thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Officials: Blast at WWI Ceremony in Saudi Arabia Wounds Three

An explosion at a Saudi cemetery where American and European officials were commemorating the end of World War I wounded three people Wednesday , according to official statements .
The attack in the city of Jiddah follows on the heels of a stabbing last month that lightly wounded a guard at the French Consulate in the same city .
It ’ s not clear what motivated the stabbing or Wednesday ’ s blast , but France has been the target of three attacks in recent weeks that authorities have attributed to Muslim extremists .
“ Such attacks on innocent people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said a joint statement issued by the embassies of France , the U.K. , Greece , Italy and the U.S. , whose officials were in attendance .
One U.K. national suffered minor injuries , according to the British government , while Greece ’ s Foreign Ministry said a Greek policeman serving in the country ’ s Consulate in Jiddah was wounded .
The policeman , who was accompanying a consulate employee attending the ceremony , was hospitalized but his life was not in danger , according to the ministry .
A Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi state media quoted a local official as saying .
He added that an investigation was underway .
Nadia Chaaya , an official who represents French citizens living in Saudi Arabia who was at the ceremony , told The Associated Press there were about 20 people of different nationalities in attendance , making it difficult to say whether French diplomats were specifically targeted .
She earlier told the French network BFM about the moment she heard an explosion as the consul general was near the end of his speech .
“ At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we felt that we were the target because directly we saw the smoke , and we were of course in panic mode , ” she said .
“ We tried to understand , and we were most of all afraid to see if there was going to be a second wave.
” Diplomatic posts have been targeted in the past in Saudi Arabia .
A 2004 armed assault on the U.S. Consulate in Jiddah blamed on al-Qaida killed five employees .
In 2016 , a suicide bomber blew himself up near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guards .
Saudi state television broadcast from outside the cemetery and said the security situation had stabilized , without elaborating further .
While the motive behind the blast remains unclear , France has been the target of several such attacks in recent weeks , including the beheading of a teacher outside Paris who showed caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to his class during a debate on free expression .
Three people were later killed in a church in the southern city of Nice .
The depictions of the prophet sparked protests and calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslims in the Middle East and South Asia .
France has urged its citizens in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries to be “ on maximum alert ” amid the heightened tensions .
French President Emmanuel Macron has come under particular scrutiny among some Muslim leaders for his defense of the caricatures as being protected by free speech .
This has aggrieved and angered some Muslims who view the depictions as blasphemous and a form of hate speech .
Saudi Arabia ’ s monarch and top clerics are among those who have condemned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also urged people to follow the prophet ’ s example of “ mercy , justice , tolerance.
” King Salman is scheduled to deliver an annual address to the nation on Wednesday , laying out policy priorities for the coming year .
Wednesday marked the 102nd anniversary of the armistice ending World War I and is commemorated in several European countries .
In France , which was particularly devastated by years of trench warfare in World War I , ceremonies were held to mark the anniversary of the armistice but also to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France , including during the Second World War and in current military operations abroad and at home , where troops are deployed to protect against terrorist attacks .
In 1916 , during World War I , Ottoman troops surrendered to the local troops backed by the British in Jiddah , a Red Sea port city .
That sparked the start of the Kingdom of Hejaz , which later became part of Saudi Arabia ’ s founding in 1932 .
Jiddah ’ s Non-Muslim Cemetery sits nears the city ’ s docks , hidden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission — which maintains places of commemoration for military service members from British Commonwealth nations — shows just one soldier buried at the cemetery , Pvt .
John Arthur Hogan , who died in June 1944 .
Angela Charlton and Aya Batrawy are reporters for The Associated Press .
Charlton reported from Paris .
Batrawy reported from Dubai , United Arab Emirates .
Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell and Isabel DeBre in Dubai , United Arab Emirates , and Elena Becatoros in Athens , Greece , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Headline Photo : Map locates attack in Jiddah , Saudi Arabia


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--True the Vote Sues Pennsylvania to Fight Counting of Illegal Ballots in Four Counties

True the Vote filed a federal lawsuit against Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf and Secretary of State Kathryn Boockvar to contest illegal ballots counted in the November 3 election .
The organization said the suit is part of its “ Validate the Vote ” initiative and is on behalf of four Pennsylvania voters .
The lawsuit is available here .
It was filed in the U.S. District Court For the Middle District of Pennsylvania Williamsport Division .
Changes to Pennsylvania ’ s voting laws in 2019 were supposed to have made the system more convenient and secure , Wolf said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cast sufficient doubt on the results of the presidential election in Pennsylvania , based on illegal votes in the counties of Philadelphia , Montgomery , Delaware and Allegheny .
“ The Pennsylvania election process was an embarrassment to our country and an affront to our deep-seated value of protecting Americans ’ basic Constitutional right to vote , ” True the Vote Founder and President Catherine Engelbrecht said .
“ This lawsuit seeks to discover the facts about what happened in Pennsylvania ’ s presidential election and the truth about illegal ballots that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final election results.
” The lawsuit calls for the invalidation of ballots from the counties identified , claiming that the unlawful ballots were mixed in with and can not be separated from lawful ballots .
Statewide , the presidential election vote count shows Joe Biden ahead of Donald Trump by only 44,930 votes , True the Vote said .
“ The acceptance of unlawful ballots by election officials in these four counties draws into question the veracity of Biden ’ s lead , ” said True the Vote Legal Counsel James Bopp Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeks to discover the facts and shine a light on the widespread illegal actions that took place in Pennsylvania ’ s election.
” • In Philadelphia County , some voters were advised they needed to cure ballot defects while others were not , while poll watchers were excluded from access to canvassing locations .
• In Montgomery County , a poll watcher overheard unregistered voters being advised to return later to vote under a different name that was registered in the poll book , and voter turnout was 88.5 percent , 19 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• In Delaware County , voters that were recorded to have received mail-in ballots were given regular ballots and not required to sign the registration book .
Additionally , poll watchers were granted extremely restricted access to a back room counting area , and ballots received on Election Day were not separated from ballots received after 8 p.m. that day , as ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court .
Voter turnout was 75.87 percent , 6.5 percent higher than statewide turnout .
• In Allegheny County , voters were required to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested to vote by mail when they had not .
Poll workers were reported to be close enough to voters so as to observe the actual vote .
Voter turnout was 74.54 percent , 5.2 percent higher than statewide turnout .
• Throughout the state , voters received mail-in ballots without applying for them , in some cases receiving more than one .
• Throughout the state , in-person voters were advised they must vote provisionally because they had asked for and received a mail-in ballot , when no such request was made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outright denied the right to vote .
• It is estimated that over 680,000 ballots were processed without observation in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties .
Also , the plaintiffs say they will provide further evidence based on thorough data analysis comparing state mail-in , absentee , provisional , and poll-book records with state voter-registration databases , United States Postal Service records , Social Security records , criminal-justice records , department-of-motor-vehicle records , and other sources to determine the extent of illegal voters and illegal votes .
These could include double votes , votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters , illegal felon votes , non-citizen votes , and votes cast via illegal ballot harvesting .
The lawsuit calls for action to be taken before the Dec. 8 election certification deadline .
True the Vote ’ s website says it is a 501 ( c ) 3 voters ’ rights organization , founded to inspire and equip volunteers for involvement at every stage of the electoral process .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .

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


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Sen Dan Sullivan Wins Reelection in Alaska

Sullivan , who was first elected in 2014 , was ahead of Independent Al Gross by 20 points when the race was called , leading 57 % to 37 % .
Though Sullivan held a small but consistent lead over Gross , the race narrowed in the final weeks before the election , polls showed .
Gross ’ s campaign also out-raised Sullivan ’ s in the campaign ’ s final months , announcing a $ 9 million haul in October .
Gross , an orthopedic surgeon who highlighted his Alaskan upbringing in his campaign ads , repeatedly attacked Sullivan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Though officially an Independent , Gross said that he would caucus with the Democrats if elected .
Sullivan ’ s win gives the GOP at least 50 Senate seats for the 117th Congress .
The only races that remain to be called are in Georgia , where incumbent GOP Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler advanced to January runoffs against Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Rev .
Raphael Warnock , respectively .
If Perdue and Loeffler prevail , the GOP will have a 52-48 senate majority , which would likely prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his agenda .
If both seats flip , however , the Senate will be split 50-50 , meaning that Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would serve as a possible tie-breaking vote .
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Tennessee Star’s National Correspondent Neil W. McCabe Weighs in on Dominion Software and the Lack o

Tennessee Star’s National Correspondent Neil W. McCabe Weighs in on Dominion Software and the Lack of Republican Leadership Down in Georgia

