thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--After a Long Slumber, U.S. Cinemas Awaken on Pivotal Weekend

STAMFORD , Conneticut ( AP ) — With the previews about to start , a trickle of masked moviegoers made their way into one of the first U.S. screenings of “ Tenet ” at the Bow Tie Majestic 6 in downtown Stamford , Connecticut .
They took their seats Tuesday night , eyeing the empty seats between each other and a little giddy at being back at the movies for the first time in many months .
Philip Scarante and Andy Flores , both 25 , went every Tuesday religiously before theaters closed in March .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Seeing Nolan ’ s latest mind-bending spectacle later on a smaller screen held no appeal .
They sat down in center seats , up close .
“ Everyone seems to have a mask on , ” Scarante noted , looking around in the sparsely populated theater .
“ I didn ’ t expect that many people to show up.
” More Americans will make their way back to the movies this weekend than any since the pandemic shuttered theaters in March .
After a few weeks of catalog films and minor releases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is the first must-see main event of the pandemic , a mega-movie litmus test for how ready U.S. moviegoers are to return to cinemas .
At the same time , another $ 200 million movie , the Walt Disney Co. ’ s live-action “ Mulan ” remake is debuting not in theaters , as it originally intended to back in March , but on the streaming service Disney+ .
In an innovative , untested release , “ Mulan ” will be available for $ 30 only to Disney+ subscribers Friday .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Hollywood in the COVID-19 era , and potentially beyond .
“ Tenet , ” w hich grossed a hefty $ 53.6 million in 41 international territories last weekend , could prove that blockbuster moviegoing can be resuscitated with half-capacity theaters and safety protocols — or that people aren ’ t ready to sit in the dark with strangers .
“ Mulan ” could open up a new premium on-demand window to the largest film franchises — or prove that big-time box office ( “ Mulan ” had been projected to make around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be replicated in the home .
Labor Day weekend , usually among the sleepiest days of the year in theaters , has turned into a dramatic showdown with maybe the fate of the industry at stake , as two high-priced experiments test the possibilities of a new reality .
“ The world we ’ re in right now , the concept of releasing the film absolutely everywhere for everyone to go and see on the same weekend , clearly that ’ s absolutely not an option for the foreseeable future , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ So if that pushes the industry into different ways of thinking and some of them being older distribution models , that hopefully can work.
” Warner Bros. is rolling out “ Tenet ” where they can .
After debuting in Europe , Canada and Korea last weekend , “ Tenet ” on Thursday lands in the 75 % open U.S. theaters , along with cinemas in China on Friday .
Some states , like New York , have kept theaters closed , though more are coming online just in time for “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cinemas are to reopen Friday .
The strong international launch of “ Tenet ” proved that many people are eager to come back .
The U.S. , though , may be a different story .
Though COVID-19 cases and deaths are declining , they are still far more elevated than in most parts of the world .
Cases are approaching six million in the U.S. , with deaths surpassing 180,000 .
Epidemiologists , most more concerned about school re-openings , remain cautious about any large indoor gatherings .
Meanwhile exhibitors are clinging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve said , is essential to their making it through the pandemic .
Connecticut ’ s Bow Tie Cinemas opened earlier this summer and then closed when major releases were again postponed .
At the “ Tenet ” preview screening Tuesday , the married couple Trudy and Phil Davies , with a tub of popcorn between them , said they came for “ the chance to do something different ” but also to contribute to the recovery .
“ We came here to help things get back up and running , ” Trudy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the movie businesses , for everybody .
As long as it ’ s done in a sensible way.
” As difficult as the circumstances are , Warner Bros. also sees opportunity .
“ Tenet ” has virtually no competition in cinemas and will play continuously for not just weeks but months .
It has the big screen to itself .
At one Boston AMC , “ Tenet ” is playing 86 times from Friday to Sunday .
Disney has released other , smaller films into theaters ( Fox ’ s “ The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Personal History of David Copperfield ” ) but it has thus far either postponed or sent to streaming its bigger movies .
Like “ Hamilton , ” “ Mulan ” will be used to boost the 60 million-plus subscriber base of Disney+ .
Announcing the release plan last month , Disney chief executive Bob Chapek called it a “ one-off.
” “ We don ’ t see this as a new window , but it ’ s an opportunity to learn , ” Disney ’ s distribution chief Cathleen Taff said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic we ’ ve learned is we can ’ t be set in our ways .
We have to be fluid.
” The move didn ’ t please theater owners , but Wall Street has endorsed it .
Benjamin Swinburne , an analyst with Morgan Stanley , said in a note to investors that he sees premium on-demand “ as long-term structurally beneficial to film studios , and likely less cannibalistic to moviegoing than feared.
” Which way things break is anyone ’ s guess , but the releases of “ Tenet ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to redefining a movie business in the midst of technological and social upheaval .
The movies lying in wait — “ Wonder Woman 1984 ” ( Oct. 2 ) , Marvel ’ s “ Black Widow ” ( Nov. 6 ) , Pixar ’ s “ Soul ” ( Nov. 20 ) — will be watching .
Settling in for “ Tenet , ” Jose Alvarez , a 20-year-old from nearby White Plains , New York , was thrilled to be back at the movies .
“ Because movies are amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money because now we ’ re at home , ” said Alvarez with his mask pulled below his chin .
“ Not much to do there .
Staying inside is not good for the health.
” Jake Coyle is a reporter for The Associated Press .
AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr contributed to this report .
About the Headline Photo : This combination shows Yifei Liu in the title role of “ Mulan , ” left , and John David Washington in a scene from “ Tenet.
” On Thursday , Christopher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrive in U.S. theaters , the first big movie to head to cinemas since the pandemic began .
The next day , Disney ’ s “ Mulan ” will try an innovative streaming release .
Two divergent paths for the film industry collide in one weekend .
( Jasin Boland/Disney via AP , left , and Melinda Sue Gordon/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP )

by Jake Coyle
STAMFORD, Conneticut (AP) — With the previews about to start, a trickle of masked moviegoers made their way into one of the first U.S. screenings of “Tenet” at the Bow Tie Majestic 6 in downtown Stamford, Connecticut. They took their seats Tuesday night, eyeing the empty seats between each other and a little giddy at being back at the movies for the first time in many months.
Philip Scarante and Andy Flores, both 25, went every Tuesday religiously before theaters closed in March. “It’s just our thing,” Scarante said. Seeing Nolan’s latest mind-bending spectacle later on a smaller screen held no appeal. They sat down in center seats, up close.
“Everyone seems to have a mask on,” Scarante noted, looking around in the sparsely populated theater. “I didn’t expect that many people to show up.”
More Americans will make their way back to the movies this weekend than any since the pandemic shuttered theaters in March. After a few weeks of catalog films and minor releases, the $200 million “Tenet” is the first must-see main event of the pandemic, a mega-movie litmus test for how ready U.S. moviegoers are to return to cinemas.
At the same time, another $200 million movie, the Walt Disney Co.’s live-action “Mulan” remake is debuting not in theaters, as it originally intended to back in March, but on the streaming service Disney+. In an innovative, untested release, “Mulan” will be available for $30 only to Disney+ subscribers Friday.
Each movie could chart a new way forward for Hollywood in the COVID-19 era, and potentially beyond. “Tenet,” w hich grossed a hefty $53.6 million in 41 international territories last weekend, could prove that blockbuster moviegoing can be resuscitated with half-capacity theaters and safety protocols — or that people aren’t ready to sit in the dark with strangers. “Mulan” could open up a new premium on-demand window to the largest film franchises — or prove that big-time box office (“Mulan” had been projected to make around $750 million in theaters) can’t be replicated in the home.
Labor Day weekend, usually among the sleepiest days of the year in theaters, has turned into a dramatic showdown with maybe the fate of the industry at stake, as two high-priced experiments test the possibilities of a new reality.
“The world we’re in right now, the concept of releasing the film absolutely everywhere for everyone to go and see on the same weekend, clearly that’s absolutely not an option for the foreseeable future,” said Nolan in an interview. “So if that pushes the industry into different ways of thinking and some of them being older distribution models, that hopefully can work.”
Warner Bros. is rolling out “Tenet” where they can. After debuting in Europe, Canada and Korea last weekend, “Tenet” on Thursday lands in the 75% open U.S. theaters, along with cinemas in China on Friday. Some states, like New York, have kept theaters closed, though more are coming online just in time for “Tenet.” New Jersey and some California cinemas are to reopen Friday.
The strong international launch of “Tenet” proved that many people are eager to come back. The U.S., though, may be a different story. Though COVID-19 cases and deaths are declining, they are still far more elevated than in most parts of the world. Cases are approaching six million in the U.S., with deaths surpassing 180,000. Epidemiologists, most more concerned about school re-openings, remain cautious about any large indoor gatherings.
Meanwhile exhibitors are clinging to survival. New product, they’ve said, is essential to their making it through the pandemic. Connecticut’s Bow Tie Cinemas opened earlier this summer and then closed when major releases were again postponed. At the “Tenet” preview screening Tuesday, the married couple Trudy and Phil Davies, with a tub of popcorn between them, said they came for “the chance to do something different” but also to contribute to the recovery.
“We came here to help things get back up and running,” Trudy Davies said. “Not just for the movie businesses, for everybody. As long as it’s done in a sensible way.”
As difficult as the circumstances are, Warner Bros. also sees opportunity. “Tenet” has virtually no competition in cinemas and will play continuously for not just weeks but months. It has the big screen to itself. At one Boston AMC, “Tenet” is playing 86 times from Friday to Sunday.
Disney has released other, smaller films into theaters (Fox’s “The New Mutants” and Fox Searchlight’s “The Personal History of David Copperfield”) but it has thus far either postponed or sent to streaming its bigger movies. Like “Hamilton,” “Mulan” will be used to boost the 60 million-plus subscriber base of Disney+. Announcing the release plan last month, Disney chief executive Bob Chapek called it a “one-off.”
“We don’t see this as a new window, but it’s an opportunity to learn,” Disney’s distribution chief Cathleen Taff said. “The one thing about this pandemic we’ve learned is we can’t be set in our ways. We have to be fluid.”
The move didn’t please theater owners, but Wall Street has endorsed it. Benjamin Swinburne, an analyst with Morgan Stanley, said in a note to investors that he sees premium on-demand “as long-term structurally beneficial to film studios, and likely less cannibalistic to moviegoing than feared.”
Which way things break is anyone’s guess, but the releases of “Tenet” and “Mulan” may go a long way to redefining a movie business in the midst of technological and social upheaval. The movies lying in wait — “Wonder Woman 1984” (Oct. 2), Marvel’s “Black Widow” (Nov. 6), Pixar’s “Soul” (Nov. 20) — will be watching.
Settling in for “Tenet,” Jose Alvarez, a 20-year-old from nearby White Plains, New York, was thrilled to be back at the movies.
“Because movies are amazing. We’re saving a lot of money because now we’re at home,” said Alvarez with his mask pulled below his chin. “Not much to do there. Staying inside is not good for the health.”
– – –
Jake Coyle is a reporter for The Associated Press. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr contributed to this report.
About the Headline Photo: This combination shows Yifei Liu in the title role of “Mulan,” left, and John David Washington in a scene from “Tenet.” On Thursday, Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” will arrive in U.S. theaters, the first big movie to head to cinemas since the pandemic began. The next day, Disney’s “Mulan” will try an innovative streaming release. Two divergent paths for the film industry collide in one weekend. (Jasin Boland/Disney via AP, left, and Melinda Sue Gordon/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP)


