Podcasts about endangered species act

i. Constitution We Believe 1. We believe the First Amendment's Establishment Clause was intended to prevent a federal government-sponsored or preferred religion, not to separate God from our government or to remove religion from public life; therefore, we affirm our right under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to exercise our freedom of speech including religious speech. 2. We believe the Second Amendment is an individual right of the citizens of the United States to keep and bear arms; therefore, we oppose any attempts, whether by law or regulation at any level of government, to restrict any citizen's right to keep and bear arms (open or concealed), to restrict access to ammunition, or to record the purchase thereof. 3. We believe the United States Constitution directs the judiciary to interpret law, not make law or create law through judicial activism. 4. We believe in the concept that Congress shall make no law that applies to citizens of the United States that does not apply to the Senators and Representatives. 5. We believe in the concept of nullification as a legitimate tool for adjudicating disputes between the states and the federal government when the federal government enacts a law clearly not in pursuance of the constitution and powers delegated in Art. I, Sec. 8. 6. We believe in the Tenth Amendment that provides "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people," and we oppose any attempt by the federal government to intrude on state's rights. 7. We believe the Constitution provides for a clear and distinct separation of powers among the three branches of government. Any governmental action that tends to promote or allow one branch of government to practice the power or powers of the other branches of government is a violation of the limits placed on government by the people. 8. We believe in the duty and obligation of the federal government and the State of Oklahoma to adhere to and respect treaties between the federal government and the Indian tribes. We Support 1. We support the display of Judeo-Christian religious symbols, including the Ten Commandments in public places. 2. We support legislation that will protect gun and ammunition manufacturers or resellers from lawsuits attempting to hold the manufacturers or resellers liable for misuse of guns. 3. We support requiring that candidates for president present public proof of qualification in accordance with the Constitution at the time of filing, through the election board of each state. 4. We support a US Constitutional Amendment requiring a balanced budget. 18 5. We support a US Constitutional Amendment instituting term limits for all elected members of Congress. 6. We support a U.S. Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. 7. We support a requirement that each piece of legislation only address one issue. 8. We support the review and minimization of the Endangered Species Act. 9. We support the abolishment, or reduction and restructuring, of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, IRS, CIA, ATF, FBI, FEMA, NSA, DHS, CDC, and the Department of Labor and their powers and responsibilities distributed to state authority. 10. We support the protection of public and private sector whistleblowers who have firsthand information. 11. We support union's refunding dues used for partisan political activity. 12. We support the right of private associations to admit or deny membership based on what each association's conscience dictates. 13. We support an English Language Act, which would make English our official language in the United States. 14. We support the idea that when U.S. Conference Committees meet, they should consider only those terms submitted from the House and Senate, with no additional expenditures and items added. 15. We support the preservation of the National Day of Prayer. 16. We support legislation to limit the power of federal regulatory agencies. 17. We support the identification of persons as citizens or non-citizens in the census. We Oppose 1. We oppose any federal taxation on firearms, ammunition, or accessories and/or confiscation of firearms, ammunition, or accessories. 2. We oppose universal background checks and red flag laws for firearm purchases. 3. We oppose any legislation that would require the use of trigger or other locking devices on firearms. 4. We oppose any so-called "assault" weapons ban and any effort to register or restrict firearms, ammunition, or magazines. 5. We oppose legislation that would require gun owners to purchase insurance policies covering the misuse of their firearms. 6. We oppose the Patriot Act and the NDAA' s Sections 1021 and 1022, which allow American citizens, 19 except for enemy combatants, to be held indefinitely without due process, and call for its repeal. 7. We oppose court decisions based on any foreign law, such as Sharia Law, U.N. regulations and other international organizations, instead of U.S. law and Constitutional doctrine. 8. We oppose the creation of a new federal internal security force. 9. We oppose federal wage caps. 10. We oppose Statehood for the District of Columbia and allowing its representative a vote in Congress. 11. We oppose the appointment and funding of presidential "czars." 12. We oppose any attempts by the Federal Government to reinstitute the "Fairness Doctrine" or institute "Net Neutrality." 13. We oppose the construct of "Free Speech or Safe Zones." 14. We oppose national injunctions by federal district courts. 15. We oppose the use and sharing of data from Automated License Plate Readers as an infringement on our 4th amendment protected rights. ii. Criminal Justice We Believe 1. The rights of victims and their families must be protected in criminal proceedings, with notice and opportunity to attend all proceedings related to the crime(s) against them. 2. Restitution by the convicted criminal should be ordered to be made to the victim (or his estate) to compensate for losses and damages incurred as a result of the crime(s) committed. 3. The death penalty must be retained as an available punishment in appropriate cases. 4. Inmates who abuse the legal system by filing repeated frivolous claims should receive appropriate punishments for their misconduct. 5. Decisions on prison reform should be made by the Legislature after consultation with district attorneys, prison officials, and other interested parties, with the view towards stopping criminal behavior early, rather than adopting permissive treatment of low-level crimes which may deceive or encourage a young adult to continue on the wrong path under the mistaken assumption that there will be no consequences for criminal behavior. Consideration of incentives for first-time or youthful offenders who refrain from further misconduct may be a useful option to be considered in designing such reforms. 6. We believe in due process and that no one should be deprived of life, liberty, or property by the government or its agents without either being found guilty by a jury or pleading guilty of a crime. We therefore oppose the practice of civil asset forfeiture. 20 We Support 1. We support the repeal of The Oklahoma Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion Program as it is unconstitutional at the state and federal level. We Oppose 1. We oppose the monitoring, surveillance and tracking of United States citizens without a lawfully obtained warrant. iii. Federal & State Elections Preamble: The foundation of our representative-republic is honest elections. The Oklahoma Republican Party is committed to preserving every legally eligible Oklahoman's right to vote. We support only day of in-person voting as written in the Constitutions with limited exceptions to protect voting rights for the elderly, the disabled, military members, and all other eligible voters. We urge all elected officials around our state to take all necessary steps to ensure that voters may cast their ballots in a timely and secure manner. Security and transparency shall take precedence over convenience to ensure honest and fair, local, state, and federal elections. We Believe 1. We believe in fair and honest election procedures. 2. We believe equal suffrage for all United States citizens of voting age. 3. We believe in the constitutional authority of state legislatures to regulate voting. We Support 1. We support a bit-by-bit forensic audit of all electronic devices, including but not limited to servers, ballot machines, and paper ballots throughout the state immediately before and after each election. 2. We support vigorous enforcement of all our election laws as written and oppose any laws, lawsuits, and judicial decisions that make voter fraud difficult to deter, detect, or prosecute. 3. We support full enforcement of all voter ID laws currently enacted. 4. We support felony status for willful violations of the election code and increasing penalty for voter fraud from a misdemeanor back to a felony. 5. We support consolidating elections to primary, runoff, special, and general election. 6. We support sequentially numbered and signed ballots to deter counterfeiting. 7. We support expanding the Attorney General's staff for investigating election crimes and restoring the ability of the Attorney General to prosecute any election crimes. 8. We support the ability for civil lawsuits to be filed for election fraud or officials' failure to follow the Oklahoma Election Code. 21 9. We support allowing trained poll watchers from anywhere in Oklahoma with local party or candidate approval. 10. We support creating processes that will allow rapid adjudication of election law violations. 11. We support requiring voters to re-register if they have not voted in a five-year period. 12. We support requiring proof of residency, citizenship, and voter registration via photo ID for each voter. 13. We support retaining the 25-day registration deadline. 14. We support requiring a list of certified deaths be provided to the Secretary of State for the names of deceased voters to be removed from the list of registered voters, with checks every third year of the voter rolls to ensure all currently registered voters are eligible. 15. We support giving the Secretary of State enforcement authority to ensure county registrar compliance with Secretary of State directives. 16. We support protecting the integrity of the Republican Primary Election by requiring a closed primary system in Oklahoma. 17. We support drawing districts based on eligible voters, not pure population. Districts should be geographically compact when possible 18. We support hand counting of ballots. 19. We support recalls, audits, recounts, and irregularity and fraud investigations requested within 45 days of an election. 20. We support verification of United States citizenship for voting or registering to vote. 21. We support elections run by United States citizens. 22. We support counts to be posted on Precinct doors. We Oppose 1. We oppose internet voting, the use of tabulation machines and electronic voting machines of any kind for public office and any ballot measure. 2. We oppose all motor voter laws, automatic voter registration (AVR), and all forms of electronic databases, such as ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) and all third-party registration vendors. 3. We oppose all federal legislation, including but not limited to the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, which nullifies the 10th Amendment of the Bill of Rights. 22 4. We oppose unlawful voting, illegal assistance, or ineligible people voting in our national, state, and local elections. 5. We oppose ranked choice voting. 6. We oppose any identification of citizens by race, origin, creed, sexuality, or lifestyle choices and oppose the use of any such identification for the purposes of creating voting districts. We urge that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 be repealed. 7. We oppose any redistricting map that is unfair to conservative candidates in the Primary or the General Election. 8. We oppose the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and any other scheme to abolish or distort the procedures of the Electoral College. 9. We oppose after-hours voting C. Natural Resources We Believe 1. We believe dependence on foreign energy sources is a national security issue. 2. We believe governments should ease restrictions in the search for energy and other natural resources. 3. We believe the federal agricultural appropriations should accurately show the percentage of money set aside for non-agricultural programs such as school lunch programs and food stamps. 4. We believe the responsible use of natural resources is essential for the benefit of future generations. We Support 1. We support the creation and enactment of a national energy policy to reduce dependence on foreign sources. 2. We support the private expansion of oil and gas exploration and refining capacity. 3. We support the exportation of U.S. petroleum products. 4. We support labeling of all food and fiber with country-of-origin labeling. Further, only products born, raised, slaughtered, and processed or sprouted, harvested, grown, and processed in this country should receive a U.S. label. 5. We support energy policy based on private development, efficient use and expansion of current resources such as fossil fuels, clean coal, and nuclear energy; and exploration and efficient use of other resources such as biofuels, wind, solar and water energy. 6. We support ending all federal and state subsidies, including tax credits, for industrial renewable 23 energy, including but not limited to, wind and solar. 7. We support the rights of individuals and businesses to refuse the installation of smart meters without penalties. 8. We support the right of states to provide water for present and future use within their borders by state residents before they can be designated for use to other states. 9. We support environmental recommendations that are based on sound science, that respect and protect the rights of property owners, and that do not impose unreasonable burdens on Oklahoma citizens or businesses. 10. We support more use of coal and natural gas to be used in the production of electricity. 11. We support the use of modular nuclear, or small natural gas fired generation facilities to be built close to high demand facilities to greatly reduce the need for long and expensive transmission lines. 12. We support mandatory country-of-origin labeling of meat products and that a country-of-origin label that states in any way that it is a product of the USA must be of the following requirements: Born, raised, harvested, packaged & processed in the USA. 13. We support The Packers and Stockyards Act and the enforcement of anti-trust laws. 14. We support private property rights and call for appropriate legislation to prohibit the use of eminent domain by private companies. 15. We stand with Oklahoma and her property owners against the Green Agenda. We Oppose 1. We oppose government curbs, moratoriums, punitive taxes and fees on our domestic oil and gas industry. 2. We oppose states selling water rights to out-of-state buyers. 3. We oppose the use of eminent domain for any water sale. 4. We oppose human rights for animals. 5. We oppose livestock taxation. 6. We oppose legislation that restricts or regulates family farms or farmers' markets. 7. We oppose restrictive regulation of carbon and particulate matter emissions in agriculture. 8. We oppose the "Cap and Trade" system for carbon dioxide. 9. We oppose the UN's Agenda 21, aka UN 2030, as a coordinated effort to relinquish the sovereignty of the United States to foreign powers. 24 10. We oppose the purchase or ownership of land by a foreign government or entity. 11. We oppose the production, selling, and labeling of a product that is an alternative protein source claiming to be meat, otherwise known as or referred to as fake meat, and labeling such product as meat, beef, burger, steak, or any other name given to an actual meat protein source derived from the production and slaughter of livestock. 12. We oppose current regulations that allow foreign beef to enter the U.S. and be packaged, repackaged, or commingled with domestic product and then labeled a product of the USA. 13. We oppose the theory that cow flatulence, belching, or any process of enteric fermentation that is said to emit methane or a greenhouse gas that some link to the theory of global warming is some sort of detriment threat to the environment. 14. We oppose any form of carbon tracking solutions imposed on farmers and ranchers that will ultimately lead to more costly and burdensome regulations. 