 1 of Virginia ’ s vaccination plan and prioritization guidelines , people in group 1a – healthcare personnel and long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be receiving the first wave of vaccines .
However , only healthcare workers who directly care for or interact with COVID patients are currently getting vaccinated while the initial supply is limited .
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities will be getting their vaccinations onsite from CVS and Walgreens teams through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program .
Earlier this week , CVS formally began its nationwide vaccination program and is expected to begin work in Virginia on December 28 at 874 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a release last Friday , Walgreens announced it had started administering vaccines in Ohio and Connecticut , but did not offer any specifics about Virginia .
Virginia has been getting shipments of the Pfizer vaccine since the beginning of last week and thousands of front-line healthcare personnel in the state have already been vaccinated by now .
The VDH still encourages people to follow health and safety measures by wearing a mask , staying at least six feet apart from others , frequently washing your hands , and avoiding gatherings with anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help curb the spread of COVID .
In separate vaccine news , Pfizer and BioNTech announced a second agreement with the U.S. government on Wednesday morning to supply another 100 million doses of the companies ’ vaccine , bringing the total so far to 200 million .
The companies expect to deliver the full order by July 31st , 2021 .
For more information about the VDH ’ s vaccination plan , please visit : www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tips to [ email protected ]

The Tennessee Secretary of State’s office now lists 24 individuals as collecting petitions in the campaign for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.
There are 16 Republicans, four Democrats, and four Independents collecting qualifying petitions for the TN-5 race.
Candidates of all parties have until noon on April 7 to turn in their qualifying petitions, a deadline which is fast approaching. Candidates must collect 25 valid signatures from registered voters in the district. Those seeking the Republican nomination must be verified as bona fide Republicans by the Tennessee Republican Party in order to appear on the GOP primary ballot.
Challenges have been filed against the bona fide Republican statuses of the three carpetbaggers in the race, Morgan Ortagus, David Vitalli, and Robby Starbuck. Action will occur on those challenges after the April 7 filing deadline.
On the Republican side, Morgan Ortagus, former Speaker of the Tennessee House Beth Harwell of Nashville, businessman Baxter Lee of Nashville, Robby Starbuck of Franklin (listed as Robert Starbuck Newsom), Geni Batchelor of Lebanon, Natisha Brooks of Nashville, Timothy Bruce Lee of Nashville, Annabelle Lee of Madison, Alan Clement Sharp of Nashville, David Vitalli of Brentwood, Stewart Parks of Nashville, Richie Lee of Nashville, General Kurt Winstead of Franklin, Tres Wittum of Nashville, Jeff Beierlein of Nashville, and Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles are listed as collecting petitions.
Former Williamson County GOP Chair Omar Hamada of Franklin is still listed as collecting petitions but he dropped out of the race and endorsed Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles in the GOP primary.
On the Democrat side, Clay Faircloth, Richard H. Harris, Justicia Rizzo, and Joel Michael Hurbert, all from Nashville, are collecting petitions.
Derrick Brantley of Nashville, Patrick O. Halfacre of Hohenwald, Daniel J. Cooper of Spring Hill, and Richard A. Shannon of Franklin are the independents collecting petitions.
The Tennessee Secretary of State’s office has been updating its list on a weekly basis. This list is current as of Friday, April 1.
Reports are expected to be available for the January 1 through March 31, 2022 Federal Election Commission campaign finance first-quarter period in the coming days. Those reports are expected to shed significant light on which candidates are considered viable. The bulk of the field entered the race after the December 31, 2021 reporting deadline.
The primaries are scheduled for August 4, 2022.
The newly-redrawn 5th Congressional District consists of parts of Davidson, Williamson, and Wilson counties, as well as all of Maury, Marshall, and Lewis counties.
– – –
Aaron Gulbransen is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected] Follow Aaron on GETTR, Twitter, and Parler.
Photo “U.S. Capitol” by Andrew Can Huss.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--Virginia’s Small Business Owners Share Their Bestselling Christmas Gifts for Last Minute Shoppers

If you ’ re anything like us , there ’ s somebody on your Christmas list who you still need to buy a gift for .
The Virginia Star spoke with local businesses across the state to see what their most popular gifts were .
Here ’ s what they told us : Vintage Louis Vuitton Lock Necklace – A necklace made out of a repurposed Louis Vuitton lock .
Staff say the necklace keeps selling out .
Cost : $ 128 Where : BitterSweet Boutique has five locations : 3011 W Cary Street , Richmond ; 307 Market Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Charlottesville , and 514 Fifth Street , Lynchburg .
You can also visit them online at shopbittersweet.com .
Miracle on Cary Street : Restoring Virginia ’ s Grandest Movie Palace – This memoir tells the story of the restoration of Richmond ’ s iconic and historic Byrd Theatre .
Cost : $ 14.99 Where : Curbside pickup only at 1312 East Cary Street , Richmond , or online at fountainbookstore.com .
Flybar Maverick Pogo Stick – Kids have spent so much time indoors on the computer this year , so staff say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and swings are very popular .
Cost : $ 59.99 Where : 100 East Main Street , Charlottesville , or online at alakazamtoys.com .
Christmas Ornaments – This neighborhood hardware store says their most popular gift is one of a variety of glass and wooden ornaments .
Cost : Varies Where : The corner of Lee Highway and N Oakland Street , Arlington Chocolate Fudge – Forbes Candies ’ fudge is fresh and locally made , and is a customer favorite .
Cost : $ 13.95 per pound Where : Five locations:1554 Laskin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Outlets Boulevard , Norfolk ; 28th Street and Atlantic Avenue , Virginia Beach ; 24th Street and Atlantic Avenue , Virginia Beach ; 631 Croatan Highway , Nags Head , North Carolina ; 2707 Croatan Highway , Nags Head , North Carolina .
Online at forbescandies.com .
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--Michigan Gov. Whitmer Announces State Assistance for Bars and Restaurants as State Commission Contin

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Announces State Assistance for Bars and Restaurants as State Commission Continues to Suspend Liquor Licenses

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday announced programs aimed at assisting the state ’ s restaurants and bars as well as families facing evictions .
The announcement came as the governor is facing mounting criticism over her administration ’ s penalizing businesses alleged to have violated epidemic orders imposed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
Among the governor ’ s initiatives to support restaurants and small businesses are a reboot of the liquor buyback program instituted previously this year .
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission ’ s previous buyback effort put an average $ 5,000 back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners .
All told , the MLCC spent $ 3.4 million on buying back spirits from 673 establishments .
Those establishments were ordered closed by MDHHS in mid-November , and the initial order was extended past its original Dec. 20 deadline to Jan. 15 , 2021 .
Several Michigan businesses have garnered headlines after the Michigan Liquor Control Commission suspended licenses of bars and restaurants for violating the MDHHS orders .
“ We are thankful for these programs because any kind of assistance helps our struggling industry , ” said Scott Ellis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association , said in a statement .
In a phone conversation with The Center Square , Ellis elaborated that his organization ’ s ultimate goal is to open businesses .
“ We ’ re thankful it ’ s something , ” he said .
“ And something is better than nothing .
But , at the end of the day , our members need to open in order to survive.
” Michael Reitz is executive vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy .
“ The spirits buyback program is small consolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant for good , ” he told The Center Square in an email .
The MCPP reported on Tuesday that two undercover MLCC investigators had suspended the liquor license of a Macomb County establishment for serving cocktails to six unmasked patrons .
ABC 12 reported the MLCC has suspended the licenses of 26 businesses alleged to have violated the MDHHS epidemic orders since September .
“ The best thing the governor can do for local restaurants is to allow them to operate using the safety protocols in place before the state shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reitz noted a recent New York Times article that pointed out that “ capacity limits in restaurants can effectively reduce infections without the devastating consequences that Gov .
Whitmer ’ s shutdown is creating.
” Additionally , Whitmer announced the state will partner with restaurants to allow U.S. Department of Agriculture-administered Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) benefits for prepared meals .
The Restaurant Meal Program will allow restaurants to accept SNAP benefits to purchase restaurant meals .
She also announced she was allotting another $ 2 million to the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions will ensure that families have the support they need to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads this winter , as well as provide support to local restaurants and small business owners all over the state that are struggling as a result of the pandemic , ” Whitmer said in a statement .
The governor made the announcement one day after the U.S. Congress passed a nearly $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief package and the Michigan House greenlit another $ 465 million in relief for state businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at The Center Square .
He previously worked as editor at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy ’ s MichiganScience magazine and The Heartland Institute ’ s InfoTech & Telecom News .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--Ohio Gov. DeWine Signs Bill That Protects Students’ Free Speech