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Music Spotlight: Calvin Lee

Music Spotlight: Calvin Lee

Nashville , Tennessee – Regardless of how famous a person may or may not be if the music can ’ t stand alone , there is no point in an interview .
Accompanied by Trick Pony ’ s Heidi Newfield and Keith Burns , with his debut single , Calvin Lee sings a timeless anthem , My America , that paints a nostalgic story about pulling together through hard times , which is sure to resonate with the listeners .
Lee grew up in the small , hard-working town of Earle , Arkansas on his family ’ s farm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sing throughout the day which encouraged young Lee to mimic and join in .
Music was fused into every aspect of his childhood , outside and inside the home .
His mother would often spin Elvis Presley ’ s records throughout the house and Lee quickly learned to emulate certain nuances .
In his vocal debut , as he stood up to sing Amazing Grace the congregation fell quiet and after just a few notes the pastor urged the pianist to stop playing so they could all just listen .
“ I surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I wasn ’ t expecting my voice to come out the way it did — it was a great , new feeling.
” It was clear right away that he possessed a special talent , which was not a first for the family .
His great uncle was the legendary blues harmonica player and singer James Cotton .
Cotton recorded some of his first work at the historic Sun Records and would later play on many important projects including Muddy Waters ’ Grammy Award-winning album in the 1970s .
Around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received a guitar for Christmas which would elevate how he created music .
He taught himself the instrument and modestly admits he ’ s , “ still learning ” to this day .
When it came time for college , Lee decided to leave Arkansas to attend Lamar University in Beaumont , Texas .
Here , he was immersed in the country culture and was often presented many opportunities to perform including festivals alongside established acts like Tracy Byrd , Zona Jones , and Jimmie Van Zant .
During these performances , Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and constant encouragement to move to Nashville .
Though it wasn ’ t an easy decision , he took their advice and packed up for Music City and hasn ’ t looked back since .
Even though Lee is a songwriter , he did not write “ My America.
” He explained , “ My manager and were looking for a song .
Being from a military family , I was looking for something with a patriotic style .
We came across the demo , ‘ My America , ’ and I loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Regarding the recording of the song , the singer said , “ It really came together really well .
With Heidi and Keith , we had fun bringing this song to life .
Keith Burns is a great harmony guy and Heidi has those powerful vocals and it went so well [ with Lee ’ s gospel/country sound . ]
When it was time to get the job done , we just nailed it.
” This track is the quintessential picture of the American dream and serves as a call to action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to life ’ s simple pleasures amid hard times .
With an authentic blue-collar upbringing , Lee is creating music for real America by way of true life .
Even though he has recorded additional music , Lee and his team are focusing on promoting “ My America.
” They even are releasing a clothing line with a working-class denim jean and other outdoor workwear for men and women .
This father of five is a multi-talented artist with lots of extra-curricular activities including landscaping and fitness , but his true passion will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear “ My America ” on all streaming platforms .
You can follow Lee on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube .
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer .
You can follow her blog , Instagram and Twitter , and YouTube .

Nashville, Tennessee – Regardless of how famous a person may or may not be if the music can’t stand alone, there is no point in an interview. Accompanied by Trick Pony’s Heidi Newfield and Keith Burns, with his debut single, Calvin Lee sings a timeless anthem, My America, that paints a nostalgic story about pulling together through hard times, which is sure to resonate with the listeners.
Lee grew up in the small, hard-working town of Earle, Arkansas on his family’s farm. The farm’s employees would often sing throughout the day which encouraged young Lee to mimic and join in. Music was fused into every aspect of his childhood, outside and inside the home. His mother would often spin Elvis Presley’s records throughout the house and Lee quickly learned to emulate certain nuances.
In his vocal debut, as he stood up to sing Amazing Grace the congregation fell quiet and after just a few notes the pastor urged the pianist to stop playing so they could all just listen.
“I surprised myself that day,” said Lee. “I wasn’t expecting my voice to come out the way it did — it was a great, new feeling.”
It was clear right away that he possessed a special talent, which was not a first for the family. His great uncle was the legendary blues harmonica player and singer James Cotton. Cotton recorded some of his first work at the historic Sun Records and would later play on many important projects including Muddy Waters’ Grammy Award-winning album in the 1970s.
Around the time of his newfound notoriety, he received a guitar for Christmas which would elevate how he created music. He taught himself the instrument and modestly admits he’s, “still learning” to this day.
When it came time for college, Lee decided to leave Arkansas to attend Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Here, he was immersed in the country culture and was often presented many opportunities to perform including festivals alongside established acts like Tracy Byrd, Zona Jones, and Jimmie Van Zant. During these performances, Lee would often hear praise of his voice and constant encouragement to move to Nashville. Though it wasn’t an easy decision, he took their advice and packed up for Music City and hasn’t looked back since.
Even though Lee is a songwriter, he did not write “My America.” He explained, “My manager and were looking for a song. Being from a military family, I was looking for something with a patriotic style. We came across the demo, ‘My America,’ and I loved it the first time I heard it.”
Regarding the recording of the song, the singer said, “It really came together really well. With Heidi and Keith, we had fun bringing this song to life. Keith Burns is a great harmony guy and Heidi has those powerful vocals and it went so well [with Lee’s gospel/country sound.] When it was time to get the job done, we just nailed it.”
This track is the quintessential picture of the American dream and serves as a call to action to the American people who hold on to life’s simple pleasures amid hard times. With an authentic blue-collar upbringing, Lee is creating music for real America by way of true life.
Even though he has recorded additional music, Lee and his team are focusing on promoting “My America.” They even are releasing a clothing line with a working-class denim jean and other outdoor workwear for men and women.
This father of five is a multi-talented artist with lots of extra-curricular activities including landscaping and fitness, but his true passion will always be his music.
You can hear “My America” on all streaming platforms.
You can follow Lee on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
– – –
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram and Twitter, and YouTube.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Marsha Blackburn Helps Probe Extensive Criminal History of Obama-Biden Era Dreamer Charged with Four

Marsha Blackburn Helps Probe Extensive Criminal History of Obama-Biden Era Dreamer Charged with Four Deaths

