thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--NBA Promises $300 Million Towards New Foundation to Help Black Community

The National Basketball League Board of Governors announced plans Thursday to give $ 300 million over the next decade towards a new foundation supporting economic opportunities for black communities .
The NBA will donate $ 30 million each year for the next ten years towards the NBA Foundation , according to an NBA press release .
The 30 NBA teams will each donate $ 1 million every year to the fund , NBC News reported .
In solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and to address racial inequality , many NBA players have begun kneeling for the National Anthem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a Bleacher Report Twitter post .
Orlando Magic Player Jonathon Issac faced criticism for standing during the anthem at an August game , but said he supports Black Lives Matter .
The NBA Foundation will assist people with job opportunities , such as getting a job after high school and college , the press release said .
The organization will partner “ with Historically Black Colleges and Universities ” and help people secure career opportunities and internships .
The newly-formed NBA Foundation will also collaborate “ with marketing and media partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social justice , ” the press release said .
“ All NBA team governors recognize our unique position to effect change and we are committed to supporting and empowering young Black men and women in each of our team markets as well as communities across the U.S. and Canada , ” NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum said in the press release .
The foundation ’ s board will have eight seats and all 30 teams in the NBA will be members of the organization , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide direction on programming and grants , the press release said .
The NBA did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s email request for comment .
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Mary Rose Corkery
The National Basketball League Board of Governors announced plans Thursday to give $300 million over the next decade towards a new foundation supporting economic opportunities for black communities.
The NBA will donate $30 million each year for the next ten years towards the NBA Foundation, according to an NBA press release. The 30 NBA teams will each donate $1 million every year to the fund, NBC News reported.
In solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and to address racial inequality, many NBA players have begun kneeling for the National Anthem before games, including LeBron James, according to a Bleacher Report Twitter post. Orlando Magic Player Jonathon Issac faced criticism for standing during the anthem at an August game, but said he supports Black Lives Matter.
The NBA Foundation will assist people with job opportunities, such as getting a job after high school and college, the press release said. The organization will partner “with Historically Black Colleges and Universities” and help people secure career opportunities and internships.
The newly-formed NBA Foundation will also collaborate “with marketing and media partners” to further “racial equality and social justice,” the press release said.
The NBA Board of Governors will contribute $300 million in initial funding ($30M per year for next 10 years) to establish the first-ever NBA Foundation dedicated to creating greater economic empowerment in the Black community, in partnership with the NBPA. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2020
“All NBA team governors recognize our unique position to effect change and we are committed to supporting and empowering young Black men and women in each of our team markets as well as communities across the U.S. and Canada,” NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum said in the press release.
The foundation’s board will have eight seats and all 30 teams in the NBA will be members of the organization, according to the press release. The board will provide direction on programming and grants, the press release said.
The NBA did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s email request for comment.
– – –
Mary Rose Corkery is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Dr. Simone Gold of America’s Frontline Doctors Responds to Twitter’s Censorship of Her Account

Dr. Simone Gold , a board-certified emergency physician and the founder of America ’ s Frontline Doctors , has responded to Twitter ’ s removal of her tweet about treatments for COVID-19 and locking her out of her account .
In her response , Dr. Gold – who also graduated from Stanford Law School after completing her medical degree – called out her temporary Twitter ban , calling the action “ another classic case of tech censorship against anyone who speaks out against the media narrative.
” The facts are on my side .
I ’ ve spent half my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on treating them .
I think I know what I ’ m talking about .
Either Twitter is afraid of free-thinking or they have a serious problem with a successful woman speaking her mind .
Either way , they should leave medical advice to medical professionals .
On August 5 , Dr. Gold tweeted a now-removed description of hydroxychloroquine and its use in treating COVID-19 .
However , Twitter said the post violated its policy “ on spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19.
” Twitter claimed that Dr. Gold ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people ’ s health , including content that goes directly against guidance from authoritative sources of global and local public health information.
” As a result , Twitter locked Dr. Gold ’ s account for 12 hours , restricting her from tweeting or replying to tweets .
This ban also forced Dr. Gold to delete the post in question .
This is despite 53 studies showing that hydroxychloroquine has positive effects in treating COVID-19 when used early in conjunction with zinc and an antibiotic such as azithromycin or doxycycline .
Other studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have faulty premises or were falsified and later retracted .
Dr. Gold was fired from positions as an emergency doctor at some Los Angeles area hospitals earlier this month for appearing in a viral video promoting hydroxychloroquine .
The video was removed from most social media outlets , including Facebook , for its positive discussion of the drug .
Dr. Gold isn ’ t the only medical professional who thinks hydroxychloroquine combined with zinc and antibiotics should be seriously considered as a treatment for COVID-19 .
Dr. Harvey A. Risch , a professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health , wrote an opinion piece for Newsweek in which he said that when hydroxychloroquine is “ given very early in the course of illness , before the virus has had time to multiply beyond control , it has shown to be highly effective , especially when given in combination with the antibiotics azithromycin or doxycycline and the nutritional supplement zinc.
” Dr. Risch ’ s research has shown that the hydroxychloroquine/zinc/azithromycin combination can have “ significant major outpatient treatment efficacy ” when used early on .
This study was published in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam Medley is a journalist at the Tennessee Star and Star News Network .
You can follow Sam on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Simone Gold ” by Simone Gold .

Dr. Simone Gold, a board-certified emergency physician and the founder of America’s Frontline Doctors, has responded to Twitter’s removal of her tweet about treatments for COVID-19 and locking her out of her account.
In her response, Dr. Gold – who also graduated from Stanford Law School after completing her medical degree – called out her temporary Twitter ban, calling the action “another classic case of tech censorship against anyone who speaks out against the media narrative.”
Dr. Gold continued:
The facts are on my side. I’ve spent half my life studying diseases and made my career on treating them. I think I know what I’m talking about. Either Twitter is afraid of free-thinking or they have a serious problem with a successful woman speaking her mind. Either way, they should leave medical advice to medical professionals.
Twitter locked my account for 12 hours & forced me to delete a tweet pertaining to treatment options for COVID-19. In case this happens again, please make sure to follow me on my other social media:https://t.co/3yOTGpbnc0https://t.co/NVVNRXk31Bhttps://t.co/11I4DwgYeC pic.twitter.com/o7hgPYtgp6 — Dr. Simone Gold (@drsimonegold) August 8, 2020
On August 5, Dr. Gold tweeted a now-removed description of hydroxychloroquine and its use in treating COVID-19. However, Twitter said the post violated its policy “on spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19.”
Twitter claimed that Dr. Gold’s post “may pose a risk to people’s health, including content that goes directly against guidance from authoritative sources of global and local public health information.”
As a result, Twitter locked Dr. Gold’s account for 12 hours, restricting her from tweeting or replying to tweets. This ban also forced Dr. Gold to delete the post in question.
This is despite 53 studies showing that hydroxychloroquine has positive effects in treating COVID-19 when used early in conjunction with zinc and an antibiotic such as azithromycin or doxycycline.
Other studies debunking the drug were found to either have faulty premises or were falsified and later retracted.
Dr. Gold was fired from positions as an emergency doctor at some Los Angeles area hospitals earlier this month for appearing in a viral video promoting hydroxychloroquine.
The video was removed from most social media outlets, including Facebook, for its positive discussion of the drug.
Dr. Gold isn’t the only medical professional who thinks hydroxychloroquine combined with zinc and antibiotics should be seriously considered as a treatment for COVID-19.
Dr. Harvey A. Risch, a professor of Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, wrote an opinion piece for Newsweek in which he said that when hydroxychloroquine is “given very early in the course of illness, before the virus has had time to multiply beyond control, it has shown to be highly effective, especially when given in combination with the antibiotics azithromycin or doxycycline and the nutritional supplement zinc.”
Dr. Risch’s research has shown that the hydroxychloroquine/zinc/azithromycin combination can have “significant major outpatient treatment efficacy” when used early on.
This study was published in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Epidemiology.
– – –
Sam Medley is a journalist at the Tennessee Star and Star News Network. You can follow Sam on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Simone Gold” by Simone Gold.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--AP Sources: Whitmer Met with Biden as He Nears VP Decision