When Ohio college students return to campus after the holidays , they will be able to speak their mind freely .
Gov .
Mike DeWine signed the Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act that protects individuals ’ First Amendment rights and prohibits “ free speech zones ” on public college and university campuses in the state .
Ohio becomes the 15th state with similar laws .
According to Senate sponsors Andrew Brenner , R-Powell , and Rob McColley , R-Napoleon , the bill prohibits colleges or universities from taking any action or enforcing any policy that limits or restricts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus community to engage in political speech .
“ Students should not be afraid that their speech will be squashed by institutions of higher education by restricting students to ‘ free speech zones ’ or using chilling tactics on those invited by students to the campus , ” Brenner said .
Specifically , the bill protects peaceful , expressive activities , such as assembly , protests , speeches , petitions and guest speakers .
It also bans “ free speech zones , ” and allows for civil action by individuals or student organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats argued the bill is unnecessary , political and will enable hate speech on campuses .
“ The First Amendment already protects freedom of speech on Ohio ’ s campuses , ” state Rep. Catherine Ingram , D-Cincinnati , said .
“ This bill is purely political and could have a detrimental effect on Ohio ’ s college campuses .
It could make our campuses less safe by blocking a university ’ s ability to regulate speech and that could potentially incite violence.
” The act was one of five recently signed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for-profit organizations to be classified as benefit corporations .
That enables for-profit groups to pursue beneficial activities in any area , such as arts , education , technology and others .
Also signed into law was a bill that modernizes the state ’ s drainage laws , along with a bill that creates an Alternative Employer Organization , similar to professional employer groups but with different federal taxes .
Finally , a new Ohio law extends the Women ’ s Suffrage Centennial Commission through the end of 2021 to allow for rescheduling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women ’ s suffrage in 2020 .
An Ohio native , J.D .
Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio , Georgia , Alabama and Texas .
He has served as a reporter , editor , managing editor and publisher .
Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--‘Boogaloo Bois’ Member Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to Hamas

A North Carolina man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Minneapolis to a charge of conspiring to provide material support to Hamas , a designated foreign terrorist organization .
U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald and National Security Division Assistant Attorney General John Demers announced last week the plea by Benjamin Ryan Teeter , 22 , to one count of conspiracy to provide material support and resources , namely property , services and weapons , to Hamas .
Alpha News previously reported on the charges against Teeter and co-defendant Michael Robert Solomon , 30 , of New Brighton , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use violence against the police , other government officials and government property as part of their desire to overthrow the government .
While planning the activities , Solomon and Teeter met individuals whom they believed to be members of the foreign terrorist group Hamas .
The complaint further alleged that Teeter and Solomon also expressed their desire to employ themselves as “ mercenaries ” for Hamas to generate cash for the Boogaloo Bois/Boojahideen movement , including funding for recruitment and purchasing land for a training compound .
The DOJ describes the Boogaloo Bois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who espouse violent anti-government sentiments .
The term “ Boogaloo ” itself references a supposedly impending second civil war in the United States and is associated with violent uprisings against the government .
The Anti-Defamation League ( ADL ) offers a lengthy breakdown of the Boogaloo movement and describes the ideology as primarily anti-government , anti-authority and anti-police in nature .
The ADL claims that a number of boogalooers participated in the protests in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in May .
They showed up with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other boogaloo symbols , ” the report said .
The ADL said that most boogalooers who took part did so because of their own strong anti-police attitudes , perceiving an opportunity to make common cause with others angry about police brutality .
Documents in the case against Teeter and Solomon state that the FBI initiated an investigation into the two defendants in May 2020 .
The documents further detail a number of conversations that took place over the summer between Teeter , Solomon and undercover agents or actors .
In one conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courthouse was a suitable target for destruction .
In another conversation , Teeter and Solomon proposed manufacturing suppressors , untraceable firearms , and fully automatic firearms for Hamas .
Teeter will be sentenced at a later date .
Both Teeter and Solomon are being held in Sherburne County Jail .
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news , info and commentary about crime , public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis , the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--American Medical Association Spokesperson Says Claims The Association Rescinded Statement on Hydroxy

American Medical Association Spokesperson Says Claims The Association Rescinded Statement on Hydroxychloroquine Are Misinformation

Ohio purchased 2 million doses of arguably the most controversial drug being touted as an effective therapy in treating COVID – the spend totaled $ 602,629 .
Consequently , when the rumor that the American Medical Association ( AMA ) reversed course on their April joint statement warning about the prescription of HCQ , Ohioans took note – especially since a review of clinical studies found that early dispensation of the drug may help keep patients form worsening in their battle with COVID , which would alleviate pressure on hospitals concerned about capacity .
The AMA considered issuing a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HCQ ) when its House of Delegates met in November .
However , in a phone interview with Robert Mills , AMA ’ s media relations coordinator , The Ohio Star learned the AMA statement released on April 17 was not reversed .
“ Over the last weekend reports the AMA rescinded its joint position statement on hydroxychloroquine are misinformation or disinformation , ” said Mills .
Rush Limbaugh ’ s claim on December 15 that “ Now all of a sudden the AMA — although very quietly — [ says ] that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfectly fine ” appears to come from a December 11 article found in independent news outlet The Published Reporter has since been updated to include an correction and editors note clarifying the medical body was considering the change .
The correction notice says , in part : A previous version of this story did not include the meeting results for either ADOPTION or NON-ADOPTION of the resolution .
This RESOLUTION was included with many others presented at a Special Meeting of the AMA in November 2020 .
RESOLUTIONS are generated by AMA delegates/delegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AMA Councils and AMA Sections .
The RESOLUTION must be accepted and this resolution was not accepted .
The RESOLUTION was reaffirmed .
See the disclosure on this page referencing items to be considered by the House .
Mills pointed out that the crux of confusion that caused the mis/disinformation is likely parliamentary procedure followed in the AMA House of Delegates – the assembly that approves statements .
Mills discussed the use of the word “ resolved ” that was used in Resolution 509 , the proposal put together by a Georgia assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ That may be where those scouring the AMA documents mistook that the proposed resolution had been accepted – yet it wasn ’ t , ” said Mills .
The April resolution stated , “ [ w ] e are aware that some physicians and others are prescribing or dispensing medications currently identified as potential treatments or prophylaxis for COVID-19 ( e.g.
, chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine , azithromycin ) for themselves , their families , or their colleagues.
” Later the joint statement crafted by the AMA , American Pharmacist Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ [ d ] efinitive evidence for the role of these drugs in treating COVID-19 patients has not been determined through robust clinical trials ; decisions to use these medications off-label must be made with extreme caution and careful monitoring.
” Mills said the joint statement affirmed that doctors and pharmacists have the wherewithal to make decisions on an individualized basis and communicate with patients the benefits and risks of drug treatments .
Mills added that the authority of physicians to make decisions regarding off-label decisions has “ been around a long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physicians exercising their professional judgment .
When The Star asked how widely or narrowly Resolution 509 was voted down , Mills said the November meeting was the first virtual meeting , consequently the AMA does “ not have a final tally of the vote.
” However , Mills disclosed that proponent and opponent testimony was presented and weighed before the vote .
The results of a clinical trial are due to be published in December revealing the effectiveness of HCQ combined with zinc , azithromycin or doxycycline .
The Star reported that studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70-year-old drug ’ s success in treating patients with advanced COVID despite preliminary evidence it was effective when administered early .
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star .
Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV .
Follow Jack on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-24--NAACP Leader Criticizes Tennessee for Allocating Only Five Percent of Coronavirus Vaccine for Minori

NAACP Leader Criticizes Tennessee for Allocating Only Five Percent of Coronavirus Vaccine for Minorities

The Tennessee Department of Health is setting aside a portion of its COVID-19 vaccines for communities that are poorer and have more people of color , but one minority leader says that is not good enough .
After this current first phase , the state will reserve 5 percent of the vaccine for those areas , CBS News reported .
Gloria Sweet-Love , president of the NAACP Tennessee State Conference , told CBS News ’ Anne-Marie Green that 5 percent is not enough , even for a “ small ” county where she lives — Haywood .
Green focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seniors “ at the front of the line ” ahead of minorities , who were disproportionally affected by the virus .
Sweet-Love said she worried that even before having a vaccine , people are not taking the virus seriously .
For example , she criticized churches in her area who are meeting in-person and exposing people through singing .
Meanwhile , Tennessee is distributing the vaccine .
The state ’ s current distribution steps are available here .
The first Pfizer doses ( 55,560 total ) were given starting last Thursday , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became available Monday .
Tennessee ’ s overarching vaccine distribution plan is available here .
The plan says “ high-exposure ” healthcare workers , first responders and nursing home residents have been receiving the first doses this month .
The state says it has Phases 1-4 , but within Phase 1 , there are three subphases , labeled 1a1 ( the current stage ) , 1a2 and 1b .
Phase 1a2 is additional healthcare workers .
Phase 1b is for people with high-risk comorbidities such as cancer , HIV and sickle cell anemia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakeholder group that helps make decisions on distribution .
Meanwhile , Johnson and Johnson is testing a vaccine in Memphis and is seeking minorities to participate , Fox 13 reported .
Vanderbilt Medical Center also is searching for people 60 or older , or minorities , to participate in the Johnson and Johnson vaccine trials , WVLT reported .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Nearly Two-Thirds of Georgia Counties Fail to Produce Chain of Custody Documents for 460,000 Absente

