Day: June 25, 2022

Several Tennessee elected officials praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and several other state elected officials issued statements.

Former Speaker of Tennessee House Beth Harwell Issues Statement in Support of National Guard Members

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell issued a statement in support of the National Guard members who are scheduled to be fired on June 30 due to their refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“The Biden Administration’s forced COVID-19 vaccination policy for men and women in the military is absolutely wrong and it’s another example of more overreach by the federal government,” said Harwell.

‘It’s Not Their Business’: Representative Tim Burchett Explains Why He Voted No on LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act

The House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4176 titled the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act on Thursday by a vote of 220-201. Every Tennessee Republican Representative voted against the bill while both Democratic Representatives from the state, Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper, voted for the bill.

Blackburn Blasts Trans Sports on 50th Anniversary of Title IX

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

A U.S. Senator from Tennessee blasted transgender sports allowing biological men to compete against biological females Thursday, on what was the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

“Joe Biden is intent on erasing women and their historical accomplishments. No matter what the left says, men and women are created physically different – that’s a fact,” Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) told The Tennessee Star. “What Joe Biden is seeking to implement in female sports will result in two teams – one team of men and another team of folks that used to be men. It is extremely unfair to female athletes like Riley Gaines, that have dedicated their entire life to a sport only to be defeated by an athlete that was a man just three years ago.”

Commentary: Time to Credit Donald Trump for Overturning Roe

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Susan Berry, PhD

To the Never Trump people: Elections matter. Here’s a link to the ruling.

Because Donald J. Trump was president and because he had the courage to stick with solidly conservative jurists and because he, unlike Never Trumpers, knows how to hold the line, abortion now goes back to the people to decide. Here’s how the 6-3 decision concludes:

Left Claims Supreme Court Ruling Will ‘Harm’ Black Women, But Black Pro-Lifers Look to a New ‘Womb Equality’

As reactions abound in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, many on the left expressed their outrage by claiming the ruling will harm black and other minority women, but pro-life women of these communities wholeheartedly disagree and applaud the Court for “finally” righting their “wrongly decided law.”

“The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the Court’s decision,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “This decision deals a devastating blow to reproductive freedom in the United States. It will have an immediate and irreversible impact on the lives of people across the country. And it will be greatly disproportionate in its effect – with the greatest burdens felt by people of color and those of limited financial means.”

TN-5 Candidate Andy Ogles Says SCOTUS Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade is ‘Answer to Prayer’

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles, a candidate in the August 4 Republican primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat, said in a statement, the “SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and return decision-making authority to the people is an answer to prayer.”

Ogles talked about the historic nature of the decision and the importance defending the unborn.

Congressional Leaders Criticize DOJ for Silence on Pro-Life Org Attacks, FBI Say It’s Investigating

After Representative John Rose (R-TN-06) joined more than 120 lawmakers in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) demanding an investigation into violence against pro-life groups, the DOJ responded with silence.

“More than seven weeks ago, we woke up to headlines that the Supreme Court of the United States would likely overturn Roe v. Wade,” Rose said Thursday in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House. “I believe the leaker broke federal law in an effort to change the High Court’s ruling.”

Attorney General Dave Yost Files Motion to End Injunction on Ohio’s Heartbeat Law

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a motion on Friday to end an injunction put in place by a federal court against a heartbeat law passed in 2019.

The motion follows a decision by the Supreme Court that reversed Roe v. Wade. Therefore, abortion laws will now be left to individual states.

‘Nobody’s Listening’: Parents Outraged by Rise in Crime at University of Minnesota

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 The Center Square

University of Minnesota Police Squad Car

Crime is out of control at the University of Minnesota and parents are tired of the finger-pointing.

Many attended a community meeting Tuesday night at the Van Cleve Recreation Center but were disappointed with the outcome.

Roe v. Wade: Pennsylvania Law Protects Abortion; Bipartisan Effort to Change Looms

The future of abortion in Pennsylvania is an open question, as current state law protects it but both parties would like to change the law.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Governor DeSantis Applauds Supreme Court Following Ruling Overturning Roe v. Wade

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement Friday following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that created a right to abortion nationwide. The ruling now returns issues about abortion to the individual states.

U.S. Supreme Court Abortion Ruling Makes Virginia an Abortion Haven, Triggers Wave of Political Statements

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Eric Burk

The U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade launched a wave of statements from Virginia politicians on Friday. Abortion remains legal in Virginia with some limitations, and split control of Virginia’s government leaves both Republicans and Democrats seeking to use the issue to motivate their own voter base. Pro-choice protesters held multiple rallies across Virginia on Friday, with more planned for the weekend.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has largely been quiet about abortion, but on Friday he released two statements reacting to the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling. Additionally, Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter said Youngkin is pushing for a 15-week abortion ban.

Walter Blackman and Shawnna Bolick Among Arizona Officials Who Applaud the Landmark SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 The Center Square

Arizona State Representatives Walt Blackman (R-Sedona) and Shawnna Bolick (R-San Miguel) are among Arizona officials who released a statement applauding the landmark decision from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturns Roe v. Wade.

