thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Commentary: Catholics Should Not Vote for Fake Catholic Joe Biden

Democrat Joe Biden has built his half-century in politics largely on the myth that he is a faithful Catholic with working class roots .
In reality Biden is neither a faithful Catholic , nor a friend of America ’ s blue-collar citizens .
Indeed , two of Joe Biden ’ s principle campaign positions are that taxpaying Catholics must be forced to be complicit in the sin of abortion by repealing the Hyde Amendment prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion and taxpaying Catholics must likewise be forced to be complicit in the sin of transgenderism by being forced to subsidize taxpayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short Fed Up PAC video on what Saint Teresa of Calcutta said about abortion and here is a short Fed Up PAC video documenting why Catholics are no longer welcome in the Democrat Party .
Martin Bürger , reporting for our friends at LifeSiteNews.com , recently posted an article that included an eye opening quote from Cardinal Raymond Burke , the former prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura , the highest Vatican court .
Before that , Burke was the archbishop of St. Louis , Missouri and the bishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burke pointed out that so-called “ Catholic ” politicians , including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , must be denied Communion for advocating policies contrary to natural law and basic Church teaching , including on topics such as abortion and homosexuality .
“ They may not present themselves to receive Holy Communion , because they ’ re not in communion with Christ , ” Burke said during an August 8 Fox News interview with Martha MacCallum .
“ It ’ s not a punishment .
Actually , it ’ s a favor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t approach , because if they approach , they commit sacrilege.
” According to Mr. Bürger ’ s reporting , the Cardinal said “ Catholic ” politicians so often back abortion and pro-LGBT legislation that many non-Catholic leaders of government believe that the Church has changed her teaching on these matters .
“ I ’ ve had non-Catholic leaders of government in this nation tell me that they were certain that the Catholic Church ’ s teaching on abortion and the so-called same-sex ‘ marriage , ’ and so forth , have changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill are regularly supporting this kind of legislation … [ a ] nd that ’ s a scandal.
” As Lauretta Brown , writing for the National Catholic Register observed , over the years , Biden has earned ample criticism and correction from U.S. bishops over his support of abortion .
Time noted that , in 2006 , “ then-Wilmington Bishop Michael Saltarelli pressured Biden ’ s high school alma mater into dropping plans to name a new student center after him , citing a 2004 statement from the USCCB : ‘ Catholic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.
’ ” Then-Archbishop Charles Chaput and Bishop James Conley responded to Biden ’ s comments on abortion in 2008 , writing that “ abortion is a foundational issue ” and “ is always grievously wrong.
” They added that , “ in reality , modern biology knows exactly when human life begins : at the moment of conception .
Religion has nothing to do with it.
” “ If , as Sen. Biden said , ‘ I ’ m prepared as a matter of faith to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of conception , ’ then he is not merely wrong about the science of new life ; he also fails to defend the innocent life he already knows is there , ” the bishops emphasized at the time .
And on Election Day 2008 , Bishop John Ricard of Pensacola-Tallahassee , Florida , wrote a letter to Biden after it was disclosed that the vice-presidential candidate had received Communion the previous Sunday at a Mass he attended at a church in Bishop Ricard ’ s diocese .
In his letter , Bishop Ricard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public life but added , “ I also observe , by your support for laws that fail to protect the unborn , a profound disconnection from your human and personal obligation to protect the weakest and most innocent among us : the child in the womb.
” Bishop Ricard ’ s letter cited relevant passages from the U.S. bishops ’ 2004 document “ Catholics in Political Life , ” regarding reception of Communion by those in public life , indicating that someone with Biden ’ s position on abortion should not present himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer the party of Truman , Kennedy , Carter , or even Bill Clinton , ” said CHQ Chairman Richard A Viguerie .
“ They are now a Party captured by radical politicians who want to force observant Jews , Christians and especially Catholics to change their devout beliefs to fit their socialist agenda.
” “ The media won ’ t tell Catholics the truth , ” said Mr. Viguerie , “ But we are launching a video and social media campaign to show how Democrats like Joe Biden want Catholics to abandon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Far Left.
” Democrats know that the biggest threats to their socialist agenda are observant Catholics and other people of Faith who hold traditional values and can not accept their radical agenda : * For taxpayer-funded partial-birth abortion on demand * Against school prayer and religious symbols in public * For men in women ’ s bathrooms * Against tax-exempt status for Churches that preach against abortion * For forcing small businesses to act against their Faith * Against granting tax-exempt status to Catholic Schools This is just part of today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-Christian , anti-Catholic agenda .
And it is why New York ’ s Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the Democrats have “ slammed the door ” on Catholics , our Faith , our Church , and our traditions .
Joe Biden ’ s advocacy of abortion , same-sex “ marriage ” and transgenderism put him in direct conflict , not with some ephemeral policies of church administration , but with the fundamental precepts of Catholicism that make a Catholic a Catholic .
As Cardinal Burke said , Joe Biden is “ not in communion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Catholics should not be persuaded to vote for Joe Biden in the false belief that he is a faithful Catholic .

Democrat Joe Biden has built his half-century in politics largely on the myth that he is a faithful Catholic with working class roots. In reality Biden is neither a faithful Catholic, nor a friend of America’s blue-collar citizens.
Indeed, two of Joe Biden’s principle campaign positions are that taxpaying Catholics must be forced to be complicit in the sin of abortion by repealing the Hyde Amendment prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion and taxpaying Catholics must likewise be forced to be complicit in the sin of transgenderism by being forced to subsidize taxpayer funded gender reassignment surgery.
Here is a short Fed Up PAC video on what Saint Teresa of Calcutta said about abortion and here is a short Fed Up PAC video documenting why Catholics are no longer welcome in the Democrat Party.
Martin Bürger, reporting for our friends at LifeSiteNews.com, recently posted an article that included an eye opening quote from Cardinal Raymond Burke, the former prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest Vatican court. Before that, Burke was the archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri and the bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Cardinal Burke pointed out that so-called “Catholic” politicians, including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, must be denied Communion for advocating policies contrary to natural law and basic Church teaching, including on topics such as abortion and homosexuality.
“They may not present themselves to receive Holy Communion, because they’re not in communion with Christ,” Burke said during an August 8 Fox News interview with Martha MacCallum. “It’s not a punishment. Actually, it’s a favor to these people to tell them don’t approach, because if they approach, they commit sacrilege.”
According to Mr. Bürger’s reporting, the Cardinal said “Catholic” politicians so often back abortion and pro-LGBT legislation that many non-Catholic leaders of government believe that the Church has changed her teaching on these matters.
“I’ve had non-Catholic leaders of government in this nation tell me that they were certain that the Catholic Church’s teaching on abortion and the so-called same-sex ‘marriage,’ and so forth, have changed, because so many Catholics on Capitol Hill are regularly supporting this kind of legislation … [a]nd that’s a scandal.”
As Lauretta Brown, writing for the National Catholic Register observed, over the years, Biden has earned ample criticism and correction from U.S. bishops over his support of abortion.
Time noted that, in 2006, “then-Wilmington Bishop Michael Saltarelli pressured Biden’s high school alma mater into dropping plans to name a new student center after him, citing a 2004 statement from the USCCB: ‘Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.’”
Then-Archbishop Charles Chaput and Bishop James Conley responded to Biden’s comments on abortion in 2008, writing that “abortion is a foundational issue” and “is always grievously wrong.” They added that, “in reality, modern biology knows exactly when human life begins: at the moment of conception. Religion has nothing to do with it.”
“If, as Sen. Biden said, ‘I’m prepared as a matter of faith to accept that life begins at the moment of conception,’ then he is not merely wrong about the science of new life; he also fails to defend the innocent life he already knows is there,” the bishops emphasized at the time.
And on Election Day 2008, Bishop John Ricard of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, wrote a letter to Biden after it was disclosed that the vice-presidential candidate had received Communion the previous Sunday at a Mass he attended at a church in Bishop Ricard’s diocese.
In his letter, Bishop Ricard praised Biden’s positive contributions to public life but added, “I also observe, by your support for laws that fail to protect the unborn, a profound disconnection from your human and personal obligation to protect the weakest and most innocent among us: the child in the womb.”
Bishop Ricard’s letter cited relevant passages from the U.S. bishops’ 2004 document “Catholics in Political Life,” regarding reception of Communion by those in public life, indicating that someone with Biden’s position on abortion should not present himself for Communion.
“Democrats are no longer the party of Truman, Kennedy, Carter, or even Bill Clinton,” said CHQ Chairman Richard A Viguerie. “They are now a Party captured by radical politicians who want to force observant Jews, Christians and especially Catholics to change their devout beliefs to fit their socialist agenda.”
“The media won’t tell Catholics the truth,” said Mr. Viguerie, “But we are launching a video and social media campaign to show how Democrats like Joe Biden want Catholics to abandon our Faith to accept the radical agenda of the Far Left.”
Democrats know that the biggest threats to their socialist agenda are observant Catholics and other people of Faith who hold traditional values and cannot accept their radical agenda:
* For taxpayer-funded partial-birth abortion on demand
* Against school prayer and religious symbols in public
* For men in women’s bathrooms
* Against tax-exempt status for Churches that preach against abortion
* For forcing small businesses to act against their Faith
* Against granting tax-exempt status to Catholic Schools
This is just part of today’s Democrat Party’s radical anti-Christian, anti-Catholic agenda.
And it is why New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the Democrats have “slammed the door” on Catholics, our Faith, our Church, and our traditions.
Joe Biden’s advocacy of abortion, same-sex “marriage” and transgenderism put him in direct conflict, not with some ephemeral policies of church administration, but with the fundamental precepts of Catholicism that make a Catholic a Catholic. As Cardinal Burke said, Joe Biden is “not in communion with Christ,” or his church. Catholics should not be persuaded to vote for Joe Biden in the false belief that he is a faithful Catholic.
– – –
Photo “Joe Biden” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Facebook Will Ban New Political Ads One Week Before the Election to Curb Misinformation