Nearly Two-Thirds of Georgia Counties Fail to Produce Chain of Custody Documents for 460,000 Absentee Ballots After the November 3 General Election

With eleven days until Georgia ’ s U.S. runoff election , a large majority of the state ’ s counties have failed to produce chain of custody documents for some 460,000 absentee ballots deposited in drop boxes that were counted in the state ’ s November 3 general election as requested by The Georgia Star News .
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified that Democrat Joe Biden edged out President Trump by a thin majority and as a result , Mr. Biden received all 16 votes cast by Democrat electors when the Electoral College convened in the 50 state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 million votes cast in the November 3 election , election officials report that more than 1.3 million were by absentee ballots .
In the current tally , Joe Biden leads Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential contest by 11,779 votes – or just 0.235 percent .
A poll of likely voters in Georgia conducted by John McLaughlin and Associates found that 26 percent of respondents said they voted absentee .
When the pollster asked the absentee voters if they mailed or deposited their ballot in a drop box , 53 percent said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 700,000 votes ; and 46 percent – representing 600,000 votes – said they used drop boxes .
In the two weeks since The Georgia Star News first reported no chain of custody ballot transfer forms have been produced for the more than 500,000 of the 600,000 drop box absentee ballots cast , the 159 counties in the state have made little progress producing the documents .
Furthermore , the Secretary of State has shown no interest in providing any assistance to require the counties fulfill the open record requests .
In order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots left in drop boxes across the state , the Georgia Election Code Emergency Rule approved by State Election Board on July 1 , 2020 , required that every county is responsible for documenting the transfer of every batch of absentee ballots picked up at drop boxes and delivered to the county election offices with ballot transfer forms .
The forms are required to be signed and dated , with time of pick up by the collection team upon pick up , and then signed , dated , with time of delivery by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted .
From December 1 to December 13 , The Star News sent open records requests for ballot transfer forms to all of Georgia ’ s 159 counties .
So far , 26 out of the 159 counties in Georgia responded to the requests and produced the chain of custody records .
These documents account for 140,083 of the roughly 600,000 absentee ballots placed in drop boxes during the November 3 election .
In other words , about three out of four absentee ballots left in drop boxes in counties across the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody .
• 26 counties have responded with records of the ballot transfer forms .
• 26 counties – Appling , Atkinson , Burke , Candler , Charlton , Chattooga , Dade , Effingham , Emanual , Glascock , Haralson , Heard , Jenkins , Macon , Meriwether , Miller , Montgomery , Randolph , Stewart , Talliaferro , Treutlen , Twiggs , Warren , Webster , Wilcox and Wilkinson – responded and said they do not have any drop box locations .
• 3 counties – Fulton , Gwinnett , and DeKalb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know if they have documents responsive to the open records request but will provide an answer to that question at some time in the near future .
In the case of Fulton County , that time in the near future could be as late as January 19 , 2021 .
• Worth County said , “ nothing in this chapter shall require agencies to produce records in response to a request if such records did not exist at the time of the request.
” • Coffee County said they will process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from illness .
• 102 counties have not responded to the request whatsoever .
The total number of absentee ballots left in drop boxes that have been accounted for by the ballot transfer forms from those 26 counties are : Tiffany Morgan is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

One of the principles asserted by Governor Haslam in support of his IMPROVE Act and its proposed increase of 7 cents per gallon in the gas tax is that “users” of roads should pay for road construction.
The gas tax is proper, he argues, because people who purchase gas to fuel their cars are the users of roads, and the gas tax is the best mechanism to charge them for that usage.
For at least a decade, however, revenue sources originally designed to fund highway construction have been intermingled, and that “user” fee principle has not strictly been applied to the funding of road construction. The IMPROVE Act does not fully address the co-mingling of funds.
The Highway Fund receives road construction “user fee” revenues from gasoline tax, motor fuel tax, gasoline inspection tax, motor vehicle registration tax and the motor vehicle title fees. At least 25 percent of those road construction “user fees” go to the General Fund, Education and Debt Service.
Though the majority of these “user fee” revenues have been allocated to the Highway Fund, between 25 percent and 29 percent of those fees -ranging from $177 million to $196 million annually– have been diverted away from the Highway Fund between FY 2011-12 and FY 2017-18, as Table 1 below illustrates.
Table 1
Highway Fund ‘User Fees’ Allocated to Funds Other than the Highway Fund
FY 2011-12 to FY 2017-18
Fiscal Year Highway Fund”User Fees ” Directed to General Fund, Education & Debt Svc. As % of Highway Fund Total Sales & Use Tax Revenues Sales Tax $ to Highway Fund % Sales Tax to Highway Fund Data Source (Link to Document) Page of Data Source 2017-18 $187,100,000 26.2% $8,861,100,000 $22,600,000 0.26% Estimated 99 of 558 2016-17 $195,200,000 26.5% $8,564,100,000 $22,600,000 0.26% Revised Est. 98 of 558 2015-16 $189,572,000 26.2% $8,267,224,400 $22,625,400 0.27% Actual 97 of 558 2014-15 $177,611,900 25.1% $7,706,018,700 $38,165,000 0.50% Actual 97 of 550 2013-14 $196,234,300 28.9% $7,286,164,500 $53,797,600 0.74% Actual 97 of 542 2012-13 $194,365,000 28.4% $7,012,028,700 $60,902,800 0.87% Actual 97 of 545 2011-12 $193,243,800 28.2% $6,899,944,000 $64,574,000 0.94% Actual 111 of 656
The state of Tennessee budget documents detail the revenue sources and the basis of apportionment for those revenues. For every one of the “user fee” revenues, the Tennessee Code Annotated that directs funds away from the Highway Fund is cited.
There are also allocations to the Highway Fund, such as Gross Receipts Tax-Other and Beer Tax, that would otherwise be considered General Fund revenues, as the majority of those revenues are allocated to the General Fund. However, the increase of 25 to 29 percent to the Highway Fund is net the General Fund dollars.
In the upcoming 2017-18 budget year, the redistribution of “user fees” strictly to the Highway Fund would increase the Highway Fund by $187 million, and combined with the past six years would have added a total of $1.3 billion to the Highway Fund, all without a gas tax increase.
The co-mingling of funds goes both ways.
“Sales and Use Tax” revenues have been and continue to be allocated to the Highway Fund.
During Gov. Haslam’s administration, the percentage of state sales tax revenues allocated to the Highway Fund ranged between 0.26 and 0.94 percent. Essentially, the alternate “Hawk Plan,” named for Rep. David Hawk of Greenville, which allocates 0.25 percent of the sales tax revenues to the Highway Fund has been in effect for years to an even greater extent.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Commentary: The Fauci Who Stole Christmas