“As state legislators, we support protecting all lives, especially our most vulnerable. We will continue to advocate for families and promote life. Now that Roe has been overturned, decisions about abortion policy become a states’ rights issue,” the representatives said in a joint statement.

Wisconsin Democrats Condemn, Republicans Celebrate End of Roe

The reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade and the end of abortion in Wisconsin is clear and split by political party.

Wisconsin is one of nearly two dozen states where abortion is now illegal because Roe is no more as a result of its decision in the case, Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Republican leaders at the Wisconsin Capitol celebrated the 6-3 SCOTUS decision.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Pledges to ‘Fight like Hell’ for Abortions in Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer pledged to “fight like hell” to maintain access to abortions for women in Michigan, according to a release from her office.

The statement follows a decision from the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, which established a constitutional right for abortions.

Governor Brian Kemp Calls on Stacey Abrams to Resign from ‘Anti-Police Organization’

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 The Center Square

Republican Governor Brian Kemp called on his Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams to resign from the governing board of the Marguerite Casey Foundation.

According to Kemp and the Republican Governors Association, the group has repeatedly posted on social media to advocate to “#DefundthePolice” and “#AbolishthePolice”

Tong, Lamont Speak Out Against Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade Decision

Connecticut’s top law enforcement official said Friday he would sue to prevent a nationwide ban on abortions.

Attorney General William Tong said following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, a 1973 landmark decision that prevented states from banning abortions, that if Congress tries to invoke legislation that would ban abortions across the nation, he would be the first to take court action.

Music Spotlight: Katrina Burgoyne

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Bethany Bowman

NASHVILLE, Tennessee- When I first heard Katrina Burgoyne’s song, “I Wanna Get Away With You,” there was something infectious about the spirited song that made me want to learn more about the artist.

Australian-born Katrina Burgoyne is from a musical family. Both of her grandfathers were performing musicians.

Newsmax ‘America Right Now’ Host Tom Basile on Relocating to Tennessee

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Julie Carr

Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed Newsmax host of America Right Now, Tom Basile to the newsmaker line to discuss why he and his family have decided to relocate to Tennessee from Westchester County, New York.

Arizona Attorney General Alleges DHS Is Abusing Parole Authority by Releasing Criminal Illegal Aliens into Communities

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Rachel Alexander

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich (R) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Texas v. United States, which focuses on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) dangerous Permanent Guidance.

“This policy is another example in the shameful list of actions that the Biden administration is taking to hobble immigration enforcement and encourage border crossings,” Brnovich said in a press release. “It has and continues to cause the Amici States extensive harm through increased law enforcement, education, and health care expenditures.”

Sparks Fly at U.S. Senate GOP Primary Debate in Arizona Between Brnovich, Lamon, Masters, McGuire, and Olson

The first Republican primary debate for the U.S. Senate race in Arizona took place Thursday night in downtown Phoenix, organized by Freedomworks. Three candidates polling in the lead participated; Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, solar billionaire businessman Jim Lamon, and Trump-endorsed, Thiel Foundation President Blake Masters. Two candidates who are lagging in the polls also debated; former Adjutant General of the Arizona National Guard Mick McGuire, and former Arizona legislator Justin Olson.

The debate got quite heated at times, with the candidates calling each other out and the audience often wildly cheering or loudly booing (even though they had been asked to remain silent at the beginning). Lamon and Masters, the candidates with the most money in the race, have been running TV ads attacking each other the last few weeks, and those attacks played out throughout the evening.

Republican U.S. Senate Hopeful Jim Lamon: ‘We Must Beat Mark Kelly in This Race’

June 25, 2022June 25, 2022 Julie Carr

U.S. Senate candidate Jim Lamon appeared Thursday with four of his fellow Republicans at a debate to address a broad range of issues important to Copper State Republicans. Hosted by FreedomWorks, the gathering marked the last opportunity for the candidates to confront one another on stage as they vy for the Republican nomination to go on to face Democratic incumbent, Senator Mark Kelly.

“Arizona holds the key to the United States of America in the Senate race. We must beat Mark Kelly in this race. You need to pick someone who’s a fighter. You hear a lot of talk up here tonight. You hear a lot of talk in the campaign. Pick someone who does things, who’s gotten stuff done in this country, who’s been a veteran, who’s built billion-dollar companies. Someone you can trust,” said Lamon in his opening statement.

Crom’s Crommentary: ‘Every Time I Think It Can’t Be Any Worse for the Democrats, They Do Something That Makes Me Shake My Head’

Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed the original all-star panelist Crom Carmichael to the studio for another edition of Crom’s Crommentary.

Virginia Budget Includes Some Wins for Both Businesses and Workers

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Eric Burk

Virginia’s FY 2023-2024 budget includes some wins for both businesses and workers, according to pro-business organization NFIB Virginia and pro-labor organization Virginia AFL-CIO. General Assembly negotiators have emphasized the compromise nature of the budget, but flashy proposals on tax relief, education, and law enforcement have gotten most of the attention.