LANSING , Michigan ( AP ) — Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer traveled to Delaware last weekend to meet with Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee ’ s first known in-person session with a potential running mate as he nears a decision .
Whitmer visited Biden Sunday , according to two high-ranking Michigan Democrats who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly .
The first-term governor of the battleground state has long been on his short list of possible running mates .
Flight records show a chartered plane left Lansing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delaware Coastal Airport at 5:33 p.m. and returned at 11:16 p.m .
The governor ’ s office declined to confirm or deny the trip .
He has spent months weighing who would serve alongside him if he wins in November .
Biden has pledged to select a woman and has conducted an expansive search , including Sens .
Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts , California Rep. Karen Bass and former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice .
Biden is facing calls to select a Black woman to acknowledge their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the nation ’ s reckoning with systemic racism .
Whitmer has sought to address racism and racial inequity .
In April , she created a task force to address the pandemic ’ s racial disparities and later proposed police reforms in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
On Wednesday — days after visiting Biden — she declared racism a public health crisis , created an advisory council of Black leaders and required implicit bias training for all state employees .
If Whitmer is chosen to join the ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garlin Gilchrist II would become the country ’ s only Black governor .
Biden and Whitmer formed a bond after he campaigned for her in the 2018 gubernatorial election .
She is a co-chair on his campaign .
Her profile has grown since delivering the Democrats ’ response to President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union address and especially amid the pandemic .
She has taken aggressive steps to curb the coronavirus in a state that was a hot spot nationally early on and — after she criticized the federal response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who in March urged Vice President Mike Pence not to call “ the woman in Michigan.
” David Eggert is a reporter for The Associated Press .
About the Headline Photo : In this Jan. 29 , 2020 , file photo , Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate , at the state Capitol in Lansing , Mich. ( AP Photo/Al Goldis , File )

by David Eggert
LANSING, Michigan (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer traveled to Delaware last weekend to meet with Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee’s first known in-person session with a potential running mate as he nears a decision.
Whitmer visited Biden Sunday, according to two high-ranking Michigan Democrats who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The first-term governor of the battleground state has long been on his short list of possible running mates.
Flight records show a chartered plane left Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport for Delaware Coastal Airport at 5:33 p.m. and returned at 11:16 p.m.
The governor’s office declined to confirm or deny the trip.
“We don’t discuss her personal schedule,” spokeswoman Tiffany Brown said.
Biden’s campaign declined to comment.
He has spent months weighing who would serve alongside him if he wins in November. Biden has pledged to select a woman and has conducted an expansive search, including Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, California Rep. Karen Bass and former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice.
Biden is facing calls to select a Black woman to acknowledge their crucial role in Democratic politics and in response to the nation’s reckoning with systemic racism.
Whitmer has sought to address racism and racial inequity. In April, she created a task force to address the pandemic’s racial disparities and later proposed police reforms in the wake of George Floyd’s death. On Wednesday — days after visiting Biden — she declared racism a public health crisis, created an advisory council of Black leaders and required implicit bias training for all state employees.
If Whitmer is chosen to join the ticket and Biden wins, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II would become the country’s only Black governor.
Biden and Whitmer formed a bond after he campaigned for her in the 2018 gubernatorial election. She is a co-chair on his campaign.
Her profile has grown since delivering the Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address and especially amid the pandemic. She has taken aggressive steps to curb the coronavirus in a state that was a hot spot nationally early on and — after she criticized the federal response — has drawn criticism from Trump, who in March urged Vice President Mike Pence not to call “the woman in Michigan.”
– – –
David Eggert is a reporter for The Associated Press.
About the Headline Photo: In this Jan. 29, 2020, file photo, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Herman Cain Is Mourned, Celebrated at His Funeral in Atlanta

ATLANTA , Georgia ( AP ) — Herman Cain , the former Republican presidential candidate , businessman and close ally of President Donald Trump , was guided by his Christian faith in politics , business and his personal life , his pastor said at his funeral Friday .
Cain “ made his mark on this world ” and his life will be celebrated for years to come , the Rev .
Kenneth Lamont Alexander of Antioch Baptist Church North in Atlanta said .
“ We ’ re not here because of his political beliefs ; we ’ re not here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander said .
“ All of that is worthy to be mentioned , but we celebrate for another reason : The reason we celebrate today is because of his deep , abiding love for Jesus Christ , ” he said .
“ The most important decision that Herman Cain ever made was to accept Jesus as his savior.
” Cain died July 30 of complications from COVID-19 .
He was 74 .
Cain had been ill with the coronavirus for several weeks .
A statement on his Twitter account said he tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized July 1 .
It ’ s not clear when or where he was infected , but his hospitalization came less than two weeks after attending Trump ’ s campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on June 20 .
Cain had been co-chair of Black Voices for Trump .
Trump called him “ a Powerful Voice of Freedom and all that is good.
” “ Herman had an incredible career and was adored by everyone that ever met him , especially me , ” Trump said on Twitter shortly after he died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , an American Patriot , and great friend.
” Cain briefly rose to the top of polls during the 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination by highlighting a plan to simplify the tax code .
A longtime Republican , Cain was “ a fierce advocate for conservative principles across the board , ” Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina tweeted .
But Alexander said the stories about Cain that often went untold by the media involved what he did in his private life to help others have the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and money to people evicted from their homes , and those addicted to drugs and alcohol , Alexander said .
He mentored young people and worked to end hunger , he said .
In a service that ended with the gospel song “ I ’ ll Fly Away , ” Cain ’ s pastor noted that “ there won ’ t be any Republicans or Democrats in heaven.
” “ Herman Cain has won the victory , ” he said .
About the Headline Photo : Attendees leave a public viewing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 in Atlanta .
The former Republican presidential candidate , radio host , and entrepreneur died on July 30 , after being hospitalized with COVID-19 and will be laid to rest this week .
He was 74 .
( AP Photo/John Amis )

ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) — Herman Cain, the former Republican presidential candidate, businessman and close ally of President Donald Trump, was guided by his Christian faith in politics, business and his personal life, his pastor said at his funeral Friday.
Cain “made his mark on this world” and his life will be celebrated for years to come, the Rev. Kenneth Lamont Alexander of Antioch Baptist Church North in Atlanta said.
“We’re not here because of his political beliefs; we’re not here because of his corporate success,” Alexander said.
“All of that is worthy to be mentioned, but we celebrate for another reason: The reason we celebrate today is because of his deep, abiding love for Jesus Christ,” he said. “The most important decision that Herman Cain ever made was to accept Jesus as his savior.”
Cain died July 30 of complications from COVID-19. He was 74.
Cain had been ill with the coronavirus for several weeks. A statement on his Twitter account said he tested positive for COVID-19 on June 29 and was hospitalized July 1.
It’s not clear when or where he was infected, but his hospitalization came less than two weeks after attending Trump’s campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 20. Cain had been co-chair of Black Voices for Trump.
Trump called him “a Powerful Voice of Freedom and all that is good.”
“Herman had an incredible career and was adored by everyone that ever met him, especially me,” Trump said on Twitter shortly after he died. “He was a very special man, an American Patriot, and great friend.”
Cain briefly rose to the top of polls during the 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination by highlighting a plan to simplify the tax code.
A longtime Republican, Cain was “a fierce advocate for conservative principles across the board,” Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina tweeted.
But Alexander said the stories about Cain that often went untold by the media involved what he did in his private life to help others have the same opportunities that he had.
He donated time and money to people evicted from their homes, and those addicted to drugs and alcohol, Alexander said. He mentored young people and worked to end hunger, he said.
In a service that ended with the gospel song “I’ll Fly Away,” Cain’s pastor noted that “there won’t be any Republicans or Democrats in heaven.”
“Herman Cain has won the victory,” he said.
– – –
About the Headline Photo: Attendees leave a public viewing for Herman Cain, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 in Atlanta. The former Republican presidential candidate, radio host, and entrepreneur died on July 30, after being hospitalized with COVID-19 and will be laid to rest this week. He was 74. (AP Photo/John Amis)


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Where Does Joe Biden Actually Stand with the Catholic Church?