Facebook announced Thursday that it would bar any new political ads from its platform in the final week before the election .
The social network also said that it would remove any measures attempting to dissuade people from voting and would block any candidate ’ s attempts to claim false victories before official results have been reported , The New York Times reported .
The announcement comes exactly two months before the presidential election between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
The two candidates have criticized each other over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and constant protests – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The election is also expected to be heavily reliant on mail-in voting , a method that Trump has said will undermine the integrity of the election .
“ We all have a responsibility to protect our democracy , ” said Mark Zuckerberg , Facebook ’ s founder and CEO said in a Facebook post .
“ This election is not going to be business as usual.
” The social network , which has over 220 million American users , was widely criticized over its refusal to identify or delete false information or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian operatives used the platform to promote false , divisive messaging aimed at swaying American voters towards Trump .
Zuckerberg has long been hesitant to remove false information , citing his support for free speech , but many Facebook employees have objected to its position , The New York Times reported .
Facebook ’ s announcement also comes as Russia attempts to interfere in the election once again , according to reports from US intelligence agencies .
The company will also promote its “ voting information center , ” marking it at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them find how and where to vote as well as information about the election as a whole , Zuckerberg said .
Facebook also plans to remove any false posts about the coronavirus or attempting to disenfranchise voters , including those insisting that Americans will catch COVID-19 if they vote , according to Zuckerberg ’ s post .
The voting information center will report real-time election results from Reuters in order to give users accurate , up-to-date information , he said .
Facebook will also allow users to forward messages to a maximum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an effort to curb the spread of misinformation via private communication channels , Zuckerberg said .
The announcement comes as he and his wife , Dr. Priscilla Chan , donated $ 300 million to support election infrastructure throughout the country , Axios reported .
Election officials are already warning Americans that the election may not be decided on election night , but in the following days as millions of absentee ballots are counted , a worry that Zuckerberg echoed in his post .
“ It ’ s going to take a concerted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties and candidates , election authorities , the media and social networks , and ultimately voters as well – to live up to our responsibilities , ” he said .
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Andrew Trunsky
Facebook announced Thursday that it would bar any new political ads from its platform in the final week before the election.
The social network also said that it would remove any measures attempting to dissuade people from voting and would block any candidate’s attempts to claim false victories before official results have been reported, The New York Times reported.
The announcement comes exactly two months before the presidential election between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The two candidates have criticized each other over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and constant protests – some of which have descended into riots.
The election is also expected to be heavily reliant on mail-in voting, a method that Trump has said will undermine the integrity of the election.
“We all have a responsibility to protect our democracy,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO said in a Facebook post. “This election is not going to be business as usual.”
The social network, which has over 220 million American users, was widely criticized over its refusal to identify or delete false information or misleading advertisements. Four years ago, Russian operatives used the platform to promote false, divisive messaging aimed at swaying American voters towards Trump.
Zuckerberg has long been hesitant to remove false information, citing his support for free speech, but many Facebook employees have objected to its position, The New York Times reported.
Facebook’s announcement also comes as Russia attempts to interfere in the election once again, according to reports from US intelligence agencies. The company will also promote its “voting information center,” marking it at the top of users’ feeds to help them find how and where to vote as well as information about the election as a whole, Zuckerberg said.
Facebook also plans to remove any false posts about the coronavirus or attempting to disenfranchise voters, including those insisting that Americans will catch COVID-19 if they vote, according to Zuckerberg’s post. The voting information center will report real-time election results from Reuters in order to give users accurate, up-to-date information, he said.
Facebook will also allow users to forward messages to a maximum of five people, down from 150, in an effort to curb the spread of misinformation via private communication channels, Zuckerberg said.
The announcement comes as he and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, donated $300 million to support election infrastructure throughout the country, Axios reported.
Election officials are already warning Americans that the election may not be decided on election night, but in the following days as millions of absentee ballots are counted, a worry that Zuckerberg echoed in his post.
“It’s going to take a concerted effort by all of us – political parties and candidates, election authorities, the media and social networks, and ultimately voters as well – to live up to our responsibilities,” he said.
– – –
Andrew Trunsky is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--US Citizen Turned ISIS Fighter Pleads Guilty to Terror Charge

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen pleaded guilty to a terror charge Wednesday after being captured in 2019 , according to the Department of Justice .
Omer Kuzu “ pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring to provide material support to terrorism , ” according to a DOJ statement .
Syrian Democratic Forces captured Kuzu in 2019 and the FBI sent him back to the U.S. “ after a five-year stint handling communications for ISIS , ” according to the statement .
Kuzu was indicted in early August , according to another Department of Justice statement .
“ This defendant , an American citizen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a brutal terrorist group and traveled halfway across the world to enact its agenda , ” United States Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas said , according to the statement .
“ The United States must do everything we can to prevent and deter this type of radicalization and prioritize prosecution of those that support the terroristic agenda of ISIS .
I am gratified Mr. Kuzu faced justice in an American court , ” Nealy Cox continued , according to the statement .
Plea papers note that Kuzu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Istanbul from the U.S. in 2014 , according to the statement .
Both ended up in Mosul , Iraq and dispatched to Syria after their training .
Kuzu began to “ work at the ISIS telecommunications directorate , ” according to the statement .
Kuzu also said in the plea papers that he knew ISIS was deemed a foreign terrorist organization and participated “ in terrorist activities , ” according to the statement .
He also said he pledged allegiance to now-dead “ ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the Islamic Caliphate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He was given a monthly stipend , a Chinese-made AK 47 , and an ISIS bride , ” the statement said .
Kuzu went to Syria and worked “ communications support for ISIS fighters on the front lines , ” afterwards , according to the statement .
He also “ worked in the Caliphate ’ s technology center , ” according to the statement .
The 23-year-old currently faces federal prison for a maximum of 20 years and his sentence is scheduled for Jan. 2021 , according to the statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Mary Rose Corkery
A 23-year-old U.S. citizen pleaded guilty to a terror charge Wednesday after being captured in 2019, according to the Department of Justice.
Omer Kuzu “pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring to provide material support to terrorism,” according to a DOJ statement.
Syrian Democratic Forces captured Kuzu in 2019 and the FBI sent him back to the U.S. “after a five-year stint handling communications for ISIS,” according to the statement.
Kuzu was indicted in early August, according to another Department of Justice statement.
Repatriated ISIS Fighter Pleads Guilty to Terror Charge https://t.co/wEvgK9w8oL — Justice Department (@TheJusticeDept) September 2, 2020
“This defendant, an American citizen radicalized on American soil, pledged allegiance to a brutal terrorist group and traveled halfway across the world to enact its agenda,” United States Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas said, according to the statement.
“The United States must do everything we can to prevent and deter this type of radicalization and prioritize prosecution of those that support the terroristic agenda of ISIS. I am gratified Mr. Kuzu faced justice in an American court,” Nealy Cox continued, according to the statement.
Plea papers note that Kuzu said that he and his brother left for Istanbul from the U.S. in 2014, according to the statement. Both ended up in Mosul, Iraq and dispatched to Syria after their training.
Kuzu began to “work at the ISIS telecommunications directorate,” according to the statement. Kuzu also said in the plea papers that he knew ISIS was deemed a foreign terrorist organization and participated “in terrorist activities,” according to the statement.
He also said he pledged allegiance to now-dead “ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the Islamic Caliphate” afterwards, according to the statement. “He was given a monthly stipend, a Chinese-made AK 47, and an ISIS bride,” the statement said.
Kuzu went to Syria and worked “communications support for ISIS fighters on the front lines,” afterwards, according to the statement. He also “worked in the Caliphate’s technology center,” according to the statement.
The 23-year-old currently faces federal prison for a maximum of 20 years and his sentence is scheduled for Jan. 2021, according to the statement.
– – –
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--House Committee Advances Bill Allowing for Early Release of Violent Offenders Through Earned Sentenc

House Committee Advances Bill Allowing for Early Release of Violent Offenders Through Earned Sentence Credits

