Ohio Christian Alliance Podcast News in Focus

Kristina Roegner - Candidate for State Treasurer-Candidate Spotlight Kristina Roegner is a resident of Summit County. Her work background includes:  Field engineer and project manager for Westinghouse Power Generation Service Division, where she was responsible for leading teams to overhaul large turbines and generators at power plants across the country. Graduating cum laude in 1990, Kristina has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University. She also holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance and strategic management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In this Candidate Spotlight, Ms. Roegner discusses her candidacy for Ohio State Treasurer and her positions on fiscal accountability of state and local government. 

Secretary of State Candidate Marcell Strbich - Candidate Spotlight Marcell Strbich is a resident of Centerville, Ohio and is a retired Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force. He is running for Secretary of State in the Republican Primary of May 5th. Marcell has travelled the state of Ohio, speaking with citizens' groups on the issue of election integrity. Marcell discusses his ten-point plan for the Secretary of State office. Listen to this detailed interview to learn the specifics. Tune in and tell a friend. These candidate forum interviews are for informational purposes only. 

Ohio Governor Candidate Casey Putsch - Candidate Spotlight Casey is a resident of Seneca County, graduate of Tiffin Columbia High School in 1999, attended Ohio State University, and is owner and founder of Putsch Racing and the nonprofit Genius Garage, which mentors young adults by teaching them practical engineering, car building, and team racing skills. He is also the creator of the diesel 104 MPG Omega Car, which, when tested, got 100 miles per gallon.  On the issues: Casey highlights the problem with the H1B Visa American worker replacement program. He also discusses the problems with data centers taking up Ohio farmland and being thrust on communities that do not want the noise nor the water pollution that the data centers create. These interests are backed by globalists and politicians, he says. He emphasizes that it's time to put the Ohio resident first. The Republican Primary is Tuesday, May 5th. 

Candidate Spotlight With Robert Sprague Running for Secretary of State  We kick off this week our series of candidate spotlights with Robert Sprague, candidate for Ohio Secretary of State in the May 5th Primary. Mr. Sprague is currently the State Treasurer. In this interview forum, he explains his positions on the issues of voter integrity and the importance of stopping illegals from voting in Ohio elections. He lays out key provisions in his plan to further secure Ohio's elections.  These candidate forums are for informational purposes only so that you might better understand the candidates' positions on issues. To learn more about the Ohio Christian Alliance and our educational voter guide, visit our website at www.ohioca.org. 

The Ohio Fraud Story that Just Won't Go Away The Somalian community childcare, health care/transportation and other government services fraud is a story that just won't go away. It is percolating under the surface like a ticking time bomb. After the independent journalists' reports on the Minneapolis massive fraud in the Somalian community of Greater Minneapolis by Nick Shirley, attention quickly turned to the second-largest Somalian community in America, Columbus, Ohio. Quickly, independent investigative journalists began knocking on doors and doing a search of addresses where money from state government was sent for the purposes of childcare, health care, and transportation services. The shocking reports revealed that these were empty offices. The childcare facilities had few or no children coming or going, and yet these entities received hundreds of thousands, and in some cases, millions of dollars from state and federal government. This did not escape the attention of some state officials who began doing their own investigations into the allegations and whistleblower reports. State Auditor Keith Faber and his staff are working to secure more records for review. State Attorney General Dave Yost stood in a press conference with State Rep. Josh Williams, supporting legislation that would grant more overseeing authority of these programs by the state legislature and State Auditor's office. Forty-two House members co-signed the legislation.  One has to wonder, where is this all going? It is obviously a story that is not going away, as more information comes to light. A word of warning to those in government who are hiding the truth and that are culpable – to hide a crime is a crime. Thank you for listening to News in Focus.

President's Day - History with Bill Federer of The American Minute George Washington was born on February 22nd. Americans wanting to celebrate his legacy and memory sought to have a specific day on the calendar to celebrate George Washington. Later, Abraham Lincoln was added, as his birthday was February 12th.  In 1971, The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moved it to a Monday in February for All President's Day. Tune in and listen as Bill Federer gives the history of the man we know as our first President, George Washington, and our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, who saved the Union and ended slavery.  To follow the work of Bill Federer, go to www.AmericanMinute.com  Tell a friend about News in Focus.   

A celebration of our nation's 250th birthday with a public reading of The Declaration of Independence by students and legislators. Luncheon program with Statehouse tour for students and faculty. Sponsored by LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutoring Initiative  REGISTER YOUR STUDENTS Students grades 4,5,6 Also, students grades 7,8,9 and 10,11,12 Program 11:00 a.m. Lunch 12:00 noon Statehouse Tour 1:15 p.m. Please arrive at the Statehouse by 10:00 a.m. Please email this registration form to chris@LifeRead.org.  Call 330-777-1880 with questions.

