Podcasts about democratic u

Coffee leaders in Oregon recently held a roundtable discussion with Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici to discuss how changes at the federal level are affecting the industry, according to Daily Coffee News. Leaders in the Portland area say they’re concerned about how a 10% tariff could affect already high coffee prices. Additionally, countries that produce coffee including Kenya, Ethiopia and Honduras have been hit by USAID cuts. Programs that operated with USAID funding have been shut down overnight, affecting farmers and supply chains. Emily Smith is a relationship representative for Hacea Coffee. Darrin Daniel is a consultant for coffee roasters and retailers and has more than two decades of experience as a green coffee buyer. Cassy Gleason is the co-owner of Buckman Coffee Factory and Marigold Coffee. They join us with more on how Oregon’s coffee industry is tied to international relations and what federal policies mean at the state level.

Democratic U.S. Senator Peter Welch recently came to Canada to try to mend fences, over what he sees as President Donald Trump's damaging tariffs and threats to make Canada the 51st state. The Vermont senator talks to Matt Galloway about the Canada-U.S. relationship — and military expert Christian Leuprecht digs into Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for a defence deal with the EU, as a way to reduce Canada's reliance on the U.S.

This week's show is sponsored by: EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News Fulton Fish Market

The new Older Adult Advocacy Center in Scranton is the first of its kind in the state. It’ll serve older adults who are victims of abuse or neglect in parts of Northeast Pennsylvania. The Public Utility Commission has announced a series of six public hearings in early June regarding Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania's proposed rate increase, which could rise more than 10-percent. A progressive Pennsylvania group is calling for Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman to resign, over his “apparent inability” to perform his job amid recent reports about his mental health. Pennsylvania Indivisible’s Bucks County chapter says polling of their statewide membership shows more than 90% of their 16-thousand members agrees with the request. A man has been charged with providing alcohol to the 20-year-old who fell from the outfield stands at a Pittsburgh Pirates game on April 30. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's what happened during Tuesday’s Primary, in one Lancaster County township. Voters in Colerain Township approved a small-games-of-chance referendum. It was the fourth time township voters have taken on the issue since the 1990s. Lake Pleasant in northwestern Pennsylvania was created more than 1500 years ago when a glacier retreated and is home to rare plants and birds like osprey. The Allegheny Front’s Kara Holsopple recently joined a team working to reforest an area that was once mined, as part of an effort to restore hundreds of acres of mineland across the region. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig has announced her intent to seek the DFL endorsement for Tina Smith's senate seat after Smith decided not to run for reelection. Rep. Craig joins Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to tell you why she wants the job and what she will do if elected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Senate race in Georgia continues to take shape. On today's Politically Georgia, hosts Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell break down U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's weekend announcement that she won't run for Senate—while leaving the door open for a future run for governor. Meanwhile, Insurance Commissioner John King officially enters the race to challenge Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, pitching himself as a law-and-order conservative. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The end of a political era in Illinois is here. Five-term Democratic U.S. Senator and East St Louis native Dick Durbin has decided he will not be seeking re-election next year. Durbin spoke with Dave McKinney to break the news that is sure to set off a major contest to succeed him.

Democratic Oregon U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter traveled to El Salvador, along with three other Democratic Congressional representatives, to push for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The Maryland resident was sent to El Salvador last month without a court hearing and despite a 2019 order from an immigration judge that barred his deportation. The Trump administration has accused Abrego Garcia of being a member of the El Salvadoran gang MS-13 and engaging in human trafficking.  Last week, Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland traveled to El Salvador where he was eventually able to meet with Abrego Garcia. Rep. Dexter joins us to explain why she also decided to make a trip there, which she argues is less about Abrego Garcia’s particular case and more fundamentally about the constitutional right to due process. The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return from detention, which it has refused to do. 

Taxes and wars go hand in hand. And as much as our current partisan politics suggest otherwise, it wasn't a Democratic U.S. president that ushered in the income tax. It was a Republican president - Honest Abe! And later, it was during another Republican president's term that the income tax became permanent - William Taft. The irony of it is that the poor masses and the progressive middle class pushed for the income tax to get the rich to pay their fair share. Now, the poor and the middle American families seem to shoulder most of the income tax burden. In this interview, I discuss the following with my guest scholar: ►British taxes on American colonies - justified or not?►"No Taxation Without Representation"►Shays' Rebellion - America's first uprising against taxes►Hamilton's controversial plan for America's debt ►How the federal government paid for itself all those years before the income tax ►How the Civil War changed tariffs and taxes►Why the U.S. Supreme Court struck down income taxes►Why the masses pushed for an income tax amendment - did we do this to ourselves! ►How WWI and WWII affected tariffs and income taxes ►Capitalism and Correlation between lower taxes and higher economic activity and investment

Nearly two years before Election Day 2026, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff held a rally in Atlanta over the weekend, promising his supporters that, “Georgia will bow to no king.” Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson both tell host Lisa Rayam, this will likely be an expensive and competitive Senate race. But their opinions differ on what kind of impression Ossof's event made. Plus, tort reform is headed to Governor Brian Kemp's desk, after passing both the state House and Senate. That's as the end of the 2025 Legislative Session nears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day, we remember Congressman John Lewis, born on February 21, 1940. A champion for human rights, Lewis served as the Democratic U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his passing in 2020. As the dean of Georgia's congressional delegation and one of the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement, his legacy is profound. Lewis was a founding member and later chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, leading sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. His unwavering commitment to nonviolent protest led to multiple arrests and national respect. Lewis passed away in 2020 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of courage, justice, and enduring hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump's makeover of the federal government is going full steam. But he's doing it in a way that has gone around Congress — with one executive action after another. But soon, Trump will need congressional votes to pay for his immigration crackdown and to extend a series of tax breaks. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst will speak with Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, from a northern Minnesota district, about the part he'll play in Washington. Later, a check-in with the top tax official in Minnesota as tax filing season approaches its second busiest filing weekend. Plus, a frank conversation with Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith about her decision to not run for reelection in 2026. Guests: U.S. Sen. Tina SmithU.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, MN-8Paul Marquart, commissioner at the Minnesota Department of RevenueSubscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.   

Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith says she will not seek another term when the seat is up in 2026. And Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan says she intends to run for the seat Smith will vacate in the U.S. Senate. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Some Head Start preschools in Pennsylvania are finding themselves in financial limbo, still unable to access their federal funding. Discontent with Democratic U.S. Senator John Fetterman is growing among some Pennsylvania voters. The Eagles and Chief meet on Sunday in the Super Bowl. Studies have shown the big game also coincides with a rise in cardiac events, including heart attacks.. More cases of Avian influenza have surfaced in commercial poultry flocks in several Central Pennsylvania counties. The U.S. Education Department is investigating potential civil rights violations at the University of Pennsylvania, one other university and a high school sports league that allowed transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams. OpenAI is scouring the country for sites to build a network of huge data centers to power its artificial intelligence technology -- and Pennsylvania is a possibility.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State looks to refund, lower income taxes; Communities protest ICE immigraiton detention efforts; and why GALEO says they're unsdure if they'll support Georgia's Democratic U.S. Senators fir reelection after the pair's support of the Laken Riley Act. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MIRS catches up with John Patrick Yob, the head of the Republican Strategic National consulting firm. He talks about what to look out for ahead of Michigan Republicans' state convention on Feb. 21-22, where the chair of the '26 election cycle will be decided (4:37).  Also, MIRS hosts a roundtable discussion with Democratic program director MoReno Taylor II, Oakland University political science professor David Dulio and Jimmy Greene, the former president of the ABC of Michigan.  Together, they talk about Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' decision not to seek reelection in 2026. Also, what are the emotions of voters squeezed between two election cycles, and what is the state of Michigan legislative relationships in Lansing? (29:54).

