Podcasts about oregon secretary

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read to discuss how he is navigating the Trump Administration's efforts to interfere with state election administration, the state's recent primary elections, threats to our democracy, his experience being sued by the Trump administration, and what other states can learn from Oregon's vote-at-home system. They specifically delve into the unconstitutional mail-in-ballot executive order and its impracticality. The Secretary emphasizes the importance of holding politicians accountable to protect our right to vote and how politicians should go about earning constituents' trust.Tune in to hear how Secretary Read is working to ensure free, fair, and secure elections are not a partisan idea, but a patriotic one.

We're talking about Portland City Council battling it out over the budget, and what's to come in November now that the primary election is over. Plus, Portland's growing pre-professional sports empire that now includes a new women's soccer team! Joining City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week arts and culture reporter, Rachel Saslow and our very own senior producer Rachel Monahan. Discussed in today's episode: ⁠Reporting Live: City Council's Contentious Budget Meeting⁠ [Portland Mercury] ⁠City Council approves $8.5 billion budget to close historic shortfall⁠ [portland.gov] ⁠Results: Oregon primary election 2026⁠ [Oregonian] ⁠Oregon primary election results 2026⁠ [OPB] ⁠Unofficial Primary Election Results, 2026⁠ [Oregon Secretary of State] ⁠Cherry Bombs FC⁠ ⁠Portland Opera Will Perform at Portland Cherry Bombs Home Soccer Games⁠ [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at ⁠⁠⁠portland@citycast.fm⁠⁠⁠, or leave us a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠503-208-5448⁠⁠⁠. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠⁠⁠morning newsletter⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at ⁠⁠⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 21st episode: ⁠⁠⁠Gard Communications⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Community Energy Project⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠OMSI⁠

In this episode, Alejandro Queral of the Oregon Center for Public Policy speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, the state's chief elections officer, on efforts by the Trump administration to make it harder for people to vote. These efforts include the SAVE Act, which imposes costs and barriers on voters, as well as changes to the rules by which the U.S. Postal Service postmarks mail, which has big implications for Oregon's vote-by-mail system. Their discussion also discusses the influence of money in politics, especially at a time of extreme economic inequality.Support the show

President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that instructs the U.S. Postal Service to only send mail-in ballots to people who have been deemed eligible by the administration. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read has vowed to challenge the order in court, along with other secretaries of state.    Meanwhile, the Supreme Court appears poised to overturn a Mississippi law that allows mail-in ballots that arrive late to be counted as long as they’re postmarked on or before Election Day. Oregon has had a similar law in place since 2022.     Read joins us to talk about what these changes could mean for Oregon’s vote-by-mail system.  

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read celebrates victory in lawsuit brought by the DOJ in its quest to obtain sensitive information on more than three million Oregon voters.

