thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Fox News Poll Shows Biden/Klobuchar Ticket Beating Trump

A new Fox News poll predicts that voters would support a Joe Biden/Amy Klobuchar ticket over reelecting President Donald Trump in the 2020 election .
The poll was conducted between March 21 and 24 and shows Biden beating President Trump by nine percentage points in November .
Since Biden promised to pick a female running mate , the poll examined his odds with Sens .
Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) , Kamala Harris ( D-CA ) , and Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) as vice president .
With Klobuchar as Biden ’ s running mate , voters said they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 50 percent to 42 percent .
The numbers were identical for a potential Biden/Harris ticket .
A Biden/Warren ticket would defeat President Trump by 10 percentage points , according to the poll .
Overall , 63 percent of respondents said they support Biden ’ s promise to select a woman as his vice presidential running mate .
The poll found that 48 percent of voters approve of the president ’ s job performance while 51 percent disapprove .
In regards to the coronavirus outbreak , the poll found that 51 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response and 46 percent disapprove .
Another 53 percent said they believe the federal government could have slowed the spread of the virus if it had responded more quickly in the beginning .
Klobuchar suspended her presidential campaign in early March and quickly endorsed Biden in the race the night before her home state of Minnesota went to the polls .
Since then , rumors have been circulating that Biden will pick Klobuchar as his running mate , but the senator has declined to address the speculation .
“ I am not talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recent ABC interview and claimed she has not talked with Biden about joining the campaign .
“ There are great women throughout this country , and no one knows better about being vice president than Joe Biden , ” she added .
“ So he ’ ll make that decision .
I think right now we ’ re in a crisis .
That ’ s why people are turning to him.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo “ Joe Biden ” and “ Amy Klobuchar ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

A new Fox News poll predicts that voters would support a Joe Biden/Amy Klobuchar ticket over reelecting President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.
The poll was conducted between March 21 and 24 and shows Biden beating President Trump by nine percentage points in November. Since Biden promised to pick a female running mate, the poll examined his odds with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as vice president.
With Klobuchar as Biden’s running mate, voters said they would support the Democratic ticket over President Trump by 50 percent to 42 percent. The numbers were identical for a potential Biden/Harris ticket.
A Biden/Warren ticket would defeat President Trump by 10 percentage points, according to the poll.
Overall, 63 percent of respondents said they support Biden’s promise to select a woman as his vice presidential running mate.
The poll found that 48 percent of voters approve of the president’s job performance while 51 percent disapprove.
In regards to the coronavirus outbreak, the poll found that 51 percent of voters approve of the president’s response and 46 percent disapprove. Another 53 percent said they believe the federal government could have slowed the spread of the virus if it had responded more quickly in the beginning.
Klobuchar suspended her presidential campaign in early March and quickly endorsed Biden in the race the night before her home state of Minnesota went to the polls. Since then, rumors have been circulating that Biden will pick Klobuchar as his running mate, but the senator has declined to address the speculation.
“I am not talking about hypotheticals,” Klobuchar said in a recent ABC interview and claimed she has not talked with Biden about joining the campaign.
“There are great women throughout this country, and no one knows better about being vice president than Joe Biden,” she added. “So he’ll make that decision. I think right now we’re in a crisis. That’s why people are turning to him.”
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Joe Biden” and “Amy Klobuchar” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Michigan National Guard Prepares COVID-19 Response at TCF Center

The Michigan National Guard is helping Detroit prepare additional space to care for COVID-19 patients .
About 20 members of the Michigan National Guard will help the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) form a Federal Medical Station ( FMS ) at TCF Center in Detroit from Tuesday through today .
Those members will manage inventory to prepare for the care of those with COVID-19 .
National Guard members will help FEMA manage equipment inventory and prepare the FMS to receive COVID-19 cases if needed .
The FMS supports the TCF Center ’ s 1,000-bed care site with help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The State of Michigan is thankful for the sustaining presence of the men and women of the Michigan National Guard as we continue our work to slow the spread of COVID-19 , ” Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement .
“ The National Guard is a team of dedicated Michigan citizens invested as partners in navigating challenges that face our communities like COVID-19 , ” the governor continued .
“ The decision to use the TCF Center for the Federal Medical Station is absolutely necessary to … protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Duggan said in a statement .
“ I fully support the Governor ’ s leadership on this initiative.
” President Donald Trump on Monday approved Whitmer ’ s request to order up to 3,000 members of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard to complete humanitarian missions across the state for up to 90 days .
Those missions include distributing food and medical supplies , running mobile screening facilities , securing supply lines and disinfecting public spaces , according to a press release .
“ Today ’ s Michigan National Guard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 300 members that reside in the city limits , is a proud member of the community , ” Major General Paul Rogers said in a statement .
“ The Michigan National Guard stands ready to support Detroit in its fight against COVID-19.
” The state reported 7,615 positive COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday and 259 related deaths .
Michigan currently ranks third in the nation for states hardest hit by COVID-19 .
COVID-19 significantly impacted the city of Detroit , with 2,080 reported cases and 75 deaths .
Scott McClallen is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Center Square .

by Scott McClallen
The Michigan National Guard is helping Detroit prepare additional space to care for COVID-19 patients.
About 20 members of the Michigan National Guard will help the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) form a Federal Medical Station (FMS) at TCF Center in Detroit from Tuesday through today.
Those members will manage inventory to prepare for the care of those with COVID-19.
National Guard members will help FEMA manage equipment inventory and prepare the FMS to receive COVID-19 cases if needed.
The FMS supports the TCF Center’s 1,000-bed care site with help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The State of Michigan is thankful for the sustaining presence of the men and women of the Michigan National Guard as we continue our work to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement.
“The National Guard is a team of dedicated Michigan citizens invested as partners in navigating challenges that face our communities like COVID-19,” the governor continued.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he supports Whitmer’s plan.
“The decision to use the TCF Center for the Federal Medical Station is absolutely necessary to … protect the health of the residents of Michigan,” Duggan said in a statement. “I fully support the Governor’s leadership on this initiative.”
President Donald Trump on Monday approved Whitmer’s request to order up to 3,000 members of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard to complete humanitarian missions across the state for up to 90 days.
Those missions include distributing food and medical supplies, running mobile screening facilities, securing supply lines and disinfecting public spaces, according to a press release.
“Today’s Michigan National Guard, with its two readiness centers and more than 300 members that reside in the city limits, is a proud member of the community,” Major General Paul Rogers said in a statement.
“The Michigan National Guard stands ready to support Detroit in its fight against COVID-19.”
The state reported 7,615 positive COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday and 259 related deaths. Michigan currently ranks third in the nation for states hardest hit by COVID-19.
COVID-19 significantly impacted the city of Detroit, with 2,080 reported cases and 75 deaths.
– – –
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Michigan Offering Grants To Small Businesses Looking to Retool for Coronavirus Pandemic

Grants are now available for small businesses looking to retool their companies to help manufacture goods in response to the coronavirus pandemic , the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced on Wednesday .
The Pure Michigan Business Connect program will provide a total of $ 1 million in grants to small manufacturers in the state , awarding grants from $ 10,000 up to $ 150,000 .
“ Michigan has the manufacturing strength , innovation and determination to lead the charge in establishing an arsenal of health to address the shortage of critical supplies we are facing as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Burton in a statement .
“ The PMBC COVID-19 Emergency Access and Retooling Grants program will provide immediate assistance to small businesses around the state who are ready to step up and use their manufacturing know-how and retool to support recovery efforts in this time of need.
” The grants can be used to purchase manufacturing equipment for critical supplies , including the cost of logistics and shipping costs .
They can also be used for technology upgrades and other costs of operationalizing new production lines .
The MEDC announced last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for small businesses impacted by the pandemic through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program , which will provide up to $ 20 million in grants and loans .
As of Wednesday afternoon , Michigan has more than 9,300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
The death toll for the state is 337 .
The United States currently has more than 186,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 3,603 deaths , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Applications to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rolling basis until the total $ 1 million in grant funds are awarded , the MEDC said .
Businesses can submit an application at https : //pmbc.connect.space/covid19/forms .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ] Photo “ Pure Michigan ” by PunkToad .
CC BY 2.0 .