15. We oppose NACs (natural asset companies) or similar companies derived by investors, the SEC, or any other entity that wishes to monetize, trade natural outputs, or otherwise maximize ecological performance in such a way that any company can control the management of public or private lands quantifying outputs of natural resources such as air and water. 16. We oppose any effort of the federal government to have any role in animal care or husbandry. 17. We oppose mandates or restrictions on the use of antibiotics for farm or veterinary use. 18. We oppose mandatory Electronic Identification device (EID) tags on livestock, birds, and animals. D. National Issues i. Defense We Believe 1. We believe that a strong national defense should be fully funded, provide sufficient compensation, educational opportunities, quality training, and the best equipment for our armed forces. 2. We believe any educational institution that inhibits the normal operations of ROTC or military recruiters should be ineligible for government funding. 3. We believe foreign enemies who have committed or planned acts of aggression against the U.S. are unlawful enemy combatants and are not entitled to citizenship rights under the U.S. Constitution. We believe they should be held in detention facilities such as Guantanamo Bay, not the U.S. Prisons Systems, and their cases adjudicated by military tribunals, not by U.S. Criminal Courts. 4. We believe Congress and the President should refrain from weakening the military through changes to the Uniform Coe of Military Justice. The military should be allowed to maintain its high level of honesty, integrity, morality, and operational capabilities. 25 5. We believe in the complete accounting of all MIAs and POWs that were engaged in military actions by the United States. We Support 1. We support maintaining a strong national defense and advocate "peace through strength", with a combat ready and capable force. 2. We support the right of the military's internal determination of who is qualified to perform the various roles and functions of each branch of the uniformed armed services. 3. We support veterans' and survivors' benefits, and to receive top quality health care. We support the reform of the Veteran's Administration and the use of private facilities when appropriate. 4. We support helping our veterans to succeed in their return to civilian life in medical care, mental health care, education, housing, and employment assistance. 5. We support the freedom of military chaplains to provide religious services including freedom of worship according to their faith. 6. We support and encourage continued public and privately funded exploration of space. 7. We support returning to "Don't Ask Don't Tell" for the military of the United States. We Oppose 1. We oppose re-instituting the draft except in time of war as declared by Congress. 2. We oppose drafting females into U.S. military service. 3. We oppose the military use of U.S. troops under foreign command except joint operations. 4. We oppose the erosion of our military's readiness through "gender norming" for training and promotion. 5. We oppose the further reduction of benefits and entitlements to service members, former service members, and their families. 6. We oppose halting military pay during US government shutdowns. ii. Foreign Relations We Support 1. We support economic stability be it in the U.S. or Internationally 2. We support the dollar as the principal currency of the world. 3. We support equal access of U.S. products to global markets and the elimination of trade barriers. 26 4. We support withdrawing from treaties and agreements, such as the Kyoto Treaty, and the Paris Climate Accord, that hamper the U.S. economy and compromises freedoms We Oppose 1. We oppose the Chinese Communist Party and any other governments that are manipulators of the U.S. dollar and exchange rates at the expense of U.S. National Security as well as economic stability. 2. We oppose paying into UN programs that are against American principles and freedoms. 3. We oppose any doctrines that infringe upon U.S. Sovereignty and the Sovereignty of U.S. allies such as Israel, the Ukraine, and Taiwan. 4. We oppose terrorism and any nations that sponsor terroristic organizations and groups that are anti-U.S. such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. 5. We oppose the sale of technology by U.S. Corporations to terrorist and enemy nations. 6. We oppose the transfer of U.S. taxpayer wealth to any foreign governments under the umbrella of foreign, humanitarian aid, scientific research, and military assistance for non-U.S. interests. 7. We oppose the principles of the World Economic Forum to devalue the U.S. dollar and do not accept them as a body of global governance. 8. We oppose the creation of the Transatlantic Common Market 9. We oppose any United Nations Programs that seek a "world order" over the Earth's population and U.N. policies that are forced over the world's nations. 10. We oppose the World Health Organization's policies over U.S. citizens and setting precedent for the U.S. medical community. 11. We oppose foreign control over any ports or bases within the jurisdiction of the United States. 12. We oppose any actions taken by previous administrations that relinquish U.S. sovereignty and control over U.S. data and private communications. iii. Immigration We Support 1. We support limited legal immigration and embrace legal immigrants who choose to assimilate to our American culture, language, and values. 2. We support securing our borders against illegal immigrants and potential enemies of the United States including building a wall or barrier on our southern border. 3. We support legal requirements for citizenship, excluding provisions for birthright citizenship to children of illegal residents. 27 4. We support a strictly regulated and enforced guest worker program. Legal guest workers should assume social costs, such as education and health care for themselves and their dependents. 5. We support the method for determining the number of immigrants and temporary visa holders allowed in the United States should be revised to prevent an adverse effect on our national security, wages, housing, environment, medical care, or schools. 6. We support that the U.S. government should vigorously enforce and demand that all local law enforcement agencies uphold and enforce all federal laws concerning illegal immigration. We particularly support the work of the men and women of Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and US Border Patrol and Protection. 7. We support the elimination of sanctuary cities for illegal aliens and the defunding of any government entity which declares itself a sanctuary city. 8. We support strong enforcement of state and federal laws dealing with illegal aliens. 9. We support substantial state fines for employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. 10. We support issuing driver's license only to citizens and others who reside here legally, and not to illegal aliens. We Oppose 1. We oppose illegal aliens being given the same privileges as U.S. citizens or legal aliens, including entitlements such as Social Security, health care (excepting trauma care), education, and earned income tax credits. State government social programs should be available only to citizens and legal residents of the United States. 2. We oppose any form of blanket amnesty. 3. We oppose legal immigrants overstaying their visas. 4. We oppose a "path to citizenship" that would grant citizenship to illegal aliens faster than to immigrants who have come to the United States through legal means. E. State Issues i. State Legislature We Believe 1. We believe all bills should be limited to one issue. 2. We believe that it is the responsibility of individual legislators to read and to be knowledgeable of all pieces of legislation prior to voting. 3. We believe that all state-tribal compacts and agreements should require the approval of both houses of the legislature in addition to the ten-member Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations. 28 4. We believe Oklahoma shall participate only in programs or plans that protect private property rights and encourage citizens to develop their property in a manner that does not harm others. 5. We believe Oklahoma should not participate in any global ID initiatives and should prohibit the introduction of a radio frequency identification device (RFID) in any state-issued identification card. 6. We believe the Oklahoma Lottery should be repealed. 7. We believe a fee shall be defined as funds collected for voluntary use of government service, be used exclusively for that service, and not to exceed the cost of that service. We Support 1. We support any legislation that protects our rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. 2. We support an explanation of the specific Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutional authority when filing a bill. 3. We support full funding of all state retirement systems. 4. We support legislation rescinding Oklahoma's previous calls for a U.S. Constitutional Convention. 5. We support the state and any county, municipality, city, town, school or any other political subdivision to display, in its public buildings and on its grounds, replicas of United States historical documents including, but not limited to, the Ten Commandments, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, Oklahoma Constitution and other historically significant documents in the form of statues, monuments, memorials, tablets or any other display that respects the dignity and solemnity of such documents. Such documents shall be displayed in a manner consistent with the context of other documents contained in such display. 6. We support full protection of U.S. Second Amendment rights in Oklahoma by amending the Oklahoma Constitution to mirror the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. 7. We support maintaining the Constitutional Carry law in Oklahoma statute. 8. We support the ability of state law enforcement to restore the peace and protect Oklahoma citizens through the arrest and prosecution of any persons/agents attempting to inflict unconstitutional laws/mandates on its citizens. 9. We support the fundamental right to own and to enjoy our private property and we oppose restrictions or losses of that right. 10. We support fair, just, and timely compensation for property owners when governmental regulations limit property use. 11. We support driver's license photos of a lower resolution that is perfectly adequate for visual identification, but not for biometric tracking. 12. We support the repeal of mandatory fingerprinting or other traceable biometric information, and 29 we oppose the maintenance of a biometric database, in connection with an application for a driver's license or government ID. 13. We support lawsuit reform including but not limited to "loser pays". 14. We support amending the current Right to Farm law to explicitly allow for expansion, production, technological changes, and measures to protect these activities. 15. We support the Unmanned Surveillance Act which prohibits the use of a drone when no warrant has been issued. 16. We support a state constitutional amendment requiring judges to inform jurors of their duty to judge the law (nullification); and prohibiting judges and district attorneys from infringing on the rights of the defense to inform the jury of this duty. 17. We support amending the Oklahoma Constitution to remove the unelected Judicial Nominating Commission and adopt the federal model authorizing the Governor to appoint Oklahoma appellate judges with confirmation by the Oklahoma State Senate. 18. We support the oversight and regulation of the medical marijuana industry for medical purposes only. 19. We support the state and its citizens maintaining control of all transportation instead of selling or leasing control of that right to foreign entities, corporations, private/public partnerships, or other states. 20. We support efficient and necessary spending on our state, county, and local roads and bridges because they are essential for economic growth and development. 21. We support a moratorium on creation of additional turnpikes in Oklahoma until existing turnpikes in Oklahoma have generated enough toll revenue based upon an independent audit to repay their original costs, are conveyed to state ownership, and converted to toll-free roads. 22. We support the elimination of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and all tolls. We Oppose 1. We oppose the final passage of any legislation before the full text has been read. 2. We oppose the concept of claiming property as "blighted" as a reason for taking land. 3. We oppose allowing state agencies to hire lobbyists to lobby other state agencies or the legislature. 4. We oppose animal ID programs by the government, leaving it up to the free market. 5. We oppose the expansion of gambling in any form in Oklahoma. 30 ii. State Agencies, State, County, and Local Government We Believe 1. We believe in transparent and honest government in the Oklahoma Legislature, all legislative committees, and in state and county agencies. 2. We believe all state agencies should be made accountable for maintenance of their records and accurate enforcement of rules, policies, and regulations. 3. We believe all government officials, including judges, who act in violation of the U.S. or Oklahoma Constitution should be impeached and removed from office in a timely manner. 4. We believe the Attorney General should be removed from the District Attorney's Council so that locally elected officials have the proper degree of autonomy. 5. We believe that no governmental agency or private business should require from any citizen any information that is not essential to the direct performance of the agency's/ business's operation or mandate. We Support 1. We support reducing the size of state government to allow citizens to do those things that people can do best for themselves. 2. We support legislative efforts to repeal outdated and irrelevant statutes in keeping with the philosophy of smaller government and support the elimination or consolidation of redundant authorities, boards, commissions, and agencies. 3. We support providing an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings and Records Act and with audit findings. 4. We support external annual performance and financial audits. The auditor shall not be selected by the audited agencies. 5. We support public disclosure of all financial records of public institutions including trusts, authorities, libraries, community foundations, all state retirement funds, and teacher retirement funds. 6. We support the Whistleblower Act which protects all public employees, including higher education employees. 7. We support all elected and appointed officials to aggressively uncover, remedy, and prosecute all waste, fraud, and abuse in government including the elimination of all unnecessary state agencies. 8. We support the repeal of Title 11, Section 22-104.1 of the OK Statutes, which enables a municipal corporation to engage in any business it is authorized to license. 9. We support mandatory random drug testing for all employees of the State of Oklahoma and recipients of public assistance with sanctions for positive test results. 31 10. We support and call on the Attorney General to vigorously enforce Article XXII, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution which prohibits foreign governments from owning businesses or real estate in Oklahoma. 11. We support that the state of Oklahoma shall not exercise any eminent domain action until at least 90% of affected property holders/interests has been acquired without the threat of eminent domain. 12. We support enforcement of state and federal Anti-Trust laws regulating the mergers of domestic and foreign corporations that create monopolies resulting in a loss of competition, and detrimental to Oklahoma entities. We Oppose 1. We oppose any exemptions to the current Open Meetings and Open Records Act. 2. We oppose unfunded mandates by the State Legislature and state agencies. 3. We oppose the declaration of a United Nations Day in Oklahoma. 4. We oppose legislative actions that would alter current county government structures (i.e. Home Rule). 5. We oppose self-serving legislation and conflict of interest legislation. 32   2025 Oklahoma Republican Party Platform Committee Casey Wooley, Chair Lori Gracey , Vice-Chair Patricia Pope – Blaine Bryan Morris – Canadian Rachel Ruiz – Canadian John Spencer – Canadian LeRoss Apple – Cimarron Bruce Fleming – Cleveland Sherrie Hamilton – Haskell Gary Voelkers – Kay Julie Collier – McClain Leslie Mahan – Oklahoma Ruth Foote – Oklahoma Mark Harris – Oklahoma Robert Scott – Okmulgee Jason Shilling – Payne Mishela DeBoer – Rogers Patricia Lyle – Rogers John Doak – Tulsa April Dawn Brown – Garvin Amanda Bergerson – Logan Michelle Wax – Carter Jana Belcher – Grady