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 PictureThe states have been ripping the American people off for a long time via the money laundering system. This is where a majority of tax money has been going. Trump has begun the attack against the Fed. He is now signaling that the Fed might have committed fraud, either knowingly or unknowingly, either way the Fed is trapped. The [DS] master plan has been exposed. Those who hide behind the curtain have been pushing their agenda to change the US and the world. Trump’s admin are following the money. Trump has sent a clear message to the [DS] that his team will track all those involved in the money laundering they will be tracked down. Panic in DC and across the country.   Economy https://twitter.com/HarmeetKDhillon/status/2011313119885443244?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});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"); https://twitter.com/cabot_phillips/status/2011104168367583534?s=20 https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2011144823756186066?s=20 President Trump Delivers Remarks from Ford Truck Plant – “The USMCA Means Nothing to Me” President Trump's impromptu remarks from inside the Ford F150 plant will probably not make headline news because, well, quite frankly, what President Trump says below is something the financial media just don't want to discuss.  pay attention to how President Trump emphasizes, then reemphasizes the irrelevance of the USMCA from his perspective.  the Trump administration (USTR Greer) will abandon the trilateral USMCA this year and instead begin a formal process for two bilateral free trade agreements.  the entire financial media system is pretending this is not going to happen, especially in the statements by every stakeholder north of the border.  However, listen to how President Trump himself describes the USMCA or CUSMA as the Snow Mexicans like to call it.  Trump is completely nonplussed about what is going to happen. Source: theconservativetreehouse.com Trump hits back at JP Morgan CEO's defence of Federal Reserve Donald Trump has hit out at the JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon, saying the Wall Street executive was wrong to suggest he was undermining the independence of the Federal Reserve.   When asked about the comments by Dimon, who warned against chipping away at the Fed's independence, Trump said: “I think he's wrong. “We should have lower [interest] rates. Jamie Dimon probably wants higher rates, maybe he makes more money that way.” Source: theguardian.com https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/2011146918630752390?s=20 https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2011451816853348592?s=20  Political/Rights https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/2011238829781659812?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2011253589428355516?s=20 https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/2011171208448950463?s=20 https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2011427960775909717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2011427960775909717%7Ctwgr%5E90bdda16d439c46ad168637111d52fd23567fcf3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fvp-jd-vance-buries-journalist-two-important-facts%2F  because Biden and Harris let them walk in. 2) In the cities that are not sanctuary cities, the deportation process is orderly and normal–like most law enforcement. In Minneapolis and a few other sanctuary jurisdictions, local jurisdictions and a few leftwing agitators have decided to wage war on all immigration enforcement officers. They are hoping that a little chaos will convince us to give up on immigration enforcement. They are wrong.   https://twitter.com/USAttyEssayli/status/2011214040975228999?s=20   arrested and charged, including county employees. We have already charged more than 100 individuals for similar conduct. Instead of making these meaningless motions, you should cooperate with federal law enforcement to help us target and remove criminal illegal immigrants. As a public official, you have a moral obligation to place the safety of American citizens ahead of your political interest in importing illegal immigrants. https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2011070234032308258?s=20   https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2011446318468895164?s=20     DOGE https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2011438320484557048?s=20 Geopolitical United States Accuses Chinese Network of Laundering More Than $27 Million for Mexican Cartels The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges this week against Yan Lin, a 41-year-old man accused of being part of a complex Chinese money-laundering network used to repatriate drug-trafficking profits to Mexico. The formal indictment states that Lin and his accomplices allegedly facilitated the transfer of tens of millions of dollars obtained from the sale of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the United States back to Mexico, through an opaque financial chain involving cash purchases of electronic goods and shipments to Asian countries. According to the case filed in federal court in Cincinnati, between 2022 and 2024, Mexican drug-trafficking groups hired this organization to handle the cash generated from drug sales within U.S. territory. The procedure described includes handing over large amounts of physical cash to third parties, who used the funds to buy electronic products. Once the receipt of these goods was confirmed, payment was sent to Mexico through mirror transactions, after deducting a commission. Partial records indicate that at least $27.4 million in cash was moved through this network. The indictment, which includes charges of conspiracy to launder money and concealment of funds, indicates that the alleged operator could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted by a federal court. Source: thegatewayhispanic.com https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2011075772467847467?s=20   metaphorical resistance. Actual structure. NGOs, unions, funding vehicles, election timelines. The whole starter kit. The guy, Marton Benedek, was sitting inside EU institutions while sketching out a roadmap for protests, messaging, fundraising, even something that reads a lot like a shadow government. He talks openly about building a permanent coordination hub to challenge Orban's rule. This was an EU migration and security official, with deep access and zero plausible deniability, not just some street activist. The early effort flopped. The party he helped build face-planted electorally. But the playbook didn't disappear. It just waited. Fast forward and suddenly a brand-new figure, Peter Magyar, drops out of nowhere, gets wall-to-wall Western media love, runs a campaign with serious money and polish, keeps his ideology vague, stays aggressively pro-EU, and rockets to the top of the polls. No clear funding trail. No real policy spine. But momentum. The uncomfortable part for Brussels isn't whether Orban is good or bad. It's that this confirms what his supporters have said for years: The EU doesn't just pressure governments. It actively works around them when they won't comply. Rule of law language on the surface. Regime-management instincts underneath. If this were Russia doing it, headlines would be screaming “foreign interference.” When it's Brussels, it's called cooperation. https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2011184281989595612?s=20 ‘Going to Be a Big Problem for Him’: Trump Smacks Down Greenland PM After He Says He ‘Chooses Denmark' President Trump isn’t playing around when it comes to the United States taking control of Greenland, and he just sent a warning shot to the island’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, that Nielsen’s continued resistance is “going to be a big problem for him.” Greenland’s PM and other regional authorities downplay the possibility of a hostile takeover of the island by Russia or China, Denmark’s Danish Defense Intelligence Service (DDIS) recently released a pointed assessment of Russian and Chinese military ambitions for Greenland and the Arctic. But the “Intelligence Outlook 2025” report on the security of the Kingdom of Denmark, released just last month, had warned at great length that “China is preparing for a military presence in the Arctic” and that “China's long-term Arctic interests include Greenland.” The report highlighted Chinese air-based, seaborne, and submersible activities in the Arctic. The Danish intelligence report had further assessed that the militaries of China and Russia were collaborating more closely in the Arctic, displaying the growing “DragonBear” alliance between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Source: redstate.com   far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2011463771961627044?s=20   War/Peace https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2011169127499788398?s=20 https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2011391048204059059?s=20   Phones. Internet. Movement. Markets. Hospitals. Schools. Universities. Media. Everything monitored. Arrests are ramping up. Violence is escalating. Using “civil war” language on unarmed protesters and locking down daily life (not to mention the internet for almost a week now), says one thing only. It's about crushing momentum before it spreads. Musk Stands Up Against the Ayatollahs, as Iranian Regime Cracks Down on Starlink Terminals, Deploys Military-Grade Jammers Against Sole Internet Option for Protesters   At the beginning of the massive popular demonstrations in Iran, Elon Musk took the bold initiative of providing free Starlink services for the protestors. A few days in, Iran shut down the Internet in the entire country. For the first time since 2019, a nationwide blackout was imposed, disrupting phone networks and landline telephones. Starlink became the sole web outlet for protesters to get informed, communicate, and share the images of the momentous developments with the world. It didn't take long for the brutal Iranian regime to crack down on Starlink terminals, arrest ‘terrorist' users, and deploy military-grade jammers to impede the functioning of the service. Now, reports say SpaceX engineers are hard at work to bypass the jamming and give protesters a voice, again. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/DougAMacgregor/status/2011195685773758892?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2011198494355440053?s=20     Zelensky makes another move to avoid election Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has submitted two draft bills to the parliament to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, effectively postponing elections once again. The move comes despite pressure from US President Donald Trump and the Ukrainian leader earlier saying he was open to holding an election.One of the draft laws submitted to the Verhovna Rada on Monday would extend martial law from February 3 to early May, which would effectively bar national elections for this period.  . Source: sott.net Medical/False Flags https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/2011198632180297836?s=20 [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/julie_kelly2/status/2011271584682754272?s=20   BREAKING: ICE Agent Who Fatally Shot Leftist Activist Renee Good as She Tried to Run Him Over Suffered Internal Bleeding to the Torso The ICE agent who fatally shot the woman who tried to run him over during a lawful immigration operation in Minneapolis last week suffered internal bleeding to his torso. CBS News reported:   Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/travelingflying/status/2011233048193613927?s=20 https://twitter.com/AlBuffalo2nite/status/2011094391075602444?s=20   accuracy. That is demographic manipulation. When law enforcement records misclassify race and suppress immigration status, the downstream effect is predictable. Crime statistics are distorted. Public understanding is corrupted. Accountability disappears. Police departments know exactly why this is done. Federal crime data is aggregated by race. When offenders who are foreign nationals are reclassified into domestic racial categories, the real source patterns are buried. The public is then fed a sanitized dataset that supports preselected talking points. This is not about one case. It is about how the books are cooked so trends can never be honestly discussed. News outlets compound the deception. They repeat the arrest sheet verbatim, never asking why immigration status is missing, never questioning implausible physical descriptors, never pressing the department for clarification. The omission is the story, and they deliberately ignore it. That is not journalism. That is information control. If the individual were a citizen, the records would say so. If the individual were legally present, that status would be highlighted immediately. Silence only appears when the truth is politically inconvenient. That silence protects institutions, not victims. Two teenagers are dead, and the system's first instinct was not transparency, but insulation. This is exactly why public trust is collapsing. People are not stupid. They can see when reality does not match the paperwork. When law enforcement manipulates categories and media outlets run interference, the public correctly concludes that the truth is being managed rather than reported. The question is simple. If the data were honest, why hide it. If the classification were accurate, why does it defy common sense. If transparency mattered, why was immigration status erased. This is not incompetence. It is intent. https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/2011214982881386564?s=20  Solomon & Emmer on his podcast today. Emmer said the whistleblowers “not only told Tim Walz about the fraud while it was happening, but that Tim Walz ignored them and in many cases retaliated against them.” Damning if true! https://twitter.com/GrageDustin/status/2011226123129274862?s=20 FBI Raids Home of Washington Post Reporter Who Obtained and Published Illegally Leaked Information From Pentagon Contractor The FBI raided the home of a Washington Post reporter who obtained classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. Feds executed a search warrant at the Alexandria, Virginia, home of WaPo reporter Hannah Natanson on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into a Maryland system administrator who has a top security clearance. The FBI seized Natanson's cell phone, two laptops (one personal and one work-related), and a Garmin watch. Natanson is not the subject of the investigation. https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2011456849711612019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2011456849711612019%7Ctwgr%5E1137a377f2046bbeeba0877917fc3aa2fc84a5c0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Ffbi-raids-home-washington-post-reporter-who-obtained%2F  currently behind bars. I am proud to work alongside Secretary Hegseth on this effort. The Trump Administration will not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information that, when reported, pose a grave risk to our Nation's national security and the brave men and women who are serving our country. Source: thegatewaypundit.com JUST IN: Federal Prosecutors Are Investigating Democrat Senator Elissa Slotkin After She Urged Military Members to Defy Trump's Orders  Democrat Senator Elissa Slotkin (MI) said she is being investigated by federal prosecutors after she urged members of the military to defy President Trump. In November, without offering any specifics, Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), along with Democrat Reps. Maggie Goodlander (NH), Jason Crow (CO), Chris Deluzio (PA), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA) repeatedly stated, “You can refuse illegal orders,” or “You must refuse illegal orders,” in a viral video. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, was the organizer of the video. She was the ringleader and proudly urged US service members to defy orders from President Trump and Pete Hegseth. WATCH: Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/GOPoversight/status/2011213394460983459?s=20   President Trump's Plan Ford Auto Worker Suspended After Screaming Obscenities at President Trump – Now Insists He's the Victim of “Political Retribution” – Is Raising Money on GoFundMeb   Trump first visited the Ford plant where he received a warm welcome. The President took selfies with some of the workers as he made his way through the plant. However, at one point, a disgruntled worker screamed obscenities at the President as he walked with Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Jr. The heckler appeared to shout, “pedophile protector!” as Trump toured the plant. President Trump shot back with a middle finger and appeared to say or mouth, ‘f*ck you.' White House spokesman Steven Cheung defended Trump and said, “A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response.” WATCH: Trump Flips Off Heckler at Ford Plant   Now here's the update: According to the Detroit Free Press the loudmouth employee was suspended after the rude attacks on President Trump. The auto worker TJ Sabula says he has no regrets for heckling the US President at work. FOX News has more from Tabula:   Source: thegatewaypundit.com  https://twitter.com/DrOzCMS/status/2011492127818043613?s=20   Another Victory for Tom Fitton and Judicial Watch – Oregon Agrees to Clean 800,000 Names of Inactive Voters from Voter Rolls  Tom Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, announced that his organization was suing Oregon to remove the names of inactive voters from the state's voter rolls. Here is what Tom said, “Hey, everyone. Huge news. Judicial Watch lawsuits led to the cleanup of 4 million dirty names from the voting rolls in just the last two years or so. But there's more heavy lifting to be done for cleaner elections. That's why Judicial Watch just sued the state of Oregon to force it to finally clean up its voting rolls, which are a mess. Federal law requires states to take reasonable steps to clean up their voting rolls, and Oregon hasn't been doing that. In fact, our new lawsuit, Just Filed For and With the Constitution Party of Oregon and Oregon Voters, details how 29 of Oregon's 36 counties removed few or no registrations as required by federal election law. Oregon and 35 of its counties had overall registration rates exceeding 100%. Frankly, Oregon has the highest known inactive registration rate of any state in the nation. Dirty voting rolls can mean dirty elections.   Tom Fitton announced that the Oregon Secretary of State announced removal of 800,000 dirty names from the state's voter rolls. https://twitter.com/TomFitton/status/2010748003834016216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2010748003834016216%7Ctwgr%5Ed441c69e8d73f0694063c2d5ef9f04f6759470f5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fanother-victory-tom-fitton-judicial-watch-oregon-agrees%2F   Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2011464963257196757?s=20 to 2 weeks SCOTUS has upheld Rep. Bost’s (R) standing to challenge this law in favor of a SINGLE election day AWESOME! These laws must be overturned. We have an election DAY. https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/1987353278674575441?s=20   the Treasury Scott Bessent to FOLLOW THE MONEY, and put an END to this abuse once and for all, first in Minnesota, and then all around the Country! https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2011198906168750318?s=20  Dems are stealing elections by massive fraud in just a handful of counties per state, via illegals voting. The Dems' entire platform revolves around election fraud and retaining/expanding their power. Hence why they don't want ICE/US MIL deporting illegals in their sanctuary cities, why they don't want voter ID, and why they want the border open. That's what all the fuss is about. It's because Trump is getting close to ending the Democrat Party as we know it. Without illegals voting in their districts, they face extinction. Not only will they no longer be able to win elections, but this election fraud scheme was nothing short of treasonous. They sold us out to foreigners while pocketing our money. They covertly enslaved us and enriched themselves off our labor, while we struggle to stay afloat. This is a serious situation. Capital punishment type stuff.  https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2011166251184521466?s=20     https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/2011298763701354560?s=20 https://twitter.com/truestormyjoe/status/2011313919575671066?s=20   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Jan. 8th, 2026Motor-Voter Laws Have Helped Register Millions to Vote, But Accidentally Signed Up a Relative Small Number of Noncitizens.  It's Still a Big Success.As a solution to declining voter registration rates, 24 states and the District of Columbia implemented automatic voter registration, also known as AVR or “motor-voter.”  Mistakes including the registration of noncitizens have occurred, but it's also resulted in helping millions more Americans register to vote.Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today's report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgToday's LinksArticles & Resources:NPR - Some Noncitizens Do Wind Up Registered To Vote, But Usually Not On PurposeUniv. of St. Thomas Law - Driver's Licenses for All Meets Automatic Voter Registration: A Recipe for Noncitizen Voter Fraud or a Pathway to Electoral Justice? Texas Tribune - Texas counties are looking into “potential noncitizens” on voter rolls. Here's what they're finding.Oregon Public Broadcasting - Hundreds of noncitizens were registered to vote in Oregon through state errorOregon Capital Chronicle - Wrongly registered voters were a mistake, not a policy decision Oregon Secretary of State - Following DMV review of all relevant records, Oregon Secretary of State identifies 9 potentially ineligible voters with improper registration recordsOregon Dept. of Transportation - After-Action Report Regarding Oregon Motor Voter IssuesMIT Election Data & Science Lab - Automatic voter registrationRegister or Check Your Voter Registration:U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your StatePlease follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE! Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#News #Democracy #DemocracyNews #AVR #MotorVoter #VoterRegistration #Texas #Oregon

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read joins the Exchange.

Earlier this week, President Trump said he’s working on an executive order to end mail-in ballots and voting machines across the country. The administration cites corruption as the leading cause for action despite there being no evidence of widespread voter fraud from voting by mail. Oregon’s Secretary of State Tobias Read joins us to share his response and efforts to protect Oregon’s vote-by-mail system for elections.

The Oregon Secretary of State’s office is investigating the Umpqua Public Transportation District in Douglas County over its response to the May election. The district’s CEO is refusing to accept the results of one of the races for a board seat and refusing to pay for the district’s share of running the election. The first meeting of the new board ended abruptly after an argument between board members and the CEO.   Nigel Jaquiss has been covering this issue for the Oregon Journalism Project. He joins us with more details.  

The Exchange asked probing questions. Secretary Read answered them. Candidly.

This Vermont Conversation was originally published on May 15, 2024.Nicholas Kristof has been an eyewitness to some of the most iconic political and social transformations of modern times. As a reporter and columnist for the New York Times for the last four decades, Kristof has been telling searing stories about revolutions, genocides, and the impact of global inequality. His work has garnered the top prizes in journalism, including two Pulitzer Prizes. The first was in 1990 for his coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests in China that he shared with his wife, reporter Sheryl WuDunn, the first Pulitzer awarded to a husband-wife team. They have also co-authored five books.Since 2001, Kristof has been a regular op-ed columnist for the Times. His powerful dispatches about the genocide in Darfur earned him a second Pulitzer in 2006. The former head of the International Rescue Committee said that Kristof's coverage saved hundreds of thousands of lives in Sudan. Kristof has now written a memoir, “Chasing Hope: A Reporter's Life.” He tells the story of growing up on a sheep and cherry farm in rural Oregon, and then attending Harvard and Oxford. He continues to focus his reporting on human rights, global health, poverty and gender inequality. In 2021, Kristof left the Times to run for governor of Oregon, but his foray into politics was cut short a few months later when the Oregon Secretary of State ruled that as a result of living and working out of state for years, he did not meet residency requirements. He returned to his job as a columnist for the New York Times.Despite reporting from some of the world's grimmest places, Kristof remains stubbornly optimistic. “One thing you see on the front lines, that I've seen, is that there has been a real arc of both material and moral progress, and that has left a deep impression on me,” he said. “Side by side with the worst of humanity, you end up encountering the best.”Kristof has seen authoritarian regimes up close, only to come home to see authoritarianism creeping into American politics. Is he worried about the fate of democracy in the U.S.? “It's not a binary question, but a spectrum,” he replied. “I don't think that the U.S. will become North Korea or China or Russia. But could we become Hungary? Or could we become Poland under the previous government? I think absolutely. I worry about political violence … DOJ, the military could all be heavily politicized, civil service. I worry about all that. I don't think that I will be sentenced to Guantanamo. But could there be real impairment of democracy, of governance of freedoms? Absolutely. And I, you know, I've seen that in other countries.”Kristof continues to report on human rights abuses and repression, but he insists that he is guided by hope. “I think of despair as sometimes just paralyzing, while hope can be empowering.”

It’s an open race this fall for Oregon Secretary of State. The office oversees elections and audits of state agencies, among other responsibilities. Interest in the race has been ignited recently by the discovery that the Oregon DMV accidentally registered hundreds of noncitizens to vote through an error in the state’s Motor Voter system. If voters pass Measure 117 in November, the winner of this race would also be responsible for implementing ranked choice voting for statewide elections. Dennis Linthicum is a Republican state Senator representing Klamath Falls. Democrat Tobias Read is the state treasurer. They join us to talk about why they’re running for secretary of state and what they hope to achieve if elected.