Don Lemon arrested by the FBI in the Cities Church Attack in St. Paul A grand jury has indicted former CNN host Don Lemon in the Cities Church St. Paul protest attack. Federal authorities arrested Don Lemon last night at his hotel in Los Angeles. The Justice Department had been turned down by a federal judge for additional arrests in the Cities Church protest attack, but a grand jury has issued indictments for Mr. Don Lemon and three other co-defendants, bringing the total number of arrests of participants in the Cities Church protest attack to seven. Joining me to discuss the charges through the FACE Act is pro-life activist Mark Harrington, President of Created Equal. We discuss the climate on college campuses and universities in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Conservative student groups are repositioning themselves to engage on the issues with their fellow students as they are confronted with a new climate of fear and potential violence. 

A Statement from the Christian Alliance of America and the Ohio Christian Alliance on the Attack at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. On Sunday, January 18th, at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, a large group of protesters barged into the sanctuary during the Sunday morning worship service, yelling and screaming at the congregants. The small congregation was terrified by the large group of protesters that overcame their church flock. The pastor tried to reason with the protestors, to no avail. They continued shouting and screaming. The protest rioters were led by disgraced CNN journalist Don Lemmon, who took the opportunity to live-stream the event on social media. Reports from the church show that children, youth, and older congregants were terrified. The radical agitators that barged into the church, disrupting the Christian worship service, were obviously violating the First Amendment rights of these Minnesotans. President Trump announced last May during the National Day of Prayer observance that he was opening a Faith Office in the Whitehouse to address religious freedom. That is why today, we are calling on the federal authorities to swiftly move and arrest those who violated the rights of these Christian believers. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”   It is imperative that state and federal public officials act swiftly to bring these violators to justice. Today, we are calling on Governor DeWine, our U.S. Senators, and members of Congress to make statements condemning the actions of those militant protestors that violated the First Amendment rights of our fellow Christians. The Ohio Christian Alliance will be monitoring the statements from public officials and reporting back to our church network statewide. Ohio Christian Alliance, in 2021, spoke out against a similar church attack in downtown Columbus at St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral, when a group of leftist radicals entered the church and disrupted the Mass, terrorizing congregants. On the following Sunday, OCA President Chris Long with Attorney General Dave Yost attended morning services at St. Joseph's Cathedral to show solidarity and support for the congregation and to urge the city officials to take action against the criminal violators. Law enforcement did respond, tracked down and arrested those responsible for the attack on St. Joseph's Cathedral.  Joining me on the broadcast is Pastor Bob Hess of Fresh Faith Community Church. 

John Solomon - Reports on the Columbus Somalian Fraud Somali Fraud Update: We now know that part of the $700M in cash came directly from Ohio. Columbus Ohio Somali fraudsters transported $130 million in Tax-Payer Dollars to Minnesota.” Two powerful committee chairmen in Congress are moving quickly to investigate why Somali immigrant couriers were moving hundreds of millions of dollars out of U.S. airports in their luggage to overseas destinations the last few years, and whether there is any connection to a massive fraud scheme in Minnesota or terror groups in their native country in Africa.  “We're going to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this […] and it will mean subpoenaing these things,” Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., told Just the News in an interview Thursday. He also revealed that federal agents are probing the massive cash transfers that move through a network centered in the Minneapolis airport. Ohio Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, and D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, introduced new child safety and anti-fraud legislation related to publicly funded childcare centers at a Jan. 15 press conference, alongside Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.  Williams said that he believes that there are millions of dollars in childcare fraud in the state and the proposed law creates a "simple rule." "If you are using taxpayer money, you will provide attendance, prove services and prove compliance — or you will lose funding and face potential prosecution if we find waste, fraud or abuse" Williams said. To increase fraud enforcement, Williams said that publicly-funded day cares would be required to install internal and external cameras in public areas that can be accessed at any time by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth to conduct visual audits of how many children are in a day care at a given time. He said the bill would also improve the reliability of the attendance-checking ability of the state and prevent providers from signing children in themselves. The state would also be required to immediately suspend public funding from any day care suspected of fraud, and to create a "mandatory enforcement escalation," requiring the state to report any instances of suspected fraud to the Ohio auditor, who can refer cases to the Ohio attorney general if there is prosecutable fraud. "This ensures fraud is not handled internally, like we've seen, and swept under the rug because the department or the administration does not want to have a black eye or appear to demonize a particular community or group," Williams said. Yost said he supports the legislation and that it will provide his office a tool to fight fraud in Ohio and create independence in investigations.  

