Author: Peter D'Abrosca

DOJ Charges 15, Including 87-Year-Old Woman, for Allegedly Blocking Door to Tennessee Abortion Clinic

Peter D'Abrosca

After more than a year of investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice has charged pro-life protestors, including an 87-year-old woman, with a little-known federal crime for allegedly blocking the entrance to an abortion clinic. 

The incident occurred on March 5, 2021, when the ringleader of an ad hoc pro-life group called Chester Gallagher live streamed he and several other protestors blocking the entrance to the Carafem Health Center Clinic in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

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Vanderbilt Agrees to Halt All Gender Transition Surgeries for Minors

Peter D'Abrosca

After a report exposed Vanderbilt University Medical Center for performing and bragging about performing gender transition surgeries for minors, and after a letter from Tennessee state legislators, the hospital has agreed to cease all such medical procedures.

“HUGE NEWS: following our report, Vanderbilt has agreed to pause all gender transition surgeries on minors,” said Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh, who first exposed the medical center. “The fight is far from over but this will save children from mutilation and abuse. An incredibly important victory. Praise God.”

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Jackson Pride to Hold All-Ages Drag Show

Peter D'Abrosca

After a similar show embroiled Chattanooga Pride in controversy, Jackson Pride is set to host an all ages drag show as part of its annual pride week celebration.

“This event aims to bring the LGBTQIA+ population together, including communities within this community. Funds raised at the Jackson Pride Event will allow us to continue to expand and grow our mission of supporting diversity through awareness,” said Darren Lykes, a Jackson Pride Board Member. “We are thankful to all of the sponsors and volunteers who, without their support, we would not be able to make the event possible.”

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Governor Lee Touts Education Savings Account Program

Peter D'Abrosca

Tennessee’s Governor on Wednesday touted the state’s new Education Savings Account (ESA) program. 

“When TN families can choose the right school for their child, that student has an even greater shot at success in life,” said Gov. Bill Lee (R) on Twitter. “That’s what our Education Savings Account program is all about. Nearly 1,000 families have applied. 350+ are already approved. And we’re just getting started.”

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Hamilton County Conservatives Start Petition to Ban All-Ages Drag Shows

Peter D'Abrosca

A conservative non-profit in Hamilton County has launched a petition to bar anyone under 18 years old from attending a drag show. 

“We the people of Tennessee sign below petitioning the legislature of our state to pass a law that requires all drag performances be for persons who have reached the age of 18 and above only,” says a petition page on the group’s website. “Children under the age of 18 shall not be permitted to attend, even if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.”

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Tennessee National Guard Helicopter Battalion Working Rescue and Recovery Missions in Florida

Peter D'Abrosca

As President Joe Biden visited Hurricane Ian devastated Ft. Myers, Florida Wednesday, Tennessee’s National Guard was in the area providing emergency assistance. 

“Aircrews from the Tennessee National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion continue to help Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” said a press release from the Tennessee Department of Military. “Three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Nashville and Jackson, Tenn., are currently in Fort Myers assisting with rescue and recovery efforts.”

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Charter School Group Says Williamson County Schools Misrepresented Facts of Application in Appeal Hearing

Peter D'Abrosca

A group that runs charter schools told The Tennessee Star that plans for one of the schools it represents, Founders Classical Academy of Brentwood, were misrepresented by officials of Williamson County Schools during an appeal hearing held before the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission in Brentwood on Monday.

“Much of the Williamson County Schools presentation, especially the closing, dwelled on our purported ‘inability to effectively serve students,’ based on our lack of general bus transportation (Founders provides busing for special needs and in situations where necessary, and serves more diverse populations than most districts the schools reside in, with parents being willing to drive their children, as they are in Williamson), and lack of food services,” said Brian Haas of Del Rey Education., a company that helps launch Founders Classical Academy public charter schools around the country.

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AG Skrmetti Leads States in Opposing Proposed ObamaCare Language Change

Peter D'Abrosca

Tennessee’s Attorney General is leading the charge against a proposed change to Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). 

Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti will lead a coalition of 20 states in filing a public comment against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’s (DHS) plan to change the wording in Section 1557 from “sex” to “gender identity.” 

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Woke University of Tennessee Professors Speak Out Against ‘Divisive Concepts’ Bill

Peter D'Abrosca

Several University of Tennessee – Knoxville (UTK) professors are speaking out about the so-called “divisive concepts” bill that has taken effect in Tennessee, which they oppose. 

“Professors and faculty at universities and colleges are specially qualified to teach the classes that they teach. They need to be in charge of what goes on in their classrooms and when the legislature comes in and starts dictating what can and cannot be discussed, that disrupts the entire purpose of higher education,” UTK professor Kristina Gehrman told 10NEWS.

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Tennessee Hiring 25 More Forensic Analysts to Address Rape Kit Backlog

Peter D'Abrosca

The governor of Tennessee has announced that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TB) will hire 25 new forensic analysts in order to assist with processing Sexual Assault Kits (SAKs). 

“Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and Speaker Cameron Sexton announced a decisive step to accelerate the hiring process for 25 additional forensic lab positions at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI),” said a press release from the governor’s office. “Taking this action ahead of the regular budget process will expedite the TBI’s efforts to expand testing capacity and reduce the turnaround time for sexual assault kits (SAKs).”

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Vanderbilt Alum, Chief Architect of COVID-19 Vaccine Will Speak at School

Peter D'Abrosca

A Vanderbilt University alumnus who is touted as one of the chief architects of the early COVID-19 vaccine will return to his alma mater to give a speech, the school recently announced. 

“Pathbreaking immunologist, virologist, educator and leader Barney S. Graham, PhD’91, will deliver the School of Medicine Basic Sciences Dean’s Lecture on Monday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m. CT in the Jacobs Believed In Me Auditorium at Featheringill Hall,” said a press release from the school. “Graham was the chief architect of the first experimental COVID-19 vaccines and earned the 2021 Vanderbilt University Distinguished Alumnus Award.”

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Star News Reporter Goes Inside the Destruction of Hurricane Ian

Peter D'Abrosca

ROTONDA WEST, Florida – More than 36 hours after the devastating Category 4 Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida, a Star News Network reporter trekked to the rural town of Rotonda West to do a wellness check on his parents, who live in the sprawling community. 

The deed restricted community of Rotonda West, located in Charlotte County, spent approximately eight hours inside the eyewall of Hurricane Ian on Wednesday, as the storm moved slowly northeast towards Orlando and later Jacksonville. 

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Memphis Rampage Killer Ezekiel Kelly Charged with Two More Murders

Peter D'Abrosca

Shelby County’s District Attorney Wednesday announced more than two dozen new charges against the man who went on a rampage killing spree in Memphis on September 7.

“Ezekiel Kelly has been indicted on 26 additional charges related to the September 7th shooting spree, including two homicides, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Steve Mulroy,” according to a release from Mulroy’s office.

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Tennessee Republicans Send Letter to Vanderbilt Medical Center Asking to Halt Trans Surgeries

Peter D'Abrosca

A large group of Tennessee Republican lawmakers have sent a letter to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Board of Directors, asking the organization to stop performing gender transition surgeries for minors. 

“This is a time in which elected leaders must boldly lead and speak on behalf of the people. I’ve been joined by my esteemed [Tennessee House GOP] colleagues in formally requesting that Vanderbilt Medical halt all gender transition surgeries on minors,” said State Rep. Jason Zachary (R-District 14) on Twitter, attaching a copy of the letter. 

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Teachers with Rutherford County Schools Publicly Battle American Classical Academy Charter School

Peter D'Abrosca

A number of school teachers in Rutherford County took advantage of a public comment form in order to speak out against what would be a competing charter school in the county. 

In the open public comments, 255 of 311 comments were in favor of Rutherford County Schools, meaning that about four in five of the commenters said they did not want the American Classical Academy, a Hillsdale College affiliated school, to open in the county. 