This week — too often, people with mental health challenges or substance use disorder wind up in jail. But crisis response teams offer another way.Also, changes to the Endangered Species Act could benefit big business. They could also kill animals like the eastern hellbender.And, in troubled times, a West Virginia writer says to find peace in nature. We talk about her collection of essays. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

Below are the stories covered in this episode with links to the original reporting for further reading: Woman dead in suspected mountain‑lion attack after solo New Year's hike in Colorado (People) – people.com Feds threaten to revoke Colorado's authority to manage wolves (CPR) – cpr.org Proposed rules to revise Endangered Species Act regulations (WMI Outdoor News Bulletin) – wildlifemanagement.institute Federal policy roundup: shutdown ends and BLM director nominated (Backcountry Hunters & Anglers) – backcountryhunters.org Pet & Livestock Protection Act to delist gray wolves (Congress.gov) – congress.gov $15,000 reward in Missouri elk poaching case (RMEF) – rmef.org Second Louisiana black bear hunting season concludes with 16 bears taken (LDWF) – wlf.louisiana.gov Florida wildlife groups decry state‑sanctioned bear hunt (The Guardian) – theguardian.com @HuntingStoriesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hunting Stories Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*The cattle market has recovered and rebounded.   *A steer in Briscoe County has tested positive for anthrax.  *Second and third year veterinary students can apply for the Texas Farm Bureau's rural veterinary scholarship. *There have been many improvements in cattle handling.  *The Endangered Species Act has affected pesticide usage.  *A group of Texas farmers and ranchers are in California this week. *January is junior livestock show time in the Coastal Bend.  *New traceability rules went into effect about a year ago. 

The US House of Representatives has voted to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list, a decision supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

After a month of being ridged with displeasure and no snow, a series of atmospheric rivers dumps buckets of rain before changing to snow, finally delivering major dumpage to Tahoe just in time for Christmas. In the final episode of Mind the Track's third season, in Episode 77 the boys recap a month of inversions, brown pow and Tule Fog, contemplate chasing snow up into Canada, shout out the core lords for their 10th Shredmandment recommendations and DOPE or DERP making sound effects when riding your bike or filling uncomfortable silences. Pow Bot gives a gray wolf update, SKI BORG makes an appearance and the boys ask listeners to send in their questions for an upcoming interview with the CEO of Sugar Bowl resort. 2:10 – SKI BORG vs POW BOT5:00 – No snow in Lake Tahoe with a huge storm a-coming just in time for Christmas chaos.8:50 – On an airplane - window shade open or window shade closed?11:00 – Trail Whisperer still hasn't bought a ski pass for the season. 13:55 – All the different taglines describing the snow dry spell in Tahoe. 15:20 – Gnarly Tule Fog in the Central Valley of California for the last month. 16:10 – Washington State flooding – Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain and Mount Baker roads blown out.18:14 – Vail Resorts discounting ski lift tickets and medium range lodge bookings are way down.22:50 – Pow Bot is finally maturing – he isn't frothed out on chasing pow.25:35 – DOPE or DERP – Do you chase the pow north to Canada right now?27:15 – Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series Opener – Truckee Dirt Union raises $120,000!30:40 – Spotify year-end wrap-up statistics for Mind the Track podcast.32:20 – Shout out to Core Lord listener Stavros on Mount Hough in Quincy!35:20 – HOT TIP: If you have poison oak, don't scratch it, use the hottest water you can tolerate to flush the histamines.38:10 – DOPE or DERP – Humming or whistling to fill an uncomfortable silence.42:00 – DOPE or DERP – Making sound effects when you ride your bike.46:10 – Listener Feedback – Finders Keepers stories.49:25 – Atlanta, Georgia is the most surveilled city in the World.50:45 – Pow Bot uses his Garmin watch to find his lost smartphone.56:20 – Listener Feedback – Grocery gear baskets.57:30 – Kurt Refsnider mountain bikes the whole Orogenesis Route – 4,275 miles in 135 days. 59:25 – Sugar Bowl asks if Mind the Track would like to interview the CEO of the ski resort.1:01:40 – Listener Feedback on the 10th Shredmandment. Steve says respect the trailhead.1:05:16 – Liz and Cam – Always be learning and avalanche education.1:06:45 – Stu – Be a capable backcountry skiing partner.1:09:30 – Tony from Lee Vining – Observe, consider and decide. 1:12:30 – Alex – Keep your gear tight. Know how to use a first aid kit.1:13:00 – @patagonia_snow Instagram shouts out Mind the Track and the Butt Vest.1:15:55 – Wolf pulls a crab pot out of water with the buoy and rope to eat the bait.1:20:30 – Gray Wolf is de-listed by the Endangered Species Act.1:25:00 – Cam says Snack Man is DOPE. 1:26:30 – Telluride Ski Patrol is threatening strike, could shut the whole season down.1:33:00 – The unsustainable game of buying a season's pass at a ski resort.