Ohio Childcare/Healthcare Fraud Investigation with State Auditor Keith Faber State Auditor Keith Faber launches special webpage to receive citizen reports of fraud and abuse of Ohio taxpayer dollars. Auditor Faber also released a statement addressing the increased reports of widespread childcare/home healthcare/eldercare fraud. In response to a request by the Ohio Legislature signed by forty-one State Representatives, Auditor Faber's office will be conducting additional investigations and audits of state agencies, asking them to verify their audits of facilities that are receiving state and federal funding. Auditor Faber made the following statement, "My team has completed more than 50 compliance examinations of providers, including those receiving Medicaid funding to provide home health care to Ohioans in need. In the process, we have identified $4.5 million in improper payments to those providers." Auditor Faber went on to say, "Let me be clear: Allegations of fraud involving public dollars should never be brushed aside or dismissed with a hand wave. Ohioans expect and deserve accountability from those in charge of protecting their tax dollars. In reading and listening to many of the responses to statements from public officials, I understand that many Ohioans don't believe bad actors are being held accountable. We review every credible allegation, but bear in mind, not every allegation results in a finding of fraud, but it is always our duty as public officials to find the truth. We forward all evidence-based claims for prosecution as appropriate..." "We encourage anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to contact the Auditor of State's Office via our fraud hotline 1-866-FRAUD OH  (866-372-8364) or online at ohioauditor.gov."

Childcare / Healthcare Fraud Investigation Underway in Ohio President Trump and the Republicans are in a race against time when it comes to turning the economy around - Editorial Nick Shirley, the 23-year-old investigative reporter, has uncovered massive healthcare and childcare fraud in the State of Minnesota, largely focused around the Somalian community. The Trump Administration, in response to the videos that have gone viral on social media, has dispatched multi levels of federal government, including the Justice Department, to investigate the claims of massive fraud. The second-largest Somalian population resides in Columbus, Ohio. Urgent calls have gone out, calling for state officials and the DeWine Administration to investigate the same type of facilities, as fraud is suspected in Ohio. State Rep. Josh Williams sent a letter, cosigned by forty-one State Representatives, urging Kara Wente, Director of the Department of Child and Youth, to launch unannounced inspections of child care and health care facilities, specifically in the Columbus area, to ensure accountability. This move comes as a result of public reports, alleging that certain child care facilities participating in publicly-funded childcare/healthcare programs, are fraudulently billing the State of Ohio for children who are not in attendance. The Auditor of State Keith Faber has launched his own investigation into the home health care programs, as there is suspected fraud, largely focusing on the Franklin County area. This issue is exploding nationally and here in Ohio. Tune in and tell a friend. 

Christmas Traditions  with Bill Federer - part 2 Christmas Carols and Their Origins. They tell the story of the Gospel - Bill gives us the history and background of these great carols of the faith. - Tune in and tell a friend.  Merry Christmas from the Ohio Christian Alliance!

Christmas Traditions with Author and Historian Bill Federer Part 1  Author and historian Bill Federer discusses the meaning behind our Christmas traditions - the Christmas tree, poinsettias, the 25th of December. You are sure to learn about the traditions as we celebrate Christmas, the birth of the Messiah.  Don't miss next weeks part 2 with Bill Federer Part 2  Christmas Carols and Their Origins. They tell the story of the Gospel - Bill gives us the history and background of these great carols of the faith. - Tune in and tell a friend.  Merry Christmas from the Ohio Christian Alliance!

Senator Bernie Moreno - Trump's policies are making America affordable again DELIVERING A WIN FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND AUTOMAKERS: President Donald J. Trump is delivering major relief to American families by resetting the Biden Administration's costly and unlawful Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. President Trump is returning CAFE standards to levels that can actually be met with conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. The Biden Administration standards imposed unrealistic fuel economy targets that effectively resulted in an electric vehicle (EV) mandate. The Trump Administration's reset of the CAFE standards ensures the program's fidelity to the legal restrictions set forth by Congress. The Biden standards broke the law by going far beyond the requirements that were mandated by Congress when it created the CAFE program.  Senator Bernie Moreno worked on this for months with the Administration. He discusses how this will lower the price of cars for lower and middle class families.  The tax cuts that begin in January will put more money in people's pockets as deductions from their paychecks will decrease. Rents are coming down, and with additional interest rate cuts, the housing market should begin to see a turnaround in 2026. There is still much more to do, Senator Moreno explains. Tune in and tell a friend. 

The Importance of the Plymouth Church Plant with Dr. Paul Jehle Celebrating the First Thanksgiving with Historian Dr. Paul Jehle of the Plymouth Rock Foundation Dr. Paul Jehle serves as President of Plymouth Rock Foundation and Senior Pastor of The New Testament Church of Cedarville in the town of Plymouth. Paul has remained active in serving the town of Plymouth in various ways as well as continuing to be active as a member of several historic societies. Paul and members of his congregation conduct re-enactments of the Pilgrims and their faith gatherings, helping to keep history alive.  THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are under-written, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November [New Style, November 21], in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620.

Statehouse Update With Greg Lawson of the Buckeye Institute Greg Lawson of the Buckeye Institute explains the four real estate tax reform measures that passed both the Ohio House and Senate on Wednesday of this week. Greg breaks down how H.B. 186, H.B. 129, H.B. 335, and H.B. 309 will bring meaningful relief to homeowners who have been suffering with high real estate taxes over the past few years. Many homeowners will actually see a modest credit next year of taxes that were  paid over the last few years, as a result of this legislation. Also passed on the overnight in a late session were meaningful restrictions on intoxicating hemp products. The conference committee between the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate came to an agreement on the new restrictions in light of the federal ban on intoxicating hemp. Tune in and tell a friend. 