Live from Music Row Wednesday 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 Tennessee Star National Correspondent Neil W. McCabe live from Washington , D.C. on the newsmakers line .
During the third hour , McCabe gave his take on the current trouble down in Georgia with Dominion software issues and expressed his concern for the lack of Republican leadership in the state .
Nearing the end of the segment , he gave his projections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Trump victory .
Leahy : We are joined on the newsmaker line by our national correspondent based in Washington DC Neil W. McCabe .
Welcome , Neil .
McCabe : Hey Crom .
Michael .
Good to be with you .
Good morning .
Leahy : Good morning Neil .
Now , here ’ s some interesting news for you just to get your reaction first on this .
So we are , our company the Star News Digital Media company is launching The Georgia Star next Wednesday .
One week from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
Looks like we ’ re going to have a radio affiliate down there as well .
And we ’ re going to be covering the special run-off elections that will determine the outcome of the Senate .
Neil , we ’ ve already got negative notice from Media Matters and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
They don ’ t want us to be down in Georgia .
How about that ?
Leahy : Well apparently conservatives are not allowed in Georgia according to Media Matters and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us .
Carmichael : This is the pre-cancel culture .
You ’ re not even there yet and you ’ re being canceled .
McCabe : No .
No , I welcome their hatred and I think a lot of work has to be done in Georgia on mostly , I think that there ’ s you know , like in a lot of places there ’ s the Republican establishment that sort of got fat and lazy .
And I still think that the President when everything is said and done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously , it shouldn ’ t have been this close .
And I think that the Republican leadership in Georgia really needs to have a changing of the guard because these people didn ’ t really campaign the way they should have .
And also they weren ’ t watching the store .
Who was watching the polls ?
Who is in charge of the software ?
I ’ m really disappointed because the governor there Brian Kemp had been the Secretary of State .
As Secretary of State , he was absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went toe-to-toe with Stacey Abrams when she was in the legislature and she had these sorts of schemes for putting all these sorts of rotten people on the ballot .
And then as governor , I assume that this thing was locked down .
This is not what I call locked down Michael .
Leahy : Yeah .
And by the way , let me just add to that our own ace reporter Corrine Murdock is in Atlanta today and has been there all week and has been filing several stories .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll find of interest .
The current Secretary of State Republican Brad Raffensperger authorized the purchase of Dominion Software .
And apparently , it ’ s been deployed in every one of Georgia ’ s counties .
That is the software that has had these big glitch problems .
And part of it is that he ’ s very defensive about this .
Right now the race shows Biden with a 12,700 vote lead .
He and the lieutenant governor have gone on the air and said , oh nothing to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the Senate candidates incumbents , Senators David Perdue a Republican , and Kelly Loeffler have called for his resignation because he ’ s so incompetent they say .
What do you make of that ?
McCabe : Well Dominion is a problem .
And it ’ s in a lot of these states .
And a lot of the people associated with Dominion are very biased politically .
And I think now unfortunately after the election people are going to be giving them the deep dive .
Unfortunately , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep dive .
What I ’ ve seen so far was kind of scary .
But you know , I just want to go back to my other point is that the assumption is in all of these states that you have conservatives who are in charge of the Republican establishment that absolutely is not true .
And gun-rights advocates have had a terrible time getting things through the legislature .
The previous governor before Kemp , Governor Deal had to be taken Kicking and Screaming to sign a gun rights bill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a very strong pro-life movement in Georgia .
And you know , it just isn ’ t working the way it ’ s supposed to work in Georgia .
and I ’ m seeing that all over the place .
I ’ m afraid that a lot of people just assumed that Donald Trump would carry them over the finish line and this time he needed some help .
And a lot of places people were supposed to help him did not step up Mike .
Leahy : And not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breitbart earlier this week that said Mark Zuckerberg gave 350 million dollars to this ‘ nonprofit , nonpartisan ’ group called Center for Tech and Civic Life .
It ’ s a 501-C3 but it functions as basically a Democrat Super PAC for getting out the vote .
They gave 15.8 million dollars to three counties in metropolitan Atlanta and the Election Department in Gwinnett County , Cobb County , and Fulton County .
And 76 percent of the margin gain in votes that Biden had over Clinton came from those three counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through see CTCL ended up in Republican counties in Georgia .
That ’ s another thing to look at in Georgia .
McCabe : Yeah .
There ’ s this idea of you know surveillance capitalism where you have groups like Facebook and Google and Twitter who basically take your data about your life which should belong to you .
And they take that information and they sell it .
They ’ re not building anything .
They ’ re not creating cards or any kind of really positive things for society .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ data around .
And then they ’ re using that money that they make to sort of sustain their power .
It ’ s not a surprise of what they ’ ve done .
Certainly , there was a study done by Google where they actually they realized that they made a mistake where they deliberately tried to drive up Hispanic turnout but they didn ’ t realize that some of these Hispanic communities were pro-Trump and they actually said in the report hey , we made a huge mistake here because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states .
And so we ’ re not going to make that mistake again .
Over and over again after 2016 the people associated with these social media platforms were saying we we are not going to allow Trump to get re-elected .
And maybe for once , we should take them at their word .
Carmichael : Mike , you said earlier on top of what we ’ re talking about here with Neil , you said that Zuckerberg formed a 501-C3 ?
Leahy : He already formed it but he put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : In order for that to exist legally doesn ’ t it have to be nonpartisan ?
Leahy : Supposedly .
I mean , it ’ s supposed to be nonpartisan .
It ’ s not .
Carmichael : And if the data shows that it ’ s not I mean in other words what I ’ m trying to understand is what you just said to me is overwhelming evidence that there was no intention for this money to be spent in a non-partisan way .
Leahy : Yes , I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And so how did they get to remain a 501-c3 under the tax code ?
Leahy : Neil , I think you and I have looked at all of these very smart left-wing Democratic lawyers who know how to manipulate the code .
My guess is ultimately next year they will lose their 501-c3 status but it may not have any impact on the outcome of the election here .
What are your thoughts on that Neil ?
McCabe : Well , of course , we can always rely on the IRS to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Leahy laughs ) The rules are there and supposedly they ’ re being followed .
But you know , if the whole thing is cooked for the left and you know , the glorious thing about about Trump ’ s election in 2016 was this overthrowing of the feudal lordship and people were actually saying hey , we ’ re sick of you people running our lives and running our country .
And the massive turnout for Trump that no one expected , that was part of an affirmation we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
Leahy : Let ’ s fast forward the clock to December 13th of 2020 .
Right now the Electoral College count is 259 for Biden .
You need 270 .
You got 214 for Trump .
Let ’ s give Trump North Carolina and let ’ s give him Alaska .
I think that will happen .
That would be 259 to 232 .
Arizona a 12,800 vote lead .
Right now for Biden , Georgia a 12,700 lead .
Pennsylvania 46,000 lead for Biden .
We ’ re on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play out ?
What are the numbers on December 13th ?
McCabe : Well , the big date of course is December 8th .
That ’ s when all the states have to sort of resolve their differences and figure out who actually won their state .
And so I think that the Trump campaign is finally on the deck and they ’ re going to kick out a win in Arizona and Pennsylvania and Trump will be returned to power .
But it won ’ t be easy .
Leahy : It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone can agree with that .
Neil , thanks for joining us .
Listen to the third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Background Photo “ Georgia Capitol ” by DXR .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Pope Francis Vows to End Sexual Abuse After McCarrick Report