After the last presidential election, the results were called into question. Every state ratified its results a little over a month after the election. The time gap between the election and the final results provided an opportunity to cast doubt on the results. The delay is also reason to have confidence in the elections. We have extraordinary election security by any historical or worldwide standard. Aeric loves elections. He watches them like a football game (albeit a slow-moving football game). He talks a bit about the process of counting ballots and even what it meant to him as a candidate. We hope this helps you have confidence in the process...just in case it is questioned again this year. NOTES: Aeric discovers there is an ESTEP program for election security. What a great name! Federal Election Assistance Commission website. Election certification deadlines. Oregon Election Timeline for 2024 from Oregon Secretary of State RECAP/TAKEAWAYS The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Proverbs 14:15 GET IN TOUCH: We'd love to hear from you. Please send us an email or question at comment@cityonahillpodcast.com. MUSIC: Little Lily Swing, Tri-Tachyon, Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International, https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Tri-Tachyon/the-kleptotonic-ep/little-lily-swing

Salem voters appear to have elected a new mayor. Julie Hoy, a restaurant owner and Salem city council member, appears to have defeated incumbent Chris Hoy, although he still has yet to concede. Julie Hoy holds a 12-point lead in the race, according to primary election returns posted on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website Friday morning. The two Hoys are unrelated.  According to the Salem Reporter, Julie Hoy raised nearly $300,000 - a record for a Salem mayoral race - mainly from businesses and real estate groups to help defeat the incumbent mayor who backed a payroll tax measure which voters overwhelmingly rejected last year. Salem Mayor-elect Julie Hoy joins us to talk about her vision for leading Oregon’s second-largest city and priorities when she takes office in January.

Nicholas Kristof has been an eyewitness to some of the most iconic political and social transformations of modern times. As a reporter and columnist for the New York Times for the last four decades, Kristof has been telling searing stories about revolutions, genocides, and the impact of global inequality. His work has garnered the top prizes in journalism, including two Pulitzer Prizes. The first was in 1990 for his coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests in China that he shared with his wife, reporter Sheryl WuDunn, the first Pulitzer awarded to a husband-wife team. They have also co-authored five books.Since 2001, Nick Kristof has been a regular op-ed columnist for the Times. His powerful dispatches about the genocide in Darfur earned him a second Pulitzer in 2006. The former head of the International Rescue Committee said that Kristof's coverage saved hundreds of thousands of lives in Sudan. Kristof has now written a memoir, "Chasing Hope: A Reporter's Life." He tells the story of growing up on a sheep and cherry farm in rural Oregon, and then attending Harvard and Oxford. He continues to focus his reporting on human rights, global health, poverty and gender inequality. In 2021, Krsitof left the Times to run for governor of Oregon, but his foray into politics was cut short a few months later when the Oregon Secretary of State ruled that as a result of living and working out of state for years, he did not meet residency requirements. He returned to his job as a columnist for the New York Times.Despite reporting from some of the world's grimmest places, Kristof remains stubbornly optimistic. “One thing you see on the front lines is that there has been a real arc of both material and moral progress. And that has left a deep impression on me,” he said. “Side by side with the worst of humanity, you end up encountering the best.”Kristof has seen authoritarian regimes up close, only to come home to see authoritarianism creeping into American politics. Is he worried about the fate of democracy in the U.S.? “It's not a binary question, but a spectrum,” he replied. “I don't think that the U.S. will become North Korea or China or Russia. But could we become Hungary? Or could we become Poland under the previous government? I think absolutely. I worry about political violence ... The DOJ, the military could all be heavily politicized, the civil service. I worry about all that. I don't think that I will be sentenced to Guantanamo. But could there be real impairment of democracy, of governance of freedoms? Absolutely. And I know I've seen that in other countries.”Kristof continues to report on human rights abuses and repression, but he insists that he is guided by hope. “I think despair is sometimes just paralyzing, while hope can be empowering.”

Efforts to remove former president Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot are under way in multiple states, including in Oregon. The challenges rest on an obscure clause of the 14th Amendment that prohibits anyone who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding federal office. It’s unclear whether the clause applies to the presidency, but groups in Colorado and Maine successfully argued that Trump’s actions after the 2020 election disqualify him from running for office. Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade has said she doesn’t have the authority to bar Trump from the primary ballot. But the Oregon Supreme Court is expected to rule in the coming weeks on a suit that seeks to oust him from the 2024 contest. Norman Williams is a professor at Willamette University who teaches election and constitutional law. He’s been following the litigation in Oregon and elsewhere, and joins us to talk about the details. 

The Washington Secretary of State’s Office is making a new effort to track and address misinformation about voting and elections. It recently hired the British company Logically to scan social media sites for misleading narratives that could threaten election integrity, as well as physical threats to staff, and generate biweekly reports on its findings. The move led to backlash from the state Republican Party, which called the effort “unethical” and “tyranny.” A similar contract between the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office and Logically also received backlash from the Oregon GOP and Republican state lawmakers. Jim Brunner is following these issues as a political reporter at The Seattle Times. He joins us with more details.   

Behind the scenes, the Oregon Secretary of State sought to bring a new AI program from a foreign company to monitor, record, and report all Oregonians on their free thoughts and expressions on social media. Host Chris Gray and State Representative Ed Diehl go into the Request for Proposal (RFP) MDM (Mis, Dis, and Mal, -information) Analysis Platform, expressing their thought on this government overreach. If you don't like this new plot that the secretary has brought up, let her know by contacting her office and informing your state elected officials as well. Want to get involved? Join YRO today! YoungRepublicansofOregon.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngrepublicansoforegon/message

With the presidential election less than a year away, a  recent survey commissioned by the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division highlights the challenges facing Oregon’s county clerks. Researchers at Reed College’s Elections & Voting Information Center surveyed nearly all of Oregon’s 36 county clerks who not only administer elections but also record property transactions and issue marriage licenses. But as the survey reveals, that job has become tougher and more stressful in recent years, with mounting threats, harassment and even suspicious mail that was sent earlier this month to clerks’ offices in Oregon, Washington  and several other states.  More than a third of Oregon’s county clerks have also retired or resigned in 2020, which raises concerns around maintaining adequate staffing heading into an election cycle that takes months to prepare for and certify the results of. Joining us to discuss the challenges facing Oregon county clerks are Paul Manson, the research director of the Elections & Voting Information Center at Reed College and lead author of the survey, Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson and Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker. 