The House Committee on Courts of Justice advanced a bill Wednesday that would allow for the early release of violent offenders by implementing a new earned sentence credit program .
The bill bars prisoners convicted of capital murder and most acts of violence involving minors from earning credits , but , conversely , includes first-time offenders convicted of first-degree murder , kidnapping , carjacking , rape and child pornography , among others .
“ These are offenders that are , we think , of very significant risk of reoffending and if they re-offend in a violent way people can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bill that we do not support , ” Said Del .
Rob Bell ( R-Albemarle ) said in an interview with The Virginia Star .
Bell , a member of the Courts of Justice Committee , is a firm believer in the current truth in sentencing system , which requires that inmates serve 85 percent of their sentence .
House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert issued a statement expressing strong Republican disapproval for the bill and calling out House Democrats for this decision .
“ Virginia children can ’ t attend school in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanently lost , violent riots continue , and House Democrats have chosen to focus their energy on helping killers , rapists , and child sexual predators get out of jail early , ” Gilbert said in a statement .
“ Republicans believe that killers , rapists , and child molesters should serve their full sentences .
The vote today was an insult to crime victims and their families.
” Del .
Don Scott ( D-Portsmouth ) , the sponsor of the bill , said in the committee meeting that he was open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and willing to add more amendments to the bill .
Specifically , Scott said that he would consider barring offenses like forcible rape , forcible saudomy and aggrivated sexual battery , among others , after Del .
Karrie Delaney ( D-Fairfax County ) , who is a crisis counselor and victims advocate , brought up those charges during the meeting .
When contacted by The Star , Scott said that he was begrudgingly making even more changes to the legislation so that it can pass the appropriations committee and then a vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may look vastly different by Friday .
The current iteration of the bill creates a four-leveled sentencing credit system with each level correlating to a certain amount of days being deducted from a prisoner ’ s sentence for every 30 days served .
Level 2 : Seven and a half days are deducted .
Level 3 : Three and a half days are deducted .
Level 4 : No days are deducted .
Prisoners are only classified level 4 if they willfully fail to participate or cooperate .
According to the credit program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prisoner serving a five-year sentence to serve 65 percent of that or three years and two and a half months , a ten-year sentence to serve 58 percent or five years and nine months and a 20-year sentence to serve 54 percent or ten years and nine months .
The program is to be run by staff in the correctional facilities .
Prisoners are assigned goals based on their profile and then must complete a wide variety of things including , counseling , substance abuse treatment , vocational and educational training and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualify for the highest level of the program , level 1 , prisoners must be infraction free , Scott said .
After public comment and members of the committee offered their thoughts , the bill was advanced by a vote of 11-Y 9-N. Delaney joined Republicans in voting against the bill , while Del .
Carroll Foy ( D-Prince William County ) did not vote at all .
The House Committee on Appropriations will consider the legislation during its Friday meeting .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

The House Committee on Courts of Justice advanced a bill Wednesday that would allow for the early release of violent offenders by implementing a new earned sentence credit program.
The bill bars prisoners convicted of capital murder and most acts of violence involving minors from earning credits, but, conversely, includes first-time offenders convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, carjacking, rape and child pornography, among others.
“These are offenders that are, we think, of very significant risk of reoffending and if they re-offend in a violent way people can get hurt or killed so this is obviously a bill that we do not support,” Said Del. Rob Bell (R-Albemarle) said in an interview with The Virginia Star.
Bell, a member of the Courts of Justice Committee, is a firm believer in the current truth in sentencing system, which requires that inmates serve 85 percent of their sentence.
House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert issued a statement expressing strong Republican disapproval for the bill and calling out House Democrats for this decision.
“Virginia children can’t attend school in person, businesses and jobs are being permanently lost, violent riots continue, and House Democrats have chosen to focus their energy on helping killers, rapists, and child sexual predators get out of jail early,” Gilbert said in a statement. “Republicans believe that killers, rapists, and child molesters should serve their full sentences. The vote today was an insult to crime victims and their families.”
Del. Don Scott (D-Portsmouth), the sponsor of the bill, said in the committee meeting that he was open to listening to the concerns of different members and willing to add more amendments to the bill.
Specifically, Scott said that he would consider barring offenses like forcible rape, forcible saudomy and aggrivated sexual battery, among others, after Del. Karrie Delaney (D-Fairfax County), who is a crisis counselor and victims advocate, brought up those charges during the meeting.
When contacted by The Star, Scott said that he was begrudgingly making even more changes to the legislation so that it can pass the appropriations committee and then a vote on the House floor, meaning the bill may look vastly different by Friday.
The current iteration of the bill creates a four-leveled sentencing credit system with each level correlating to a certain amount of days being deducted from a prisoner’s sentence for every 30 days served.
Level 1: 13 days are deducted.
Level 2: Seven and a half days are deducted.
Level 3: Three and a half days are deducted.
Level 4: No days are deducted. Prisoners are only classified level 4 if they willfully fail to participate or cooperate.
According to the credit program, earning level 1 credits would allow a prisoner serving a five-year sentence to serve 65 percent of that or three years and two and a half months, a ten-year sentence to serve 58 percent or five years and nine months and a 20-year sentence to serve 54 percent or ten years and nine months.
The program is to be run by staff in the correctional facilities. Prisoners are assigned goals based on their profile and then must complete a wide variety of things including, counseling, substance abuse treatment, vocational and educational training and job assignments, Scott said.
To qualify for the highest level of the program, level 1, prisoners must be infraction free, Scott said.
After public comment and members of the committee offered their thoughts, the bill was advanced by a vote of 11-Y 9-N. Delaney joined Republicans in voting against the bill, while Del. Carroll Foy (D-Prince William County) did not vote at all.
The House Committee on Appropriations will consider the legislation during its Friday meeting.
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Virginia Beach Seeking to Jail Man for Having Junk in His Yard

Virginia Beach is seeking to jail Bruce Smith for storing junk in his yard , according to WAVY.com .
Smith said he ’ s paid the city $ 5,200 in fines for repeated violations over the past year due to cars , boats and other items on his property .
City officials are charging Smith under Section 23-48 of the city code , which makes it a class one misdemeanor to store things like non-working machinery , appliances , and dilapidated furniture outside .
“ The City of Virginia Beach has over 180,000 privately owned residential units .
The city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of these housing units and other properties are safe , well-maintained and free from conditions that could harbor nuisances or pose hazards to the public , ” Wells Freed , Virginia Beach Housing Code Administrator , told The Virginia Star in an email .
Smith told The Virginia Star that problems with the city began over five years ago .
“ When I was in the middle of remodeling my house , [ a city official ] tried to have my house condemned as unfit and caused me to have to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on the house for two months .
Child Protective Services inspected the house and allowed his children to return home .
Smith said the city left him alone until last October after a new inspector was appointed .
Smith said , “ He would say , ‘ You can ’ t have this here so move it ’ , so then I take it and move it , [ he would respond ‘ You ’ re having bulk storage which is a zoning violation . '
” Smith said his personal life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handle the city ’ s requests .
Starting in last August , Smith went through a series of personal crises , including a separation from his wife , multiple hospital visits , and the stress from COVID-19 .
He believes disgruntled neighbors are complaining to the city .
Smith ’ s property is on the corner of two streets , giving it high visibility .
Footage from Wavy.com shows cars , boats , bicycles , and appliances in the yard .
Since reporters were at his house last week , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a lot of cars on the property .
“ Our cars are our religion , our cars are our church.
” Smith used to be an auto mechanic , loves Chrysler products , and has a ’ 72 Plymouth and a ’ 72 Barracuda .
“ I love cars…I ’ m a boy , you know what I ’ m saying , I ’ m a man.
” “ I have a hobby of going to the racetrack and racing and building cars , ” he said .
Smith thinks he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I [ have to ] sink fence posts and put up a privacy fence between me and my neighbor… straighten up , cut the grass , clean the yard , finish painting the house , ” he said .
In an exclusive interview , Heritage Foundation Legal Fellow Zack Smith told The Virginia Star , “ I can ’ t get into too many details about this specific case , but what I can say is anytime you see someone threatened with jail time over code enforcement violations , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , folks should be given broad leeway to use their property as they see fit.
” However , Smith said governments do have the power to protect their citizens ’ health , safety , and welfare .
“ So if someone is using their property in a way that is dangerous or creating a health hazard , then certainly the state can take appropriate remedial action in those situations , ” Smith said .
“ What I think we all as citizens really want to be sure and pay close attention to is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protections that are put in place are being followed and that whoever owns the property is being given all the due process rights that he is entitled to , ” Smith added .
Code Administrator Freed said , “ These ordinances are enforced uniformly throughout the City of Virginia Beach and inspectors attempt to work with residents to gain voluntary compliance whenever possible .
Court action is the last resort to compel compliance when a property owner fails to comply voluntarily .
It is only necessary for a small percentage of cases that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The accumulation of junk and debris on a property is conducive to nuisances and rodent infestations which are public health and safety concerns .
We are guided by the legal experts here in the Virginia Beach City Attorney ’ s Office and we feel that the response to this case is appropriate given the long history and the city ’ s obligation to address code violations throughout our communities.
” Smith said there is no health and safety violation on his property .
He has a lawyer scheduled to appear in court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes to have his property in compliance by then , and hopes that will be the end of the conflict .
“ I ’ m not a bad person , I ’ m not a bad citizen , ” Smith emphasized .
” I know I ’ m not a perfect neighbor.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Bruce Smith ’ s Property ” by WAVY.com .