ROME , Italy ( AP ) — Pope Francis pledged Wednesday to rid the Catholic Church of sexual abuse and offered prayers to victims of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick , a day after the Vatican released a detailed report into the decadeslong church cover-up of his sexual misconduct .
The Vatican report blamed a host of bishops , cardinals and popes for downplaying and dismissing mountains of evidence of McCarrick ’ s misconduct starting in the 1990s — but largely spared Francis .
Instead , it laid the lion ’ s share of the blame on St. John Paul II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed McCarrick archbishop of Washington in 2000 , and making him a cardinal , despite having commissioned an inquiry that found he had slept with seminarians .
Francis concluded his weekly general audience Wednesday by recalling that the report into the “ painful case ” of the former high-ranking American cardinal had been released the previous day .
“ I renew my closeness to victims of any abuse and commitment of the church to eradicate this evil , ” Francis said .
He then paused silently for nearly a minute , apparently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year after a separate Vatican investigation found he sexually abused children as well as adults .
Francis authorized the more in-depth study into McCarrick ’ s rise through the hierarchy after revelations that it was an open secret in the U.S. and Vatican hierarchies that he behaved inappropriately with seminarians , sleeping with them in his bed on weekend getaways .
The report raised uncomfortable questions about John Paul and his trusted secretary , Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz , who has been subject to increasing scrutiny and criticism in his native Poland over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clergy sexual abuse .
Just this week , the head of Poland ’ s bishops conference , Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki , said he hoped an “ appropriate commission of the Holy See will clarify all the doubts ” about Dziwisz ’ s record — scrutiny Dziwisz himself said he welcomed .
In his remarks Wednesday , Francis held up for praise John Paul , who was beloved in his native Poland and by many Catholics elsewhere but has come under criticism for his failure to take action against pedophile priests .
Noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Francis quoted John Paul as telling young people what it means to be truly free .
“ While we thank the Lord for the gift of national and personal freedom , what St. John Paul II taught young people comes to mind , ” Francis said .
He then cited the former pope as saying that being free means being “ a man of upright conscience , to be responsible , to be a man ‘ for others.
’ ” The Vatican report noted that John Paul — and presumably Dziwisz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impropriety involving priests because of their experience in Communist Poland , when many priests were discredited with false allegations .
The Vatican report found that John Paul initially agreed to take McCarrick off the list of candidates to be archbishop of Washington after his own ambassador to the U.S. determined that there was a reasonable doubt about McCarricks ’ “ moral maturity ” given the allegations of sexual misconduct .
The ambassador , Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo , concluded that it would be “ imprudent ” to promote him given the chance the rumors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed .
But he changed his mind after McCarrick made a last-ditch , handwritten appeal in an Aug. 6 , 2000 , letter addressed to Dziwisz , denying he ever had “ sexual relations ” with anyone .
The Vatican report went into great detail , including with substantial footnotes , about what Dzwisz did with the letter next , suggesting that the Polish secretary had something to hide about his involvement .
For starters , McCarrick ’ s letter begins by referencing a previous letter he wrote to Dziwisz about his possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vatican archives .
Subsequently , the report says Dzwisz ordered that his name be removed from McCarrick ’ s Aug. 6 letter when it went into the archives .
Both points suggest Dziwisz wanted to remove any trace of his involvement in the appointment or in having possibly tipped McCarrick off to the fact that his promotion had been imperiled .
The authoritative archbishop of New York , Cardinal John O ’ Connor , had warned John Paul not to promote McCarrick in an Oct. 28 , 1999 , letter he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple claims that McCarrick would invite seminarians to his beach house and into his bed and enclosed four anonymous letters that had been sent to him and other U.S. churchmen in 1992-1993 , alleging McCarrick sexually abused children and seminarians .
“ I found out that he had written to the Holy Father , ” McCarrick said of O ’ Connor in an interview with Vatican officials who prepared the report .
“ I had friends in the Curia and one of them tipped me off about it but I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCarrick scandal and the roles played by John Paul and Dziwisz in the cover-up have only fueled criticism of the Catholic hierarchy amid its own clergy abuse scandal that has seen several top bishops and even cardinals fall .
“ If anyone is going to bury the legend of St. John Paul II , it will be Cardinal Dziwisz , ” tweeted Tomasz Rozek , a journalist for the Catholic weekly “ Gosc Niedzielny ” ( Sunday Visitor ) .
Nicole Winfield is a reporter for The Associated Press .
AP writer Monika @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About the Headline Photo : In this Sept. 23 , 2015 file photo , Pope Francis reaches out to hug Cardinal Archbishop emeritus Theodore McCarrick after the Midday Prayer of the Divine with more than 300 U.S. bishops , at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington .
On Tuesday , Nov. 10 , 2020 , the Vatican is taking the extraordinary step of publishing its two-year investigation into the disgraced ex-Cardinal McCarrick , who was defrocked in 2019 after the Vatican determined that years of rumors that he was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newton/The Washington Post via AP , File )

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


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Hong Kong’s Pro-Democracy Lawmakers to Resign En Masse

HONG KONG ( AP ) — Hong Kong ’ s pro-democracy lawmakers announced Wednesday they would resign en masse after four of them were ousted from the semiautonomous Chinese territory ’ s Legislature in a move one legislator said could sound the “ death knell ” for democracy there .
The resignation of the 15 remaining pro-democracy lawmakers will ratchet up tensions over the future of Hong Kong , a former British colony that has long been a regional financial hub and bastion of Western-style civil liberties but over which China ’ s government has increasingly tightened its control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing this year has alarmed the international community .
The mass departure will also leave Hong Kong ’ s Legislature with only pro-Beijing lawmakers , who already made up a majority but can now pass bills favored by Beijing without much opposition .
The lawmakers told a news conference they would submit their letters of resignation on Thursday .
The announcement came hours after the Hong Kong government said it was disqualifying the four legislators — Alvin Yeung , Dennis Kwok , Kwok Ka-ki and Kenneth Leung .
The ousters came after China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Standing Committee passed a resolution this week saying that any lawmaker who supports Hong Kong ’ s independence , refuses to acknowledge China ’ s sovereignty over the city , threatens national security , or asks external forces to interfere in the city ’ s affairs should be disqualified .
“ Today we will resign from our positions because our partners , our colleagues have been disqualified by the central government ’ s ruthless move , ” Wu Chi-wai , the leader of the pro-democracy camp , told reporters .
During the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chanted , “ Hong Kong add oil !
Together we stand !
” The phrase “ add oil ” is a direct translation of a Chinese expression of encouragement .
“ This is an actual act by Beijing … to sound the death knell of Hong Kong ’ s democracy fight because they would think that , from now on , anyone they found to be politically incorrect or unpatriotic or are simply not likable to look at , they could just oust you using any means , ” lawmaker Claudia Mo told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has increasingly clamped down on Hong Kong , which it took back control of in 1997 , despite promising at the time to leave the territory ’ s more open legal and economic systems intact for 50 years until 2047 .
Beijing imposed a national security law in June that some have labeled draconian after anti-government protests rocked the city for months last year , and it has used it to crackdown on opposition voices .
In response , the U.S. leveled sanctions on several officials , including Hong Kong ’ s pro-Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their extradition treaties with the territory , and Australia and Britain offered Hong Kongers easier paths to settle in those countries .
Britain said Wednesday that the decision to remove the lawmakers raises further concerns .
“ This campaign to harass , stifle and disqualify democratic opposition tarnishes China ’ s international reputation and undermines Hong Kong ’ s long-term stability , ” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement .
Beijing has rejected the criticism and lashed out at what it calls gross foreign interference in Chinese politics .
On Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carrie Lam , defended the lawmakers ’ removal , telling reporters that legislators must act properly and that the city needs a body comprised of patriots .
“ We can not allow members of the Legislative Council who have been judged in accordance with the law to be unable to fulfill the requirements and prerequisites for serving on the Legislative Council to continue to operate in the Legislative Council , ” Lam said .
Still , Lam said that the Legislature would not become a rubber-stamp body , and that diverse opinion is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and constitutionality , obviously , from our point of view , this is clearly in breach of the Basic Law and our rights to participate in public affairs , and a failure to observe due process , ” Kwok , one of the ousted lawmakers , told reporters , referring to Hong Kong ’ s mini-constitution .
Earlier in the year , the four lawmakers were barred from seeking reelection in a vote originally scheduled for September — but remained in their posts .
They were disqualified over their calls for foreign governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing .
The government eventually postponed the planned September election by a year , citing the coronavirus , but the pro-democracy camp criticized the move as an attempt to block them from taking a majority of seats in the Legislature — which was a possibility in the coming election .
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that the disqualification was necessary to maintain rule of law and constitutional order in Hong Kong .
“ We firmly support the ( Hong Kong ) government in performing its duties in accordance with the Standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at a regular news conference Wednesday .
Ken Soo is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : Hong Kong ’ s pro-democracy legislators pose for a photo before a press conference at Legislative Council in Hong Kong , Wednesday , Nov. 11 , 2020 .
Hong Kong ’ s pro-democracy lawmakers announced that they are resigning en masse following a move by the city ’ s government to disqualify four pro-democracy legislators .
( AP Photo/Vincent Yu )


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Democratic Activists Are Inviting Temporary Voters for Runoffs, Georgia GOP Chairman David Shafer Sa

Democratic Activists Are Inviting Temporary Voters for Runoffs, Georgia GOP Chairman David Shafer Says

Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer is reporting Democratic activists that invite temporary voters for the general runoff election .
The chairman appeared on The John Fredericks Radio Show to discuss his role in current investigations concerning election integrity .
“ Well , we are following up on Facebook posts [ inviting individuals to establish temporary residency ] and we ’ re reporting them to the appropriate authorities.
” Unlike some Republican legislators , Shafer asserted that holding a special legislative session to modify minimum residency requirements wouldn ’ t be the better option for election integrity .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in law is required so much as that enforcement is required.
” Shafer also shared the story behind his viral tweets reporting voting irregularities .
“ The tabulation center announced they were closing at 10:30 [ pm ] and would resume counting at 8:30 [ pm ] .
They packed up all their machines .
At midnight , we saw a news broadcast that they ’ d resumed counting the ballots .
Our poll watchers rushed back to the State Farm Arena around 1:30 in the morning .
A small group of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of ballots.
” Additionally , Shafer explained that the reports of wrongful limitations on poll watchers , as well as masses of duplicate ballots created without lawful oversight , have cast heavy doubt on the entire electoral process .
“ One of the arguments the mainstream media is making is that there ’ s no evidence of any wrongdoing – because everything ’ s been done in secret .
They say , ‘ You can ’ t prove any fraud because you weren ’ t there.
’ Well , yes that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without us there , after they ’ d sent us home .
If this behavior is not punished , then it will continue forever.
” Shafer finished the segment by expressing confidence in the upcoming election .
“ The Republicans haven ’ t lost a runoff election since 1992 .
We are going to reelect David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in 2021.
” Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shafer .
Background Photo “ Vote Sign ” by Lorie Shaull .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Trump Campaign Updates Press on Legal Efforts in Georgia: ‘It’s Not Over’