Republican Cliff Bentz represents Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District in Congress. It’s the largest district in Oregon, and represents around two-thirds of the state. It encompasses the Owyhee Canyonlands, one of the state’s most-known but — as of yet — unprotected natural places. Conservationists and others, including Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, have called on President Joe Biden to create a national monument here but so far that hasn’t happened. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden has been working since 2019 on a bill to create a national monument on 1.1 million acres of land. The legislation was co-sponsored by Oregon’s other Democratic U.S. Senator, Jeff Merkley. The bill passed the Senate last year but died in the House. Bentz proposed his own version last fall, but says he’ll work with the senators on a new plan that can pass both chambers. We talk with Bentz about the way forward for Owyhee protection.

The first day of trial has concluded for the man accused of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley; Georgia-based health agencies could see impacts if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services; and Georgia's Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has introduced legislation intended to help more veterans buy homes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John is joined by Claire McCaskill, former Democratic U.S. senator from Missouri, to discuss the fallout from the election and transition to Donald Trump's second White House term. McCaskill assesses Trump's first batch of cabinet and White House staff appointments, calling it a “mixed bag," with some picks mildly reassuring and others decidedly not; the practical and political challenges of mass deportation; the potential for (or inevitability of) friction between Trump and Elon Musk; and the internal debates and internecine finger-pointing now consuming the Democratic Party as it seeks to apportion blame for, interpret the meaning of, and find a way forward from the shellacking it suffered on Election Day. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are making their last pitches to voters as campaigning enters its final hours. Harris will spend all of Monday in Pennsylvania, focusing on the state's 19 electoral votes. Trump is planning four rallies across three states, beginning in Raleigh, North Carolina, with further stops in Reading and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He will end his campaign with a late-night event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ratings for key congressional races are shifting around with no clear party in the lead to win the House gavel. Meanwhile, the race for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas has intensified. Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred are making their final pitches to Texas voters in one of the nation's most expensive and closely watched Senate races. With polls showing this will be a close presidential election, security forces across the capital are on high alert. Two days before the election, workers were seen putting up additional security measures outside the White House and the vice president's official residence. ⭕️ Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV

It's Thursday and that means it's time to catch up on politics with Stephanie Grace, editorial director and columnist for The Times Picayune/The Advocate. She tells us about Gov. Landry's upcoming special tax session and why he will be looking for Democratic support to pass some of his proposals. This weekend will see the launch of the first NOLA Mural Fest. The project is a collaboration between the Krewe of Red Beans and local artists as a way to uplift community voices, encourage support for the arts, and spur positive community changes. Devin De Wulf, founder of the Krewe of Red Beans, and artists and founders of this initiative, Bruna Patella and Madison Roy, tell us what to expect at this weekend's events. Troy Carter, (D-LA) the Democratic U.S. House member representing Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District is facing a challenge. Devin Davis, 27, is described as further to left. He leads the political operations team for the advocacy group, Voters Organized to Education, the same organization that helped get the state's public service commissioner, Davante Lewis, elected in 2022. If elected, he would also be the first openly LGBTQ representative from the South.Davis joins us to discuss his campaign, his political priorities and what he believes it will take to unseat the incumbent. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by [host]. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber; our contributing producers are Matt Bloom and Adam Vos; we receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Campaign 2024 is almost done, and “Newsline” host Brigitte Quinn got to meet two candidates in key races. First, Republican Matt Corey dropped by (00:00) to talk about what's motivating him to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. Then, incumbent Democratic state Senator Ceci Maher of the 26th District (that represents Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton), joined Brigitte to talk about her platforms and issues in the state legislature (16:47) Image Credit: Chris Williams

The closely watched Maryland Senate race remains tight. Tens of millions of dollars continue to pour into the race as each candidate looks to hammer home their message with voters. Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks cites the danger of the race giving Republicans control of the U.S. Senate. Republican candidate Larry Hogan wants to convince voters he's a moderate who will pick country over party. Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks joined us to discuss where the race stands now and what she would bring to the role.   Eyes are also on Virginia's 7th congressional district race, where Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson are in a tight race for the seat to replace Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor. The future of federal workers, abortion rights, and the economy are among the top issues in the race. Democratic candidate Eugene Vindman joined the show to make his pitch to voters.In D.C., the most intense political fight coming into November 5 is over a ballot initiative that would bring ranked choice voting and semi-open primaries to the District. Alex Koma of the Washington City Paper explained why Initiative 83 has become so divisive.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

The U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, incumbent Elizabeth Warren debated GOP challenger John Deaton. Warren's Senate seat is up for grabs this election year and it's been 100 years since an incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator from Massachusetts lost to a Republican. Dan remarked on the upcoming debate last night.Ask Alexa to play WBZ NewsRadio on #iHeartRadio!

Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican attorney John Deaton will debate Tuesday in eastern Mass. and Thursday in western Mass.

Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Lucas Kunce is facing the challenging task of upending Republican Sen. Josh Hawley in a state that's become GOP-dominated. Kunce is making a strong bid. He's been raising money at a feverish clip since entering the U.S. Senate race in 2023, and Hawley is taking Kunce's effort to oust him seriously, as seen with a flurry of negative television ads and confrontations.

From police officers to Red Cross volunteers to utility repair crews, Pennsylvania is rushing aid to hurricane-ravaged parts of the South.  Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick have criticized each other's records during a debate. The two major-party candidates for state Attorney General have argued over their qualifications in their first debate.  A Snyder County police chief has resigned -- after receiving a job offer in Delaware County.  WITF's parent company has laid off two dozen employees -- a reduction of 10 percent of its workforce. Among the people let go are 11 members of the combined news team of WITF and LNP | Lancaster online.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off his debate appearance, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz is trying to drum up support in predominately Republican parts of Pennsylvania. Deadlines for voters to get their mail-in ballots are coming up fast. The earlier you apply and return your ballot, the better. Thousands of ballots are already cast now that voting has officially begun in Pennsylvania. More and more money is flowing into political campaigns, from races for state judges and lawmakers to president, making elections in the U.S. among the world's most expensive. We have an explainer on tracking money in Pennsylvania's state and federal elections.  The remains of nine more Native American children who died at a notorious government-run boarding school in Cumberland County over a century ago have been disinterred from a small Army cemetery and returned to families.  The Republican challenger trying to flip the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania says he'll press for U.S. military action in Mexico to target fentanyl trafficking networks. David McCormick and Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey are set to debate tonight.    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Episode 105 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast. 00:00-18:17: VEEP Recap/MAGA Attacks Immigrants & Abortion Rights The first segment features Pat Johnston giving his review of the Vice Presidential Debate between Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and MAGA Republican Dude-Bro J.D. Vance. Pat highlights where Walz scored some major points, and where he fell short, in his debate against Vance. Pat also talks about how the Dear Leader Trump/Vance attacks on immigrants is leading to violent threats.  18:18-40:48: Interview w/ Amanda Mazur on Abortion Rights Our guest this week is Amanda Mazur, who's an abortion rights activist as well as the Vice President of Northwest Michigan For Reproductive Freedom. Amanda gives her takes on how abortion was covered during the Veep debate, and she shares thoughts on how MAGA Republicans are definitely not "pro-family," and how progressives and Democrats should talk about abortion rights this election year.  40:49-46:11: Last Call: Mike Rogers Wants Higher Drug Prices In the "Last Call," Pat talks about how MAGA Michigan Republican U.S. Senate candidate "Florida" Mike Rogers is "passionately against" allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. He criticizes Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, and Michigan congresswoman, Elissa Slotkin's backing of the Inflation Reduction Act, which gave Medicare the power to lower the prices of different prescription drugs in the future. Let's see how the voters react to "Florida" Mike's stance on that one.  46:12-48:28: Ending/Go Tigers! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