Federal Government Bans Intoxicating Hemp in Government Reopen CR After forty days of government shutdown, enough Democrats joined the Republicans to pass the continuing resolution spending bill that funds government agencies, the U.S. military, farms, and the food stamp program. What was also in the bill was a correction of the 2018 Farm Bill, closing the loophole that was exploited by the intoxicating hemp industry over the past five years. The bill was signed by President Trump. The ban goes into effect in 365 days. Now that there is a federal ban on intoxicating hemp, what will the Ohio Legislature do? Here to discuss it is the Chairman of the Keep Ohio Safe Committee, Bishop John T. Coats. 

The Battle Over Intoxicating Hemp - Why Ohio Needs to Take Action Today we're joined by Chris Lindsey, An Expert on the 2018 Farm Bill that has a terrible loophole that is being exploited by the unregulated intoxicating hemp industry.  Chris leads national and state-level efforts to modernize cannabis and hemp policy, with a particular focus on regulating intoxicating hemp-derived products and building consistent, science-based standards across jurisdictions. A former trial attorney and longtime advocate for responsible reform, he's been at the center of the debate over how Congress and the states should define, regulate, and enforce laws governing cannabinoids in the post–Farm Bill era. Call your State Senator and State House member and urge them to take a stand to strongly restrict with tough regulations intoxicating hemp products, keeping them away from children and off the corner store shelves. 

Legalization of intoxicating hemp is a bad idea for Ohio When the Ohio House gutted and hijacked S.B. 56, it was with the intent of legalizing intoxicating hemp products in Ohio. Intoxicating hemp products have been showing up on the shelves in Ohio stores since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill which authorized the farm and industrial use of hemp products. Exploiting a loophole in the federal law, manufacturers of intoxicating hemp products began selling them in Ohio and other states. So as to not be confused, this has nothing to do with the passage of Issue 2 - the legalization of marijuana in 2023. These products that Governor DeWine highlighted in his press release on banning the products from the shelves in his Executive Order three weeks ago, are being sold in your corner store and small grocers around the State of Ohio. Many people are shocked to learn about the accessibility of these products outside of the 400 marijuana dispensaries. These products are a danger to children. The poison hotline has had a 500% increase since 2023. Shockingly, the bill passed the Ohio House by a large margin. The Ohio Senate, furious with the action of the House, soundly voted it down. It now heads to conference committee. To learn more, here is an interview with Trent Woloveck, who discusses intoxicating hemp and soon will be filing a lawsuit in the State of Ohio. 

Legislative Alert- H.B. 455 Must Be Stopped to Save American Government and American History LEGISLATIVE ALERT - H.B. 455 Seeks to Eliminate American Government and American History in the Ohio Classroom by eliminating the end of course exam requirement. ALERT: The bill received sponsor testimony on Tuesday in the Ohio House Education Committee. It is already up for a proponent testimony on Tuesday. They are fast-tracking this bill. This is the liberal teachers union's fourth attempt over the past seven years to eliminate the Founding of America Documents Curriculum that was passed into law in 2012 and is now in its thirteenth year of implementation in Ohio schools from the 8th - 12th grade. Our students are required to learn one-half credit hour of American Government and one-half credit hour of American History with an end of course exam. The exam requirement is the guarantee that it will be taught in all of Ohio's 88 school districts. We are watchmen on the wall. Let's safeguard the teaching of American Government and American History in Ohio's schools. WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION. CALL AND EMAIL MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND YOUR STATE REP AND TELL THEM NO ON H.B. 455.

Aidan Haggard - Ashbrook Scholar - TPUSA Chapters Are Exploding Aidan is a student at the Ashbrook Center, the political science department of Ashland University. In his sophomore year, he has a weekly radio program on the university's radio station. He is president of student council and he is working with the local county prosecutor. In addition, he is a candidate for school board in Medina County. Aidan started The American Conservative Youth Union that has chapters in five states. He has turned those chapters over to Turning Point USA chapters. The movement is exploding in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. It is not just a conservative movement, but a spiritual movement as well. Is this a revival or an awakening? Awakenings change culture, revivals do not. Tune in to learn the difference. 

