Fake News, Indeed
The extent of the fraud in Minnesota continues to spread like a wildfire in a drought. Estimates are that Minnesota and U.S. taxpayers have been bilked out of as much as $9 billion. It shows just how rampant fraud is in one of 50 states, in only one social welfare program. Critics are hammering the Minnesota Star Tribune, which columnist Miranda Devine labeled “a Democratic front.” That could apply to Knoxville’s daily newspaper as well. The Star Tribune worried more about appearing to be “racist” than fearlessly reporting facts. Crime has no color. Murder, rape and fraud have no color. Unfortunately, these problems are human problems and transcend every stereotype imaginable. To refuse to report a crime because of the alleged perpetrator’s race is disqualifying. It disqualifies that publication, TV news outlet, network or any other entity from being a legitimate or credible source of news. When that happens, that particular entity has become simply an opinion source. Is there anyone in America who believes that Whoopi Goldberg is a newswoman? Why is she mouthing off about politics and government on a show that is supposed to be entertainment? The same thing applies to Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and the entirety of CNN, which is, ironically, supposed to be a news outlet. There are too many shows and newspapers masquerading as news or entertainment outlets that have become mere propaganda bullhorns for the Left. All they do is spew the Leftist narrative every day, every night, all the time.
It is an awful truth that much of our media in this country purveys “fake news.” President Trump has called them exactly what they are, which is also why they hate it so badly. Sometimes the truth does hurt. Propagandists blare out the narrative rather than facts.
Economy Improving
The latest economic data shows continued improvement in bringing down the severe inflation that occurred during the free-spending administration of Joe Biden. The latest Consumer Price Index report surprised even the most optimistic forecast predicted by economists.
“We’ve got high growth, and we have core inflation running at 1.6% if you look at the last quarter, and I think that’s about where we should be,” said Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council.
The CPI is an extended measure of the cost of everyday goods; that includes such things as rents, groceries and the price of gasoline. The latest report shows that those prices for necessities have slowed to a 0.2% growth from September through November. The rise in costs over the year was 2.7%.
Burchett Introduces Tariff Rebate Bill
Our congressman, Tim Burchett, has introduced the Trump Tariff Rebate” Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Burchett’s bill will increase the standard income tax deduction to benefit American taxpayers. “When I first decided to run for Congress, one of my top priorities was to ensure that folks spend less of their hard-earned dollars in taxes,” Burchett said. “That hasn’t changed. The Trump Tariff Rebate Act is simple: lower taxes, and more money in your pocket.”
Under Burchett’s legislation, the standard deduction would increase to $35,000 for those who file jointly or are surviving spouses. Heads of households would see their own standard deduction climb to $26,625 under Burchett’s bill. For everyone else, the standard deduction would increase by $2,000.
The Customs and Border Patrol recently announced it had collected more than $200 billion in tariff revenue since President Donald Trump was inaugurated last January.
Senate Confirms Boucek
The U.S. Senate has confirmed the nomination of Braden Boucek to serve as the U.S. Attorney for Tennessee’s Middle District. Boucek had previously worked as an attorney for the Southeastern Legal Foundation and is a highly qualified young man. Boucek’s nomination was strongly supported by both of Tennessee’s U.S. senators, Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, released a statement that pointed out 97 presidential nominees, one of which was Braden Boucek, were confirmed by the Senate. As this is written, the U.S. Senate has confirmed the nominations of 31 nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys across the country, including four of whom had “blue slips” filed against their nominations by Democrats. Senator Grassley stated, “U.S. Attorneys are an essential component of law enforcement – – – responsible for prosecuting violent criminals, protecting the public and enforcing the rule of law. The bulk of Senate Democrats who voted ‘no’ yet again proved their disdain for the safety and wellbeing of Americans.”
There may well be some attorneys as qualified to serve in such a vital position as the US Attorney for Tennessee’s Middle District, but there are none who are more qualified than Braden Boucek, who is an outstanding choice. Congratulations to U.S. Attorney Braden Boucek!
Congratulations, Jelly Roll
In the spirit of the holiday season, our very able governor, Bill Lee, pardoned 33 people, one of whom was singer “Jelly Roll,” aka Jason DeFord. “Jelly Roll’ has been quite candid about his criminal past and proves that with help from God and family and friends, one can go on to live a better and more productive life and make significant contributions to society. Governor Lee signed DeFord’s pardon at the governor’s mansion while Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall watched. The recommendation to pardon DeFord was made by the Tennessee Board of Parole. The final decision was made by Governor Lee as is required by state law. Congratulations to Jelly Roll!
Hank Bertlekamp Passes Away
It is with deep sadness that The Knoxville Focus says goodbye to Hank Bertlekamp, widely known for having played basketball at the University of Tennessee, as well as his success in business. Bertlekamp was also freehanded in his support of a number of philanthropic causes throughout an unusually long and productive life. Hank Bertlekamp was a shining example of how to be both a gentleman and an exemplary citizen; he meant much to our community, and we here at The Focus extend our deep regret at the passing of a local fixture who was always to be found on the side of good. The Focus family sends our sorrow and prayers to every member of the Bertlekamp family.
Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon Passes Away
The passing of Bernie Lyon is sorrowful news for his family, friends and fellow law enforcement professionals inside the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Lyon was to be an active candidate for sheriff in the 2026 Republican primary when he passed away from pneumonia in a local hospital. For those who knew Bernie, he was as unlikely a candidate for public office as anyone could hope to find; as a law enforcement officer, Lyon was as dedicated and married to the job as anyone could be. Having worked virtually in every position possible throughout his 40 years inside the sheriff’s department, Bernie Lyon knew the office from top to bottom. When Tom Spangler was elected Knox County Sheriff in 2018, he appointed Lyon as his chief deputy.
Every day of his life, Bernie gave his all to his commitment to law enforcement and his community. Bernie Lyon was fiercely loyal and intensely committed to law enforcement and the safety of our community. His passing is not only untimely but also a very real loss to Knox County. Bernie not only lived his life proudly wearing the blue, but his service was the core of his being to his soul. The Focus sends our deepest sympathies and sorrow to the Lyon family, especially to his son, Taylor. Yet for his family and friends, he leaves behind a proud legacy of a lifetime of true public service.
Happy New Year!
2025 is disappearing, and the New Year will almost be here by the time you read this. 2025, as with every year, has seen some things come and go. This year, we have celebrated the University of Tennessee’s publication of our historical columnist Ray Hill’s biography of Senator Kenneth McKellar, and look forward to the publication of his biography of Cordell Hull next year. The Focus is fortunate to have assembled outstanding columnists for the enjoyment of our readership. In fact, all we do is for our readers. We are truly grateful to our readers and will continue to try to bring you stories that you will enjoy throughout 2026.
Every member of The Knoxville Focus family joins me in wishing you and your family the wonderful blessings that only God can bestow during the New Year. May 2026 be full of good health and happiness for you and your loved ones. May God also bless the United States of America during the coming New Year!