“ Every WuFlu down in WuFluville liked Christmas a lot… But The Fauci , who lived in a very busy home-based TV studio north of WuFluville , did NOT !
The Fauci hated Christmas !
The whole Christmas season !
Now , please don ’ t ask why .
No one except public health “ experts ” and Chris Cuomo quite know the reason .
It could be his head wasn ’ t screwed on just right .
It could be , perhaps , that his homemade face mask was too tight .
But I think the most likely reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his insatiable lust for appearances on “ The View , ” features in glossy fashion magazines , and his unchallenged dominance over 330 million WuFlus in WuFluville made his heart two sizes too small.
” The misery merchants of 2020 , sadly , do not plan to take a much-needed Christmas break .
To the contrary , they ’ re closing out a joyless year with more gloom , even using Jolly Old Saint Nick as a prop in their nonstop campaign to stoke panic about COVID-19 , demand compliance to failed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the new vaccine .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , who ironically turns 80 on Christmas Eve , has played the role of America ’ s all-season Grinch this year .
Perhaps the fact his birthday falls on the same day that Santa Claus socially distances himself down the chimney gives The Fauci the right to appropriate everyone ’ s favorite fat man to score cheap COVID political points—and invite children to act as modern-day Cindy Lou WuFlu in his latest publicity stunt .
During a CNN interview last week , The Fauci deflated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong who wanted to visit her grandparents without wearing a mask after they were vaccinated .
“ You still need to be careful and wear a mask , ” The Fauci told the girl on December 19 .
“ Until we get this blanket of protection over everyone , you can ’ t be absolutely certain that there isn ’ t virus there.
” It ’ s unclear whether The Fauci then visited her WuFlu home in WuFluville and stuffed her Christmas tree up the chimney .
Even after predictions that dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if relatives dared to travel or share a turkey dinner together —a command violated by his sidekick , Dr. Deborah Birx—didn ’ t materialize , The Fauci nonetheless is warning families not to exchange Christmas cheer .
“ Given the cold weather and given the fact that these types of celebrations , as wonderful and beautiful and traditional as they are , are fundamentally indoor things with people who will be singing and laughing and eating and drinking , ” The Fauci cautioned as he slithered and slunk and tore the stockings off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THEN They ’ d do something The Fauci liked least of all !
Every WuFlu down in WuFluVille , the masked and the unmasked , Would stand close together , with Christmas bells ringing .
And the WuFlu would start singing !
After some WuFlus down in WuFluVille objected to his wonderful , awful ideas , The Fauci backpedaled insisting that it was “ nonsense ” to characterize his remarks as an attempt to cancel Christmas .
Every storybook villain , of course , operates with a cast of devoted acolytes ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Democratic governor of Michigan , used a Christmas Zoom video featuring unsuspecting children to peddle more social distancing dogma .
Children were forced to ask Santa Claus about mask use and whether Coronavirus was in the North Pole instead of asking for dolls and video games .
Santa repeatedly lectured the kids to wash their hands .
“ Another way to stay safe during the holidays is to stay home but call your grandparents and your cousins and your family , ” Whitmer advised the little WuFlus in WuFluVille .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the people you love how much you care about them.
” Then she stole all the pudding and the hash and even the roast beast .
But Whitmer isn ’ t alone in trying to spoil Christmas for all the WuFlus in WuFluVille .
Leaders of both political parties have cancelled annual festivities such as tree-lighting ceremonies and parades ; restaurants that serve as the traditional gathering site for co-workers , old friends , and long-distance relatives remain closed ; grandmas living in long-term care facilities will spend yet another holiday alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the history of mankind still can ’ t figure out how to keep an elderly person safe while receiving life-sustaining affection from the people they love the most .
And none of it is backed by science and data , no matter how many times they shout it from the top of Mount Crumpit .
The Fauci did deliver a bit of good news about Jolly Old Saint Nick .
Another 6-year-old WuFlu asked the Fauci if Santa could visit him “ in coronavirus season ” and would the reindeer be safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you , I was worried you ’ d all be upset , ” the Fauci bragged on CNN .
“ I took a trip up to the North Pole…and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself , I measured his level of immunity and he is good to go.
” One swooning CNN host gushed that Fauci “ made so many children around the world so happy.
” The original Grinch , as everyone knows , did not succeed in ruining Christmas—and neither should the Fauci .
“ He stared down at WuFluVille !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he shook !
What he saw was a shocking surprise !
Every WuFlu down in WuFluVille , the masked and the unmasked , Was singing !
Without any presents at all !
The Fauci HADN ’ T stopped Christmas from coming !
IT CAME !
Somehow or other , it came just the same !
” Will the Fauci ’ s heart grow three sizes to match his ego ?
Doubtful .
Regardless , every WuFlu down in WuFluVille should ignore Fauci and his monsters .
And make it a New Year ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 .
Julie Kelly is a political commentator and senior contributor to American Greatness .
She is the author of Disloyal Opposition : How the NeverTrump Right Tried―And Failed―To Take Down the President Her past work can be found at The Federalist and National Review .
She also has been featured in the Wall Street Journal , The Hill , Chicago Tribune , Forbes , and Genetic Literacy Project .
After college graduation , she served as a policy and communications consultant for several Republican candidates and elected officials in suburban Chicago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization .
After staying home for more than 10 years to raise her two daughters , Julie began teaching cooking classes out of her home .
She then started writing about food policy , agriculture , and biotechnology , as well as climate change and other scientific issues .
She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1990 with a degree in communications and minor degrees in political science and journalism .
Julie lives in suburban Chicago with her husband , two daughters , and ( unfortunately ) three dogs .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--GOP Blocks Standalone $2,000 Stimulus Payments Bill, House to Vote on Proposal Monday

House Republicans blocked legislation Thursday that would have sent $ 2,000 in direct payments to Americans , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said .
House Democratic and Republican leaders met early Thursday morning in a pro forma session and held a unanimous consent vote on the standalone direct payments proposal , according to CNBC .
Republican leadership voted the measure down , sinking the effort , which required all lawmakers present to unanimously vote in favor for it to pass .
“ Today , on Christmas Eve morning , House Republicans cruelly deprived the American people of the $ 2,000 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement .
“ If the President is serious about the $ 2,000 direct payments , he must call on House Republicans to end their obstruction.
” Pelosi said during a press conference that the House would hold a recorded roll call vote on the standalone measure Monday , Fox News correspondent Chad Pergram reported .
Virginia Republican Rep .
Rob Wittman attempted to get the House to vote on reconsidering the much-criticized foreign aid included in the omnibus bill Congress passed Monday night , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Speaker Pelosi tried to use the American people as leverage to make coronavirus relief contingent on government funding – which includes billions of foreign aid at a time when there are urgent needs at home , ” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said in a statement Wednesday night .
A coronavirus stimulus relief bill hangs in the balance after President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he wouldn ’ t sign the bill Congress passed .
Trump criticized both the $ 600 direct payment , saying they were too small , and the foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Congress found plenty of money for foreign countries , lobbyists and special interests while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it .
It was not their fault , ” Trump said .
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Analysis Ranks Top U.S. Cities for Christmas

Two cities in North Carolina and two in California are in the top five among the best cities in the country for celebrating Christmas , according to a new study from WalletHub .
Durham , N.C. , edged out San Jose , Calif. , by less than one point to take the top spot with a cumulative score of 68.16 , compared to 67.99 .
Honolulu , Hawaii , took third with 67.92 points , followed by Oakland , Calif. , ( 67.09 ) and Raleigh , N.C. ( 67 ) .
WalletHub compared the 100 most populated cities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key dimensions : safety , traditions , observance and generosity .
Each of those dimensions were then evaluated using a number of key metrics that were graded on a 100-point scale and then weighted against population to determine a final score .
Under safety , for example , researchers looked at the average weekly number of coronavirus cases and deaths per capita , with Honolulu taking the top spot .
Durham tied for first along with Miami and New York City for the most Christmas tree farms per capita in the traditions category @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the top five .
This category also included metrics such as Google search interest for things like “ Christmas light show ” and “ Christmas dinner , ” along with the number of bakeries per capita and the average cost of beer and wine .
Philadelphia ranked first overall for tradition , followed by Las Vegas and two Arizona cities , Glendale and Gilbert .
For generosity , WalletHub looked at a number of metrics , including food banks per capita , share of income donated to charity and online giving per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Madison , Wisc.
, and Washington , D.C. Seattle , Las Vegas , Atlanta and Denver all tied for first for most food banks per capita .
Under observance , cities were ranked by the percentage of residents who identify as Christian and the number of churches per capita , with Birmingham , Ala. , in the top spot .
Other highly ranked cities were major metropolitan areas , including New York , Chicago , Cleveland and St. Louis .
WalletHub also noted that this holiday season in particular will be stressful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to things like lockdowns , social distancing and loss of income .
A panel of experts weighed in with advice on things like celebrating on a budget and celebrating safely .
“ Ideally , your Christmas budget should be planned at the beginning of the year or at least five or six months before you begin shopping , ” Jane Boyd Thomas , a marketing professor at Winthrop University in South Carolina , said .
“ This approach will enable you to save a little for holiday gifts and other related expenses.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality and tourism , suggested exploring outdoor recreation activities to remain safe .
“ Well , the biggest one is what everyone knows , social distancing and masks .
There is no substitute , ” he said .
“ The snow sports industry has done some amazing things to keep us safe on the hills .
In the warmer parts of the country , outdoor activities like hiking are safe and inexpensive.
” Ted O ’ Neil is a contributor to The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Detroit Sues Black Lives Matter Members, Claims They Endangered ‘Lives of Police and the Public’

Officials in Detroit sued a prominent activist group and several Black Lives Matter demonstrators for damages following allegations of riots , violence and a “ civil conspiracy ” to defame local authorities .
The suit was filed against multiple individuals and an organization called Detroit Will Breathe , which indicates on its webpage that it plans to use “ militant resistance ” to enact “ meaningful change ” for people of color .
City leaders allege that the group was part of a conspiracy to damage property , attack law enforcement and incite riot activity , the lawsuit read .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongfully conspired with one another with the intent to and for the illegal purpose of disturbing the peace , engaging in disorderly conduct , inciting riots , destroying public property , resisting or obstructing officers in charge of duty , and committing acts of violence against Counter-Plaintiffs and DPD officers , ” the legal document read .
“ While Counter-Defendants have attempted to characterize their protests as ‘ peaceful , ’ the protests in Detroit have repeatedly turned violent , endangering the lives of police and the public , ” the lawsuit continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ physical injuries , ” “ suffering and emotional distress , ” and “ loss of business opportunity.
” In one example , the city pointed to Detroit Will Breathe sharing a video of a demonstrator saying “ non-violence is no longer their shield or their answer ” as he told a crowd to take police “ badges and teeth , ” the lawsuit read .
Another subject of the suit , Nakia Wallace , said , “ I don ’ t think there ’ s a space for Detroit to…not condone violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Fox 2 during the unrest , according to the legal document .
The city ’ s lawsuit follows a complaint from Detroit Will Breathe that alleged that law enforcement engaged in “ unnecessary , unreasonable , and excessive force , [ and ] have repeatedly responded with violence and brutality.
” In late August , 44 demonstrators were arrested following a standoff with law enforcement that saw tear gas deployment after police issued multiple warnings to disperse , according to Click On Detroit .
Democratic Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib lambasted the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published last week in the Detroit Free Press .
“ Every day , there is a movement in every corner of the country to declare that not only do Black lives matter , but that we must also create the laws and opportunities necessary to fulfill the full promise of that rallying cry , ” Tlaib wrote .
“ In the country ’ s largest majority-Black city , this movement should not be met with city leaders ’ efforts to suppress anyone ’ s First Amendment rights.
” Jake Dima is a reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--44 Percent of People Say They’re Not Doing Christmas in Person Due to Coronavirus