SOS Frank LaRose Defending Ohio's Election Laws Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose released the following statement in response to an activist lawsuit, orchestrated by the law firm of national partisan operative Marc Elias, attempting to strip important protections that prevent noncitizens from registering to vote in Ohio: “Both federal law and the Ohio Constitution prohibit noncitizens from voting. But now dark money groups represented by D.C. operatives are challenging a law that prevents noncitizens from registering to vote at the BMV. It's common sense that only U.S. citizens should be on our voter rolls. Marc Elias' law firm orchestrated a baseless lawsuit challenging Ohio's ability to verify citizenship before offering individuals voter registration at the BMV. • This same law firm filed a similar lawsuit against Wyoming just a few months ago. They already lost that case, which was dismissed by a federal court. • This is just the latest attempt by activists to cause chaos in Ohio's election system. SOS Frank LaRose is defending Ohio's election laws in court against these radical leftist lawsuits, safeguarding Ohio's election integrity. 

Government Shutdown with Senator Jon Husted In this special report, Senator Husted explains how the Democrats have forced the government shutdown. Chuck Schumer and minority leader Jeffries are playing politics and forcing the government to shutdown. This time the stakes are different, as the Associated Press has reported that the Democrats have forced the shutdown. Sixty votes are needed to pass the spending bill. 

Saving American Government and History Curriculum in Ohio Schools with Larry Obhof The liberal teachers union is at it again. They have convinced Republicans to do their bidding. They are out to do away with American Government and History curriculum in the Ohio classroom. The Founding of America Documents curriculum, currently required in all of Ohio's 88 school districts, is again being challenged, this time by H.B. 455, sponsored by Rep. Gail Manning and Rep. Adam Byrd. The effort is to do away with the end of course exam requirement, which is the guarantee that the curriculum will be taught. This is their fourth attempt over the last ten years. We need Ohioans to call their state representatives and urge them to stop this ridiculous effort. Larry Obhof, who is the current Chief Legal Counsel for the Secretary of State and former State Senate President, was the sponsor of the Founding of America Documents Curriculum, S.B. 165, in 2012, that strengthened Ohio's American Government and American History standards in the 8th - 12th grades. Tune in and listen to the details. 

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk - A Nation Mourns - Discussion With Mark Harrington This week, in a shocking act of violence, a shooter at Utah State University silenced one of America's great youthful voices. Charlie Kirk stood for his faith, his country, and the American way of life, engaging with young people across the country on the issues of the day. We are deeply saddened by his death. Our prayers go out to his wife Erika, his children, extended family, and the Turning Point USA organization that he led so well. Mark Harrington of Created Equal and I discuss what this represents for a younger generation. Charlie was the voice for millions of young conservatives, and his death is a tremendous loss felt by many. Matt Walsh put out a powerful statement, calling out the hateful dangerous rhetoric of the political left that has led to the violent actions of many of their followers. He says this is not a time to hold hands, this is a time for justice. President Trump has assured the American people there will be changes. Charlie Kirk stood for freedom of speech and freedom of religion. He was gunned down by an assassin's bullet while engaging with the youth of America on a college campus.   

October prayer call for our school children against the LGBTQ propaganda with Linda Harvey Mission America, an Ohio-based Christian organization, is leading a coalition asking parents, students and teachers as well as churches to commit to a month of prayer during October as reckless, deceptive events roll out in many schools featuring rainbow radicalism,  obscene library selections,  “drag” queens as special speakers/assemblies, in-class lessons, and more. “We implore Almighty God to intervene and protect children at school from systematic sexual corruption they're often forced to endure during October,” said Linda Harvey, president of Mission America. “Students may be taught that ‘queer' behaviors and identities have been an admirable part of human history; that they are inborn and unchangeable; and that all objections are hateful bigotry akin to racism. These are reckless and harmful lies that encourage children to embrace gravely sinful conduct.”   Tune in and tell a friend. 

CAA/OCA is launching a project for Ohio and American school children to read the Declaration of Independence in celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday. A  C O N C U R R E N T  R E S O L U T I O N To encourage students in grades one through twelve to read the U.S. Declaration of Independence in the classroom during the 2025-2026 school year in celebration of its 250th anniversary. President Trump's 250th Celebration Initiative is already planning many wonderful, meaningful celebrations in recognition of the longest standing republic in world history. It has often been said that the fireworks are in the documents. John Adams said in a letter to Abigail Adams concerning the signing of the Declaration of Independence, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”  Host Chris Long and Pastor Al Davis discuss the details. Tune in and tell a friend. 

This Week's News in Focus- State Auditor Keith Faber State Auditor Keith Faber joins News in Focus to discuss the function of the State Auditor's office. The Auditor's office is the watchdog of tax payers' money throughout the state's government agencies. When individuals are lying, cheating, and stealing the people of Ohio's tax money, the Auditor's Special Investigation Unit zeroes in to safeguard the public's trust. Since 2019, the Auditor's office has recovered $27,384,172.  Keith Faber has announced his intention to run for State Attorney General in the 2026 Midterms. Tune in and tell a friend. 