Virginia Beach is seeking to jail Bruce Smith for storing junk in his yard, according to WAVY.com. Smith said he’s paid the city $5,200 in fines for repeated violations over the past year due to cars, boats and other items on his property.
City officials are charging Smith under Section 23-48 of the city code, which makes it a class one misdemeanor to store things like non-working machinery, appliances, and dilapidated furniture outside.
“The City of Virginia Beach has over 180,000 privately owned residential units. The city enacted property maintenance codes to ensure that all of these housing units and other properties are safe, well-maintained and free from conditions that could harbor nuisances or pose hazards to the public,” Wells Freed, Virginia Beach Housing Code Administrator, told The Virginia Star in an email.
Smith told The Virginia Star that problems with the city began over five years ago. “When I was in the middle of remodeling my house, [a city official] tried to have my house condemned as unfit and caused me to have to give my children to my parents.”
He worked on the house for two months. Child Protective Services inspected the house and allowed his children to return home. Smith said the city left him alone until last October after a new inspector was appointed. Smith said, “He would say, ‘You can’t have this here so move it’, so then I take it and move it, [he would respond ‘You’re having bulk storage which is a zoning violation.'”
Smith said his personal life has made it hard for him to handle the city’s requests. Starting in last August, Smith went through a series of personal crises, including a separation from his wife, multiple hospital visits, and the stress from COVID-19. He believes disgruntled neighbors are complaining to the city.
Smith’s property is on the corner of two streets, giving it high visibility. Footage from Wavy.com shows cars, boats, bicycles, and appliances in the yard. Since reporters were at his house last week, he’s removed the boats. Smith admits to having a lot of cars on the property.
“Our cars are our religion, our cars are our church.” Smith used to be an auto mechanic, loves Chrysler products, and has a ’72 Plymouth and a ’72 Barracuda. “I love cars…I’m a boy, you know what I’m saying, I’m a man.” “I have a hobby of going to the racetrack and racing and building cars,” he said.
Smith thinks he can get his property into compliance soon. “I [have to] sink fence posts and put up a privacy fence between me and my neighbor… straighten up, cut the grass, clean the yard, finish painting the house,” he said.
In an exclusive interview, Heritage Foundation Legal Fellow Zack Smith told The Virginia Star, “I can’t get into too many details about this specific case, but what I can say is anytime you see someone threatened with jail time over code enforcement violations, that’s a very unusual situation.”
“Generally, folks should be given broad leeway to use their property as they see fit.” However, Smith said governments do have the power to protect their citizens’ health, safety, and welfare. “So if someone is using their property in a way that is dangerous or creating a health hazard, then certainly the state can take appropriate remedial action in those situations,” Smith said.
“What I think we all as citizens really want to be sure and pay close attention to is that any appropriate due process and procedural protections that are put in place are being followed and that whoever owns the property is being given all the due process rights that he is entitled to,” Smith added.
Code Administrator Freed said, “These ordinances are enforced uniformly throughout the City of Virginia Beach and inspectors attempt to work with residents to gain voluntary compliance whenever possible. Court action is the last resort to compel compliance when a property owner fails to comply voluntarily. It is only necessary for a small percentage of cases that we deal with.”
Freed added, “The accumulation of junk and debris on a property is conducive to nuisances and rodent infestations which are public health and safety concerns. We are guided by the legal experts here in the Virginia Beach City Attorney’s Office and we feel that the response to this case is appropriate given the long history and the city’s obligation to address code violations throughout our communities.”
Smith said there is no health and safety violation on his property. He has a lawyer scheduled to appear in court with him on September 29. He hopes to have his property in compliance by then, and hopes that will be the end of the conflict.
“I’m not a bad person, I’m not a bad citizen,” Smith emphasized. ” I know I’m not a perfect neighbor.”
– – –
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Bruce Smith’s Property” by WAVY.com.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Sen. Gazelka Challenges Gov. Walz on COVID Measures and Meetings: ‘There is No Longer an Emergency’

Senator Paul Gazelka ( R-Nisswa ) continues to challenge Governor Tim Walz ’ s emergency executive powers , even after their private meeting Thursday .
The two disagree about the necessity of Minnesota ’ s continued state of emergency .
Their meeting marked the 175th day of Walz ’ s orders .
Gazelka shared that the governor said in their meeting that he won ’ t pull back on any of his powers .
The senator added that their current conflict stems from Walz ’ s continued extended orders .
“ When we were equals , the Senate had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ to the governor , and he ’ d have to work with us to find compromise , ” said Gazelka .
“ Under emergency powers , I have no say.
” Gazelka wrote a letter to Walz last Friday questioning the standards for upholding Minnesota ’ s state of emergency and the lack of criteria for ending it .
Gazelka also cited the disparity between the Minnesota Department of Health ’ s ( MDH ) projected COVID-related deaths and current numbers .
“ Initial MDH modeling projected as many as 74,000 COVID-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50,000 .
We are now past the 16-week projected peak and our actual death toll is 1,806 , of which 1,331 ( 74 % ) are associated with long term care facilities.
” The senator predicted that established criteria would determine COVID to be a non-emergency .
“ We have flattened the curve , no Minnesotan has been denied necessary medical treatment , and , thankfully , our hospitals have not needed to use their surge capacity .
There is no longer an emergency.
” In a briefing update Thursday after meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state ’ s pandemic status .
The governor said the state was in danger of a “ tipping point ” due to the sudden recent spike in cases .
He did not address the impact of delayed testing results .
“ We have never shied away from what the facts are about COVID.
” Walz said that although the numbers are better than state officials predicted earlier this spring , the winter will bring a worse version of the pandemic .
Walz did not explore in-depth any of the counter data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The executive order is up for renewal next Friday .
Walz didn ’ t confirm or deny his decision to extend the order .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network .
Follow her on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Paul Gazelka ” by Minnesota Senate Republicans .
CC BY 2.0 .

Senator Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) continues to challenge Governor Tim Walz’s emergency executive powers, even after their private meeting Thursday. The two disagree about the necessity of Minnesota’s continued state of emergency.
Their meeting marked the 175th day of Walz’s orders.
Gazelka shared that the governor said in their meeting that he won’t pull back on any of his powers. The senator added that their current conflict stems from Walz’s continued extended orders.
“When we were equals, the Senate had a position where we could say ‘no’ to the governor, and he’d have to work with us to find compromise,” said Gazelka. “Under emergency powers, I have no say.”
Gazelka wrote a letter to Walz last Friday questioning the standards for upholding Minnesota’s state of emergency and the lack of criteria for ending it. Gazelka also cited the disparity between the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) projected COVID-related deaths and current numbers.
“Initial MDH modeling projected as many as 74,000 COVID-related deaths, which was later revised to 50,000. We are now past the 16-week projected peak and our actual death toll is 1,806, of which 1,331 (74%) are associated with long term care facilities.”
The senator predicted that established criteria would determine COVID to be a non-emergency.
“We have flattened the curve, no Minnesotan has been denied necessary medical treatment, and, thankfully, our hospitals have not needed to use their surge capacity. There is no longer an emergency.”
In a briefing update Thursday after meeting with Gazelka, Walz shared a different view of the state’s pandemic status. The governor said the state was in danger of a “tipping point” due to the sudden recent spike in cases. He did not address the impact of delayed testing results.
“We have never shied away from what the facts are about COVID.”
Walz said that although the numbers are better than state officials predicted earlier this spring, the winter will bring a worse version of the pandemic. Walz did not explore in-depth any of the counter data that Gazelka referenced in his letter.
The executive order is up for renewal next Friday. Walz didn’t confirm or deny his decision to extend the order.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Paul Gazelka” by Minnesota Senate Republicans. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Ohio FEMA Camps – Still More Questions Than Answers

The Ohio Star reported on September 3 that Ohio Department of Health ( ODH ) Interim Director Lance Himes released an order on August 31 – an order creating Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) shelters and legalizing their use for people who “ are unable to safely self-quarantine in their place of residence and to isolate those diagnosed with or showing symptoms of COVID-19.
” The non-congregate FEMA sheltering will be utilized throughout the state for people , according to the examples given by Himes , who “ test positive for COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals ) ; those who have been exposed to COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization ; and asymptomatic high-risk individuals needing social distancing as a precautionary measure.
” Ohio Emergency Management Agency ( EMA ) is to secure the necessary approvals for the use of non-congregate sheltering and local health officials are to be on the lookout for both public and private spaces to be utilized for the FEMA camps .
When state officials determine the need to utilize the camps EMA is authorized to coordinate with state agencies .
State-funded colleges and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacant buildings and grounds for use under the order .
The reporter from WMFD-TV in Mansfield asked Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine for more details about the order during the press conference on September 3 .
The question and answer can be found below .
After the 2 o ’ clock presser , The Star followed-up with DeWine ’ s Press Secretary Dan Tierney for clarification on the question asked during the Thursday press conference .
Tierney responded , “ The order gives the state of Ohio the ability to draw down federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health department when a non-congregate shelter is needed .
These shelters are used when an individual is unable to safely quarantine or isolate in their home .
The nature of these shelters is no different than what the EMA and others stand-up during natural disasters .
The intent of the order is to provide a safe and healthy space for the individual who needs to be quarantined or isolated as determined by local needs .
This also helps protect family members from exposure .
FEMA has FAQ ’ s and more information available.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ remains ambiguous as an answer to the question of who decides whether a person ’ s residence is safe.
” The Star pressed with an additional question , “ Would the non-congregate sheltering apply to Ohioans of all ages ?
That is , if a single parent has a one-bathroom apartment and a child is deemed to have had high exposure to COVID-19 at school and the health department determines that the child needs to isolate but also deems the single parent ’ s dwelling unsafe…is the child directed to the shelter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spokesperson , “ Again , the nature of these shelters is typically for natural disasters .
Usually , people seek alternate shelter well before the rare cases where local authorities might condemn a property due to a natural disaster.
” Additional questions asked to Tierney and the ODH but were not yet answered by the time this article published included : • What are the necessary actions to procure space ?
• Our hospitals are going broke and our previous spaces ( Columbus Convention Center ) were never used and cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we doing this now when the virus is under control ?
The second-amended order for non-congregate sheltering to be utilized throughout Ohio expiration is set for “ ninety ( 90 ) days or at a time to be determined by the Director of Health , whichever is sooner.
” Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star .
Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV .
Follow Jack on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
Photo “ Ohio Department of Public Safety ” @ @ @ @ @ @