A study found 44 % of Americans said they ’ re not gathering for Christmas with their loved ones , a Civic Science infographic said .
More respondents in December reported canceling in-person Christmas than in October , the study ’ s infographic said .
In October , 36 % responded that they still planned in-person gatherings , but that number dropped to 30 % just before the holiday .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) discouraged Americans from Christmas and holiday travel due to the pandemic in a Dec. 2 telephone press conference .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the upcoming holiday season is to stay at home and not travel , ” Dr. Henry Walke , director of the Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections ( DPEI ) in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases , said in the briefing .
Americans are also divided over celebrating Christmas in-person by region , the study reported .
A fourth of Westerners said they would “ definitely ” celebrate Christmas in person , compared to 35 % of Southerners who responded similarly , according to the infographic .
Thirty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 % of Midwesterners said they plan to celebrate Christmas in-person .
The survey suggests Americans are less interested in celebrating New Year ’ s Eve and New Year ’ s Day in-person .
The study found 64 % of participants said they don ’ t plan to gather for the New Year ’ s holidays .
The study was conducted in three parts , asking about Christmas plans , Christmas plans based on respondents ’ region of residence , and New Year ’ s plans .
The study on general Christmas plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 with a two percent margin of error , and 12,463 people participated , Civic Science Chief Brand Officer Arnie Bolewitz told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
The study of Christmas plans based on regions was done between Dec. 1 and Dec. 21 with 3,450 participants , while the study on New Year ’ s plans was done between Oct.20 and Dec. 21 with 11,555 participants , according to the infographic .
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--UK, EU Leaders Reach Historic Brexit Deal After Months of Negotiations

The U.K. and the European Union agreed to a historic Brexit trade deal Thursday after months of tense negotiations and with just days left before the deadline , leaders from both sides announced .
The thousand-page trade agreement means that the U.K. can finally depart from the EU and sets up the framework for British-EU relations post-Brexit , according to The New York Times .
The deal concluded more than four years of bitter Brexit negotiations after British citizens voted in favor of leaving the EU in June 2016 .
“ It was a long and winding road .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show for it , ” Ursula von der Leyen , president of the EU ’ s executive arm , said in a statement Thursday .
“ It is fair and balanced .
And it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.
” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also celebrated the deal saying he was “ very pleased ” with the agreement in a statement of his own .
“ We have taken back control of laws and our destiny , ” Johnson said .
“ We have taken back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our regulation .
In a way that is complete and unfettered.
” “ British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament , ” he continued .
“ Interpreted by UK judges sitting in UK courts .
And the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end.
” Johnson said the deal included a free trade agreement , which would ensure U.K. goods could be sold in EU countries without tariffs or quotas .
He said the deal would protect and save jobs in the U.K .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the EU market , Von der Leyen said echoing Johnson ’ s sentiment .
She added that the EU would continue to partner with the U.K. on climate change , energy , security and transportation .
However , Thursday ’ s agreement will lead to some added fees for British companies in the form of border checks , according to The Times .
Johnson was also forced to compromise on key issues including on rules governing who can fish in British waters .
The EU , European parliament and U.K. government will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to ratify it , CNN reported .
Although the official Brexit period ends on Dec. 31 , the deal isn ’ t expected to gain official approval until early 2021 .
It will be implemented on a provisional basis until then .
The leader of the U.K. opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer said his party would approve the deal in parliament , according to BBC News .
Johnson ’ s conservative party won a massive landslide victory in 2019 after promising to move forward on Brexit and finalize a deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Economic Community ( EEC ) in 1973 .
The EEC transformed into the EU in 1993 .
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Boris Johnson ” by Boris Johnson .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Commentary: Why Are So Few People Born on Christmas Day, New Year’s and Other Holidays?

Christmas and New Year ’ s are days of celebration in many parts of the world when people gather with family and friends .
One thing many typically don ’ t celebrate on those days is a birthday .
That ’ s because Dec. 25 is the least popular day in the U.S. , Australia and New Zealand to give birth .
In England , Wales and Ireland , it ’ s the second-least popular , behind Dec. 26 , when Brits celebrate Boxing Day .
So why do people have fewer babies on holidays like Christmas , Boxing Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-least popular birthday in the U.S. ?
I am personally interested in the question because my wife was a New Year ’ s Day baby .
And as an economist , I find these data puzzles fascinating .
Least and most popular birthdays All of the least-favored days in the U.S. are tied to holidays , whether it ’ s Christmas , New Year ’ s , Fourth of July or Thanksgiving .
Depending on the year and place , between 30 % and 40 % fewer babies are born on Dec. 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
One reason why these days have so few births is almost no cesarean births are scheduled by doctors to happen on public holidays or weekends .
About one in three American babies are born this way .
And even in the case of vaginal births , doctors can induce labor , which helps control when babies are born .
Inductions also typically don ’ t happen when doctors want to be out of the office celebrating the holidays with family and friends .
One reason why births on Christmas and New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people time management and scheduling is paramount .
Interestingly , in England , Wales and New Zealand , relatively few babies are born on April 1 .
While that date is not a national holiday , mothers might avoid giving birth on April Fools ’ Day for fear of their children being taunted or bullied .
As for the most popular birthdays , they tend to happen in the fall .
In fact , the top 10 days to have a baby in the U.S. are all in September , while in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand they ’ re in that month or October .
Fall birthdays make sense since many babies are conceived during the colder winter months .
Conception is tied to shorter days and lower outside temperatures .
Unfortunately , similar data for non-English-speaking countries are not widely available .
Research into when people were born is relatively new because for centuries no one needed or completed a birth certificate .
In the U.S. , birth certificates have been widely used only since the end of World War II .
While some countries require all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of every four children born in the world today does not officially exist , since there is no record of his or her birth .
The United Nations has some world data , which show popular birth months tend to shift by latitude .
Countries at high latitudes , like Norway or Russia , have peak birth days in July or August .
Countries closer to the equator , like El Salvador , have peak birth days later in the year , like October .
As for my wife , she was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another year .
Her birth was a surprise to all the guests they invited over to celebrate the New Year .
We joke that being born then is the best day , because there is always a party with fireworks for her birthday .
It is also a great day because there are never any competing birthday parties .
So if you are born on a holiday like Christmas , New Year ’ s or even April Fools ’ Day , take some comfort in knowing the relative rarity of your birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already are .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Federal Court Blocks California Church’s Bid for in-Person Worship On Christmas

A federal appeals court has denied a California church ’ s bid to hold in-person services for Christmas .
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit declined to lift California ’ s coronavirus restrictions for the Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena , California in the Wednesday ruling .
Under the restrictions issued by Gov .
Gavin Newsom , churches in the state are not allowed to hold in-person services amid the pandemic .
The ruling was a 2-1 decision , with Barack Obama appointee Morgan Christen and Bill Clinton appointee Johnnie Rawlinson in the majority .
Judge Diarmuid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ronald Reagan , partially concurred and partially dissented , noting that “ it is not the church ’ s fault that it finds itself in this predicament .
While he “ [ did ] not object to the panel ’ s determination that more time is needed to evaluate the merits ” of the church ’ s motion , O ’ Scannlain wrote , “ we should not deprive the church of any hope of relief during the period of time it takes our court to do so.
” “ Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending motion in full , we should have granted the church at least the temporary relief it needs to ensure that its members can exercise freely the fundamental right to practice their Christian religion on one of the most sacred Christian days of the year , ” he added .
The ruling was the second time this week that the Harvest Rock Church ’ s efforts to host in-person services over Christmas were denied .
U.S. District Court Judge Jesus Bernal denied the church ’ s earlier request Monday .
The rulings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has sided with religious institutions in similar cases in recent days .
The court last Tuesday ruled in favor of a Colorado church over capacity limits to in-person worshippers and ordered Colorado reexamine its restrictions regarding indoor religious services .
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Ossoff Campaign Emphasized His Business Savvy: New Reports Indicate His Media Company Is Struggling