CNN and reporters called 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden a “ devout Catholic ” Thursday after President Donald Trump said the former vice president would “ hurt the Bible , hurt God.
” Biden has frequently referenced his Catholic faith throughout his political career , describing his faith as “ the bedrock foundation ” of his life .
The former vice president also supports policies that are explicitly opposed to Catholic teaching , such as abortion and same-sex marriage .
During a rant Thursday , Trump described a potential Biden presidency as anti-religion .
“ He wants to take away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No religion , no anything , ” Trump said Thursday .
“ Hurt the Bible , hurt God .
He ’ s against God .
He ’ s against guns .
He ’ s against energy , our kind of energy.
” Biden responded to Trump ’ s remarks in a statement saying that his faith has provided him “ comfort in moments of loss and tragedy ” and kept him “ grounded and humbled in times of triumph and joy.
” “ And in this moment of darkness for our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and of sickness for so many Americans — my faith has been a guiding light for me and a constant reminder of the fundamental dignity and humanity that God has bestowed upon all of us , ” he added .
Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates also said that Biden ’ s faith is at “ the core of who he is , ” noting in a statement : “ Donald Trump is the only president in our history to have tear-gassed peaceful Americans and thrown a priest out of her church just so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bible — for his own cynical optics as he sought to tear our nation apart at a moment of crisis and pain.
” Journalists and media figures responded to Trump ’ s allegations on Twitter by calling Biden a “ devout Catholic.
” Biden has frequently interacted with Pope Francis , the head of the Roman Catholic Church , as The Washington Post noted Friday .
He was the first Catholic to become vice president , the publication reports , and was reportedly spotted holding rosary beads during the 2011 raid on Osama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just an enormous sense of solace , ” Biden said in 2015 , discussing the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter in a 1972 car accident as well as the death of his son Beau Biden , who died of cancer in 2015 .
“ What my faith has done is it sort of takes everything about my life with my parents and my siblings and all the comforting things and all the good things that have happened , have happened around the culture of my religion and the theology of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know how to explain it more than that , ” Biden added .
He ’ s also discussed going to mass on Sunday and Catholic Holy Days of Obligation .
“ I made 9 o ’ clock , ” he said in 2008 of going to mass on All Saints Day , a holy day in the Catholic Church .
“ My mom is 91 years old .
I ’ ll call my mom sometime today and the first thing she ’ ll ask is ‘ Joe , did you go to Mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequent references to his faith , the former vice president has drawn criticism for supporting and advocating for policies which the Catholic Church explicitly opposes .
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has warned that Catholics in politics “ have an obligation in conscience to work toward correcting morally defective laws , lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil and in sinning against the common good.
” Earlier in his career , Biden frequently referenced his faith as a reason for his pro-life votes in the Senate .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product , however you want to phrase it , of my background , ” Biden said in 1982 of his decision to vote for a pro-life amendment .
The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is “ a crime against human life , ” “ constitutes a grave offense ” and that a person who obtains an abortion is automatically excommunicated from the Catholic Church .
Biden has since changed his abortion stances and today champions almost unlimited abortion access as a presidential candidate , prompting a priest to deny Holy Communion to Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina in October 2019 .
“ Sadly , this past Sunday , I had to refuse Holy Communion to former Vice President Joe Biden , ” Father Robert E. More told the Morning News .
“ Holy Communion signifies we are one with God , each other and the Church .
Our actions should reflect that .
Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.
” The former Vice President later refused to discuss the incident , telling MSNBC ’ s Andrea Mitchell : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , that ’ s my personal life and I ’ m not going to get into that at all.
” “ Catholic public officials who consistently support abortion on demand are cooperating with evil in a public manner , ” says the 2004 decree , signed by the bishops of Atlanta , Charleston , and Charlotte .
“ By supporting pro-abortion legislation they participate in manifest grave sin , a condition which excludes them from admission to Holy Communion as long as they persist in the pro-abortion stance.
” “ We declare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions contrary to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity and inviolability of human life , especially those running for or elected to public office , are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in any Catholic church within our jurisdictions , ” the decree adds .
Biden has also promised that as president , he will reinstate Obama-era policies requiring the Little Sisters of the Poor to give employees access to birth control — though this violates the Catholic religious beliefs of the sisters , and despite the fact that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholic nuns are exempt from Obama ’ s contraceptive mandate .
The former vice president also advocates for same-sex marriage , though the Catholic Church teaches that marriage should be between a man and a woman .
– – – Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

by Mary Margaret Olohan
CNN and reporters called 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden a “devout Catholic” Thursday after President Donald Trump said the former vice president would “hurt the Bible, hurt God.”
Biden has frequently referenced his Catholic faith throughout his political career, describing his faith as “the bedrock foundation” of his life. The former vice president also supports policies that are explicitly opposed to Catholic teaching, such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
During a rant Thursday, Trump described a potential Biden presidency as anti-religion.
“He wants to take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment. No religion, no anything,” Trump said Thursday. “Hurt the Bible, hurt God. He’s against God. He’s against guns. He’s against energy, our kind of energy.”
Biden responded to Trump’s remarks in a statement saying that his faith has provided him “comfort in moments of loss and tragedy” and kept him “grounded and humbled in times of triumph and joy.”
“And in this moment of darkness for our country — of pain, of division, and of sickness for so many Americans — my faith has been a guiding light for me and a constant reminder of the fundamental dignity and humanity that God has bestowed upon all of us,” he added.
Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates also said that Biden’s faith is at “the core of who he is,” noting in a statement: “Donald Trump is the only president in our history to have tear-gassed peaceful Americans and thrown a priest out of her church just so he could profane it — and a Bible — for his own cynical optics as he sought to tear our nation apart at a moment of crisis and pain.”
Journalists and media figures responded to Trump’s allegations on Twitter by calling Biden a “devout Catholic.”
Joe Biden is a devout catholic and regularly attends Sunday service. The last time Trump went to church, he gassed peaceful Americans. — The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) August 7, 2020
Trump claims Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, wants to 'hurt God' @JDiamond1 reports @PamelaBrownCNN pic.twitter.com/aMBTSaLmrR — The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) August 6, 2020
Joe Biden will "hurt the Bible, hurt God," Trump says in Ohio of his practicing Catholic opponent. "He's against God." — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 6, 2020
Biden has frequently interacted with Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, as The Washington Post noted Friday. He was the first Catholic to become vice president, the publication reports, and was reportedly spotted holding rosary beads during the 2011 raid on Osama Bin Laden.
“My religion is just an enormous sense of solace,” Biden said in 2015, discussing the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter in a 1972 car accident as well as the death of his son Beau Biden, who died of cancer in 2015.
“What my faith has done is it sort of takes everything about my life with my parents and my siblings and all the comforting things and all the good things that have happened, have happened around the culture of my religion and the theology of my religion, and I don’t know how to explain it more than that,” Biden added.
He’s also discussed going to mass on Sunday and Catholic Holy Days of Obligation. “I made 9 o’clock,” he said in 2008 of going to mass on All Saints Day, a holy day in the Catholic Church. “My mom is 91 years old. I’ll call my mom sometime today and the first thing she’ll ask is ‘Joe, did you go to Mass?’”
Despite Biden’s frequent references to his faith, the former vice president has drawn criticism for supporting and advocating for policies which the Catholic Church explicitly opposes.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has warned that Catholics in politics “have an obligation in conscience to work toward correcting morally defective laws, lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil and in sinning against the common good.”
Earlier in his career, Biden frequently referenced his faith as a reason for his pro-life votes in the Senate.
“I’m probably a victim, or a product, however you want to phrase it, of my background,” Biden said in 1982 of his decision to vote for a pro-life amendment.
The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is “a crime against human life,” “constitutes a grave offense” and that a person who obtains an abortion is automatically excommunicated from the Catholic Church.
Biden has since changed his abortion stances and today champions almost unlimited abortion access as a presidential candidate, prompting a priest to deny Holy Communion to Biden during mass at a Catholic church in South Carolina in October 2019.
“Sadly, this past Sunday, I had to refuse Holy Communion to former Vice President Joe Biden,” Father Robert E. More told the Morning News. “Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other and the Church. Our actions should reflect that. Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.”
The former Vice President later refused to discuss the incident, telling MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell: “I’m not going to discuss that, that’s my personal life and I’m not going to get into that at all.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden was denied communion Sunday at a Catholic church in South Carolina over his support for abortion rights. https://t.co/eCT1jTFz1P — CNN (@CNN) October 29, 2019
“Catholic public officials who consistently support abortion on demand are cooperating with evil in a public manner,” says the 2004 decree, signed by the bishops of Atlanta, Charleston, and Charlotte. “By supporting pro-abortion legislation they participate in manifest grave sin, a condition which excludes them from admission to Holy Communion as long as they persist in the pro-abortion stance.”
“We declare that Catholics serving in public life espousing positions contrary to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity and inviolability of human life, especially those running for or elected to public office, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in any Catholic church within our jurisdictions,” the decree adds.
Biden has also promised that as president, he will reinstate Obama-era policies requiring the Little Sisters of the Poor to give employees access to birth control — though this violates the Catholic religious beliefs of the sisters, and despite the fact that the Supreme Court ruled July 8 that the Catholic nuns are exempt from Obama’s contraceptive mandate.
The former vice president also advocates for same-sex marriage, though the Catholic Church teaches that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
– – –
Mary Margaret Olohan is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “Joe Biden” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Trump Signs Executive Orders to Extend Unemployment Benefits, Suspend Some Payroll Taxes, Defer