The Ohio Star reported on September 3 that Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Interim Director Lance Himes released an order on August 31 – an order creating Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shelters and legalizing their use for people who “are unable to safely self-quarantine in their place of residence and to isolate those diagnosed with or showing symptoms of COVID-19.”
The non-congregate FEMA sheltering will be utilized throughout the state for people, according to the examples given by Himes, who “test positive for COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization but need isolation (including those exiting from hospitals); those who have been exposed to COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization; and asymptomatic high-risk individuals needing social distancing as a precautionary measure.”
Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is to secure the necessary approvals for the use of non-congregate sheltering and local health officials are to be on the lookout for both public and private spaces to be utilized for the FEMA camps.
When state officials determine the need to utilize the camps EMA is authorized to coordinate with state agencies.
State-funded colleges and universities are required to hand over their vacant buildings and grounds for use under the order.
The reporter from WMFD-TV in Mansfield asked Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine for more details about the order during the press conference on September 3. The question and answer can be found below.
After the 2 o’clock presser, The Star followed-up with DeWine’s Press Secretary Dan Tierney for clarification on the question asked during the Thursday press conference.
Tierney responded, “The order gives the state of Ohio the ability to draw down federal funding to reimburse the local EMA and health department when a non-congregate shelter is needed. These shelters are used when an individual is unable to safely quarantine or isolate in their home. The nature of these shelters is no different than what the EMA and others stand-up during natural disasters. The intent of the order is to provide a safe and healthy space for the individual who needs to be quarantined or isolated as determined by local needs. This also helps protect family members from exposure. FEMA has FAQ’s and more information available.”
“As determined by local needs’ remains ambiguous as an answer to the question of who decides whether a person’s residence is safe.”
The Star pressed with an additional question, “Would the non-congregate sheltering apply to Ohioans of all ages? That is, if a single parent has a one-bathroom apartment and a child is deemed to have had high exposure to COVID-19 at school and the health department determines that the child needs to isolate but also deems the single parent’s dwelling unsafe…is the child directed to the shelter?”
The response from the governor’s spokesperson, “Again, the nature of these shelters is typically for natural disasters. Usually, people seek alternate shelter well before the rare cases where local authorities might condemn a property due to a natural disaster.”
Additional questions asked to Tierney and the ODH but were not yet answered by the time this article published included:
What are the necessary actions to procure space?
Our hospitals are going broke and our previous spaces (Columbus Convention Center) were never used and cost a lot of money to build-out…why are we doing this now when the virus is under control?
The second-amended order for non-congregate sheltering to be utilized throughout Ohio expiration is set for “ninety (90) days or at a time to be determined by the Director of Health, whichever is sooner.”
– – –
Jack Windsor is Managing Editor and an Investigative Reporter at The Ohio Star. Windsor is also an Investigative Reporter at WMFD-TV. Follow Jack on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Ohio Department of Public Safety” by Ohio Emergency Management Agency.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Michigan Conservative Coalition to Host ‘Back the Blue’ Event in Frankenmuth

The Michigan Conservative Coalition ( MCC ) will be holding a MAGA Back the Blue event on September 13 that will feature a classic car and biker cruise and a flyover in Frankenmuth , Michigan .
The event , which will run from noon to 4 p.m. , will be raising money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and local law enforcement K-9 Units .
The Trump Unity Bridge , a touring support team for President Trump , will also be in attendance .
“ Michigan is the world ’ s auto capitol and we love to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Debra Ell , event organizer and founder of the Mid-Michigan Trump Republicans , in a statement .
“ But this event is special .
Now often can we enjoy a fly over right in Frankenmuth !
Also , we are asking all who drive in this event to show their support for our police , our country and our president , Donald J. Trump.
” The MCC has also organized events protesting coronavirus lockdowns in the state , filling the roads in Lansing to demand the easing of work restrictions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The event will begin with a private plane fly-in to Frankenmuth Field , followed by a flyover event of downtown Frankenmuth at 10 a.m. Then a “ Pit Stop ” event beginning at noon will feature speakers supporting police and first responders and will be located at Weiss Equipment .
Ell asked for participants to decorate their cars and planes with American or Trump flags or other patriotic displays .
“ We have all seen television coverage of car and biker events in Florida , Texas and elsewhere , ” said Ell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAGA Back the Blue event to Frankenmuth…Let ’ s be loud to Back our Blue and to celebrate MAGA on September 13.
” Find out more about the event here .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media .
Follow her on Twitter at @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ] Photo “ Back to Blue Event ” by Michigan Conservative Coalition .

The Michigan Conservative Coalition (MCC) will be holding a MAGA Back the Blue event on September 13 that will feature a classic car and biker cruise and a flyover in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
The event, which will run from noon to 4 p.m., will be raising money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and local law enforcement K-9 Units. The Trump Unity Bridge, a touring support team for President Trump, will also be in attendance.
“Michigan is the world’s auto capitol and we love to show off our classic cars and bikes”, said Debra Ell, event organizer and founder of the Mid-Michigan Trump Republicans, in a statement. “But this event is special. Now often can we enjoy a fly over right in Frankenmuth! Also, we are asking all who drive in this event to show their support for our police, our country and our president, Donald J. Trump.”
The MCC has also organized events protesting coronavirus lockdowns in the state, filling the roads in Lansing to demand the easing of work restrictions and hosting free haircuts outside the Capitol.
The event will begin with a private plane fly-in to Frankenmuth Field, followed by a flyover event of downtown Frankenmuth at 10 a.m. Then a “Pit Stop” event beginning at noon will feature speakers supporting police and first responders and will be located at Weiss Equipment.
Ell asked for participants to decorate their cars and planes with American or Trump flags or other patriotic displays.
“We have all seen television coverage of car and biker events in Florida, Texas and elsewhere,” said Ell. “We are excited to bring our MAGA Back the Blue event to Frankenmuth…Let’s be loud to Back our Blue and to celebrate MAGA on September 13.”
Find out more about the event here.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]
Photo “Back to Blue Event” by Michigan Conservative Coalition.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Michigan Gyms to Reopen September 9, Whitmer Announces

Michigan gyms and pools will be able to reopen starting on September 9 , thanks to an executive order signed by Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday .
The order will allow organized sports practices to resume and gym facilities and pool usage to reopen , with certain safety restrictions in place .
Gyms will be required to maintain records of gym attendees that include time of entry and exit and contact information , mandate mask wearing except when swimming , limit the number of patrons to 25 percent of capacity and configure workstations to allow for social distancing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed the best science and data available to make decisions that will keep Michiganders safe , and our hard work is paying off .
Today we are announcing the reopening of gyms and pools with strict safety measures in place to protect patrons and their families , ” Whitmer said in a statement .
“ I urge everyone who plans to hit the gym after these orders go into effect to take these precautions seriously and do everything in their power to protect themselves and their families .
Be smart , and stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference where Whitmer said she would postpone making a final decision on gym reopenings .
Gyms and pool facilities have been closed since March .
Michigan Sen. Michael MacDonald ( R-10-Macomb Township ) said he was “ thrilled ” by Whitmer ’ s decision .
MacDonald , who has a background in exercise science , sent a letter co-signed by nearly 600 residents to the governor on Friday urging her to reopen gyms .
MacDonald said Whitmer ’ s previous policies , which allowed restaurants and other businesses to reopen , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structure of [ the gym ] environment , ” MacDonald told The Michigan Star .
“ There ’ s not an illness that exists that isn ’ t related to stress.
” One gym owner said that the reopening of the gyms gave her a “ sense of relief.
” “ A lot of people have gained weight or haven ’ t been able to manage [ their health issues ] , ” Amanda Rainsberger , who owns two locations of Anytime Fitness in Michigan , told The Michigan Star .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for themselves.
” Rainsberger said her locations have been closed since March 16 and that she expects getting people to return will be an “ uphill battle.
” “ I think eventually people will return , ” she said .
Rainsberger said that her locations have sneeze guard around all cardio equipment and anti-bacterial wipes available , as well as increased cleaning protocols .
“ I think people are just happy to open and operate , ” she said .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JordynPair .
Email her at [ email protected ]

Michigan gyms and pools will be able to reopen starting on September 9, thanks to an executive order signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday.
The order will allow organized sports practices to resume and gym facilities and pool usage to reopen, with certain safety restrictions in place.
Gyms will be required to maintain records of gym attendees that include time of entry and exit and contact information, mandate mask wearing except when swimming, limit the number of patrons to 25 percent of capacity and configure workstations to allow for social distancing.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have followed the best science and data available to make decisions that will keep Michiganders safe, and our hard work is paying off. Today we are announcing the reopening of gyms and pools with strict safety measures in place to protect patrons and their families,” Whitmer said in a statement. “I urge everyone who plans to hit the gym after these orders go into effect to take these precautions seriously and do everything in their power to protect themselves and their families. Be smart, and stay safe.”
The announcement follows a Wednesday press conference where Whitmer said she would postpone making a final decision on gym reopenings.
Gyms and pool facilities have been closed since March.
Michigan Sen. Michael MacDonald (R-10-Macomb Township) said he was “thrilled” by Whitmer’s decision. MacDonald, who has a background in exercise science, sent a letter co-signed by nearly 600 residents to the governor on Friday urging her to reopen gyms.
MacDonald said Whitmer’s previous policies, which allowed restaurants and other businesses to reopen, were “inconsistent.”
“People need the structure of [the gym] environment,” MacDonald told The Michigan Star. “There’s not an illness that exists that isn’t related to stress.”
One gym owner said that the reopening of the gyms gave her a “sense of relief.”
“A lot of people have gained weight or haven’t been able to manage [their health issues],” Amanda Rainsberger, who owns two locations of Anytime Fitness in Michigan, told The Michigan Star. “They want the freedom to make the choice for themselves.”
Rainsberger said her locations have been closed since March 16 and that she expects getting people to return will be an “uphill battle.”
“I think eventually people will return,” she said.
Rainsberger said that her locations have sneeze guard around all cardio equipment and anti-bacterial wipes available, as well as increased cleaning protocols.
“I think people are just happy to open and operate,” she said.
Read Whitmer’s full executive order here.
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star and Star News Digital Media. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Ohio Speaker Names Committee to Repeal, Replace House Bill 6

