Chika Ofili, a 12-year old boy from the UK has made a significant mathematical discovery. He has unearthed a new formula that makes the study of math much easier to understand than ever before.
Chika, who attends Westminster Under School in London, made the discovery while completing a homework assignment given to him by his teacher, Mary Ellis. She gave him a book called “First Steps for Problem Solvers” while on break. The book contained several division problems that required him to determine if various numbers are divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 before completing the full problem, but his math book didn’t contain a memorable test for dividing by 7.
Chika created a new method that consists of taking the last digit of any whole number, multiplying it by 5 and then adding this to the remaining part of the number to get a new number. He found that if this new number is divisible by 7, then the original number is also divisible by 7.
The method was backed with algebraic proof, and it has successfully changed the way math is understood all around the world.
Chika was receieve a prestigious award for his history discovery back in November at the TruLittle Hero Awards, which recognizes youth ages 7 to 16 for their outstanding achievements.
Tuesday, May 12, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19. Gov. Lee’s press briefings can be viewed live here. Visit tn.gov/covid19 for up-to-date administrative action.
KEY UPDATES
Testing Update The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) are working together to increase testing accessibility for intermediate care facilities and members of the Employment and Community First CHOICES program. The first testing event will be held Friday, May 15 in Scott County, utilizing DIDD’s mobile clinic and nursing staff specializing in care of persons with disabilities. Based on this provider assistance, an estimated 12,500 tests will be conducted in the coming weeks to support Tennessee’s intellectual and developmental disability community.
Stimulus Financial Accountability Group The Stimulus Financial Accountability Group held its second meeting on Tuesday, May 12. As the state reviews federally permitted uses for the first round of CARES Act funding, we expect additional guidance from Congress that includes the potential to reverse course and allow for the backfill of Tennessee’s lost revenue.
While prudently managing state finances, Gov. Lee and the Stimulus Financial Accountability Group are focused on getting money back into the hands of Tennessee business owners, strengthening public health response, providing support for the unemployed and those negatively impacted by this crisis.
Executive Order Nos. 36 and 37 Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order Nos. 36 and 37, extending the state of emergency declaration from May 18, 2020 to June 30, 2020, in order to extend certain provisions facilitating the State’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Order No. 36 consolidates provisions from Executive Order Nos. 15, 19, 20, 24, 28, and 32 into one order, while extending and in some cases expanding those provisions, and Executive Order No. 37 extends Executive Order No. 26. The extensions will ensure continued:
• Broad access to telehealth services; • Increased opportunities for people to easily join the healthcare workforce; • Easier access to unemployment benefits; • Supply chain and price gouging protections; • Extended deadlines and suspended inspection requirements to avoid unnecessary person-to-person contact; • Increased opportunities to work remotely where appropriate; and • Ability to remotely notarize and witness legal documents through electronic means.
Provisions from prior Executive Orders that will not continue: • Expanded scope of practice provisions for nurses and physician assistants. These provisions, which originally appeared in Executive Order Nos. 15 and 28, have served their purpose to flatten the curve in Tennessee. These provisions are not necessary to continue treating and containing COVID-19 at the current time; however, we will continue to monitor conditions to determine whether these provisions should be implemented again. • Physical, occupational and speech therapy via telemedicine for workers’ compensation recipients are now reimbursable under federal guidelines, so the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation no longer needs an executive order to offer this benefit.
Amended provisions (in order of appearance) • Health care licenses, certificates, and registrations are further extended until August 31, 2020. Increases the number of health care professionals and facilities that are eligible for an extension and increases the length of extensions until August 31, 2020. • Health care license application fees are due June 30, 2020. Increases the number of initial applicants who are eligible for a fee suspension and delays the due date for application fees until June 30, 2020. • Degree holders in science fields can work as laboratory personnel under supervision. Allows more qualified graduates to work in medical laboratories. • Testing for COVID-19 can occur at more medical laboratory facilities. Allows for more widespread testing related to COVID-19. • Extends price gouging protections through June 2, 2020. Current price gouging protections last through May 18, 2020. Executive Order 36 extends those protections for 15 days (the maximum allowed by law). • Motor vehicle registration renewal deadlines are further extended until June 15, 2020. More people qualify for extensions. • Inspections of light-duty motor vehicles are further suspended until June 15, 2020. More people qualify to renew their vehicle registration this year without an inspection. • Driver licenses and photo ID renewal deadlines are further extended. CDL license types are extended until June 30, 2020; other types are extended until November 15, 2020. More people qualify for an extension. • Commercial driver licenses with medical card renewals are further extended until June 30, 2020. More people qualify for an extension. • Deadlines for new Tennessee residents to obtain a Tennessee driver license are further extended until June 30, 2020. More people qualify for an extension. • Deadlines for payments to reinstate driver licenses are further extended. More people qualify for an extension. • Enhanced handgun carry permits are further extended through November 15, 2020. More people qualify for an extension. • Deadlines for persons with interlock ignition devices are further suspended. More people qualify for an extension. • Time limits regarding civil asset forfeiture proceedings are further suspended through June 30, 2020. More people qualify for an extension. • Professional educational and training deadlines administered by the Department of Commerce and Insurance may be extended. The Department now has the authority to extend testing deadlines for regulated professions.