The Trump Campaign hosted a press call on Wednesday to discuss their ongoing legal efforts in Georgia .
Featured speakers on the call included Trump 2020 Campaign counsel Stefan Passantino , counsel Mark “ Thor ” Hearne , Communications Director Tim Murtaugh , Representative Doug Collins ( R-GA-09 ) .
Passantino opened the call by reasserting the fact that the estimated 71 million people who voted for President Trump “ deserve to know that this election is free , fair , and secure.
” He added that supporters of Joe Biden deserve to know as well to maintain confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections .
Passantino also mentioned the recent announcement by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger that the entire state would audit all votes through a recount by hand .
Then , Collins spoke about the scope of the legal process taking place .
“ It ’ s not over .
There ’ s legal recourse that ’ s being done all over the country but specifically here in Georgia .
This [ hand count ] is really the first step .
It allows us to see the integrity of the process .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Passentino clarified the nature of the recount by hand that will take place in Georgia .
He shared that the whole process will likely begin on or before Monday .
“ Georgia ’ s election procedures , for the first time , also produced a paper ballot with a QR code and an English language version of who that person voted for .
Every single one of those pieces of paper is going to be reviewed.
” A reporter from Reuters asked the speakers how long the recount would take , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign ’ s legal efforts on Tuesday .
Passentino shared that they expect the recount to be done by November 20t- the date by which Raffensperger should certify the election results .
Hearne addressed Biden ’ s dismissiveness by bringing up the voting irregularities that have been reported in Michigan .
“ There are people who registered to vote while dead .
There are people who requested ballots while dead .
There are people who cast ballots while dead .
We have extensive lists of vote challengers saying that there were stacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times that were missing signatures [ or ] containing the same signature .
[ These challengers ] are listed and detailed in the filing we made yesterday.
” Hearne also shared that observers in both Pennsylvania and Michigan were prevented from their legal right to witness vote-counting .
He criticized most media ’ s general approach to allegations of voter fraud .
“ It gets tiresome when we hear from the press , ‘ Where is the proof ?
’ It ’ s there .
We ’ ve shown it to you.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media is to downplay the voting irregularities .
“ In reporting [ allegations of voter fraud ] they take the position : there ’ s no evidence of fraud , except when there ’ s evidence of fraud .
The media ’ s general position prior to last Tuesday was that there was no fraud prior to this .
Well now when we point to our examples , they say it ’ s not enough .
How much fraud are you willing to tolerate ?
” Murtaugh said that these actions amount to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these allegations alone are a “ silver bullet ” to overturn or change the election results .
Prior to the closure of the press call , Passentino ’ s final remarks addressed the widespread belief that the litigation efforts are a political move .
“ This isn ’ t a political strategy to motivate the base .
It represents the best opportunity to ensure that every legal ballot is counted.
” Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Citizens Concerned About Election Integrity to March for Trump in Every State Capitol, Washington on

Citizens Concerned About Election Integrity to March for Trump in Every State Capitol, Washington on Saturday

A series of marches supporting President Donald Trump and to demand election integrity are being held throughout the country at noon local time on Saturday .
The March for Trump will be held in every state capitol as well as at Freedom Plaza , 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington , D.C. , according to the event website .
The website links to America First Projects .
Democrats are scheming to disenfranchise and nullify Republican votes .
It ’ s up to the American people to stop it .
Along with President Trump , we will NOT back down to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good of the nation .
This is a coalition/team effort .
We need boots on the ground to protect the integrity of the vote .
President Trump needs to hear from us , We The People , that we do not want him to concede .
We will March for Trump to demand transparency and protect election integrity .
Organizers ask that people who can not attend register to show Trump their support and sign up for email alerts .
Million Maga March tweeted , “ CALLING ALL PATRIOTS Millions of Trump Supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington D.C. to the White House on Saturday November 14 # MillionMAGAMarch Follow this account for updates & Info with regard to the upcoming MAGA march in Washington D.C. RSVPs are accepted to the D.C. march through the website.
” America First Projects also provides a web form for people to send a letter to their congressman and senator to demand election integrity .
The letter is available here .
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .
Photo “ Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BY 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Chris Butler Commentary: Conservatives Don’t Want an Echo Chamber, They Just Want Big Media to Do Th

Chris Butler Commentary: Conservatives Don’t Want an Echo Chamber, They Just Want Big Media to Do Their Jobs

Big Media must challenge and address their own confirmation biases about conservatives and about Trump voters first , before they lecture Trump voters about their beliefs .
The illusion is over .
Before Donald Trump came along Big Media always teetered close to the edge of the line with their biases , but after 2016 they crossed that line and they pushed forward .
Just this week many people believed that CNN ’ s Jake Tapper threatened Trump voters for not accepting , per the media , that Joe Biden is president-elect .
Also last week , Anderson Cooper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ obese turtle.
” People in Big Media may not know any Trump voters .
People in Big Media may not count any Trump voters among their list of friends .
But I know Trump voters — and they are irate .
Irate at Big Media for peddling discredited conspiracy theories about “ Russiagate.
” For smearing Brett Kavanaugh without credible evidence .
For falling for the Jussie Smollett hoax because they thought it confirmed their worst prejudices about MAGA voters .
And , last but not least , Trump voters are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppressed credible information about Hunter Biden and a pay-for-play scandal that , had they bothered to report it , probably would have cost Joe Biden the election .
I ’ m sorry , but Tony Bobulinski came across as a credible witness .
And who knows if voter fraud really put Biden over the top in the contested battleground states ?
Reasonable people feared this might happen .
But Big Media is awfully quick to dismiss those concerns .
There are sworn affidavits out there attesting that people committed vote fraud in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Media ’ s attention ?
No voter fraud took place ?
And people in Big Media are absolutely certain of that ?
How , exactly ?
Big Media is not curious ?
Even just a little ?
There ’ s certainly more evidence that people in the battleground states committed vote fraud , for instance , than there was that members of the Tea Party are violent and commit mass murder .
Yet Big Media didn ’ t hesitate to jump to such conclusions after the Gabby Gifford shooting in 2011 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 .
In 2015 Newsbusters called out USA Today for reporting — without evidence — that the NRA ’ s 2015 National Convention , held in Nashville , would lead to a surge in sex trafficking .
Ironically , no major crimes occurred the weekend of the convention .
Big Media ’ s unprofessionalism and Big Media ’ s bias against the right — especially this year — isn ’ t something that Trump voters will forgive and forget .
I spent nearly 10 years in the traditional media , and I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously for The Star .
And while I know Trump voters I also know Big Media .
Many people in Big Media , in their private conversations , refer to Trump voters as hillbillies , uneducated buffoons , classless rubes , and worst of all , white supremacists and Nazi-sympathizers .
But people in Big Media don ’ t really know Trump voters ; and , going by their journalism , it shows .
Trump voters have no powerful lobby in Washington , D.C.
They ’ re middle class .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They give far more to the government than they take in .
They hold their hands out for no welfare , corporate or otherwise .
All they want is to lead honest lives without the government all up in their business and without the government micromanaging what they do .
They don ’ t take laps in The Swamp .
People on the right doubt Big Media ’ s credibility and its objectivity and for good reason .
Do not doubt the power and the passion of MAGA voters to dent Big Media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dent it hard .
They have vowed to no longer give Big Media their time or their money .
Based on conversations I have had and observed with plenty of Trump voters this past week , they ’ re not playing around .
And they make up a sizable segment of society .
This kind of thing will bleed Big Media internally .
People in that industry did it to themselves .
And when layoffs happen then they must not make face-saving excuses and blame other supposed causes .
They treated Trump like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-class citizens while propping up almost anyone who opposed the president .
I am not at all saying Big Media should have acted like Trump ’ s personal public relations team .
They must hold Trump accountable when he does wrong .
But only do so when the evidence convinces by a reasonable standard — emphasis on the word “ reasonable.
” I personally think Trump voters can embrace news outlets that don ’ t always affirm their political beliefs — just as long as those outlets respect their beliefs and don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Media does not respect Trump voters or their beliefs .
The right never had a problem embracing media that challenged their confirmation biases .
But embracing confirmation biases is a two-way street .
Left-leaning people in the media seldom ever practice what they preach when they insist that others open their minds to other points of view .
Big media must shut up and listen to what Trump voters have to say .
Respect the president and his views .
Respect the president ’ s voters .
Confront their own confirmation biases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
And maybe – just maybe – democracy will benefit and our republic will thrive .
In closing , there is a word for how Big Media has treated Trump voters and a lot of other people on the right , especially the last four years .
That word is snobbery .
Insufferable , unmitigated , and certainly undeserved snobbery .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Pennsylvania Postal Worker Denies Recanting Claims of Mail-in Voter Fraud

