thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Family Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Charter School for Mandating Anti-White ‘Critical Race The

Family Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Charter School for Mandating Anti-White ‘Critical Race Theory’ Class

A Nevada mother has followed through on her threat to file a civil rights lawsuit against her son ’ s charter school for refusing to let him opt out of a mandatory class that promotes hostility toward whites as a race .
Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus ( DPAC ) forced William Clark “ to make professions about his racial , sexual , gender and religious identities in verbal class exercises and in graded , written homework assignments , ” creating a hostile environment , the biracial high school student and Gabrielle Clark allege in their federal lawsuit filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were “ subject to the scrutiny , interrogation and derogatory labeling of students , teachers and school administrators , ” who are “ still are coercing him to accept and affirm politicized and discriminatory principles and statements that he can not in conscience affirm.
” The suit also names Democracy Prep Public Schools , the New York-based charter network , and several officials in the local school and network as defendants .
It has nearly 150 pages of exhibits documenting the curriculum in the graduation requirement “ Sociology of Change , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the suit , the curriculum was imposed by a new crop of officials who joined DPAC three years ago – halfway through William ’ s schooling at DPAC .
( The charter network acquired the school in 2016 with help from a federal grant . )
Officials also falsely promised students that their mandatory identity divulsions would be kept private , when in reality their graded assignments would “ immediately became visible to all DPAC teachers and administrators ” and administrators would sometimes covertly “ tune in ” to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charter regulator is named as a defendant for its “ acquiescence and deliberate indifference to DPAC ’ s discriminatory and unconstitutional acts and curriculum programming , ” the plaintiffs claim .
The State Public Charter School Authority recently renewed its contract with DPAC , the network and its Nevada affiliate .
Evolutionary biologist Colin Wright , who says “ cancel culture ” drove him out of academia for arguing that sex is not a “ spectrum , ” broke the news of the lawsuit on his Twitter account early Wednesday .
“ To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its kind , ” the Quillette managing editor wrote in the thread .
“ Keep a close eye on this one , as it could set a precedent and cause a lot of dominoes to start falling.
” It alleges several constitutional violations including compelled speech , viewpoint discrimination , retaliation , invasion of privacy , denial of equal protection and infringement of the establishment clause .
The defendants committed “ intentional and retaliatory discrimination on the basis of color , race and religion ” and gender discrimination .
They even violated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated promises , according to the suit : “ Suddenly after renewing enrollment ” this fall , “ students were being instructed in a fringe ideology overtly hostile to core personal beliefs about home and church , race and sex , and much else.
” The lawsuit is sponsored by Schoolhouse Rights , a project of the nonprofit International Organization for the Family .
“ We believe our civil rights case to be the first of its kind across the nation , ” the project website says .
An educational activist group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Clarks with counsel .
Jonathan O ’ Brien , the Clarks ’ lawyer , invited The College Fix to “ talk briefly ” about the lawsuit but has not answered a query about what other cases are planned under the project , and on what timeline .
Gabrielle Clark , who is black and has two black children , has not been shy about describing her interactions with DPAC officials .
She tweeted last month that Assistant Superintendent Kimberly Wall , now an individual defendant , and DPAC ’ s house counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ass ” at a meeting that followed her lawyer ’ s warning letter about the mandatory class .
“ I knew something was wrong with my kids but I didnt know it was because of the school until watching their distance learning classes , ” the mother tweeted Wednesday night , referring to when she saw the disputed curriculum .
“ That ’ s when I withdrew my daughter and got the lawyers for my son .
I ’ m not playing with these people.
” The mandatory “ Sociology of Change ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional due process right to “ family integrity and autonomy ” by interfering with her “ right and covenant to guide and direct the upbringing ” of her children , according to the suit .
She ’ s particularly upset that the curriculum explicitly told her children to “ unlearn ” the “ traditional Judeo-Christian principles ” she is teaching them .
The curriculum also implied that William ’ s white father , who died when his son “ was too young to know him , ” likely physically abused his black mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so light-skinned that he is usually regarded as white – “ the only apparent white boy in his class.
” The suit emphasizes the Clarks ’ hardships and William ’ s aspirations .
Gabrielle is “ temporarily disabled and unemployed , ” and William is “ working as a shift manager at a local fast food chain restaurant in order to help his family financially ” while learning remotely .
He ’ s applying for colleges now , and his plans to study musicology are threatened by the school ’ s actions against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civics curriculum ” took a hard swing left when Natasha Trivers became the permanent CEO , even though “ the generic name and syllabi provided to parents remained the same.
” It now required students to “ unlearn ” and “ fight back ” against “ oppressive ” structures in their religious and family practices , going beyond simple “ descriptive or informational ” lessons .
After they were coerced to divulge identities in “ non-private interrogation ” sessions , students with disfavored identities were “ officially singled out in the programming as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Sociology of Change ” teacher Kathryn Bass addressed one class session as “ my wonderful social justice warriors !
” She told them to determine if any of their identities had “ privilege or oppression attached ” for a graded assignment .
Though students with supposedly oppressive identities – among them white , male and Christian – were officially allowed not to divulge them in “ breakout ” sessions with other students , this was functionally a meaningless gesture , because silence would only highlight their status as oppressors : Endangering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s only the apparent white kid In a later session , Bass cut off class discussion when William and other students “ sought to engage critically ” with the materials .
The teacher failed William and “ penalized him for not completing graded identity confession assignments.
” Principal Adam Johnson , also executive director at the Nevada affiliate , issued William a D-minus for the class in spite of DPAC ’ s own handbook , which explicitly bans D grades because they can veto college admissions offers .
This ruined the student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on years of hard work and a strong GPA.
” Meetings with “ increasingly higher levels ” of school and charter network officials , “ from September to the present , ” produced the same response to the situation : “ don ’ t participate , don ’ t graduate , ” the plaintiffs allege .
Gabrielle warned School Board Chair Joseph Morgan , Johnson and Wall in one email that Bass was “ blatantly justifying racism against white people ” in a class where her son was the only apparent white student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , psychological , and physical danger.
” Johnson ( pictured , right ) finally “ moderated ” his no-compromise attitude in October , “ [ p ] erhaps sensing that litigation might be looming , ” and said William could get a C-minus if he completed the “ minimum ” of class work .
The plaintiffs claim this proffered grade could disqualify him from his colleges of choice – New York University and the Berklee College of Music .
The defendants have rejected every other offer , including a virtual community college class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was actually given a D-minus just before Thanksgiving , which not only violated DPAC ’ s own grading policy but was “ intended as a malicious slight ” to kneecap his “ academic and professional career after high school.
” To add insult to injury , the school suspended William Dec. 16 on the basis that he committed “ racism , ” the suit claims .
He was already in therapy because of the school ’ s current and anticipated retaliation .
Gabrielle has also suffered “ severe emotional distress ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” from DPAC ’ s treatment of her son .
“ She has watched helplessly as Defendants doubled down again and again on their coercive ideological policy towards her son , threatening his graduation and academic and professional future.
” The school ’ s actions are even worse because they contradict Trivers ’ own public encouragement to students to “ stand up for what is right , even if that means pushing back against a school policy.
” The plaintiffs are seeking an emergency order forcing the school to grant William his graduation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative non-discriminatory , non-confessional class that would restore him to good academic standing as he applies for college.
” They want his D-minus grade removed and a ban on the school “ implementing or enforcing compulsory , graded identity confessions and derogatory labeling.
” The Clarks also seek compensatory and punitive damages and attorney ’ s fees .
Greg Piper is the Associate Editor of The College Fix .
Photo “ DP Agassi Campus ” by DPAC .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Centuries-Old Ferry Connecting Virginia and Maryland Closed Suddenly