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff won ’ t disclose the financial struggles of his media company , despite using it throughout his campaign as proof of his business prowess .
During an interview with The Washington Post , Ossoff dodged questions regarding his financial management of Insight TWI : The World Investigates ( TWI ) .
According to The Post , Ossoff assumed the media company after investing a quarter of a million from his inheritance .
Ossoff ’ s late grandfather , Hyman Ossoff , created the Ossoff Leather Company with his brother , and later formed the Suncook Tanning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inheritance that Ossoff received is unknown .
According to Ossoff ’ s remarks in The Post , his foray as CEO and majority owner of the company was instigated by his distaste for D.C. politics .
Prior to assuming control of Insight : TWI , Ossoff ’ s main work experience was as a congressional aid for Representative Hank Johnson ( D-GA-04 ) .
Ossoff had no prior experience in journalism .
Ossoff shared that he ’ d changed his mind on engaging in politics after President Donald Trump was elected in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his bid for the U.S. House seat during Georgia ’ s special election .
At the time , his candidacy contributed to the most expensive race in the nation ’ s history – Ossoff raised over $ 23 million .
During that race , Ossoff claimed that he had enough experience to serve as a congressman because he ’ d held five years ’ worth of top-secret security clearance .
The Post looked into Ossoff ’ s claims and discovered that he ’ d only had five months ’ worth of security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – clearance granted so that Ossoff might attend briefings with his employer at the time , Johnson .
After his 2017 loss , Ossoff ’ s company saw some success through several undercover films exposing corruption in the African judiciary system and the professional soccer world .
However , the campaign admitted to The Post that Ossoff ’ s company has been flagging financially in recent years .
“ The campaign said in a statement that the company in that year [ following his 2017 congressional loss ] had an operating loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentation public or provide information about the other years , ” reported The Post .
Ossoff refused to divulge any additional information on his company ’ s financial health .
“ [ I ] n some years we ’ ve been profitable , for some years we ’ ve taken losses .
But the particulars of our annual finances are confidential , ” Ossoff told The Post .
Despite the reports on his company ’ s financials , Ossoff ’ s current Senate campaign has promoted his business as proof of his ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In response , incumbent Senator David Perdue ( R-GA ) issued a press release in response to Ossoff ’ s interview .
The senator questioned Ossoff ’ s hesitancy to discuss his company ’ s financial struggles openly .
“ Despite running on a platform of transparency and anti-corruption , Ossoff spent his interview with The Post refusing to provide clear answers on basic questions about his impact on [ Insight : ] TWI ’ s financial situation , ” read the press release .
Ossoff hasn ’ t published any statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opponent ’ s financial endeavors .
Ossoff criticized Perdue for selling tickets to PACs for an annual donor program supporting Perdue ’ s reelection efforts .
Additionally , Ossoff was vague on the outcome for Insight : TMI if he were to be elected .
He told The Post that he and the company would “ have to figure something out.
” The Georgia Star News reached out to Ossoff ’ s campaign spokespersons about Insight : TWI ’ s current financial standing , and for a response to those critical of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate .
Their team didn ’ t issue a response by press time .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Jon Ossoff ” by Jon Ossoff .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Most Popular Christmas Cookies

Most Popular Christmas Cookies

What ’ s the most popular Christmas cookie ?
The Virginia Star combed through several lists of cookies to get an idea of which were listed the most often .
Many of the most popular cookies allow a lot of variation — bakers like to put their own creative spin on their cookies .
Here ’ s our list : These cookies are the canvas of the baking world — varieties include melted snowmen , sandwiches , even Hanukkah cookies .
If you ’ re listing holiday cookies , these have to be on the list .
Much like sugar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ imaginations , or at least their cookie cutters , and feature a variety of shapes .
This perennial favorite isn ’ t a holiday cookie in itself , but variants of this cookie show up on almost every list .
In 2018 , outrage over broken tips on Hershey ’ s Chocolate Kisses showed the world that Americans take their peanut butter blossoms seriously .
Don ’ t mess with this classic .
Chocolate , cinnamon , lemon , molasses — these craggy cookies dusted in confectioner ’ s sugar are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of colors , shapes and toppings to choose from , these cookies are ubiquitous at Christmas potlucks .
Some are just covered in chocolate , others have a core of crushed Oreos .
Crushed candy canes are a popular topping .
Whether you call these balls or truffles , these are a popular holiday choice !
There are so many more holiday cookies , including shortbread cookies , thumbprints , sand tarts , Russian tea cakes , and snickerdoodles .
Many holiday cookies include common ingredients like mint , almond , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eggnog .
Oddly , only a few lists mention fudge , although it is extremely popular , according to the Betty Crocker website .
Where ’ s the love , content writers ?
Here are all the lists we consulted for this article : Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Georgia Secretary of State Calls for Legislative Reform of Absentee Voting in Georgia

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger called on lawmakers Wednesday to propose legislation to revamp the state ’ s absentee ballot voting process .
During an election investigation hearing Wednesday , Raffensperger asked the House Governmental Affairs Committee to eliminate signature matching and no-excuse absentee voting .
Georgia ’ s no-excuse absentee voting law allows voters to request ballots by mail up to 180 days before an election .
“ The no-excuse system voted into law in 2005 , long before most of you , if not all of you , long before I was in the General Assembly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks of in-person early voting available , ” Raffensperger said .
“ It opens the door to potential illegal voting , especially in light of the federal rules that deny us the ability to keep voter lists , registration files clean.
” Raffensperger said signature matching and no-excuse absentee voting adds extra strain to local county election precincts that manage elections .
Local election officials backed Raffensperger ’ s proposal soon after the meeting Wednesday .
Officials said the processes overburdened election workers during the 2020 election season as absentee ballot requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In light of the past few months and the overwhelming amount of paper absentee ballots that have been requested , processed and counted , I would support legislation that would require all applicants to provide a reason to receive an absentee ballot by mail , ” Deidre Holden , Paulding County elections and registration supervisor , said in a statement .
“ It would also help with the expense on a county budget due to the extreme cost incurred in the processing of a ballot from beginning to end.
” According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no-excuse absentee ballot voting was used by between 5 % and 7 % of Georgia voters – no more than 300,000 ballots – before the pandemic .
Records show in the 2018 general election , 284,393 Georgians voted with absentee ballots .
That number skyrocketed to 1.3 million in the 2020 general election .
Raffensperger said the state should replace its signature matching process for the absentee ballots .
President Donald Trump ’ s campaign and supporters and some GOP lawmakers have criticized signature matching .
Trump has made numerous demands on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s signature matches , and at least one lawsuit was filed to block the certification of the results because of the process .
Critics say the process is susceptible to fraud .
Raffensperger has announced the launch of a statewide review and audit of the signature matches .
The secretary of state ’ s office has yet to confirm any incidents of widespread fraud associated with absentee voting .
Raffensperger said Wednesday , however , that signature matching was “ subjective.
” When an absentee ballot request form is received via mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signature on the request form to the voter ’ s signature on file .
The state ’ s online portal for absentee ballot requests requires voters to use their driver ’ s license number to confirm their identity , officials said .
The ballot is returned in a discreet envelope that voters sign , agreeing to an oath .
Once the ballot is received , at least three election workers must agree the voter ’ s signature on the envelope matches the signature on file .
Officials said workers received Georgia Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raffensperger also asked voters Wednesday to give him the power to terminate incompetent local county election officials .
“ For years , this office is accused of problems in elections where we have zero authority and no control , ” Raffensperger said .
“ Only through a direct ability to hold people accountable can we improve elections accountability and transparency , as thus improve voter confidence.
” Nyamekye Daniel has been a journalist for four years .
She was the managing editor for the South Florida Media Network and a staff writer for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work has also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel , Miami Herald and The New York Times .
Daniel is a staff reporter for The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Keith Ellison Shut Down More Restaurants and Bars

Three Minnesota restaurants are facing liquor license suspensions after opening for on-premises dining against the governor ’ s executive orders .
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division has let Cornerstone Café in Monticello , The Interchange in Albert Lea and The Pour House in Clarks Grove know of its intention to revoke their liquor licenses for 60 days for violating Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s Executive Order 20-99 .
Last week , agents of the DPS saw patrons in each of these establishments consuming alcohol indoors .
A news release from the Minnesota Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ observed patrons inside consuming beverages in glass bottles consistent with beer in violation of EO-99 ” at The Pour House .
These three restaurants will have hearings before an administrative law judge before their licenses are suspended .
Four other establishments were previously issued notices of liquor license suspensions and the DPS ’ s intention to revoke those licenses for five years if further violations occur .
Alibi Drinkery in Lakeville , Mission Tavern in Merrifield , Neighbors on the Rum in Princeton and Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office also has a temporary restraining order against , are among those facing suspensions .
Meanwhile , Attorney General Keith Ellison ’ s office has filed lawsuits against Cornerstone Café , Cork in Anoka , Neighbors on the Rum , Boardwalk Bar & Grill and St. Patrick ’ s Tavern in New Prague .
Neighbors in Princeton voluntarily closed after Ellison ’ s office filed suit .
Others remained open , and Ellison has now secured temporary restraining orders against Cornerstone Café , St. Patrick ’ s and Alibi Drinkery , which risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” if they continue to remain open .
On Dec. 23 , a Polk County judge ordered Boardwalk Bar & Grill to close for indoor dining .
The Minnesota Department of Health cracked down on a few other establishments that were open for in-person dining last week after discovering violations from social media posts , news organizations and sending their own investigators to the establishments .
MDH issued cease-and-desist orders to Pizza Depot in Becker , Hooligans Lakeside in Lake Park and The Interchange in Albert Lea .
A statement from the Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On December 17 , The Interchange held an indoor concert .
By December 18 , the Minnesota Department of Health had served a cease-and-desist order on The Interchange , but a representative of the restaurant vowed that it would continue to allow on-site dining .
The restaurant was still open on December 19.
” As of today , Ellison ’ s office has a temporary restraining order against The Interchange , which also faces “ being found in contempt of court ” if it continues to remain open .
According to MDH Assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a last resort when it is clear that education and outreach are not sufficient to help a regulated establishment come into compliance with requirements.
” “ The very few ( establishments ) that aren ’ t complying are simply prolonging the pandemic and the pain it ’ s caused all of us , ” Ellison said in a statement .
Rose Williams is an assistant editor for Alpha News .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Appomattox County Kills First Amendment Sanctuary Resolution