A postal service worker in Pennsylvania is disputing House Democrats ’ claims that he recanted allegations that his supervisors ordered employees to back-date mail-in voting ballots after Election Day .
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said in a statement on Tuesday that Richard Hopkins , a postal worker in Erie , Pa. , retracted his story during interviews with investigators from the U.S .
Postal Service ’ s office of the inspector general .
Hopkins claimed in an interview with the conservative group Project Veritas last week that he overheard supervisors discussing backdating mail-in ballots received after the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be counted in the state ’ s vote tally .
Videos of interviews with Hopkins have received millions of views and attracted congressional attention .
Hopkins also set up an online fundraiser that had generated $ 130,000 in donations until it was taken offline on Tuesday .
Hopkins ’ supervisor , Rob Weisenbach , has vehemently denied allegations that he directed employees to back-date mail-in ballots .
“ The Erie Post Office did not back date any ballots , ” Weisenbach , the postmaster in Erie , wrote on Facebook over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said Hopkins ’ story was “ 100 % false ” and that Hopkins had recently been disciplined multiple times .
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham cited Hopkins ’ allegations in a press release saying he would investigate all credible allegations of voter fraud .
If Hopkins ’ story is accurate , the voter fraud he claims to have witnessed is likely not extensive enough to swing Pennsylvania in President Trump ’ s favor .
Joe Biden currently leads President Donald Trump by 48,000 votes in the state .
The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania , giving him enough electoral college votes to win the general election .
The Trump campaign has filed lawsuits in several swing states but has not provided evidence of voter fraud on the scale that would change the outcome in any of the swing states .
House Democrats asserted that Hopkins had “ completely ” recanted his allegations on Monday following an interview with postal service investigators .
The IG ’ s office briefed Congress on its investigation of Hopkins ’ claims , Democrats said .
Hopkins was adamant in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not recant his initial story .
“ I did not recant , ” he said in a video posted by Project Veritas president James O ’ Keefe .
O ’ Keefe published an edited audio file of Hopkins ’ interview with postal service investigators .
Hopkins told O ’ Keefe that he thought investigators were trying to coerce him into changing his initial story .
A spokesperson for the inspector general ’ s office declined to comment .
Chuck Ross is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Editors ’ note : Neil McCabe , The Tennessee Star and Star News Network National Correspondent , also serves as a contract communications manager for Project Veritas .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Housekeeping and Updates on Georgia’s General Election Runoff

Georgian voters have another opportunity to register to vote in time for the upcoming federal general election runoff on January 5 .
The ballot includes both U.S. Senate seats for Georgia : Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue facing Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff .
The deadline to register for the senatorial election runoff is December 7 , and in-person voting will begin on December 14 .
Officials will begin mailing absentee ballots by November 18 .
Anyone who will turn 18 on or before January 5 is eligible to register to vote .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a state and local election runoff .
Although the voter registration deadline passed for this runoff , those who are registered may vote on December 1 .
It is a crime for individuals to establish residency in the state temporarily for the sake of voting .
Those that intend to do so or advocate for others to do so will face investigation and likely receive punishment .
Georgia law states that committing election fraud is punishable with imprisonment for a year at minimum or up to half the amount of time established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are following up on the Facebook posts [ inviting individuals to establish temporary residency ] , and we ’ re reporting them to the appropriate authorities , ” stated Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer .
Voter registration status is available on the state website .
Republicans currently lead in the race for the majority , 49 to 48 with incumbent Thom Tillis ( R-NC ) leading Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham by nearly two points .
If Tillis holds his seat , Republicans will hold a bare majority .
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runoff will determine whether the Senate will split or Republicans maintain their majority .
Georgia commenced a complete hand recount of all votes on Wednesday – the first audit of its type in state history .
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger will have until November 20 to certify election results .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Jon Ossoff ” by Jon Ossoff .
Photo “ Raphael @ @ @ @ @ @


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Crom Carmichael Reflects on Joe Biden’s Dangerous Patterns in Foreign Policy and the Election Legal

Crom Carmichael Reflects on Joe Biden’s Dangerous Patterns in Foreign Policy and the Election Legal Battle Still Ahead

Live from Music Row Wednesday 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 to discuss Joe Biden ’ s poor history with foreign policy and the continued presidential election legal battle .
Leahy : Crom it ’ s 102 years ago today that the Armistice was signed at Versailles I think at 11:110 a.m. on 11/11 1918 .
And Crom , I think this points to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden said he gave a speech at that time .
( Leahy laughs ) Leahy : He probably did .
This points to I think a huge problem .
Carmichael : That may be written by Jon Meacham ’ s grandfather .
Leahy : Or maybe Jon Meacham is a time traveler and went back and wrote the speech .
Leahy : Yes , Jon Meacham hypocrisy on display in Nashville and MSNBC .
Anyway , so I wanted to talk a little bit about the problem we see with Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think you know World War I really was the first time that America asserted high-level leadership in the world .
We ’ ve been the leaders since then and yet Joe Biden that you ’ ve said often has been wrong on every major foreign policy decision for past 35 to 40 years .
Carmichael : Well , the foreign policy of Donald Trump was very different .
It was almost the opposite of Barack Obama and Joe Biden ’ s foreign policy and it was very different than George W. Bush ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably the most pro-American foreign policy while certainly the most pro-American foreign policy in my lifetime .
Ronald Reagan would be second .
But Ronald Reagan was both pro-American and anti-communist .
And Trump ’ s is pro-American and in a different way anti-Communist Party of China .
But he also is very concerned about radical Islam .
And Biden has said that once he is inaugurated , this is in his words , not mine , that he ’ s going to essentially reopen the floodgates to Muslims who are coming from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants them all here .
Carmichael : Bring on the terrorists .
And by the way , this isn ’ t hyperbole here , France and European countries have allowed Muslims in from these .
I ’ m not opposed to all Muslims .
I am opposed to Muslims who are terrorists .
Let me make that clear enough .
If somebody wants to call me a bigot because I ’ m opposed to terrorism I suppose I ’ m a bigot .
But in France , they now have many more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throwing them out of the country now because they don ’ t just kill you they behead you .
Leahy : Right .
There was a teacher beheaded in the streets .
Carmichael : Beheaded in the streets of France .
And Macron has reacted to that by throwing out a couple of dozen well-known Muslim terrorists .
But it ’ s the reaction of the rest of the Muslim world that is of concern .
And that is you have some Muslim countries in the world who have for example signed treaties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not countries by the way that are on President Trump ’ s list .
Carmichael : Yes .
And you know , there ’ s only a very small percentage of Muslims who actively want to commit terrorist acts .
There ’ s a larger percentage of people who are sympathetic to those acts and then there are world leaders and leaders of countries that applaud those terrorist acts .
And that ’ s the world we live in .
It ’ s unfortunate .
But that is the world that we live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m going to develop more of that especially in regard to the Middle East because Trump ’ s Middle Eastern foreign policy is a foreign policy that Obama and Biden with Clinton and Kerry as their Secretary of States claimed that the things that Trump has accomplished could not be accomplished .
And they promised to move the embassy to Jerusalem .
They didn ’ t .
Just as George Bush did .
Trump did move it to Jerusalem .
And that was supposed to be the Democrats and their allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostility in the Middle East .
It ’ s actually created less .
Carmichael : How many treaties has Israel signed now with Arab countries ?
Leahy : It ’ s 4 or 5 .
It ’ s really up there .
Carmichael : I thought it was four .
Leahy : These tend to be the smaller countries , but nonetheless they are significant .
Carmichael : The only difficulty is that they ’ re going for is six or seven and Trump ’ s policy is to isolate Iran .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is a state sponsor of killing Americans abroad especially military people .
And that ’ s why Trump took out Soleimani who was the head of the terrorist organization in the military but he was an official .
But he also he ran a terrorist network .
Leahy : Now Joe Biden is on record as having opposed the assassination of Osama bin Laden .
Carmichael : Joe Biden is on record of opposing every single takedown of a terrorist .
He didn ’ t want to take down Osama bin Laden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He criticized the takedown of Soleimani .
And so , you know if you expect Biden to stand up to terrorists and his definition of standing up to terrorists is giving them a bunch of money and then Hunter Biden gets a share of it .
Leahy : Now you say that and that ’ s not in jest .
Carmichael : That ’ s not in jest , that ’ s his foreign policy .
Leahy : Yeah and Hunter Biden and the innumerable instances of huge conflict of interest undermining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own interest in Ukraine and China .
We ’ ve documented that .
Carmichael : And Hillary Clinton did exactly the same thing .
I mean she raised a billion dollars in the Clinton Foundation .
And a large percentage of that was either from foreign governments themselves or from individuals in foreign countries that had an interest in affecting policy in the U.S. which Hillary Clinton then supported the changes that they wanted .
And these people got what they wanted ( i.e .
the uranium deal ) .
Now the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than it was just four years ago .
And if Trump is the next president and I still believe that will be the case but you know , time will tell .
Leahy : You believe that Trump will be the next President ?
Carmichael : Trump will be the next president .
And in fact , Pompeo was asked about that .
Leahy : Oh , that was great .
Carmichael : He said the transition will be easy because we ’ ll be transitioning to ourselves and I thought that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it just kind of stopped the reporter in their tracks because you know , this election is not over .
It ’ s kind of like calling a football game when there ’ s still plenty of time left on the clock and the team that that is behind has the ball and a great offense .
And as Neil said the Trump team , there are thousands of people now on the Trump team who have been deployed to about five states and they are digging into the election records .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or put into a position where they can not be resurrected , then that ’ ll be part of their case .
And then in other cases like in Pennsylvania , it ’ s pretty much a straight-up case .
If the law passed by the legislature in Pennsylvania prevails then Trump wins Pennsylvania .
Carmichael : And in North Carolina , he ’ s ahead and will likely win North Carolina straight up .
Leahy : So that gets us to 259 providing 252 for Trump .
And you got to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona where at present with 98 percent of the precincts reporting , Biden ’ s lead is only 12,800 votes .
Carmichael : And there are still lawsuits in Michigan and Wisconsin .
Leahy : Those two as well .
They could flip as well .
Wisconsin in particular with only 20,000 votes .
Carmichael : Well , I ’ m saying there ’ s a lot going on and whether or not they get to dig into the Dominion software in various counties is an open question .
Leahy : That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , questions , questions .
No reason to call the election as the networks have .
And as former President George W. Bush has .
And as a couple of Republican Senators have including Mitt Romney .
Listen to the full third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Reverse Plagiarism: Historian Jon Meahcam’s Lack of Ethics Gets Schooled by Crom Carmichael