Continuing provisions (in order of appearance) • Activation of Tennessee Emergency Management Plan. • Out-of-state health care providers may practice in Tennessee. • Prescriptions available in 90-day supply. • Increased availability of home health services. • Notarization is not required for health care applications. • Retired medical professionals can easily reenter the health care workforce. • Continuing education requirements are suspended so health care professionals can keep working. • Laboratory inspections are suspended to allow for immediate COVID-19 testing. • Health care licensing inspections and investigations are suspended to increase resources available to fight COVID-19 and to protect public health. • Inspections of pain management clinics are suspended. • Inspections of health care facilities are suspended. • Inspections of medical laboratories are suspended. • Inspections of pharmaceutical facilities are suspended. • Inspections of veterinary facilities are suspended. • Live human patient examinations are suspended for dentistry applicants, and the Board of Dentistry may modify licensing procedures accordingly. • Memoranda of Understanding with the Department of Health to obtain confidential personal health information are enforceable emergency orders. • Nursing graduates may practice under supervision without examination. • Expanding locations for autopsies. • Pharmacists can process prescriptions remotely. • Each pharmacist can supervise more pharmacy technicians. • Medical laboratory directors can monitor facilities remotely. • Pre-license, post-degree mental or behavioral health professionals can provide telehealth services under supervision. • Medical laboratory personnel can work remotely. • Increased number of hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients. • Regulations of emergency medical services are suspended to increase services. • Temporary quarantine and isolation facilities may be constructed. • Size and weight transportation restrictions suspended for emergency supplies. • Transportation hours of service restrictions suspended for emergency supplies. • Certain criteria for unemployment benefits are suspended to ensure such benefits are available to COVID 19-affected employees. • Unemployment information from employers required more quickly to process benefits faster. • Child care licensure and assessment requirements are suspended to facilitate continued operation of child care facilities. • Examination cycle of financial institutions may be extended. • Deadline for TNInvestco annual audited financial statement reports extended until July 31, 2020. • Departments may extend deadlines to deposit state funds to protect state employees/customers. • Marriage licenses are extended until June 30, 2020 to facilitate delayed marriage ceremonies. • Application deadline for tax relief is extended through June 30, 2020. • Deadline for ethics filings is extended until July 15, 2020. • Deadlines for law enforcement training are extended. • Deadline for paying professional privilege tax is extended through June 30, 2020. • Free copies of business entity filings available for those using them to seek state or federal disaster relief. • Board of Parole may modify procedures to protect public health. • Suspends temporary application of safety valve provisions resulting from the temporary decrease in TDOC prisoners. • Governor has discretion to utilize National Guard members in connection with TDOC operations if needed. • Motor vehicle dealers can record liens with the Secretary of State. • Administration of driving tests is suspended. • Issuance of REAL-ID is suspended. • Tennessee Corrections Institute transfer procedures are adjusted to respond to COVID-19. • Tennessee Corrections Institute may flexibly respond to COVID-19 issues. • Deadlines for building code and building plan inspections may be extended. • Notarization requirements for bonds and certain legal documents are suspended. • Deadline for firefighters to complete training may be extended. • Deadline for law enforcement and firefighter physical examinations is extended until October 1, 2020. • Deadline for peace officers to complete training may be suspended. • Annual meeting of the Tennessee Judicial Conference is suspended. • Time periods for completing securities registration requirements may be extended. • Remote shareholder meetings permitted under certain conditions. • Discretionary leave available for state employees affected by COVID-19. • Inspections of mental health and substance abuse facilities and services are suspended. • Telephone assessments for involuntary commitment cases are permitted. • TennCare policies adjusted to prevent coverage disruptions. • Limitations on emergency admissions to Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities facilities are suspended. • Medication administration certificates may be extended for Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities personnel. • Suspending requirements not feasible during COVID-19 pandemic to maintain service levels for persons supported by Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. • Health insurance carriers encouraged to take steps necessary to maximize access to COVID-19 treatment, screening, and testing. • Telemedicine access is expanded. • All licensed health care providers can practice telemedicine. • Tennessee Bureau of Investigation may conduct name-based background checks. • Deadline to remove expunged records is suspended.
NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators today called on the Lee Administration and the Department of Health to end the practice of sharing the names and addresses of Tennesseans who have tested positive for COVID-19 with law enforcement officials. In response, the Governor has promised to work with the caucus and look into how the process could be altered. The practice was first reported yesterday by the Tennessee Lookout news organization and was later picked up by media across the state. Last month, the Lee Administration sent letters to Tennessee law enforcement officials to provide the personal information to their departments once they have entered into a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the state. The Administration said the data is being made available so first responders would have to opportunity to protect themselves if they were called to an address where an infected person resides. However, Chairman Hardaway of Memphis says the information could actually have a “chilling effect” that keeps those already distrustful of the government from taking the COVID-19 test and possibly accelerate the spread of the disease: “Our membership has heard from many in the African-American community who are concerned by this release of personal data without their knowledge, as well as many in the Hispanic community who fear possible other uses of the information. People feel their constitutional right to privacy is being violated without any warning. There are better ways to protect our first responders while, at the same time, giving proper notification to the citizens involved.” TBCSL Vice-Chair Rick Staples of Knoxville added: “More thought needs to be given to the effect these practices could have on the many varied communities across Tennessee. That’s why it’s so important to have diverse representation at the table when these issues are being discussed so decisions aren’t being made that could possibly do more harm than good and possibly set us back in terms of much needed testing.” Chairman Hardaway said the Governor has promised to work with the Black Caucus this week to find solutions to the issues and that he is “encouraged” by the quick response from the Lee Administration.
What: The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is encouraging residents who meet income and residency requirements to utilize the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program before it concludes on Thursday, June 18. Taxpayers are invited to drop off documents at one of four locations to be completed by volunteers and returned to them. The service, which was adjusted to limit face-to-face interaction, is one of many programs offered to underserved individuals in our area. Taxpayers must have an appointment, which may be scheduled by phone.
When: Appointments are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The program will conclude on Thursday, June 18.
Chattanooga Location Urban League of Greater Chattanooga 730 East M. L. King Boulevard Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 805-2926
Where:South Pittsburg Location Old National Guard Armory 107 E. 10th Street South Pittsburg, TN 37380
Why: The tax preparation cost and process can be a burden for many in the greater Chattanooga area. Through VITA, the Urban League and volunteers are able to assist qualified citizens and help them navigate the process at no charge. In 2019, Urban League completed over 15,000 VITA returns for individuals throughout the Chattanooga area. This saved taxpayers a collective amount of $5,176,965. For more information about the program and residency requirements, please visit http://ulchatt.net/VITA.
About Urban League of Greater Chattanooga Since 1982, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga has been an affiliate of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest community-based organization movement devoted to empowering African-American and other underserved individuals to enter the economic and social mainstream. In addition to its programmatic emphasis on education, economic empowerment, workforce development and inclusion by design, the Urban League operates the Entrepreneur Center, which is structured to align with the National Urban League’s entrepreneurship center model. The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the over 15,000 people it touches each year. For more information, visit www.ulchatt.net.
Nationwide — Gregory McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, two of the men involved in the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, have finally been arrested. Arbery was killed back in February in Glynn County, Georgia, by the men who pursued him because they thought he “looked suspicious.”
Arbery, a 25-year old African American who was a known jogger in the area, was reportedly jogging through the neighborhood when the men decided that they were going to make a citizen’s arrest because they suspected him to be a robber.
Gregory says that before the situation escalated that he asked Ahmaud to “stop” so that they could talk. But video shows that a lot more happened then just that. The video shows that Arbery was aggresively being pursued by the two men in their vehicle. One of the men had a shot gun, and as Arbery appeared to be defending himself, he was then shot at least twice.