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Suspected Human Smuggler Charged After Running Border Patrol Agent off Road

Peter D'Abrosca

A suspected human smuggler has been charged with serious crimes after he allegedly attempted to run a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent off the road. 

“Last week, Daniel Jerome Wagner, 54, of Phoenix, Arizona, was arrested on one count of Assault on a Federal Officer with the Use of a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon,” said a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release. “Wagner was charged by criminal complaint and had his initial appearance on Friday before United States Magistrate Judge Eric J. Markovich.”

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Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Sends Teams to Florida in Response to Hurricane Ian

Peter D'Abrosca

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) plans to send support to Florida as expected Category 3 Hurricane Ian bears down on the Sunshine State. 

“As Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Ian, Tennessee emergency service professionals are traveling to the area to help the state prepare and to provide support after the storm,” said Gov. Bill Lee (R) in a press release. “We are proud of men and women who have stepped up to represent the Volunteer State and provide critical, life-saving services to Floridians in need.”

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President of Chattanooga Pride Says Group Considering Changes After Drag Show Debacle

Peter D'Abrosca

The president of Chattanooga Pride, an LGBT non-profit in the Scenic City, says it is considering updating its guidelines for drag events after a weekend event at a brewery spawned a public relations nightmare for the organization. 

Noah Corbin told The Tennessee Star in a wide-ranging interview Tuesday that the group is considering ways to alert audiences about the more provocative events that the group hosts. 

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Left Rages at Sinema over Filibuster Support

Peter D'Abrosca

The political left is raging at a U.S. Senator from Arizona who refuses to join her fellow Democrats in abolishing the filibuster. 

“I committed to the 60-vote threshold, it’s been an incredibly unpopular view. I actually think we should restore the 60 vote threshold for the areas in which it has been eliminated already,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said in a speech at the University of Louisville during a conference called The Future of Political Discourse and the Importance of Bipartisanship.

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Kari Lake, Liz Cheney Trade Blows in War of Words

Peter D'Abrosca

Two prominent Republican political figures were engaged in a war of words over the weekend, after one of them, an outgoing U.S. Congresswoman, said she would campaign against a Republican gubernatorial candidate. 

At the Texas Tribune Festival Friday, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY-01) said she would not vote for her Republican primary opponent, by whom she was beaten in a landslide earlier this year, and said she will “do whatever it takes to make sure [Arizona Republican gubernatorial nominee] Kari Lake never takes office.”

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Memphis Museum Cancels Drag Show Amid Protests

Peter D'Abrosca

The Memphis Police Department (MPD) Monday confirmed that it did not shut down a drag show at the Memphis Museum of Science and History (MoSH), but that the museum canceled the event due to protests. 

“Management of the Pink Palace chose to cancel all events [Friday], MPD Public Information Officer Theresa Carlson told The Tennessee Star. “MPD was asked to assist. No incidents occurred and no arrests were made.”

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Chattanooga Brewery Responds After Video Shows Child Touching Groin of Drag Queen

Peter D'Abrosca

The brewery where a child touched the groin of a drag queen at a “family friendly” drag show claims it is the victim of Republican smears. 

“We hosted Chattanooga Pride on Saturday September 24 as one of their locations to hold a Family Friendly Pride Event as part of Chattanooga Pride Week,” said Wanderlinger Brewing Company Co-Owner Chris Dial. “We have hosted a few of these events over the last few years for them with one of the more recent even including local politicians. The video that was taken by a supporter of Robby Starbuck [and] was a targeted attack against our business and more specifically the LGBQT community as seen with similar events they targeted at [Tennessee] Tech, Memphis and calling for action against more. If you look at his social media he is very strongly targeting this kind of activity across the state, whether you agree or not that is the fact.”