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) helped this week investigate how federal officials did not remove a Mexican national in the United States despite his history of violent and illegal behavior .
This behavior resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement motorcycle club members .
This , according to a press release that Blackburn emailed this week .
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley ( R-IA ) joined Blackburn , the press release said .
“ Ivan Robles Navejas is charged with causing a head-on collision with members of the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club in July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the press release said .
“ He was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the collision , and had previously faced assault , drunk driving and resisting arrest charges dating back to 2013.
” Various U.S. senators signed a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services , requesting all records related to Navejas immigration and law enforcement encounters .
They included U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) , U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley ( R-MO ) , U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis ( R-NC ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-AR ) and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst ( R-IA ) , the press release said .
“ This is not the first time that Mr. Navejas has been accused of committing crimes within our communities , ” the senators wrote .
“ He has faced previous charges including resisting arrest in 2013 , driving while intoxicated in 2016 , and , most concerning of all , aggravated assault in 2018 .
We are disturbed by the fact that , despite these egregious charges , Mr. Navejas has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , further endangering our citizens.
” The senators added that “ as is so often the case , this tragedy was completely avoidable had this nation ’ s immigration laws been enforced as they should have been during the Obama administration.
” “ Navejas benefitted from several Obama-Biden administration-era policies that shielded him from deportation despite his illegal entry and multiple run-ins with law enforcement .
He was granted deferred deportation status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ) program in 2013 , the same year that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that status later expired , he was allowed to remain in the country following drunk driving charges in 2016 because the Obama-Biden administration ’ s Priority Enforcement Program did not consider drunk driving offenses to warrant deportation , ” according to the press release .
“ Despite these encounters , Navejas was still able to receive conditional permanent resident status , which shielded him from removal following 2018 assault charges in which he allegedly pinned a victim with his car and bit off a portion of the victim ’ s ear.
” Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) helped this week investigate how federal officials did not remove a Mexican national in the United States despite his history of violent and illegal behavior.
This behavior resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement motorcycle club members.
This, according to a press release that Blackburn emailed this week.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) joined Blackburn, the press release said.
“Ivan Robles Navejas is charged with causing a head-on collision with members of the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club in July, killing four riders and injuring several others,” the press release said.
“He was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the collision, and had previously faced assault, drunk driving and resisting arrest charges dating back to 2013.”
Various U.S. senators signed a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, requesting all records related to Navejas immigration and law enforcement encounters. They included U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), the press release said.
“This is not the first time that Mr. Navejas has been accused of committing crimes within our communities,” the senators wrote.
“He has faced previous charges including resisting arrest in 2013, driving while intoxicated in 2016, and, most concerning of all, aggravated assault in 2018. We are disturbed by the fact that, despite these egregious charges, Mr. Navejas has been permitted to continue residing in the United States, further endangering our citizens.”
The senators added that “as is so often the case, this tragedy was completely avoidable had this nation’s immigration laws been enforced as they should have been during the Obama administration.”
“Navejas benefitted from several Obama-Biden administration-era policies that shielded him from deportation despite his illegal entry and multiple run-ins with law enforcement. He was granted deferred deportation status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2013, the same year that he was charged with resisting arrest. Though that status later expired, he was allowed to remain in the country following drunk driving charges in 2016 because the Obama-Biden administration’s Priority Enforcement Program did not consider drunk driving offenses to warrant deportation,” according to the press release.
“Despite these encounters, Navejas was still able to receive conditional permanent resident status, which shielded him from removal following 2018 assault charges in which he allegedly pinned a victim with his car and bit off a portion of the victim’s ear.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--US Economy Added 1.4 Million Jobs in August, Unemployment at 8.4 Percent

The U.S. economy added 1.4 million jobs in August , while unemployment fell to 8.4 % , according to Department of Labor data released Friday .
Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 1.4 million in August , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report , and the number of unemployed persons fell by 2.8 million to 13.6 million .
The unemployment rate fell below 10 % for the first time since April when the rate reached 14.7 % .
“ Employment in government increased by 344,000 in August , accounting for one-fourth of the over-the-month gain in total non-farm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The August figures marked the fourth straight month of both increasing jobs and dropping unemployment since the country lost a record 20.5 million jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic closures in April , according to Bloomberg News .
Economists projected 1.4 million Americans to be added to payrolls and the unemployment rate to drop below 10 % prior to Friday ’ s report , according to Bloomberg .
The Bureau of Labor Statistics ’ numbers represent a slowing economic recovery , Bloomberg reported .
In July , the U.S. economy added 1.8 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from June ’ s unemployment rate of 11.1 % .
Meanwhile , Capitol Hill negotiations on a second coronavirus stimulus package stalled in August .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows reached out to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to restart negotiations on Aug. 26 , but those talks have yet to advance , Politico reported .
“ The longer we go along without some sort of stimulus the higher the risk that we get a slowdown in terms of any job gains and could actually even go into reverse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weidner , according to Bloomberg .
“ It ’ s completely possible that that happens in September.
” President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in March as coronavirus spread rapidly around the world .
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Thomas Catenacci
The U.S. economy added 1.4 million jobs in August, while unemployment fell to 8.4%, according to Department of Labor data released Friday.
Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 1.4 million in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, and the number of unemployed persons fell by 2.8 million to 13.6 million. The unemployment rate fell below 10% for the first time since April when the rate reached 14.7%.
“Employment in government increased by 344,000 in August, accounting for one-fourth of the over-the-month gain in total non-farm employment,” the report said.
The August figures marked the fourth straight month of both increasing jobs and dropping unemployment since the country lost a record 20.5 million jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic closures in April, according to Bloomberg News.
Economists projected 1.4 million Americans to be added to payrolls and the unemployment rate to drop below 10% prior to Friday’s report, according to Bloomberg.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ numbers represent a slowing economic recovery, Bloomberg reported. In July, the U.S. economy added 1.8 million jobs and unemployment dropped to 10.2% from June’s unemployment rate of 11.1%.
Meanwhile, Capitol Hill negotiations on a second coronavirus stimulus package stalled in August. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows reached out to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to restart negotiations on Aug. 26, but those talks have yet to advance, Politico reported.
“The longer we go along without some sort of stimulus the higher the risk that we get a slowdown in terms of any job gains and could actually even go into reverse,” said Deutsche Bank AG economist Justin Weidner, according to Bloomberg. “It’s completely possible that that happens in September.”
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in March as coronavirus spread rapidly around the world.
– – –
Thomas Catenacci is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Commentary: Who Are BLM Global Network Foundation?

With protestors taking to the streets all over the United States to protest police brutality after the killings of unarmed Black men , the Black Lives Matter phrase has become synonymous with the movement .
Regardless of where you find yourself on the ideological spectrum , a significant percentage of those protesting have done so peacefully , but it ’ s the violent protestors and Antifa thugs that continue to get most of the attention , and the media would have it no other way ; after all , who wants to watch continuous news about protestors marching peacefully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For a news media that ’ s become all about rating and being first , they only care about what drives ratings and suits that agenda .
What do I mean in the paragraph above , you might ask ?
Well , did you know that a recent Gallup “ found that 65 % of U.S. adults support the protests .
Additionally , 53 % said the protests “ will help ” public support for equality and racial justice.
” This reveals that Americans are more on the same page than it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycle .
Peaceful protests have been drowned by looters , rioters , and Antifa thugs , feeding into a media narrative of downright divisiveness .
However , the focus of this column isn ’ t on that , but rather on something that gets very little attention , and that is the main Black Lives Matter organization started by Alicia Garza , Opal Tometi , and Patrisse Cullors .
Did you know there was a BLM organization ?
Well , there is , and its named Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ synonymous with the movement , but that ’ s not the case , so I want to be clear about separating the movement from the organization .
There ’ s a movement of people who are protesting police brutality with the intent of articulating that Black lives should matter equally to all other lives .
Then there ’ s the BLM organization , and the two aren ’ t synonymous .
No , one knows what the BLM origination does or how it spends its money , but one thing we do know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money and from fortune 500 companies .
Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon , Microsoft , Nabisco , Gatorade , Airbnb , and Warner record labels , a music record company .
Microsoft donated $ 250,000 , Airbnb gave $ 500,000 , Nabisco gave $ 500,000 ; in total , millions of dollars were given to this group with no transparency whatsoever .
Are funds going towards salaries ?
Are funds going towards civic engagement , social community programs for needy families ?
The reality is no one knows because there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let me tell you why .
The creators of Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation believe , maintain , and teach values that are undemocratic and antithetical to America ’ s beliefs and the ideals we uphold as Americans .
They teach against the idea of a nuclear family with a father and mother in the household and instead teach what they refer to as a “ village.
” I have no idea what that even means .
Still , the idea that we shouldn ’ t continue to reinforce the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes against statistical data on the importance of a balanced home for children ’ s success .
In a 2015 video , BLM Global Network Foundation co-founder Patrise Cullors said that she and her fellow co-founders were “ trained Marxist.
” Marxism formed the basis for communism , its what Lenin based his ideology on in Russia .
If that ’ s not anti-American and anti-democratic , I ’ m not sure what is an , d by donating hundreds of thousands of dollars that adds up to million to an organization that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their expenditures is problematic .
Notably , problematic because of the values they espouse and their mission of spreading those extremist views across America with America ’ s youth .
Their objective is to slowly destroy our core principles as a nation and replace them with pseudo-marxism .
They ’ re doing so by painting America as a racist country with no probability or likelihood to improve .
Despite the fact , that our own history proves thought not perfect with more strides to make , the United States has made considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great majority of Americans today , unlike anytime in our nation ’ s history , would like to continue to progress forward .
All corporations in the United States should immediately stop giving to BLM Global Network Foundation and , Congress should start an investigation into the organization to see where exactly are donations going and how they ’ re being spent .
They should also be investigated for Marxism and attempting to run a coup through ideological dissemination of values not consistent with our own .
Be wary of this organization and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-founder states , they ’ re “ trained Marxists ” who are interested in spreading a Marxist ideology .
Armstrong Williams is the Manager and Sole Owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations , and was named the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year .
Follow Armstrong on Twitter at @ arightside .