The US Environmental Protection Agency heard testimony in Pittsburgh last week regarding proposed changes to the Clean Water Act. The Trump administration has proposed limiting which waterways can receive federal protection. Pennsylvania is joining a lawsuit against Uber, accusing the rideshare app of deceptive and unfair practices related to its subscription service. A former Lancaster County police officer was sentenced to up to 57 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting three girls in the 1990s. Andrew Scott Selby received the sentencing from a Chester County judge after Lancaster County judges recused themselves to avoid a potential conflict since Selby is a former officer. Hundreds of rapes in the State College area went unreported in public police data for nearly a decade. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is co-leading a bipartisan coalition of 35 Attorneys General who want Meta to stop promoting misleading weight-loss advertising. Cumberland County officials have revealed and installed its America 250 bell, part of the statewide "Bells Across PA" initiative. A 14-year-old Schuylkill County girl will sing the national anthem to kick off the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. And a deeper dive: The Trump Administration plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act, and that could impact the fate of an ancient creature that lives in Pennsylvania-the eastern hellbender salamander. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

White House and Democratic lawmakers weigh in on President Donald Trump's Wednesday night primetime TV year-end address, during which the president highlighted what he sees as his achievements after almost a year in office; Democrats make a last-ditch effort to get a vote to extend expiring Affordable Care Act health insurance premium subsidies; Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announces new rules that aim to prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender youth; President Trump signs an Executive Order to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, to ease restrictions and allow for more research. We will talk about it with Axios reporter Herb Scribner (30); White House says the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been renamed by the board of trustees the Trump-Kennedy Center, but there are questions about whether it would take an act of Congress; House votes to require the gray wolf be removed from the Endangered Species Act list; Pope Leo XIV names a new Catholic Archbishop of New York, who is from Chicago, like the pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're joined by David McGuire, Executive Director of Shark Stewards, an organization dedicated to protecting endangered marine species and the critical ocean habitats they depend on.For more than fifty years, foundational laws such as the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act have served as our nation's safety net for wildlife and wild places. First enacted under President Nixon, these landmark protections have saved countless species from extinction and safeguarded some of the planet's most vital ecosystems.Today, that hard-won legacy is under serious threat. Efforts to weaken or dismantle these laws would create a crisis not only for wildlife, but for the health of our oceans and the coastal communities that rely on them. David is working to defend sharks, rays, and the broader ocean ecosystems they call home.From combating the global shark fin trade to establishing marine protected areas and engaging communities in hands-on science, Shark Stewards advances conservation from local beaches to international policy arenas.https://sharkstewards.org/saving-sharks/

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. Capital Pride Parade 2018 Photo: Ted Eytan Trump administration announces ban on transgender care for minors, with threat to cut funds to hospitals that don't comply; Bay area school districts consider school closures, as parents and educators fear disruption; Republican bill to amend Endangered Species Act could threaten endangered species; Oakland approves contract for license plate surveillance despite residents' fears of misuse by ICE; Trump speech claims he's fixing economy Biden broke, at odds with facts; The post Trump administration to ban transgender care for minors; Bay area school districts consider school closures – December 18, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On Thursday, the full House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. is expected to consider removing the wolf from the endangered species list. This is a conversation Wisconsin has been watching unfold. With more and more deprivation reports coming from south of highway 29 in Wisconsin - what don't we know about Wisconsin wolves? Randy Johnson is the Large Carnivore Specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He talks with Pam Jahnke about what people may not know about wolves today. How do they move? How big are the average packs in Wisconsin, and why are they seemingly moving south? Johnson says they're currently involved in their winter tracking efforts. That's a cooperative activity involving state and federal employees, as well as the general public, looking for tracks wherever they are. Johnson says they're also currently monitoring some 40 Wisconsin wolves that have been fitted with GPS collars. The Pet and Livestock Protection Act will be voted on by the full U.S. House on Thursday., 12/18. H.R. 845 directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue the Department of the Interior’s 2020 final rule that delisted gray wolves in the lower 48 states from the Endangered Species Act and ensures this decision is not subject to judicial review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act, and that could impact the fate of an ancient creature found in Appalachia: the eastern hellbender salamander. The Allegheny Front's Julie Grant recently visited a new preserve dedicated to hellbenders and found not only natural history – but American history. The post New Preserve To Protect Hellbender Salamander, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

After more than 50 years as one of the country's landmark environmental laws, the Endangered Species Act has gone from one of the most popular measures before Congress to one fueling demands that it be revised, if not discarded. The National Parks Traveler is reviewing the Endangered Species Act's work and its record, spotlighting individual species that it's protected, those that it failed, and those that it recovered. The monthslong series comes as ESA champions worry that the push to weaken the law could consign countless animals and plants to the growing list of flora and fauna that, like the Passenger pigeon, are now found only in books and online. The National Park System seems to be the perfect background to explore these questions, as its lands are supposedly the best preserved on the federal landscape. I recently interviewed two wildlife advocates — Jake Li, a vice president with Defenders of Wildlife who spent time working in the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before joining the advocacy group, and Stephanie Adams, director of wildlife at the National Parks Conservation Association. Though the interviews were done separately, the questions were largely the same. What follows is a merging of those two conversations.

Brian Clive of fishqcl.com Tired of winter already? Let’s talk Haida Gwaii in the springtime!!! // Don't miss Three Rivers Marine's Northwest Outdoor Report! // Duckworth Wheelhouse: American Sportsfishing Association's Larry C Phillips Pinniped predation and a Federal solution to a Federally-caused problem: The Marine Mammal Protection Act vs The Endangered Species Act // The Outdoor Line's Really? Where? The hottest report we've heard all week and the techniques YOU need to Succeed!

In our final episode of Season 4, The Best Biome team discusses the state of grasslands conservation in the current year (and what an eventful year it has been). We discuss the most significant threats and daunting challenges that we'll need to meet head on to protect our underappreciated and overlooked ecosystems. Topics include rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act, attacks on research funding, extraction on public lands, the truth behind grazing leases, and much, much more. Of course, we have plenty of good news to share as well! Join us as we bid 2025 farewell and get ready for whatever next year will bring. Note: There is some occasional strong language used in this episode, as a result of our passion about these topics. Primary Sources: Rachel's Sources: Jack Hatzimemos, Georgetown Environmental Law Review, "The Single Most Impactful Day of Deregulation in EPA History", Mar. 20, 2025 More Than Just Parks: "Mike Lee is Still Trying to Steal Your Land", Nov. 5, 2025 Inflation Reduction Act Rollback Tracker **** Columbia Law Climate Backtracker Bill McKibben: The Crucial Years, "A Different Kind of Leader Gives A Different Kind of Speech", Oct. 1, 2025 Heather Cox Richardson, "Letters from an American" Oct. 16, 2025 **** Nicole's Sources: Center for American Progress: "The Trump Administration's Expensive Push to Sell Out Public Lands to the Highest Bidder" Sep. 22, 2025 More Than Just Parks: "Trump Administration Decides Endangered Species Act Will No Longer Be Followed" Nov. 21, 2025 Works for Nature: "Voters Deliver Big Wins for Conservation Funding in 2025." Nov. 10, 2025 H.R. 1: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act https://morethanjustparks.substack.com/p/trump-administration-decides-endangered?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-trump-administrations-expansive-push-to-sell-out-public-lands-to-the-highest-bidder/ Allan's Sources: ProPublica and High Country News, "Wealthy Ranchers Profit from Public Lands", Dec. 2, 2025 Center for Biological Diversity: "Trump Administration sued over attempted removal of BLM's Public Lands Rule" Nov. 10, 2025 NYT: "The US is funding fewer grants in every area of science and and medicine", Dec. 2, 2025. Union for Concerned Scientists: Attacks on Science [Lawfare Litigation Tracker]( This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On our latest show -- the American Bird Conservancy's Hardy Kern explains the threats to the Endangered Species Act — and what we can do to protect it. Plus, we feature a bird from down south that visited New England last week — and Mike O'Connor offers some thoughts on such unexpected bird wanderings.