OCA Update - Back to School - LifeRead Tutors - Statehouse Resolution - Freedom Banquet - U.S. Senate Race Update with OCA.  Back to school - LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutors expanding their reach. Introduction of Statehouse resolution encouraging Ohio school children to read The Declaration of Independence in the 2025/26 school year in observance of our nation's 250th birthday. OCA Freedom Banquet with Author and Historian Bill Federer as keynote speaker and the Patriot Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Rev. Bob Burney, recently retired after 25 years of drive-time talk on Salem/Columbus. U.S. Senate race heats up as Sherrod Brown enters the race to challenge Jon Husted for the U.S. Senate seat, and Ohio's redraw of Congressional Districts 9 and 13. Tune in and tell a friend.   

Jon Husted began serving Ohioans in the U.S. Senate in January 2025. Husted started his life in a foster home before his loving parents, Jim and Judy, adopted him. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in northwest Ohio's Williams County. The small community instilled in him the importance of faith, family, and hard work, which remain the foundation of his public service. He graduated from Montpelier High School and earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Dayton. As an All-American defensive back, he helped lead the Dayton Flyers to their 1989 Division III Football National Championship.  In 2000, Husted won election to the Ohio House of Representatives. He later was elected unanimously to lead the chamber as Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2009 Husted followed that with service in the Ohio State Senate until becoming the secretary of state in 2011. Jon Husted served two terms as Ohio Secretary of State and was then elected Lt. Governor. The senator has prioritized keeping Ohio communities safe by securing millions of dollars of funding for law enforcement and by working in the U.S. Senate to secure the border. In the Senate, he has voted to protect women, girls, and their sports and to give law enforcement more tools to convict criminals who have helped flood Ohio communities with the fentanyl that is stealing lives. He has also worked to protect children from online predators. Sen. Husted's track record of defending the rights of women, children, and the unborn began in his own family. His adoption has made him a faithful pro-family leader and advocate for parents and their children.

The Big Beautiful Bill with Congressman Mike Carey of Ohio's 15th District Congressman Mike Carey of Ohio's 15th Congressional District joins News in Focus to discuss President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. No tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, expanded child tax credit, and responsible spending. Lots to like about the One Big Beautiful Bill and how it will help Ohioans, from our farmers to the middle class. Congressman Mike Carey, who served on the Ways and Means Committee, breaks down the details. Tune in and tell a friend. 

Talking Ohio State Budget and Issues of the Economy Here in Ohio with Greg Lawson of the Buckeye Institute Greg Lawson, Research Fellow at the Buckeye Institute, Ohio's conservative think tank, discusses the state two-year budget that was passed in late June. What's in it, what's not in it, and some of the specifics on reining in Medicaid expenditures, expanding school choice funding, and what impact it will have on Ohio's bottom line. Greg always has a wealth of knowledge on everything brewing at the Statehouse . Tune in and tell a friend. 

Alcohol and Drug Recovery Efforts with Pastor Greg Delaney of Woodhaven Recovery Drug overdoses are down, according to Woodhaven Recovery director Greg Delaney, in his home county. One factor is the increased enforcement at our southern border, stopping the flow of human trafficking and drug trafficking. The work of addiction recovery continues throughout Ohio's communities, as many are still suffering with drug and alcohol addiction. Fentanyl that is cheap and readily available, along with crystal meth, is the problem among our youth. The help line for those suffering from addiction is 988.    

Summer Read LifeRead Program Listen to this third grader read Genesis 1 LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutors worked with K-5 students at an inner city school in Akron that had a summer reading program. LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutors worked with 60 students over a 6-week period, using school curriculum, classic literature, historical documents, and reading in the Scriptures. These are students who are in between grades. It was a delight to work with the children. If you would like to be a volunteer reading tutor, visit www.liferead.org to sign up and learn more. - LifeRead Directors Chris and Silvia Long

Legislators Are Calling for a Special Session on Monday July 21st to Override Governor DeWine's Vetoes of Real Estate Tax Reform State Rep. Dave Thomas of District 65 explains what the four provisions of real estate tax reform are and why they are an important first step to restructure Ohio's real estate tax.  Rep. Thomas discusses in detail these four provisions and emphasizes there is still much work to do to fix the problem. He also sounds an alarm that next year's assessments will be even higher. That's why there is no time to waste. We are urging the General Assembly to override Governor DeWine's vetoes on all four provisions, and when they come back in the fall, to get busy on more legislation that will restructure the current real estate tax to finally bring Ohioans relief. Ohio has higher median real estate taxes than the border states of Michigan ($1,670), Indiana ($995), Kentucky ($1,551), and West Virginia ($728). Ohio's median real estate tax is $2,823. Only New York and Pennsylvania are higher. Even Virginia, with its high priced northern Virginia properties, has lower real estate tax than Ohio. It is time to stop the talking and get to work on lowering real estate taxes for Ohio working men and women and their families.

State Rep Josh Williams Shares His Amazing Story - From Homelessness to the Statehouse State Rep. Josh Williams from Ohio's 44th District shares his amazing story of being a homeless high school dropout raised in severe poverty in Greater Toledo to becoming an attorney, overcoming a severe injury, and running for public office serving Ohio's 44th State District. Rep. Williams this spring received a framed copy of the Ten Commandments for hanging in his office from the Ohio Christian Alliance. He is now a candidate for the 9th Congressional District for the 2026 mid-term. Tune in and tell a friend. Share the podcast. 