by Armstrong Williams
With protestors taking to the streets all over the United States to protest police brutality after the killings of unarmed Black men, the Black Lives Matter phrase has become synonymous with the movement. Regardless of where you find yourself on the ideological spectrum, a significant percentage of those protesting have done so peacefully, but it’s the violent protestors and Antifa thugs that continue to get most of the attention, and the media would have it no other way; after all, who wants to watch continuous news about protestors marching peacefully, that’s boring, right? For a news media that’s become all about rating and being first, they only care about what drives ratings and suits that agenda.
What do I mean in the paragraph above, you might ask? Well, did you know that a recent Gallup “found that 65% of U.S. adults support the protests. Additionally, 53% said the protests “will help” public support for equality and racial justice.” This reveals that Americans are more on the same page than it would appear based on the 24/7 cable news cycle. Peaceful protests have been drowned by looters, rioters, and Antifa thugs, feeding into a media narrative of downright divisiveness.
However, the focus of this column isn’t on that, but rather on something that gets very little attention, and that is the main Black Lives Matter organization started by Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors. Did you know there was a BLM organization? Well, there is, and its named Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation.
Now you might think the organization is synonymous with the movement, but that’s not the case, so I want to be clear about separating the movement from the organization. There’s a movement of people who are protesting police brutality with the intent of articulating that Black lives should matter equally to all other lives. Then there’s the BLM organization, and the two aren’t synonymous. No, one knows what the BLM origination does or how it spends its money, but one thing we do know is that it gets a lot of money and from fortune 500 companies.
Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Nabisco, Gatorade, Airbnb, and Warner record labels, a music record company. Microsoft donated $250,000, Airbnb gave $500,000, Nabisco gave $500,000; in total, millions of dollars were given to this group with no transparency whatsoever. Are funds going towards salaries? Are funds going towards civic engagement, social community programs for needy families? The reality is no one knows because there’s no transparency, but there should and let me tell you why.
The creators of Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation believe, maintain, and teach values that are undemocratic and antithetical to America’s beliefs and the ideals we uphold as Americans. They teach against the idea of a nuclear family with a father and mother in the household and instead teach what they refer to as a “village.” I have no idea what that even means. Still, the idea that we shouldn’t continue to reinforce the importance of a two-parent household is absurd. It goes against statistical data on the importance of a balanced home for children’s success.
In a 2015 video, BLM Global Network Foundation co-founder Patrise Cullors said that she and her fellow co-founders were “trained Marxist.” Marxism formed the basis for communism, its what Lenin based his ideology on in Russia. If that’s not anti-American and anti-democratic, I’m not sure what is an,d by donating hundreds of thousands of dollars that adds up to million to an organization that isn’t required to be transparent with their expenditures is problematic. Notably, problematic because of the values they espouse and their mission of spreading those extremist views across America with America’s youth.
Their objective is to slowly destroy our core principles as a nation and replace them with pseudo-marxism. They’re doing so by painting America as a racist country with no probability or likelihood to improve. Despite the fact, that our own history proves thought not perfect with more strides to make, the United States has made considerable progress and, I believe that a great majority of Americans today, unlike anytime in our nation’s history, would like to continue to progress forward.
All corporations in the United States should immediately stop giving to BLM Global Network Foundation and, Congress should start an investigation into the organization to see where exactly are donations going and how they’re being spent. They should also be investigated for Marxism and attempting to run a coup through ideological dissemination of values not consistent with our own. Be wary of this organization and their goal because as one of their co-founder states, they’re “trained Marxists” who are interested in spreading a Marxist ideology.
– – –
Armstrong Williams is the Manager and Sole Owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations, and was named the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year. Follow Armstrong on Twitter at @arightside.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--New York City Has Worst Unemployment Rate as One in Three Workers Worry About Job Security

As Americans approach Labor Day , with roughly 10.2 percent unemployed , a new survey conducted by WalletHub found that one in three Americans worry about job security .
In its nationally representative Coronavirus & Labor Day Survey , WalletHub found that Americans want extended COVID-19 relief .
Of those surveyed , 74 percent said Congress should continue to extend additional federal unemployment benefits until their respective states fully reopen .
Half surveyed said they ’ ve worked harder since the state shutdowns began .
The employment market is showing further signs of recovery , Bureau of Labor Statistics show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent below the peak of 14.7 percent during the height of the COVID-19 shutdowns .
WalletHub ’ s latest report on cities whose July unemployment numbers have bounced back is based on new Bureau of Labor Statistics data .
The BLS recently disclosed that it misclassified many workers on temporary layoffs as “ absent from work because of other reasons ” rather than “ unemployed.
” The actual unemployment rate in July may be 9 percent higher than reported as a result .
WalletHub compared 180 of the largest cities , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least one of the most populated cities in each state , across several metrics .
It compared the change in each city ’ s unemployment rate from July 2019 to July 2020 ; considered each city ’ s overall unemployment rate ; and used the average of these categories to rank-order the cities .
The most recovered cities whose employment numbers have bounced back are located in Kentucky , Nebraska , Texas , Idaho , North and South Dakota , Wyoming , Utah , Montana , Wisconsin , Arkansas , Kansas and Montana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst .
“ New York City has experienced a 464 percent increase in unemployment from January 2020 to July , ” Jill Gonzalez , WalletHub analyst , said .
“ This is worse than the average increase of 203 percent .
New York City ’ s overall unemployment rate is 20 percent , compared to the average of 10.2 percent.
” According to the BLS Employment Situation news release , household survey total employment rose and unemployment fell in July .
The jobless rate and the number of unemployed people remain 6.7 percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than in February .
In July , 9.7 million workers were classified as employed with a job but not at work during the survey reference week .
There are many reasons why employed people are not at work for the entire survey reference week , BLS says .
Vacation and illness are typically the most common reasons people are not at work .
In July 2020 , for example , 4.7 million people were recorded as absent from work because of vacation .
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square @

by Bethany Blankley
As Americans approach Labor Day, with roughly 10.2 percent unemployed, a new survey conducted by WalletHub found that one in three Americans worry about job security.
In its nationally representative Coronavirus & Labor Day Survey, WalletHub found that Americans want extended COVID-19 relief. Of those surveyed, 74 percent said Congress should continue to extend additional federal unemployment benefits until their respective states fully reopen.
Half surveyed said they’ve worked harder since the state shutdowns began.
The employment market is showing further signs of recovery, Bureau of Labor Statistics show. The national unemployment rate is 31 percent below the peak of 14.7 percent during the height of the COVID-19 shutdowns.
WalletHub’s latest report on cities whose July unemployment numbers have bounced back is based on new Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The BLS recently disclosed that it misclassified many workers on temporary layoffs as “absent from work because of other reasons” rather than “unemployed.” The actual unemployment rate in July may be 9 percent higher than reported as a result.
WalletHub compared 180 of the largest cities, including the 150 most populated cities, and at least one of the most populated cities in each state, across several metrics. It compared the change in each city’s unemployment rate from July 2019 to July 2020; considered each city’s overall unemployment rate; and used the average of these categories to rank-order the cities.
The most recovered cities whose employment numbers have bounced back are located in Kentucky, Nebraska, Texas, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kansas and Montana.
New York City has fared the worst.
“New York City has experienced a 464 percent increase in unemployment from January 2020 to July,” Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst, said. “This is worse than the average increase of 203 percent. New York City’s overall unemployment rate is 20 percent, compared to the average of 10.2 percent.”
According to the BLS Employment Situation news release, household survey total employment rose and unemployment fell in July. The jobless rate and the number of unemployed people remain 6.7 percentage points and 10.6 million, respectively, higher than in February.
In July, 9.7 million workers were classified as employed with a job but not at work during the survey reference week. There are many reasons why employed people are not at work for the entire survey reference week, BLS says. Vacation and illness are typically the most common reasons people are not at work.
In July 2020, for example, 4.7 million people were recorded as absent from work because of vacation.
– – –
Bethany Blankley is a contributor to The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Lee Says Tennessee Legislature Should Not Limit Executive Emergency Powers