White ’ s Ferry has been carrying goods and passengers across the Potomac River for over 200 years , but on Monday the operators announced that they have stopped their operations after the Loudoun County Circuit Court ruled that the ferry business does not have right to use the river landing on the Virginia side of the river .
In a press release , White ’ s Ferry announced , “ The Circuit Court of Loudoun County , Virginia has ruled , in the case of Rockland Farm , LLC , et al .
v. White ’ s Ferry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Virginia shoreline at White ’ s Ferry Road and the ferry is prohibited from landing at that location in Virginia .
As of the date of this press release Loudoun County , Virginia has declined to establish a public landing at that location.
” White ’ s Ferry said a store operating on its own property would remain open .
The White ’ s Ferry announcement surprised many across the region .
Loudoun County Supervisor Caleb Kershner said , “ I am extremely disappointed in the shutdown of White ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision in Rockland Farm , LLC , et al .
v. White ’ s Ferry , Inc , which found that White ’ s Ferry is trespassing on Rockland Farm ’ s property.
” Kershner said the ferry was a vital regional transportation link that saw over 600 cars a day between Montgomery County , Maryland , and Loudoun County , Virginia .
He also called for a bridge to be built to service the area .
“ This historic landmark has been home to a ferry service since 1786 and should continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said in a press release .
Loudoun County Public Affairs Officer Glen Barbour said the problems of the ferry and a potential bridge have a complicated history .
“ The issue of a second bridge over the Potomac River is a complete separate issue that Loudoun ’ s leaders have been discussing for many years .
In 2017 , the Board of Supervisors .
The County expressed support for investigating the possibilities , ” Barbour said .
“ Construction of a bridge is a complex issue that would require cooperation between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacted property owners.
” In a Monday press release , Loudoun County said the dispute was between the two property owners that did not involve the county .
While White ’ s Ferry owns property on the Maryland side of the river , Rockland Farm owns the landing on the Virginia side of the river .
According to court documents , a 1952 agreement allowed the ferry to operate .
However , Rockland Farms argued that in 2004 , ferry operators violated the agreement by relocating a retaining wall on the property .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the property , Rockland terminated the agreement , and in 2009 , sued White ’ s Ferry .
White ’ s Ferry argued that there was a public right-of-way on the property because the landing is linked to a state highway , but in November the court found that there is not enough evidence to prove that the landing and the approach are public .
The Monday decision to close White ’ s Ferry surprised Rockland Farms , who said in a press release that they had not sought to immediately shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach an agreement .
“ Following the Court ’ s decision on November 23 , 2020 we asked our attorneys to seek to reach agreement with White ’ s Ferry to allow it to continue operating while providing Rockland Farm fair compensation for use of our property .
In the event White ’ s Ferry no longer desired to operate the ferry , we also expressed a willingness to discuss a purchase of the business .
Regrettably , White ’ s Ferry has chosen not to negotiate , ” the Rockland Farms press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry comments on social media , and politicians expressed concern about the closure .
“ White ’ s Ferry has carried people between Virginia and Maryland since 1782 and plays an essential role in facilitating travel across the Potomac .
I hope those involved come to a resolution ASAP that allows the Ferry to resume operations , ” Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton ( D-VA-10 ) tweeted .
Delegate Danica Roem ( D-Manassas ) tweeted , “ It ’ s 26.4 miles from Leesburg to Poolesville via U.S. 15 in Virginia and Route 28 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not VA ’ s Route 28 ) .
That same trip is 12.4 miles via White ’ s Ferry.
” “ This needs to [ be ] fixed immediately .
White ’ s Ferry keeps so many vehicles off of 15 , 495 and 270 each day .
It ’ s an important part of our transportation infrastructure .
Also : if you ’ ve taken it ( back-ups aside ) , it ’ s usually a peaceful , tranquil experience floating across the Potomac , ” Roem said .
Eric Burk is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Star News Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ White ’ s Ferry ” by White ’ s Ferry .

by Scott McClallen
First, COVID-19 disrupted classes in 2020, and now it’s teachers keeping kids out of class in 2022.
More than 29,000 Minneapolis students couldn’t attend class Monday as a teachers’ union strike entered its 10th school day.
The striking teachers are seeking a “living wage,” smaller class sizes, and “safe and stable schools.”
The strike began March 8 with the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) and Education Support Professionals (ESP) saying the groups were demanding “a living wage” for ESPs, smaller class sizes, and “safe and stable schools,” the union posted on Facebook.
In a video posted on Facebook page Sunday, union officials said they want ESPs to have a minimum $35,000 annual salary.
Teacher Chapter President Greta Callahan said parties have been negotiating.
“This contract needs to get settled,” Callahan said. “We want kids back in school and it feels like we are the only ones acting like that right now.”
Average teacher salaries in St. Paul are $85,000, compared to the average Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) teacher salary of $71,535.
World Population Review says the average Minnesota teacher makes $59,221.
The Sahan Journal reported that despite the high teacher salary, raises for the Minneapolis district have lagged in recent years.
MPS said it shared its “last, best, and final” offer on Sunday that includes: 2% cost of living increases, with up to 12% raises for new teachers, in year one of the contract and 2% increases for all in the second year.
Increase starting wages for 85% of current ESPs to $23 per hour or more, bringing most full-time ESPs close to $35,000 annually.
Increase wages over two years between 8.2% and 34.6% (depending on job classification), with an average increase of 15.6%.
Move the lowest-paid ESPs from $15.45 per hour to $18 per hour.
Pay ESPs $6,000 in bonuses ($3,000 in each of the next 2 years).
$3.5 million to additional hours for ESPs.
Four additional paid duty days for professional development.
“We know that our students want to be back in school with their teachers and ESPs and our staff desperately want to see our students,” Minneapolis School Board Chair Kim Ellison said in a video. “We believe this is the fastest way possible to get our students back to school.”
The proposal would cost $9.3 million in the first year and $13.4 million in the second.
“MPS is reaching beyond its financial means on behalf of our ESPs and will need to make more than $10 million in reductions for the next school year as a result,” the MPS website says.
“We’ll be back out on the line tomorrow fighting for safe and stable schools!” the MFT tweeted Sunday.
The state’s education funding formula is based on enrollment, which has declined at MPS from 32,732 in 2019 to in 2022, 29,100.
The school doesn’t have data on where the roughly 3,632 kids who left went, MPS media coordinator Crystina Lugo-Beach told The Center Square in an email.
MPS said all pre-K through 12th classes would be canceled “for the duration of the strike.” Axios reported that the district is facing a a $21.5 million budget deficit for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi.
Photo “Minneapolis Public Schools” by Minneapolis Public Schools.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Issue of Paid Sick Leave Returning to Virginia General Assembly in 2021

The debate over whether or not businesses should be required to provide eligible employees with paid sick leave will again be taken up by the Virginia General Assembly when it convenes for its regular session on January 13th .
After multiple bills calling for paid sick leave were killed by a Senate committee during this past summer ’ s special session , those same lawmakers are once again intending to offer legislation on the issue .
“ I am planning to introduce a bill that will provide paid sick to essential workers , ” Del .
Elizabeth Guzman ( D-Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Virginia Star .
“ We ’ re going to start with essential workers who are defined in Executive Order # 72 , which includes those who are emergency personnel , healthcare workers , home healthcare workers , food service workers , childcare workers , domestic workers and teachers.
” The legislation would allow for those essential workers to use paid sick leave to take care of themselves or family members , and employers will be able to decide if they want to carry over the leave from year to the next , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Guzman , who is running for lieutenant governor in 2021 , said her desire to help workers stems from her own experience as a single mother working three jobs without paid sick leave and having to make the difficult choice of leaving her sick child at home in order to make enough money to afford rent and groceries .
In the Senate , Sen. Barbara Favola ( D-Arlington ) is planning to introduce two pieces of legislation regarding paid sick leave .
One bill directs the Virginia State Corporation Commission , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at options for creating a marketplace for private insurance to cover paid sick leave .
The second bill says companies that already provide paid sick leave to employees have to offer it for paid family leave as well .
“ We just can ’ t have employees going to work when they are sick and we can ’ t allow children congregating back in school or on the playground when they are not feeling well , so we have to acknowledge that paid sick leave has got to be part of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society , ” Favola told The Star .
Favola also said that she expects her bills will be able to pass the House and Senate .
According to Virginians for Paid Sick Days , a coalition of organizations like the Legal Aid Justice Center who are advocating to establish a standard for paid sick days , there are 1.2 million workers in Virginia that do not get that leave , which includes a majority of workers deemed essential .
Yet some business groups , such as the National Federation of Independent Business ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Anytime that the government sets out a mandate and sets out very specific parameters for that mandate , it reduces a business ’ s flexibility to address that particular policy with their employees , [ one ] that works best for their business , how it ’ s operated and their [ workers ] , ” Nicole Riley , Virginia state director for the NFIB , told The Star in an interview .
Riley also said that the specific financial burden of providing paid leave all depends on the size of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that many small businesses don ’ t have the necessary volume of employees to fill a position or find someone that can cover .
Additionally , having to keep track of paid leave can also create an administrative burden for many small business owners , according to Riley .
When the previous paid sick leave bills from Guzman and Favola were killed , most committee members argued that requiring employers to give paid sick leave was not currently feasible due to the fiscal burden it would create combined with the economic downturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sentiment remains for some legislators .
When asked about paid sick leave , Senate Majority Leader and chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee Richard Saslaw ( D-Fairfax County ) simply said : “ Right now is not the right time to be [ hurting ] these small businesses.
” Given that Guzman and Favola ’ s bills are different than before , it will be interesting to see if they can pass the Senate this time around .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Ohioans Over 65, Those with Medical Conditions to be Vaccinated Next, DeWine Says

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health announced the second phase of vaccine distribution last week , with those over the age of 65 and those living with medical issues to be next in line to receive the vaccine .
The state began distributing the vaccine earlier this month .
Members of “ Phase 1A ” of the vaccine distribution schedule included health care workers and personnel , psychiatric hospital patients and staff , people with developmental disabilities , those with mental illness in group living facilities and staff of those locations , Ohio veterans home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ODH said .
It also included members of nursing home facilities and their staff as part of a program sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Members of Phase 1B of the distribution plan include those over the age of 65 and those living with severe congenital , development or early-onset medical disorders , the ODH said .
“ Ohioans in the 65 and older category make up just under 87 % of COVID deaths , ” DeWine said in a statement last week .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s critical that we protect our older Ohioans.
” Adults working in Ohio schools will also be able to receive the vaccine .
The ODH said it wants to return to in-person learning by March 1 .
Ohio originally closed schools for in-person learning in March and announced they would remain closed for the rest of the school year in April .
The state currently has more than 675,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 8,500 deaths , according to data from the ODH .
Of the confirmed cases , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor said that local health departments and hospitals will be assisting with managing vaccinations as more doses are shipped to the state .
“ Ohio ’ s public health departments and hospitals are experts at managing mass vaccination clinics , and I am thankful we can turn to them to begin vaccinating Ohioans against COVID-19 , ” DeWine said .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Ohio Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--President Trump to Stump for Loeffler and Perdue in Georgia the Eve of Election Runoff