Grants are now available for small businesses looking to retool their companies to help manufacture goods in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced on Wednesday.
The Pure Michigan Business Connect program will provide a total of $1 million in grants to small manufacturers in the state, awarding grants from $10,000 up to $150,000.
“Michigan has the manufacturing strength, innovation and determination to lead the charge in establishing an arsenal of health to address the shortage of critical supplies we are facing as a result of the COVID-19 virus,” said MEDC CEO Mark Burton in a statement. “The PMBC COVID-19 Emergency Access and Retooling Grants program will provide immediate assistance to small businesses around the state who are ready to step up and use their manufacturing know-how and retool to support recovery efforts in this time of need.”
The grants can be used to purchase manufacturing equipment for critical supplies, including the cost of logistics and shipping costs. They can also be used for technology upgrades and other costs of operationalizing new production lines.
The MEDC announced last week that it is also offering financial assistance for small businesses impacted by the pandemic through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, which will provide up to $20 million in grants and loans.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Michigan has more than 9,300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The death toll for the state is 337.
The United States currently has more than 186,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 3,603 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Applications to the retooling program will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the total $1 million in grant funds are awarded, the MEDC said.
Businesses can submit an application at https://pmbc.connect.space/covid19/forms.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]
Photo “Pure Michigan” by PunkToad. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Ohio To Begin Tracking Ventilators in State

Ohio announced on Wednesday that it would begin tracking the number of ventilators and similar devices existed in the state .
Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton issued an order on Wednesday requiring weekly reporting from all parts of the supply chain , including manufacturers , producers , wholesalers , transporters , distributors , retailers , physicians , clinics , hospitals and medical facilities .
The reporting takes place online and must occur every Wednesday before 5 p.m. , starting on April 1 .
“ This will allow for the identification and re-distribution of machines from healthcare providers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine in a statement .
“ It also will help our regional hospital collaboratives by giving them information on the availability of these machines in their regions.
” CPAP and BiPAP machines , commonly used to treat sleep apnea , are to be reported in addition to mechanical ventilators .
Anesthetic machines , bag valve masks and nasal cannulas will also be tracked , among others , according to the tracking questionnaire available on Ohio ’ s website .
Ventilators possessed and used by individuals and ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered to or from other states are exempt from the count .
Acton ’ s order said that the state will track the inventory of ventilators and related items until Ohio ’ s State of Emergency orders are no longer in effect .
The order comes on the heels of DeWine extending teleworking orders for state employees and extending school closures until May 1 .
As of Wednesday , Ohio has more than 2,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state , according to the Ohio Department of Health .
These cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
The United States has more than 186,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The death toll for the United States is more than 3,600 .
Ventilation inventory can be submitted here .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter for The Michigan Star .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ] Photo “ Amy Acton ” by The Ohio Channel .

Ohio announced on Wednesday that it would begin tracking the number of ventilators and similar devices existed in the state.
Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton issued an order on Wednesday requiring weekly reporting from all parts of the supply chain, including manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, transporters, distributors, retailers, physicians, clinics, hospitals and medical facilities. The reporting takes place online and must occur every Wednesday before 5 p.m., starting on April 1.
“This will allow for the identification and re-distribution of machines from healthcare providers who are no longer performing elective procedures,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in a statement. “It also will help our regional hospital collaboratives by giving them information on the availability of these machines in their regions.”
CPAP and BiPAP machines, commonly used to treat sleep apnea, are to be reported in addition to mechanical ventilators. Anesthetic machines, bag valve masks and nasal cannulas will also be tracked, among others, according to the tracking questionnaire available on Ohio’s website.
Ventilators possessed and used by individuals and ventilators in transit across Ohio but are being delivered to or from other states are exempt from the count.
Acton’s order said that the state will track the inventory of ventilators and related items until Ohio’s State of Emergency orders are no longer in effect. The order comes on the heels of DeWine extending teleworking orders for state employees and extending school closures until May 1.
As of Wednesday, Ohio has more than 2,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state, according to the Ohio Department of Health. These cases have resulted in 679 hospitalizations and 65 deaths.
The United States has more than 186,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The death toll for the United States is more than 3,600.
Ventilation inventory can be submitted here.
Read the full order here.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter for The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]
Photo “Amy Acton” by The Ohio Channel.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Treatment for Cancer Patients Delayed But Abortions Allowed to Continue in Minnesota

House Republican leaders sent a letter Friday to Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz asking him to clarify the status of surgical abortions during the coronavirus pandemic .
A March 19 executive order issued by Walz called for the delay of all elective and non-essential surgeries , but didn ’ t make any mention of abortion providers .
His March 25 shelter-in-place order , however , classified “ reproductive health care ” as an exempted critical sector .
“ According to the Department of Health , elective abortions continue to take place , even as we hear from constituents about critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled , ” House Republican leaders said in their letter to Walz .
They asked the governor to “ make clear ” that his March 19 executive order applies to surgical abortions .
“ Most abortions clearly fall under the category of ‘ elective ’ or ‘ non-essential ’ as those terms are described in the executive order , ” said the letter .
“ The postponement of elective procedures is crucial both to minimize transmission of the coronavirus and to free up scarce medical resources like personal protective equipment.
” A spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MDH ) told The Star Tribune Tuesday that the “ order does not apply to the full suite of family planning services.
” Walz ’ s office deferred all questions on the matter to the MDH , meaning surgical abortions are allowed to proceed .
One reporter said on Twitter that hospitals are “ canceling urgent surgeries such as cancer biopsies ” while some patients are being asked or told “ to delay chemotherapy.
” Republican governors across the country are prohibiting surgical abortions as elective or non-essential procedures .
The intent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stockpile of personal protective equipment , particularly N95 respirator masks .
In Iowa , the ACLU and Planned Parenthood sued Republican Gov .
Kim Reynolds after she declared that surgical abortions are prohibited under an emergency order she issued .
“ Abortion is an essential , time-sensitive medical procedure , as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology have recognized , ” Erin Davison-Rippey , Iowa executive director of Planned Parenthood , said in a statement .
“ We are in a critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic , not politicize health care services that are constitutionally protected.
” Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

House Republican leaders sent a letter Friday to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz asking him to clarify the status of surgical abortions during the coronavirus pandemic.
A March 19 executive order issued by Walz called for the delay of all elective and non-essential surgeries, but didn’t make any mention of abortion providers. His March 25 shelter-in-place order, however, classified “reproductive health care” as an exempted critical sector.
“According to the Department of Health, elective abortions continue to take place, even as we hear from constituents about critical surgeries and medical treatments being postponed or canceled,” House Republican leaders said in their letter to Walz.
They asked the governor to “make clear” that his March 19 executive order applies to surgical abortions.
“Most abortions clearly fall under the category of ‘elective’ or ‘non-essential’ as those terms are described in the executive order,” said the letter. “The postponement of elective procedures is crucial both to minimize transmission of the coronavirus and to free up scarce medical resources like personal protective equipment.”
A spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) told The Star Tribune Tuesday that the “order does not apply to the full suite of family planning services.” Walz’s office deferred all questions on the matter to the MDH, meaning surgical abortions are allowed to proceed.
One reporter said on Twitter that hospitals are “canceling urgent surgeries such as cancer biopsies” while some patients are being asked or told “to delay chemotherapy.”
Frustrated by a “stay at home” order? Try being a cancer patient right now. It’s not just elective surgeries being canceled. Hospitals are also canceling urgent surgeries such as cancer biopsies, and some patients are being asked/told to delay chemotherapy. https://t.co/XZ7H44UmLj — Colleen Kelly (@onecolleen) March 28, 2020
Republican governors across the country are prohibiting surgical abortions as elective or non-essential procedures. The intent of these orders is to preserve the nation’s stockpile of personal protective equipment, particularly N95 respirator masks.
In Iowa, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood sued Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds after she declared that surgical abortions are prohibited under an emergency order she issued.
“Abortion is an essential, time-sensitive medical procedure, as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology have recognized,” Erin Davison-Rippey, Iowa executive director of Planned Parenthood, said in a statement. “We are in a critical moment for our state when we must come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, not politicize health care services that are constitutionally protected.”
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-04-02--Model Predicts 159 Tennesseans Will Die in Single Day at Peak of Coronavirus Pandemic

A new model produced by the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) predicts that 159 people will die in a single day at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in Tennessee .
Nationally , IHME ’ s analysis estimates that 93,765 people will die from the virus over the next four months .
The forecast predicts that hospitals across the U.S. could be overwhelmed by the second full week of April because of an increase in demand for ICU beds .
( The numbers in this story are based on the model ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Specifically , the forecast predicts that 41 states will need more ICU beds than they have while 11 states may need to increase their ICU capacity by 50 percent .
“ Our estimated trajectory of COVID-19 deaths assumes continued and uninterrupted vigilance by the general public , hospital and health workers , and government agencies , ” Dr. Christopher Murray , director of the IHME at the University of Washington ’ s School of Medicine , said in a press release .
“ The trajectory of the pandemic will change – and dramatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on social distancing or relax with other precautions .
We encourage everyone to adhere to those precautions to help save lives , ” he added .
Murray said the model was developed in response to requests from hospital systems and state governments to help determine when COVID-19 would overwhelm their ability to care for patients .
Overall , the model predicts that the country will reach peak resource use on April 16 .
At the peak of the pandemic , the country will need 38,849 ICU beds and will have a shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IHME model .
The forecast predicts that the virus will reach its peak on April 16 – when a projected 2,607 Americans will die .
In Tennessee , the virus is projected to reach its peak on April 20 and will result in 159 fatalities in a single day .
In total , the forecast estimates that the state will have 3,259 deaths over the next four months .
The forecast shows that Tennessee will need 2,301 ICU beds at the peak of the pandemic and currently has a shortage of 1,672 beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus won ’ t reach its peak in Kentucky until May 14 and estimates that the state will only have 15 deaths on that day .
IHME said it will update the forecast routinely to provide real-time predictions for hospital systems and elected officials .
The model is based on several data sources , including : • Data from the American Hospital Association on licensed hospital bed and ICU capacity and average annual utilization of these services by state • Data on COVID-19-related demand for ICU services in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italy , South Korea , and the U.S. As of Wednesday afternoon , Tennessee had 2,683 confirmed COVID-19 cases , 200 hospitalizations , and 24 deaths .
The state has tested 32,452 individuals for the virus .
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star .
Follow Anthony on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .

A new model produced by the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) predicts that 159 people will die in a single day at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in Tennessee.
Nationally, IHME’s analysis estimates that 93,765 people will die from the virus over the next four months. The forecast predicts that hospitals across the U.S. could be overwhelmed by the second full week of April because of an increase in demand for ICU beds. (The numbers in this story are based on the model’s predictions as of Wednesday afternoon).
Specifically, the forecast predicts that 41 states will need more ICU beds than they have while 11 states may need to increase their ICU capacity by 50 percent.
“Our estimated trajectory of COVID-19 deaths assumes continued and uninterrupted vigilance by the general public, hospital and health workers, and government agencies,” Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the IHME at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, said in a press release.
“The trajectory of the pandemic will change – and dramatically for the worse – if people ease up on social distancing or relax with other precautions. We encourage everyone to adhere to those precautions to help save lives,” he added.
Murray said the model was developed in response to requests from hospital systems and state governments to help determine when COVID-19 would overwhelm their ability to care for patients.
Overall, the model predicts that the country will reach peak resource use on April 16. At the peak of the pandemic, the country will need 38,849 ICU beds and will have a shortage of 18,905 beds, according to the IHME model.
The forecast predicts that the virus will reach its peak on April 16 – when a projected 2,607 Americans will die. In Tennessee, the virus is projected to reach its peak on April 20 and will result in 159 fatalities in a single day. In total, the forecast estimates that the state will have 3,259 deaths over the next four months.
The forecast shows that Tennessee will need 2,301 ICU beds at the peak of the pandemic and currently has a shortage of 1,672 beds.
For comparison, the model predicts that the virus won’t reach its peak in Kentucky until May 14 and estimates that the state will only have 15 deaths on that day.
IHME said it will update the forecast routinely to provide real-time predictions for hospital systems and elected officials. The model is based on several data sources, including:
Local governments, national governments, and the World Health Organization
Government declarations on implementation of social distancing policies
Data from the American Hospital Association on licensed hospital bed and ICU capacity and average annual utilization of these services by state
Data on COVID-19-related demand for ICU services in the United States
Age-specific death rate data from China, Italy, South Korea, and the U.S.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Tennessee had 2,683 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 200 hospitalizations, and 24 deaths. The state has tested 32,452 individuals for the virus.
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-04-01--Carol Swain Commentary: Coronavirus and the Politics Behind It

On March 12 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the human coronavirus a pandemic , which is defined as a global outbreak of a disease .
The existence of the coronavirus has created a worldwide panic .
Among the things I don ’ t understand : why this virus , compared with others before it , warrants shutting down the United States and killing its economy .
Our nation survived 9/11 , Swine Flu , and H1N1 .
But coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , together with the politics behind it , threatens to annihilate us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look at the coronavirus numbers objectively , we might ask if the actual number of deaths and infections so far justify the measures taken around the world to contain the virus .
Globally , the world has a population of 7.8 billion people .
As of March 31 , Worldometer , which is tracking the disease , reported 803,547 infections and 39,045 deaths .
New York City ( NYC ) , the epicenter of the disease in the United States , leads the news coverage because it has had the highest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1,200 were dead in New York State , 914 in NYC .
There were 66,500 infections statewide , with 36,221 ( more than half ) of those in NYC .
The population of New York City is 8.6 million people ; for all of New York State it is 19.5 million .
So , while NYC has 44 % of its state ’ s population , it has 54.5 % of the state ’ s infected residents .
The United States has 327 million people .
As of March 31 , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 3,073 deaths .
A significant portion of those infections and deaths involved New York residents .
Since we are on the subject of deaths , we should also consider the number of abortions annually in the U.S. : 862,320 in 2017 , down from 926,190 in 2014 .
Do the math , and it ’ s clear that many more unborn babies are being killed every year in America than there are people dying from coronavirus ( so far ) .
But take a guess which one of those is rockin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s big-time media advertising revenue to be made from coronavirus , helped along by overamped alarmist coverage .
Only essential services are supposed to be open during this pandemic , yet some states are allowing abortion clinics to remain open .
It would seem killing unborn babies is essential business .
New York is one of these places .
All Womens Medical ’ s New York website states : “ We are Open .
We are doing Abortions , which are an essential medical service.
” The worldometers website has compared the fatality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viruses .
According to their data , the “ case fatality rate with seasonal flu in the United States is less than 0.1 % ( 1 death per every 1,000 cases ) .
” The mortality rate for SARs was 10 % and MERS 34 % .
The rate for the coronavirus ( 2019-nCoV ) is estimated at 2 % of those who contract the disease .
Because the disease is ongoing , it is impossible to get an exact fatality rate .
We have had doomsday predictions from the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other modelers have led to panic and hysteria among the public .
On March 12 , Dr. Amy Acton , Ohio ’ s Department of Health director , issued a statement proclaiming that 100,000 Ohioans had coronavirus .
When pressed about the accuracy of her numbers , Acton conceded she was guesstimating .
Likewise , on March 13 , The New York Times reported that Matthew Biggerstaff , a top CDC disease modeler , presented four scenarios with his worst case projecting that “ between 160 million and 214 million people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ] .
.
.
As many as 200,000 to 1.7 million people could die.
” The models are only as good as the data and the assumptions fed into them .
Two Stanford professors are among scientists who have questioned the predictions of the virus models used to make decisions about the death rate and the shutdown of the country .
These scientists believe that there has been a selection bias in the testing for COVID-19 because the persons presenting themselves for testing are already sick .
Healthy people are not being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writer for The Federalist , has reported an online interactive predictive map called COVID Act Now being used by cities , towns , and states to make planning decisions about how to handle the coronavirus .
At the top of their website in bold letters are these words : “ Why You Must Act Now .
Public Leaders and Health Officials : The only thing that matters right now is the speed of your response .
This model is intended to help make fast decisions , not to predict the future.
” Osburn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on COVID Act Now ’ s dire predictions about deaths and hospital capabilities in their states and cities to make decisions about shutting down businesses .
Politics , Osburn argues , is at the heart of the matter .
She writes : “ Founders of the site include Democratic Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and three Silicon Valley tech workers and Democratic activists — Zachary Rosen , Max Henderson , and Igor Kofman — who are all also donors to various Democratic campaigns and political organizations.
” COVID Act Now ’ s website scares officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where coronavirus virus cases are almost non-existent .
Osburn cites Jessica Hamzelou ’ s NewScientist article that questions COVID Act Now and other modelers ’ heavy reliance on the UK ’ s Imperial Team as the primary source of data and flawed assumptions built into the primary source that can skew projections .
As it stands , we do not know how many people in the U.S. will contract the disease and how many will die .
Statistical modeling is an inexact science that is frequently wrong .
On March 29 , President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of time Americans have to practice social distancing to April 30 .
The team believes that the number of deaths in the U.S. can be held down to between 100,000-200,000 , rather than the predicted 2.2 million if nothing was done .
To repeat : our nation has 327 million people .
There are other diseases you are more likely to die from than the coronavirus .
Here ’ s the CDC ranking of the top 10 causes of death in America : I am concerned about the politization of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wreck the economy .
Note how President Trump was originally calling for a stimulus package of around $ 1 trillion .
The final legislation was more than double that once Democrats like Nancy Pelosi sunk their teeth into it , adding billions of dollars in legislative fat and pork that had zero to do with the coronavirus .
Years from now , I believe the American people will look back at this period with regret about media manipulation and gamesmanship that placed us in a reactive mode .
What is different about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have not had that with previous pandemics .
What we are watching and living through includes raw politics and the desire of Democrats to win the November elections by any means necessary .
As Chicago ’ s Rahm Emmanuel famously said : “ You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.
” That pertains to the media as much as it does to politics .
Calculating politics comes at a price .
We have taught America ’ s enemies how easily we can be manipulated as a people .
Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have done at gunpoint .
Carol M. Swain is a former tenured professor at Vanderbilt and Princeton universities .
Her Be The People News blog and podcast empower individuals to think independently , understand their responsibilities , and make a difference in the world .