Live from Music Row Wednesday 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 recent dismissal of historian Jon Meacham from MSNBC for not disclosing his relationship with former Vice President Joe Biden as a speechwriter .
He later speculated whether he will be relieved as faculty of Vanderbilt University for violating their honor system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 , 2020 , Veterans Day .
A salute to all our veterans out there .
We are joined in the studio now by our good friend and the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael .
Crom , good morning .
Leahy : Well Crom , our friend I suppose you could say , the person of whom we ’ ve talked about some here and who ’ s not coming into our studios apparently for fear of having an actual discussion .
Jon Meacham .
The esteemed historian who ’ s run into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nashville now and moved here from New York .
He ’ s run into some ethical problems Crom .
And we followed up on it our lead story at The Tennessee Star today by Chris Butler .
Headline : Vanderbilt University Won ’ t Say if They Will Dismiss Jon Meacham After Ethical Lapses Involving His Involvement With Joe Biden .
I ’ ll just read the beginning of it .
MSNBC has apparently dismissed Vanderbilt Professor Jon Meacham from his job as a network contributor because , wait for this Crom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was writing speeches for former Vice President Joe Biden .
He was reading them after he wrote them .
He was writing speeches for Biden .
Carmichael : Yeah , and that is the equivalent of plagiarism .
Carmichael : Like reverse plagiarism .
It ’ s a little bit what you talked about .
You ’ re on the air and you talk about a great speech .
It ’ s kind of like promoting a stock that you own stock in and tried to drive the price up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but then not acknowledging that you have an interest in the company .
Leahy : It ’ s dishonest and it ’ s unethical .
Now Crom , as an example .
Let ’ s say you were to write an op-ed under my byline , right ?
You wrote it .
I put it up there and then we ’ d be talking about that op-ed .
And if you told me what a great op-ed that was .
It is similar to that I think .
Carmichael : No because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know whether or not the ghostwriter is acknowledged .
This is just kind of a straight-up .
Carmichael : Yeah .
This is much worse .
Yeah , and I checked it .
I went to Vanderbilt and they have an honor system .
Carmichael : Yeah and if a student were to turn in a paper with improper footnotes and it ’ s plagiarized they would be kicked out of Vanderbilt .
Carmichael : He ’ s teaching at Vanderbilt and he ’ ll be teaching the very students about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself ascribe to .
Carmichael : And apparently , he didn ’ t even tell the network .
Carmichael : Apparently he didn ’ t tell the network so to me there are two different things here .
One is if you go on air and you talk about a speech that Biden gave that you wrote and you fail to mention that you helped write the speech or that you wrote the speech that ’ s bad enough .
But he ’ s a paid person by the networks and he goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form that would be something akin to a conflict of interest form where he is supposed to disclose any potential conflicts .
I mean all of these network people must have this as part of their contracts .
I ’ m sure he has a contract because the network fired him for not revealing it to them .
Leahy : Those are the reports Carmichael : Those are the reports that he was fired for not reporting to the network that he was a speechwriter .
And so not only did he fail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote the speech that he was saying was so great .
And by the way , Democrats get away with this .
I would be disappointed if Vanderbilt did not say , Mr. Meacham , I ’ m sorry but you can ’ t be a professor here .
We have an honor system .
We place great value in our honor system and what you did is not something that any student here could do and remain a student here .
But it ’ s a lot like Elizabeth Warren .
Leahy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you said that .
Carmichael : Yeah .
It ’ s a little bit like Elizabeth Warren .
I still think that the election is far from over .
Carmichael : And Elizabeth Warren wants to be Treasury Secretary .
Well , Elizabeth Warren ’ s not going to be anything and there ’ s one reason for that .
She will not serve in the Biden administration for one reason .
The governor of Massachusetts is a Republican .
And if she were to leave I believe that he gets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea Crom .
I hadn ’ t even thought about that .
Carmichael : I ’ m certain that the governor of Massachusetts is a Republican .
Carmichael : That I ’ m certain of .
Carmichael : But whether or not he has the right to appoint anybody he wants to that ’ s an open question for me because in North Carolina the belief was that that that if Burr no longer is the senator after the election .
This was an article about Burr joining the administration .
In North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person not only from the party .
If Burr leaves , Burr ’ s a Republican .
the Democrat Governor ’ s required to appoint a Republican .
And he ’ s actually required to appoint a Republican from a list that is given to him by a group of Republicans who have that authority .
So in North Carolina , for example , a Democrat Governor if a Republican senator dies , they can ’ t appoint a Democrat to replace them .
I don ’ t know what the rule is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll find that out during the break .
I want to continue with this story .
It ’ s a very good story by our own Chris Butler our lead story about Jon Meacham .
Let me just read all this to you Crom and get your reaction .
The Tennessee Star left two messages with Vanderbilt University on Tuesday one by phone and one by mail .
We asked venerable officials if they plan to relieve Meacham or to move his duties because of his ethical lapse and lack of transparency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ request for comment .
Breitbart citing The New York Times reported that Meacham “ went on the air and praised a speech he helped write that Biden delivered without disclosing he helped write it .
The corruption among our self-appointed elites knows no bounds.
” This was I think John Nolte ’ s article at Breitbart .
The Times reports that in secret , Meacham has been helping to ghostwrite speeches for Biden , and not only had Meacham failed to disclose his work for the Biden campaign he went on air and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played a role in writing .
Meacham , according to Vanderbilt ’ s website holds the Carolyn Tea and Robert M. Rogers chair in the American Presidency .
Carmichael : Well , it ’ ll be interesting to see what Vanderbilt does .
Because what Meacham did if a Vanderbilt student did it with an exam and if they plagiarized the exam or quoted extensively from a particular work and didn ’ t footnote it I think that is the definition of plagiarism , correct ?
Carmichael : If you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what Meacham did .
And if a student did that they would be summarily be dismissed from the University .
Leahy : So I do have a prediction .
Carmichael : I predict he ’ ll get to stay .
Just as CNN actually hired the guy who wrote an anonymous article claiming that he was in the White House but he wasn ’ t .
Leahy : He was a very low-level guy .
Carmichael : He was a very low level .
So he acted like he was much bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was asked if he was the person who wrote the article and he said no I ’ m not .
Carmichael : He lied about that then they hired him .
So so maybe this will actually increase Meacham ’ s pay .
Leahy : It probably will .
I would guess because there was a piece I was reading about written by Sharyl Attkisson who is a great reporter formerly with CBS News and now with Just the News at The Hill .
And she said Americans are losing respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that ?
Well because they ’ re hypocritical and they have different standards .
If you ’ re a liberal , Vanderbilt will let you do anything apparently .
Carmichael : We ’ ll find out .
Let me say this .
Leahy : Are you going to give him a chance ?
Carmichael : Well we have to .
We have to wait and find out .
This news only broke a couple of days ago .
It takes them a while to meet .
So it ’ ll be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or three weeks , we ought to know whether or not Vanderbilt believes if the honor system at Vanderbilt applies to the faculty .
And we don ’ t know .
Carmichael : Well , we know that but that doesn ’ t mean anything .
It means that they may not want to comment just yet .
Leahy : You are extending grace to your alma mater .
Carmichael : I ’ m extending what they are due .
Now in two or three weeks if they don ’ t do anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond , then it ’ ll be a horse of a different color .
Carmichael : I try to be as fair as I can be .
And as accurate as I know how to be at the time .
Listen to the full second hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Jon Meacham ” by Larry D. Moore .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Loudoun County Schools Clarifies to Parents That White Children Can Participate, But Not Speak as Eq