The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors declined to vote on a First Amendment Sanctuary resolution at a Monday night meeting .
Multiple members of the board said that they share concerns over Governor Ralph Northam ’ s executive orders , but they said the board does not have the authority to enforce the resolution or to protect Appomattox County citizens from state-level enforcement of the executive orders .
With no one willing to second Supervisor John Hinkle ’ s motion to vote on the resolution , the motion died .
Hinkle introduced the resolution , which is a clone of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campbell County .
Hinkle said that COVID-19 deaths are low , and that lockdowns are hurting businesses and people ’ s health .
“ Mental health problems are increasing .
Alcohol , drug abuse , opioid use , which we had curtailed and was going down , is now skyrocketing because of the lockdown.
” “ This is about the freedom to move , the freedom of not being locked down , the freedom to have more than ten people with our families .
And we ’ ve had an 11.7 percent increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Hinkle said .
“ We ’ re basically in the top 12 states of the most restrictions on the people.
” Chairman Samuel Carter said , “ I don ’ t think there ’ s a person in the Commonwealth who would agree with what our Governor has done , but there ’ s ramifications I do know , to a certain extent , if we pass this .
And I really do not know what the extent of the ramifications are.
” County Attorney Thomas Lacheney said the majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toothless .
“ The biggest negativity , if you will , is we don ’ t have a way to make any of this happen .
We can adopt this but we can ’ t put any teeth on it.
” Lacheney said , “ That ’ s sort of like saying we ’ re going to uphold the right to breathe.
” One clause of the resolution says county funds can ’ t be used to enforce Northam ’ s executive orders .
Lacheney said , “ You would have to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s budget if he somehow cooperates with the state police , if he somehow cooperates with federal law enforcement.
” Virginia is a Dillon ’ s Rule state , meaning that local authority is derived from the General Assembly .
Lacheney warned that state authorities could retaliate against the county .
Carter noted that a few days after Campbell County passed its resolution , Northam called the county out in a press conference .
Carter said , “ That right there went zinging through my head.
” Supervisor Trevor Hipps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution with different wording , but he was afraid the resolution as written would encourage Appomattox residents to violate the executive orders , exposing themselves to punishment from the state .
Hipps said he had seen comments on social media using the Campbell County resolution as justification for violating the orders .
“ As this is written , we lack authority on this to protect our citizens , ” Hipps said .
“ I would consider a re-written resolution.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected ] Photo “ Appomattox County Courthouse ” by Doug Coldwell .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Ohio General Assembly Passes Legislation to Protect Against Surprise Health Care Bills

The Ohio General Assembly made history Tuesday and took a step to reduce health care costs for Ohioans .
All that ’ s left is a signature from Gov .
Mike DeWine .
When the Ohio Senate voted to support Substitute House Bill 388 , which passed the Ohio House in May , it put into motion what would be a prohibition on surprise or balance billing .
If DeWine signs the bill , Ohio will become the first state in the nation to ban such practices .
The bill , introduced by state Rep. Adam Holmes , R-Zanesville , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged for out-of-network services at the out-of-network rate when they are performed at an in-network facility .
Often , according to Holmes , families are left blindsided with a large bill not covered by insurance .
It also creates a process to negotiate payments through what Holmes termed a baseball-style arbitration between the provider and the insurance company “ without the patient being stuck in the middle , ” he said .
“ House Bill 388 protects consumers and it puts their needs first , ” Holmes said .
“ This free market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of contract disputes , but will help reduce overall healthcare costs.
” According to a news release from Holmes in May , Stanford University researchers showed surprise billing is on the rise across America and so is the expense , with average costs tripling over a seven-year period to more than $ 2,000 per bill .
A recent poll found that one third of privately insured Ohioans report having received a surprise medical bill .
The legislation was applauded by the Ohio Association of Health Plans as an unprecedented compromise across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chambers of the Ohio legislature have now achieved something that no other state has done – passing a surprise billing ban that is supported by health plans , health providers , advocacy groups and business organizations , ” Kelly O ’ Reilly , OAHP president , said .
“ House Bill 388 protects families and businesses from unexpected bills they can not afford to pay .
As we continue to fight through a global health crisis , we thank our senators for joining their House colleagues to protect Ohioans.
” An Ohio native @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio , Georgia , Alabama and Texas .
He has served as a reporter , editor , managing editor and publisher .
Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Favorite Christmas Songs by State

Favorite Christmas Songs by State

Christmas Day has finally arrived and although many people ’ s plans may look quite different this year , there is one thing about the holiday season that can never be changed : catchy , calming and irresistible Christmas songs .
Whether a person listens to Christmas music all 365 days of the year or only starts once winter has set in , almost everybody has a favorite jingle that inevitably gets played more often around the holidays .
There are several juggernauts among the most popular Christmas tunes , some of which will definitely appear below , but which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 50 states ?
Verizon reviewed the 23 most streamed Christmas songs on iHeartRadio and Spotify and then analyzed those songs ’ Google search volume by state and , well , the results are not too surprising .
For Virginia , the Commonwealth ’ s favorite Christmas song is Sleigh Ride , one of the more timeless and festive jingles that comes across radio stations and is played in stores throughout December .
The only other state with the same taste is Delaware .
If you are more traditional , here is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orchestra and this is the more modern rendition with lyrics .
Overall , the most popular song is the classic carol Jingle Bells , emerging as the favorite for 16 different states that are mostly in the middle of the U.S. with a couple exceptions .
Those states include : Tennessee , Ohio , Colorado , Nebraska , Minnesota , Oklahoma and ten others .
There have been many artists who have put their own spin on Jingle Bells throughout the years , but Dean Martin ’ s version is great .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second most states is Feliz Navidad , which has probably taught thousands of people how to say merry Christmas in Spanish .
Unsurprisingly , the always enjoyable tune is the favorite in states with large Hispanic populations such as California , Florida , Arizona , Texas and , oddly enough , Maryland .
Coming in as the favorite in four states – Alabama , George , Missouri and North Carolina – is yet another classic song , especially during colder months : Let It Snow !
Interestingly , three out of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most years .
Frank Sinatra ’ s rendition of Let it Snow is something every person should hear at least once .
Other extremely well-known Christmas tunes that were favorites in two states are It ’ s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year , Last Christmas and All I Want For Christmas Is You – arguably the most popular and beloved holiday song ever made .
Some outliers include Michigan ( Silver Bells ) , Utah ( It ’ s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas ) , Hawaii ( Have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevada ( Jingle Bell Rock ) and Louisiana ( Santa Claus is Comin ’ to Town ) , among others .
No matter what your state or your personal favorite is , Christmas songs will continue to make the holiday season feel special in 2020 and beyond .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Authorities Arrest Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff Supporters on Theft and Obstruction Charges

Columbia County authorities have arrested two alleged thieves who stole packages from people ’ s homes — as the pair simultaneously distributed fliers supporting the candidacies of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff .
Warnock and Ossoff , both Democrats , want to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate .
The Augusta Chronicle identified these two alleged thieves as Santina Walker and Cesar Guerrero .
Officials with the Columbia County Sheriff ’ s Department did not return The Georgia Star News ’ request for comment Thursday .
Members of the Georgia Republican Party , in an emailed press release , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve long known that Radical Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff ’ s socialist agenda includes ‘ free stuff ’ paid for by Georgians , we didn ’ t expect their team to take it quite so literally.
” The press release identified Walker and Guerrero as members of Warnock ’ s and Ossoff ’ s campaign teams — possibly based on The Chronicle ’ s initial reporting .
Staff writers at the paper later updated the article , apparently more than once , and referred to previous versions that “ mischaracterized the relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Authorities reportedly arrested Walker and Guerrero after they discovered several new packages in the trunk of Walker ’ s vehicle .
“ The fliers in support of Democratic U.S. Senate runoff candidates Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff were not associated with the candidates ’ campaigns , spokespeople for the candidates said , ” …at least according to The Chronicle ’ s reporting .
Authorities reportedly charged Walker and Guerrero with four counts of misdemeanor theft .
They also reportedly charged Guerrero with felony obstruction “ for punching a deputy multiple times in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” As reported , U.S. Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) and U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) , are on the January 5 , 2021 ballot for the U.S. Senate against Ossoff and Warnock , respectively .
As reported last week , The Star News , quoting The New York Times , said Biden doesn ’ t want civil rights leaders to discuss defunding the police until after the Georgia U.S. Senate runoffs have concluded .
This , for fear that such rhetoric will scare off Georgia voters and prevent Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis Divided and Degraded Americans During 116th Congress