Three people in a northeastern Pennsylvania county are suing to overturn a decision to prevent all four of its drop boxes for mail-in ballots from being deployed. Counties are starting to send out by-mail ballots and some voters are discovering a sticky situation. Humidity is causing some return envelopes to come pre-sealed. Fresh off last night's debate, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is scheduled to visit York today. But, he will not be joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, as originally announced. Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey faces GOP contender Dave McCormick in their first debate tomorrow. The slim Democratic majority in the Senate is on the line this November. Two leaders of the now dissolved Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Penn State will serve jail time in the Centre County Correctional Facility. The sentencing comes seven years after the death of Timothy Piazza, in connection with an alcohol-fueled hazing initiation.  The ports of Philadelphia and Baltimore are among those closed due to a strike by the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers.   A new license plate is available to drivers who want to celebrate hunting and fishing and support outdoor programs for young people.   The co-founders of a central Pennsylvania theater group saw a massive pile of food scraps and cow manure…and decided to write a musical about it. We preview a show that literally sings the praises of turning farm waste into renewable energy.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Congressman Steve Pearce and radio host Derek Underhill share perspectives with two young New Mexicans, Danielle Hernandez and Sam Martinez, on the biggest local and national news headlines every week! Discussed in this week's episode: Joshua A. Sanchez, who is running to keep his seat in Senate District 29, joins the show to share why crime never gets resolved in New Mexico and what we can do to change it. Why is the Texas governor putting up razor wire between New Mexico and his state, and where should the outrage really be? Did you hear the news about the illegal Honduran migrants who kidnapped other migrants for ransom and held them in Albuquerque? Are members of the deadly Tren de Aragua Venezuelan gang already in New Mexico? Find out! Do New Mexicans want Gov. MLG to take more action to secure the border? Hear what they said in a recent poll. New Mexico's Democratic U.S. representatives voted against proof of citizenship to register to vote for a second time. Why is this bill needed? Are there illegal immigrants registering to vote? Find out! Steve and Danielle react to NM Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez voting to protect illegal immigrants from deportation who commit violent and sexual crimes against women and children. Sanctuary cities have become a hub for illegal immigrant gang members and cartels to be able to operate without consequences. How did all three Democratic U.S. Representatives vote when a bill came up to end tax-payer funding to sanctuary cities? Homeless encampments are growing around the state. Most are not New Mexicans. What role does Democratic leadership have on this crisis? How are polls able to be skewed to give a certain result and suppress voter engagement? Steve breaks it down. The Teamsters Union delves a devastating blow to Kamala Harris's campaign. What will this mean for the election? Was there a third assassination attempt at a Trump rally? Hear what happened. Danielle breaks down the gaslighting from Kamala Harris and Democrats over the tragic story of a woman who lost her life after an attempted abortion. Tune in to hear it all and more, and join us weekly for a closer look Inside New Mexico!

Voters in Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown's hometown of Mansfield show the unique challenges – and advantages – he faces in the race.

A closer look at Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin, the ex-CIA soybean farmer LARPing hot dog heiress who's running to represent us Michiganders.Discover more at Enjoyer.com/PodcastFollow James on X: @DownI75 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michiganenjoyer.substack.com

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is running for the US Senate against Republican Kari Lake, is urging the Department of Justice to follow up its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department without pursuing a consent decree. 

On today's newscast: Relief efforts for the Havasupai Tribe continue after last week's flash flood in the Grand Canyon led to dozens of evacuations and left a Gilbert woman dead, nearly 200 candidates for offices on the Navajo Nation may be kicked off the November ballot due to new transparency laws, the Arizona Police Association endorsed Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego — just days after publicly backing former President Trump, and more...

We talk about the recently announced and highly anticipated Arizona Senate debate between Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake. The nominees will face off for 60 minutes on Oct. 9, starting at 6 p.m. 

In today's news: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin campaigned in Benton Harbor Friday. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has received the latest county medical examiner's report, detailing deaths reported in the county in 2023.  Set for this Saturday is the Tru Dat Music Festival in Stevensville. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a member of the progressive "Squad" and outspoken critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, has won her primary race in Minnesota's 5th District, defeating former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels for the second time. In her victory speech, Omar echoed themes of joy and justice, resonating with the Harris-Walz presidential campaign. Omar's win contrasts with the losses of fellow Squad members Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman, who faced well-funded challengers supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Meanwhile, former NBA player Royce White won the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug. 6, 2024 - Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her 2024 running mate. Democratic strategist Michele Manatt shares her take on what to expect from the former high school teacher, football coach and veteran. Plus, the Power Panel weighs in.

Minnesota's two Democratic U.S. senators say a colleague should resign following a federal corruption conviction.And at Day One of the Republican National Convention yesterday, former President Donald Trump named Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz is due to meet with President Joe Biden and other Democratic governors tomorrow. And new federal legislation co-sponsored by Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig aims to stop drug trafficking on social media.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister

The Heartland POD, Friday June 21, 2024Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kanas City Chiefs and RoyalsRather than preside over clown show convention, IL GOP chair resignsIllinois families cheer $300 state Child Tax CreditDems confident, Republicans morose in ongoing IVF battleThis week in ‘unforced errors' Trump calls Milwaukee a ‘horrible city' causing his pollster to be… also morose. We're glad to have you with us. If you're new to our shows make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating wherever you listen. You can also find Heartland POD content on Youtube and on social media @ THE heartland pod, and learn more at https://theheartlandcollective.comLots to do, so let's go! Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kansas City Chiefs, RoyalsBY: ALLISON KITE - JUNE 18, 2024 3:26 PM   Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium in April. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images).TOPEKA — The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to move from Missouri and build new stadiums across the state line under legislation passed Tuesday by Kansas lawmakers.The House voted 84-38 and the Senate voted 27-8 to approve legislation that would expand a state incentive program in an attempt to lure one or both teams from Kansas City. The bill now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, who said in a statement following the Senate vote that the effort to bring the teams to Kansas “shows we're all-in on keeping our beloved teams in the Kansas City metro.”“Kansas now has the opportunity to become a professional sports powerhouse with the Chiefs and Royals potentially joining Sporting KC as major league attractions, all with robust, revenue-generating entertainment districts surrounding them providing new jobs, new visitors and new revenues that boost the Kansas economy,” Kelly said.Neither team has promised to move to Kansas, though both actively lobbied for the legislation's passage. The Chiefs said in a statement that the team appreciated Kansas leaders reaching out for input on the legislation.“We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide,” the statement said. The Royals said the team was grateful to the legislature for its vote. “The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future,” the team said. “We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates and taxpayers in this process.”State Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, said during debate in the House that Missouri had a history of losing professional sports teams and implored fellow House members to pass the legislation.“I ask you today, do you really want to put that type of an economic generation in the hands of the state of Missouri?” Tarwater said just before the vote.Rep. Sean Tarwater speaks on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives in favor of expanding economic incentives in an attempt to bring the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)Passage of the bill represents a monumental step in Kansas lawmakers' attempts to court the teams. Both teams have signaled a willingness to move from their current stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.While neither team has announced a proposed site for a Kansas stadium, legislators speculated it could land in Wyandotte County near the Sporting KC soccer stadium, NASCAR track and outlet shops.“We have the history of building amazing projects that have brought in retail commerce, restaurants, hotels and have improved an area that was largely just a field and turned it into a tax-generating machine for our state,” said Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican.The legislation, he said, would put Kansas in a “very good position to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals in the Kansas City metro area.”The bill, which was not voted on by any legislative committee, would expand the state's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond program, which is meant to help finance tourism and entertainment districts to help pay for a professional football or baseball stadium of at least $1 billion.A developer building a stadium under the program would be eligible to finance up to 70% of the project cost by issuing bonds and repaying them with the increased sales tax collections from the stadium site. The expansion would have initially allowed up to 75% of project costs but was tweaked before introduction. Debt on a stadium constructed under the expansion wouldn't have to be repaid for 30 years instead of the normal 20.The project could also receive a boost from liquor taxes generated in the STAR Bond district and revenues from a fund Kansas created when it legalized sports betting.During House debate, Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, argued subsidized stadiums never generate the economic activity that they promise. He was alarmed by what he called “minimal transparency” in the deal-making process laid out in the legislation.The bill says any agreement between the state and a team would be confidential until after it has been executed.Waggoner called the legislation “bad public policy.”“This is not your mother's STAR Bonds,” Waggoner said. “This is a jacked up super-sized version of STAR Bonds.”Patrick Mahomes throws pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022. Kansas lawmakers could offer the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals millions of dollars in tax incentives to move from Missouri to Kansas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images).The bill limits the eligibility to National Football League or Major League Baseball teams currently near Kansas. The financing mechanism could be used for both stadiums and training facilities.Both teams have pressed lawmakers in recent weeks to pass the bill with representatives from the Royals hosting dinner for Democratic lawmakers at a steakhouse Monday night and the Chiefs throwing a lunchtime block party Tuesday steps from the Capitol.Earlier this month, a nonprofit called Scoop and Score Inc. launched to advocate for a Kansas stadium deal. The organization, which does not have to disclose its donors, hired 30 lobbyists to advocate for the STAR Bond expansion legislation. In a statement, former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a lobbyist for Scoop and Score and the Chiefs, said the Legislature “stepped up in a big way, paving the path to make sure the Chiefs stay right where they belong — in Kansas City with their loyal fans.”“The votes show overwhelming bipartisan support because Kansas lawmakers know what the Chiefs mean to us and how big of an economic opportunity this is for Kansas,” Ryckman said.Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignationAfter 3 ½ years as ILGOP chair, Don Tracy cites intraparty fighting as reason for quittingBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comHalfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party.Tracy, who'd held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in a two-page letter that cited intraparty “power struggles.” He also said he is concerned about the direction the party is taking under the current membership of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee – a 17-person body that steers the ILGOP, with one member elected from each congressional district.“In better days, Illinois Republicans came together after tough intra party elections,” Tracy wrote. “Now however, we have Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats by convincing swing voters to vote Republican.”Tracy was narrowly elected Illinois Republican Party chair in the wake of the 2020 election and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol by those who sought to stop certification of the election for its winner, President Joe Biden, over former President Donald Trump. Even as Republicans publicly reckoned with the events of Jan. 6, hardline conservatives on the state central committee were pushing for a more ardent supporter of Trump and his politics than the previous chair, who was hand-picked by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.Instead, the party got Tracy, another Rauner ally who served as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board during the one-term governor's administration. Tracy had unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor in 2010, and in 2002, he lost a bid for a state Senate seat – but as a Democrat.Tracy's electoral history, as well as his experience as an attorney and co-owner of his family's food distribution business, fit the mold of previous ILGOP chairs in a state where fiscally conservative and socially moderate suburban Republicans for decades were a political powerhouse.But as Republican politics have changed both nationally and in Illinois, Tracy's run as party chair proved tumultuous.Additionally, Tracy wrote that he was “concerned about the current infatuation” of some state central committee members “with certain individuals they call ‘grass roots' leaders.”One such self-proclaimed grassroots Republican, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, celebrated Tracy's resignation on social media Wednesday, calling it a “cleansing” of the state GOP.“Fake republicans got us into this mess,” wrote Bailey, who earlier this year lost a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022. “Real Republicans standing firm will get us out!!!”Read more: Dems seek unity as new, former chair take no questions from media after party voteDemocrats panned the state GOP as “defined by a litany of electoral disasters, constant infighting, meager fundraising, and a strict adherence to a losing set of anti-choice, anti-worker, pro-Trump policies.”“While we don't expect new leadership to change any of that, we do wish the best of luck to the inevitable MAGA extremist who will succeed Don Tracy as Chair,” the party said.Tracy's letter indicated he would resign upon the election of a successor, “preferably no later than” July 19 – the day after the RNC is scheduled to conclude. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?(Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams)Thursday, June 13, 2024$50M tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income familiesBy ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comIn the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although it has exceptions, that credit is generally available to married couples earning up to about $60,000 and single people earning up to about $50,000, depending on the number of children they have. For taxes on 2024 income, the tax credit will cap at just over $300 for tax filers with three or more children who meet certain income requirements. Taxpayers with two children face a cap of about $270 and taxpayers with one child face a cap of about $170. The child tax credit equates to 20 percent of the state's EITC, which allows Illinois taxpayers a credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC. Starting in tax year 2025, the state's child tax credit will double to 40 percent of the state EITC, meaning that it will max out at a bit over $600 for families with three children. Because the federal tax credit that determines its size is tied to inflation, the actual size of future years' child tax credits is yet to be determined. In its first year, the program is expected to cost the state $50 million, with a cost of about $100 million in subsequent years. The idea of a permanent child tax credit in Illinois has been floated for several years, with various proposals being put forward by legislators in the General Assembly as well as advocacy groups and think tanks. Gov. JB Pritzker pitched a child tax credit in his proposed budget earlier this year that was smaller than the version that passed in the final budget. It would have applied to children under three years old and cost about $12 million. Proponents of the idea say that in addition to helping low-income families, programs like this help local economies. “Every dollar we invest in the child tax credit is immediately spent locally,” Erion Malasi, the policy director for Economic Security for Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois. Researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a labor movement-affiliated think tank, found in a January report that child tax credits have a higher economic impact than cuts to corporate income taxes or to capital gains taxes. That report also cited several research teams that found the temporary expansion to the federal child tax credit between 2021 and 2023 reduced child poverty in the U.S. by between 25 and 36 percent. That credit provided an additional $1,000 per child on top of an existing $2,000 credit, with increases for younger children. State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that would have created a $300 million child tax credit program that was more expansive than the version that passed. Aquino told Capitol News Illinois he will be watching the rollout of the child tax credit to see if there is room for an “expansion” in future budget years or if there is a route for the credit to be automatically applied for qualifying taxpayers. The Illinois Department of Revenue is working on guidance for next year's filing season and will provide information about how to claim the child tax credit on its website. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Kansas' Davids lauds court decision on abortion pill; Marshall critiques Democrats' IVF billBY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 13, 2024 4:56 PM   U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, applauded a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to turn aside a lawsuit seeking to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to significantly limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of an attempt to undermine the federal Food and Drug Administration's authorization of a widely available abortion medication wouldn't be the final act by opponents of reproductive rights.On Thursday, the Supreme Court said the plaintiffs, comprised of anti-abortion physicians and organizations, didn't have standing to pursue the lawsuit against the FDA aimed at curtailing access to the drug mifepristone. It's possible other plaintiffs capable of showing they were harmed by availability of the pill could challenge FDA approval of the drug. It is used in approximately half of all abortions in the United States.“I will always stand with Kansans who overwhelmingly rejected extremist attempts to limit reproductive health care access,” said Davids, the 3rd District Democrat. “Yet, for the second year in a row, a vital and safe reproductive health care medication was under attack, threatening to strip Kansans' ability to freely make health care decisions that are best for their families and futures.”Davids said the Supreme Court opinion was “a victory for our freedoms,” but the legal fight regarding abortion access was far from over. She vowed to continue opposing attempts to “interfere in our most private health care decisions.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, signed an amicus brief urging federal courts to rule the FDA overstepped its authority years ago in regard to use of mifepristone. U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, signed a brief that argued the Supreme Court should reverse the FDA.These Kansas lawmakers said the FDA's action to deregulate “chemical abortion drugs” subverted Congress' public policy interests and patient welfare.Mifepristone, which is authorized for up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, was part of two-drug regimen that included misoprostol as the second pharmaceutical.Meanwhile, both U.S. senators from Kansas, Republicans Jerry Moran and Marshall, voted Thursday to block legislation offered by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois that would affirm the right of women attempting to become pregnant to seek fertility treatments that included in vitro fertilization or IVF.The Senate vote on that measure was 48-47, short of the 60 votes required to advance the measure.On Wednesday, Marshall said the Duckworth bill contained “poison pills” that violated the religious freedom of physicians and would unnecessarily broaden access to reproductive technology. He praised a piece of IVF legislation sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.Marshall, a physician who delivered babies for 30 years in Kansas said, “The country needs to know that Republicans believe in IVF. I happen to believe IVF is a gift from God.”Sean: Unfortunately for Senator Marshall, he doesn't speak for all Republicans, many of whom are far out of the mainstream on whether they believe families should be able to access IVF.And today in unforced errors…Trump tells House Republicans Milwaukee is a ‘horrible city'BY: HENRY REDMAN - JUNE 13, 2024 10:51 AM   Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Wednesday, May 1, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)In a closed door meeting with Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump reportedly called Milwaukee, the location of this summer's Republican National Convention, a “horrible city.” Trump's comments were reported by Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman. “Milwaukee, where we are having our convention, is a horrible city,” Trump is reported to have said on Thursday. The former president visited Wisconsin in May, holding a rally in Waukesha. During that visit, he talked about the RNC coming to Milwaukee, making fun of Democrats — who planned to hold the 2020 Democratic National Convention in the city but canceled it due to the COVID-19 pandemic — for not showing up to the city. Wisconsin's House Republicans responded to the report with varying stories about what happened. Rep. Glenn Grothman told reporters Trump was talking about “election integrity” in large urban centers, Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the report was a lie and that Trump was talking about the city's crime rate and Rep. Bryan Steil denied that Trump made the comment at all.In response to the comment, Democrats said if Trump doesn't like Milwaukee, he doesn't need to come. “If Donald Trump hates Milwaukee so much, we have one message for him: don't come, we won't miss you — your campaign is barely here in the first place,” Democratic National Committee spokesperson Addy Toevs said in a statement. “In November, Wisconsinites will show Trump how the dislike is mutual and will reject him again once and for all.”Other Democrats touted Milwaukee's beer, food and sports teams while connecting the comments to regular Republican attacks against Wisconsin's largest and most diverse city.“Donald Trump attacking the great city of Milwaukee as a ‘horrible city' exactly one month before he shuffles out on stage at the Fiserv reflects the backward, twisted man Donald Trump has always been,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Vice Chair Felesia Martin said. “With entertainment, recreation and a quality of life that is unparalleled — to say nothing of a great basketball team — I am blessed to call Milwaukee home. We're used to Republican politicians like Donald Trump showing nothing but contempt for Milwaukee and the folks who live here: they know our power, and they're afraid of the city we are building here, together. Once again, Trump has demonstrated why he should not be elected to the highest office in the land. He does not possess the discipline, respect, thoughtfulness, nor the maturity necessary to lead our country.”Trump is expected to visit southeastern Wisconsin again next week, for a planned rally in Racine on Tuesday. Because he knows if he wants to be president again, he has to win there. Wild. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