It took more than two months for it to happen, but after the video was leaked and the case began receiving high profile attention from the like of Democratic Nominee Joe Biden, CNN reports that the two aggresors were finally taken into custody and booked into the Glynn County Jail.
Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump said that it was outrageous that it took this long for the pair to be arrested.
“It’s a travesty of justice that they enjoyed their freedom for 74 days after taking the life of a young Black man who was simply jogging,” he told reporters.
CHATTANOOGA—Chattanooga Mocs Head Men’s Basketball Coach Lamont Paris announced the second student-athlete addition to the 2020-21 roster Friday afternoon with the signing of KC Hankton. Hankton is a transfer from St. Louis in the Atlantic 10. The period began with three-year James Madison starter Darius Banks signing for his senior season in the Scenic City.
Hankton is a rising junior. He’s listed at 6-7, 215 lbs., and is an intriguing talent who saw action in 34 games in his two seasons with the Billikens.
“We didn’t do a whole lot with him out of high school,” Coach Lamont Paris shared. “He had a lot of foot traffic, but we were aware of him. We were familiar with him when he went into the portal. We made some calls and talked with trusted sources which you have to do in this climate. They confirmed everything we had seen.
“He hasn’t played a ton because of some nagging injuries that slowed his progress at inopportune times. We knew he could play and that was corroborated by the St. Louis staff and people we trusted.”
Hankton’s best games came against quality opponents including a career-high 11 points, six rebounds and two steals in 16 minutes against Richmond as a freshman. His top sophomore effort came in 22 minutes of the win over Valparaiso with eight points, two rebounds, two assists and a career-high three steals before being limited to just 32 minutes the rest of the campaign.
“I loved the way Coach Paris talked about the culture within the team,” Hankton shared. “The entire staff is really good, and I trust them. The style of play is perfect.
“That was a key part of what I was looking for in my next school.”
Hankton has two years of eligibility remaining and awaits NCAA word if it starts in 2020-21 or 2021-22.
“He can shoot the ball, and he fits what we like,” Paris added. “That’s bigger than average guys who can do a lot of different things. He’s got a good skillset and mobility that allows him to play multiple positions. He also brings a physical element coming from a program that prides itself on physicality.
“The sit out year…I anticipate it being very productive. Like it was for Malachi (Smith), and how much we saw Jamaal (Walker) and Jaden (Frazier) grow their games as redshirts. We’re excited to challenge him and he’s excited about that challenge.”
Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Athletics: The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball program adds St. Louis transfer KC Hankton to the 2020-21 roster
BALTIMORE (AP) — Democrat Kweisi Mfume easily won a special election Tuesday to finish the term of the late Elijah Cummings, retaking a Maryland congressional seat Mfume held for five terms before leaving to lead the NAACP.
Mfume defeated Republican Kimberly Klacik in the heavily Democratic 7th Congressional district.
Maryland opened just three polling stations Tuesday and sent ballots weeks in advance to encourage mail voting because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, thousands of Wisconsin primary voters waited hours outside overcrowded polling stations, and Maryland’s contest could be a test for future races in a key election year.
Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 4-1 in the majority-black district, which includes a significant portion of the city of Baltimore and parts of Baltimore and Howard counties. The diverse district includes areas of Baltimore that struggle with poverty and violent crime, as well as more affluent areas and landmarks such as Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Mfume captured an overwhelming number of votes in the city and strong majorities in both Howard and Baltimore counties.
Mfume was scheduled to speak to supporters in Baltimore later in the evening after capturing an overwhelming number of votes in the city and strong majorities in the two neighboring counties.. Maryland’s senior Sen. Ben Cardin, a fellow Democrat, welcomed Mfume back to the state’s congressional delegation.
“As both the predecessor and now successor to our friend and colleague Elijah Cummings, I know Congressman Mfume will serve the people of the 7th Congressional district in a way that honors Elijah’s deep legacy,” Cardin’s statement said.
For her part, Klacik tweeted: “That one time when hard work didn’t pay off. Perhaps one day District 7 will want a change. Proud of my team & the work we put in. We will continue to wait for the final results.”
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Mfume supports stronger gun-control measures, including reauthorizing a federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2005. Baltimore had 348 homicides last year — the fifth straight year topping 300 — making it the city’s most violent year ever per capita.
Mfume also is focusing on the root causes of crime, including the inability of young adults to find jobs, and supports apprenticeships to develop employable skills for young people.