“Governor Youngkin and legislators agreed on many issues that are important to Virginia’s small business, including full funding of the commonwealth’s unemployment insurance program, but we’re disappointed that so some key issues didn’t make the final cut, like the three-month suspension of the fuel tax,” NFIB Virginia State Director Julia Hammond said in a press release.

Jim Renacci: ‘It is Time for Ohio to Step Up and Make This State One That Protects Life’

June 25, 2022June 24, 2022 Julie Carr

Former Congressman and businessman Jim Renacci on Friday celebrated a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that reversed Roe v. Wade.

Because of the decision, abortion laws will now be left to individual states—rather than a mandate that abortion is a constitutional right.

Tennessee National Guard Master Sergeant Jennifer Berry Set to Retire June 30 for Not Taking the COVID Vaccine, Seeks Help from Governor Lee

Friday morning on The Tennessee Star Report, host Leahy welcomed retired Tennessee National Guard Master Sergeant, Jennifer Berry to the newsmaker line to discuss her upcoming retirement due to non-compliance of the COVID-19 vaccine and efforts to reverse the mandate by Governor Bill Lee.

Exclusive: Jim Lamon Says He Is the Veteran to Take Down Mark Kelly

PHOENIX, Arizona – Arizona Republican Senate candidate Jim Lamon said he is the veteran to take down Mark Kelly in the Senate race by demonstrating real American work and action.

“In Arizona, there’s a very large veterans’ population, retired, active-duty, people associated with the military here. Kelly’s a veteran. You got to start with that. You darn well better be a veteran to go against him. Number two, you got a situation where this guy has gone so far left, he ran as a moderate, but you need someone to hold him accountable. Someone who has not just talked about what they’re going to do. Somebody who’s got accomplishments. Somebody who’s built businesses. So, you can show that contrast to what he is and what America is. This guy’s gone hard left, hard Marxist, voting 100% with [Chuck] Schumer and those guys. This is, in my case, being able to contrast that. Not with talk. But with actual stuff to show what real work looks like,” Lamon said in an interview with the Arizona Sun Times.

Pelosi Gives Emotional Response to Roe v. Wade Decision, Says ‘Slap in Face,’ Earring Falls Off

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s earring fell out Friday morning while she was condemning the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision minutes earlier.

The earring fell out as she repeated shook her head in her remarks on Capitol Hill. The California Democrat continued with her remarks and took out the other earring.

Feds Raid the Home of Former Trump DOJ Official Who Wanted to Investigate Allegations of Voter Fraud

In a pre-dawn raid Wednesday, armed federal law enforcement agents searched the home of Jeffrey Clark, a former Trump Justice Department official who has emerged as a central figure in the partisan House Select Committee’s investigation into the January 6 riot.

Clark’s name was expected to come up in the Jan. 6 Committee hearing on Thursday.

Trump: SCOTUS Abortion Decision Will Return Power to the States ‘Where It Has Always Belonged’

Former President Trump said Friday the Supreme Court ruling earlier in the morning that struck down that struck down the decades-old Roe v. Wade ruling on abortion will “work out for everybody.”

“This is following the Constitution, and gives rights back when they should have been given long ago,” Trump, who appointed three of the six justices who voted to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe decision, told Fox News.

Biden Admin Considers Banning All Offshore Drilling as Energy Crisis Worsens: Report

The Biden administration is mulling the prospect of banning new American offshore oil and natural gas drilling projects as fuel prices continue to spike, The New York Times reported Thursday.

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, working closely with the White House to shape policy, will release its drafted five-year plan for new oil and gas drilling leases in federal waters to Congress by June 30, according to The New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter. The administration is likely to stop new offshore drilling projects in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and is considering whether to end leasing in the Arctic and Gulf of Mexico.

Commentary: The Collapse of Roe v. Wade

Whole Woman’s Health in front of Supreme Court

“I don’t think the country will stand for it,” said President Joe Biden, commenting in early June on the expected collapse of Roe v. Wade. “If in fact the decision comes down the way it does, and these states impose the limitations they’re talking about, it’s going to cause a mini-revolution and they’re going to vote these folks out of office.”

Contrary to Biden’s prediction, the collapse of Roe v. Wade marks not the beginning of a revolution but the end of one. Until that monstrous decision, which led to the deaths of over 62 million unborn children, the American people had the power to pass laws against abortion and did so in most of the states. The Dobbs decision simply returns that power to the people — a blow not against “democracy,” as the hysterics on the left claim, but for it.

Blue State Gun Control Laws in Jeopardy After Supreme Court Ruling

An unloaded handgun sitting on the center console of a vehicle with the magazine clip next to it

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on New York’s anti-concealed carry law has broader ramifications for similar gun control laws across the country, many of which can now be challenged by Second Amendment advocates.

Politico reports that some of the states with gun control laws that may now be in jeopardy after the ruling include California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. Such states and jurisdictions also have laws in place that similarly try to restrict the ability of residents to carry handguns in public, in what is known as a “may-issue” approach.

Several Tennessee General Assembly Members Publicly Oppose Tennessee National Guard Firings