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Exclusive: Tennessee National Guardsman Confirms Troops Losing Benefits Due to COVID-19 Vaccination Status

Peter D'Abrosca

A U.S. Senator from Tennessee, along with several of her colleagues, announced Friday that she had introduced legislation aiming to stop the federal government from kicking soldiers out of the National Guard due to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 

“Joe Biden announced the ‘pandemic is over,’ and therefore has no reason to continue to fire our servicemembers using his politically-motivated vaccine mandate,” said Sen. Marsha Blackburn in a press release. “America’s national readiness should not be jeopardized because this White House is hellbent on preserving their forever pandemic. My legislation continues my work to strengthen our armed forces and prevent yet another unconstitutional power grab from the Biden administration.”

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Arizona Police Seize 52 Pounds of Fentanyl from Smuggler

Peter D'Abrosca

Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) troopers on September 14 seized more than 50pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop in Pima County, according to a release from this week. 

“During the traffic stop, the trooper observed multiple indicators of criminal activity,” the release said. “A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 52 pounds of suspected fentanyl pills concealed within a compartment built into the vehicle’s rocker panels. The suspected fentanyl was being smuggled from Nogales, Mexico, to Tucson.”

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Lee Calls for Investigation into Vanderbilt Transgender Clinic

Peter D'Abrosca

Tennessee’s governor is calling for an investigation after a scandal emerged involving a transgender clinic at Vanderbilt University. 

“The ‘pediatric transgender clinic’ at Vanderbilt University Medical Center raises serious moral, ethical and legal concerns,” Lee said in a statement. “We should not allow permanent, life-altering decisions that hurt children or policies that suppress religious liberties, all for the purpose of financial gain. We have to protect Tennessee children, and this warrants a thorough investigation.”

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Lake Completes Two Stops on ‘Ask Me Anything’ Tour

Peter D'Abrosca

Arizona’s Republican gubernatorial nominee, who just this week announced that she would host an “Ask Me Anything” tour as her opponent continues to duck a debate, has completed the first stop on that tour. 

“My ‘Ask Me Anything Tour’ has been an incredible experience so far,” said Kari Lake on Twitter. “I’ve been meeting patriots from all over Arizona, who are so excited to hear my plans for this state.”

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Exclusive: Senator Blackburn Completes Annual 95-County Tour of Tennessee

Peter D'Abrosca

A U.S. Senator from Tennessee released a video recapping a 95 county tour of the state, which she does annually, meeting with members of local communities statewide. 

“We just finished our annual 95 county tour, visiting with all our county mayors, elected officials, our business owners and citizens of this great state,” said U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn in a video uploaded to her YouTube page. 

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Proposed Constitutional Amendment Could Change Tennessee Governor’s Succession Line

Peter D'Abrosca

A ballot initiative that will be voted upon this November could change the way Tennessee’s gubernatorial line of succession is structured. 

” On the November 8 ballot, Tennessee voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposed amendment to the state constitution that establishes a framework for a temporary transition of power for the highest elected official in the state,” said a press release from the Tennessee General Assembly. “If approved, the amendment would be invoked if the governor is temporarily incapacitated and unable to perform his or her duties, most likely due to a medical emergency. Tennessee is the only state that does not have a provision in its state constitution to address this issue.”

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Representative Cohen Says Trump ‘Threatening Another Insurrection’

Peter D'Abrosca

A U.S. Congressman from Tennessee said over the weekend that former President Donald Trump is still a threat, even though he no longer holds office.

“If indicted, Trump said there will be problems in this country ‘the likes of which we’ve never seen,'” said Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) on MSNBC. “He’s threatening another insurrection and encouraging his people to be prepared to do it. He is a present and imminent danger to our democracy.”

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Kari Lake Launches ‘Ask Me Anything’ Tour After Hobbs’ Refusal to Debate

Peter D'Abrosca

Arizona’s Republican gubernatorial nominee says she will conduct a wide-ranging tour to answer voters’ questions while her Democrat opponent remains noticeably absent from the campaign trail. 