President Donald Trump will host another Georgia rally in a show of support to incumbent Senators Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) and David Perdue ( R-GA ) .
The “ Victory Rally ” will occur January 4th , one day before the runoff election date for the two senate seats .
Others joining Trump at the rally are incumbent Georgia Public Service Commissioner Lauren “ Bubba ” McDonald , Jr. , and a coalition of unnamed Republicans .
McDonald will also appear on the January 5th election runoff ballot , defending his District 4 position for the Georgia Public Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will face Democratic challenger Daniel Blackman .
Prior to serving as commissioner , McDonald served two decades as a state representative .
Trump tweeted the news of the rally on Sunday .
“ On behalf of two GREAT Senators , @ sendavidperdue & @ KLoeffler , I will be going to Georgia on Monday night , January 4th , to have a big and wonderful RALLY , ” wrote Trump .
“ So important for our Country that they win !
” Loeffler responded on Monday to the news , including the link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re SO excited to welcome @ realDonaldTrump back to Georgia on January 4th for a rally with @ Perduesenate and me – you won ’ t want to miss this HISTORIC rally !
” tweeted Loeffler .
Loeffler and Perdue are facing off against Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff .
Both Warnock and Ossoff have raised more than their respective opponents , breaking all fundraising records for previous Senate races .
This is the second race that Ossoff has broken campaign fundraising records : the candidate ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia ’ s District 6 seat became the most expensive U.S. House race .
As reported previously in The Georgia Star News , Trump stumped for Loeffler and Perdue at the beginning of this month in Valdosta .
A few days prior to the President ’ s Valdosta rally , Vice President Mike Pence hosted a rally to support the two incumbent senators in Savannah .
Less than a week later , Pence hosted another rally for Perdue and Loeffler in Augusta .
Neither incumbent ’ s campaign responded to request for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rally tickets are limited ; only two may be assigned per mobile number .
The event is scheduled for 7 pm EST at Dalton Regional Airport .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Georgia GOP Announces Updated Asian Pacific American Advisory Board

Members of the Georgia Republican Party this week announced a newly-updated Asian Pacific American Advisory Board .
This , according to a press release that members of the Georgia GOP emailed Monday .
The Advisory Board includes distinguished community leaders whose immediate focus involves getting out the vote for U.S. Sen. David Perdue ( R-GA ) and U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) within the APA community , the announcement said .
“ Under President Trump and the Republican Senate , Asian Pacific Americans have seen vast economic growth and the lowest recorded unemployment rates in history , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the statement .
“ Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock would undo all of these accomplishments through a radical , socialist agenda .
Asian Pacific Americans in Georgia know what is at stake in this run-off election and we are grateful to have so many community leaders working together to get out the vote for Senators Loeffler and Perdue.
” The Georgia Republican Party Asian Pacific American Advisory Board members , according to the press release , include : This board will build upon the work of Georgia Trump Victory — the combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump Campaign , and the Georgia GOP , the press release said .
“ During the 2020 General Election , Georgia Trump Victory held numerous events , trainings and GOTV efforts centered around various APA communities .
Thanks to these efforts , Asian Pacific Americans swung 11 points nationally against Radical Democrats and Socialism relative to 2016 , ” the press release said .
“ Now , in conjunction with the National Republican Senatorial Committee , they are continuing to work together to send Senators Loeffler and Perdue back to Washington.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the January 5 , 2021 ballot for the U.S. Senate against Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock , respectively .
Who wins will determine whether Republicans or Democrats have majority control over the U.S. Senate .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Sen .
Kelly Loeffler Campaigns with President Trump and Sen David Perdue ” by Sen. Kelly Loeffler .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--No Alternatives Announced if Gov. Whitmer Succeeds in Closing Line 5

Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s administration hasn ’ t revealed alternatives to transport more than half a million barrels of natural gas liquids if it succeeds in its legal efforts to close the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline in May 2021 .
Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy told The Center Square there are no pipelines or other alternatives that can readily substitute for Line 5 in transporting the crude oil and natural gas liquids to the refineries and other facilities served by Line 5 .
In operation under an easement agreement with the state of Michigan since 1953 , Line 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Straits of Mackinac .
The pipeline transports up to 540,000 barrels each day between Wisconsin and Ontario .
Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General have filed suit in Ingham County Circuit Court to force Enbridge to decommission Line 5 by mid-May .
Enbridge has filed a countersuit in federal court .
“ According to the 2017 Alternatives Analysis for the Straits Pipelines report , more than 2,000 tanker trucks would be required to deliver each day what Line 5 transports in Michigan , ” Hillsdale College economist Gary Wolfram previously told The Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the validity of the easement and its right to operate the pipeline , ” Duffy said .
“ Line 5 is a critical source of 540,000 barrels per day of natural gas liquids ( used to make propane ) and crude oil supply for Michigan and surrounding areas that make up the regional supply network producing transportation fuels and consumer goods , ” Duffy said , adding : “ It supplies the majority of the jet fuel to the Detroit Metro Airport , which annually contributes $ 10 billion to the State ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Several refineries that rely heavily on Line 5 oil will be severely impacted , while the fractionators in Michigan and Ontario that use Line 5 product to manufacture propane used to heat homes and for other purposes will be forced to close.
” According to Duffy , a disruption to Line 5 would result in a daily shortage of millions of gallons of transportation fuel , impacting the entire region including Wisconsin , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Ontario and Quebec .
Also , he said , Michigan would have a daily shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages and price spikes , particularly in the Upper Peninsula , would present a problem for consumers who rely on propane for home heating .
“ This likely explains why the State provided for termination of the easement in May , but does not solve future problems that will arise when the weather turns cold again , ” Duffy said .
Last week , the Mackinac Center for Public Policy ’ s Environmental Director Jason Hayes told The Center Square the governor ’ s Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force hasn ’ t progressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transportation alternatives should Line 5 cease operations .
“ Alternative energy options have been identified through the continuing work of the Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force and the Michigan Department of Environment , Great Lakes , and Energy expects the market to dictate what combination of those options would be most effective and reliable , ” Nick Assendelft , EGLE Media Relations and Public Information , told The Center Square in an email .
“ In addition , the UPETF identified in its propane report a number of areas where consumer protections could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and programs improved for families in need of heating assistance .
Energy markets respond quickly to the laws of supply and demand and EGLE is confident these market forces will drive propane marketers to adjust their operations and keep Upper Peninsula customers supplied in the future , ” he added .
“ Beyond EGLE , the Michigan Department of Transportation ( MDOT ) has a contract with a consulting firm , WSP , working with Dr. Pasi Lautala at Michigan Technological University , for an approximately eight-month study on delivering propane by rail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study also will identify rail infrastructure upgrades , including rail-served storage capacity , necessary for improved distribution of propane by rail in Michigan ’ s Upper Peninsula .
This was one of the recommendations ( No .
5 ) in the UPETF ’ s propane report.
” In the waning days of the administration of Whitmer ’ s predecessor , Gov .
Rick Snyder , Enbridge received the go-ahead to move the pipeline to a utility tunnel , which would be built 100 feet below the lakebed .
Enbridge said it would foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs .
Enbridge also estimated the project could take up to five years to complete .
However , Nessel has been endeavoring to scuttle the tunnel project as well .
In the meantime , Enbridge continues to seek permits for the tunnel construction , including wastewater and wetlands permits from the Michigan Department of Environment , Great Lakes and Energy .
EGLE was initially due to make its determination on both permits during the first week of this month , but announced it was extending the review period to the end of January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , Enbridge requires a site permit from the Michigan Public Service Commission .
The MPSC , however , won ’ t issue a determination until after an anticipated court settlement is reached next summer .
Bruce Walker is a regional editor at The Center Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--More Than 40,000 Virginians Have Received COVID-19 Vaccines So Far

Roughly 41,709 Virginians have received first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines so far , according to the Virginia Department of Health ( VDH ) , as the state continues its efforts to reach herd immunity and put an end to the coronavirus pandemic .
Last week , the VDH launched the COVID-19 vaccine data dashboard , which will be updated daily to keep the public informed about the number of vaccines distributed and administered as well as the demographics of recipients .
In a press release , State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver said the VDH is releasing the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in the vaccine and the state ’ s current progress .
Under Virginia ’ s three phase vaccination plan and prioritization guidance , only front-line healthcare workers who directly care for or interact with COVID patients were getting the vaccine during the initial weeks of phase one .
According to the vaccine dashboard , 227,425 total doses have been distributed throughout the Commonwealth and 49 new doses were administered on Sunday .
Of the 40,000 plus doses already administered , most are occurring in localities that are home to large hospitals or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia Beach and Fairfax County .
More than 25,000 women have been vaccinated compared to almost 12,00 men – exemplifying the volume of women that work in the healthcare industry – and the age group with the most vaccinations so far is 30-39 followed by 40-49 , according to the dashboard .
The VDH said the number of administered doses displayed on the dashboard will always lag behind the actual figure and that the data comes from the Virginia Immunization Information System , which is updated by providers across the state .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which a 140,000-dose order arrived last week , both require two shots three or four weeks apart , no healthcare worker in Virginia has been fully vaccinated at this time .
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Virginia – the other top priority group alongside healthcare personnel – will begin to receive the vaccines on site from CVS teams starting Monday thanks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program , according to CVS Health .
While the vaccines are certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will still take months for other priority groups and the general public to get vaccinated , and the VDH is asking Virginians to continue following health and safety protocols in the meantime .
In Virginia , there have been 336,175 COVID cases – 284,344 confirmed and 51,831 probable – as well as 4,861 deaths from the virus .
Additionally , 17,605 hospitalizations have occurred , but a note says that figure under-represents the total number , according to the VDH COVID-19 daily dashboard .
Currently , 2,231 patients who are confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure has been steadily rising since the end of September .
As of Monday , 1,411 ICU beds are occupied out of the 3,071 total when counting surge beds , representing 46 percent occupancy , according to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association COVID dashboard .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Judge Denies Lin Wood’s Restraining Order to Prevent Potential Senate Runoff Fraud