Telluride Ski Resort opens amid contract negotiations with ski patrol, Trump administration proposes new rules that would weaken Endangered Species Act protections, San Miguel County Commissioners to consider final plan for Society Turn development, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife releases study on the brown-capped rosy finch. 

8/8. Conservation Battles: From the Extinction of the Ivory Bill to the Political Fight over Wolves — Dan Flores — The twentieth century witnessed simultaneous conservation efforts and continuing ecological tragedy, notably the probable extinction of the iconic ivory-billed woodpecker following industrial logging of its remaining habitat. Florescredits Rachel Carson's Silent Spring with catalyzing public ecological awareness, contributing to landmark legislation including the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Flores emphasizes that despite compelling scientific evidence demonstrating wolves and coyotes' essential ecological value, wildlife recovery remains politically intractable due to persisting ideologies of human exceptionalism and deep-seated cultural antipathy toward apex predators, reflecting unresolved tensions between wilderness conservation and rural extractive economies. 1844 AUDOBON

Building on record-breaking grower participation last year, the American Peanut Council's Sustainable U.S. Peanuts announced the start of its 2025 crop enrollment, and the Trump administration proposes sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act, setting up a fight with conservation groups.

California winegrape growers have removed nearly 40,000 acres of vineyards, roughly 7% of the state's winegrape acreage, and the Trump administration proposes sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act, setting up a fight with conservation groups.

More maulings, deaths, and livestock losses. More lawsuits, political posturing, and ballot initiatives. More misinformation and fundraising over what should be a conservation story, turned into a tragedy. Are we asking the US Fish & Wildlife Service to make decisions based on science or values?  We visit with WSF's Legislative Affairs expert and consultant, Greg Schildwachter, who has had these issues and the Endangered Species Act in his portfolio for the past 25 years, to find out how we got here, what's really happening behind the provocative headlines, and if there is a common-sense way forward that will work for people and  

Host Joe DeMare talks about a town hall where data centers were discussed, and marching in a holiday parade with a giant Earth ball. Then he does the show's annual talk with Philip Yenyo, head of AIM Ohio about Thanksgiving from a Native American perspective. Rebecca Wood starts talking about chili peppers. Ecological News includes Tehran being abandoned because of global warming, Trump's attack on the Endangered Species Act, and microplastics in our brains causing dementia.

The Trump administration is putting a $1 billion dollar loan toward helping restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant. The move underscores the administration's push for nuclear power as energy bills rise for Americans. POLITICO's Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why the Department of Energy is moving forward with the loan. Plus, the Trump administration launched an effort to roll back the Biden administration's changes to the Endangered Species Act. Kelsey Tamborrino is a reporter covering clean energy for POLITICO. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO. Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a time when species across the country face mounting pressures, the Endangered Species Act remains one of the most powerful—and contested—tools we have to protect them. In this installment of our “Explained” series, host Sebastian Duque Rios is joined by three experts whose careers span law, policy, and conservation science: Patrick Parenteau (Vermont Law & Graduate School), Jake Li (Defenders of Wildlife), and David Wilcove (Princeton University).Together, they break down how the ESA works, why it was created, and the real-world threats species face today. The conversation explores key provisions of the Act—from listing decisions and critical habitat designations to Section 7 consultations, recovery planning, and the role of private landowners. The guests also discuss how funding shortfalls, political pressures, and recent proposals could reshape endangered species protection in the years ahead.Whether you're new to the ESA or looking for a richer understanding of its legal, scientific, and practical dimensions, this episode offers a clear and candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing one of the nation's cornerstone conservation laws. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you ask environmental protection lawyer Elise Bennett who her clients are, she might joke that some days it's the frosted flatwood salamander, the gopher tortoise, or Florida panther – but officially, it's the Center for Biological Diversity. Elise is the Center's Florida and Caribbean Director, leading efforts to protect endangered species and wild places through legal action and advocacy. When developers threaten wetlands or forests, Elise steps in to defend the creatures who can't speak for themselves.In this episode, she dives into the Endangered Species Act and explains how it safeguards even the smallest living creatures. Elise talks about choosing law as a means to protect the environment she loves, why some cases can stretch on for more than a decade, and what it takes to stay hopeful in the face of ongoing destruction. From the spring pygmy sunfish to the Florida Keys mole skink, her work shows how the law – and persistence – can buy endangered species a fighting chance. Elise is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law.This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.Mentioned in this episode:Access LawHub today!Colorado LawLearn more about Colorado Law

EASY LISTENING DEP'T.: [THE WASHINGTON POST] "Mr. Cheney supported tax cuts and defense spending increases, like nearly all Republicans, but he joined the rightmost wing in voting against a federal holiday honoring the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the Equal Rights Amendment, creation of the Education Department, a ban on armor-piercing bullets, and anti-apartheid sanctions on South Africa. He likewise opposed Head Start for preschool children, the Superfund Program for Toxic Waste Cleanup, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The one exception to his otherwise blanket endorsement of hard-right culture war positions was his support, eventually, of gay marriage, apparently brought on strictly because one of his own daughters was a lesbian." Please visit, read, and support INDIGNITY! https://www.indignity.net/

Joining the Exchange is George Sexton, Conservation Director at KS Wild.

While most Sandhill Cranes migrate, the Mississippi population lives year-round in wet pine savanna near the Gulf Coast. Their dependence on this unique habitat caused their population to plummet to just 35 when the savanna began to disappear. Through the Endangered Species Act, an almost 20,000-acre wildlife refuge was established for the cranes and the population has begun to recover.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Guests: Our guest today is 2026 Colorado Gubernatorial Candidate and former Colorado Congressman, Greg Lopez. Greg will inform us of his actions in letters he wrote a couple of weeks ago to US Fish & Wildlife. Did Colorado violate the Endangered Species Act when it imported wolves from Canada? Greg will explain the Wolf... READ MORE

State of the Bay explores Trump's proposed rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act. Then, end-of-life doula Diane Button shares lessons on how to live more fully. And, poet Thea Matthews joins us to talk about her new collection, Grime.