President Donald Trump on Saturday signed executive orders to supplement unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic by $ 400 a week and suspend payroll taxes for those earning less than $ 100,000 a year .
He also signed orders freezing evictions in federal housing and deferring student loan payments through the end of 2020 .
“ Through these four actions , my administration will provide vital relief to Americans struggling during this difficult time , ” Trump said during a Saturday news conference at his private club in Bedminster , N.J .
The $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the $ 600 a week one approved through the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by the president in late March , which expired last month .
But many Republicans and employers said the $ 600 additional benefit was a disincentive for some to return to their jobs as government restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 eased .
Nearly 70 percent of workers made more in unemployment benefits with the $ 600-a-week added benefit , according to a study .
Trump ’ s executive actions are expected to be challenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on a new stimulus package during the past two weeks , but the president said something needed to be done .
“ We ’ ve had it , ” he said .
“ We ’ re going to save American jobs and provide relief to the American worker.
” More than 16 million Americans remained unemployed in July because of state and local restrictions placed on individuals and businesses to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Dan McCaleb is the executive editor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments .
Contact Dan at [ email protected ]

by Dan McCaleb
President Donald Trump on Saturday signed executive orders to supplement unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic by $400 a week and suspend payroll taxes for those earning less than $100,000 a year.
He also signed orders freezing evictions in federal housing and deferring student loan payments through the end of 2020.
“Through these four actions, my administration will provide vital relief to Americans struggling during this difficult time,” Trump said during a Saturday news conference at his private club in Bedminster, N.J.
The $400 weekly federal unemployment supplement is less than the $600 a week one approved through the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by the president in late March, which expired last month. But many Republicans and employers said the $600 additional benefit was a disincentive for some to return to their jobs as government restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 eased.
Nearly 70 percent of workers made more in unemployment benefits with the $600-a-week added benefit, according to a study.
Trump’s executive actions are expected to be challenged by Democrats in court and come after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on a new stimulus package during the past two weeks, but the president said something needed to be done.
“We’ve had it,” he said. “We’re going to save American jobs and provide relief to the American worker.”
More than 16 million Americans remained unemployed in July because of state and local restrictions placed on individuals and businesses to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
– – –
Dan McCaleb is the executive editor of The Center Square. He welcomes your comments. Contact Dan at [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Commentary: Biden Can’t Stop Taking Black Voters for Granted

Joe Biden is continuing to suffer from a terrible case of foot-in-mouth disease when it comes to discussing black Americans and their politics .
The tone-deaf former vice president recently claimed “ that the Latino community is ‘ incredibly diverse , ’ ‘ unlike ’ the black community.
” “ Unlike the African American community , with notable exceptions , the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community with incredibly diverse attitudes about different things , ” Politico reported Biden saying .
“ You go to Florida , you find a very different attitude about immigration than you do in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very diverse community.
” Even more stunning , Biden made these remarks not in some white majority area , nor on some wide-ranging interview on a cable news channel , but in an interview jointly hosted by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists .
The question prompting his response was not even relevant to the African American community , as it dealt with foreign policy regarding Cuba and the differing immigration concerns between Cuban Americans and Venezuelan Americans , Politico reports .
As almost every politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about offending minority voters , one would think that being interviewed by organizations of minority journalists would put Biden on high alert , ready to tread carefully .
But this year Biden is almost making a habit of speaking about race more flippantly to interviewers of color .
Biden attempted to walk back his comments in a series of tweets Thursday , claiming that he “ in no way ” meant “ to suggest the African American community is a monolith.
” On the face of his comments this week , that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Considering past comments , particularly those made on Charlamagne tha God ’ s radio show “ The Breakfast Club , ” they become almost ridiculous .
In May , Charlamagne closed the interview by inviting Biden to return to the show in the future saying , “ It ’ s a long way until November .
We ’ ve got more questions.
” Rather than diplomatically saying , “ I ’ d love to come back , ” or brushing the invite off with a “ We ’ ll see if my schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offensive , in more ways than one .
“ You ’ ve got more questions ?
” Biden said .
“ Well I tell you what , if you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t black.
” Doesn ’ t it sound very much like Joe views the African American community as a monolith ?
What Biden ’ s communications staff is able to put out nicely polished on Twitter surely is less representative of the presumptive Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes completely unprompted , remarks that he delivers to his interviewers .
But let us go beyond Biden ’ s gaffes for a second .
For any politician to assume that any race will uniformly turn out to vote for him because of their party or policies speaks of the heights of arrogance our leaders have reached .
President Donald Trump ’ s campaign of course seized on Biden ’ s latest gaffe , with the president himself tweeting that Biden “ is no longer worthy of the Black Vote.
” That may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is unlikely that most black Americans will switch to supporting Trump instead .
Biden ’ s gaffes may cost him votes , but many of them may just disappear from electoral accounting altogether , rather than transferring to Trump ’ s tallies .
Still , the further Biden stuffs his foot in his mouth , the more likely he is to have shot himself in it come November .
As then presidential candidate Barack Obama reportedly put it after one Biden gaffe in the 2008 campaign , “ How many times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Anders Koskinen is an Editorial Associate at Intellectual Takeout .
He earned his BA from the University of Minnesota in December 2016 where he graduated with a double major in Journalism and Political Science .
He previously wrote at Alpha News and worked for Guns.com as a copywriter .
In his spare time , Anders enjoys reading , writing , and researching baseball with the Society for American Baseball Research .
He has given two presentations to the Minneapolis-based Halsey Hall chapter thus far and serves as its secretary .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group at his church .
Photo “ Joe Biden ” by Phil Roeder .
CC BY 2.0 .

by Anders Koskinen
Joe Biden is continuing to suffer from a terrible case of foot-in-mouth disease when it comes to discussing black Americans and their politics.
The tone-deaf former vice president recently claimed “that the Latino community is ‘incredibly diverse,’ ‘unlike’ the black community.”
“Unlike the African American community, with notable exceptions, the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community with incredibly diverse attitudes about different things,” Politico reported Biden saying. “You go to Florida, you find a very different attitude about immigration than you do in Arizona. So it’s a very diverse community.”
Even more stunning, Biden made these remarks not in some white majority area, nor on some wide-ranging interview on a cable news channel, but in an interview jointly hosted by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. The question prompting his response was not even relevant to the African American community, as it dealt with foreign policy regarding Cuba and the differing immigration concerns between Cuban Americans and Venezuelan Americans, Politico reports.
As almost every politician is on edge these days, worrying about offending minority voters, one would think that being interviewed by organizations of minority journalists would put Biden on high alert, ready to tread carefully. But this year Biden is almost making a habit of speaking about race more flippantly to interviewers of color.
Biden attempted to walk back his comments in a series of tweets Thursday, claiming that he “in no way” meant “to suggest the African American community is a monolith.”
Earlier today, I made some comments about diversity in the African American and Latino communities that I want to clarify. In no way did I mean to suggest the African American community is a monolith—not by identity, not on issues, not at all. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 7, 2020
My commitment to you is this: I will always listen, I will never stop fighting for the African American community and I will never stop fighting for a more equitable future. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 7, 2020
On the face of his comments this week, that’s a bit hard to believe. Considering past comments, particularly those made on Charlamagne tha God’s radio show “The Breakfast Club,” they become almost ridiculous.
In May, Charlamagne closed the interview by inviting Biden to return to the show in the future saying, “It’s a long way until November. We’ve got more questions.”
Rather than diplomatically saying, “I’d love to come back,” or brushing the invite off with a “We’ll see if my schedule allows it,” Biden went on the offensive, in more ways than one.
“You’ve got more questions?” Biden said. “Well I tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.”
Doesn’t it sound very much like Joe views the African American community as a monolith? What Biden’s communications staff is able to put out nicely polished on Twitter surely is less representative of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee than the off hand, and sometimes completely unprompted, remarks that he delivers to his interviewers.
But let us go beyond Biden’s gaffes for a second. For any politician to assume that any race will uniformly turn out to vote for him because of their party or policies speaks of the heights of arrogance our leaders have reached.
President Donald Trump’s campaign of course seized on Biden’s latest gaffe, with the president himself tweeting that Biden “is no longer worthy of the Black Vote.”
After yesterday’s statement, Sleepy Joe Biden is no longer worthy of the Black Vote! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2020
That may or may not be the case, but it is unlikely that most black Americans will switch to supporting Trump instead. Biden’s gaffes may cost him votes, but many of them may just disappear from electoral accounting altogether, rather than transferring to Trump’s tallies.
Still, the further Biden stuffs his foot in his mouth, the more likely he is to have shot himself in it come November. As then presidential candidate Barack Obama reportedly put it after one Biden gaffe in the 2008 campaign, “How many times is Biden going to say something stupid?”
– – –
Anders Koskinen is an Editorial Associate at Intellectual Takeout. He earned his BA from the University of Minnesota in December 2016 where he graduated with a double major in Journalism and Political Science. He previously wrote at Alpha News and worked for Guns.com as a copywriter. In his spare time, Anders enjoys reading, writing, and researching baseball with the Society for American Baseball Research. He has given two presentations to the Minneapolis-based Halsey Hall chapter thus far and serves as its secretary. He is also involved in the young adult group at his church.
Photo “Joe Biden” by Phil Roeder. CC BY 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Bill Lee Declares August 8 Emancipation Day