Gov .
Bill Lee believes the Tennessee Legislature should not limit the existing executive emergency powers of the governor , Lee ’ s staff told a committee reviewing executive emergency powers .
The ad hoc study committee , co-chaired by Sen. Ferrell Haile , R-Gallatin , and Rep. Jason Zachary , R-Knoxville , met for a second time Thursday to hear testimony from Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery , members of the governor ’ s executive staff and others .
Testifying last before the committee , Lee ’ s Legislative Director Brent Easley and Deputy Council Clark Milner said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tennessee law on executive emergency powers .
“ Governor Lee ’ s firmly held view , however , is that the current statutory framework for authority to deal with emergencies should not be substantially or meaningfully disturbed because it provides for the immediate and decisive action , flexibility , and adaptability essential to combatting emergencies , ” Milner said .
Milner explained limiting a governor ’ s ability to respond in emergency circumstances would make it more difficult for the state to provide relief to Tennesseans in future emergencies .
He noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to be in accordance with state law , and Lee has taken care to ensure emergency authority has been exercised according to statute .
Easley argued that as chief executive , the governor is uniquely positioned to respond in emergency situations .
“ The General Assembly , I believe , wisely recognized the governor as the state ’ s executive , and a politically accountable actor that can act immediately and provide temporary relief to address time sensitive and changing emergency circumstances , ” Easley said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s resources , agencies and employees and direct the state ’ s emergency response.
” Lawmakers also heard testimony from University of Tennessee Law Professor Glenn Reynolds , Nashville attorney Larry Crain , Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan and Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey .
According to Crain , Tennessee has one of the most permissive executive emergency powers statutes in the country , with no provision for the Legislature to end emergency powers , as many other states have .
Without such a check , the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of legislative oversight .
Crain recommended the committee determine a system of accountability to prevent potential abuse by future administrations .
“ There should be some check of balance in the statute , ” Crain said .
“ Some mechanism that would allow the Legislature to determine whether , indeed , the authority should continue.
” Crain recommended lawmakers examine Alaska ’ s system of checks on emergency executive powers , as it includes rigorous accountability measures .
In a news conference Thursday afternoon , Lee said his administration is working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing what they should do , which is review this unprecedented process to make sure that we ’ re all working together in the way that we should , ” Lee said .
“ It ’ s an appropriate process , and we ’ ve worked together with them to make sure that we can answer all the questions they have.
” Vivian Jones reports on Tennessee and South Carolina for The Center Square .
Her writing has appeared in the Detroit News , The Hill , and publications of The Heartland @ @

by Vivian Jones
Gov. Bill Lee believes the Tennessee Legislature should not limit the existing executive emergency powers of the governor, Lee’s staff told a committee reviewing executive emergency powers.
The ad hoc study committee, co-chaired by Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, and Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, met for a second time Thursday to hear testimony from Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery, members of the governor’s executive staff and others.
Testifying last before the committee, Lee’s Legislative Director Brent Easley and Deputy Council Clark Milner said the governor believes no changes should be made to Tennessee law on executive emergency powers.
“Governor Lee’s firmly held view, however, is that the current statutory framework for authority to deal with emergencies should not be substantially or meaningfully disturbed because it provides for the immediate and decisive action, flexibility, and adaptability essential to combatting emergencies,” Milner said.
Milner explained limiting a governor’s ability to respond in emergency circumstances would make it more difficult for the state to provide relief to Tennesseans in future emergencies. He noted Slatery has found Lee’s executive actions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to be in accordance with state law, and Lee has taken care to ensure emergency authority has been exercised according to statute.
Easley argued that as chief executive, the governor is uniquely positioned to respond in emergency situations.
“The General Assembly, I believe, wisely recognized the governor as the state’s executive, and a politically accountable actor that can act immediately and provide temporary relief to address time sensitive and changing emergency circumstances,” Easley said. “The governor is well suited to marshal the state’s resources, agencies and employees and direct the state’s emergency response.”
Lawmakers also heard testimony from University of Tennessee Law Professor Glenn Reynolds, Nashville attorney Larry Crain, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan and Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey.
According to Crain, Tennessee has one of the most permissive executive emergency powers statutes in the country, with no provision for the Legislature to end emergency powers, as many other states have. Without such a check, the governor is free to extend emergency powers independently of legislative oversight. Crain recommended the committee determine a system of accountability to prevent potential abuse by future administrations.
“There should be some check of balance in the statute,” Crain said. “Some mechanism that would allow the Legislature to determine whether, indeed, the authority should continue.”
Crain recommended lawmakers examine Alaska’s system of checks on emergency executive powers, as it includes rigorous accountability measures.
In a news conference Thursday afternoon, Lee said his administration is working with the committee.
“The ad hoc committee is doing what they should do, which is review this unprecedented process to make sure that we’re all working together in the way that we should,” Lee said. “It’s an appropriate process, and we’ve worked together with them to make sure that we can answer all the questions they have.”
– – –
Vivian Jones reports on Tennessee and South Carolina for The Center Square. Her writing has appeared in the Detroit News, The Hill, and publications of The Heartland Institute.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Crom Carmichael Discusses the Media’s False Narrative About Monument Removal and Questions Election

Crom Carmichael Discusses the Media’s False Narrative About Monument Removal and Questions Election Laws

Live from Music Row Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio .
During the third hour , Carmichael weighed in on the mainstream media ’ s past of false claims that monuments would not be coming down .
He later questioned election laws and what that would mean for the timing of ballots and their validity .
Leahy : Well , Crom , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Chris Matthews and all the left-wing nuts saying , oh no no no , don ’ t worry .
We ’ re never going to take down the Washington Monument or the Jefferson Memorial .
Carmichael : And that ’ s in response to Trump saying that if we take down all these statues , then they ’ ll go after the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial .
So we now have on tape all of these , and by the way , other than Chris Matthews all those people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So their idiocy is still being broadcast .
Leahy : They were making fun of Donald Trump ’ s claim that if you take down the confederate statues that the next thing they ’ ll want to do is take down the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial .
Well , guess what the mayor of Washington , D.C. wants to do ?
She made a public statement last week .
Carmichael : And this was after formal proceedings that she comes out and says that the commission wants to take down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know what that is .
Leahy : Hold it , Crom .
I ’ ve got to get the dictionary out and see what re-contextualize means .
Is it even in the dictionary ?
Carmichael : Well , I guess she would just change the name of it .
( Leahy laughs ) So you don ’ t have to take it down if you change the name .
Wouldn ’ t it be fair to say that if you changed the name of the Washington Monument , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name change ?
Carmichael : And then you ’ d just do the same thing with the Jefferson Memorial .
All you ’ d have to do is go up there and change the face of Jefferson and bingo !
You ’ d have a whole new memorial .
This shows that the left does not see much in the future .
Let me say this .
The reason that this flashback is important is it ’ s only about a year ago .
Maybe not even that .
One of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year ago , but the others .
I ’ m reading a book right now called Hitler ’ s First 100 Days .
And it talks about what happened in Germany .
The 100 days after Hitler became chancellor .
And by the way , Hitler became chancellor on January 30th of 1933 .
15 minutes before he became chancellor , nobody knew he was going to become chancellor including Hitler .
He didn ’ t know .
It was three people sitting in the waiting room waiting for Hindenburg .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hitler and they were debating on who would be chancellor and who would be vice-chancellor , and right as they got up to see Hindenburg , Papen agreed that Hitler could be chancellor .
Once he was chancellor , he then took all of the powers that were vested in the chancellorship and added a few .
And he started immediately to destroy his political opposition and to arrest them and to kill them .
And the Nazi ’ s ran around breaking windows of department stores and looting .
Carmichael : Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down buildings .
Leahy : That would never in America .
( Chuckles ) Carmichael : And then marching around in their brown shirts as opposed to black shirts .
They were marching around the various cities in Germany and burning down the towns and raising the Swastika .
And so when people say , well it can ’ t happen here , I think its important to allude back to the audiotapes that we just played where the media people who are paid millions of dollars , by the way , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information .
All of these people just a few months or a year ago said that it ’ s absolutely ridiculous to think that the Washington Monument would be removed or renamed or re-contextualized .
And so on and so forth .
So we are seeing it in front of our very eyes .
And just as in Germany , they couldn ’ t see what was going on .
And if they had known what was going to happen , they wouldn ’ t have allowed Hitler to come to power , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that this is a moment in history where it isn ’ t just Joe Biden , who is not a nice man .
He is an evil person .
And I say that because all I have to do is look at what he did to Clarence Thomas .
And as far as I ’ m concerned he ’ ll never be forgiven for that .
And everything that he has done since then in regard to the black community is to show equal disdain for the black community .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on in Germany where the Nazi ’ s claimed that all of the rioting and all of the abuse before Hitler , they claimed it was the opposition .
And it wasn ’ t .
It was them .
And so here we sit .
Carmichael : But here we see it happening here where you have Nicole Wallace , this is what Nicole Wallace said .
Carmichael : G.W .
Bush .
Here ’ s what she said .
He ’ s playing to harden his faction of the electorate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More frothed up four years ago .
If you can fathom what that might look like .
I think we are seeing it in the streets of Portland and other places .
So here ’ s Nicole Wallace claiming that the people protesting in Portland are doing so because they are Trump supporters .
Which is the dumbest thing .
Carmichael : If a professor says one thing that slightly offends a student .
It has nothing to do with honesty , but slightly offends a student , that professor is canceled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the media can put out this junk like that statement that I just gave you .
And still have their job .
Not only do they have their job but they probably get a bonus .
So it ’ s the times that we are in .
And I guess we are within about two months of the election ?
And by the way , on another show , we ought to go into what the law says and requires in regard to an election .
And I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find out .
But if you could it would be great .
The law says that all of the elections for the presidency in all the states have to be held on the same day .
And so that day is the Tuesday following the first Monday .
Carmichael : This year .
Now , my question to you , Michael , is this .
What determines the validity from a timing standpoint of a ballot ?
If a ballot comes in and is in the possession of the election authorities on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote was cast on or before the election day according to the state law .
But if that ballot arrives the day after the election is over on November 4th , and it arrives on the 4th , is that a legal ballot ?
I don ’ t care who they vote for .
I ’ m just asking is that a legal ballot ?
Leahy : So you understand that you have identified the 2020 version of CHAD .
Carmichael : I would think that whatever the law is would apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be uniform that the states couldn ’ t decide on a presidential election , because that ’ s in the constitution , which says they all have to be held on the same day .
Now it ’ s up to Congress to pick the day .
So the question is if ballots come in , and this will be where a lot of the fighting goes on .
And according to Democrats and their actions right now in regard to Kanye West… Leahy : Yeah .
They want him off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are two seconds late or 14 seconds late , you can ’ t be on the ballot .
So the Democrats have shown that they really care about the date .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Reportwith Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .

Live from Music Row Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. – host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio.
During the third hour, Carmichael weighed in on the mainstream media’s past of false claims that monuments would not be coming down. He later questioned election laws and what that would mean for the timing of ballots and their validity.
(Monument removal montage clip plays)
Leahy: Well, Crom, that was about a year ago.
Carmichael: Yeah.
Leahy: Chris Matthews and all the left-wing nuts saying, oh no no no, don’t worry. We’re never going to take down the Washington Monument or the Jefferson Memorial.
Carmichael: And that’s in response to Trump saying that if we take down all these statues, then they’ll go after the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. So we now have on tape all of these, and by the way, other than Chris Matthews all those people are still on the air.
Leahy: Yeah.
Carmichael: So their idiocy is still being broadcast.
Leahy: They were making fun of Donald Trump’s claim that if you take down the confederate statues that the next thing they’ll want to do is take down the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. Well, guess what the mayor of Washington, D.C. wants to do? She made a public statement last week.
Carmichael: And this was after formal proceedings that she comes out and says that the commission wants to take down and remove the Washington Monument or re-contextualize. I don’t know what that is.
Leahy: Hold it, Crom. I’ve got to get the dictionary out and see what re-contextualize means. Is it even in the dictionary?
Carmichael: Well, I guess she would just change the name of it. (Leahy laughs) So you don’t have to take it down if you change the name. Wouldn’t it be fair to say that if you changed the name of the Washington Monument, that what the monument represents would disappear upon the name change?
Leahy: Yeah.
Carmichael: And then you’d just do the same thing with the Jefferson Memorial. All you’d have to do is go up there and change the face of Jefferson and bingo! You’d have a whole new memorial. This shows that the left does not see much in the future. Let me say this. The reason that this flashback is important is it’s only about a year ago. Maybe not even that. One of them, Chris Wallace is probably more than a year ago, but the others.
I’m reading a book right now called Hitler’s First 100 Days. And it talks about what happened in Germany. The 100 days after Hitler became chancellor. And by the way, Hitler became chancellor on January 30th of 1933. 15 minutes before he became chancellor, nobody knew he was going to become chancellor including Hitler. He didn’t know. It was three people sitting in the waiting room waiting for Hindenburg.
One of them was Papen and one was Hitler and they were debating on who would be chancellor and who would be vice-chancellor, and right as they got up to see Hindenburg, Papen agreed that Hitler could be chancellor. Once he was chancellor, he then took all of the powers that were vested in the chancellorship and added a few. And he started immediately to destroy his political opposition and to arrest them and to kill them. And the Nazi’s ran around breaking windows of department stores and looting.
Leahy: Really?
Carmichael: Yes. And burning down buildings. Burning down buildings.
Leahy: That would never in America. (Chuckles)
Carmichael: And then marching around in their brown shirts as opposed to black shirts. They were marching around the various cities in Germany and burning down the towns and raising the Swastika. And so when people say, well it can’t happen here, I think its important to allude back to the audiotapes that we just played where the media people who are paid millions of dollars, by the way, to be able to provide us with useful information.
All of these people just a few months or a year ago said that it’s absolutely ridiculous to think that the Washington Monument would be removed or renamed or re-contextualized. And so on and so forth.
So we are seeing it in front of our very eyes. And just as in Germany, they couldn’t see what was going on. And if they had known what was going to happen, they wouldn’t have allowed Hitler to come to power, but he did. And I will say that this is a moment in history where it isn’t just Joe Biden, who is not a nice man.
He is an evil person. And I say that because all I have to do is look at what he did to Clarence Thomas. And as far as I’m concerned he’ll never be forgiven for that. And everything that he has done since then in regard to the black community is to show equal disdain for the black community.
And the lying, by the way, that went on in Germany where the Nazi’s claimed that all of the rioting and all of the abuse before Hitler, they claimed it was the opposition. And it wasn’t. It was them. And so here we sit.
Leahy: That’s another shock, Crom.
Carmichael: But here we see it happening here where you have Nicole Wallace, this is what Nicole Wallace said.
Leahy: Former Bush-type spokesperson.
Carmichael: G.W. Bush. Here’s what she said. He’s playing to harden his faction of the electorate to make them more mad and afraid. More frothed up four years ago. If you can fathom what that might look like. I think we are seeing it in the streets of Portland and other places. So here’s Nicole Wallace claiming that the people protesting in Portland are doing so because they are Trump supporters. Which is the dumbest thing.
Leahy: It’s so dishonest. Such a lie. It’s a blatant lie.
Carmichael: If a professor says one thing that slightly offends a student. It has nothing to do with honesty, but slightly offends a student, that professor is canceled. It’s amazing to me that people in the media can put out this junk like that statement that I just gave you. And still have their job.
Not only do they have their job but they probably get a bonus. So it’s the times that we are in. And I guess we are within about two months of the election? And by the way, on another show, we ought to go into what the law says and requires in regard to an election.
And I don’t know if you can research this and find out. But if you could it would be great. The law says that all of the elections for the presidency in all the states have to be held on the same day. And so that day is the Tuesday following the first Monday.
Leahy: November 3rd this year.
Carmichael: This year. Now, my question to you, Michael, is this. What determines the validity from a timing standpoint of a ballot? If a ballot comes in and is in the possession of the election authorities on the day of the election, clearly that vote was cast on or before the election day according to the state law. But if that ballot arrives the day after the election is over on November 4th, and it arrives on the 4th, is that a legal ballot? I don’t care who they vote for. I’m just asking is that a legal ballot?
Leahy: So you understand that you have identified the 2020 version of CHAD.
Carmichael: I would think that whatever the law is would apply to all of the states. It would have to be uniform that the states couldn’t decide on a presidential election, because that’s in the constitution, which says they all have to be held on the same day. Now it’s up to Congress to pick the day. So the question is if ballots come in, and this will be where a lot of the fighting goes on. And according to Democrats and their actions right now in regard to Kanye West…
Leahy: Yeah. They want him off.
Carmichael: They are saying that if you are two seconds late or 14 seconds late, you can’t be on the ballot. So the Democrats have shown that they really care about the date.
Listen to the full third hour here:
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Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Reportwith Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Representative Denver Riggleman Announces Exploratory Committee for 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial Elec

Representative Denver Riggleman Announces Exploratory Committee for 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial Election