The Trump Administration is considering a change to the federal Endangered Species Act that could create new risks for an area in California that has more sea otters than any other in the state. Last October, the state finished removing four dams from Klamath River up in far Northern California. In the year since the removal, there has been drastic changes to the area's fish population, and overall water quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we cover topics from watching Hospital Bills and how to save money to news of Wilderness survival and new policy, record-breaking hunts to mythbusting jellyfish. Real-life stories that could save your life or keep money in your wallet. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! How to Save Money on Hospital and Insurance Bills — Even When You're Fully Covered When you're diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, the last thing you want to worry about is money. But between insurance coverage, hospital billing departments, and ongoing treatments, out-of-pocket costs can spiral — even when you're fully insured. In 2021, I was diagnosed with cancer. I underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 8 weeks of daily radiation. While my insurance was a blessing, I quickly discovered that being covered doesn't mean you're not vulnerable to costly billing mistakes — ones that could cost you thousands if you're not paying attention. Why You Must Compare Your EOB With Hospital Bills — Line by Line One of the most important lessons I learned: Always compare your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance provider to the bill from your hospital or healthcare provider. Here's what happened to me: Even after I had hit my out-of-pocket deductible, I noticed monthly hospital charges averaging around $900 in my online billing portal. After comparing the EOB to the hospital bills, I saw that some treatments weren't even being submitted to my insurance company. Instead, I was being billed directly — as if I had no coverage at all. I called my insurance company, who confirmed they hadn't received claims for those charges. Then I contacted the hospital's billing department and was told each time that it was a “mistake,” and they would resubmit. Had I not caught this, I could have paid over $10,000 in wrongful charges — with little chance of a refund later. Pro Tip: Don't Automatically Pay Medical Bills Without Verifying It's tempting to just pay the bill and be done with it — especially when you're overwhelmed and just trying to get through treatments. But trust your gut. Instead: Wait to receive your EOB before paying anything. Compare dates, services, and costs between the EOB and your hospital bill. Call your insurance company if anything doesn't line up. Then, contact your healthcare provider's billing department and request that charges be re-submitted if needed. Always Ask: "Has This Been Submitted to My Insurance?" Make it your mantra when speaking to any healthcare billing department: “Has this claim been submitted to my insurance company?” If they say no or “it was a mistake,” ask for proof of submission and a timeline. It can take weeks or even months for a corrected bill to show up — so document every call and keep all emails or confirmations. Human Error and AI Mistakes Are More Common Than You Think In today's digital world, hospitals and insurers often rely on automated systems for billing. But that doesn't mean the process is error-free. In fact, it may be worse. You might encounter: Incorrect coding of procedures Claims not submitted at all Duplicate billing Coverage miscalculations That's why your personal oversight is essential — especially when you're dealing with ongoing care. How to Protect Yourself from Costly Healthcare Billing Mistakes Here's a quick checklist to help you save money and protect your finances during a medical journey: Know your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum Track every treatment and procedure in a personal log Check your EOBs monthly and match them with bills Dispute errors right away — don't wait Keep records of every call and conversation Ask for itemized bills from providers Request written confirmation of any billing correction Final Thoughts: Be Your Own Advocate — It Could Save You Thousands Between AI systems, human error, and overloaded billing departments, even those with full insurance coverage can fall into financial traps. The stress of calling weekly to fix these issues took a toll, but in the end, it saved me thousands of dollars. The bottom line? Be proactive. Be persistent. And never assume a bill is correct just because it looks official. If you're navigating medical bills or complex treatments, you're not alone. If I hadn't spoken up, I would have unknowingly overpaid by thousands. Don't be afraid to double-check, question, and challenge what doesn't look right. Your health matters — and so does your wallet. 14-Year-Old Girl Makes Pennsylvania Hunting History with Record Bull Elk We've got a record-breaking hunting story that's as heartwarming as it is impressive. According to Outdoor Life, fourteen-year-old Samantha Bartlett just became the youngest hunter ever to tag a bull elk in Pennsylvania — and she did it with a single, well-placed shot from her crossbow! It all happened in the early morning hours of September 16, deep in the mountains of north-central PA. Samantha and her dad, Noel, had already spent three long days hiking and hunting, holding out for the right bull. On the fourth day, it finally came together. After hearing two bulls fighting at dawn, Samantha and her guide crept through tall grass and waited. With a few cow calls, a massive bull came trotting in. At 40 yards, Samantha took the shot — and nailed it. The 6x7 bull elk went down within 100 yards, and the rest is history. The animal was estimated at 800 pounds, and the rack green-scored at 310 inches. Getting the bull out? That was a whole different story. The team dragged it downhill for four hours — no vehicles allowed — proving once again that the hunt doesn't end with the shot. Her bull was officially checked at a game station in Benezette, where state officials confirmed Samantha's place in the record books. This big moment was made possible by a lucky draw for a limited bull elk tag — and by a new law allowing Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania for the first time, giving young hunters like Samantha more opportunities. What's next for her? She's got her sights set on the “Pennsylvania Quad Trophy” — elk, black bear, turkey, and deer — all with a crossbow. Talk about ambitious! Moral of the story? Don't underestimate a determined young hunter and her crossbow. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/youngest-hunter-bull-elk-pennsylvania/ 14-Year-Old Becomes the Youngest Hunter to Ever Tag a Bull Elk in Pennsylvania   Military Training Helps Missing Hunter Survive Winter Storm in Colorado Backcountry According to Summit Daily, A 57-year-old hunter from Illinois is safe today, thanks to a combination of military experience, calm thinking, and solid preparation — after spending two freezing nights alone in the rugged backcountry of Jackson County, Colorado. On Monday, Sept. 22, the man became separated from his group near the Three Sisters Trailhead in the Rawah Wilderness. The last anyone heard from him was a text saying he was lost, just before 3:30 p.m. His phone later went dark, and with winter weather rolling in, it was too dangerous for search teams to head out that night. By the next day, over 20 agencies — including Search and Rescue teams, deputies, and wildlife officials — launched a full-scale search in snowy, cold, and windy conditions. Air support was grounded, and rescuers battled through the backcountry on foot. Despite the brutal storm and tough terrain, the search effort continued into a second day. Then, on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 24, hope came from above: the hunter was able to place several 911 calls, helping rescuers pinpoint his location. At around 1 p.m., air support spotted him — alive and in good health. So how did he make it? The hunter credited his survival to his military training, staying calm, building a fire, and using his sleeping bag and layers to stay warm. A big thanks goes out to Jackson and Grand County responders, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, search dog teams, and all others who helped pull off this dramatic rescue. Moral of the story? Being prepared can make all the difference — especially when Mother Nature has other plans. Reference: https://www.summitdaily.com/news/missing-hunters-military-experience-and-supplies-keep-him-alive-in-jackson-county-backcountry/ Tragic Lightning Strike Kills Two Missing Elk Hunters in Colorado Wilderness According to the Kiowa County Press, Wyoming is at the forefront of a renewed push to remove Endangered Species Act protections from grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Representative Harriet Hageman has introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025, which supporters say reflects decades of conservation success. Grizzly numbers in the region have rebounded from just a few hundred in the 1970s to nearly 1,000 today, meeting recovery targets set back in 1993. Advocates argue it's time to return management to the states, allowing for more flexible and responsive action on local issues — especially as livestock conflicts rise. Last year, grizzlies killed 91 cattle in Wyoming, the highest number on record. The bill also aims to cut through federal red tape, reinstating a Trump-era delisting rule and blocking future legal challenges that have stalled similar efforts. Supporters say it will free up resources at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and help speed up energy development and wildlife responses. While environmental groups warn that grizzlies still face genetic and habitat threats, Wyoming leaders say the bear has recovered — and state wildlife agencies are ready to manage them responsibly. Wyoming's stance? Grizzlies have recovered. It's time to let states take the reins. Reference: https://kiowacountypress.net/content/wyoming-leading-charge-delist-greater-yellowstone-grizzlies Rare “Pink Meanie” Jellyfish Swarm Texas Beaches — What to Know and How to Treat a Sting If you're heading to the Texas coast, watch your step — a surprising surge of rare pink meanie jellyfish has marine scientists scratching their heads. These jellyfish are no joke: they can weigh up to 50 pounds and their tentacles can stretch as long as 70 feet. From Port Aransas to Corpus Christi, beachgoers are spotting more of them than ever before. Marine biologist Jace Tunnell from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi says it's unlike anything he's seen in years of beachcombing. “I grew up on the beach and had never seen one until this year,” he said. The “pink meanie” was only officially recognized in 2011 and is known for its cotton candy color and its appetite for other jellyfish — especially moon jellies, which are currently blooming in Gulf waters. What to Do If You Get Stung While the sting isn't life-threatening, it can hurt — lasting about 10 minutes with red marks that stay for a couple of days. Here's how to treat it: Get out of the water immediately. Remove tentacles carefully using gloves or a tool — don't use bare hands. Rinse the sting with seawater, not freshwater. Pour vinegar over the sting to neutralize any remaining stinging cells. Apply hot (not scalding) water for 20 minutes to ease the pain. Avoid rubbing the area, and watch for any signs of allergic reaction. Experts say these jellyfish likely won't stick around — once cooler weather hits, both moon jellies and pink meanies are expected to disappear from Texas shores. Reference: https://www.foxnews.com/travel/surge-rare-jellyfish-sightings-across-multiple-beaches-stumps-experts OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC' Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God's Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They're here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC's journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com. https://tiggerandbec.com/  

We've officially hit 100 episodes of the Helena “FieldLink Podcast”! Thank you to our loyal listeners for tuning in since the beginning and to our guests for insightful conversations in each episode. In this milestone episode, Andrew Walmsley, Vice President of Government Relations for the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology, discusses how the Endangered Species Act, the Big Beautiful Bill and the restructuring of the Environmental Protection Agency will impact growers in 2026. (00:59) Jody Lawrences closes the episode with a Department of Agriculture quarterly stocks report update. (35:37)   Follow Helena Agri on social media to stay informed:   Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pq8XVJ Instagram: https://bit.ly/347QAO8 X: https://bit.ly/3hwvWdG LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3pwWLTh YouTube: https://bit.ly/35pLLQJ

Melissa Smith is the Executive Director & Founder of Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife and has served on D.C. environmental committees with a deep understanding of the Endangered Species Act.  She explored the significance of sociological sciences within state policy management of species, how this influences the effectiveness of State Endangered Species Acts (SESA) and State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAP), and the way governmental agencies on all levels can be ineffective in implementing protection plans for all species. Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance/Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife@endangeredspeciescoalition@thewolfconnectionpod

The September 25 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured two guests with deep roots in the Central Valley, both offering powerful perspectives on the challenges — and the future — of California agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill first welcomed Mike Harvey, a Bakersfield native whose family once farmed in Delano, and later sat down with Lorenzo Rios, a military veteran and CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District now running for Congress in District 21. Harvey, now the head of the youth-focused nonprofit 5-11, reflected on his family's long history in farming. Regulations, water shortages, and rising labor costs ultimately forced them out of land ownership, a story familiar to many Valley farmers. “We sold that property… it made it cost prohibitive to continue to operate,” Harvey said, pointing to how policies have driven out even well-established farm families. Today, Harvey is channeling his leadership into FFA programs and youth outreach, urging the next generation to carry forward agriculture's values. Harvey also recounted attending the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, calling it one of the most unifying events he's ever witnessed. He stressed the importance of youth leadership, saying groups like FFA, Turning Point USA, and 5-11 give kids the tools to find their voice and future in agriculture and beyond. The program then shifted to Lorenzo Rios, who brought both military and community leadership experience to the conversation. A naturalized citizen and retired Army officer, Rios has spent the last decade helping veterans transition into civilian life. Now, he's seeking a seat in Congress to fight for farmers and small businesses in the Central Valley. “Congress can approve and fund long-delayed projects like Temperance Flat and Sites Reservoirs,” Rios said, calling water storage one of his top priorities. He also pledged to streamline permitting, reform the Endangered Species Act, and push for a farm bill that protects family farms, not foreign corporations. For Rios, agriculture is national security, and he made clear he sees farmers as environmental stewards rather than the problem. Both guests echoed a common message: California agriculture cannot survive without policy changes, water investment, and strong leadership. And both pointed to the Central Valley as the heart of America's food security. Listen to the full episode featuring Mike Harvey and Lorenzo Rios on the AgNet News Hour by clicking below, or on your favorite podcast app!