by Dr. Carol M. Swain
On March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the human coronavirus a pandemic, which is defined as a global outbreak of a disease. The existence of the coronavirus has created a worldwide panic. Among the things I don’t understand: why this virus, compared with others before it, warrants shutting down the United States and killing its economy. Our nation survived 9/11, Swine Flu, and H1N1. But coronavirus (COVID-19), together with the politics behind it, threatens to annihilate us.
A Look at the Statistics
When we look at the coronavirus numbers objectively, we might ask if the actual number of deaths and infections so far justify the measures taken around the world to contain the virus. Globally, the world has a population of 7.8 billion people. As of March 31, Worldometer, which is tracking the disease, reported 803,547 infections and 39,045 deaths.
New York City (NYC), the epicenter of the disease in the United States, leads the news coverage because it has had the highest number of deaths. As of March 30, 1,200 were dead in New York State, 914 in NYC. There were 66,500 infections statewide, with 36,221 (more than half) of those in NYC. The population of New York City is 8.6 million people; for all of New York State it is 19.5 million. So, while NYC has 44% of its state’s population, it has 54.5% of the state’s infected residents.
The United States has 327 million people. As of March 31, there were 164,785 coronavirus infections ranging in severity, with 3,073 deaths. A significant portion of those infections and deaths involved New York residents.
Since we are on the subject of deaths, we should also consider the number of abortions annually in the U.S.: 862,320 in 2017, down from 926,190 in 2014. Do the math, and it’s clear that many more unborn babies are being killed every year in America than there are people dying from coronavirus (so far). But take a guess which one of those is rockin’ news coverage 24/7. There’s big-time media advertising revenue to be made from coronavirus, helped along by overamped alarmist coverage.
Only essential services are supposed to be open during this pandemic, yet some states are allowing abortion clinics to remain open. It would seem killing unborn babies is essential business. New York is one of these places. All Womens Medical’s New York website states: “We are Open. We are doing Abortions, which are an essential medical service.”
Coronavirus fatality rate and statistical modeling
The worldometers website has compared the fatality rate of the coronavirus with other recent viruses. According to their data, the “case fatality rate with seasonal flu in the United States is less than 0.1% (1 death per every 1,000 cases).” The mortality rate for SARs was 10% and MERS 34%. The rate for the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is estimated at 2% of those who contract the disease. Because the disease is ongoing, it is impossible to get an exact fatality rate.
We have had doomsday predictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other modelers have led to panic and hysteria among the public. On March 12, Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s Department of Health director, issued a statement proclaiming that 100,000 Ohioans had coronavirus. When pressed about the accuracy of her numbers, Acton conceded she was guesstimating. Likewise, on March 13, The New York Times reported that Matthew Biggerstaff, a top CDC disease modeler, presented four scenarios with his worst case projecting that “between 160 million and 214 million people in the United States could be infected [and] . . . As many as 200,000 to 1.7 million people could die.”
The models are only as good as the data and the assumptions fed into them. Two Stanford professors are among scientists who have questioned the predictions of the virus models used to make decisions about the death rate and the shutdown of the country. These scientists believe that there has been a selection bias in the testing for COVID-19 because the persons presenting themselves for testing are already sick. Healthy people are not being tested.
Madeline Osburn, a staff writer for The Federalist, has reported an online interactive predictive map called COVID Act Now being used by cities, towns, and states to make planning decisions about how to handle the coronavirus. At the top of their website in bold letters are these words: “Why You Must Act Now. Public Leaders and Health Officials: The only thing that matters right now is the speed of your response. This model is intended to help make fast decisions, not to predict the future.” Osburn quotes leaders across America who have relied on COVID Act Now’s dire predictions about deaths and hospital capabilities in their states and cities to make decisions about shutting down businesses.
Politics, Osburn argues, is at the heart of the matter. She writes: “Founders of the site include Democratic Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and three Silicon Valley tech workers and Democratic activists — Zachary Rosen, Max Henderson, and Igor Kofman — who are all also donors to various Democratic campaigns and political organizations.”
COVID Act Now’s website scares officials into acting quickly, even in areas where coronavirus virus cases are almost non-existent. Osburn cites Jessica Hamzelou’s NewScientist article that questions COVID Act Now and other modelers’ heavy reliance on the UK’s Imperial Team as the primary source of data and flawed assumptions built into the primary source that can skew projections. As it stands, we do not know how many people in the U.S. will contract the disease and how many will die. Statistical modeling is an inexact science that is frequently wrong.
On March 29, President Trump and his coronavirus team extended the period of time Americans have to practice social distancing to April 30. The team believes that the number of deaths in the U.S. can be held down to between 100,000-200,000, rather than the predicted 2.2 million if nothing was done. To repeat: our nation has 327 million people. There are other diseases you are more likely to die from than the coronavirus. Here’s the CDC ranking of the top 10 causes of death in America:
Heart disease: 647,457 Cancer: 599,108 Accidents (unintentional injuries): 169,936 Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 160,201 Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 146,383 Alzheimer’s disease: 121,404 Diabetes: 83,564 Influenza and pneumonia: 55,672 Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 50,633 Intentional self-harm (suicide): 47,173
I am concerned about the politization of the virus and the efforts from the Left to wreck the economy. Note how President Trump was originally calling for a stimulus package of around $1 trillion. The final legislation was more than double that once Democrats like Nancy Pelosi sunk their teeth into it, adding billions of dollars in legislative fat and pork that had zero to do with the coronavirus.
Years from now, I believe the American people will look back at this period with regret about media manipulation and gamesmanship that placed us in a reactive mode. What is different about this disease is the non-stop media coverage. We have not had that with previous pandemics. What we are watching and living through includes raw politics and the desire of Democrats to win the November elections by any means necessary. As Chicago’s Rahm Emmanuel famously said: “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” That pertains to the media as much as it does to politics.
Calculating politics comes at a price. We have taught America’s enemies how easily we can be manipulated as a people. Coronavirus politics has accomplished something no foreign enemy could have done at gunpoint.
– – –
Carol M. Swain is a former tenured professor at Vanderbilt and Princeton universities. Her Be The People News blog and podcast empower individuals to think independently, understand their responsibilities, and make a difference in the world.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-01--Chinese Biologist Carrying Suspected SARS and MERS Samples Attempted to Enter the US Through Detroit

Chinese Biologist Carrying Suspected SARS and MERS Samples Attempted to Enter the US Through Detroit Metro Airport

Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) officials prevented a Chinese national from sneaking undeclared biological materials into the United States in late 2018 , roughly one year before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
An unnamed Chinese biologist carrying suspected vials of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ( MERS ) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) arrived at the Detroit Metro Airport in November 2018 , according to an FBI tactical intelligence report obtained by Yahoo News .
The individual arrived at the airport carrying vials labeled “ Antibodies ” in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned by authorities , he claimed that a colleague in China requested the vials be delivered to a researcher at a U.S. institute .
However , upon further inspection by CBP , officials made a startling discovery .
“ Inspection of the writing on the vials and the stated recipient led inspection personnel to believe the materials contained within the vials may be viable Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ( MERS ) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) materials , ” read a portion of the FBI ’ s unclassified report obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by the Chemical and Biological Intelligence Unit of the FBI ’ s Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate ( WMDD ) .
While it does not provide the identity of the Chinese biologist , or the intended recipient of the dangerous vials he was carrying , the report did conclude that the incident exposed a security risk for Americans .
“ The Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate assesses foreign scientific researchers who transport undeclared and undocumented biological materials into the United States in their personal carry-on and/or checked luggage almost certainly present a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated .
It continued : “ The WMDD makes this assessment with high confidence based on liaison reporting with direct access.
” The Chinese scientists intercepted at the Detroit Metro Airport was not isolated case .
The FBI report , which addressed security risks of foreign researchers in the United States , cited two other incidents when Chinese nationals attempted to enter the U.S. with undeclared flu samples and suspected E. coli .
The FBI report is surfacing as the Chinese government endures criticism for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inner city of Wuhan .
The Chinese Communist Party initially attempted to silence whistleblowers who warned of the fledging crisis , and only after the virus spread exponentially did government authorities acknowledge the severity of the situation .
The Chinese government has since attempted to hide the actual number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in its country , and government officials have tried spreading misinformation about the virus .
As of Tuesday afternoon , more than 40,000 individuals around the world have died due to coronavirus-related illnesses .
Jason Hopkins is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo “ Detroit Metropolitan Airport ” by qwesy qwesy .
CC BY 3.0 .