A federal judge on Monday morning tossed a temporary restraining order filed the evening before by attorney and Fulton County , Georgia voter Lin Wood seeking to block potentially fraudulent activities in the U.S. Senate runoff elections .
Atlanta Federal Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ’ s Atlanta Division made the decision , calling Wood ’ s claim “ speculative.
” Wood tweeted , “ Atlanta Federal Judge Timothy C. Batten , Sr. dismissed my GA lawsuit this morning at 11:12 am after I filed 270 pages of fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page order .
He must have been working on order for days or he is quicker than FBI in Nashville !
In short , Batten ruled that Wood did not have standing to file the restraining order .
Wood filed the restraining order against Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and the members of the Georgia State Election Board .
The Democratic Party of Georgia and DSCC intervened in the case .
Wood is a registered voter in Fulton County who plans to vote in the January 5 , 2021 runoff election in-person .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeding , arguing that “ Defendants are conducting it in a ‘ Manner ’ that differs from and conflicts with the election scheme established by the State Legislature.
” He contends that three aspects of Defendants ’ election scheme unconstitutionally contravene the Georgia legislature ’ s prescribed election procedures : 2. processing of absentee ballots prior to January 5 ; and The judge ’ s denial form said that Wood asked for : “ a declaration that Defendants ’ senatorial runoff election procedures violate his rights to due process , equal protection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government ; a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendants ’ election procedures in the runoff ; an order requiring Defendants to “ cure their violation ” ; and an order that Wood have access to absentee ballot mail-in envelopes received and/or processed thus far and access to view and verify the signatures against those on file.
” Raffensperger proclaimed victory over the denial of Wood ’ s restraining order .
He said on Facebook that he “ prevailed in another lawsuit seeking to overturn Georgia law.
” Also on Monday , Wood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DID ignore massive evidence of fraud .
Just like other courts & MSM have done .
Do they think We The People do not know evidence of fraud exists ?
Do they think we are ignorant ?
No hearing allowed .
Darn , I was going to discuss “ Sunset ” surveillance program.
” Earlier this month , Wood sued the state of Georgia , saying the state is violating the U.S. Constitution and Georgia law in its handling of next month ’ s runoff elections , Just the News reported .
Wood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in part , that Raffensperger has broken Georgia law by his alleged “ unlawful abrogation of the Georgia legislature ’ s statutory mail-in absentee ballot signature verification procedure.
” Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Senators Loeffler, Perdue Send Letter to Acting U.S. Consul General on Behalf of Georgia Teen Jailed

Senators Loeffler, Perdue Send Letter to Acting U.S. Consul General on Behalf of Georgia Teen Jailed for Breaking Cayman Island Quarantine

Senators Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) and David Perdue ( R-GA ) submitted a letter to the U.S. Embassy ’ s Acting Consul General requesting the release of Skylar Mack .
The senators expressed concern for the welfare of Mack , an 18-year-old college student jailed for breaking the Cayman Islands ’ quarantine rules .
In their letter , Loeffler and Perdue acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 and the Cayman Islands ’ authority to impose its pandemic-related regulations and sentencing .
However , according to the two senators , Mack has reportedly received a substantial amount of death threats for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has admitted guilt , regrets her actions , paid a substantial fine , and been incarcerated for over a week , ” wrote the senators .
“ However , it is the sincere hope of her parents that she can safely and expeditiously return home to continue her studies as a pre-med student at Mercer University .
Her family has also expressed serious concern about her safety , as she has received numerous threats against her life following the publicity of her case.
” Last month , Mack flew to the Cayman Islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , compete in a jet ski racing national championship .
Per the law , Mack was required to undergo a 14 day quarantine and given an electronic monitoring bracelet to wear on her wrist , as well as a cellphone containing an app called “ Stay Safe Cayman ” to log her quarantine location .
The Cayman Islands government will only release an individual from quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 on the 15th day of their quarantine .
It appears from a Facebook post that Mack may have already tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of August .
Researchers discovered in the past week that COVID-19 antibodies may last up to 8 months .
Several days into her quarantine , Mack learned that her entry PCR test results for COVID-19 were negative .
Mack removed the bracelet and left her hotel room to watch Ramgeet compete .
Authorities detained the pair after members of the public reported Mack for breaking quarantine .
Ramgeet was charged with aiding and abetting Mack .
Initially , Mack and Ramgeet were sentenced to 40 hours of community service and fined over $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a higher court viewed the original judgment as too lenient and sentenced Mack to four months ’ imprisonment on December 15th .
Mack appealed in return ; her sentence was reduced to two months .
Prior to her initial sentencing , Mack wrote several apology letters .
The student noted that the action was “ the biggest mistake of her life so far.
” According to the law , Mack could have received up to two years ’ prison time and a $ 10,000 fine .
Cayman Island law allows for sentences under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent .
According to this possibility , the couple ’ s attorney stated that Mack may be released by January 20th at the earliest .
The early release date would be nearly two weeks after Mack ’ s classes are scheduled to resume .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Skylar Mack ” by Skylar Mack and Vanjae Ramgeet is by Vanjae Ramgeet / Facebook .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Education Funding Reform Key to Curbing Ohio’s Inequality, Survey Says

A comprehensive educational funding reform effort pushed by the Ohio General Assembly into the next legislative session would substantially reduce what economists called inequality throughout the state .
Scioto Analysis , a Central Ohio-based economic and public policy analysis firm specializing in tax and budget policy at the state and local level , surveyed 30 economists from Ohio colleges and universities .
All but four agreed the plan would reduce inequality in the coming decades , but many also agreed it needed to be teamed with broader investments and smarter uses of money .
“ While access to quality education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is unfortunately not sufficient , ” Fadhel Kaboub , a Denison University professor , said .
“ Education must be coupled with investments in health , infrastructure , direct job creation and other public safety nets.
” The bill , which calls for a six-year complete phase it , could mean $ 2 billion more for education in Ohio .
However , according to State Sen. Matt Dolan ( R-Chagrin Falls ) who chairs the Senate Finance Committee , actual costs remain unknown .
While the plan passed the Ohio House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passage by the end of the year .
Instead , opting to offer funding for studies called for in the legislation that could provide more specifics on total costs .
Dolan plans to make school funding reform part of next year ’ s budget process .
University of Cincinnati professor Michael Jones feels how money , rather than how much money , is spent is key .
“ While funding is important – how the money is spent is more important for student success than the amount of money spent , ” Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic steps .
First , what is the base cost to educate a student and how much can local communities pay .
The proposed base cost plan would incorporate professional development for teachers , health , safety , social and emotional needs of students , academic and athletic activities , technology , building and district operations and leadership and staff .
A key change to local funding is the new plan will base 60 % of a districts local funding capacity on property values and 40 % on resident income .
Also , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voucher systems are paid .
The money will go to the school educating the student , rather than the home district and then passed on .
Scioto ’ s panelists generally agreed more equitable funding plays a critical role in student success .
Others , like the University of Toledo professor Kevin Egan , go so far as to stay funding distribution should also reflect income areas .
“ All students are our future workers , ” Egan said .
“ We should be spending more per pupil on education in the lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we spend less .
This is neither fair nor efficient.
” J.D .
Davidson is a regular contributor to The Center Square .
He is veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio , Georgia , Alabama and Texas .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Social Justice Favorites Including LGBT+, Climate Change Take a Prominent Role in the New Draft of S

Social Justice Favorites Including LGBT+, Climate Change Take a Prominent Role in the New Draft of Social Studies Standards in Minnesota

Minnesota ’ s newly proposed social studies standards for public schools place significant emphasis on race , gender , climate change and LGBT issues .
Under the first draft of the proposed standards , students will be asked to “ develop a respectful awareness about how ideas and norms about gender have changed over time , ” accept that “ some forms of slavery continued even after emancipation ” and learn how the “ fight for social justice ” continues today .
Students will also be asked to “ analyze how resistance movements in the U.S. have organized and responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and work toward an equitable and caring future ” in keeping with the social justice model .
“ The relationship between humans and the environment including climate change ” will also be a topic of study .
Another proposed benchmark states that students will “ learn to recognize unfairness , stereotypes , and bias on the individual level ( e.g.
, biased speech ) and injustice at the institutional or systemic level.
” The first draft of the new K-12 academic standards has been posted to the Department of Education website where Minnesotans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option to email comments directly to Doug Paulson , the director of state academic standards , at [ email protected ] or attend a series of virtual town hall meetings about the plan .
Jose Alvillar is an activist and a member of the committee responsible for the new social studies standards .
He ’ s glad that the new educational plan will “ challenge the Eurocentric pedagogy that prevails in our education system , ” according to the Pioneer Press .
However , both Alvillar and fellow committee member Aaliyah Hodge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go far enough .
“ This overwhelming dominance of Euro-America perspectives is not only damaging to our children ’ s identity but also leads many students of color to disengage as they don ’ t see themselves reflected , ” Hodge said , expressing that she wants the second draft to move even further away from traditional “ Euro-American ” topics .
During the last revision cycle , Paulson said the state chose to deemphasize learning names and dates in favor of more nebulous standards that favor classroom participation over knowledge of facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in this process , but no longer do .
The standards decided upon by education bureaucrats do not dictate specific curriculum , but schools must create classroom materials that address the standards .
A second draft of the proposed social studies standards will be available in February .
The final standards are expected to be approved by the education commissioner at the end of this school year for implementation by fall 2025 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-29--Tennessee’s Hall Tax Ends This Week, Promises New Economic Opportunities for the Volunteer State

