July 6, 2020 - The Virginia Star

Wall Street Rises Again, Joins Worldwide Upswell for Markets

July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 The Associated Press

Wall Street joined a worldwide upswell by markets on Monday, as stocks push higher on hopes that the economy can continue its dramatic turnaround despite all the challenges ahead.

The S&P 500 was 1.59% higher in afternoon trading, following up on similar gains in Europe and Asia. The headliner was China’s market, which leaped 5.7% for its biggest gain since 2015, when it was in the midst of a bubble bursting. Treasury yields also climbed in a signal of rising optimism after reports detailed improvements in the U.S. and European economies.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 459 points, or 1.78%, at 26,287. The biggest companies once again led the way, and strength for Apple, Amazon and other tech-oriented titans helped push the Nasdaq composite up 2.21% toward another record.

Justices Rule 9-0: States Can Bind Presidential Electors’ Votes

July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 Admin

In a decision flavored with references to “Hamilton” and “Veep,” the Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that states can require presidential electors to back their states’ popular vote winner in the Electoral College.

The ruling, in cases in Washington state and Colorado just under four months before the 2020 election, leaves in place laws in 32 states and the District of Columbia that bind electors to vote for the popular-vote winner, as electors almost always do anyway.

Music Legend Charlie Daniels Has Died

July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 The Associated Press

Country music firebrand and fiddler Charlie Daniels, who had a hit with “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” has died at age 83.

A statement from his publicist said the Country Music Hall of Famer died Monday at a hospital in Hermitage, Tennessee, after doctors said he had a stroke.

Commentary: Playing the Russia Card

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

America was at a historic crossroads in 1971. The war in Vietnam increasingly was seen as unwinnable, while triggering ongoing unrest in cities and college campuses across the nation. The economy was challenged with rising inflation and rising trade deficits. In August 1971, the British ambassador turned up at the Treasury Department to request that $3 billion be converted into gold. That same week, President Nixon ordered a freeze on all prices and wages in the United States.

In the Communist world, America’s problems were trumpeted as the inevitable collapse of capitalist imperialism. Russia and China stood triumphant over a declining West. And what did Nixon do? He stunned the world by traveling to China. His goal: To drive a wedge between the two Communist superpowers.

Kanye West Says He’s ‘Running For President,’ Picks Up Elon Musk’s Endorsement

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

by Mary Rose Corkery Kanye West said he’s “running for president” on Saturday. “We must realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States,” West wrote on Twitter Saturday. https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1279575273365594112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1279575273365594112%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fdailycallernewsfoundation.org%2F2020%2F07%2F05%2Fkanye-says-hes-running-for-president-picks-up-elon-musks-endorsement%2F Tesla CEO Elon Musk…

Commentary: It Was a Magnificent Speech

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

Donald Trump did not mention Lincoln’s First Inaugural address in his speech commemorating the spirit of American Independence at Mount Rushmore on Friday night. But the president’s speech—perhaps his most forceful and eloquent to date—vibrated with the same energy and existential commitment that fired Lincoln in March 1861.

Lincoln came to office at a time of crisis. His election had precipitated the secession of seven Southern states. His inaugural address was both a plea for conciliation and unity as well as a warning that violence would be stopped with force. “We are not enemies, but friends,” Lincoln said.

Cornell University Slammed for Allegedly Donating Student Fees to Black Lives Matter

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

In a letter to the editor published by The Cornell Sun, one student blasted the Ivy League’s Student Activities Funding Commission after it allegedly gave $10,000 to the Cornell Students for Black Lives fundraiser using mandatory student fees, without first telling the student body.

Bill Cosby Cites ‘Systemic Racism’ as He Fights Assault Conviction

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 The Associated Press

In a nearly empty Philadelphia courtroom in June 2015, a lawyer for Bill Cosby implored a federal judge to keep the comedian’s testimony in an old sexual battery lawsuit under wraps. It was sensitive. Embarrassing. Private.

U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno had another word for it.

Black Worker Files Discrimination Complaint Against Facebook

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 The Associated Press

While there may be Black Lives Matter posters on Facebook’s walls, the complaint says, “Black workers don’t see that phrase reflecting how they are treated in Facebook’s own workplace.”

One of the Two Protesters Hit by Driver While on Seattle Freeway Dies

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 The Associated Press

One of two people hit by a man who drove his car onto a closed Seattle freeway late Saturday night and into a crowd protesting police brutality has died.

Bellagio Error May Be Biggest Sportsbook Loss for Las Vegas

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 The Associated Press

The nearly quarter-million dollars in winning wagers reportedly placed at MGM Resorts last Sunday might be the largest sportsbook loss in Las Vegas history on bets made after an event has started.

Seven longtime Las Vegas bookmakers can’t recall a larger loss, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. But each oddsmaker has taken hits on past posts and said it’s a fairly common occurrence at books.

Despite Supreme Court Win, Energy Companies Cancel $8 Billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline

July 6, 2020July 5, 2020 The Associated Press

The developers of the long-delayed, $8 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline announced the cancellation of the multi-state natural gas project Sunday, citing uncertainties about costs, permitting and litigation.

Despite a victory last month at the United States Supreme Court over a critical permit, Dominion Energy and Duke Energy said in a news release that “recent developments have created an unacceptable layer of uncertainty and anticipated delays” for the 600-mile project designed to cross West Virginia and Virginia into North Carolina.