Lee announced this on his Facebook page .
“ On August 8 , 1863 , Andrew Johnson , Military Governor of the State of Tennessee and future U.S. President , freed his personal slaves in Greeneville , TN , ” Lee said .
“ This event sparked celebrations of freedom that continue to this day throughout Tennessee .
Today , we honor and remember that day that brought freedom from bondage and slavery , because every Tennessean deserves the rights afforded to them by our Constitution.
” Lee ’ s announcement , though , did not please all of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was among them .
“ Rights ‘ given ’ and ‘ afforded ’ to us by the constitution ?
” Humble asked .
“ And you ’ re supposed to be a conservative ?
You don ’ t even understand where your rights come from .
This document belongs in Europe , not in America.
” Walden resident Bobby Morrison , meanwhile , said Lee ’ s proclamation was “ a little presumptuous.
” “ Our rights are granted by God , not the US or TN constitution , ” Morrison wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ no matter what kind of good you try and deliver on this state or this country…trolls will try and tear you down.
” “ Stand your ground and stay the course.
” According to his biography on The White House ’ s official website , Johnson a U.S. senator from Tennessee , held his seat in Washington , D.C. even after state officials seceded from the Union .
That , the website went on to say , “ made him a hero in the North and a traitor in the eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Lincoln appointed him Military Governor of Tennessee , and Johnson used the state as a laboratory for reconstruction .
In 1864 the Republicans , contending that their National Union Party was for all loyal men , nominated Johnson , a Southerner and a Democrat , for Vice President , ” according to The White House .
“ After Lincoln ’ s death , President Johnson proceeded to reconstruct the former Confederate States while Congress was not in session in 1865 .
He pardoned all who would take an oath of allegiance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to obtain special Presidential pardons.
” The House of Representatives later impeached Johnson , and U.S. senators acquitted him by one vote .
“ In 1875 , Tennessee returned Johnson to the Senate , ” according to The White House .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ]

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declared Saturday, August 8 as Emancipation Day.
Lee announced this on his Facebook page.
“On August 8, 1863, Andrew Johnson, Military Governor of the State of Tennessee and future U.S. President, freed his personal slaves in Greeneville, TN,” Lee said.
“This event sparked celebrations of freedom that continue to this day throughout Tennessee. Today, we honor and remember that day that brought freedom from bondage and slavery, because every Tennessean deserves the rights afforded to them by our Constitution.”
Lee’s announcement, though, did not please all of his followers on social media.
Gary Humble was among them.
“Rights ‘given’ and ‘afforded’ to us by the constitution?” Humble asked.
“And you’re supposed to be a conservative? You don’t even understand where your rights come from. This document belongs in Europe, not in America.”
Walden resident Bobby Morrison, meanwhile, said Lee’s proclamation was “a little presumptuous.”
“Our rights are granted by God, not the US or TN constitution,” Morrison wrote.
“Those constitutions protect those rights, not give them.”
CC Carson, meanwhile, told Lee that “no matter what kind of good you try and deliver on this state or this country…trolls will try and tear you down.”
“You’re doing a good job,” Carson said.
“Stand your ground and stay the course.”
According to his biography on The White House’s official website, Johnson a U.S. senator from Tennessee, held his seat in Washington, D.C. even after state officials seceded from the Union. That, the website went on to say, “made him a hero in the North and a traitor in the eyes of most Southerners.”
“In 1862 President Lincoln appointed him Military Governor of Tennessee, and Johnson used the state as a laboratory for reconstruction. In 1864 the Republicans, contending that their National Union Party was for all loyal men, nominated Johnson, a Southerner and a Democrat, for Vice President,” according to The White House.
“After Lincoln’s death, President Johnson proceeded to reconstruct the former Confederate States while Congress was not in session in 1865. He pardoned all who would take an oath of allegiance, but required leaders and men of wealth to obtain special Presidential pardons.”
The House of Representatives later impeached Johnson, and U.S. senators acquitted him by one vote.
“In 1875, Tennessee returned Johnson to the Senate,” according to The White House.
“He died a few months later.”
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--More Than 100 NYPD Officers Injured in Protests Since June 10

Approximately 111 New York City Police Department ( NYPD ) officers have been injured in demonstrations across NYC ’ s five boroughs since June 10 , a law enforcement spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
A total of 461 NYPD officers have been injured since the start of violent demonstrations on May 26 that followed the death of George Floyd , who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes , NYPD spokesperson Sgt .
Mary Frances O ’ Donnell told the DCNF in an email .
NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately 350 officers had sustained injuries since the start of the unrest , according to NBC 4 .
Since his remarks , around 111 additional officers were hurt by demonstrators , according to O ’ Donnell .
A total of 305 officers have been admitted to hospitals and released since Floyd ’ s death with 47 law enforcement personnel still out of work due to injuries , O ’ Donnell said .
Seven officers have been recently admitted to medical centers and another 151 refused medical assistance , despite sustaining wounds , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers have been hit by cars and pelted by a variety of objects , according to NBC 4 .
One policeman was struck so hard in the head with a brick that it cracked a heavy-duty riot helmet .
Another needed 10 stitches to close a laceration on his head after a glass bottle was hurled at him , the local outlet reported in June .
Police Chief Terence Monahan and three other high-ranking NYPD officers were attacked by demonstrators on the Brooklyn Bridge in mid-July after trying to make an arrest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other policemen were left bloodied , according to the Associated Press .
The NYPD has come under fire in the past months for controversial incidents involving clashes with demonstrators .
A NYC officer was charged with assault in June after he was seen on video shoving a young female protester to the ground , according to NBC News .
The department also faced backlash when video surfaced of an NYPD police cruiser driving through a group of protesters who blocked a main road .
Crime has skyrocketed in NYC , as the month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in shooting incidents and a 59 % increase in murders compared to 2019 , according NYPD crime statistics released last week .
Jake Dima and Spencer Landis are reporters for The Daily Caller News Foundation .

by Jake Dima and Spencer Landis
Approximately 111 New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers have been injured in demonstrations across NYC’s five boroughs since June 10, a law enforcement spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
A total of 461 NYPD officers have been injured since the start of violent demonstrations on May 26 that followed the death of George Floyd, who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes, NYPD spokesperson Sgt. Mary Frances O’Donnell told the DCNF in an email.
NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker told the city council on June 10 approximately 350 officers had sustained injuries since the start of the unrest, according to NBC 4. Since his remarks, around 111 additional officers were hurt by demonstrators, according to O’Donnell.
A total of 305 officers have been admitted to hospitals and released since Floyd’s death with 47 law enforcement personnel still out of work due to injuries, O’Donnell said. Seven officers have been recently admitted to medical centers and another 151 refused medical assistance, despite sustaining wounds, the spokesman wrote in the email.
NYPD officers have been hit by cars and pelted by a variety of objects, according to NBC 4. One policeman was struck so hard in the head with a brick that it cracked a heavy-duty riot helmet. Another needed 10 stitches to close a laceration on his head after a glass bottle was hurled at him, the local outlet reported in June.
Police Chief Terence Monahan and three other high-ranking NYPD officers were attacked by demonstrators on the Brooklyn Bridge in mid-July after trying to make an arrest. Monahan sustained a broken finger and two other policemen were left bloodied, according to the Associated Press.
NYPD officials attacked, bloodied at Brooklyn Bridge by rioters. https://t.co/n0URfrNXEn via @nypmetro — Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) July 15, 2020
The NYPD has come under fire in the past months for controversial incidents involving clashes with demonstrators. A NYC officer was charged with assault in June after he was seen on video shoving a young female protester to the ground, according to NBC News.
The department also faced backlash when video surfaced of an NYPD police cruiser driving through a group of protesters who blocked a main road.
An NYPD police cruiser drives through a group of protesters.
pic.twitter.com/4D513Huy43 — Chloe Salsameda (@ChloeSalsameda) May 31, 2020
Crime has skyrocketed in NYC, as the month of July saw a 177% increase in shooting incidents and a 59% increase in murders compared to 2019, according NYPD crime statistics released last week.
– – –
Jake Dima and Spencer Landis are reporters for The Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Justice Department Sends Federal Officers to Memphis and St. Louis to Help Quell Nationwide Violence