by Jason Hopkins
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials prevented a Chinese national from sneaking undeclared biological materials into the United States in late 2018, roughly one year before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
An unnamed Chinese biologist carrying suspected vials of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) arrived at the Detroit Metro Airport in November 2018, according to an FBI tactical intelligence report obtained by Yahoo News.
The individual arrived at the airport carrying vials labeled “Antibodies” in his luggage, the report stated. When questioned by authorities, he claimed that a colleague in China requested the vials be delivered to a researcher at a U.S. institute.
However, upon further inspection by CBP, officials made a startling discovery.
“Inspection of the writing on the vials and the stated recipient led inspection personnel to believe the materials contained within the vials may be viable Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) materials,” read a portion of the FBI’s unclassified report obtained by Yahoo News.
The report was made by the Chemical and Biological Intelligence Unit of the FBI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate (WMDD). While it does not provide the identity of the Chinese biologist, or the intended recipient of the dangerous vials he was carrying, the report did conclude that the incident exposed a security risk for Americans.
“The Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate assesses foreign scientific researchers who transport undeclared and undocumented biological materials into the United States in their personal carry-on and/or checked luggage almost certainly present a US biosecurity risk,” the report stated.
It continued: “The WMDD makes this assessment with high confidence based on liaison reporting with direct access.”
The Chinese scientists intercepted at the Detroit Metro Airport was not isolated case. The FBI report, which addressed security risks of foreign researchers in the United States, cited two other incidents when Chinese nationals attempted to enter the U.S. with undeclared flu samples and suspected E. coli.
The FBI report is surfacing as the Chinese government endures criticism for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, where the first reported case came out the inner city of Wuhan.
The Chinese Communist Party initially attempted to silence whistleblowers who warned of the fledging crisis, and only after the virus spread exponentially did government authorities acknowledge the severity of the situation. The Chinese government has since attempted to hide the actual number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in its country, and government officials have tried spreading misinformation about the virus.
As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 40,000 individuals around the world have died due to coronavirus-related illnesses.
– – –
Jason Hopkins is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Detroit Metropolitan Airport” by qwesy qwesy. CC BY 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-03--Senator Marsha Blackburn Says China Should Waive Some of U.S. Debt After COVID-19 Outbreak

This week Sen. Marsha Blackburn ( R-TN ) said China should waive some of the United States ’ $ 1.08 trillion debt for inflicting COVID-19 upon this country and other parts of the world .
Blackburn said this while appearing on The Jeff Poor Show out of Huntsville , Alabama .
“ One of the things is my Senate resolution 553 which expresses the sense of the Senate that we know this came from Wuhan , China , and that they hid the information and were not transparent , that they blocked the World Health Organization and the CDC from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to blame it on the U.S. military .
We hold them accountable , and I will tell you I think that we need to look at the fact that China owns over $ 1 trillion of our debt , ” Blackburn said .
“ They like investing in us .
Why do they like that ?
We are a safe place to put their money and knowing that they have made a global pandemic worse than it ever would have been because of their actions .
They should waive some of our debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of loss of life , loss of businesses , suffering , inconvenience , shutting down our economy .
These are all things that we should take into consideration , bringing our manufacturing back , not only our pharmaceutical manufacturing back .
I was working with one of my colleagues today .
There are other things we can bring back and put America back in the manufacturing business.
” Poor asked Blackburn if China has leverage over the United States because of the debt we owe that country .
“ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us because they want us to continue to be a safe place for them to put their money , and what it does do is point out the fact that China caused this , ” Blackburn said .
“ We have borrowed $ 2 trillion to stabilize our economy .
China will turn around and buy that debt .
That is where they will park that money .
They will end up enriching themselves through a problem that they caused.
” Blackburn also said Americans are angry at China , so much so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer buy Chinese-manufactured products .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Background Photo “ National Library of China ” by M and B. CC BY-SA 2.0 .

This week Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said China should waive some of the United States’ $1.08 trillion debt for inflicting COVID-19 upon this country and other parts of the world.
Blackburn said this while appearing on The Jeff Poor Show out of Huntsville, Alabama.
“One of the things is my Senate resolution 553 which expresses the sense of the Senate that we know this came from Wuhan, China, and that they hid the information and were not transparent, that they blocked the World Health Organization and the CDC from coming in to help. They tried to blame it on the U.S. military. We hold them accountable, and I will tell you I think that we need to look at the fact that China owns over $1 trillion of our debt,” Blackburn said.
“They like investing in us. Why do they like that? We are a safe place to put their money and knowing that they have made a global pandemic worse than it ever would have been because of their actions. They should waive some of our debt. They caused us a tremendous amount of loss of life, loss of businesses, suffering, inconvenience, shutting down our economy. These are all things that we should take into consideration, bringing our manufacturing back, not only our pharmaceutical manufacturing back. I was working with one of my colleagues today. There are other things we can bring back and put America back in the manufacturing business.”

Poor asked Blackburn if China has leverage over the United States because of the debt we owe that country.
“I don’t think it gives them any leverage against us because they want us to continue to be a safe place for them to put their money, and what it does do is point out the fact that China caused this,” Blackburn said.
“We have borrowed $2 trillion to stabilize our economy. China will turn around and buy that debt. That is where they will park that money. They will end up enriching themselves through a problem that they caused.”
Blackburn also said Americans are angry at China, so much so one mother recently told Blackburn she will no longer buy Chinese-manufactured products.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Background Photo “National Library of China” by M and B. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-03--Commentary: The Pandemic-Inspired Economic Shutdown Likely to Increase US Corporate Consolidation

This writer and others who for decades railed against outsourcing industries to the People ’ s Republic of China were long dismissed as crackpots and Luddites .
Now many of those who were doing the dismissing have been forced to admit the true cost of cheap goods is very high .
The Chinese Communist Party virus has exposed many of our nation ’ s infirmities .
The most glaring is our dependence on Communist China for medicine , medical equipment , and so many other essential goods .
But that is by no means the only problem the pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries into fewer and fewer hands is another .
The New York Times details how corporate consolidation in the medical device industry contributed to the shortage of ventilators our nation is now experiencing .
Over a dozen years ago , in the wake of SARS , MERS , and other deadly outbreaks , the federal government saw a need to stockpile ventilators in case of a future emergency .
It contracted with a small California firm , Newport Medical Devices , that had an innovative design it could produce for $ 3,000 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10,000- $ 20,000 price tag commonly quoted .
But then something happened and everything changed .
“ The medical device industry was undergoing rapid consolidation , with one company after another merging with or acquiring other makers , ” the Times reports .
“ Manufacturers wanted to pitch themselves as one-stop shops for hospitals , which were getting bigger , and that meant offering a broader suite of products .
In May 2012 , Covidien , a large medical device manufacturer , agreed to buy Newport for just over $ 100 million.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with $ 12 billion in sales , bought five other medical device companies that year alone .
It was playing mergers and acquisitions if not “ Monopoly.
” Here ’ s the rub : Covidien was already selling more expensive ventilators .
It didn ’ t consider developing a low-cost machine to be a priority .
Project managers were re-assigned and Covidien told the government it wanted out of the contract .
“ Government officials and executives at rival ventilator companies said they suspected that Covidien had acquired Newport to prevent it from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covidien ’ s profits from its existing ventilator business , ” the Times story notes .
It doesn ’ t end there .
In 2015 Medtronic , an even larger medical device company , bought Covidien for $ 50 billion ( can you say “ consolidation ” ? )
as part of a corporate inversion scheme so Medtronic could register in Ireland and avoid paying U.S. taxes .
Medtronic , one of the four largest ventilator manufacturers in America today – along with Phillips , GE Healthcare , and Allied Healthcare – has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its higher-priced ventilators , choosing to guard its existing supply chain relationships .
Public shaming compelled Medtronic finally to announce it would release the blueprints and specs for the low-cost machine Newport ( now part of Medtronic ) developed at U.S. taxpayer expense .
The nation ’ s productive capacity and know-how have come under the ownership of fewer and fewer giant corporations .
These corporations try to squeeze every penny from production by eliminating R & D and outsourcing production to the lowest cost cheap-labor camps on Earth , even those ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic-inspired shutdown of the economy only threatens to further corporate consolidation in our economy .
A report from Indiana provides an example of how this will play out , even if it is an unintended consequence of shutting down much of the nation ’ s commerce .
Book stores , toy stores , and other retailers deemed “ nonessential ” are complaining that Dollar General – a low-cost chain offering food among many other items – remains open and is still selling toys , books , and other items they are barred from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , county officials ordered Dollar General to rope off the aisles where “ non-essential ” merchandise is displayed .
Question : Have officials elsewhere barred Dollar General – one of the largest vendors of Chinese imports – from trafficking in prohibited merchandise ?
And how about Amazon ?
Amazon still sells clothes , toys and everything else , much of it from China .
None of the money spent on Amazon finds its way into the pockets of American owners and employees of brick-and-mortar shops now closed .
While small businesses are ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitors remain open .
This is how the multi-trillion dollar economic relief package is also a stimulus bill for Jeff Bezos , Walmart , and China .
The virus has also revealed another weakness of 21st century America : rule by a cult of experts with an unshakeable faith in mathematical models .
These are the people whose economic models told us trade with China would make us all richer and happier .
Now they place their faith in yet another infallible model , one they tell us will save us from death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
Dare to question it and you are condemned as an enemy of the state .
Woody Guthrie said some men will rob you with a six-gun and some with a fountain pen .
Today he would wonder if computer models aren ’ t the equivalent of those fountain pens .
Curtis Ellis is policy director with America First Policies .
He was also a senior policy advisor with the Donald J. Trump presidential campaign in 2016 .