Tennessee ’ s Hall Tax , as of this coming Friday , will cease to exist .
Experts say that will bring new opportunities to Tennessee and make the state ’ s economy more competitive .
The Hall Tax , instituted in 1929 , applies a 6 percent tax to Tennesseans ’ interest and dividend income .
In 2016 members of the Tennessee General Assembly phased out the Hall Income Tax over years of scheduled reductions .
On Monday , members of the Nashville-based Beacon Center of Tennessee said that “ the Hall Tax had long existed as an ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim to be income tax-free.
” “ The repeal of this tax was due in large part to the aggressive campaign by the Beacon Center , ” Beacon staff said in an emailed press release .
“ On January 1st , Tennessee will finally become truly income tax-free , ” Beacon Center CEO Justin Owen said in the press release .
“ This has been a long time coming and thanks to the work of both Beacon and the legislature , it has finally come to fruition .
Tennessee is now an even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alike to put down roots.
” Members of the Arlington , Virginia-based American Legislative Exchange Council , in their 2017 edition of Rich States , Poor States said that “ Americans in states with poor economic policies increasingly vote with their feet and move to states with better opportunities and brighter horizons.
” And Tennessee benefits , said report authors Art Laffer , Stephen Moore , and Jonathan Williams , in 2017 .
Laffer was on President Ronald Reagan ’ s Economic Advisory Board and is credited as “ the father of supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal .
Williams is ALEC ’ s chief economist .
Their report examined state migration trends and how tax policies affect those trends .
“ Taxes on investment income are often assumed to apply mostly to the rich , but not so with the Hall Tax , where more than half of those paying it earn less than $ 75,000 per year , ” the report said .
“ Most of those paying the 6 percent tax are hopeful entrepreneurs , working-class families , retirees and soon-to-be retirees who especially depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The authors said the tax forces fewer individuals to partake in those activities .
Revenue from that tax comprised less than 1 percent of Tennessee ’ s budget , making it “ unlikely to harm the state ’ s ability to fund its budget , ” they added .
Repealing that tax and the state ’ s death tax make Tennessee more competitive , the report said .
“ By repealing the death tax , lawmakers helped more small businesses and farms remain family-owned and put Tennessee on even footing with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for retirement and estate planning , ” the authors wrote .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Mimi Groves’ Lawyer Contradicts University of Tennessee Over Viral Video: ‘She Was Forced Out’

Mimi Groves is the epicenter of a social media backlash over a three-second video taken three years ago .
According her new lawyer , Groves was forced by the University of Tennessee ( UT ) to withdraw , and the person who originally posted the viral video was her friend .
CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor , Shanlon Wu , defends college students in university proceedings .
He took on Groves as a client shortly after The New York Times released their article on the incident the day after Christmas .
The renewed focus centered on Galligan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral .
In an interview with The Tennessee Star , Wu stated that previous reports didn ’ t reflect the full depth of Galligan and Groves ’ relationship .
The two were more than high school peers : they were friends .
However , Wu shared that Groves doesn ’ t harbor any ill feelings toward Galligan .
“ I think it says a lot about Mimi that she doesn ’ t have any ax to grind with him , ” stated Wu .
“ She wants no part of the social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him.
” Wu also explained the full context of the video .
“ She was 15 years old and expressing her excitement at just getting her driver ’ s permit .
She used a term she ’ d heard in popular music and culture and she should not have used it , ” stated Wu .
“ She has apologized and is appalled at her behavior.
” Groves ’ friends attested in that she apologized for the video “ long before it went viral , ” and has been remorseful of it ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is trying to excuse her conduct .
She feels awful that she said that .
[ But ] these sorts of actions need to be put into context , ” explained Wu .
“ That ’ s the whole point of conduct hearings and investigations .
Universities always say there ’ s an educational component to be gained from something , even mistakes like this .
This wasn ’ t [ taken ] as an opportunity to grow from something – they panicked and forced her out.
” In his own social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently that contain the same racial slur from the video .
Galligan has also posted YouTube videos using the same slur .
In one clip dated March 2019 , he described a drive-through worker serving their drinks as a “ n****.
” Groves ’ video went viral in the first few days of June .
Within 24 hours , Groves was removed from the cheer team and no longer enrolled at UT .
The university asserted that they conduct investigations on such matters .
“ Anytime the university receives a report , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Any reports relating to current students will go through existing bias reporting processes .
We review and address issues as they come up with the individuals involved.
” When The Star asked what policy guidelines were considered in Groves ’ case , Wu said that UT didn ’ t consider any because they didn ’ t investigate .
“ Our position is ‘ none.
’ I do a lot of college student defense , ” explained Wu .
“ Normally what happens is , let ’ s say , a student gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever it is – the university would notify them , and say that there ’ s an alleged violation , that they ’ re going to need to respond , investigate , and [ have ] a hearing possibly .
Our primary concern and complaint is that it was a classic rush to judgment .
There was an avalanche of social media pressure .
[ UT ] didn ’ t investigate at all.
” In a statement to The Star , UT said that Groves withdrew voluntarily .
Their statement contradicted initial reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimatum , following backlash from alumni , students , and the public in general .
But Wu affirmed the initial reports – that the university coerced Groves into withdrawing .
“ What really happened , in contrast to the university ’ s statement – which is very neutral and not too warm and fuzzy for her – [ is that they ] forced her out , ” explained Wu .
“ They gave her an ultimatum : either you withdraw , or we rescind your offer .
And , comments were made along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be very happy here [ at our school ] . '
” Wu also pointed out that other students were treated more leniently for egregious conduct – namely , student athletes .
The attorney cited Jeremy Banks , a UT football player , who was reinstated to the football team this past fall after confronting Knoxville police due to an illegal U-turn and an unpaid parking ticket .
During the encounter , Banks threatened the arresting officers .
The UT football player warned the woman participating in the ride-along that Tennessee police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to be an intern because where I ’ m from , we shoot at cops , ” stated Banks .
“ I ’ m from Memphis , Tennessee.
” A week after the incident , Banks issued an apology to UT and the police officers .
The program announced that they were “ looking forward to giving [ Banks ] a second chance ” in August – just two months after pushing Groves to withdraw .
Last year , UT faced several racially-related incidents .
One group of students was investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least one from that group chose to withdraw from the school , though it doesn ’ t appear that the other students left UT .
Another student , an Alpha Chi Omega sorority member , uttered the same racial slur on a Snapchat video ; she was expelled from her sorority , and it appears that she transferred to another university .
Wu stated that Groves isn ’ t seeking a lawsuit at this time .
Instead , they are hopeful that UT will investigate the matter properly and offer a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hat we ’ re hoping is that , now that some time has passed , cooler heads will prevail and the university will realize they made a hasty decision , and that they will come about and do the right thing here , ” said Wu .
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 ] .

by Eric Lendrum
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) announced on Thursday that the department is currently investigating 29 officers, and has suspended six, for their actions during the protests at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, according to CNN.
A department spokesman said that “Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not keeping in line with the Department’s Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline.” The six who were suspended will still be receiving pay, and the 29 total officers under investigation is nearly three times the amount of officers who were previously announced as being under investigation back in January.
Pittman said that, as part of the ongoing investigations, the USCP was “reviewing video and other open source materials of some USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of Department regulations and practices.” Some Democrats, including Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), have claimed, without evidence, that some officers openly supported the protesters, allowed them inside, and even guided them around the interior of the building.
During the mostly peaceful protests, Trump supporters entered the Capitol out of protest of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, as the questionable electoral college results were being formally tabulated by Congress. One Trump supporter, Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, was shot in the neck by a plainclothes police officer at close range; the officer who killed her will not be facing any charges for her death.
Several other people died that same day due to sudden medical conditions that had nothing to do with the protests, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick; Sicknick has been confirmed to have died of a stroke after it was erroneously reported that he had been beaten to death by protesters with a fire extinguisher.
– – –
Eric Lendrum reports for American Greatness.
Photo “Capitol Police” by Elvert Barnes. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Commentary: Heroes, Villains, and Victims of the 2020 Horror Show