Rep. Denver Riggleman ( R-VA-05 ) announced that he was forming an exploratory committee to run for governor of Virginia in the 2021 gubernatorial election .
The first-term congressman and former intelligence officer made the announcement during an appearance on Virginia Free radio hosted by Chris Saxman on the John Fredericks Radio Network .
“ Today is the first day I really looked into an exploratory committee and who I want on it and I ’ m starting to sort of dig down on what I want to do , ” Riggleman said on the show .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much , but I actually want smart people in the room , smarter than me on some policy issues , that can help me sort of flesh out what I want to be If I do that for the Commonwealth , and what the chances are really .
I want to prepare the battlefield this time and make sure that I know what ’ s coming.
” Riggleman said that he is looking into PAC names and when to file the paperwork and that he spoke with a few people trying to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the election .
The congressman also mentioned running as an independent-mind Republican .
Riggleman did not respond to a request for comment from The Virginia Star by the time of publication .
If Riggleman decides to officially run for governor , it would most likely be as a third-party independent candidate after being censured by the Rappahannock County Republican Party for abandoning the party ’ s principles on spending and immigration .
Riggleman ’ s office argues that he was censured by the party for presiding over a same-sex marriage between two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friction between Riggleman and Republicans , party leaders decided to determine the 2020 nominee by convention instead of a primary election .
Riggleman lost the GOP nomination to challenger Bob Good , a former athletics official at Liberty University , by a wide margin with Good getting 58 percent of the vote to Riggleman ’ s 42 percent .
Virginia Senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Amanda Chase ( R-Chesterfield County ) is definitely not concerned about Riggleman potentially entering the race .
“ Denver Riggleman can ’ t even win his own congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants to run for Governor ?
” Chase told The Star over text .
“ Makes perfect sense if you ’ re delusional .
Just wait .
The Republican establishment elite will all get behind their pay-to-play candidate and yet again I will win.
” Riggleman briefly ran for governor in 2017 as a Republican against Ed Gillespie , former chairman of the Republican National Committee , and two others before dropping out in March .
“ If I go in with my eyes wide open , I think I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great for people , and the people around me are going to be great and doing the same thing , so what if we had a team effort to try to give people an option , ” Riggleman said on the show .
“ It ’ s just an exciting thing to think about.
” Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Background Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Amadeust .
CC @ @ @

Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA-05) announced that he was forming an exploratory committee to run for governor of Virginia in the 2021 gubernatorial election.
The first-term congressman and former intelligence officer made the announcement during an appearance on Virginia Free radio hosted by Chris Saxman on the John Fredericks Radio Network.
“Today is the first day I really looked into an exploratory committee and who I want on it and I’m starting to sort of dig down on what I want to do,” Riggleman said on the show. “I’m not going to be managed too much, but I actually want smart people in the room, smarter than me on some policy issues, that can help me sort of flesh out what I want to be If I do that for the Commonwealth, and what the chances are really. I want to prepare the battlefield this time and make sure that I know what’s coming.”
Riggleman said that he is looking into PAC names and when to file the paperwork and that he spoke with a few people trying to get an honest outlook of his chances to win the election.
The congressman also mentioned running as an independent-mind Republican.
Riggleman did not respond to a request for comment from The Virginia Star by the time of publication.
If Riggleman decides to officially run for governor, it would most likely be as a third-party independent candidate after being censured by the Rappahannock County Republican Party for abandoning the party’s principles on spending and immigration.
Riggleman’s office argues that he was censured by the party for presiding over a same-sex marriage between two friends, however.
Because of the friction between Riggleman and Republicans, party leaders decided to determine the 2020 nominee by convention instead of a primary election. Riggleman lost the GOP nomination to challenger Bob Good, a former athletics official at Liberty University, by a wide margin with Good getting 58 percent of the vote to Riggleman’s 42 percent.
Virginia Senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield County) is definitely not concerned about Riggleman potentially entering the race.
“Denver Riggleman can’t even win his own congressional seat in a primary, so now he wants to run for Governor?” Chase told The Star over text. “Makes perfect sense if you’re delusional. Just wait. The Republican establishment elite will all get behind their pay-to-play candidate and yet again I will win.”
Riggleman briefly ran for governor in 2017 as a Republican against Ed Gillespie, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, and two others before dropping out in March.
“If I go in with my eyes wide open, I think I’ve got a chance to do something maybe great for people, and the people around me are going to be great and doing the same thing, so what if we had a team effort to try to give people an option,” Riggleman said on the show. “It’s just an exciting thing to think about.”
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Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Background Photo “Virginia Capitol” by Amadeust. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Governor DeWine Requires Schools to Report K-12 Student COVID Cases to Government

Governor Mike DeWine announced Thursday his order requiring all K-12 schools to report COVID-19 cases to their local health department .
Schools must do so within 24 hours of notification of a positive test result from a student , teacher , staff member or coach .
The Ohio Department of Health ( ODH ) Interim Director Lance Himes issued the order under DeWine .
The order requires each school to appoint a coordinator to report positive cases , and to create a “ reopening or pandemic operating plan.
” It also requires schools to notify all parents and guardians of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mention a requirement to tell the staff .
Although schools are mandated to report cases , those infected are “ encouraged to notify their school ” within the 24-hour time frame of their diagnosis .
It is unclear by the order ’ s language whether the school ’ s reporting official will divulge infected individuals ’ identities and personal information with government officials .
The order reads : “ 5 .
Within twenty-four ( 24 ) hours of becoming aware of a student , teacher , staff member , or coach who tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each school shall report the case ( s ) to their local health department… .
” Earlier this week , DeWine issued an order requiring public colleges and universities to create space for quarantine shelters .
Under the order ’ s language and the Federal Emergency Management Agency ’ s ( FEMA ) definition of non-congregate spacing , hotels and apartments may be subject to a similar mandatory mutual aid agreement or contract .
DeWine ’ s Press Secretary Dan Tierney and Ohio ’ s ODH have yet to reveal the necessary actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the establishing order when hospitals lost money over other pandemic spaces and the curve has been flattened .
The order requiring K-12 schools to report COVID cases did not state the repercussions for failure to adhere to its guidelines .
Local health departments must report case data from the schools to the state ’ s ODH starting September 15 .
Schools must report their data to local health departments immediately .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .

Governor Mike DeWine announced Thursday his order requiring all K-12 schools to report COVID-19 cases to their local health department. Schools must do so within 24 hours of notification of a positive test result from a student, teacher, staff member or coach.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Interim Director Lance Himes issued the order under DeWine. The order requires each school to appoint a coordinator to report positive cases, and to create a “reopening or pandemic operating plan.” It also requires schools to notify all parents and guardians of case reports. The order did not mention a requirement to tell the staff.
Although schools are mandated to report cases, those infected are “encouraged to notify their school” within the 24-hour time frame of their diagnosis.
It is unclear by the order’s language whether the school’s reporting official will divulge infected individuals’ identities and personal information with government officials.
The order reads: “5. Within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware of a student, teacher, staff member, or coach who tests positive or is diagnosed with COVID-19, each school shall report the case(s) to their local health department…. ”
Earlier this week, DeWine issued an order requiring public colleges and universities to create space for quarantine shelters. Under the order’s language and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) definition of non-congregate spacing, hotels and apartments may be subject to a similar mandatory mutual aid agreement or contract.
DeWine’s Press Secretary Dan Tierney and Ohio’s ODH have yet to reveal the necessary actions to procure space, or the reason for the establishing order when hospitals lost money over other pandemic spaces and the curve has been flattened.
The order requiring K-12 schools to report COVID cases did not state the repercussions for failure to adhere to its guidelines. Local health departments must report case data from the schools to the state’s ODH starting September 15.
Schools must report their data to local health departments immediately.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Minnesota State Auditor Calls for End to Criminal Asset Forfeiture Under $1,500

Democratic State Auditor Julie Blaha called for an end to criminal asset forfeiture under $ 1,500 because she said it unfairly affects low-income individuals .
Blaha based her assessment on the newly-released 2019 Asset Forfeitures report , which found 94 percent of the crimes resulting in forfeitures were DUIs and controlled substances .
For the past five years , DUI-related forfeitures increased by 21 percent while controlled substance-related forfeitures grew by 13 percent .
In the press release , Blaha stated that the revenue generated from these forfeitures was minimal compared to its impact on the owners of the property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should continue considerations of reform , referring to the proposed House Bill 4571 .
“ The total net value of forfeitures under $ 1,500 in Minnesota in 2019 was approximately $ 1.5 million .
On a system level , a change that size is manageable .
On an individual level , those changes could make a big impact , ” she said .
Blaha ’ s highlights of the report stated a total of 7,708 forfeitures , several hundred less than the previous year .
A majority of property seizures were vehicles – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only totaled 35 percent .
“ If you are managing a public safety budget , small forfeitures are a minor and unpredictable part of your revenue stream , ” stated Blaha .
“ But if you are a low income person experiencing a forfeiture , those amounts can have a big effect on your life .
Having a few hundred dollars seized can mean the difference between making rent and homelessness .
Losing that old car can lead to missing work and losing your job.
” The reigning controversy concerns financial incentives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners .
Under Minnesota law , innocent owners have to prove they weren ’ t involved in the criminal activity connected to their property .
Blaha did not address these issues in her press release .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network .
Follow her on Twitter or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Background Photo “ Minnesota Capitol ” by Gabriel Vanslette .
CC BY 3.0 .