by Curtis Ellis
This writer and others who for decades railed against outsourcing industries to the People’s Republic of China were long dismissed as crackpots and Luddites. Now many of those who were doing the dismissing have been forced to admit the true cost of cheap goods is very high.
The Chinese Communist Party virus has exposed many of our nation’s infirmities.
The most glaring is our dependence on Communist China for medicine, medical equipment, and so many other essential goods.
But that is by no means the only problem the pandemic has exposed. The consolidation of property and industries into fewer and fewer hands is another.
The New York Times details how corporate consolidation in the medical device industry contributed to the shortage of ventilators our nation is now experiencing.
Over a dozen years ago, in the wake of SARS, MERS, and other deadly outbreaks, the federal government saw a need to stockpile ventilators in case of a future emergency.
It contracted with a small California firm, Newport Medical Devices, that had an innovative design it could produce for $3,000 per machine – significantly less expensive than the $10,000-$20,000 price tag commonly quoted.
But then something happened and everything changed.
“The medical device industry was undergoing rapid consolidation, with one company after another merging with or acquiring other makers,” the Times reports. “Manufacturers wanted to pitch themselves as one-stop shops for hospitals, which were getting bigger, and that meant offering a broader suite of products. In May 2012, Covidien, a large medical device manufacturer, agreed to buy Newport for just over $100 million.”
Covidien, a publicly traded corporation with $12 billion in sales, bought five other medical device companies that year alone. It was playing mergers and acquisitions if not “Monopoly.”
Here’s the rub: Covidien was already selling more expensive ventilators. It didn’t consider developing a low-cost machine to be a priority. Project managers were re-assigned and Covidien told the government it wanted out of the contract.
“Government officials and executives at rival ventilator companies said they suspected that Covidien had acquired Newport to prevent it from building a cheaper product that would undermine Covidien’s profits from its existing ventilator business,” the Times story notes.
It doesn’t end there. In 2015 Medtronic, an even larger medical device company, bought Covidien for $50 billion (can you say “consolidation”?) as part of a corporate inversion scheme so Medtronic could register in Ireland and avoid paying U.S. taxes.
Medtronic, one of the four largest ventilator manufacturers in America today – along with Phillips, GE Healthcare, and Allied Healthcare – has been slow to increase the production of its higher-priced ventilators, choosing to guard its existing supply chain relationships.
Public shaming compelled Medtronic finally to announce it would release the blueprints and specs for the low-cost machine Newport (now part of Medtronic) developed at U.S. taxpayer expense.
The nation’s productive capacity and know-how have come under the ownership of fewer and fewer giant corporations. These corporations try to squeeze every penny from production by eliminating R&D and outsourcing production to the lowest cost cheap-labor camps on Earth, even those ruled by communist dictators.
Unfortunately, the pandemic-inspired shutdown of the economy only threatens to further corporate consolidation in our economy.
A report from Indiana provides an example of how this will play out, even if it is an unintended consequence of shutting down much of the nation’s commerce.
Book stores, toy stores, and other retailers deemed “nonessential” are complaining that Dollar General – a low-cost chain offering food among many other items – remains open and is still selling toys, books, and other items they are barred from selling.
In response to the complaints, county officials ordered Dollar General to rope off the aisles where “non-essential” merchandise is displayed.
Question: Have officials elsewhere barred Dollar General – one of the largest vendors of Chinese imports – from trafficking in prohibited merchandise?
And how about Amazon? Amazon still sells clothes, toys and everything else, much of it from China. None of the money spent on Amazon finds its way into the pockets of American owners and employees of brick-and-mortar shops now closed.
While small businesses are ordered to shut down, their giant corporate competitors remain open.
This is how the multi-trillion dollar economic relief package is also a stimulus bill for Jeff Bezos, Walmart, and China.
The virus has also revealed another weakness of 21st century America: rule by a cult of experts with an unshakeable faith in mathematical models.
These are the people whose economic models told us trade with China would make us all richer and happier.
Now they place their faith in yet another infallible model, one they tell us will save us from death itself—a Savior Machine.
Its answer is law. Dare to question it and you are condemned as an enemy of the state.
Woody Guthrie said some men will rob you with a six-gun and some with a fountain pen.
Today he would wonder if computer models aren’t the equivalent of those fountain pens.
– – –
Curtis Ellis is policy director with America First Policies. He was also a senior policy advisor with the Donald J. Trump presidential campaign in 2016.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-03--Dems Ask That Public Charge Rule Not Apply to Immigrant Coronavirus Treatment, Which It Already Does

Dems Ask That Public Charge Rule Not Apply to Immigrant Coronavirus Treatment, Which It Already Doesn’t

A group of House Democrats is asking the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) not to penalize green card applicants for seeking medical care for coronavirus , but the government already made clear it wouldn ’ t .
Thirty-eight House Democrats signed a letter delivered to acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Tuesday , asking him to remove any assistance for COVID-19 care as part of the recently-enacted public charge rule .
The rule takes into account a migrant ’ s past use of government-funded assistance when they apply for permanent status .
“ We write to urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance from the public charge determination for applicants seeking admission or an adjustment status , ” the letter began .
“ During this global COVID-19 pandemic , it is imperative that everyone , including immigrants , be able to access all forms of assistance to mitigate harm to the public health and economy of the United States , ” the lawmakers continued .
“ There is no justifiable reason to penalize immigrants for trying to survive a pandemic , ” Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly , a co-signer of the letter , tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands by Connolly and the other Democratic lawmakers , the government had already made clear that any coronavirus care would not fall under the policy ’ s purview .
U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services — the DHS agency that manages the country ’ s legal immigration system and implementation of the public charge rule — released a statement on its website in March encouraging foreign nationals to seek medical care if they suspect they have COVID-19 .
“ Such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect any alien as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USCIS states on its website .
The White House first rolled out the public charge rule in August 2019 .
Under the plan ’ s guidelines , a USCIS officer reviewing an applicant ’ s case will look at their use of public benefits over a 12-month period within any given 36-month period during their time in the U.S .
If an applicant for permanent status , such as a green card applicant , has depended on taxpayer-funded benefits such as food stamps , Section 8 , or other benefits , they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was made roughly two weeks before the House Democrats delivered their letter to Wolf .
While the lawmakers did acknowledge the rule change , they essentially argued it was still confusing for potential applicants to understand and said it was “ insufficient.
” “ Assurances that applicants may submit explanatory statements and USCIS will ‘ take all such evidence into consideration in the totality of the alien ’ s circumstances ’ are wholly inadequate to alleviate the fears of would-be applicants , ” the letter continued .
The Democrats would either like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or at least make it more clear to the public that COVID-19 treatment is not related to the rule whatsoever .
They have also asked for a response within 15 days .

by Jason Hopkins
A group of House Democrats is asking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) not to penalize green card applicants for seeking medical care for coronavirus, but the government already made clear it wouldn’t.
Thirty-eight House Democrats signed a letter delivered to acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Tuesday, asking him to remove any assistance for COVID-19 care as part of the recently-enacted public charge rule. The rule takes into account a migrant’s past use of government-funded assistance when they apply for permanent status.
“We write to urge you to exclude receipt of any COVID-19-related assistance from the public charge determination for applicants seeking admission or an adjustment status,” the letter began.
“During this global COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that everyone, including immigrants, be able to access all forms of assistance to mitigate harm to the public health and economy of the United States,” the lawmakers continued.
“There is no justifiable reason to penalize immigrants for trying to survive a pandemic,” Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, a co-signer of the letter, tweeted Wednesday.
However, despite the strong demands by Connolly and the other Democratic lawmakers, the government had already made clear that any coronavirus care would not fall under the policy’s purview.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — the DHS agency that manages the country’s legal immigration system and implementation of the public charge rule — released a statement on its website in March encouraging foreign nationals to seek medical care if they suspect they have COVID-19.
“Such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis,” USCIS states on its website.
The White House first rolled out the public charge rule in August 2019. Under the plan’s guidelines, a USCIS officer reviewing an applicant’s case will look at their use of public benefits over a 12-month period within any given 36-month period during their time in the U.S.
If an applicant for permanent status, such as a green card applicant, has depended on taxpayer-funded benefits such as food stamps, Section 8, or other benefits, they will likely be denied.
This coronavirus update was made roughly two weeks before the House Democrats delivered their letter to Wolf. While the lawmakers did acknowledge the rule change, they essentially argued it was still confusing for potential applicants to understand and said it was “insufficient.”
“Assurances that applicants may submit explanatory statements and USCIS will ‘take all such evidence into consideration in the totality of the alien’s circumstances’ are wholly inadequate to alleviate the fears of would-be applicants,” the letter continued.
The Democrats would either like a full rescission of the public charge rule, or at least make it more clear to the public that COVID-19 treatment is not related to the rule whatsoever. They have also asked for a response within 15 days.
– – –
Jason Hopkins is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-03--University of Tennessee Campuses to Continue Online Classes Throughout the Summer