For decades, rural Oregon counties that contain large swaths of federally owned forest land have depended on a share of timber revenues from federal logging to fund schools, law enforcement and other essential public services. These payments were originally meant to offset the loss of property tax revenue that counties could not collect on federal lands. But when logging on these lands slowed drastically in the 1990s due to new environmental protections — like the Endangered Species Act — those payments plummeted.    In response, Congress stepped in with a temporary fix: the Secure Rural Schools Program. First passed in 2000, Congress reauthorized it multiple times over the years until it allowed it to expire in 2023. Congress which it enacted in 2000 and reauthorized multiple times until it expired in 2023. The lapse in the SRS reauthorization has triggered the default distribution of the significantly reduced timber revenue to counties.    The federal budget process has introduced new complications as well. President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law in July, requires federal agencies to ramp up logging. But it also includes a provision redirecting all proceeds from timber sales on lands in counties to the federal government — threatening one of the last fiscal lifelines for rural governments to fund its core services.   With counties facing budgeting shortfalls that carry big consequences, questions about how to create a long-term sustainable path forward have taken on new urgency. Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch and Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot — whose counties receive the second- and third-highest federal payments in Oregon after Douglas County — join us, along with Mark Haggerty, a senior fellow at the liberal-leaning thinktank Center for American Progress to talk about the challenges Oregon’s rural counties face and what a stable funding model for these counties might look like.   Curry County Commissioner Jay Trost declined to participate in the conversation but provided OPB with a statement:  Curry County has the second lowest property tax rate in Oregon at .59 per thousand of assessed value and like most Oregon Counties, we have not been able to keep up with the inflation over the past 4 years.  We had to endure a 31% reduction in the county budget for the 24/25 fiscal year, we were able to maintain that with no further budget reductions in the 25/26 budget because of timber revenues that came in and covered the annual employee role up costs.  These O&C timber funds allowed us to remain fairly status quo in terms of service delivery.  Going forward if those funds are not made available to us, we will most likely see more reductions in county services.  We are working diligently to think outside the box, identify alternative solutions that will maximize each dollar and become more efficient. These efforts will help and are necessary, however the reality remains the same, if we don’t receive timber revenues, and or PILT (payment in lieu of taxes)  payments we will have to make cuts.  We remain confident that the federal legislature will correct the language needed to ensure that counties like ours that rely on natural resources revenue will not be negatively impacted.    

In April, the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to rescind a regulation defining the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition against “harm” to an endangered species to include destruction and modification of habitat. That regulation was previously upheld by the Supreme Court under Chevron in Sweet Home v. Babbitt, over a sharp dissent by Justice Scalia accusing the agency of imposing “unfairness to the point of financial ruin—not just upon the rich, but upon the simplest farmer who finds his land conscripted to national zoological use.” Citing Loper Bright’s overturning of Chevron, the Service proposes to rescind this regulation and adopt Justice Scalia’s opinion as the best reading of the statute. This would substantially curtail regulation of habitat, the loss of which is purportedly the leading threat to endangered species. Join this FedSoc Forum in discussing this proposal, its interpretation of the Endangered Species Act, and the effect of Loper Bright on agencies’ modification of regulations previously upheld under Chevron. Featuring: Karrigan Börk, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law; Senior Fellow, California Environmental Law and Policy Center; and Director, UC Davis Center for Watershed SciencesWill Yeatman, Senior Legal Fellow, Pacific Legal Foundation(Moderator) Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Law & Policy, Property and Environment Research Center

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Doug Burgum just destroyed [DS]/Newsom's climate agenda. The fires put out more CO2. Jobs are declining because Trump is deporting illegals and cutting the bloat of gov. The gov jobs were fake and the illegal jobs were not American. Trump and Bessent confirm that they are preparing to restructure the Federal Reserve. The [DS] is doing what ever they can to delay Trump and his agenda. This is failing so they are pushing more judges out from the shadows. Trump confirms that he is a wartime President and that we are at war with the [DS]. The hunt is on and the [DS] players are being exposed. The [DS] will try to stop this with war , destruction of the economy, riots and an event. This is their 16 year plan that they are pushing, This will all fail because has them defending the indefensible.   Economy Trump's Interior Secretary Doug Burgum TORCHES Gavin Newsom — Says California Fires Released More CO2 Than All Their So-Called Climate Controls!   Doug Burgum:“The fuel load buildup that's occurred in American forests can actually go back to the Clinton era. There was a famous effort at the beginning of the environmental extremist movement that said, “Oh, the spotted owl! We can't cut any more trees because of the spotted owl.” This was part of the weaponization of the Endangered Species Act.. And if people do care about CO₂ releases—when a forest burns, these are massive CO₂ releases. That's how you release CO₂ from a tree—you burn it. When you have a campfire, you're releasing that carbon. The fires in California have released more CO₂ than all of their so-called efforts to “control” CO₂.” Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1964483504198037657  result, the share of individuals unemployed for more than 27 weeks rose to 26.3%, the highest since February 2022. This marks a near 10 percentage point increase in just 20 months. It also means this percentage now higher than in all previous recessions, excluding 2020 and 2008. The US job market is declining.  .Deportations of undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration appear to be a contributing factor to this slowdown. Preliminary Census Bureau data shows a 1.2 million decline in immigrant workers from January through July 2025, driven by over 1,000 deportation flights (up 15% year-over-year) and policies removing work authorization for hundreds of thousands. This has hit industries reliant on immigrant labor hardest, such as construction (where 10 states with high concentrations of undocumented workers saw a 0.1% employment drop), agriculture, and hospitality, potentially risking billions in economic output. Economic analyses project that sustained mass deportations could lead to 5.9-6 million total job losses nationwide, including 2.6 million for US-born workers due to ripple effects like reduced consumer spending and supply chain disruptions—though some models suggest low-skilled authorized workers might see modest wage gains if deportations persist long-term. The White House frames this as "America First" progress, claiming it returns jobs to citizens, but broader data indicates the labor force contraction is exacerbating hiring stalls rather than alleviating them. Cuts to federal government jobs are also directly impacting overall employment figures. The Trump administration's hiring freeze (extended from January 2025) and voluntary buyouts have led to a net loss of 148,000-300,000 federal positions by late 2025, with August alone seeing a 15,

Opening Reflections and California Concerns The AgNet News Hour began with hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer sharing lighthearted Friday greetings before shifting to California's serious agricultural challenges. Papagni noted worsening Central Valley air quality caused by wildfires, likening the smoke to winter fog. He warned that tensions between state and federal governments over forest management may intensify as fall approaches. Boyer added that federal intervention could even extend to California's 2028 Olympic preparations. Policy Spotlight: Mexican Wolf Debate Boyer reported on a House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing on the Enhancing Safety for Animals Act of 2025. The legislation would delist the Mexican wolf from the Endangered Species Act, a move supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Arizona and New Mexico Cattle Growers Associations, and the Public Lands Council. Tom Patterson, President-elect of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, testified that wolf populations have shifted from a livestock concern to a community safety threat, citing attacks on pets, horses, and even children. In regulatory news, the EPA declined stricter wastewater rules for meat and poultry processors, concluding that current Clean Water Act requirements suffice. The National Chicken Council applauded this decision as a balanced approach to water quality regulation. Immigration Reform and the Dignity Act The program's central feature was an interview with Manuel Cunha, President of the Nisei Farmers League, who addressed farm labor shortages and immigration policy. He highlighted the bipartisan Dignity Act (H.R. 4393), introduced by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), as the most promising reform since the early 2000s. The Act includes a three-pronged approach: Long-Term Residents – renewable work authorization cards with penalties for undocumented status. Legal Pathways for New Workers – stronger background checks and legal entry channels. Criminal Entrants – removal of individuals linked to crime or gang activity. Cunha emphasized that the Act also provides protections for Dreamers and addresses Social Security benefits for long-term contributors who have paid into the system for decades. Coyotes, Fear, and Fake Documents Cunha warned about coyotes—human smugglers who charge up to $15,000 per person and often supply migrants with fraudulent documents. Workers fall into debt while employers unknowingly hire with false credentials. He called the system a “disaster” and urged growers to pressure congressional leaders like David Valadao, Jim Costa, Jimmy Panetta, and Vince Fong to support the Dignity Act. Despite federal assurances, many farmworkers still live in daily fear of deportation. Some alter their appearance to avoid suspicion, while enforcement remains concentrated in large metropolitan sanctuary cities. Farm Labor: Hard Work Few Will Do Papagni stressed that farm labor is not unskilled work, pointing to strawberry, lettuce, melon, and table grape harvesting as examples requiring years of expertise. Cunha agreed, noting that domestic welfare recipients are unlikely to take on such demanding jobs—something proven during the 1996–1998 Welfare to Work Program. With many long-time workers nearing retirement and fewer young people entering agriculture, Cunha pressed for a comprehensive guest worker program. A Call to Action Cunha's message to farmers and ag communities was clear: contact your congressional representatives and urge support for the Dignity Act. He highlighted Vince Fong as a key California lawmaker yet to sign on. If passed, the bill would initiate a five- to six-month rule-writing process, during which workers would receive documentation verifying employment, providing immediate protection while regulations are finalized. Farm Income and Market Updates According to the U.S. Economic Research Service (ERS): Net farm income in 2025 is projected at $179.5 billion, up 40.7% from 2024—the second-highest on record. Median farm household income, however, is projected to decline by $1,189 in 2025, reflecting weaker off-farm earnings. Government payments are forecast at $40.5 billion, the highest since 2020. The dairy sector is also strengthening, with exports reaching 18.7% of domestic production in June—the highest since 2022. Domestic yogurt consumption rose 12.2%, while overall use of milk solids grew 3%. Competitiveness and Global Pressures Papagni noted the difficulty of competing with countries paying $10–20 per day compared to California's $16 per hour wages, combined with stricter U.S. regulations. Boyer emphasized that despite higher costs, U.S. agriculture provides the world's safest and most affordable food supply, thanks largely to immigrant labor. Citrus Greening and Global Potato Trends Rick Dantzler of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation reported promising progress in the fight against citrus greening disease. Oxytetracycline trunk injections are showing strong results, with healthier canopies and improved fruit quality, though production costs rose 7%. Meanwhile, the global frozen potato market has shifted dramatically. Between 2019 and 2024, China and India moved from net importers to exporters of frozen fries and processed potato products, expanding markets into Asia and the Middle East. Criminal Provisions in the Dignity Act The legislation also strengthens criminal enforcement, including: Tougher penalties for illegal re-entry after multiple deportations. DNA testing to confirm family ties. Stricter penalties for voting by non-citizens. Increased minimum penalties for child sex trafficking. Boyer linked these provisions directly to combating coyote networks and broader exploitation. Wrapping Up The episode closed with Papagni and Boyer urging farmers to engage in the policy debate, follow updates at AgNetWest.com, and recognize that immigration reform is essential to keeping U.S. agriculture competitive and sustainable.