Full text: Last August, Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade issued a Request for Proposal for services to identify and mitigate “harmful information online as it relates to elections” (to see the full RFP document, click HERE). The Secretary is concerned with what she refers to as “misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation”, or MDM. According to the RFP, the selected vendor shall review social and online media for alleged instances of MDM on a 24/7 basis, and share relevant information with local stakeholders including the FBI and State Police. Assuming bids were received, the Secretary of State was scheduled to sign a service contract on October 27th. While election integrity is a noble goal, it's troubling that the Secretary is placing herself as the arbiter of truth regarding supposed problems of misinformation. Over the past decade, Oregon public officials have repeatedly shown themselves to be untrustworthy. Specific cases include the early resignations of Secretary of State Shemia Fagin and Gov. John Kitzhaber; the disastrous mismanagement of the Oregon Public Employee Retirement system; and Gov. Kate Brown's indefensible shutdown of public schools during the pandemic. Moreover, it's inevitable that monitoring social media related to elections will be broadened to include other kinds of speech that the government disapproves of. This is an ill-advised move by the SOS, and should be terminated before it ever gets started. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coffeewithcascade/message

A new audit from the Oregon Secretary of State’s office found that the current healthcare structure for Medicaid pharmacy benefit managers lacks transparency and is too complex to properly measure its value. Pharmacy benefit managers are the go-between for drug manufacturers and wholesalers. They are responsible for paying and processing prescription drug claims, creating preferred drug lists, negotiating on behalf of pharmacies and more.  Ian Green is the audit manager for the Secretary of State's  audits division. He joins us to share more on what his office found and the changes they’re recommending.

Little oversight, a disorganized office and an uncertain future are just a few issues plaguing the Oregon Racing Commission, a state audit finds. The agency, which oversees animal racing in the state, generates little state revenue compared to the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission and the Oregon Lottery. Ian Green is the audit manager with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Audits Division. He joins us to share his team's findings.

Earlier this week, Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade announced that Republican state senators who staged a six-week-long walkout during this year’s legislative session will not be eligible to run for reelection as a consequence of Measure 113. Ten conservative lawmakers - including six who face reelection next year -  ran afoul of the voter-backed measure which bars a lawmaker from running for reelection after accumulating 10 or more unexcused absences in a single legislative session. Republican lawmakers have vowed to challenge Griffin-Valade’s interpretation of Measure 113, with the dispute likely to be settled in court. OPB political reporter Dirk VanderHart joins us to talk about the ruling and other recent political news, including the spiraling cost of a massive renovation project at the state Capitol. 

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Smothered Benedict Wednesdays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!​​​​​​​Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, Ohio voters flooded the polls to give the anti-democracy Republicans a firm, ‘no.'Then, on the rest of the menu, Ohio voters soundly defending Democracy has given fire to an Arizona effort to enshrine abortion rights in their state Constitution; California is ill-equipped to investigate whether racism played a role in the death of a pregnant Black woman at Centinela Hospital in Los Angeles; and, the Oregon Secretary of State announced that voter-backed Measure 113 disqualifies ten Republican and Independent senators who participated in a six-week walkout this spring from running for reelection.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where hackers may have information on tens of millions of British voters after they got access to electoral registers, but it's even worse than that; and, New Zealand is partnering with US investment giant BlackRock in its aim to reach 100% renewable electricity.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!"To those of us who believe that all of life is sacred every crumb of bread and sip of wine is a Eucharist, a remembrance, a call to awareness of holiness right where we are. I want all of the holiness of the Eucharist to spill out beyond church walls, out of the hands of priests and into the regular streets and sidewalks, into the hands of regular, grubby people like you and me, onto our tables, in our kitchens and dining rooms and backyards.”-- Shauna Niequist"Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes"

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan resigned Tuesday morning, less than a week after she admitted to WW she had been moonlighting as a consultant for an embattled cannabis company whose owners were major political donors to her campaign.“Over the last few days, I have given myself some very hard feedback, spent time reflecting, and I have determined that the best thing I can do to support the people of this agency is to resign,” Fagan wrote to staff. “This is a really difficult decision, but I truly believe it is the best thing for our staff, state government and the people of Oregon.”Gov. Tina Kotek now begins the process of selecting a replacement for Fagan. The governor will appoint a successor to serve out the remainder of Fagan's term, which ends in January 2025.Last Thursday, WW broke the news that Fagan was moonlighting as a consultant for two of her top donors, who are also the owners of the embattled dispensary chain La Mota. The owners have accrued more than $7 million in state and federal tax liens in recent years and been sued over two dozen times in Oregon courts, many of the complaints alleging unpaid bills.Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

Guest Sophie Peel explains how her series of bombshell stories about local dispensary giants LaMota led to Oregon Secretary of State, Shemia Fagan's, resignation

Today we're talking about the dramatic, sudden fall of Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, plus the no-show shenanigans that stopped work at the state Legislature this week. Joining lead producer John Notarianni for our weekly news roundtable is the reporter who broke the news of the Fagan scandal, Willamette Week's Sophie Peel, as well as our very own audio producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Stories discussed in today's episode: Up in smoke: the rise and fall of Shemia Fagan [Willamette Week] Republican senators walk from Oregon Capitol, as vote on contentious abortion bill nears [OPB] Oregon Republicans are subverting democracy by running away. Again. [Vox] Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Still want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition of I Zeit Need A Minute, Jack and Miles discuss Ed Sheeran NOT quitting music, Jordan Neely's grizzly murder on the NYC subway, US 8th graders being dumber than ever, NBA news, Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan resigning, Carrie Fisher getting a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a boozed-up version of Jarritos, and the 500lbs pasta stunt!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin McCarthy tells a Russian reporter that he fully supports funding for Ukraine. KNOW IT ALL: 1) Multiple homicides being investigated around the Puget Sound. 2) Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan quits side job as marijuana consultant. 3) Ed Sheeran being sued by the estate of Marvin Gaye. // Hunter Biden's troubles mount. // Man gunned down in Tacoma. Bear cub found by man on Bainbridge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan announced on Monday that she had ended her contract working as a paid consultant for a cannabis company, which she had done while her office was preparing an audit of the state's recreational cannabis industry. The Willamette Week reported on Fagan's paid consultancy work on the same day that the state audit was released which found that overly strict regulations are making it expensive for people to run cannabis businesses and preventing others from joining the industry. The disclosure prompted Oregon Governor and fellow Democrat Tina Kotek to announce the launch of an ethics investigation into Fagan's actions, while Republican lawmakers called for Fagan to resign. OPB political reporter Dirk VanderHart joins us with an update.