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd has announced that school officials will deliver all summer session classes at all campuses online because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Boyd said this in a press release this week .
The UT System president said he consulted with chancellors at UT Knoxville , UT Chattanooga , UT Martin and the UT Health Science Center before he announced this news .
At the University of Tennessee Health Science Center , clinical rotations in hospitals will continue with students following COVID-19 protocol , the press release said .
“ Our faculty and staff have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an entirely digital platform for the spring semester , ” Boyd said in the press release .
“ I am confident they will continue to provide an inspired learning experience for our students who are enrolled in summer classes.
” Since moving to an online platform , UT campuses have provided an estimated 9,300 classes online .
Officials at each campus will send out specific communications to their faculty , students and staff regarding the impact to its respective campuses , the press release said .
The University of Tennessee System has campuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memphis .
The system also has the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma ; the UT Institute of Agriculture with a presence in every Tennessee county ; and the statewide Institute for Public Service .
The UT system manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory through its UT-Battelle partnership , enrolls about 50,000 students statewide and produces about 10,000 new graduates every year , the press release said .
As The Tennessee Star reported this week , officials at the Clarksville-based Austin Peay State University announced they will move all of this year ’ s face-to-face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms of non-face-to-face instruction .
The move at Austin Peay State University includes Maymester , summer terms I , II and III and the full summer term , the press release said .
On March 16 , Austin Peay University officials moved all classes at all campuses online for the rest of the spring semester .
The university first suspended classes for 10 days on March 13 .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
CC BY 3.0 .

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd has announced that school officials will deliver all summer session classes at all campuses online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boyd said this in a press release this week. The UT System president said he consulted with chancellors at UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Martin and the UT Health Science Center before he announced this news.
At the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, clinical rotations in hospitals will continue with students following COVID-19 protocol, the press release said.
“Our faculty and staff have done an incredible job of moving to an entirely digital platform for the spring semester,” Boyd said in the press release.
“I am confident they will continue to provide an inspired learning experience for our students who are enrolled in summer classes.”
Since moving to an online platform, UT campuses have provided an estimated 9,300 classes online. Officials at each campus will send out specific communications to their faculty, students and staff regarding the impact to its respective campuses, the press release said.
The University of Tennessee System has campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin and Memphis. The system also has the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma; the UT Institute of Agriculture with a presence in every Tennessee county; and the statewide Institute for Public Service. The UT system manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory through its UT-Battelle partnership, enrolls about 50,000 students statewide and produces about 10,000 new graduates every year, the press release said.
As The Tennessee Star reported this week, officials at the Clarksville-based Austin Peay State University announced they will move all of this year’s face-to-face summer classes online, or to other forms of non-face-to-face instruction.
The move at Austin Peay State University includes Maymester, summer terms I, II and III and the full summer term, the press release said.
On March 16, Austin Peay University officials moved all classes at all campuses online for the rest of the spring semester. The university first suspended classes for 10 days on March 13.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “University of Tennessee Campus” by Nightryder84. CC BY 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-03--Thales Academy-Franklin: Principal Rachael Bradley Joins Leahy to Talk About Affordable Private Educ

Thales Academy-Franklin: Principal Rachael Bradley Joins Leahy to Talk About Affordable Private Education Coming to Tennessee in July 2020

Live from Music Row Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville ’ s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.– host Leahy was joined by new all-star panelist and Thales Academy of Franklin ’ s principal Rachael Bradley .
At the end of the third hour , Bradley detailed the direct instruction methodology that will be used at the new Thales Academy of Franklin opening in July of this year .
Leahy : We are now joined by our very good friend .
Our newest all-star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is opening up in July , Rachael Bradley .
Good morning Rachael .
Bradley : Good morning Mike how are you ?
Leahy : I ’ m delighted that you are with us .
And you have moved to Tennessee .
You moved and have a new house in the Franklin area from North Carolina this week in the midst of this pandemic .
That is intrepid and brave behavior on your part .
Bradley : We sure did .
I am actually out looking for a hot cup of coffee and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t even have our furniture or appliances yet so .
( Chuckles ) Leahy : This is commitment .
I mean you are committed to bringing high-quality affordable education to Tennessee .
In the midst of this national crisis , you and your family have moved from North Carolina to Franklin and we salute you .
We welcome you .
You are now a Volunteer and no longer a Tar Heel .
Bradley : That ’ s right .
Sure enough .
We ’ re so happy to be here and glad the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be with you and talk about Thales Academy .
Leahy : And it ’ s interesting because a lot of parents are trying to figure out , what are we going to do ?
If you want to learn about this go to thalesacademy.org/franklin .
Go there .
And Rachael , you will be talking to parents about what Thales Academy will be doing when it opens up in July .
And of course , it will follow all the safety protocols when it opens up .
Tell us a little bit about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing here in Franklin when it opens up in July .
Bradley : Well , Thales Academy is an independent K-5 private school .
We have 10 campuses in North Carolina .
And we are so excited to come to the Nashville area and branch out into a new state .
We are a classical curriculum and our mission Mike is to offer an excellent , high-quality education at an affordable price for families .
We want to be able to reach as many children as possible .
Leahy : You said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers are just astonishing when you compare it to other private schools in the area and you are less than half .
There ’ s a formula to it that works and has worked in North Carolina since 2007 ?
Its been some time .
Bradley : 2007 .
That ’ s right .
That was our first Thales Academy campus .
Leahy : And kids that go there this year will be K-3 .
Leahy : You ’ ll be using direct instruction that has been around for 50 years and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teach reading , writing , and arithmetic .
You are an expert on it .
Tell us a little bit about direct instruction .
Bradley : Absolutely .
Direct instruction is a teaching methodology .
As you said , there are over 50 years of research behind it .
It ’ s a data-driven mastery-based program .
So all our children are achieving mastery .
It allows us to skill group the children so we can meet the needs of everyone sitting in the classroom .
It ’ s fast-paced .
High time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engagement .
So everybody is learning and is engaged every minute of the school day .
Leahy : I ’ ve been to Thales Academy Rachael .
And it ’ s fascinating to watch how engaged the kids are .
And the teachers like you lead them with very very high energy and very much engaged .
Bradley : You are absolutely correct .
It ’ s a beautiful thing to watch .
That ’ s why I love giving tours and seeing the smiles on the parents ’ faces when they see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve just had tremendous success with this model .
And that ’ s why I ’ m so passionate about bringing it to a new area .
Leahy : If you are listening right now and your thinking well I ’ ve got a child who ’ s going to be in K , 1st , 2nd , or third grade and you are trying to figure out what you are going to do .
Right now people are wondering what are we doing today .
I think if you go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is helpful for you .
You can talk to people on the phone about this .
What ’ s the best way for people to get in touch with you Rachel .
Bradley : The best way right now is via email .
You are welcome to email me at [ email protected ] .
If you look at the contact us tab you ’ ll see all the information for our brand new Franklin campus .
Leahy : The other good thing about having you hear Rachael is this .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on The Tennessee Star Report as an all-star panelist every Tuesday and Thursday during this stay at home period .
You ’ ll be calling us via phone from 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday .
And then once we are all passed this you will be in the studio with us .
And that ’ s a lot of fun .
You ’ ve been here in studio a couple of times and we always have great conversations with you .
I guess your entire family is here ?
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrolling in the school as well ?
Bradley : I do .
My son will be in third grade .
He ’ s happy to be here too and make some new friends .
We ’ ve got an excellent staff of teachers already hired and ready to go .
Leahy : You guys don ’ t wait around , do you ?
Bradley : We ’ ve been working on this for some time .
We ’ ll be ready in July .
Like you said I ’ m here now locally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk with families in any way we can connect I am here and ready .
I want to educate people about Thales Academy and get some students in our classrooms .
Leahy : We will have more details about this .
We won ’ t talk about it today because we don ’ t have enough time .
But when you are back next Tuesday at 7:15 am we ’ ll talk about .
In these tough times people looking at saving money .
If you are spending money on an expensive private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Thales Listen to the third hour here : Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510 .
Listen online at iHeart Radio .
Photo “ Rachael Bradley ” and Background Photo “ Thales Academy School ” by Thales Academy .