Ohio's New Flat Tax with Senator George Lang Ohio has a new flat tax. State Senator George Lang of Ohio's 4th District explains how this new flat tax will help grow Ohio's economy by encouraging businesses to move to Ohio and hire new workers. Ohio's new flat income tax will go into effect in 2026.  Ohio has new energy policy and is poised for growth. Senator Lang explains Ohio's history with the income tax and how it has been a detriment to Ohio. His desire is to eliminate the income tax, but the flat tax is a move in the right direction. 

The Miracle of the American Founding with Historian Bill Federer Author and historian Bill Federer from the American Minute walks us through the historical record of the Revolutionary War and God's providential hand on George Washington and the Colonists fighting for their independence from Great Britain. Their reliance upon God is reflected in the statement by Patrick Henry:  “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists. But by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.”     In celebration of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation, John Adams wrote the following to his wife, Abigail: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."  

LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutoring - The Mission- The Need- The Solution The Project: Mobilizing a network of volunteers helping Ohio read, tackling Ohio's literacy challenge for students and adults. The Need is to help Ohio school children who have fallen behind in reading comprehension due to the COVID shutdown. Overall, national scores are below pre-pandemic 2019 levels in all grades and subjects. According to the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, the lockdown produced long-term consequences for K-12 education. The Solution - The key to tutoring success is to give the student small successes along the way that they can build upon that will encourage them in their progress. Our volunteers are encouraging people and look forward to the challenge. Each LifeRead volunteer tutor brings with them their own experience, knowledge, ingenuity, and desire to help others. They incorporate practices such as echo reading, paired reading, and duet reading, which have been proven to improve reading comprehension for both children and adults. Students respond well to the prospect of being able to read books and materials of interest to them. In the first, second, and third grades, children learn to read. In the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades and beyond, they read to learn. To learn more visit www.liferead.org 

Education Crisis Nationally and in Ohio - Results of the COVID Shutdown Linger Discussion with State Senator Andy Brenner, Chairman of the Education Committee The National Report Card which came out in February has stirred discussion about the graveness of the national education crisis. Only 30 percent of fourth graders and 29 percent of eight grade students are reading-proficient nationally.  In Ohio, only 32 percent of both fourth and eighth graders are reading- proficient. Assessments conducted earlier this year also indicate that some students are two and three years behind in their grade reading levels.  The Need is to help Ohio school children who have fallen behind in reading comprehension due to the COVID shutdown. Overall, national scores are below pre-pandemic 2019 levels in all grades and subjects. According to the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, the lockdown produced long-term consequences for K-12 education. The COVID school closures began in March of 2020, resulting in remote learning for students over the course of the next year.  We have discovered after conversing with teachers, school administrators, and parents, that children who were in kindergarten or first grade during that time were stymied in their development in reading learning. Other students regressed from what they had learned in the classroom. Students affected by the COVID shutdown are in the greatest need of reading tutoring services. www.LifeRead.org 

Here is some of the legislation that is moving in the Ohio General Assembly to bring Ohio homeowners real estate tax relief. Expanded homestead exemption for the elderly, disabled, and veterans Tax deferment for the elderly to stay in their homes Elimination of replacement levies H.B. 28 Has passed the Ohio House HB 186 was introduced by Rep. Hoops and Rep. Thomas this week. The bill attacks the spikes in unvoted Property Tax Increases we have seen due to the 20 Mill Floor School Funding policy. This bill lowers those spikes to inflation and flattens out unbudgeted increases in revenue. Legislation that will make simple (make plain) levy ballot language

Bringing America Back to Life Conference Coming March 7th and 8th with Kate Makra E.D. of Cleveland Right to Life Kate Makra, Executive Director of Cleveland Right to Life, shares the details of this year's BABL Conference. Friday night's dinner will feature Riley Gaines, collegiate athlete who fought against biological males competing in women's sports. Saturday night's dinner will feature Abbey Johnson, who once was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas, but now is a strong pro-life champion. Other special guests covering a host of topics over the two-day event at the Embassy Suites in Independence. Visit this website to learn more. www.bringingamericabacktolife.org     

Real Estate Tax Relief- Here are some of the proposals- A discussion with Maurice Thompson and Greg Lawson Real Estate Tax Reform will be an issue that OCA will work on in 2025 with citizens groups across Ohio. Inflation and the cost of living are bearing down on our seniors, those on fixed incomes, and young families as they struggle to pay for the essentials. The increased real estate tax assessments of the last year have grown between 20% and 30% for most Ohioans. This not only affects homeowners, but rents increase when real estate taxes go up; everyone is affected. And the caps on increases that we seek will benefit everyone. We will have a 3-pronged approach to the issue: Urging the General Assembly to act to put meaningful real estate tax reform in the budget, working with local officials to enact a self-imposed cap- giving relief to residents, and organizing for a ballot issue if local officials and legislators fail to act. In this episode, Maurice Thompson discusses a 3% annual cap on real estate tax as an amendment to the Constitution. This is a long-term solution to Ohio's over-tax problem