The year began with so much optimism .
Record low unemployment , rising wages , and a strong stock market buoyed the outlook for business owners and consumers alike .
The president earned all-time high approval ratings following the Democrats ’ impeachment farce .
In February 2020 , Republicans enjoyed a seven-point lead over Democrats in party affiliation , an advantage the GOP hadn ’ t seen in at least 15 years .
The Democratic presidential primary field was a clown show ; party elders publicly worried that none of the candidates could prevail over President Trump in November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly caused by human malice and hubris , not the virus .
The year 2020 featured many villains , a handful of heroes , and millions of defenseless victims harmed by heartless authoritarians of both parties—politicians and bureaucrats consumed with power , arrogance , and an insatiable lust for the media ’ s approval .
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis : After barely beating Andrew Gillum in 2018 , DeSantis landed near the top of the Left ’ s hit list and has stayed there ever since .
DeSantis resisted calls in the spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smear campaign by the news media , which continue to vilify him to this day .
DeSantis navigated a summer surge that also hit other parts of the Sun Belt without coming close to the fatality rates endured in states such as New York and New Jersey , which were hailed as models by the Left .
In September , DeSantis lifted all restrictions on bars and restaurants and opened up nursing homes for family visits , later promising never to shut down again .
People and businesses are flocking to the Sunshine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 42 , now is viewed as a 2024 Republican presidential contender .
Dr. Scott Atlas : A neuroradiologist and Hoover Institution fellow , Atlas joined President Trump ’ s Coronavirus Task Force in August , six months too late .
An early proponent of a more realistic approach to COVID-19 , Atlas has been torched by the press , Democrats , public health “ experts , ” his Stanford colleagues , and even some in the White House .
But his views about herd immunity , mask use , and the human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The people who push lockdowns , Atlas told me this year , “ have blood on their hands.
” Sad , but true : History will be much kinder to Atlas than to the current tyrants in the media and “ expert ” class .
Alex Berenson , Team Reality : Only a very small handful of journalists and commentators objected in March to shutdown orders to “ flatten the curve.
” Former New York Times reporter and author Alex Berenson led the pack this year , challenging the groupthink of his peers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear .
Amazon briefly banned the sale of his ebook critical of lockdowns .
Others on Team Reality include Jordan Schachtel , Justin Hart , Aaron Ginn , Phil Kerpen , Daniel Horowitz , Steve Deace , Jesse Kelly , Tracy Beanz , and many others behind the scenes studying the actual science .
The New York Post : In October , after the Post published shocking information discovered on Hunter Biden ’ s laptop , the paper faced an onslaught of criticism .
Articles detailing the trove , which confirmed Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s involvement , were banned both by social media and traditional news outlets .
Twitter locked the Post ’ s account for two weeks ahead of Election Day .
Former intelligence officials , including John Brennan and James Clapper , signed a letter claiming the laptop materials were part of a “ Russian disinformation campaign.
” The paper has since been vindicated ; news reports published after the election confirm Hunter Biden is under federal criminal investigation .
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton : Rank-and-file Republican are rightly furious at top party officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud in key states .
Trump ’ s legal team was all over the place , clearly unprepared for the necessary court challenges .
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a solid lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court on December 7 , later joined by several other state attorneys general and more than 100 Republican congressmen , outlining election illegalities in four swing states .
Paxton ’ s filing should have been prepared by Team Trump and the Republican National Committee right after the election .
The high court , to its lasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Honorable mentions : Tucker Carlson , Chef Andrew Gruel , South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem , Senator Rand Paul , Rep. Andy Biggs , the Great Barrington Declaration authors , and California doctors Dan Erickson and Artin Massihi .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo : Of the many solid candidates for “ Villain of the Year ” occupying executive mansions on both sides of the aisle , Cuomo beats them all .
Cuomo did nothing to prepare his state for COVID-19 , admitting in March that New York had no plan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and acted as a “ super spreader ” for the rest of the country .
His Health Department issued deadly guidance in late March to readmit COVID patients to nursing homes .
New York has the second-highest fatality rate , nearly double Florida ’ s .
Yet despite his incompetence , Cuomo has been praised by the news media and pundit class .
He wrote a book patting himself on the back for his handling of the crisis and won an Emmy for his self-serving press conferences .
Shortly after , Cuomo began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as cases spiked .
Nothing beats Big Apple arrogance .
Dr. Anthony Fauci : Too much ground to cover here , but suffice it to say Fauci is almost single-handedly responsible for the catastrophe we now face as a country .
As I argued in April , the president should have sidelined Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx as soon as they validated dubious models forecasting widespread death and doom .
Trump , unfortunately , kept him on and Fauci quickly achieved rock star status ; the aging bureaucrat was viewed as the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself on everything including COVID ’ s fatality rate , face coverings , school closings , and most recently , herd immunity .
Nearly everyone has bought into Fauci ’ s messiah complex .
He graced the cover of InStyle magazine , an honor never extended to First Lady Melania Trump , and was on Time ’ s list for Person of the Year .
But no one did more damage to the economy , the country ’ s psyche , or our children ’ s future , than Anthony Fauci in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A highly-partisan scientific community exploited the coronavirus crisis to score political points against Donald Trump .
Only the “ experts ” were permitted to opine on how to handle the virus ; paycheck-safe academics and healthcare providers backed economic shutdowns without remorse .
Colleagues who dared to suggest anything other than the anti-Trump company line faced harsh condemnation .
The Centers for Disease Control published unscientific “ guidance , ” often based on studies from China , promoting outlandish advice such as to avoid singing during the holidays .
Its recommendations were used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which helped Joe Biden win the White House .
Mass gatherings , the experts insisted , must be forbidden .
That unquestionable advice , however , quickly changed during the George Floyd riots ; social justice prevailed over social distancing .
Hard to think of a group that burned its credibility more this year than our haughty credentialed class .
COVID-19 modelers : Dr. Neil Ferguson at Imperial College London ignited global hysteria with his March 16 model predicting 2.2 million Americans would die of the virus by the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pseudoscientific “ social distancing ” theory that has failed .
Ferguson quickly walked back his projections after much criticism ; he then was caught violating his own home isolation order when he visited his married lover in May .
Computer experts shredded his buggy code , but the damage was done .
Dr. Christopher Murray , head of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington , acted as Ferguson ’ s American doppelgänger .
In late March , Murray churned out similar models that warned the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fauci and Birx presented both models to President Trump in late March , convincing him to shut down the national economy for another month .
None of their dire predictions came true but the world is saddled with ineffective , destructive “ social distancing ” dogma for the foreseeable future .
Big Tech : Silicon Valley shaped America ’ s discourse in 2020 , and not for the better .
Doctors who questioned COVID-19 “ mitigation ” measures or promoted hydroxychloroquine were banned ; ditto for posts criticizing the efficacy of face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2020 presidential election resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars—at least—in unlawful in-kind contributions to Joe Biden and the Democrats .
Social media companies and internet search engines collaborated to suppress criticism about absentee voting ; dozens of the president ’ s tweets before the election were flagged , allegedly for containing “ disputed ” information , an absolutely laughable policy considering the same platforms allowed users to spread lies about Russian collusion , the Covington Catholic High School kids , and Brett Kavanaugh , just to name a few recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the contrary , never reined in Big Tech .
Section 230 is alive and well ; Silicon Valley oligarchs emerge as the biggest winners of 2020 .
Dishonorable mentions : The U.S. news media , the World Health Organization , China , Black Lives Matter , Antifa , “ peaceful protestors , ” Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler , Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer , California Governor Gavin Newsom , Ohio Governor Mike DeWine , the Lincoln Project , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio , Attorney General William Barr , Senator Mitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birx , the U.S. Supreme Court , and Dr. Scott Gottlieb .
Nearly everyone , except for those at the top , took a hit in 2020 .
More than 100,000 small businesses are shuttered for good .
Loved ones still can not comfort a spouse or parent during their final moments in a hospital ; the dying die alone .
But the biggest victims of 2020 are the youngest and the oldest .
Tens of millions of children have been isolated at home , struggling to learn anything via “ remote learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostage .
The pleasures of youth have been stripped from their lives never to be replaced—yet the Faucis and Cuomos of the world show no remorse .
College campuses resemble police states .
And there appears to be no end in sight .
At the same time , millions of senior citizens remain trapped in long-term care facilities , forbidden to see family or friends .
Nursing home residents are dying from “ failure to thrive ” as they wither away without human contact or touch .
Some have staged protests to no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country in human history with the most self-aggrandizing “ expert ” class can ’ t figure out how to safely allow grandmas to hug their grandchildren .
An unforgivable disgrace .
One person , however , deserves the title of Victim , Villain , and Hero of 2020 : Donald Trump .
Victim : In the eyes of the national news media , Donald Trump could do nothing right .
In 2020 , the media covered up any negative news about the Bidens while bolstering the Democrats ’ preposterous impeachment case against Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context , fueled unnecessary hysteria while solely blaming the president for every new case and death .
Democratic election officials in swing states broke absentee ballot laws to help Joe Biden win but the courts , including the Supreme Court , refused to intervene .
Republicans in Georgia capitulated to Democrats ’ demands , helping flip that state from red to blue in 2020 .
Most Republicans in Washington not only refused to back Trump , they are clearly eager to have him gone even though they benefited from having Trump at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With friends like these .
.
.
Villain : Trump ’ s refusal to cut loose people who openly undermine him is the president ’ s biggest flaw ; 2020 was his comeuppance on that score .
Rather than fire Fauci and Birx , Trump let them run the show and drive the nation ’ s thriving economy into the ground .
The pivotal moment in his presidency , when he heeded their treacherous advice to keep the economy shut down in April , would prove to be his undoing .
Trump did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CIA Director Gina Haspel , even as they continued to thwart his authority .
Attorney General William Barr should have been asked to resign when he said in September any charges stemming from Special Counsel John Durham ’ s probe into the Obama Administration ’ s meddling in the 2016 election would be delayed until after November 3 .
Trump didn ’ t have in place a solid legal team to successfully litigate valid instances of election fraud , instead relegating the job to longtime friends and unknowns .
Most of the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounds—and the country paid a steep price .
Hero : When few people , including top Republican leaders in Washington , refused to condemn Black Lives Matter rioters , President Trump did .
The president called out cowardly Democratic politicians who let Antifa and BLM thugs destroy their cities .
He defended the country ’ s history and Founders in a moving Fourth of July address at Mount Rushmore and created the 1776 Commission as an antidote to the “ 1619 Project.
” As he prepares to exit the White House , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s enemies , foreign and domestic , at a time when we needed it most .
In the din of 2020 , President Trump often emerged as the only steadfast leader willing to defend the country .
Unfortunately , 2021 isn ’ t looking much better .
Our countrymen are depressed , hopeless , and fearful .
A poll released this week shows only 29 percent of Americans think the country is on the right track .
Most Republicans think the election was stolen ; Joe Biden is not at all up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader of the free world .
It ’ s only a matter of time before President Kamala Harris occupies the Oval Office .
Trump , however , will continue to be the most powerful political leader in the country .
What he does with that power is up in the air .
Let ’ s hope he uses it for good—Lord knows we will need him to .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--14 Professors Busted for China Connections in 2020