Live from Music Row Thursday morning on The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy – broadcast on Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 and 1510 WLAC weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.– host Leahy was joined by new all-star panelist and Thales Academy of Franklin’s principal Rachael Bradley.
At the end of the third hour, Bradley detailed the direct instruction methodology that will be used at the new Thales Academy of Franklin opening in July of this year.
Leahy: We are now joined by our very good friend. Our newest all-star panelist. The principal of Thales Academy-Franklin which is opening up in July, Rachael Bradley. Good morning Rachael.
Bradley: Good morning Mike how are you?
Leahy: I’m delighted that you are with us. And you have moved to Tennessee. You moved and have a new house in the Franklin area from North Carolina this week in the midst of this pandemic. That is intrepid and brave behavior on your part.
Bradley: We sure did. I am actually out looking for a hot cup of coffee and we are out because we don’t even have our furniture or appliances yet so. (Chuckles)
Leahy: This is commitment. I mean you are committed to bringing high-quality affordable education to Tennessee. In the midst of this national crisis, you and your family have moved from North Carolina to Franklin and we salute you. We welcome you. You are now a Volunteer and no longer a Tar Heel.
Bradley: That’s right. Sure enough. We’re so happy to be here and glad the sun is shining today. Happy to be with you and talk about Thales Academy.
Leahy: And it’s interesting because a lot of parents are trying to figure out, what are we going to do? If you want to learn about this go to thalesacademy.org/franklin. Go there. And Rachael, you will be talking to parents about what Thales Academy will be doing when it opens up in July. And of course, it will follow all the safety protocols when it opens up. Tell us a little bit about what Thales Academy is going to be doing here in Franklin when it opens up in July.
Bradley: Well, Thales Academy is an independent K-5 private school. We have 10 campuses in North Carolina. And we are so excited to come to the Nashville area and branch out into a new state. We are a classical curriculum and our mission Mike is to offer an excellent, high-quality education at an affordable price for families. We want to be able to reach as many children as possible.
Leahy: You said the keywords. Affordable price. And the numbers are just astonishing when you compare it to other private schools in the area and you are less than half. There’s a formula to it that works and has worked in North Carolina since 2007? Its been some time.
Bradley: 2007. That’s right. That was our first Thales Academy campus.
Leahy: And kids that go there this year will be K-3.
Bradley: That’s right.
Leahy: You’ll be using direct instruction that has been around for 50 years and is by far the most effective way to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic. You are an expert on it. Tell us a little bit about direct instruction.
Bradley: Absolutely. Direct instruction is a teaching methodology. As you said, there are over 50 years of research behind it. It’s a data-driven mastery-based program. So all our children are achieving mastery. It allows us to skill group the children so we can meet the needs of everyone sitting in the classroom. It’s fast-paced. High time on task. And we maximize student engagement. So everybody is learning and is engaged every minute of the school day.
Leahy: I’ve been to Thales Academy Rachael. And it’s fascinating to watch how engaged the kids are. And the teachers like you lead them with very very high energy and very much engaged.
Bradley: You are absolutely correct. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. That’s why I love giving tours and seeing the smiles on the parents’ faces when they see what we’re doing. We’ve just had tremendous success with this model. And that’s why I’m so passionate about bringing it to a new area.
Leahy: If you are listening right now and your thinking well I’ve got a child who’s going to be in K, 1st, 2nd, or third grade and you are trying to figure out what you are going to do. Right now people are wondering what are we doing today. I think if you go to ThalesAcademy.org/Franklin there will be some information there that is helpful for you. You can talk to people on the phone about this. What’s the best way for people to get in touch with you Rachel.
Bradley: The best way right now is via email. You are welcome to email me at [email protected]. If you look at the contact us tab you’ll see all the information for our brand new Franklin campus.
Leahy: The other good thing about having you hear Rachael is this. You are now going to be a regular on The Tennessee Star Report as an all-star panelist every Tuesday and Thursday during this stay at home period. You’ll be calling us via phone from 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
And then once we are all passed this you will be in the studio with us. And that’s a lot of fun. You’ve been here in studio a couple of times and we always have great conversations with you. I guess your entire family is here? And you have a third-grader son who is enrolling in the school as well?
Bradley: I do. My son will be in third grade. He’s happy to be here too and make some new friends. We’ve got an excellent staff of teachers already hired and ready to go.
Leahy: You guys don’t wait around, do you?
Bradley: No.
Leahy: You’ve got staff already?
Bradley: We’ve been working on this for some time. We’ll be ready in July. Like you said I’m here now locally based and I’m happy to talk with families in any way we can connect I am here and ready. I want to educate people about Thales Academy and get some students in our classrooms.
Leahy: We will have more details about this. We won’t talk about it today because we don’t have enough time. But when you are back next Tuesday at 7:15 am we’ll talk about. In these tough times people looking at saving money. If you are spending money on an expensive private school you really ought to be thinking about Thales
Listen to the third hour here:

– – –
Tune in weekdays from 5:00 – 8:00 a.m. to the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC 1510. Listen online at iHeart Radio.
Photo “Rachael Bradley” and Background Photo “Thales Academy School” by Thales Academy.


thetennesseestar--2020-04-03--Speaker Nancy Pelosi Will Form a Select Committee to Oversee Coronavirus Relief Aid, Names Rep James

Speaker Nancy Pelosi Will Form a Select Committee to Oversee Coronavirus Relief Aid, Names Rep James Clyburn to Chair

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will form a bipartisan select committee on the coronavirus crisis to oversee the spending of $ 2.3 trillion that Congress has approved to respond to the pandemic .
In a letter to House members , Speaker Pelosi wrote she is “ announcing the formation of a special bipartisan oversight panel : the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis , to be chaired by Majority Whip Jim Clyburn .
Its purpose is to ensure that the over $ 2 trillion that Congress has dedicated to this battle – and any additional funds Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wisely and effectively.
” We have no higher priority than making sure the money gets to those working families – struggling to pay rent and put food on the table – who need it most .
The panel will root out waste , fraud , and abuse .
It will protect against price gouging and profiteering .
It will press to ensure that the federal response is based on the best possible science and guided by the nation ’ s best health experts .
The House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The committee will be empowered to examine all aspects of the federal response to the coronavirus to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being wisely and efficiently spent to save lives , deliver relief and benefit our economy .
Looking beyond the current spending in the recently-passed CARES Act , Pelosi said in a conference call with reporters Thursday she thought the Trump Administration was “ more inclined to be supportive ” than Senate Republican leaders of her push for infrastructure spending as part of a fourth major bill in response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a Washington Post reporter asking what the scope and powers of the new Select Committee will be , Speaker Pelosi confirmed it will have subpoena power , and was careful to note that the aim was “ not an investigation of the administration.
” “ There are things that are so new , and we want to make sure there are not exploiters out there .
There are people who are pretending they had ventilators and masks when they didn ’ t , ” she said .
However , the Speaker did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what she called “ an after action review , ” and that “ there are people putting their proposals forward for that.
” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA-23 ) , objected to the idea of a Select Committee .
In a portion of a recorded call posted on Twitter , McCarthy said : I have a couple of concerns with this – who she ’ s naming : Clyburn .
It ’ s concerning because Congress Clyburn is the one who thought this crisis was an opportune time to ‘ restructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we should doing .
We should be taking care of the health of the American public , keeping our economy strong – just as it was before – and moving forward .
Democrats have outlined a $ 760 billion , five-year infrastructure bill that would fund road repairs , water system improvements , broadband and other projects .
They also want $ 10 billion for community health centers .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will form a bipartisan select committee on the coronavirus crisis to oversee the spending of $2.3 trillion that Congress has approved to respond to the pandemic.
In a letter to House members, Speaker Pelosi wrote she is “announcing the formation of a special bipartisan oversight panel: the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, to be chaired by Majority Whip Jim Clyburn. Its purpose is to ensure that the over $2 trillion that Congress has dedicated to this battle – and any additional funds Congress provides in future legislation – are spent wisely and effectively.”
She added:
We have no higher priority than making sure the money gets to those working families – struggling to pay rent and put food on the table – who need it most. The panel will root out waste, fraud, and abuse. It will protect against price gouging and profiteering. It will press to ensure that the federal response is based on the best possible science and guided by the nation’s best health experts. The House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis will be bipartisan and have an expert staff. The committee will be empowered to examine all aspects of the federal response to the coronavirus to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being wisely and efficiently spent to save lives, deliver relief and benefit our economy.
Looking beyond the current spending in the recently-passed CARES Act, Pelosi said in a conference call with reporters Thursday she thought the Trump Administration was “more inclined to be supportive” than Senate Republican leaders of her push for infrastructure spending as part of a fourth major bill in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Responding to a question by a Washington Post reporter asking what the scope and powers of the new Select Committee will be, Speaker Pelosi confirmed it will have subpoena power, and was careful to note that the aim was “not an investigation of the administration.”
“There are things that are so new, and we want to make sure there are not exploiters out there. There are people who are pretending they had ventilators and masks when they didn’t,” she said.
However, the Speaker did say that there is a need for what she called “an after action review,” and that “there are people putting their proposals forward for that.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23), objected to the idea of a Select Committee. In a portion of a recorded call posted on Twitter, McCarthy said:
I have a couple of concerns with this – who she’s naming: Clyburn. It’s concerning because Congress Clyburn is the one who thought this crisis was an opportune time to ‘restructure’ government. That’s not what we should doing. We should be taking care of the health of the American public, keeping our economy strong – just as it was before – and moving forward.
Democrats have outlined a $760 billion, five-year infrastructure bill that would fund road repairs, water system improvements, broadband and other projects. They also want $10 billion for community health centers.
– – –
Photo “Nancy Pelosi” by Nancy Pelosi. CC BY 2.0.