House Speaker Bob Cupp , R-Lima , has named lawmakers to serve on a new committee tasked with repealing and replacing House Bill 6 , a ratepayer-funded bailout of two Ohio nuclear plants that led to a federal corruption probe .
Democrats said they were prepared to take action when the House met on Tuesday .
State Rep. Jim Hoops , R-Napoleon , will chair the committee , while state Rep. Cindy Abrams , R-Harrison , will serve as its vice-chair ; state Rep. David Leland , D-Columbus , is the ranking minority member .
The committee will hold its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the House Select Committee on Energy Policy and Oversight is the latest fallout in the wake of the arrest of former House Speaker Larry Householder , R-Glenford .
A federal grand jury indicted the former speaker and four others as part of a $ 60 million “ public corruption racketeering conspiracy ” to pass the legislation , a ratepayer bailout of two Ohio nuclear plants .
“ Our plan is to work expeditiously through these complex issues , ” Cupp said in a statement .
“ It ’ s important that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right in a fair and open process.
” Several high-profile Republicans , including Gov .
Mike DeWine , have called for the repeal of the legislation .
The state Senate is also expected to consider a move to repeal HB6 .
Last week , House Democrats threatened to use a discharge petition , “ a seldom-used parliamentary maneuver , ” to force action on a bill to repeal the measure .
“ House Democrats showed up to work for our constituents , ” House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes , D-Akron , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to address the rent and mortgage crisis , unemployment compensation and recovery from both COVID-19 and the economic crisis that followed .
We were also ready to start the process to repeal House Bill 6 as the Republicans have said publicly over and over again that they too are ready to do.
” Other members of the committee are state Reps. Brian Baldridge , R-Winchester ; Rick Carfagna , R-Genoa Township ; Phil Plummer , R-Dayton ; Mark Romanchuk , R-Ontario ; Dick Stein , R-Norwalk ; Jason Stephens , R-Kitts Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boggs , D-Columbus ; Sedrick Denson , D-Cincinnati ; Michael O ’ Brien , D-Warren ; Kent Smith , D-Euclid ; Casey Weinstein , D-Hudson .
“ I ’ m looking forward to a robust and thorough discussion , ” Hoops said in a news release .
“ It ’ s important have sound energy policy that works for Ohio.
” Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square .

by Todd DeFeo
House Speaker Bob Cupp, R-Lima, has named lawmakers to serve on a new committee tasked with repealing and replacing House Bill 6, a ratepayer-funded bailout of two Ohio nuclear plants that led to a federal corruption probe.
Democrats said they were prepared to take action when the House met on Tuesday.
State Rep. Jim Hoops, R-Napoleon, will chair the committee, while state Rep. Cindy Abrams, R-Harrison, will serve as its vice-chair; state Rep. David Leland, D-Columbus, is the ranking minority member. The committee will hold its first hearing next week.
The formation of the House Select Committee on Energy Policy and Oversight is the latest fallout in the wake of the arrest of former House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford. A federal grand jury indicted the former speaker and four others as part of a $60 million “public corruption racketeering conspiracy” to pass the legislation, a ratepayer bailout of two Ohio nuclear plants.
“Our plan is to work expeditiously through these complex issues,” Cupp said in a statement. “It’s important that we get this done and get it done right in a fair and open process.”
Several high-profile Republicans, including Gov. Mike DeWine, have called for the repeal of the legislation. The state Senate is also expected to consider a move to repeal HB6.
Last week, House Democrats threatened to use a discharge petition, “a seldom-used parliamentary maneuver,” to force action on a bill to repeal the measure.
“House Democrats showed up to work for our constituents,” House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes, D-Akron, said in a statement. “We were ready to address the rent and mortgage crisis, unemployment compensation and recovery from both COVID-19 and the economic crisis that followed. We were also ready to start the process to repeal House Bill 6 as the Republicans have said publicly over and over again that they too are ready to do.”
Other members of the committee are state Reps. Brian Baldridge, R-Winchester; Rick Carfagna, R-Genoa Township; Phil Plummer, R-Dayton; Mark Romanchuk, R-Ontario; Dick Stein, R-Norwalk; Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill; Scott Wiggam, R-Wooster; Kristin Boggs, D-Columbus; Sedrick Denson, D-Cincinnati; Michael O’Brien, D-Warren; Kent Smith, D-Euclid; Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson.
“I’m looking forward to a robust and thorough discussion,” Hoops said in a news release. “It’s important have sound energy policy that works for Ohio.”
– – –
Todd DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Raheem Kassam on BLM and Antifa: This is How You Establish Tyranny in the Long Run, Through Fear

Live from Virginia Wednesday morning on The John Fredericks Show – weekdays on WNTW AM 820/ FM 92.7 – Richmond , WJFN FM 100.5 – Central Virginia , WMPH AM 1010 / FM 100.1 / FM 96.9 ( 7-9 PM ) Hampton Roads , WBRG AM 1050 / FM 105.1 – Lynchburg/Roanoke and Weekdays 6-10 am and 24/7 Stream – host John Fredericks welcomed political activist , media personality and co-host of War Room Pandemic , Raheem Kassam to the show .
During the show , Kassam gave his perspective of the riots and protests Wednesday evening in Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antifa operate in the same way .
He explained that they have no clear political message , yet are using fear to gain money and , in the long run , establish a tyranny .
Fredericks : Raheem is the co-host of War Room Pandemic .
And that ’ s on 10 to noon .
And he also has his own show on America ’ s Voice News .
Raheem great to have you with us , man .
Kassam : Hey John thank you for having me .
Fredericks : Let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in D.C. What ’ s the deal there ?
Do you have any information on it ?
Kassam : As you say there are two sides to this story .
One side is that the DC Police were in pursuit of somebody , and that person pulled out a firearm , and the police responded to that .
And the response to pulling out a firearm , especially if you are pointing it at a police officer or pointing it at any member of the public , is that you are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get dealt with in pretty short order .
There are all sorts of police departments trying new ways to deal with things like that with all of this that ’ s taking place right now .
But as it stands I think that all of the reasonable people in the world understand that if you are pointing a firearm and there is a police officer nearby that will be the response .
Now the protesters or the rioters , depending on what you want to call them , are disputing that .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the story on their side .
They are just saying police lie .
In fact , the Black Lives Matter organization for the DMV , which is a verified organization on Twitter , sent out a message immediately in the aftermath of what happened yesterday without any bodycam footage released .
Without any explanations .
But they sent out a Tweet that said do not believe the police .
The police lie .
Now , that ’ s a very knee-jerk reaction .
I think it goes to the heart of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remember President Trump John said that Black Lives Matter has been bad for black people .
And I think this was the sort of thing he was getting at .
Without taking a step back and assessing what ’ s going on .
Without figuring out what the bodycam footage shows , people stormed this police station last night in Southeast Washington , D.C. And you probably know D.C. better than I do .
But for me , that goes right to the heart of what the president was talking about , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person was pointing a gun at police or pointing a gun in front of the police or around police officers , then what rationale could there possibly be for these protesters to say oh that ’ s racist .
Because I would expect the same response regardless of your race or color or anything else .
Remember , John , these men and women are on tinder hooks constantly right now because of what ’ s going on .
But this is by design of course .
This is what the left wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Well it ’ s backfiring on them now politically isn ’ t it ?
We just had Scott Rasmussen on a few moments ago .
He has a stunning poll out that says basically well over 50 % that he polled are afraid , they fear for their safety , that the mobs and the rioters and the looters are going to come to their town .
That ’ s a stunning number .
That ’ s over 50 % .
It was 30 % of Democrats who are fearing the mobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t believe that number .
This whole thing is backfiring on them , isn ’ t it ?
Politically ?
Kassam : Right .
It depends on what you think the aim is here .
If the aim is political power it certainly isn ’ t going well for them .
But if the aim is fear-mongering then it ’ s going extremely well .
Here ’ s the thing .
Kassam : There are various elements , and I don ’ t interchange some of these groups .
But Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the same right now .
They operate within the same confines and within the same streets and within the same vague leadership roles .
They operate with the same initiative and the same activities .
They want the same end goals at the moment .
So they are one in the same .
If you look at what they are trying to achieve there is no coherent political plan .
They ’ ve got something .
They ’ ve got defund the police .
Then it was restructuring the police .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for certain things .
There is no clear political plan .
So I struggle to believe that they are looking for political capital .
What they are looking for is fear .
They are looking to incite fear .
And what is fear bringing them ?
Well , fear brings them corporate backing .
Fear brings them donations .
Fear brings them the people who are putting signs in their windows agreeing with these people because they don ’ t want their property smashed .
And in the long run , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through fear .
Fredericks : You know the way you put that I never really thought about it that way .
But the fear is bringing the money .
You look at the number of corporate companies .
It ’ s a billion-dollar operation .
All that money coming from institutional corporations in the US is kind of stunning .
I ’ m done with the NBA .
I just can ’ t take it anymore .
The last game I watched they came out in BLM shirts and got it painted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When I first started watching baseball the first week it was painted on the back of the mounds .
Then you go to the Black Lives Matter website and it ’ s basically anarchy .
And you just scratch your head .
But now I understand it the way you are presenting this , Raheem .
It ’ s about fear .
Fear gets you money , right ?
Kassam : It gets you an awful lot of money .
I have the same exact feeling with the sport I follow , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it re-started in the beginning of the summer my team walks out with Black Lives Matter on their shirts instead of the player names .
What is an English soccer team based in the Northwest of England have anything to do with the Black Lives Matter protests going on in the United States ?
Well , it ’ s corporate .
It ’ s corporate interest .
And it ’ s this corporate environment that we are living in .
It ’ s harder today to find a product from a company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter than it is to find a product that isn ’ t made in China .
That ’ s the ludicrous nature of the situation we are in .
Fredericks : Raheem you have a new TV show .
I want to get to that .
And then about the president retweeting you .
You have a new TV show on America ’ s Voice News .
Tell us about that .
What time is it ?
How did it come to be ?
Where do you do it ?
Give us the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , John .
The National Pulse is the website that we do news investigation stories .
We are not a full-service news site .
We are a news site that specifically functions to highlight issues that the rest of the media doesn ’ t know about .
And that ’ s going to be the subject of our conversation in a second I think .
The National Pulse turned into more media content .
We started doing more podcast content .
We started doing more online content .
More video content on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me , well why aren ’ t we turning this into a show .
So I went to America ’ s News Voice , which is one of the fastest-growing companies , let alone in the media industry , but companies in the entire country at the entire moment based on their viewership numbers , subscriber rates and how many homes they are in now .
And I said look , we have all of this exclusive investigative new content .
Why don ’ t we do an hour a day for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll give you a shot .
And so at 3 p.m. every day on America ’ s Voice Network , Channel 219 .
And it ’ s live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook Live and other places as well .
It ’ s an hour ’ s worth of deep dive of some of the topics that you might cover on your show and we might cover on War Room , and we dedicate one hour on one particular topic .
We ’ ve had Congressman Jim Banks yesterday .
We had Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the show so far .
So it ’ s going incredibly well .
As I say it ’ s on America ’ s Voice at 3 p.m. , and it ’ s an hour of those nuggets you hear on the radio , or the news , or podcasts that you say , I wish they went longer dissecting and explaining that .
Fredericks : Extremely interesting .
The National Pulse show , Raheem Kassam , that is 3 p.m. Eastern and that is on America ’ s Voice News .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not carried on our radio network .
If you want to get that it ’ s really easy .
All you have to do is download America ’ s Voice News app on any of your devices .
And there he ’ ll be when you turn it on and click on it every day from 3-4 p.m .
Listen to the full show here :