Loudoun County Schools Clarifies to Parents That White Children Can Participate, But Not Speak as Equity Ambassadors

A Loudoun County Public Schools Equity Advisor told parents that White students may only become equity ambassadors to “ amplify the voice of Students of Color.
” When the parent asked for in a followup email if their child could discuss the personal accounts of White students , the advisor said no .
“ This LCPS endeavor is specific to amplifying the voice of Students of Color by engaging in discussions about their experiences regarding issues of racism , injustice , and inequity .
Though all students ( white or otherwise ) are more than welcome to potentially serve as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise the voice of their classmates of color during these meetings.
” A concerned parent originally shared the email exchange with Parents Against Critical Theory ( PACT ) Founder Scott Mineo .
Last month , The Virginia Star reported that the program ’ s initial program informational packet excluded White children from participation .
“ Q : My child would like to participate as a Student Equity Ambassador and is not a student of color .
Can they participate ?
… A : Thank you for your interest but this opportunity is specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students at each school have an option of creating an affinity group for students of Color who share a similar racial identity and they may also include allies.
” It appears by the broken link offered by early whistleblowers that LCPS deleted the original packet and uploaded an edited version following controversy .
The equity ambassador programs are part of LCPS ’ s “ Action Plans to Combat Systemic Racism.
” The plan also included mandatory diversity , equity , and inclusion staff training , banning clothing reflecting “ racist or hateful ideology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” reducing suspension rates for minorities only , increasing minority admissions and hiring .
Additionally , the plan proposed mandatory books considered “ foundational knowledge ” for staff that assert the reality of White supremacy , White privilege , and present-day racism .
LCPS spokespersons on the equity ambassadors program didn ’ t respond with comment by press time .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Chase, Chesterfield GOP Allege Serious Irregularities in Provisional Vote-Counting

The Chesterfield GOP and Senator Amanda Chase ( R-Chesterfield ) have filed a court complaint alleging that the Chesterfield Registrar Constance Hargrove prevented a Republican representative from being present at a Friday meeting to evaluate provisional ballots .
However , in a Tuesday hearing , Chesterfield Circuit Court Judge David Johnson dismissed the complaint , stating that he has no legal authority in the case since it involves elected officials , according to The Richmond Times-Dispatch .
“ The Chesterfield GOP , they were actually kicked out by the registrar here in Chesterfield not allowing them to observe the counting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , ” Chase said in a Wednesday video .
The complaint filed by the Chesterfield GOP noted that observer Chesterfield GOP Vice Chair Carey Allen “ was directed to leave during the consideration of provisional ballots , ” according to The Richmond Times-Dispatch .
The complaint also noted that not allowing a GOP observer in the room could have a “ probable impact on the outcome of the election.
” On Election Day , Delegate Nick Freitas ( R-Culpepper ) had a strong lead over Representative Abigail Spanberger , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were counted .
One of the major sources of provisional ballots is voters who requested absentee ballots , but then voted in person on Election Day .
Those ballots are set aside to be cross-referenced with absentee ballots to make sure that no one can vote twice .
Although Spanberger has declared victory , Freitas has said he will wait until the results of the vote are certified to concede .
In its complaint , the Chesterfield GOP alleged that not having an observer in the room means that there is no guarantee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting would be available again during a potential recount .
The complaint states , “ A failure by [ Hargrove ] to comply with the requirements of Va. Code 24.2-668 necessarily deprives a recount court and the parties to a recount of the assurances to which they are entitled , i.e.
, that they have access to all materials used in the election and the proper security measures were in place so that the recount can be properly conducted , ” according to The Richmond Times-Dispatch .
Virginia Code section 24.2-653.01 requires the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each party during the consideration of provisional ballots .
“ The electoral board shall permit one authorized representative of each political party or independent candidate in a general or special election or one authorized representative of each candidate in a primary election to remain in the room in which the determination is being made as an observer so long as he does not participate in the proceedings and does not impede the orderly conduct of the determination , ” the statute states .
Hargrove ’ s lawyer told The Richmond Times-Dispatch that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint .
When he dismissed the case , Judge Johnson said , “ This court finds that it has no constitutional , statutory or implied authority to take any action with regards to any irregularities or conduct of any elected official , unless and until the matter is properly brought before this court pursuant to the statute.
” Now that the case has been dismissed , Chesterfield GOP officials and Chase have not said what they plan to do next .
However , in a Facebook post on Monday , Chase criticized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chesterfield Registrar should resign immediately .
The allegations that Chesterfield ’ s registrar failed to allow the GOP to have access to all aspects of vote counting procedures is in violation of law , is deeply troubling and goes to the heart of election integrity , ” Chase said .
“ If substantiated , Ms. Hargrove should resign immediately or be removed.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Republican Delegates Call for In-Person Meetings During January General Assembly Session

Two Republican state delegates released a joint statement on Tuesday calling for the Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn ( D-Fairfax ) to work with members on finding a way to hold in-person meetings during January ’ s regular General Assembly session .
Delegates Christopher Head ( R-Roanoke ) and Joseph McNamara ( R-Roanoke County ) said in the statement they are preparing to be in Richmond for the start of the regular session .
“ We are asking that Speaker Filler-Corn work with members of both parties to find a safe and effective method for in-person meetings , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If legislatures such as California , New York and the Senate of Virginia can have legislators on the floor during votes , then the House of Delegates can find a way to ensure that representatives can go to Richmond to fulfill their Constitutional duties , ” McNamara said .
At the beginning of the special session , Democratic leaders decided the House would operate and hold meetings virtually over Zoom , while the smaller Senate met in-person .
The virtual method brought with it technological interruptions and other associated problems , to which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There were so many parliamentary issues and there were connectivity issues that continued to be a source of frustration for a lot of our members as we were deliberating things right on up until the last part of the debates , ” Head told The Virginia Star .
“ The committee processes were difficult , you couldn ’ t see who from the public was there to be in support or opposition to any of the legislation .
“ So , you couldn ’ t really get a feel for who actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person .
Just so many parts of the process legislatively that don ’ t work if you don ’ t have the opportunity to be in one location.
” The one instance of the special session where the House did not meet via Zoom was on the first day when all 100 Delegates convened at the Siegel Center on Virginia Commonwealth University ’ s campus .
Head said similar venues or even the actual chamber at the Capitol would work well , but all options need to be under consideration .
The Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party leaders for comment , but did not get responses by press time .
Several other Republican members agreed with and echoed the opinions of Head and McNamara when asked about the subject , arguing that it would be extremely difficult to produce good legislation while virtual given the large scope of regular sessions .
Some Democratic delegates offered more nuanced thoughts , however .
“ I think the science really should drive leadership ’ s decision making , ” Del .
Mark Sickles ( D-Fairfax County ) told The Star .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive testing rate [ in January ] that we are now , I just think it would not be smart to [ meet in-person ] .
” Sickles , who said he did not have a definitive answer yet , also mentioned the possibility of a combination of both virtual and in-person meetings for the session because some face-to-face discussions are necessary .
Del .
Patrick Hope ( D-Arlington ) said he would support whichever option was the safest since the well-being of the delegates , legislative staff and anyone else directly involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority .
One Democratic delegate , who asked not to be named , told The Star they believe the House should remain virtual and the special session went well despite some technological issues .
The decision ultimately rests with Filler-Corn though , who has not made any public announcements or statements on what she intends to do .
A large factor in that decision will undoubtedly be the extent COVID-19 is still impacting Virginia in January .
So far there have been three Delegates reported to have tested positive for COVID : Tommy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( R-Richmond ) , Sam Rasoul ( D-Roanoke ) .
Both McQuinn and Rasoul ’ s cases occurred last spring or over the summer , while Wright tested positive during the special session .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ House of Delegates ” by the Virginia House of Delegates .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Gov. Whitmer Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Ease Professional Licensing Restrictions for Vetera

Gov. Whitmer Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Ease Professional Licensing Restrictions for Veterans/Active-Duty Personnel/Dependents