In 2017, Oregon passed a law that was aimed at reducing wage disparities for employees performing the same work. Historically, women and people of color have earned lower wages than their white or male co-workers. Years later, a report from Oregon's audit division found that wage gaps in government positions still remain. Ian Green is an audit manager for the Oregon Secretary of State audits division. Jennifer Freyd is a professor emerit of psychology at the University of Oregon. They join us with details of the report and how persistent pay disparities affect employees.

Over the next several years, Oregon could receive up to $1 billion in federal funding to increase broadband access, but a recent audit from the Oregon Secretary of State's office shows the state may have some difficulties distributing funds equitably. Inaccurate data, inadequate staffing and a lack of long-term planning are just a few issues facing the Broadband Office. Kip Memmott is the Director of the Secretary of State's Audits Division. Matthew Owens is the principal auditor. They join us to share what their audit found and what changes the office needs to make to be able to use federal dollars and increase broadband access.

Oregon currently has the highest rates of voter turnout in the entire country. Two factors political scientists point to are the state's vote by mail system and the "motor voter" law that automatically registers people to vote when they get their driver's license. We talk with former Oregon Secretary of State and vote-by-mail advocate Phil Keisling about the numbers and what they mean.

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily Newsbrief for Wednesday, December 14th. 2022… Happy hump day everyone! I hope you and yours are having a week full of blessings thus far, and before we get to the news… just a reminder… Club Membership Plug: Its Christmas, join our club. During December, the first 75 people to upgrade or join our Gold or Platinum club membership will get our 32OZ Kodiak Christmas water bottle and a free subscription to our Fight Laugh Feast Magazine. By joining the Fight Laugh Feast Army, not only will you be aiding in our fight to take down secular & legacy media; but you’ll also get access to content placed in our Club Portal, such as past shows, all of our conference talks, and EXCLUSIVE content for club members that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Lastly, you’ll also get discounts for our conferences… We don’t have the big money of woke media, and so our club members are crucial in this fight. So, join the movement, join our army, and you can sign up now at fightlaughfeast.com. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/13/lawmakers-unveil-bipartisan-bill-that-aims-to-ban-tiktok-in-the-us.html Lawmakers unveil bipartisan bill that aims to ban TikTok in the U.S. A new bill from a bipartisan group of lawmakers, if passed, would ban TikTok in the U.S. after years of broad concern across the Trump and Biden administrations about potential Chinese government influence on the company. Social media stocks including Meta and Snap were positive Tuesday when the news broke. Meta shares were up more than 6% and Snap was up more than 3% as of late morning. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has raised fears in the U.S. that Chinese government officials could gain access to U.S. user data under Chinese law that could compel the company to hand over information. TikTok has insisted U.S. user data is safely stored outside of China, which it says should keep it out of reach of government officials. But the company’s reassurances have done little to turn down the heat on TikTok. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. is in talks with the company about how to resolve some of the data concerns, though a solution has reportedly been delayed. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress recently that he’s “extremely concerned” about the Chinese government’s potential influence through TikTok on U.S. users. The new bill, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., would ban “all transactions from any social media company in, or under the influence of, China, Russia, and several other foreign countries of concern,” according to a press release. The ANTI-SOCIAL CCP ACT — which stands for Averting the National Threat of Internet Surveillance, Oppressive Censorship and Influence, and Algorithmic Learning by the Chinese Communist Party — explicitly names ByteDance and TikTok as subject to the restrictions in the bill, “unless and until the date on which the President certifies to Congress that the company no longer meets any of the conditions described,” such as being subject to “substantial influence” by a country of concern. “It is troubling that rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review of TikTok, some members of Congress have decided to push for a politically-motivated ban that will do nothing to advance the national security of the United States,” a TikTok spokesperson said. “We will continue to brief members of Congress on the plans that have been developed under the oversight of our country’s top national security agencies—plans that we are well underway in implementing—to further secure our platform in the United States.” https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-desantis-to-investigate-covid-vaccine-related-injuries?utm_campaign=64487 DeSantis to investigate Covid vaccine-related injuries During a Tuesday morning roundtable with health regarding Covid-19 mRNA vaccine accountability, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he will be petitioning for a statewide grand jury to investigate "any and all wrongdoing in Florida with respect to Covid-19 vaccines." https://twitter.com/i/status/1602711034921619461 - Play Video Speaking in regards to the information that came about during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, where people were told to stay inside but George Floyd protestors were allowed to congregate in large groups, DeSantis announced a "panel of experts" who will "counteract nonsense when it’s coming out of these institutions" like the CDC. Speaking of the CDC! https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/cdc-mask-tripledemic/2022/12/12/id/1100143/ CDC Urging Return to Masks Amid 'Tripledemic' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again is urging people to wear masks indoors. The reason for encouraging mask use is what health officials are calling a "tripledemic:" the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The CDC's Dec. 8 report said that 13.7% of Americans live in communities rated "high" for COVID-19 community levels, up from 4.9% the previous week, The Hill reported. An additional 38.1% of Americans are in "medium" areas and 48.2% are in "low" areas. "[We] encourage you to wear a high quality, well-fitting mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, most especially for those in the 5% of the population currently living in counties with high COVID-19 community level," Dr. Rochelle Walensky said last week during a conference call. "CDC continues to recommend masking for anyone choosing to travel by plane, train, bus, or other form of public transportation, or for anyone who may be immunocompromised or increased risk of severe disease." The Hill reported that several major cities are mulling a return to masking mandates. More than 10 counties in California fall under the "high" areas. Los Angeles County health officials are recommending that everyone wear masks indoors. Hospitals in LA saw an average of 1,245 COVID-positive patients every day — a nearly 20% jump from previous week. "When you put on your mask for these few weeks during this surge, it is about the people of LA County. It is about every individual, every visitor, our health care workers, essential workers and other people who serve. In addition to vaccination, it is one of the easiest things everyone can do right now,” Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County director of public health, wrote in a Dec. 9 press release. In New York, state officials urged schools to return to indoor masking to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses, and a health advisory notice alerted hospitals, local health departments, emergency rooms and labs to prepare for rapidly rising cases of respiratory illness. Not only do they want you to mask up, but they’re coming for our guns too! https://www.theepochtimes.com/states-tighten-second-amendment-rules-as-scotus-lifts-restrictions_4915179.html?