Live from Virginia Wednesday morning on The John Fredericks Show – weekdays on WNTW AM 820/ FM 92.7 – Richmond, WJFN FM 100.5 – Central Virginia, WMPH AM 1010 / FM 100.1 / FM 96.9 (7-9 PM) Hampton Roads, WBRG AM 1050 / FM 105.1 – Lynchburg/Roanoke and Weekdays 6-10 am and 24/7 Stream – host John Fredericks welcomed political activist, media personality and co-host of War Room Pandemic, Raheem Kassam to the show.
During the show, Kassam gave his perspective of the riots and protests Wednesday evening in Washington, D.C. pointing out how both BLM and Antifa operate in the same way. He explained that they have no clear political message, yet are using fear to gain money and, in the long run, establish a tyranny.
Fredericks: Raheem is the co-host of War Room Pandemic. And that’s on 10 to noon. And he also has his own show on America’s Voice News. Raheem great to have you with us, man.
Kassam: Hey John thank you for having me.
Fredericks: Let’s start with what happened last night in D.C. What’s the deal there? Do you have any information on it?
Kassam: As you say there are two sides to this story. One side is that the DC Police were in pursuit of somebody, and that person pulled out a firearm, and the police responded to that. And the response to pulling out a firearm, especially if you are pointing it at a police officer or pointing it at any member of the public, is that you are going to get shot.
You are going to get dealt with in pretty short order. There are all sorts of police departments trying new ways to deal with things like that with all of this that’s taking place right now. But as it stands I think that all of the reasonable people in the world understand that if you are pointing a firearm and there is a police officer nearby that will be the response.
Now the protesters or the rioters, depending on what you want to call them, are disputing that. They aren’t offering a full side of the story on their side. They are just saying police lie. In fact, the Black Lives Matter organization for the DMV, which is a verified organization on Twitter, sent out a message immediately in the aftermath of what happened yesterday without any bodycam footage released.
Without any explanations. But they sent out a Tweet that said do not believe the police. The police lie. Now, that’s a very knee-jerk reaction. I think it goes to the heart of what the President said the other day. Remember President Trump John said that Black Lives Matter has been bad for black people. And I think this was the sort of thing he was getting at.
Without taking a step back and assessing what’s going on. Without figuring out what the bodycam footage shows, people stormed this police station last night in Southeast Washington, D.C. And you probably know D.C. better than I do.
But for me, that goes right to the heart of what the president was talking about, because if and when this transpired and this person was pointing a gun at police or pointing a gun in front of the police or around police officers, then what rationale could there possibly be for these protesters to say oh that’s racist.
Because I would expect the same response regardless of your race or color or anything else. Remember, John, these men and women are on tinder hooks constantly right now because of what’s going on. But this is by design of course. This is what the left wanted to achieve with this unrest.
Fredericks: Well it’s backfiring on them now politically isn’t it? We just had Scott Rasmussen on a few moments ago. He has a stunning poll out that says basically well over 50% that he polled are afraid, they fear for their safety, that the mobs and the rioters and the looters are going to come to their town. That’s a stunning number. That’s over 50%. It was 30% of Democrats who are fearing the mobs are coming to their city. I couldn’t believe that number. This whole thing is backfiring on them, isn’t it? Politically?
Kassam: Right. It depends on what you think the aim is here. If the aim is political power it certainly isn’t going well for them. But if the aim is fear-mongering then it’s going extremely well. Here’s the thing.
Fredericks: Right.
Kassam: There are various elements, and I don’t interchange some of these groups. But Black Lives Matter and Antifa are effectively one in the same right now.
They operate within the same confines and within the same streets and within the same vague leadership roles. They operate with the same initiative and the same activities. They want the same end goals at the moment. So they are one in the same. If you look at what they are trying to achieve there is no coherent political plan. They’ve got something.
They’ve got defund the police. Then it was restructuring the police. Then it was let’s have reforms for certain things. There is no clear political plan. So I struggle to believe that they are looking for political capital. What they are looking for is fear.
They are looking to incite fear. And what is fear bringing them? Well, fear brings them corporate backing. Fear brings them donations. Fear brings them the people who are putting signs in their windows agreeing with these people because they don’t want their property smashed. And in the long run, this is how you establish a tyranny which is through fear.
Fredericks: You know the way you put that I never really thought about it that way. But the fear is bringing the money. You look at the number of corporate companies. It’s a billion-dollar operation. All that money coming from institutional corporations in the US is kind of stunning. I’m done with the NBA. I just can’t take it anymore.
The last game I watched they came out in BLM shirts and got it painted on the side of the basketball arena. When I first started watching baseball the first week it was painted on the back of the mounds. Then you go to the Black Lives Matter website and it’s basically anarchy. And you just scratch your head. But now I understand it the way you are presenting this, Raheem. It’s about fear. Fear gets you money, right?
Kassam: It gets you an awful lot of money. I have the same exact feeling with the sport I follow, which is the English Premier League. And when it re-started in the beginning of the summer my team walks out with Black Lives Matter on their shirts instead of the player names. What is an English soccer team based in the Northwest of England have anything to do with the Black Lives Matter protests going on in the United States? Well, it’s corporate.
It’s corporate interest. And it’s this corporate environment that we are living in. It’s harder today to find a product from a company that doesn’t support Black Lives Matter than it is to find a product that isn’t made in China. That’s the ludicrous nature of the situation we are in.
Fredericks: Raheem you have a new TV show. I want to get to that. And then about the president retweeting you. You have a new TV show on America’s Voice News. Tell us about that. What time is it? How did it come to be? Where do you do it? Give us the whole background.
Kassam: Thank you, John. The National Pulse is the website that we do news investigation stories. We are not a full-service news site. We are a news site that specifically functions to highlight issues that the rest of the media doesn’t know about. And that’s going to be the subject of our conversation in a second I think. The National Pulse turned into more media content.
We started doing more podcast content. We started doing more online content. More video content on Twitter and Facebook. And it just occurred to me, well why aren’t we turning this into a show. So I went to America’s News Voice, which is one of the fastest-growing companies, let alone in the media industry, but companies in the entire country at the entire moment based on their viewership numbers, subscriber rates and how many homes they are in now.
And I said look, we have all of this exclusive investigative new content. Why don’t we do an hour a day for you? And they said, we’ll give you a shot. And so at 3 p.m. every day on America’s Voice Network, Channel 219. And it’s live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook Live and other places as well.
It’s an hour’s worth of deep dive of some of the topics that you might cover on your show and we might cover on War Room, and we dedicate one hour on one particular topic. We’ve had Congressman Jim Banks yesterday. We had Jack Brewer after his RNC speech as guests on the show so far. So it’s going incredibly well. As I say it’s on America’s Voice at 3 p.m., and it’s an hour of those nuggets you hear on the radio, or the news, or podcasts that you say, I wish they went longer dissecting and explaining that.
Fredericks: Extremely interesting. The National Pulse show, Raheem Kassam, that is 3 p.m. Eastern and that is on America’s Voice News. If you want to get that it’s not carried on our radio network. If you want to get that it’s really easy. All you have to do is download America’s Voice News app on any of your devices. And there he’ll be when you turn it on and click on it every day from 3-4 p.m.
Listen to the full show here:
– – –