Federal officers from five different agencies are set to arrive in Memphis and St. Louis to aid in crime reduction and investigations , the Department of Justice announced Thursday .
Memphis will receive an influx of 40 federal agents from the FBI , the Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA ) , the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ( ATF ) and Homeland Security — 24 of which are permanent assignments , according to a DOJ press release .
St. Louis is set to receive an unspecified number of agents from the ATF , DEA , FBI and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 Homeland Security agents , the release said .
“ The most basic responsibility of government is to protect the safety of our citizens , ” Attorney General William P. Barr said in the release .
“ Today , we have extended Operation Legend to Memphis and St. Louis , two cities experiencing increases in violent crime that no resident of those cities should have to accept as part of everyday life.
” Memphis has experienced a 49 % uptick in homicides over 2019 and St. Louis ’ murders have spiked by nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The move is part of Operation Legend , a nationwide program to assist local law enforcement agencies in reducing violent crime that has risen in some of America ’ s major cities following nationwide unrest resulting from the death of George Floyd , who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes , video showed .
The city of Memphis is also set to receive a large amount of funding , including $ 200,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance , $ 1.4 million to Shelby County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a gang task force and $ 9.8 million for the hiring of 50 new officers to the Memphis Police Department , according to the release .
The St. Louis Police Department will be given $ 1 million to bolster “ shot spotter response ” and violent crime investigations , the release read .
The DOJ sent federal agents through Operation Legend to Chicago , Albuquerque , Cleveland , Detroit and Milwaukee toward the end of July , according to the news release .
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller @ @ @

by Jake Dima
Federal officers from five different agencies are set to arrive in Memphis and St. Louis to aid in crime reduction and investigations, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.
Memphis will receive an influx of 40 federal agents from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security — 24 of which are permanent assignments, according to a DOJ press release. St. Louis is set to receive an unspecified number of agents from the ATF, DEA, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service with an additional 50 Homeland Security agents, the release said.
“The most basic responsibility of government is to protect the safety of our citizens,” Attorney General William P. Barr said in the release. “Today, we have extended Operation Legend to Memphis and St. Louis, two cities experiencing increases in violent crime that no resident of those cities should have to accept as part of everyday life.”
Memphis has experienced a 49% uptick in homicides over 2019 and St. Louis’ murders have spiked by nearly 34%, according to the DOJ.
The move is part of Operation Legend, a nationwide program to assist local law enforcement agencies in reducing violent crime that has risen in some of America’s major cities following nationwide unrest resulting from the death of George Floyd, who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes, video showed.
The city of Memphis is also set to receive a large amount of funding, including $200,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, $1.4 million to Shelby County to provide new equipment and accommodate overtime for a gang task force and $9.8 million for the hiring of 50 new officers to the Memphis Police Department, according to the release.
The St. Louis Police Department will be given $1 million to bolster “shot spotter response” and violent crime investigations, the release read.
The DOJ sent federal agents through Operation Legend to Chicago, Albuquerque, Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee toward the end of July, according to the news release.
– – –
Jake Dima is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Wright State University Bars Class Critical of Marxism

A Wright State University ( WSU ) economics professor has been barred from teaching a class critical of Marxism to the general student body .
Professor Evan Osborne had his repeated requests to teach a class critical of communist economist Karl Marx to non-honors students denied , reports The College Fix .
While Osborne has been given the go-ahead to teach the class , “ Marxism : Theory and Practice , ” to honor students , he will not be allowed to open the class to the rest of the nearly 11,000 person student body .
Of the motivations behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fix , “ We have an angry , radical-left cohort in the department , they praise Marxism in the classroom , they will not let me teach critically about it , and numerous people in the university have refused to do anything about it.
” Osborne said of his colleagues , “ my department is full of extremists who probably don ’ t belong in a business-college economics department.
” Osborne acknowledged that having leftist professors in the economics department was an aspect of academic freedom , but said he wanted his “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
In an interview with Fox News , the professor said he was being censored and that all of the classes he ’ d proposed in the past were approved as long as they were “ not going against the sacred beliefs of the radical wing of our department.
” Osborne had taught the class in 2014 to honors students .
In the syllabus , the class ’ learning objectives were detailed ; the goal was to ensure students understood what communism was about , “ what Marx and his acolytes thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process of implementing communist regimes.
” A report from 2016 showed that Marx ’ s works were the most prescribed of any economists in American colleges .
In fact , the only books more assigned across all fields of study were a book on college-level writing and Plato ’ s The Republic .
Marx is considered the father of communism , an ideology which some scholars estimate caused around 100 million deaths in the 20th century .
Courses currently on WSU ’ s catalog for all students include “ Socialist and Radical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business and Social Issues , ” “ Economics of Diversity ” and “ Feminist Activism.
” – – – Ben Kolodny is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network .
You can follow Ben on Twitter .
Tips can be sent to [ email protected ] Background Photo “ Wright State University Campus ” by Wright State University .

A Wright State University (WSU) economics professor has been barred from teaching a class critical of Marxism to the general student body.
Professor Evan Osborne had his repeated requests to teach a class critical of communist economist Karl Marx to non-honors students denied, reports The College Fix.
While Osborne has been given the go-ahead to teach the class, “Marxism: Theory and Practice,” to honor students, he will not be allowed to open the class to the rest of the nearly 11,000 person student body.
Of the motivations behind the decision, Osborne told The College Fix, “We have an angry, radical-left cohort in the department, they praise Marxism in the classroom, they will not let me teach critically about it, and numerous people in the university have refused to do anything about it.” Osborne said of his colleagues, “my department is full of extremists who probably don’t belong in a business-college economics department.”
Osborne acknowledged that having leftist professors in the economics department was an aspect of academic freedom, but said he wanted his “academic freedom” to also be respected too.
In an interview with Fox News, the professor said he was being censored and that all of the classes he’d proposed in the past were approved as long as they were “not going against the sacred beliefs of the radical wing of our department.”
Osborne had taught the class in 2014 to honors students. In the syllabus, the class’ learning objectives were detailed; the goal was to ensure students understood what communism was about, “what Marx and his acolytes thought,” and what happened “during the process of implementing communist regimes.”
A report from 2016 showed that Marx’s works were the most prescribed of any economists in American colleges. In fact, the only books more assigned across all fields of study were a book on college-level writing and Plato’s The Republic. Marx is considered the father of communism, an ideology which some scholars estimate caused around 100 million deaths in the 20th century.
Courses currently on WSU’s catalog for all students include “Socialist and Radical Economics,” “Global Economic, Business and Social Issues,” “Economics of Diversity” and “Feminist Activism.”
– – –
Ben Kolodny is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network. You can follow Ben on Twitter. Tips can be sent to [email protected]
Background Photo “Wright State University Campus” by Wright State University.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Critic of Trump Ukraine Policy, Co-Author of Infamous 2016 ‘Ukraine Plank’ Joins Trump Administratio

Critic of Trump Ukraine Policy, Co-Author of Infamous 2016 ‘Ukraine Plank’ Joins Trump Administration

President Donald J. Trump nominated Ilan L. Berman , a critic of his Ukrainian policy and one of the three authors of the proposed Ukraine plank to the 2016 Republican Platform that was cited as proof of the Russian Collusion Hoax , to be a member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term of three years , according to an Aug. 3 statement from the White House .
Berman is the senior vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council , as well as a member of the associated faculty at Missouri State University ’ s Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fed the hysteria over Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s influence over Trump in the early days of his administration .
Berman , who is considered a regional expert regarding the Middle East , Central Asia , and the Russian Federation , wrote in a Feb. 6 , 2017 column “ Trump ’ s Ukraine Dilemma ” for U.S. News & World Report there was reason to believe that Trump in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin , gave the Russians the green light to ramp up hostilities with Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted at a Bipartisan Policy Center panel saying that the White House staff may have turned off the recording of the Trump-Putin call , because it was going too well for Putin .
Berman ’ s claim , less than a month into the Trump administration , was just before the collusion hoaxers took their first scalp : National Security Advisor Michael T. Flynn .
In the fall of 2019 through the winter of 2020 , Washington would be dominated by the House impeachment and Senate trial of Trump over his Ukraine policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 Republican National Convention pledged to Sen. R. Edward “ Ted ” Cruz ( R.-Texas ) and a one-time Reagan administration appointee , was assigned to the convention ’ s platform committee .
Given the opportunity to participate in writing the party platform , Denman reached out to two members of the Republican foreign policy establishment types , Berman and his boss , Herman Pirchner Jr. , president of the American Foreign Policy Council .
Pirchner later served on the Trump Transition Team .
The three cooked up the pro-Ukrainian plank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Platform Committee and the review of the Trump campaign .
In her Dec. 5 , 2017 testimony to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence , Denman said she sent over her draft to Pirchner and Berman .
“ I asked if they ’ d be willing to review and see if I had left anything out or I was inappropriately addressing something.
” The three traded emails about the plank and at one point in the testimony , Schiff asked her to confirm that Berman sent her an email with the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does this work ?
” She confirmed to Schiff that it was Berman .
“ Yes .
He has worked for Pirchner for many years and again.
” The primary reviewer for the Trump campaign was a senior advisor named J.D .
Gordon .
Gordon was the primary national security advisor to the 2012 Herman Cain presidential campaign and the 2016 Michael Huckabee presidential campaign .
When Huckabee endorsed Trump , the New York City developer ’ s campaign picked up Gordon .
Gordon , a former Pentagon spokesman and retired Navy commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cleveland for the deliberations of the platform committee as Trump ’ s director of national security .
He was there to make sure the GOP platform was in synch with the GOP ’ s presidential nominee .
The plank as submitted by Denman and crafted with Pirchner and Berman according to her Dec. 5 , 2017 testimony before the House Intelligence Committee read : “ We also support providing lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine ’ s Armed Forces.
” This is the final language approved by the Platform Committee : “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed forces of Ukraine.
” Gordon said he intervened because it was his job to keep the foreign policy planks aligned with candidate Donald J. Trump ’ s campaign promises , otherwise he would have been grossly negligent in his official duties .
In fact , shortly after the convention , Trump told a crowd in Columbus , Ohio , he was not going to go to war over Ukraine : “ Do you want to have World War III to get it back ?
” This softening of the platform ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collusion Hoax and Gordon was called to testify multiple times before Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III ’ s team , and then one time each before the House Intelligence Committee and the Senate Intelligence and Judiciary committees .
The lethal-to-appropriate shift was mixed in with Gordon ’ s attendance at a networking reception Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak a week later when the State Department hosted its Global Partners in Diplomacy program on the sidelines of GOP Convention with 50 other ambassadors .
“ It put me in the cross hairs of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me legal bills in the high five-figures and irreparable harm to my life , ” he said .
One of the most damaging blows was a column by The Washington Post ’ s Josh Rogin , whose July 18 , 2016 piece “ Trump campaign guts GOP ’ s anti-Russia stance on Ukraine ” ran the day Republicans nominated Trump for president .
Rogin depicted the softer language as a repudiation of the Reagan Doctrine , Gordon said .
Three days later , Voice of America , the flagship federal government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a piece headlined : “ Proposed GOP Stance on Ukraine Sparks Controversy.
” It did not stop there .
The plank narrative became a go-to feature of “ The Rachel Maddow Show , ” as she and many others in the legacy media kept the collusion hoax going .
Berman ’ s nomination to the International Broadcasting Advisory Board is subject to Senate confirmation .
The IBAB replaces to Broadcasting Board of Governors , which led agencies such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe until it was reformed in the fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Star Newspaper Group reached out to both Berman and Pirchner through the AFPC , but there was no reply before publication . ]
Neil W. McCabe is a Washington-based national political reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network .
In addition to The Star newspaper , he has covered the White House , Capitol Hill and national politics for One America News , Breitbart , Human Events and Townhall .
Before coming to Washington , he was a staff reporter for Boston ’ s Catholic paper , The Pilot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community papers , The Somerville News and The Alewife .
McCabe is a public affairs NCO in the Army Reserve and he deployed for 15 months to Iraq as a combat historian .
Photo “ Ilan Berman ” by Ilan Berman .

President Donald J. Trump nominated Ilan L. Berman, a critic of his Ukrainian policy and one of the three authors of the proposed Ukraine plank to the 2016 Republican Platform that was cited as proof of the Russian Collusion Hoax, to be a member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term of three years, according to an Aug. 3 statement from the White House.
Berman is the senior vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council, as well as a member of the associated faculty at Missouri State University’s Department of Defense & Strategic Studies.
Berman also fed the hysteria over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence over Trump in the early days of his administration.
Ok, tweeps, a bit of personal news… https://t.co/kgvD8dpWNc — Ilan Berman (@ilanberman) August 3, 2020
Berman stoked rumors Trump gave Putin green light in Ukraine
Berman, who is considered a regional expert regarding the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Russian Federation, wrote in a Feb. 6, 2017 column “Trump’s Ukraine Dilemma” for U.S. News & World Report there was reason to believe that Trump in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, gave the Russians the green light to ramp up hostilities with Ukraine.
It coincides closely with the unfolding thaw in relations between Washington and Moscow. Indeed, the new offensive came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-anticipated phone call with President Donald Trump last weekend – one in which, by all indications, the new president signaled that he was willing to give the Russian leader broad latitude in Russia’s “near abroad.”
A few days before, Berman was quoted at a Bipartisan Policy Center panel saying that the White House staff may have turned off the recording of the Trump-Putin call, because it was going too well for Putin.
Berman’s claim, less than a month into the Trump administration, was just before the collusion hoaxers took their first scalp: National Security Advisor Michael T. Flynn.
In the fall of 2019 through the winter of 2020, Washington would be dominated by the House impeachment and Senate trial of Trump over his Ukraine policies.
Berman co-authors 2016 Ukraine Plank
Diana Denman, a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention pledged to Sen. R. Edward “Ted” Cruz (R.-Texas) and a one-time Reagan administration appointee, was assigned to the convention’s platform committee.
Given the opportunity to participate in writing the party platform, Denman reached out to two members of the Republican foreign policy establishment types, Berman and his boss, Herman Pirchner Jr., president of the American Foreign Policy Council. Pirchner later served on the Trump Transition Team.
The three cooked up the pro-Ukrainian plank, which Denman submitted for consideration by the Platform Committee and the review of the Trump campaign.
In her Dec. 5, 2017 testimony to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Denman said she sent over her draft to Pirchner and Berman. “I asked if they’d be willing to review and see if I had left anything out or I was inappropriately addressing something.”
The three traded emails about the plank and at one point in the testimony, Schiff asked her to confirm that Berman sent her an email with the subject line: “Blurb on Ukraine, does this work?”
She confirmed to Schiff that it was Berman. “Yes. He has worked for Pirchner for many years and again.”
Trump campaign rewrote Ukraine Plank
The primary reviewer for the Trump campaign was a senior advisor named J.D. Gordon. Gordon was the primary national security advisor to the 2012 Herman Cain presidential campaign and the 2016 Michael Huckabee presidential campaign. When Huckabee endorsed Trump, the New York City developer’s campaign picked up Gordon.
Gordon, a former Pentagon spokesman and retired Navy commander, told Star Newspapers that he was in Cleveland for the deliberations of the platform committee as Trump’s director of national security.
He was there to make sure the GOP platform was in synch with the GOP’s presidential nominee.
The plank as submitted by Denman and crafted with Pirchner and Berman according to her Dec. 5, 2017 testimony before the House Intelligence Committee read: “We also support providing lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.”
This is the final language approved by the Platform Committee: “We also support providing appropriate assistance to the armed forces of Ukraine.”
Gordon said he intervened because it was his job to keep the foreign policy planks aligned with candidate Donald J. Trump’s campaign promises, otherwise he would have been grossly negligent in his official duties.
In fact, shortly after the convention, Trump told a crowd in Columbus, Ohio, he was not going to go to war over Ukraine: “Do you want to have World War III to get it back?”
This softening of the platform’s language became a staple of the Russian Collusion Hoax and Gordon was called to testify multiple times before Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s team, and then one time each before the House Intelligence Committee and the Senate Intelligence and Judiciary committees.
The lethal-to-appropriate shift was mixed in with Gordon’s attendance at a networking reception Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak a week later when the State Department hosted its Global Partners in Diplomacy program on the sidelines of GOP Convention with 50 other ambassadors.
“It put me in the cross hairs of a years-long investigative and media witch hunt–it cost me legal bills in the high five-figures and irreparable harm to my life,” he said.
One of the most damaging blows was a column by The Washington Post’s Josh Rogin, whose July 18, 2016 piece “Trump campaign guts GOP’s anti-Russia stance on Ukraine” ran the day Republicans nominated Trump for president.
Rogin depicted the softer language as a repudiation of the Reagan Doctrine, Gordon said.
Three days later, Voice of America, the flagship federal government’s propaganda operation to foreign audiences, posted a piece headlined: “Proposed GOP Stance on Ukraine Sparks Controversy.”
It did not stop there. The plank narrative became a go-to feature of “The Rachel Maddow Show,” as she and many others in the legacy media kept the collusion hoax going.
Berman awaits Senate confirmation
Berman’s nomination to the International Broadcasting Advisory Board is subject to Senate confirmation. The IBAB replaces to Broadcasting Board of Governors, which led agencies such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe until it was reformed in the fiscal year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.
[Star Newspaper Group reached out to both Berman and Pirchner through the AFPC, but there was no reply before publication.]
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Neil W. McCabe is a Washington-based national political reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. In addition to The Star newspaper, he has covered the White House, Capitol Hill and national politics for One America News, Breitbart, Human Events and Townhall. Before coming to Washington, he was a staff reporter for Boston’s Catholic paper, The Pilot, and the editor of two Boston-area community papers, The Somerville News and The Alewife. McCabe is a public affairs NCO in the Army Reserve and he deployed for 15 months to Iraq as a combat historian.
Photo “Ilan Berman” by Ilan Berman.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Governor Walz Will Extend COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency Again

Governor Walz announced in a press release Friday that he will extend Minnesota ’ s COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency again by 30 days .
The state ’ s peacetime emergency first went into effect March 13 – this is the fifth extension to date .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and rapidly evolving , and we can ’ t let our guard down , ” stated Walz .
In the upcoming special session , the legislature has the power to terminate this peacetime emergency , since it extends well beyond 30 days .
Though it is unclear at this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Minnesota House tweeted that the session would be “ a very quick in and out.
” While the governor ’ s press release explained these states of emergency enable governments to respond to immediate , “ rapidly evolving threats , ” Lt .
Governor Peggy Flanagan attributed future unknowns as the biggest factor for their decision .
“ The emergency is not over .
As the upcoming fall brings new unknowns in the COVID-19 pandemic , we are committed to acting quickly to keep Minnesotans healthy , safe , and informed during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark the third special session of the year .
The first initially intended to focus on pandemic-related issues , but discussions quickly derailed and grew divisive following Walz ’ s insistence that police reform measures be discussed .
That first session ’ s gridlock necessitated last month ’ s special session , which ended with the passage of certain police reform legislation .
This pending extension of the peacetime emergency follows Walz ’ s recent executive orders for all citizens to wear face coverings in public .
This means that Minnesotans would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 30 days upon the legislature ’ s decision , at least .
Current coronavirus numbers for Minnesota are 60,101 confirmed cases and 1,648 deaths – approximately 1,245 deaths were from cases in long-term care or assisted living facilities .
The special legislative session will commence next August 12 at noon .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email tips to [ email protected ] .