The Heartland POD, Friday June 21, 2024Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kanas City Chiefs and RoyalsRather than preside over clown show convention, IL GOP chair resignsIllinois families cheer $300 state Child Tax CreditDems confident, Republicans morose in ongoing IVF battleThis week in ‘unforced errors' Trump calls Milwaukee a ‘horrible city' causing his pollster to be… also morose. We're glad to have you with us. If you're new to our shows make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating wherever you listen. You can also find Heartland POD content on Youtube and on social media @ THE heartland pod, and learn more at https://theheartlandcollective.comLots to do, so let's go! Kansas Legislature passes incentive bill to lure Kansas City Chiefs, RoyalsBY: ALLISON KITE - JUNE 18, 2024 3:26 PM   Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium in April. (Ed Zurga/Getty Images).TOPEKA — The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to move from Missouri and build new stadiums across the state line under legislation passed Tuesday by Kansas lawmakers.The House voted 84-38 and the Senate voted 27-8 to approve legislation that would expand a state incentive program in an attempt to lure one or both teams from Kansas City. The bill now heads to Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, who said in a statement following the Senate vote that the effort to bring the teams to Kansas “shows we're all-in on keeping our beloved teams in the Kansas City metro.”“Kansas now has the opportunity to become a professional sports powerhouse with the Chiefs and Royals potentially joining Sporting KC as major league attractions, all with robust, revenue-generating entertainment districts surrounding them providing new jobs, new visitors and new revenues that boost the Kansas economy,” Kelly said.Neither team has promised to move to Kansas, though both actively lobbied for the legislation's passage. The Chiefs said in a statement that the team appreciated Kansas leaders reaching out for input on the legislation.“We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide,” the statement said. The Royals said the team was grateful to the legislature for its vote. “The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future,” the team said. “We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates and taxpayers in this process.”State Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell, said during debate in the House that Missouri had a history of losing professional sports teams and implored fellow House members to pass the legislation.“I ask you today, do you really want to put that type of an economic generation in the hands of the state of Missouri?” Tarwater said just before the vote.Rep. Sean Tarwater speaks on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives in favor of expanding economic incentives in an attempt to bring the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals to Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)Passage of the bill represents a monumental step in Kansas lawmakers' attempts to court the teams. Both teams have signaled a willingness to move from their current stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.While neither team has announced a proposed site for a Kansas stadium, legislators speculated it could land in Wyandotte County near the Sporting KC soccer stadium, NASCAR track and outlet shops.“We have the history of building amazing projects that have brought in retail commerce, restaurants, hotels and have improved an area that was largely just a field and turned it into a tax-generating machine for our state,” said Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Salina Republican.The legislation, he said, would put Kansas in a “very good position to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals in the Kansas City metro area.”The bill, which was not voted on by any legislative committee, would expand the state's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond program, which is meant to help finance tourism and entertainment districts to help pay for a professional football or baseball stadium of at least $1 billion.A developer building a stadium under the program would be eligible to finance up to 70% of the project cost by issuing bonds and repaying them with the increased sales tax collections from the stadium site. The expansion would have initially allowed up to 75% of project costs but was tweaked before introduction. Debt on a stadium constructed under the expansion wouldn't have to be repaid for 30 years instead of the normal 20.The project could also receive a boost from liquor taxes generated in the STAR Bond district and revenues from a fund Kansas created when it legalized sports betting.During House debate, Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, argued subsidized stadiums never generate the economic activity that they promise. He was alarmed by what he called “minimal transparency” in the deal-making process laid out in the legislation.The bill says any agreement between the state and a team would be confidential until after it has been executed.Waggoner called the legislation “bad public policy.”“This is not your mother's STAR Bonds,” Waggoner said. “This is a jacked up super-sized version of STAR Bonds.”Patrick Mahomes throws pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022. Kansas lawmakers could offer the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals millions of dollars in tax incentives to move from Missouri to Kansas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images).The bill limits the eligibility to National Football League or Major League Baseball teams currently near Kansas. The financing mechanism could be used for both stadiums and training facilities.Both teams have pressed lawmakers in recent weeks to pass the bill with representatives from the Royals hosting dinner for Democratic lawmakers at a steakhouse Monday night and the Chiefs throwing a lunchtime block party Tuesday steps from the Capitol.Earlier this month, a nonprofit called Scoop and Score Inc. launched to advocate for a Kansas stadium deal. The organization, which does not have to disclose its donors, hired 30 lobbyists to advocate for the STAR Bond expansion legislation. In a statement, former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a lobbyist for Scoop and Score and the Chiefs, said the Legislature “stepped up in a big way, paving the path to make sure the Chiefs stay right where they belong — in Kansas City with their loyal fans.”“The votes show overwhelming bipartisan support because Kansas lawmakers know what the Chiefs mean to us and how big of an economic opportunity this is for Kansas,” Ryckman said.Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignationAfter 3 ½ years as ILGOP chair, Don Tracy cites intraparty fighting as reason for quittingBy HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.comHalfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party.Tracy, who'd held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in a two-page letter that cited intraparty “power struggles.” He also said he is concerned about the direction the party is taking under the current membership of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee – a 17-person body that steers the ILGOP, with one member elected from each congressional district.“In better days, Illinois Republicans came together after tough intra party elections,” Tracy wrote. “Now however, we have Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats by convincing swing voters to vote Republican.”Tracy was narrowly elected Illinois Republican Party chair in the wake of the 2020 election and Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol by those who sought to stop certification of the election for its winner, President Joe Biden, over former President Donald Trump. Even as Republicans publicly reckoned with the events of Jan. 6, hardline conservatives on the state central committee were pushing for a more ardent supporter of Trump and his politics than the previous chair, who was hand-picked by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.Instead, the party got Tracy, another Rauner ally who served as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board during the one-term governor's administration. Tracy had unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor in 2010, and in 2002, he lost a bid for a state Senate seat – but as a Democrat.Tracy's electoral history, as well as his experience as an attorney and co-owner of his family's food distribution business, fit the mold of previous ILGOP chairs in a state where fiscally conservative and socially moderate suburban Republicans for decades were a political powerhouse.But as Republican politics have changed both nationally and in Illinois, Tracy's run as party chair proved tumultuous.Additionally, Tracy wrote that he was “concerned about the current infatuation” of some state central committee members “with certain individuals they call ‘grass roots' leaders.”One such self-proclaimed grassroots Republican, former state Sen. Darren Bailey, celebrated Tracy's resignation on social media Wednesday, calling it a “cleansing” of the state GOP.“Fake republicans got us into this mess,” wrote Bailey, who earlier this year lost a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022. “Real Republicans standing firm will get us out!!!”Read more: Dems seek unity as new, former chair take no questions from media after party voteDemocrats panned the state GOP as “defined by a litany of electoral disasters, constant infighting, meager fundraising, and a strict adherence to a losing set of anti-choice, anti-worker, pro-Trump policies.”“While we don't expect new leadership to change any of that, we do wish the best of luck to the inevitable MAGA extremist who will succeed Don Tracy as Chair,” the party said.Tracy's letter indicated he would resign upon the election of a successor, “preferably no later than” July 19 – the day after the RNC is scheduled to conclude. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?(Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams)Thursday, June 13, 2024$50M tax credit program will provide up to roughly $300 for low-income familiesBy ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comIn the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although it has exceptions, that credit is generally available to married couples earning up to about $60,000 and single people earning up to about $50,000, depending on the number of children they have. For taxes on 2024 income, the tax credit will cap at just over $300 for tax filers with three or more children who meet certain income requirements. Taxpayers with two children face a cap of about $270 and taxpayers with one child face a cap of about $170. The child tax credit equates to 20 percent of the state's EITC, which allows Illinois taxpayers a credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC. Starting in tax year 2025, the state's child tax credit will double to 40 percent of the state EITC, meaning that it will max out at a bit over $600 for families with three children. Because the federal tax credit that determines its size is tied to inflation, the actual size of future years' child tax credits is yet to be determined. In its first year, the program is expected to cost the state $50 million, with a cost of about $100 million in subsequent years. The idea of a permanent child tax credit in Illinois has been floated for several years, with various proposals being put forward by legislators in the General Assembly as well as advocacy groups and think tanks. Gov. JB Pritzker pitched a child tax credit in his proposed budget earlier this year that was smaller than the version that passed in the final budget. It would have applied to children under three years old and cost about $12 million. Proponents of the idea say that in addition to helping low-income families, programs like this help local economies. “Every dollar we invest in the child tax credit is immediately spent locally,” Erion Malasi, the policy director for Economic Security for Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois. Researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, a labor movement-affiliated think tank, found in a January report that child tax credits have a higher economic impact than cuts to corporate income taxes or to capital gains taxes. That report also cited several research teams that found the temporary expansion to the federal child tax credit between 2021 and 2023 reduced child poverty in the U.S. by between 25 and 36 percent. That credit provided an additional $1,000 per child on top of an existing $2,000 credit, with increases for younger children. State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, sponsored legislation that would have created a $300 million child tax credit program that was more expansive than the version that passed. Aquino told Capitol News Illinois he will be watching the rollout of the child tax credit to see if there is room for an “expansion” in future budget years or if there is a route for the credit to be automatically applied for qualifying taxpayers. The Illinois Department of Revenue is working on guidance for next year's filing season and will provide information about how to claim the child tax credit on its website. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Kansas' Davids lauds court decision on abortion pill; Marshall critiques Democrats' IVF billBY: TIM CARPENTER - JUNE 13, 2024 4:56 PM   U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, applauded a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to turn aside a lawsuit seeking to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to significantly limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of an attempt to undermine the federal Food and Drug Administration's authorization of a widely available abortion medication wouldn't be the final act by opponents of reproductive rights.On Thursday, the Supreme Court said the plaintiffs, comprised of anti-abortion physicians and organizations, didn't have standing to pursue the lawsuit against the FDA aimed at curtailing access to the drug mifepristone. It's possible other plaintiffs capable of showing they were harmed by availability of the pill could challenge FDA approval of the drug. It is used in approximately half of all abortions in the United States.“I will always stand with Kansans who overwhelmingly rejected extremist attempts to limit reproductive health care access,” said Davids, the 3rd District Democrat. “Yet, for the second year in a row, a vital and safe reproductive health care medication was under attack, threatening to strip Kansans' ability to freely make health care decisions that are best for their families and futures.”Davids said the Supreme Court opinion was “a victory for our freedoms,” but the legal fight regarding abortion access was far from over. She vowed to continue opposing attempts to “interfere in our most private health care decisions.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, signed an amicus brief urging federal courts to rule the FDA overstepped its authority years ago in regard to use of mifepristone. U.S. Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, signed a brief that argued the Supreme Court should reverse the FDA.These Kansas lawmakers said the FDA's action to deregulate “chemical abortion drugs” subverted Congress' public policy interests and patient welfare.Mifepristone, which is authorized for up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy, was part of two-drug regimen that included misoprostol as the second pharmaceutical.Meanwhile, both U.S. senators from Kansas, Republicans Jerry Moran and Marshall, voted Thursday to block legislation offered by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois that would affirm the right of women attempting to become pregnant to seek fertility treatments that included in vitro fertilization or IVF.The Senate vote on that measure was 48-47, short of the 60 votes required to advance the measure.On Wednesday, Marshall said the Duckworth bill contained “poison pills” that violated the religious freedom of physicians and would unnecessarily broaden access to reproductive technology. He praised a piece of IVF legislation sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.Marshall, a physician who delivered babies for 30 years in Kansas said, “The country needs to know that Republicans believe in IVF. I happen to believe IVF is a gift from God.”Sean: Unfortunately for Senator Marshall, he doesn't speak for all Republicans, many of whom are far out of the mainstream on whether they believe families should be able to access IVF.And today in unforced errors…Trump tells House Republicans Milwaukee is a ‘horrible city'BY: HENRY REDMAN - JUNE 13, 2024 10:51 AM   Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Wednesday, May 1, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)In a closed door meeting with Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald Trump reportedly called Milwaukee, the location of this summer's Republican National Convention, a “horrible city.” Trump's comments were reported by Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman. “Milwaukee, where we are having our convention, is a horrible city,” Trump is reported to have said on Thursday. The former president visited Wisconsin in May, holding a rally in Waukesha. During that visit, he talked about the RNC coming to Milwaukee, making fun of Democrats — who planned to hold the 2020 Democratic National Convention in the city but canceled it due to the COVID-19 pandemic — for not showing up to the city. Wisconsin's House Republicans responded to the report with varying stories about what happened. Rep. Glenn Grothman told reporters Trump was talking about “election integrity” in large urban centers, Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the report was a lie and that Trump was talking about the city's crime rate and Rep. Bryan Steil denied that Trump made the comment at all.In response to the comment, Democrats said if Trump doesn't like Milwaukee, he doesn't need to come. “If Donald Trump hates Milwaukee so much, we have one message for him: don't come, we won't miss you — your campaign is barely here in the first place,” Democratic National Committee spokesperson Addy Toevs said in a statement. “In November, Wisconsinites will show Trump how the dislike is mutual and will reject him again once and for all.”Other Democrats touted Milwaukee's beer, food and sports teams while connecting the comments to regular Republican attacks against Wisconsin's largest and most diverse city.“Donald Trump attacking the great city of Milwaukee as a ‘horrible city' exactly one month before he shuffles out on stage at the Fiserv reflects the backward, twisted man Donald Trump has always been,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Vice Chair Felesia Martin said. “With entertainment, recreation and a quality of life that is unparalleled — to say nothing of a great basketball team — I am blessed to call Milwaukee home. We're used to Republican politicians like Donald Trump showing nothing but contempt for Milwaukee and the folks who live here: they know our power, and they're afraid of the city we are building here, together. Once again, Trump has demonstrated why he should not be elected to the highest office in the land. He does not possess the discipline, respect, thoughtfulness, nor the maturity necessary to lead our country.”Trump is expected to visit southeastern Wisconsin again next week, for a planned rally in Racine on Tuesday. Because he knows if he wants to be president again, he has to win there. Wild. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