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--Del. Rob Bloxom Commentary: Virginia Democrats’ Bill Proposals Are ‘Nothing Short of Shocking’

The Virginia House of Delegates was under Republican control for more than twenty years .
This year , the Democratic party is in control of the House of Delegates , along with the Senate , and the Governor ’ s Mansion .
This is the first time in three decades in which one party has had complete control .
The Republicans left the present Democrat controlled house with the title of being the number one rated state to do business , according to CNBC .
We were also rated the third safest state in which to live and first in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may say the Republicans were too pro-business , and that may be true .
Some may say we were too pro-law and that could be true as well .
However , what we are witnessing in Richmond now is an assault on our businesses and on the police forces .
The bills that are being brought before my committees are nothing short of shocking , and if you ask a question or debate the bill , then you are labeled a racist .
I am not sure why asking the cost of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be prudent with your money , but being a racist , I am definitely not .
I do not condone bad behavior as a citizen or a parent .
I do not condone it for law enforcement officers , nor will I condone bad behavior from protestors .
However , changing laws in the midst of this politically charged atmosphere without them being fully vetted is not a prudent action .
I fear our society will be paying for some very unpleasant bills for future generations .
I strongly encourage you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are passing the House of Delegates during this special session at https : //lis.virginia.gov/ .
I would like to bring your attention specifically to HB 5013 , HB 5103 , and HB 5116 .
Rob Bloxom is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates , representing the people of the 100th District .
A native to the Eastern Shore of Virginia , he resides in the Parksley area .
Photo “ Virginia House of Delegates Chamber ” by Anthony-22 .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .

by Del. Rob Bloxom (R-East Shore)
The Virginia House of Delegates was under Republican control for more than twenty years. This year, the Democratic party is in control of the House of Delegates, along with the Senate, and the Governor’s Mansion. This is the first time in three decades in which one party has had complete control.
The Republicans left the present Democrat controlled house with the title of being the number one rated state to do business, according to CNBC. We were also rated the third safest state in which to live and first in recidivism in the United States.
Some may say the Republicans were too pro-business, and that may be true. Some may say we were too pro-law and that could be true as well. However, what we are witnessing in Richmond now is an assault on our businesses and on the police forces. The bills that are being brought before my committees are nothing short of shocking, and if you ask a question or debate the bill, then you are labeled a racist. I am not sure why asking the cost of a bill makes me a racist. I may be prudent with your money, but being a racist, I am definitely not.
I do not condone bad behavior as a citizen or a parent. I do not condone it for law enforcement officers, nor will I condone bad behavior from protestors. However, changing laws in the midst of this politically charged atmosphere without them being fully vetted is not a prudent action. I fear our society will be paying for some very unpleasant bills for future generations.
I strongly encourage you to take a look at the bills that are passing the House of Delegates during this special session at https://lis.virginia.gov/ . I would like to bring your attention specifically to HB 5013, HB 5103, and HB 5116.
– – –
Rob Bloxom is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the people of the 100th District. A native to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, he resides in the Parksley area.
Photo “Virginia House of Delegates Chamber” by Anthony-22. CC BY-SA 4.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-09-04--COVID-19 Precautions Might Help Prevent the Flu, Experts Say

Winter is ending in the Southern Hemisphere and country after country — South Africa , Australia , Argentina — had a surprise : Their steps against COVID-19 also apparently blocked the flu .
“ Both seasonal flu and COVID-19 are spread by droplets and both have a respiratory impact , ” explained Julie Grimes , Public Information Officer for the Virginia Department of Health .
But there ’ s no guarantee the Northern Hemisphere will avoid twin epidemics as its own flu season looms while the coronavirus still rages .
“ This could be one of the worst seasons we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective with COVID and flu coming together .
But it also could be one of the best flu seasons we ’ ve had , ” Dr. Robert Redfield , Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , told The Associated Press .
The two diseases have very similar symptoms , according to University of Virginia Professor of Medicine Bill Petri .
“ The only thing that would help with the diagnosis is a loss of smell or taste , it ’ s relatively specific for COVID-19.
” Petri said quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as COVID-19 is important .
“ It ’ s important , when we are in cold and flu season , from November until March , that if you develop flu like symptoms , ( These are going to be rapid onset of a fever , cough , and muscle aches ) , to get tested for flu.
” Petri said patients with the flu are given one of two anti-virals , both of which are effective within 48 hours .
They also reduce the chance of spreading the infection to someone else .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the flu are infectious for two days before they have symptoms .
“ That ’ s another reason that it ’ s important to be vaccinated , ” Petri said .
“ You may think , ‘ Oh , well I ’ ll just isolate myself if I get a flu-like symptom.
’ Yes , that can work , but that won ’ t absolutely protect other people from getting the flu from you.
” The flu vaccine is not as effective in older people , Petri said .
Petri said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
He also said that immunizing everyone age one and older against the flu is helpful .
“ It lowers the risk of say , a grandchild transmitting influenza to the grandparent.
” Petri said that each year , the influenza is one of three different strains .
Vaccine manufacturers try to predict which of the three main strains will be most prominent based on which one was most prominent at the end of the previous flu season .
In a worst-case scenario , the influenza vaccine for a given year only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Petri said , “ It ’ s a very safe vaccine and even a protection of one-third then helps to provide herd immunity.
” “ For such a serious infection , if we can reduce the risk ( even in a year that the vaccine is working the least well ) by a third that ’ s still worth it .
And most years [ the vaccine is ] doing better than that , it ’ s probably protecting fifty to sixty percent of people who receive it , ” Petri said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , COVID-19 might have a season similar to flu season .
But , he noted that COVID-19 does not mutate in the way that influenza does , making it easier for the immune system to address .
Petri added , “ COVID-19 vaccines can be designed in a way as to give long-lived immunity … .
The thought is that you might not have long-lived naturally acquired immunity , but vaccines can be designed today to do better than mother nature essentially , to give longer-lived immunity or at the very worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is the one ray of hope that we won ’ t have flu and COVID-19 season every winter.
” “ The good thing is [ preventing the flu uses ] the exact same things that work to prevent COVID-19 .
So , wearing masks , social distancing , hand washing , all of those things are going to help prevent flu as well , and that ’ s why I ’ m hopeful that we ’ re actually going to see a milder flu season this year , ” Petri said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

Winter is ending in the Southern Hemisphere and country after country — South Africa, Australia, Argentina — had a surprise: Their steps against COVID-19 also apparently blocked the flu.
“Both seasonal flu and COVID-19 are spread by droplets and both have a respiratory impact,” explained Julie Grimes, Public Information Officer for the Virginia Department of Health.
But there’s no guarantee the Northern Hemisphere will avoid twin epidemics as its own flu season looms while the coronavirus still rages.
“This could be one of the worst seasons we’ve had from a public health perspective with COVID and flu coming together. But it also could be one of the best flu seasons we’ve had,” Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press.
The two diseases have very similar symptoms, according to University of Virginia Professor of Medicine Bill Petri. “The only thing that would help with the diagnosis is a loss of smell or taste, it’s relatively specific for COVID-19.”
Petri said quickly getting tested for the flu as well as COVID-19 is important. “It’s important, when we are in cold and flu season, from November until March, that if you develop flu like symptoms, (These are going to be rapid onset of a fever, cough, and muscle aches), to get tested for flu.” Petri said patients with the flu are given one of two anti-virals, both of which are effective within 48 hours. They also reduce the chance of spreading the infection to someone else.
Petri said that like COVID-19, people with the flu are infectious for two days before they have symptoms. “That’s another reason that it’s important to be vaccinated,” Petri said. “You may think, ‘Oh, well I’ll just isolate myself if I get a flu-like symptom.’ Yes, that can work, but that won’t absolutely protect other people from getting the flu from you.”
The flu vaccine is not as effective in older people, Petri said. Petri said a higher-potency vaccine can be used for elderly people. He also said that immunizing everyone age one and older against the flu is helpful. “It lowers the risk of say, a grandchild transmitting influenza to the grandparent.”
Petri said that each year, the influenza is one of three different strains. Vaccine manufacturers try to predict which of the three main strains will be most prominent based on which one was most prominent at the end of the previous flu season. In a worst-case scenario, the influenza vaccine for a given year only protects one-third of people. Nevertheless, Petri said, “It’s a very safe vaccine and even a protection of one-third then helps to provide herd immunity.”
“For such a serious infection, if we can reduce the risk (even in a year that the vaccine is working the least well) by a third that’s still worth it. And most years [the vaccine is] doing better than that, it’s probably protecting fifty to sixty percent of people who receive it,” Petri said.
Petri said he expects that in the future, COVID-19 might have a season similar to flu season. But, he noted that COVID-19 does not mutate in the way that influenza does, making it easier for the immune system to address. Petri added, “COVID-19 vaccines can be designed in a way as to give long-lived immunity …. The thought is that you might not have long-lived naturally acquired immunity, but vaccines can be designed today to do better than mother nature essentially, to give longer-lived immunity or at the very worst, boosting the vaccine each year …. That is the one ray of hope that we won’t have flu and COVID-19 season every winter.”
“The good thing is [preventing the flu uses] the exact same things that work to prevent COVID-19. So, wearing masks, social distancing, hand washing, all of those things are going to help prevent flu as well, and that’s why I’m hopeful that we’re actually going to see a milder flu season this year,” Petri said.
– – –
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected]. The Associated Press contributed to this report.