Real Estate Tax Reform at the Ohio Statehouse - What if anything will get done this session? Greg Lawson of the Buckeye Institute discusses the complex challenges facing legislators as they wrestle with how to bring relief to Ohio homeowners on the real estate tax increase issue. Most residents have seen  dramatic increases in their real estate taxes, between 20 and 30 percent increase across Ohio. Members of the General Assembly are hearing complaints from their constituents that they need financial relief in regard to this dramatic increase on real estate taxes. Citizens groups have been coming to the Statehouse to press the issue with members of the General Assembly. A Select Committee on Real Estate Tax and Reform is finalizing their findings and presenting them to both the Ohio Senate and Ohio House for possible legislative resolutions to bring homeowners relief. But, with so many competing interests, the questions remains, will anything substantive get done this December? Greg Lawson explains.     

Celebrating the First Thanksgiving with Historian Dr. Paul Jehle of the Plymouth Rock Foundation Dr. Paul Jehle serves as President of Plymouth Rock Foundation and Senior Pastor of The New Testament Church of Cedarville in the town of Plymouth. Paul has remained active in serving the town of Plymouth in various ways as well as continuing to be active as a member of several historic societies. Paul and members of his congregation conduct re-enactments of the Pilgrims and their faith gatherings, helping to keep history alive. The Ohio Christian Alliance will be organizing a tour to Plymouth and the Boston Freedom Trail in 2025. If you are interested in the Heritage Tour to Plymouth and Boston Freedom Trail, click on this link. Thank you, details will be available in January of 2025!

The Boarder Crisis is a humanitarian crisis and it is affecting our communities with - Ashland Mayor Matt Miller Matt Miller and Chris Long discuss the illegal immigration problem at the border that has now come to Ohio communities with a host of challenges and legal problems. Matt and his wife Melanie Miller recently went to the Arizona border to see for themselves the problem and to talk with local law enforcement. They listened to firsthand accounts of the tragic humanitarian casualties that occur with drug cartels and human trafficking and those who get in their way.

It may all come down to Pennsylvania - Here is what Rick Santorum sees in early voting trend in the Keystone State. News In Focus Brief - Take 5 min. to listen to this...

Rick Santorum shares his thoughts on the election in the battleground states and the Christian vote. Former Presidential candidate and News Max Political Analyst Rick Santorum shares his thoughts on the Presidential election and the importance of the U.S. Senate races around the country. A must listen as Rick shares an important update from Pennsylvania, the key battleground state that both candidates must win. For information on the Ohio Voter Guide visit www.ohioca.org for National Voter Guide visit ivoterguide.com Your Vote Matters!     

Bill Federer on Columbus and his four Voyages Beginning in 1492, Christopher Columbus took FOUR VOYAGES to the New World:   1ST VOYAGE (1492-1493), he DISCOVERED land; 2ND VOYAGE (1493-1496), he encountered a hurricane, malaria, and CANNIBALS;3RD VOYAGE (1498-1500), he faced doldrums, rebellion, and was ARRESTED; 4TH VOYAGE (1502-1504), he survived another hurricane, explored Panama, and was SHIPWRECKED on Jamaica for a year. Bill Federer walks us through the truth about Christopher Columbus and his spiritual quest to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of the new lands that he has discovered.  Columbus testified -(I could sense His hand upon me), so that it became clear to me that it was feasible to navigate from here to the Indies; and He unlocked within me the determination to execute the idea. And I came to your Highnesses with this ardor. All those who heard about my enterprise rejected it with laughter, scoffing at me. Neither the sciences which I mentioned above, nor the authoritative citations from them, were of any avail. In only your Highnesses remained faith and constancy. Who doubts that this illumination was from the Holy Spirit? I  attest that He (the Spirit), with marvelous rays of light, consoled me through the holy and sacred  Scriptures, a strong and clear testimony, with forty-four books of the Old Testament, and four Gospels with  twenty-three Epistles of those blessed Apostles, encouraging me to proceed, and, continually, without  ceasing for a moment, they inflame me with a sense of great urgency.    

Short message on why to Vote NO on Issue 1 NO on Issue 1 with State Auditor Keith Faber VOTE NO ON ISSUE 1 The political left is pushing a radical redistricting plan for the November ballot. This convoluted, complicated redistricting plan, if passed by Ohio voters in November, will take the redraw of the district lines away from the people and their representatives and put it in the hands of the political left with retired judges and academic elites. They claim this will stop gerrymandering, but in reality, Issue One will be gerrymandering on steroids, and not representative of the people of the state of Ohio