Joining the Exchange is George Sexton, Conservation Director at KS Wild.

Oceana, working to protect endangered species, is at the heart of this powerful episode featuring Tara Brock, an environmental lawyer advocating for ocean life. Tara unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is used to protect humpback whales and sea turtles, and how legal tools like this remain essential to ocean conservation. As threats like ship strikes, climate change, and bycatch continue to rise, Tara explains why this legislation is still one of the strongest protections we have—and how it's enforced. Throughout the episode, we explore Oceana's litigation strategies, real-world wins in protecting marine life, and the ways the law intersects with fisheries, policy, and public engagement. Tara's stories and insights offer a clear call to action: the ocean needs legal defenders, and everyone has a role to play in protecting it. If you care about protecting species on the brink, this conversation will inform and inspire you. Oceana's Website: https://usa.oceana.org/ Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube    

Originally released April 30, 2024. New Kindred episodes will drop starting in October 2025.In this week's archived episode, we are spoke with Bear Biologist Chris Servheen. We finally got to meet our grizzly bear fears head-on and dispel all the misinformation that we have been wondering about for years!  We were so lucky to have been able to speak with Chris, one of if not the leading bear biologists in this country. Chris has been working tirelessly for his entire career advocating for the health and protection of one the most incredible and majestic predators in the world, the grizzly bear. After a long and distinguished career to ensure that the bears were protected under the federal Endangered Species Act he retired. Until he didn't. Join us to learn all about what brought Chris out of retirement, what makes grizzlies legendary, and the secret to their magic.Lots of Love.Show Notes: https://theintercept.com/2023/01/29/grizzly-bear-endangered-montana/From the article https://billingsgazette.com/opinion/column/christopher-servheen-dont-short-circuit-esa-on-grizzly-bears/article_3b35088e-2d5e-11ee-a42f-236813b7db3a.html

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding the protection of the iconic Western Joshua Tree in California. The conversation highlights the intricacies of conservation laws, the intricate process of implementing these policies, and the pushback from various stakeholders navigating this environmental directive. The discussion is enriched with insights from returning guest Brendan Cummings of the Center for Biological Diversity, who shares his expertise on species protection under the California Endangered Species Act. The episode provides a comprehensive update on the California Fish and Game Commission's approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. This plan is required by the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act passed in 2023, seeking to protect Joshua trees threatened by climate change, development, and wildfires. Cummings, who was pivotal in initiating the process by petitioning to protect the Western Joshua Tree in 2019, offers an in-depth exploration of the process, the challenges faced, and the compromise built into the legislation. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for the episode's conclusion, featuring the moving song "Joshua Tree" by Melanie Marshall, which thematically underscores the significance of preserving this desert species. Key Takeaways: Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: The act passed in 2023 addresses climate change threats and simplifies permits for relocating or removing Joshua Trees, aiming for the species' long-term survival by 2033. Collaboration and Compromise: The passing of protections involved compromise between environmentalists and industries, balanced by setting more straightforward processes for developers and prioritizing protection through coordinated conservational efforts. Adapting to Climate Threats: The Conservation Plan identifies climate threats, prioritizing refugia and high-elevation areas for sustained Joshua Tree populations, with a focus on reducing invasive species and fire risks. Community and Tribal Involvement: Engagement with local governments and Native American tribes plays a significant role in implementing conservation methods, highlighting cultural ties to the land and species. Future Directions: By 2033, effectiveness will be reassessed, potentially reconsidering the species' threataned status if current measures do not mitigate the threats effectively. Notable Quotes: Brendan Cummings: "The Western Joshua Tree Conservation act signed into law in July 2023 was the first state law by California that recognized the climate threat to biodiversity." Brendan Cummings: "The goal was to protect the species and to ensure Joshua trees continue to be a part of our desert communities." Brendan Cummings: "The overriding threat, of course, is climate change. We also have increased fires fueled by invasive grasses, and then the most immediate threat, which is Joshua trees getting chopped down." Robert Gomez: "I want to look at the cultural aspect of the Joshua Tree for our particular tribe… It means a lot to us." Brendan Cummings: "We can hopefully figure out how to reduce the impacts or frequency of fire in Joshua tree habitat, but we're not going to stop it." Resources: Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT/WJTCA Melanie Marshall's Music: https://soundcloud.com/melaniemarshallmusicBecome a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just keeping up with the Trump administration's all out war against our environment is exhausting.  Fortunately, we in the northwest are blessed with incredible activists, organizers, and more relevant to today, environmental attorneys to help us understand the attacks so we can fight back effectively.One of the best of those attorneys is Brenna Bell, formerly of 350pdx and now with the Crag Law Center.  This episode features a recent presentation Brenna gave  along with Lauren Anderson of Oregon Wild and Grace Brahler from Cascadia Wildlands.They covered the seismic changes happening via the Executive Branch, including to the National Environmental Policy Act, how the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act has changed to dramatically limit protections for species, and a lot more.https://www.instagram.com/coastrangeradio/

The blast site was a slaughterhouse: blood on the walls, metal quills in the plaster, the air thick with the smell of explosives. Murray's remains were barely recognizable, pieces collected in bags for analysis. The Unabomber's early bombs left room for doubt—maim or kill? Sacramento settled it. Ted, the Unabomber, was out for blood,targeting anyone pushing the boundaries of tech and biology. The feds combed the scene, bagging fragments of the box, tracing the filament tape, analyzing the typewriter font. The device was crude but deadly: aluminum pipe, nails, chemical triggers. No fingerprints, no fibers—just precision and hate. The CFA's budget, its lobbying for logging, its fight against the Endangered Species Act—all made it a target.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-serial-killer-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Endangered Species Act has helped save iconic species from extinction - but it's also created real tension for the private landowners who manage the majority of wildlife habitat in the U.S.  In this episode, WLA CEO Lesli Allison sits down with Leo Miranda, executive director of Conservation Without Conflict and former Southeast Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. From his early days as a field biologist in Puerto Rico to leading one of the most innovative regional conservation efforts in the country, and as a farmer in Georgia, Leo brings a unique perspective on what it takes to shift from conflict to collaboration.  Together, they explore how trust, transparency, and voluntary partnerships have produced conservation successes in the Southeast - and what it will take to scale those successes across the West.  Find show notes and more: https://onland.link/podcast Like what you hear? Make a gift today: https://westernlandowners.org/support/  

In episode 190 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we're discussing urgent threats facing wildlife protections in the United States: the ongoing dismantling of the Endangered Species Act under the Trump Administration. The ESA has long been considered the backbone of wildlife conservation in this country, credited with saving iconic species like the bald eagle and the gray wolf. But legislative and administrative changes are eroding the very foundation of this landmark law and pushing for changes that could reshape how, or even if, we protect threatened and endangered species in the years to come.Joining me to break this all down is Ramona McGee, Senior Attorney and Wildlife Program Leader at the Southern Environmental Law Center. Based in North Carolina, Ramona has been on the legal front lines for nearly a decade, defending the rich and often overlooked biodiversity of the South.In this conversation, we explore what's at stake if the legal definition of “harm” disappears from federal wildlife protections, how these changes could affect ecosystems and communities across the South, and the industries poised to benefit from deregulation. INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LISTENER SURVEY: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----------------Southern Environmental Law CenterWebsite: https://www.selc.org/Ramona McGee: https://www.selc.org/staff/ramona-mcgee/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernenvironment/Podcast: https://www.selc.org/broken-ground-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-environmental-law-center/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/selcva

If you were a miner in California during the Gold Rush, you might have dined on a California red-legged frog. The largest native frog in the western United States, this Golden State denizen used to be found as far inland as the Sierra Nevada mountains and south, into Baja California. But today, they're listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Conservationists have worked to translocate new populations of the red-legged frog back to California in hopes that their numbers can be restored. But how do they monitor those populations' growth? Enter AI.Want to hear more stories about critters or conservation? Let us know at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Robert explores Dr. Church's weird history with eugenics adjacent projects, like the world's creepiest dating app, and how Colossal Biosciences was created and immediately used by the Trump administration as an excuse to attack the Endangered Species Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is running through our constitutional rights like a bull unleashed on the streets of Pamplona. For days now, the high-stakes back-and-forth between the administration, the courts and the Constitution over the wrongful deportation of a Maryland man has dominated headlines. But in the background, the administration is working overtime to dismantle regulations, particularly around the environment. Just since Monday, the administration got the ball rolling on gutting a key part of the Endangered Species Act, stopped construction on a major offshore wind farm, axed a $3 billion program to help farmers adopt climate-friendly practices, and kickstarted a bid to end a Biden-era rule to put conservation on par with things like drilling as a valid public land use. Crooked Climate correspondent Anya Zoledziowski looks at the fallout from an earlier anti-environmental decision from the Trump administration, to drop a Biden-era suit against a petrochemical plant in Louisiana's “Cancer Alley.”And in headlines: President Donald Trump met with Italy's prime minister to talk trade, the Supreme Court said it would hear arguments over Trump's bid to limit birthright citizenship, and a federal judge said Google has an illegal monopoly over online advertising technology.Show Notes:Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday