Day: March 7, 2017

Unpredictable: President Trump Surprises Group Touring the White House

Christina Botteri
Tennessee Star

This short video was shared this morning via Twitter by White House aide Cliff Sims. It shows President Trump emerging behind a screen to the surprise and delight of White House tourists, many of whom are children. https://twitter.com/CSims45/status/839124695769313280 The White House Visitors’ Center and the Tours themselves were re-opened on February 14th – Valentine’s Day – by First Lady Melania Trump after being closed during the period between the Obama and Trump Administration transition. UPDATE: FOX 10 Phoenix has the “other side” of the video   (h/t Twitchy)  

Read the full story

Senate Transportation Committee Approves 15 Percent Increase in TDOT Budget That Includes $278 Million From IMPROVE Act Funding

Laura Baigert
Tennessee Star

The State Senate Transportation Committee voted on Monday to approve the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) 2017-18 budget of $2.2 billion, an increase of 15 percent over the 2016-17 budget of $1.9 billion. Five members of the committee voted in favor of the increased funding, while three passed on the vote. Senators Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) and Chairman Paul Bailey voted for the budget, while Senators Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) and Frank Nicely (R-Strawberry Plains) passed. Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) did not respond for the roll call vote. The additional $300 million one year increase in the budget incorporates $278 million in additional funding that comes from the 7 cents per gallon tax increase (and 12 cents per diesel gallon tax increase) included in Gov. Haslam’s controversial IMPROVE Act proposal. The move sets up a conflict between the current version of Gov. Haslam’s plan, which passed through the House Transportation Subcommittee last week in an unusual legislative maneuver which required the governor’s allies to bring in House Speaker Pro-Tem Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) to break a 4-4 tie in committee. The bill that passed through the House Transportation Subcommittee temporarily…

Read the full story

In Nashville, Leftist Immigration Activists Oppose Revised Travel Ban While President Trump’s Supporters Back It

Wendy Wilson

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is condemning President Trump’s executive order issued Monday, which TIRRC is calling “Muslim Ban 2.0.” The revised executive order, which revokes an executive order from January 27,  places a temporary 90-day ban on immigration from residents of six Middle Eastern countries (Syria, Sudan, Somalia,  Iran, Libya, and Yemen) whose Muslim populations total 167 million, or about ten percent of the 1.6 billion Muslims in the world. President Trump’s plans to enforce immigration laws, fight terrorism and reduce refugee flows, however,  have broad support among his supporters who elected him to office in November. At Saturday’s large pro-Trump Spirit of America Rally in Nashville, there were signs reading “Close the Borders,” “Freedom Isn’t Free. Security. Law-Order. Sovereignty,” and “Veterans Before Refugees,” and several speakers vigorously supported the president’s plans for greater vetting and screening of all immigrants. In a news release, TIRRC acknowledged that the new executive order removes Iraq from the list of countries affected by the ban, Syrians will no longer be indefinitely banned but are subject to the same 120-day moratorium as other refugees, and green card holders will not be affected. “However, the intent and impact of this sweeping executive order remains…

Read the full story

INDICTMENT: Tennessee Comptroller Alleges Former Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center General Manager Stole $31,000

Tina LaFleur
Tennessee Star

  An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller has resulted in the indictment of Alyce Heifner, the former general manager of the Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center. Heifner stole at least $31,000 from the conference center over 15 months. Investigators determined Heifner used multiple schemes to steal money. She made personal purchases using the conference center’s credit and debit cards. These purchases included clothing, a big screen TV, and a personal trip to Europe. Heifner also took cash from the conference center’s bank account, and she received pay and a reimbursement to which she wasn’t entitled. Heifner was able to conceal her activity by removing pages from bank statements and credit card statements. She also submitted incorrect and misleading financial reports to The Public Building Authority of Coffee County, Tennessee (PBA) board. Alyce Heifner admitted to Comptroller investigators that she took the money because she was angry at the PBA board for not supporting her, and because she was angry at the Coffee County community for the way she was treated. Heifner resigned her position on December 4, 2015. In December 2016, Alyce Heifner was indicted by the Coffee County Grand Jury on one count of theft over $10,000 and two counts…

Read the full story

State Senator Mae Beavers Asks for Tighter Security at Legislative Plaza

Wendy Wilson

State Sen. Mae Beavers says she is concerned about security at Legislative Plaza after receiving death threats and having problems with protesters interfering with meetings with constituents. However, in an interview with The Tennessee Star on Monday, Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) said she has not hired her own personal security as reported by The Tennessean on Thursday. Beavers said the paper “manufactured a story.” Two men who are political friends are voluntarily helping protect her office but she did not seek their help, she said. Beavers said veterans from across the state have also volunteered to help but she has not taken them up on their offer. Beavers said she has received a few death threats in recent weeks, including one that put her on a kill list along with President Trump and other nationally-known conservatives, as well as state Rep. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon). Beavers has been the subject of protest because of her conservative positions on the transgender bathroom bill and gay marriage and her push to ensure that driver’s licenses for immigrants here on visas are clearly marked so they can’t vote. Last month, protesters shut down a press conference she was giving with Pody on the bathroom bill and the Natural Marriage Defense Act.…

Read the full story

Tuesday is IHOP’s National Pancake Giveaway to Help Children Battling Life-Threatening Illness

Tina LaFleur
Tennessee Star - Pancakes

Did you wake up this morning with a hankering for pancakes? You’re in luck! Tuesday, March 7 is National Pancake Day at IHOP. This is the eleventh year for the annual charity drive, exact day of which changes each year. No purchase is needed to participate in this offer, however IHOP does suggest diners donate to a charitable partner in return. The contributions made on National Pancake Day at IHOP restaurants benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since its start in 2006, National Pancake Day has generated more than $24 million for charity. This year, IHOP hopes to raise $3.5 million for children battling life-threatening illnesses. All of the money raised on IHOP National Pancake Day is donated directly to local children in need. If carbohydrates are off-the-menu, and you’re looking for another way to help, IHOP customers can purchase a “Wall Icon” to pledge their support. Just talk with the cashier. “Year after year, we look forward to celebrating with our guests,” said Darren Rebelez, President of IHOP Restaurans said. “Every penny raised goes a long way in making a meaningful and lasting impact on so many kids and families in our communities.” Check…

Read the full story