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen ( D-TN-09 ) on Thursday released a video bragging about his achievements in the 116th Congress , although the video didn ’ t mention his more outlandish , offensive , or insensitive displays of behavior during that time .
The video , which Cohen ’ s staff uploaded to the congressman ’ s Facebook page , shows him pushing to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump and pledging to address the death of George Floyd .
Later , the video reports that Cohen delivered nearly $ 387 million in federal taxpayer money to his district , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did in this current session of Congress that he neglected to mention : • Said that African-American U.S. Sen. Tim Scott ( R-SC ) “ might as well be ” White and ridiculed the death of former presidential candidate Herman Caine .
• Endorsed a video of actor Robert De Niro bragging he wants to punch Trump in the face .
• Blamed U.S. Attorney General William Barr for the death of Jeffrey Epstein .
Cohen said this during a House Judiciary Committee hearing .
• Mocked Barr at another House Judiciary Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a prop to prove Barr was chicken for not showing up .
Cohen ’ s stunt at the time backfired— with conservatives and liberals .
• Called Trump a “ textbook narcissist and sociopath ” after Trump commuted the prison sentence of Roger Stone .
• Pushed for mail-in voting and warned that Russians were in America putting out misinformation about COVID-19 .
Cohen warned that Russians were trying to make Americans believe Pentagon staff caused or created COVID-19 .
• Bashed MyPillow , Inc. CEO Mike Lindell as just some guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s posterior .
This , after Lindell appeared alongside Trump at a press conference and announced his company will manufacture face masks for hospitals across the country .
Lindell said his company would do this to help alleviate the national shortage of N95 respirator masks in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak .
• Warned that a Trump rally in North Carolina was on par with Nazism .
• Expressed delight over the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives no longer requiring people to say “ so help me God ” under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in France last year , Cohen used the occasion to say Trump is “ torching the entire structure of government.
” • Said the Founding Fathers created the nation ’ s Electoral College as a way to hurt Black people .
• Used a rape analogy to describe Trump ’ s time as president .
As The Tennessee Star has reported several times , Cohen takes political and personal jabs at the 45th president whenever and wherever possible .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-25--Massive Christmas Day Explosion in Nashville Disrupts Middle Tennessee Internet and Phone Communicat

Massive Christmas Day Explosion in Nashville Disrupts Middle Tennessee Internet and Phone Communications

A massive Christmas morning explosion in downtown Nashville has caused extensive damage and knocked out phone and internet communications throughout Middle Tennessee .
At least three individuals were injured but no fatalities have been reported .
Several private individuals in the Metro Nashville area told The Tennessee Star Friday that their mobile service was down in the aftermath of the bombing .
There were unconfirmed reports that at least one major mobile phone carrier had major outages in the area .
According to a press release on the Metro Nashville Government ’ s website , members of the Metro Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ATF are investigating today ’ s intentional 6:30 a.m. explosion of an RV outside 166 Second Avenue North .
Authorities have restricted vehicle and pedestrian traffic downtown as the investigation continues .
“ Officers responded to shots fired call on Second Avenue at approximately 5:30 a.m .
The department ’ s Hazardous Devices Unit was called to check the RV , ” according to the press release .
“ As those officers were en route , the vehicle exploded outside an AT & T transmission building .
Multiple buildings on Second Avenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Department spokesman Joseph Pleasant said at a press conference Friday that authorities transported three people to area hospitals , but none in critical condition .
In the hours after the explosion , a video was posted on Twitter from what appears to be a recording of the bombing from a nearby security camera .
Audio of a loudspeaker warning people to “ evacuate the scene immediately ” can be heard echoing in the street moments before the blast .
The recording is disrupted , but the camera eventually resets showing the aftermath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Wilson tweeted Friday that eyewitnesses saw an older motorhome .
“ The female computerized voice WARNING coming from [ the ] RV started one hour before [ the ] explosion .
Eyewitnesses left when [ the ] countdown reached 11 minutes.
” The Nashville Fire Department posted several photos of the scene .
The Tennessean reported that the widespread outage of AT & T internet and phone service began around noon .
911 phone systems were down in Williamson and Sumner counties as well as the cities of LaVergne and Mt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about this case to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-26--Madison Cawthorn Says He’s Contesting the Election, Will Fund Primary Opponents Against GOP Reps Who

Madison Cawthorn Says He’s Contesting the Election, Will Fund Primary Opponents Against GOP Reps Who Don’t Speak Out

Incoming Republican North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn said at a Turning Point USA conference Monday that he will contest the election and fund primary opponents against GOP members not publicly urging “ for fair , free and just elections.
” Cawthorn said the Constitution says “ that state legislators are the only body that can change election law within their own states , ” video of the conference shows .
He said numerous governors and state secretaries in swing states have violated the law .
“ And so because of that on Jan 6 as the people of Western North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a job , I will be contesting the election , ” Cawthorn said .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell advised GOP senators not to contest the outcomes of the election on Jan. 6 in a private phone call with the caucus , two sources familiar with the matter said , according to Politico .
Senate Majority Whip John Thune and Republican Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt reiterated McConnell ’ s thoughts .
Madison joined the audience in yelling USA once and said he has “ a message for all of the Republicans across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you are not on the record calling for fair , free and just elections now and in the future , I will come to your district and I will fund a primary opponent against you , ” Cawthorn said in the video .
Cawthorn called serving in D.C. a mission rather than a career and gave a shout out to audience members from North Carolina during the video .
“ For too long , for way too long the Republican party has just been the party of no that has always conceded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our schools , they have let socialism creep into our country .
I ’ m telling you when I look out into this crowd , I see the new Republican Party , ” Cawthorn said during the video .
Representatives for Cawthorn didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment .

by Joe Mueller
Attorneys general from 26 states are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a lower-court decision upholding a California law banning the raising or importing pork, veal or eggs if the animals are confined.
The Supreme Court announced on March 28 that it would hear the pork industry’s challenge to California’s Proposition 12, a law restricting confinement practices in animal agriculture. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on Oct. 11.
Prop. 12 was approved by 63% of California voters in 2018. The law established minimum space requirements based on square feet for calves raised for veal, breeding pigs and egg-laying hens. It banned the sale of products from those animals if they were “confined in a cruel manner,” defined as in areas below minimum square-feet requirements.
The case, National Pork Producers Council v. Karen Ross, the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, focuses on the regulation of animal products outside of California by prohibiting the in-state sale of products traceable to the animal being confined in a “cruel manner.” The Pork Producers and others argue the law violates the Interstate Commerce Clause and general constitutional restrictions against “extraterritorial regulation.”
The brief filed by the attorneys general states California consumes 13% of the nation’s pork and imports 99.87% of pork consumed. The attorneys general argue the “entire impact of Proposition 12 will be visited on out-of-state producers that, though they have no vote in California, must remodel their farms (or reduce their herds) to comply with the law.”
“Under no circumstances should the state of California be allowed to dictate to Missouri farmers and ranchers how they can raise and confine breeding pigs, egg-laying hens, and veal calves,” Missouri Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt said in a statement. “Further, California is attempting to impose their will on Missouri farmers and ranchers by threatening to deny entry into the California market if those farmers and ranchers don’t comply with their pointless regulations. Missouri’s farmers and ranchers have been tending to their land and livestock for generations, they don’t need Californian politicians telling them how to do their jobs.”
Of the 19 briefs filed with the Supreme Court on the case last week, all urged the court to reverse the lower court’s decision, with the exception of two neutral parties providing economic information.
A brief filed to persuade the Supreme Court not to hear the case was filed last year by The Humane Society of the United States, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Equality, The Humane League, Farm Sanctuary, Compassion in World Farming USA, and Animal Outlook. They stated the Pork Producers’ argument uses a “dormant Commerce Clause” to stop in-state sales of certain pork products from “animals confined in cruel and unsanitary conditions that threaten the health of California consumers. … Because that prohibition applies only to sales inside California, moreover, producers outside California are free to confine animals however they choose for products sold outside the state.”
States represented by the attorneys general are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
– – –
Joe Mueller covers Missouri for The Center Square. After seven years of reporting for daily newspapers in Illinois and Missouri, he spent the next 30 years in public relations serving non-profit organizations and as a strategic communications consultant.