Multiple professors and researchers have been exposed for their alleged ties to China in 2020 .
Ranging from allegedly lying to federal authorities , to attempting to steal proprietary research and information , the past months have shown several alleged secret Chinese agents working in American higher education .
In January , Chinese national and Harvard University medical student Zhaosong Zheng was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle cancer research , which the university had been working on for years .
He was reported to have received multiple payments from the Chinese Scholarship Council .
FBI agent Kara Spice stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my training and experience , that Zheng ’ s appointment at ( Beth Israel ) was not an accident , and that he was knowingly gathering and collecting intellectual property from BIDMC , possibly on behalf of the Chinese government.
” 2 .
Former Harvard chemistry chair faces more charges stemming from alleged China ties Former Harvard University Chemistry Department chair Charles Lieber allegedly lied about his ties to the Wuhan Institute of Technology .
In July , prosecutors filed additional charges against Lieber , alleging that he lied on his tax returns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
3 .
Researcher lies about grant applications , uses funds to develop medicine for China A former Ohio State and Penn State University researcher was arrested in May while attempting to fly from Alaska to China .
The researcher admitted to lying to federal authorities , admitting to having used federal grant funds as well as misusing his research .
A researcher at the University of Virginia was arrested in September for having stolen confidential and secure trade secrets from the university .
Haizhou Hu was apprehended as he was about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the FBI , the researcher was caught having been in “ possession of bio-inspired research simulation software code that he was not authorized to possess.
” A professor with alleged ties to China was indicted on two counts of passport fraud , and 42 counts of wire fraud .
U.S. authorities he “ received money and benefits from China ” FBI Special Agent Diane Upchurch stated , “ the significant federal charges leveled against Simon Ang demonstrate how real the PRC ’ s pervasive threat is to Arkansan innovation and businesses.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ August for having allegedly having transferred sensitive information to China , even attempting to dispose of a hard drive during the course of the investigation .
The Department of Justice said 29-year-old Guan Lei “ falsely “ den [ ied ] his association with the Chinese military ” during interviews with federal law enforcement officials .
Lei has since admitted that he participated in Chinese military training .
7 .
U Kansas professor indicted for working for Communist Party of China University of Kansas Associate Professor Feng Tao was indicted on two counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program fraud .
The indictment stated that he “ did not disclose any financial award accompanying his selection for the Changjiang Scholarship or salary for his appointment to FZU [ Fuzhou University ] .
” The indictment allegedly exposed Feng for his ties to the Changjang Professorship , which he joined in 2018 , and is described as a “ talent program sponsored by the PRC Government.
” Court records unearthed in February alleged that Emory University neuroscientist Xiojiang Li did not disclose his ties to China , and was fired in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly had ties to the Thousand Talents Program , which U.S. officials have characterized as a violation of “ U.S .
standards of research integrity.
” 9 .
University of Tennessee-Knoxville professor indicted over alleged secret ties to China University of Tennessee-Knoxville associate professor and researcher Amning Hu was arrested in March for his alleged ties to China .
He was charged with three accounts of wire fraud and three counts of making false statements .
Hu allegedly made false statements in an attempt to obtain more federal funding from NASA , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Technology in China.
” WVU Professor James Lewis admitted to taking paid paternity leave so that he could work for the Chinese Academy of Sciences .
Lewis was allegedly a part of China ’ s Thousand Talents Program , which the Department of Justice has said exists to “ lure overseas talent and foreign experts to bring their knowledge and experience to China and reward individuals for stealing proprietary information.
” 11 .
Former WVU prof admits to wire and tax fraud following official travel to China In July , another West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty to wire and tax fraud after traveling to China .
Qingyun also served as the Assistant Director of the US-China Energy Center at WVU .
He additionally served as the governor ’ s assistant for China affairs and worked for an energy conversion technology provider that operates in Virginia , but is based in Beijing .
Texas A & M professor and NASA researcher Zhengdong Cheng was arrested for alleged conspiracy , false statements , and wire fraud .
According to the United States Department of Justice , Cheng allegedly “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and collaboration with a Chinese University and at least one Chinese-owned company.
” 13 .
Former employee of Texas A & M-connected lab sentenced over ties to China In September , Turab Lookman was sentenced to probation for failing to disclose his ties to Beijing .
Lookman served at a laboratory co-owned by Texas A & M University and the University of California .
Lookman was found guilty after the FBI launched an investigation , which found him to be associated with the Chinese Thousand Talents Plan .
14 .
Western Reserve University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ties In May , Western Reserve University Professor Qing Wang was arrested for his alleged ties to China .
Qing allegedly failed to disclose that he received large amounts of grant money from the National Science Foundation of China while receiving nearly identical U.S. grants .
National Association of Scholars Communications Coordinator Chance Layton said that “ America ’ s colleges and universities are far too dependent on foreign nations.
” Layton added that many university administrators rely on the sponsorship of programs from nations such as “ Saudi Arabia , Qatar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” These international sponsors , he said , often “ establish satellite campuses in these nations where students and professors are expected to abide by the host country ’ s limitations on free speech , academic freedom , and even human rights.
” Layton said that universities “ fear the public knowing how much influence our foreign adversaries have bought at their institutions ” and that adversaries such as China , “ have found a soft target in America ’ s colleges.
” Alex Munguia is a Florida Campus Correspondent with Campus Reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida and majors in Computer Engineering and Information Systems .
He is currently a member of Turning Point USA on his campus and a State Content Writer for Convention of States Florida .
Photo “ Charles Leiber ” by the University of Harvard .
Photo “ Yi-Chi Shih ” by Yi-Chi Shih .
Background Photo “ Great Hall of the People and National Centre for the Performing Arts ” by Soramimi .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to California Farmers’ Case Against Government-Sanctioned Invasion o

Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to California Farmers’ Case Against Government-Sanctioned Invasion of Private Property

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought by the Pacific Legal Foundation on behalf of Cedar Point Nursery and Fowler Packing Company asking it to invalidate a California regulation requiring union employees to enter private property for roughly 360 hours a year .
The plaintiffs are suing the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board ( CALRB ) , its chairman , two board members and executive secretary , arguing a state regulation allowing union organizers to access private property for the purposes of soliciting support violates the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a seizure and taking of possessory interests in private property , including the right to exclude others , ” the plaintiffs argue .
A CALRB access regulation initially implemented in the mid-1970s and subsequently amended requires an easement to allow union organizers to enter a business ’ s private property three hours a day , 120 days a year .
In this case , the regulation imposes an easement across both properties of the plaintiffs .
Cedar Point and Fowler collectively employ roughly 3,000 Californians .
They are asking the court to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state can not allow unions to disrupt commercial operations on private property without paying compensation because their actions are essentially “ property taking.
” The issue began in 2015 when Cedar Point experienced disruptions caused by United Farm Workers ( UFW ) organizers protesting on their property .
Fowler denied access to the union on its property and the union filed a charge against it with the Board .
Since then , Cedar Point and Fowler have filed charges against the Board and the union has filed charges against Cedar Point and Fowler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it access rights to their properties .
The plaintiffs “ have reason to believe that the access regulation will be applied against them in the future , ” according to the complaint .
They also argue that there is a substantial likelihood that they will succeed on the merits of their claims “ that the regulation unconstitutionally takes and seizes private property ” and that being required to permit union trespassers to enter their property will cause irreparable injury absent a preliminary injunction .
“ The unconstitutional and illegal taking of a property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outweighs any harm the injunction might cause Defendants or the State of California , ” the complaint states , which asks for equitable relief and declaratory judgment , including a preliminary injunction .
Several organizations have filed amicus briefs on the plaintiffs ’ behalf , including the California Farm Bureau Federation , American Farm Bureau , Institute for Justice , Mountain State Legal Foundation , Cato Institute , and Louisiana ’ s Pelican Institute for Public Policy .
The case will be PLF ’ s 15th case before the Supreme Court .
Bethany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Square .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Tennessee’s Representatives Split on Party Lines for $2K CASH Act: Republicans Vote No, Both Democra

Tennessee’s Representatives Split on Party Lines for $2K CASH Act: Republicans Vote No, Both Democrats Vote Yes