Democratic State Auditor Julie Blaha called for an end to criminal asset forfeiture under $1,500 because she said it unfairly affects low-income individuals.
Blaha based her assessment on the newly-released 2019 Asset Forfeitures report, which found 94 percent of the crimes resulting in forfeitures were DUIs and controlled substances. For the past five years, DUI-related forfeitures increased by 21 percent while controlled substance-related forfeitures grew by 13 percent.
In the press release, Blaha stated that the revenue generated from these forfeitures was minimal compared to its impact on the owners of the property taken. She added that legislative efforts should continue considerations of reform, referring to the proposed House Bill 4571.
“The total net value of forfeitures under $1,500 in Minnesota in 2019 was approximately $1.5 million. On a system level, a change that size is manageable. On an individual level, those changes could make a big impact,” she said.
Blaha’s highlights of the report stated a total of 7,708 forfeitures, several hundred less than the previous year. A majority of property seizures were vehicles – cash, firearms, and other property only totaled 35 percent.
“If you are managing a public safety budget, small forfeitures are a minor and unpredictable part of your revenue stream,” stated Blaha. “But if you are a low income person experiencing a forfeiture, those amounts can have a big effect on your life. Having a few hundred dollars seized can mean the difference between making rent and homelessness. Losing that old car can lead to missing work and losing your job.”
The reigning controversy concerns financial incentives in forfeitures and its effects on third-party property owners. Under Minnesota law, innocent owners have to prove they weren’t involved in the criminal activity connected to their property. Blaha did not address these issues in her press release.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter or email tips to [email protected].
Background Photo “Minnesota Capitol” by Gabriel Vanslette. CC BY 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--DeVos Tells Michigan Schools Not to Expect Federal Testing Waivers

Michigan schools should not anticipate waivers to allow schools to skip statewide testing for the upcoming school year , according to a letter sent by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to State Superintendent Michael Rice .
Rice and State Board of Education President Casandra Ulbrich had , in light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic , requested waivers from DeVos that would allow Michigan schools to skip student assessments typically required federally .
Although similar waivers had been granted for the end of the previous school year , when COVID-19 first made its appearance , DeVos said in her letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waivers being granted again.
” “ As you ’ ll recall , statewide assessments are at the very core of the bipartisan agreement that forged [ Every Student Succeeds Act ] .
They are among the most reliable tools available to help us understand how children are performing in school .
The data from assessments can help inform personalized support to children based on their individual needs and provide transparency about their progress , ” DeVos said in her letter .
“ There is broad and consistent support for assessments because there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student ’ s achievement should be measured , that parents deserve to know how their children are performing , and that it should be no secret how a school ’ s performance as a whole compares to other schools.
” Rice said in a statement published by the Michigan Department of Education that he disagreed with DeVos ’ s decision .
“ We agree with the need to know where children are academically in a pandemic , but strongly disagree with the need to use spring state summative assessments for this purpose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law requires benchmark assessments in the fall and in the spring of this school year for this purpose .
We will be re-applying this winter for federal waivers from statewide summative test administration.
” Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer also pushed back on the decision .
Other administrators have also voiced concern .
Peter Spadafore , deputy executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators , said DeVos ’ s decision was disappointing .
“ The absence of assessment does not equate to the absence of learning .
Schools are working overtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he told The Detroit News .
“ The insistence on dedicating class time to test preparation instead of student learning is a bad one and we hope the secretary reconsiders this decision.
” DeVos said that failing to test students will have “ a lasting effect for years to come.
” “ Not only will vulnerable students fall behind , but we will be abandoning the important , bipartisan reforms of the past two decades at a critical moment .
Opponents of reform , like labor unions , have already begun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ If they succeed in eliminating assessments , transparency and accountability will soon follow.
” Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]

Michigan schools should not anticipate waivers to allow schools to skip statewide testing for the upcoming school year, according to a letter sent by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to State Superintendent Michael Rice.
Rice and State Board of Education President Casandra Ulbrich had, in light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, requested waivers from DeVos that would allow Michigan schools to skip student assessments typically required federally.
Although similar waivers had been granted for the end of the previous school year, when COVID-19 first made its appearance, DeVos said in her letter that schools should “not anticipate such waivers being granted again.”
“As you’ll recall, statewide assessments are at the very core of the bipartisan agreement that forged [Every Student Succeeds Act]. They are among the most reliable tools available to help us understand how children are performing in school. The data from assessments can help inform personalized support to children based on their individual needs and provide transparency about their progress,” DeVos said in her letter. “There is broad and consistent support for assessments because there is general agreement among the public that a student’s achievement should be measured, that parents deserve to know how their children are performing, and that it should be no secret how a school’s performance as a whole compares to other schools.”
Rice said in a statement published by the Michigan Department of Education that he disagreed with DeVos’s decision.
“We agree with the need to know where children are academically in a pandemic, but strongly disagree with the need to use spring state summative assessments for this purpose,” Rice said. “Recent state law requires benchmark assessments in the fall and in the spring of this school year for this purpose. We will be re-applying this winter for federal waivers from statewide summative test administration.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also pushed back on the decision.
My statement on Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos notifying State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice that states will not receive any waivers to the federal requirement to administer statewide summative assessments for the 2020-2021 school year: pic.twitter.com/UFda5gw5h8 — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) September 3, 2020
Other administrators have also voiced concern.
Peter Spadafore, deputy executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, said DeVos’s decision was disappointing.
“The absence of assessment does not equate to the absence of learning. Schools are working overtime to ensure student learning takes place,” he told The Detroit News. “The insistence on dedicating class time to test preparation instead of student learning is a bad one and we hope the secretary reconsiders this decision.”
DeVos said that failing to test students will have “a lasting effect for years to come.”
“Not only will vulnerable students fall behind, but we will be abandoning the important, bipartisan reforms of the past two decades at a critical moment. Opponents of reform, like labor unions, have already begun to call for the permanent elimination of testing,” she said. “If they succeed in eliminating assessments, transparency and accountability will soon follow.”
Read DeVos’s full letter here.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-09-05--Judge Kicks Kanye off Virginia Ballot

Judge Kicks Kanye off Virginia Ballot

Saying 11 of Kanye West ’ s 13 electors were “ obtained by improper , fraudulent , or misleading means , ” Richmond City Circuit Court Judge Joi Jeter-Taylor ordered West ’ s name removed from Virginia ballots .
The Thursday decision came days after a group of leading Virginia Democrats and one of West ’ s electors sued the State Board of Elections .
The same day , a judge also removed West from Arizona ballots , according to reporting by the Associated Press .
West could appeal Taylor ’ s ruling , but Democratic strategist Ben Tribbett told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would take too long to get West on the 2020 ballot .
“ We were already starting to print ballots with his name on it.
” Tribbett said larger regions have to start printing their ballots extra early .
“ Once the ballots are printed it ’ s very difficult to change them .
So , I think this might be the end of the road.
” West has a friendly relationship with President Trump .
According to the Associated Press , West is registered as a Republican in Wyoming .
In August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running to take votes away from Biden .
“ It seems like Republicans think it will benefit them to have West on the ballot , ” Tribbett said .
He does not think it will work .
“ I think that the people who are most likely to vote for him are younger Trump supporters that are more rejective of the system , than progressives who have seen a number of things from him that would indicate that he does not share their beliefs or values at all , ” Tribbett said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only listed on a few states ’ ballots , Tribbett does not think either party should be worried .
“ I think [ West will ] pull more from Trump , but it ’ s going to be such a minute number , that maybe the only state in my recent memory that could have been affected by him would have been Florida in 2000 … .
It would have to be incredibly tight , ” Tribbett said .
“ I don ’ t think anyone will even remember next year that Kanye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign did not return The Star ’ s request for comment .
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Kanye West ” by David Shankbone .
CC BY 3.0 .

Saying 11 of Kanye West’s 13 electors were “obtained by improper, fraudulent, or misleading means,” Richmond City Circuit Court Judge Joi Jeter-Taylor ordered West’s name removed from Virginia ballots.
The Thursday decision came days after a group of leading Virginia Democrats and one of West’s electors sued the State Board of Elections. The same day, a judge also removed West from Arizona ballots, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
West could appeal Taylor’s ruling, but Democratic strategist Ben Tribbett told The Virginia Star that the court process would take too long to get West on the 2020 ballot.
“We were already starting to print ballots with his name on it.” Tribbett said larger regions have to start printing their ballots extra early. “Once the ballots are printed it’s very difficult to change them. So, I think this might be the end of the road.”
West has a friendly relationship with President Trump. According to the Associated Press, West is registered as a Republican in Wyoming. In August, West told Forbes that he was running to take votes away from Biden.
“It seems like Republicans think it will benefit them to have West on the ballot,” Tribbett said. He does not think it will work.
“I think that the people who are most likely to vote for him are younger Trump supporters that are more rejective of the system, than progressives who have seen a number of things from him that would indicate that he does not share their beliefs or values at all,” Tribbett said.
However, in part because West is only listed on a few states’ ballots, Tribbett does not think either party should be worried.
“I think [West will] pull more from Trump, but it’s going to be such a minute number, that maybe the only state in my recent memory that could have been affected by him would have been Florida in 2000 …. It would have to be incredibly tight,” Tribbett said. “I don’t think anyone will even remember next year that Kanye West was a candidate.”
The West campaign did not return The Star’s request for comment.
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Kanye West” by David Shankbone. CC BY 3.0.