For several weeks, much media attention has focused on reports of flags flown outside the primary residence and vacation home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. Several publications assert that the flags are associated with support for the “Stop the Steal” movement, Christian nationalism, and/or the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.These reports have led some reporters and lawmakers to question the impartiality of Justice Alito in cases involving former President Trump, and/or January 6 defendants. Justice Alito has issued statements directly addressing these reports and has not recused himself from any cases. On this topic, the Chief Justice declined a request for a meeting from two Democratic U.S. Senators, stating, in part, that "the format proposed - a meeting with leaders of only one party who have expressed an interest in matters currently pending before the Court - simply underscores that participating in such a meeting would be inadvisable."Is this latest media coverage and Congressional interest part of a growing trend to target certain members of the Court? Is the legitimacy of the Court itself being called into question? This program will address the contentions made against Justice Alito and the broader implications for journalism, professional ethics, separation of powers, and future respect for the Supreme Court as an essential American institution.Featuring: Dan Mclaughlin, Senior Writer, National Review Online Allyson Newton Ho, Partner & Co-Chair, Constitutional and Apellate Law Practice Group, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: A significant announcement about border policy, likely placing limits on daily asylum requests, is expected today: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/nation-world/biden-prepares-tough-executive-order-that-would-shut-down-asylum-after-2500-migrants-arrive-a-day/507-8e827a7f-ae75-4ce7-b53d-d984894db159 The temporary Texas block on new federal ATF rules expanding requirements of background checks during private firearms sales appears to have ended: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/new-gun-law-texas-pause-appears-to-end-following-lawsuit/269-dcef5b01-b4ca-47b6-ad5a-d79539fb0e93 ...Texas Gun Sense invites you to sign on to an open letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton, condemning his efforts to keep firearms purchases for felons and abusers easy: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1a_hfP8dEyWgbJD5O5IMdgqNu3JzxpSmCjcXm0b6Tpy8/viewform?ts=665a164a&edit_requested=true Two UT Austin professors have joined the state's lawsuit fighting against expanded Title IX protections against sexual abuse and discrimination - but focus on opposing their students' abortion rights: https://www.universityherald.com/articles/78970/20240604/ut-austin-professors-join-lawsuit-against-new-title-ix-regulations.htm ...Current Texas abortion law hinges on the intimidation of doctors, for whom every call for abortion care could spell prison and more: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/06/texas-abortion-ban-horror-blame-doctors-medical-catastrophe.html ...Lawsuit plaintiff Jessica Bernardo recommends that pregnant Texans, if they can, set aside money in case they need to flee the state for reproductive care: https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/-have-a-back-up-plan-warns-plaintiff-after-texas-supreme-court-rejects-challenge-to-abortion-law-212169285571 ...Lawsuit plaintiff Lauren Miller recalls the fear she saw in her Texas doctors, and places the blame on Donald Trump: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/06/texas-abortion-ban-horror-blame-doctors-medical-catastrophe.html ...Lawsuit lead plaintiff Amanda Zurawski will join Progress Texas for a live podcast taping on Thursday in El Paso: https://progresstexas.org/blog/live-texas-democratic-party-convention-abortion-and-our-freedoms-2024 Good news: the national Democratic Party is dedicating significant resources to Colin Allred's campaign against Ted Cruz: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/04/texas-us-senate-2024-colin-allred-ted-cruz-beto-orourke/ Bad news: the national Republican Party is dedicating increased resources to flipping the seat of indicted Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/03/republican-cuellar-investment Pride Month is underway! Our D'Angelo Colter has a great history and rundown of events statewide through the annual month of celebration: https://progresstexas.org/blog/deep-heart-pride-celebration-pride-month-texas Progress Texas could use your help in funding our trip to June's Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso - thanks in advance! https://progresstexas.org/donate Progress Texas invites progressive candidates to share their views with us - which we'll then share with our statewide audience - via our Certified Progressive questionnaire: https://progresstexas.org/blog/progress-texas-certified-progressives-2024-progressive-values-questionnaire Instagram users: be sure to enable political content on that platform, which has begun opting users out: https://x.com/ProgressTX/status/1771276124498100667?s=20 Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work this election year at https://progresstexas.org/.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: A large group of state attorneys general is calling on the U.S. Justice Department to probe the murder of BLM protestor Garrett Foster and the pardoning of his killer, Daniel Perry, by Governor Abbott earlier this month: https://www.reuters.com/legal/federal-probe-urged-black-lives-matter-protest-killing-after-texas-pardon-2024-05-29/ A new investigation finds that Attorney General Ken Paxton has been stretching the limits of consumer protection laws to harass political targets: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/30/ken-paxton-texas-ag-political-targets-health-care-lgbtq/ Democratic U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, already indicted in a bribery case, is now being scrutinized by the U.S. House Ethics Committee: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-ethics-committee-opens-investigation-rep-henry-cuellar-rcna154602 Houston U.S. Representative Al Green is calling on federal agencies to investigate alleged rerouting of Texas public school funds to out-of-state charter schools founded by Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles: https://x.com/TxEdHouston/status/1796000397443596498?t=KqkTao7dL7mULu8qdBLWng&s=03 The most extreme right wing of the Texas Republican Party fell just short of a coup of next year's legislative session - not that they'll stop trying: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/29/us/texas-republican-primaries-dade-phelan.html The "mudsill theory of labor", used to justify slavery before the Civil War, underpins many of the crazy things Republicans push for these days: https://newrepublic.com/article/181939/republicans-want-permanent-economic-underclass Coming to the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso? Get there early enough on Thursday June 6 to join us for our Abortion And Our Freedoms 2024 panel, featuring reproductive rights advocate Amanda Zurawski, TX-15 Congressional candidate and Progress Texas endorsee Michelle Vallejo, and repro rights icon and current Planned Parenthood Senior Advisor Wendy Davis! 5pm to 6pm (MOUNTAIN time, mind you) in Juarez B of the El Paso Convention Center: https://www.mobilize.us/texasdemocrats/event/628166/ Progress Texas could use your help in funding our trip to June's Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso - thanks in advance! https://progresstexas.org/donate Progress Texas invites progressive candidates to share their views with us - which we'll then share with our statewide audience - via our Certified Progressive questionnaire: https://progresstexas.org/blog/progress-texas-certified-progressives-2024-progressive-values-questionnaire Instagram users: be sure to enable political content on that platform, which has begun opting users out: https://x.com/ProgressTX/status/1771276124498100667?s=20 Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work this election year at https://progresstexas.org/.