Mfume is to serve the rest of Cummings’ term until January. Vicotry also means Mfume, 71, will run as an incumbent in Maryland’s June primary to be the nominee for a full term in November.
Mfume held for five terms from 1987 to 1996 and chaired the NAACP from 1996 until 2004. The NAACP is based in Baltimore.
The 7th district attracted national attention last year when President Donald Trump referred to it on Twitter as a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess” where “no human being would want to live.” At the time, Cummings was the powerful House Oversight Committee chairman, leading multiple investigations of the president.
Trump’s tweets also followed an appearance by Klacik on the Fox News network’s program “Fox & Friends,” which invited her on air to discuss her social media posts showing trash in Baltimore. Klacik, a Baltimore County Republican Central Committee member, had campaigned on economic development and helping struggling parts of Baltimore via a federal “opportunity zones” program.
The district includes an area in Baltimore that had the state’s highest number of reported coronavirus cases for weeks. Democratic lawmakers sounded the alarm over the virus killing African Americans at a higher rate.
Mfume, who spent years at the National Institutes of Health Council for Minority Health Disparities, called it frustrating the black community can’t fight back as it wants: “It’s almost like being attacked by the virus and having someone tie your arm behind your back.” In the June 2 primary, Mfume will face many of the same opponents he defeated in February. The primary was originally scheduled for April but was postponed by Gov. Larry Hogan due to the virus.
Chattanooga activists are calling on the city’s leaders to release certain inmates from the Hamilton County Jail and Silverdale Detention Center to help stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus. They’re also calling on Governor Bill Lee to grant certain inmates clemency.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread and impact countless lives, we must demand that our state and local officials take action now. Chattanooga’s Mayor, Andy Berke, and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger must use their executive powers to mitigate the harm and take steps to lessen the impact that this virus will have on our most vulnerable community members. Though efforts are being made in the city and county, these are not enough to guarantee and protect the basic human and civil rights of all our residents,” a petition being circulated by Concerned Citizens for Justice reads. Activists say the demands detailed in the petition “have been crafted by a coalition of over 40 justice-oriented and grassroots groups located across the state.”
Last Friday, concerned citizens held a rally in front of the John P. Franklin Sr. City Council Building downtown calling for the release of those being held solely on drug charges, individuals with less than three years left on their sentence, and inmates who have served at least 20 continuous years on a life sentence.
A huge red sign with black lettering, spelling out the words “Free Them All,” was mounted on the front door of the building.
“Incarceration during COVID-19 is a death sentence,” noted Concerned Citizens for Justice leader Ayana Clemmons. “We know that the unwillingness to act by the people in positions of power will inevitably result in the spread of COVID-19 among incarcerated populations, as well as our community as a whole.” At press time, there is only one confirmed COVID-19 case at the Hamilton County Jail, a federal inmate who was transferred from the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, where 576 inmates tested positive for the virus.
The federal inmate is currently in quarantine for 14 days.
The petition being circulated by the Concerned Citizens for Justice also asks for the end of pretrial detention and the release on their own recognizance “of all newly accused of a crime without setting bail and without restrictions.”
Addditionally, the petition requires the “release of all incarcerated people who are particularly vulnerable to illness; including but not limited to elderly and pregnant people, and/or those with serious chronic medical conditions, mental illness or differing ability.”
Other petition demands include: the release of all individuals with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) holds; cessation of all in-person court proceedings, in-person parole officer meetings and pretrial hearings; vacation of all outstanding bench warrants; dismissing of any pending charges and probation violations, and the release of anyone being held in a halfway house; suspension of all court costs and parole fees, including fees for video visitation and telephone calls; and daily COVID-19 screening options for any who request, including temperature checks.
“Knowing the extent of the virus’s spread within our correctional facilities is critical as incarcerated individuals remain one of the most vulnerable populations during this pandemic,” Gov. Lee said in a statement. “Thanks to our increased capacity, we’ll test all inmates and staff statewide in order to take appropriate actions to safeguard the health of these vulnerable individuals.”
The News Chronicle contacted Mayor Berke and Mayor Coppinger, but by press time neither had responded to a request for comment.
Activists rallied in front of the John P. Franklin, Sr. City Council Building in downtown Chattanooga last Friday to demand the release of certain inmates from the Hamilton County Jail and Silverdale Detention Center to help stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The sign on the door of the building reads, “Free Them All.”