Kari Lake said in a video posted to her Twitter account that she is announcing an “Ask Me Anything” tour in response to Secretary of State Katie Hobbs’s refusal to share a stage with her, escalating what has been a one-sided war in that arena. 

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Hagerty, Blackburn Introduce ‘Restoring Law and Order Act’

Peter D'Abrosca

Tennessee’s two U.S. Senators have introduced legislation that would speed up the process of analyzing sexual assault kits after Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher was abducted and killed by a habitual offender two weeks ago. 

“United States Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Restoring Law and Order Act in response to the violence plaguing communities across America,” according to a joint press release. “Compared to mid-2019, America’s largest cities have seen a 50% increase in homicides and a 36% increase in aggravated assaults. In Tennessee, Memphis has experienced a series of shockingly violent crimes.”

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Arizona Democrats Condemn Fellow Democrat State Rep for ‘Misogyny,’ ‘Sexism’

Peter D'Abrosca

Two Democrat state representatives from Arizona have found themselves in a spat over one’s alleged “misogyny” and “sexism.”

Misogyny and sexism have no place in the Arizona Legislature. What [Rep. Brian Fernandez (D-District 4) did is wrong and not representative of our Democratic Party. We are a party where women are respected,” said Rep. Alma Hernandez (D-District 3), attaching an open letter dated September 16 in which she aired her grievances with Fernandez. 

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Twilio Says Layoffs Planned Through ‘Anti-Racist’ Lens

Peter D'Abrosca

A technology company based in San Francisco plans to lay off 11 percent of its workforce, and plans to do so with race in mind. 

“As you all know, we are committed to becoming an Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression company,” said Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson in a message to employees. “Layoffs like this can have a more pronounced impact on marginalized communities, so we were particularly focused on ensuring our layoffs – while a business necessity today – were carried out through an Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression lens.”

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TBI’s Average Turnaround Time for Rape Kit Analysis Is 45 Weeks

Peter D'Abrosca

According to data provided to The Tennessee Star by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the average time it takes for the state law enforcement agency to conduct analysis on sexual assault kits (SAKs) submitted to it by local law enforcement is 45 weeks. 

That figure accounts for SAKs that are reviewed by TBI’s Jackson crime lab. In its Nashville lab, TBI tests and analyzes SAKs in about 25 weeks. In its Knoxville lab, that figure is around 30 weeks. 

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Another Law Enforcement Group Endorses Kari Lake

Peter D'Abrosca

Arizona’s Republican gubernatorial nominee Wednesday announced that she has received an endorsement from yet another law enforcement organization. 

“I have been endorsed by the Maricopa County Deputies Law Enforcement Officer Association The McDLEA seeks to ‘promote the positive role of the law enforcement profession’ throughout the county. Our law enforcement officers will have my full support & I’m honored to have theirs,” Lake said on Twitter. 

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Memphis Science and History Museum Holding ‘Family Friendly’ Drag Show, Sparking Backlash

Peter D'Abrosca

The Memphis Museum of Science and History is facing backlash after news emerged that it will hold a drag show for people of all ages on September 23. 

“Presenting the Museum of Science & History’s grand culmination of our Summer of Pride programming and a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, the FIRST EVER MoSH DRAG SHOW!,” says an advertisement on the museum’s website. “This historic show will star a diverse cast of performers featuring different styles, expressions, and identities, showcasing some of the infinite ways in which we can manifest the art of drag. After the show, we’ll kick off our intergenerational dance party, where everyone is invited to come together and dance the night away. Join us for a night of art, music, dance, and community at the museum.”

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Katie Hobbs’ Education Plan Bashes School Vouchers

Peter D'Abrosca

Democrat Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, running for Arizona’s highest office, released an education plan that bashes school vouchers and calls for tighter restrictions on charter schools. 

“Katie continues to oppose the universal expansion of school vouchers. As governor, she will work to roll back universal vouchers, which the legislature enacted against the will of voters this year,” according to the plan. “Vouchers should not have been expanded to provide an unaccountable means of enriching private schools and defunding our local public schools.”

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