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer convened a news conference Tuesday to announce the introduction of bipartisan legislation to ease professional licensing restrictions for military personnel , veterans and their families in Michigan .
The governor called the package a piece of “ crucial legislation ” that will provide military families the “ support they need.
” The bill , introduced one day before the nation commemorates Veterans Day , grants licensing reciprocity in Michigan for military personnel , veterans and their dependents , provided they possess a valid occupational license from another state .
Additional criteria to qualify include requirements the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no pending disciplinary action ; and demonstrates competency through education , training and/or work experience .
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs ( LARA ) will determine whether these criteria are satisfied .
At present , military veterans qualify for fee waivers when applying for an initial license or registration .
SB 1223 expands those waivers to include Active Duty military personnel , as well as spouses and dependents of both active duty and veteran women and men .
Dependents are defined as a spouse or child under the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be granted to health professions licensed under the Public Health Code .
“ Our dedicated military service members put their lives on the line for our families , and we have a duty to ensure their support when they return home , ” Whitmer said .
“ That means making sure they have paths to good jobs so they can sustain their families.
” “ Clearing the path for our military service members , veterans , and their dependents to enter a licensed profession will help us attract and retain talent in Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an exemption for renewal fees while on active duty • Providing an exemption for continuing education requirements while on active duty • Granting a waiver for the initial license or initial registration fee for veterans • Granting a waiver for the initial application processing fee for veterans • Providing a reimbursement from Federal Department of Veterans Affairs for required and paid for examination fees .
“ This program will remove significant barriers of employment and economic hurdles for our military members and their families and is an added benefit to serving in Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Michigan ’ s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Major General Paul Rogers said .
“ As the state continues to invest in programs like this , we collectively show that Michigan is a great place for military and veterans to live , work , raise a family and retire , ” Rogers said .
Rep. Sarah Anthony , D-Lansing , was also present at the governor ’ s news conference .
Anthony said the new legislation serves as a “ perfect example of how state government can make people ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued : “ We know that military life poses unique challenges , yet many of our state ’ s licensing regulations and fees reflect a one size fits all approach .
There ’ s no reason why our laws can ’ t be tailored to reflect the unique needs of military service members , veterans and their families .
By streamlining the licensing process and expanding fee waivers for these individuals , we can ensure all qualified employees are connected with the jobs they need.
” Bruce Walker is a regional editor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as editor at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy ’ s MichiganScience magazine and The Heartland Institute ’ s InfoTech & Telecom News .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Special Prosecutor Formally Requests Authorization to Begin Investigation Into Stoney’s Monuments Co

Special Prosecutor Formally Requests Authorization to Begin Investigation Into Stoney’s Monuments Contract

The special prosecutor appointed in the case of Mayor Levar Stoney ’ s $ 1.8 million contracts to remove Richmond ’ s Confederate monuments has formally requested Attorney General Mark Herring for authorization to begin an investigation , according to ABC8 News .
In June , Stoney used emergency powers to remove several Richmond monuments , paying $ 1.8 million to a contractor linked to Devon Henry , one of Stoney ’ s former political donors .
Stoney has received national acclaim for removing the monuments ; The Washington Post recently suggested the move saved Stoney ’ s campaign for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s perspective as a Black contractor removing Confederate monuments .
Councilmember and mayoral candidate Kim Gray called for an investigation into the contract , criticizing the cost , the potential conflict of interest , and making the move without consulting the city council .
“ Our mayor had already made the decision to remove them and started doing that prior to our vote , ” Gray said in a virtual campaign stop .
Stoney ’ s spokesperson Jim Nolan told The Virginia Star in a September email , “ Contractors locally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast were contacted .
The city received a written proposal from only one firm that was willing to do the work and assume the risk it would entail.
” Nolan said he believed that the city got a fair price .
“ In fact , [ the contractor ] was not initially contacted by city or administration officials but was referred to the city by another vendor that had turned down the work .
Politicians who refused to act sooner could learn a thing or two from the courage shown by this black-owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in the face of white supremacist threats.
” Richmond Commonwealth ’ s Attorney Colette McEachin declined to investigate the case , since her husband had also received donations from Henry .
As a result , Augusta County Commonwealth ’ s Attorney Timothy Martin was called in in September .
At the time , he told WHSV3 , “ The first step there will be a deep dive into the legal side of things and the facts .
And we ’ ll apply the facts to that law , and we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violation of the criminal law alleged.
” Martin continued , “ We ’ ll make sure it ’ s thorough .
We won ’ t operate on any timeline , and most likely will not be updating the public during the investigation phase.
” Virginia law states that only the Governor , Attorney General , or a grand jury can authorize investigations into elected officials ; Herring must authorize Martin ’ s investigation before he can proceed .
Herring ’ s office did not respond to a request for comment .
Eric Burk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Richmond Confederate Monument ” by Martin Falbisoner .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Judge Hands Trumps Win, Rules PA Official Exceeded Authority by Changing Election Deadline

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thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Multiple Michigan Residents Swear They Witnessed Widespread Voter Fraud in Detroit


thetennesseestar--2020-11-12--Tennessee AG Joins Brief Asking Supreme Court to Review Pennsylvania Election Process

Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery on Wednesday joined Oklahoma ’ s brief in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Pennsylvania ’ s election process .
Election officials from Tennessee , Oklahoma , Indiana , Kansas , Nebraska , and West Virginia all supported the court documents filed on Nov. 9 .
Tennessee ’ s Attorney General Herbert Slatery III signed on , suggesting that how Pennsylvania handled the 2020 election may be unconstitutional and requesting the Supreme Court to review the state ’ s actions .
The Supreme Court allowed election officials in battleground state of Pennsylvania to accept absentee ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans watched states light up red or blue while awaiting presidential election results , Pennsylvania flipped from red to blue with President-elect Joe Biden scoring 20 electoral votes .
President Trump has insistently disputed the election ’ s results .
The brief reads : “ More broadly , this election cycle demonstrates the immense importance to the states of the questions presented in this case : almost 500 cases have filed in almost every state , many of which sought to alter state election statutes on the eve of – and often in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election.
” Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee praised Slatery ’ s decision to join the brief , saying the officials “ [ recognize ] that and that ’ s why we are joining other states in making sure that we have elections in the future that are not complicated with rules that don ’ t apply across states.
” “ I think it ’ s appropriate to work to make sure that this nation doesn ’ t have the complications associated with this past election , ” Lee added .
“ We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is clear and understood and that folks in advance know exactly how elections are going to happen , the way it occurred in our state , we need to make sure that happens across this country.
” President Donald Trump ‘ s re-election campaign filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania on Monday against the state ’ s use of mail-in ballots , alleging it created a “ two-tier ” voting system for the general election — a claim the state vehemently denies .
The lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Pennsylvania names Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards of seven counties as defendants , accusing them of treating in-person voters to a different standard than those who submitted their ballots by mail .
The Trump campaign accuses the defendants in the complaint of removing “ all the hallmarks of transparency and verifiability ” for those who cast ballots by the mail compared to those who cast theirs in person .
The complaint also accused the defendants of keeping the election “ shrouded in secrecy ” by providing candidates “ no meaningful access or actual opportunity to review and assess mail-ballots.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery on Wednesday joined Oklahoma’s brief in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Pennsylvania’s election process.
WZTV reports:
Election officials from Tennessee, Oklahoma, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, and West Virginia all supported the court documents filed on Nov. 9. Tennessee’s Attorney General Herbert Slatery III signed on, suggesting that how Pennsylvania handled the 2020 election may be unconstitutional and requesting the Supreme Court to review the state’s actions. The Supreme Court allowed election officials in battleground state of Pennsylvania to accept absentee ballots for days after Election Day. As Americans watched states light up red or blue while awaiting presidential election results, Pennsylvania flipped from red to blue with President-elect Joe Biden scoring 20 electoral votes. President Trump has insistently disputed the election’s results.
The brief reads: “More broadly, this election cycle demonstrates the immense importance to the states of the questions presented in this case: almost 500 cases have filed in almost every state, many of which sought to alter state election statutes on the eve of – and often in the midst of – the 2020 general election.”
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee praised Slatery’s decision to join the brief, saying the officials “[recognize] that and that’s why we are joining other states in making sure that we have elections in the future that are not complicated with rules that don’t apply across states.”
“I think it’s appropriate to work to make sure that this nation doesn’t have the complications associated with this past election,” Lee added. “We need to do this in a way that is clear and understood and that folks in advance know exactly how elections are going to happen, the way it occurred in our state, we need to make sure that happens across this country.”
President Donald Trump‘s re-election campaign filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania on Monday against the state’s use of mail-in ballots, alleging it created a “two-tier” voting system for the general election — a claim the state vehemently denies.
The lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Pennsylvania names Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and the election boards of seven counties as defendants, accusing them of treating in-person voters to a different standard than those who submitted their ballots by mail.
The Trump campaign accuses the defendants in the complaint of removing “all the hallmarks of transparency and verifiability” for those who cast ballots by the mail compared to those who cast theirs in person.
The complaint also accused the defendants of keeping the election “shrouded in secrecy” by providing candidates “no meaningful access or actual opportunity to review and assess mail-ballots.”
The UPI contributed to this report.