This week on Political Breakfast, we've got a full spread of politics. Strategists Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam and start with the fallout in Washington, after Georgia GOP Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to oust fellow GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson. It was quite a sting for Greene when the House swiftly turned down her effort to remove Johnson. Tired of chaos, many fellow Republicans, including Georgia representatives, took aim at Greene. She's still loved by Donald Trump, but has her star begun to fade?Plus, former Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan endorses Joe Biden. The team discusses what that may mean for his political future.And former Democratic U.S. Rep. John Barrow is using abortion rights to campaign in the race for a seat on Georgia's Supreme Court. Right or wrong? Brian and Tharon share their thoughts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heavy rains led to severe flooding in parts of Harris County and counties to the north, prompting evacuations, boat rescues and substantial property damage. We’ll get an update on the latest.Texans voted in numerous municipal elections over the weekend. How some closely watched races turned out.Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife were indicted […] The post What we know about the bribery charges faced by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After serving nearly 30 years in Congress, Democratic U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer announced last fall that he wouldn’t run for reelection. That leaves an open field for Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District primary this May. We’ll hear from the three most prominent candidates vying for the Democratic nomination: Maxine Dexter is a pulmonologist who represented Northwest Portland in the Oregon House of Representatives; Susheela Jayapal formerly represented District 2 on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners; and Eddy Morales is a member of the Gresham City Council. They join us to share why they’re running and what they hope to accomplish if elected.

On this week's Political Breakfast, it's Republican strategist Brian Robinson, host Lisa Rayam and Atlanta Civic Circle director Saba Long, who's filling-in for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson. The crew discusses former President Donald Trump returning to Georgia for a luncheon in Atlanta on Wednesday.Big Georgia money will flow into Trump's campaign from this luncheon. Just a photo with the former president costs 25 thousand dollars per couple. Among those hosting: former U.S. GOP Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.Both lost their 2021 runoffs to Democratic U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and are coming back as Trump allies. We weigh-in on the significance of this event, Trump's overall momentum in Georgia, and which voters will determine this November election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.