Governor Walz announced in a press release Friday that he will extend Minnesota’s COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency again by 30 days. The state’s peacetime emergency first went into effect March 13 – this is the fifth extension to date.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and rapidly evolving, and we can’t let our guard down,” stated Walz.
In the upcoming special session, the legislature has the power to terminate this peacetime emergency, since it extends well beyond 30 days. Though it is unclear at this time whether they will exercise this power, the Minnesota House tweeted that the session would be “a very quick in and out.”
While the governor’s press release explained these states of emergency enable governments to respond to immediate, “rapidly evolving threats,” Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan attributed future unknowns as the biggest factor for their decision.
“The emergency is not over. As the upcoming fall brings new unknowns in the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to acting quickly to keep Minnesotans healthy, safe, and informed during this public health crisis.”
This will mark the third special session of the year. The first initially intended to focus on pandemic-related issues, but discussions quickly derailed and grew divisive following Walz’s insistence that police reform measures be discussed. That first session’s gridlock necessitated last month’s special session, which ended with the passage of certain police reform legislation.
This pending extension of the peacetime emergency follows Walz’s recent executive orders for all citizens to wear face coverings in public. This means that Minnesotans would have to adhere to the mask mandate for another 30 days upon the legislature’s decision, at least.
Current coronavirus numbers for Minnesota are 60,101 confirmed cases and 1,648 deaths – approximately 1,245 deaths were from cases in long-term care or assisted living facilities.
The special legislative session will commence next August 12 at noon.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Bernie Sanders Push Bill Taxing Billionaires 60 Percent to Fund One Year of He

Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Bernie Sanders Push Bill Taxing Billionaires 60 Percent to Fund One Year of Healthcare for All

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar ( D-MN-05 ) and Senator Bernie Sanders ( D-VT ) introduced a bill Friday to tax billionaires sixty percent of their pandemic-earned assets .
The proposed bill , “ Make Billionaires Pay Act , ” would use the tax money to cover individual healthcare expenses for one year .
In a tweeted video , Sanders argued billionaires have profited off the coronavirus pandemic while the rest of the country has suffered .
“ This is what a rigged economy is about .
During the last four to five months during the last pandemic , over 30 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them are struggling to put food on the table .
They ’ re worried about evictions , they ’ re worried about being able to pay for health care .
That ’ s the reality for working families all across this country .
But during the pandemic there ’ s another reality .
And that is that the top 467 billionaires in this country – a handful of people , a few hundred people – have seen their wealth increase by over $ 700 billion dollars .
I ’ m talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m talking about people who are already phenomenally rich during this pandemic , becoming much richer.
” The bill would reimburse individuals for provisions in any public or private health insurance plans that occurred throughout the pandemic .
And , health care providers may not charge applicable individuals for their services : they must wait for government reimbursement .
“ Applicable individuals ” would extend to residents of the U.S. in addition to citizens .
Omar tweeted that the bill would force billionaires to “ pay their fair share ” .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would make lesser impact than hoped for as the number of billionaires continues to decrease exponentially .
In the early stages of the pandemic alone , Forbes reported nearly three hundred individuals worldwide who lost their billionaire status over the course of two weeks – over half of all billionaires became much poorer than in 2019 .
If passed , the bill would acquire $ 400 billion in appropriations .
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , or email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo “ Bernie Sanders ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) introduced a bill Friday to tax billionaires sixty percent of their pandemic-earned assets. The proposed bill, “Make Billionaires Pay Act,” would use the tax money to cover individual healthcare expenses for one year.
In a tweeted video, Sanders argued billionaires have profited off the coronavirus pandemic while the rest of the country has suffered.
“This is what a rigged economy is about. During the last four to five months during the last pandemic, over 30 million Americans have lost their jobs. Many of them are struggling to put food on the table. They’re worried about evictions, they’re worried about being able to pay for health care. That’s the reality for working families all across this country. But during the pandemic there’s another reality. And that is that the top 467 billionaires in this country – a handful of people, a few hundred people – have seen their wealth increase by over $700 billion dollars. I’m talking about Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg. I’m talking about people who are already phenomenally rich during this pandemic, becoming much richer.”
The bill would reimburse individuals for provisions in any public or private health insurance plans that occurred throughout the pandemic. And, health care providers may not charge applicable individuals for their services: they must wait for government reimbursement. “Applicable individuals” would extend to residents of the U.S. in addition to citizens.
Omar tweeted that the bill would force billionaires to “pay their fair share”.
However, it’s likely the bill would make lesser impact than hoped for as the number of billionaires continues to decrease exponentially. In the early stages of the pandemic alone, Forbes reported nearly three hundred individuals worldwide who lost their billionaire status over the course of two weeks – over half of all billionaires became much poorer than in 2019.
If passed, the bill would acquire $400 billion in appropriations.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Bernie Sanders” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-08-09--Dana Loesch Will Present Keynote Speech at Citizens for Community Values’ Gala in Cincinnati

Conservative media personality Dana Loesch will be the keynote speaker at the Citizens for Community Values ( CCV ) ’ s upcoming Celebration Gala to be held in Cincinnati .
Loesch will speak at the gala on Thursday , October 1 at Xavier University .
The event page , which allows people to RSVP , is located here .
CCV ’ s website says it is “ Ohio ’ s Family Policy Council ” and “ We endeavor to create an Ohio where God ’ s blessings of life , family , and religious freedom are treasured , respected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such values as religious freedom , human dignity , free speech , government transparency and right to life , among others .
Loesch ’ s website lists some of her many forays into talk radio and as an author and as a guest on numerous news programs .
She also has represented the National Rifle Association .
Dana Loesch is the number one nationally-syndicated female talk radio host in the country and hosts her award-winning show , The Dana Show , from Dallas , Texas .
She ’ s the author of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My Gun : Defeating the Plot to Disarm America which turned the tide in the gun control debate , and Flyover Nation : You Can ’ t Run a Country You ’ ve Never Been to , which predicted the coastal-flyover divide and sentiment that decided the 2016 election .
Her third book is scheduled for a spring 2020 release .
Her live radio show is available on YouTube .
The no-holds-barred speaker says on her Twitter profile , “ I stood up to the rage mob .
Wife , mom , syndicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; longtime # 2A advocate , dog lover .
The gala and optional VIP dinner will be held at Xavier University ’ s Cintas Center , 1624 Herald Ave .
The VIP dinner will be from 5:15-6:30 p.m. , while the gala will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years ’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes .
Photo “ Dana Loesch ” by Gage Skidmore .
CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Conservative media personality Dana Loesch will be the keynote speaker at the Citizens for Community Values (CCV)’s upcoming Celebration Gala to be held in Cincinnati.
Loesch will speak at the gala on Thursday, October 1 at Xavier University.
The event page, which allows people to RSVP, is located here.
CCV’s website says it is “Ohio’s Family Policy Council” and “We endeavor to create an Ohio where God’s blessings of life, family, and religious freedom are treasured, respected, and protected.”
The organization calls for such values as religious freedom, human dignity, free speech, government transparency and right to life, among others.
Loesch’s website lists some of her many forays into talk radio and as an author and as a guest on numerous news programs. She also has represented the National Rifle Association.
Dana Loesch is the number one nationally-syndicated female talk radio host in the country and hosts her award-winning show, The Dana Show, from Dallas, Texas. She’s the author of two books, the national best-seller Hands Off My Gun: Defeating the Plot to Disarm America which turned the tide in the gun control debate, and Flyover Nation: You Can’t Run a Country You’ve Never Been to, which predicted the coastal-flyover divide and sentiment that decided the 2016 election. Her third book is scheduled for a spring 2020 release.
Her live radio show is available on YouTube.
The no-holds-barred speaker says on her Twitter profile, “I stood up to the rage mob. Wife, mom, syndicated talk radio and podcast host; author; longtime #2A advocate, dog lover.
The gala and optional VIP dinner will be held at Xavier University’s Cintas Center, 1624 Herald Ave. The VIP dinner will be from 5:15-6:30 p.m., while the gala will be from 7-8:30 p.m.
– – –
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
Photo “Dana Loesch” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.