The U.S. House passed the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Cash ( CASH Act ) last evening ; Tennessee ’ s representatives faced a partisan split on the bill .
The act tacks on $ 1,400 to the $ 600 payments within the massive year-end package signed by President Trump on Sunday .
The CASH Act passed in the House with a majority of 275 to 134 , and 21 abstained from voting .
One of the representatives who abstained from voting was Representative David ( Phil ) Roe ( R-TN-01 ) .
Of all House Republicans , 44 voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against it .
The rest of Tennessee ’ s Republican representatives voted no : Tim Burchett ( R-TN-02 ) , Scott DesJarlais ( R-TN-04 ) , Chuck Fleischmann ( R-TN-03 ) , Mark Green ( R-TN-07 ) , David Kustoff ( R-TN-08 ) , and John Rose ( R-TN-06 ) .
“ I voted no twice [ for ] $ 400 Billion with no offsets and blocking our ability to bring our troops home , ” wrote Burchett .
In a statement to The Tennessee Star , Fleischmann added that the bill didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out by President Donald Trump .
“ Speaker [ Nancy ] Pelosi refused to include a reduction in wasteful spending , instead she introduced a bill that only adds to our national deficit , ” said Fleischmann .
“ I have been talking to and listening to my constituents and I believe we can find better ways to deliver targeted relief to the American people .
I have voted for several bipartisan COVID relief packages and will continue to look at options to support my constituents as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Cooper ( D-TN-05 ) both voted yes on the bill .
Cohen praised the bill for increasing the stimulus check amount .
“ # StimulusChecks are good fiscal policy & good humanity .
Too many have suffered and direct payments will help ppl take a stab at making ends meet , ” wrote Cohen .
“ I was glad to vote for $ 2k checks today & I look forward to the next relief deal under a new admin .
# CASHAct [ . ]
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act on Tuesday .
Trump took to Twitter to express his displeasure over McConnell ’ s decision .
“ Unless Republicans have a death wish , and it is also the right thing to do , they must approve the $ 2000 payments ASAP , ” wrote Trump .
“ $ 600 IS NOT ENOUGH !
Also , get rid of Section 230 – Don ’ t let Big Tech steal our Country , and don ’ t let the Democrats steal the Presidential Election .
Get tough !
” It is unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the CASH Act .
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 ] .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Trump: ‘Unless Republicans Have a Death Wish,’ They Should Pass $2,000 Relief Checks for Americans

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thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Wants Special Legislative Session on Education

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday called on the Tennessee General Assembly to convene for a special legislative session to address what he said were “ urgent issues facing Tennessee students and schools.
” This , according to a press release that Lee ’ s staff published on the governor ’ s website .
Lee wants to schedule the special session to start on January 19 of next year to discuss the 2021-22 school year , the press release said .
Lee said on his Facebook page Tuesday that the special session will address learning loss , funding , accountability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense disruption for Tennessee ’ s students , educators , and districts , and the challenges they face must be addressed urgently , ” Lee said in the press release .
“ Even before the virus hit , and despite years of improvement , too many of our state ’ s students were still unable to read on grade level .
I ’ m calling on the legislature to join us in addressing these serious issues so we can equip our hardworking educators and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to set our students on the path to success.
” Preliminary data projects an estimated 50 percent decrease in proficiency rates in third-grade reading and a projected 65 percent decrease in proficiency in math , according to the press release .
“ This loss only exacerbates issues that existed prior to the pandemic , where only one third of Tennessee third graders were reading on grade level , ” the press release said .
The following officials said in the press release that they support the special session : “ Details on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Education in the near future , in addition to the department ’ s plans to implement a new literacy program , ‘ Reading 360 , ’ ” according to Lee ’ s press release .
“ The program will leverage one-time federal relief funding to support a phonics-based approach to literacy and will ensure Tennessee districts , teachers , and families are equipped with tools and resources to help students read on grade level by third grade.
” Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email protected ]


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Bernie Sanders to Filibuster Defense Bill Override Unless Senate Votes on $2,000 Checks

Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders said that he will filibuster a Senate override of President Donald Trump ’ s military bill veto unless the chamber votes on legislation providing $ 2,000 checks to Americans .
“ McConnell and the Senate want to expedite the override vote and I understand that , ” Sanders told reporters Monday evening .
“ But I ’ m not going to allow that to happen unless there is a vote , no matter how long that takes , on the $ 2,000 direct payment.
” The House overwhelmingly voted to override Trump ’ s NDAA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to do the same after originally passing the bill 84-13 .
Though the senator is unable to permanently block the override vote , he can delay it into 2021 , keeping senators in D.C. through the end of the year and possibly complicating things for Senate Republicans .
Though Trump said that the Senate would “ start the process ” on passing $ 2,000 checks when he signed the $ 900 relief bill Sunday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not committed to doing so and has yet to schedule a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Monday after a 275-134 vote , including 44 Republicans who voted in favor .
Before Trump came out in favor of $ 2,000 payments Senate Republicans largely held firm to the idea of $ 600 payments .
Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson twice blocked a bid for $ 1,200 from Sanders and Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley earlier this month .
A vote on $ 2,000 payments could also create complication for Georgia Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler , which was a factor in Sanders ’ ultimate decision , Politico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their support for higher payments , and a filibuster could result in them having to stay in D.C. through the new year instead of being on the campaign trial in the final days before their Jan. 5 runoffs .
Sander ’ s procedural move is rare , because a veto override already requires a two-thirds majority to pass instead of a simple majority , but is a delay tactic allowed under Senate rules , according to the Congressional Research Service .
“ The American people are desperate , and the Senate has got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Sanders said , according to Politico .
“ It would be unconscionable , especially after the House did the right thing , for the Senate to simply leave Washington without voting on this.
” Legislation authorizing $ 2,000 checks would need 60 votes to pass the Senate , meaning that 12 GOP senators would need to vote in favor assuming every Democrat does so as well .
Though unclear if $ 2,000 checks have that much support , some Republican senators , including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , have come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Bernie Sanders ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .


thetennesseestar--2020-12-30--Commentary: New COVID Checks Could Lead to End of Work as We Know It

The House has voted to expand direct payments to the American people from $ 600 per adult and $ 600 per child in the year-end Covid relief legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump , to $ 2,000 per adult and $ 600 per child , a move the President supports .
Under the newly signed law , an average family of four will be receiving a $ 2,400 check via direct deposit from the U.S. Treasury , coming atop the $ 3,400 they received in the CARES Act in the spring — a combined $ 5,800 in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that number up to $ 5,200 for the hypothetical family of four , or a total of $ 8,600 from the Covid relief bills , but the legislation seems to have no pathway in the Senate .
The original CARES Act was passed as 25 million Americans were losing their jobs to the state-led Covid economic lockdowns , including $ 525 billion for small businesses , $ 500 billion for critical industries , cities and states , $ 500 billion of additional checks to households , $ 130 billion for hospitals to fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion for state and local governments akin to the Obama stimulus of a decade ago , an additional $ 50 billion employee retention tax credit for companies , and the rest was a massive expansion of unemployment benefits that amounted to paid sick leave for every person who lost their jobs when the virus struck .
In particular , the small business relief supported 5.2 million small businesses and saved about 50 million jobs is credited with the rapid economic recovery with massive growth in the third quarter and 16.4 million recovered out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labor markets bottomed in April .
Now , under the new law , there is a $ 280 billion renewal of the Paycheck Protection Program that saved as many as 5.2 million small businesses and 50 million jobs last spring .
Another $ 16 billion for airlines and critical industries , another round of $ 600 checks plus a $ 600 child tax credit , and an extension of unemployment benefits with a $ 300-addon to regular benefits are also included .
Into the mix , President Trump will be requesting a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were included in the Covid legislation .
In a statement from the White House , President Trump said , “ I will send back to Congress a redlined version , item by item , accompanied by the formal rescission request to Congress insisting that those funds be removed from the bill .
I am signing this bill to restore unemployment benefits , stop evictions , provide rental assistance , add money for PPP [ Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses ] , return our airline workers back to work , add substantially more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more.
” Once the rescissions are back to Congress , both chambers would have 45 days of continuous session to act on them .
But the current session will end on Jan. 3 .
So , the rescissions most probably won ’ t be acted upon .
The question of financial assistance via direct payments , in the midst of the pandemic , is the question of reopening—and when can the American people expect life to go back to normal ?
That is why the focus must be on reopening America and states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Which on that count , we may be turning the corner .
Confirmed new Covid cases daily has been dropping since mid-December , according to official data , as the vaccine was released , from 280,000 on Dec. 11 down to 218,000 on Dec. 26 .
This mirrors projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , showing probable daily new cases peaked on Dec. 23 at 695,000 down to 646,000 on Dec. 28 and an expected decline in cases through the rest of winter .
As Americans for Limited Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ With the vaccine being distributed , the federal and state governments need to be planning reopening strategies , and any additional stimulus should be directed to ensuring that people get back to work , rather than bailing out governments or pretending there ’ s a money tree sitting outside the Capitol.
” Manning added , “ In the future it may be necessary to support industries and small businesses that continue to be negatively impacted by state government economic lockdowns , however the impulse to send everybody another check whether for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be resisted the same way that taking another hit on a highly addictive drug should be .
It may feel good when you do it , but it ’ s bad for you and everyone knows it.
” Manning is right .
When it comes to reopening , the incentive has to be to go back to work .
The dilemma is there needs to be work left to come back to .
The danger of the Covid relief checks is that they will become permanent — a perverse incentive not to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be vigilant in 2021 , to ensure that the current relief monies are not turned into universal income .
With 9 million Americans still on the sidelines after losing their jobs earlier this year , that would be a catastrophe and result in another lost generation of opportunity akin to the first Obama-Biden administration .
You can have work , or you can have universal income , but we will not have both .
Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government .