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport States Tighten Second Amendment Rules as SCOTUS Lifts Restrictions Despite a list of pro-gun rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court over the past 13 years, Rev. Mark Knutson of Portland, Oregon, who has been advocating against gun access, gives one reason for his support of stricter firearms laws. “This will save lives,” says Knutson, a pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church and chairman of the “Lift Every Voice Oregon—YES on Measure 114” campaign. Knutson was the chief petitioner of the campaign in support of Oregon Measure 114, which narrowly passed in the midterm election in November. He described the campaign as “grassroots” and said it was in response to the recent shootings in the United States. It was a well-funded campaign based on reports filed with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. “Lift Every Voice Oregon” spent just shy of $2.4 million. The top three contributors to the campaign were Connie Ballmer of Bellevue, Washington, who contributed $750,000. Ballmer is an Oregon native and married to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Together, they have started several organizations to support charitable and political causes. The National Education Association, a teacher’s union, contributed $500,000, and the 1630 Fund contributed $250,000. The 1630 Fund is described by the website Influencewatch.org as a possible “dark money” fund that supports progressive causes. When asked about the fund, Knutson pointed out that, as a 501c4, it is not required to disclose its donors. He said the fund was set up to help progressive political campaigns. In Oregon, Measure 114 requires Oregonians apply for a permit to purchase firearms, along with background checks and certification from the purchaser for passing an approved safety course. The law also requires the state police to compile a firearms database, and prohibits the sale of magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, is involved in a Second Amendment battle on the opposite side of the country. He denies that safety is motivating New York state officials. “It’s about intimidation,” King said. His organization sued New York state over its previous requirement that concealed weapons permit applicants show “proper cause,” or in other words, a legitimate reason for applying for a concealed firearm permit. According to King, the law was to disarm the populace while making exceptions for the wealthy and politically connected. The original case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court this year. In New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, the Supreme Court decided last June that the proper cause requirement was unconstitutional. The court also held that Second Amendment regulations must align with constitutional text and history. In other words, since the Constitution did not mention “proper cause” and historically this had not been required, the state could not require it either. Almost immediately, Gov. Kathy Hochul called the legislature into session to pass the Concealed Carry Improvement Act. The act removed mention of “proper cause” but expanded all other requirements. An applicant’s social media will be scrutinized, and must provide contact information for a list of close family and friends. The CCIA also requires 16 hours of training, including two hours of training on a firing range. In addition, the new law expanded the government’s list of “sensitive places” where it sought to prohibit the carrying of firearms. This includes private property unless the property owner posts a sign granting permission or has given express permission to the permit holder. Pro-Second Amendment groups, including Virginia-based Gun Owners of America, sued the state and a judge found several elements of the new law unconstitutional. However, that judge’s ruling is on hold as state officials vow to continue the fight. Armored Republic The Mission of Armored Republic is to Honor Christ by equipping Free Men with Tools of Liberty necessary to preserve God-given rights. In the Armored Republic there is no King but Christ. We are Free Craftsmen. Body Armor is a Tool of Liberty. We create Tools of Liberty. Free men must remain ever vigilant against tyranny wherever it appears. God has given us the tools of liberty needed to defend the rights He bestowed to us. Armored Republic is honored to offer you those Tools. Visit them, at ar500armor.com https://thepostmillennial.com/new-zealand-bans-cigarettes-for-all-those-born-after-2009?utm_campaign=64487 New Zealand bans cigarettes for all those born after 2009 Kiwis born after 2009 will not be able to purchase legal cigarettes, according to a new law by Jacinda Ardern's Labour party that seeks to make the country smoke-free. The law would grandfather tobacco use to those born before January 1 of 2009, reports the Daily Mail. This would mean that 50 years from now, one would have to be 63 or older to buy cigarettes in New Zealand. Health authorities are aiming to make the country smoke-free by 2025. The law will also reduce the number of retailers who can sell tobacco by 90 percent, which would leave just 600 stores. New Zealand's associate minister of health said that the legislation seeks to ban cigarettes from use, saying that "There is no good reason to allow a product to be sold that kills half the people that use it. "And I can tell you that we will end this in the future, as we pass this legislation," she continued. The New Zealand health system hopes that billions of dollars will be saved by cutting smoking, as it causes cancer, increases blood pressure, strokes, and causes a variety of other diseases. Lawmakers voted to pass the legislation 76 to 43. New Zealand's right-wing ACT party, which voted against the bill, said that corner stores would go out of business without cigarettes to sell. Statistics New Zealand has found that 8 percent of New Zealand adults smoked daily, down from 16 percent a decade ago. 8.3 percent of adults vape daily, an increase of 1 percent from six years ago. Indigenous Maori populations smoke more than the average New Zealander, with around one-fifth reporting that they smoke. That’s the news for today… but before I end today’s newsbrief… I want to stop and take a moment to talk about someone who is likely very dear to some of you… Mike Lawyer… Just before I came to do this newsbrief, I received a church email that announced that Dr. Lawyer, had passed away, and has gone to glory, to be with his wife Eileen, and with our creator, whom with no doubt is saying, well done, my good and faithful servant. Dr. Lawyer was a faithful counselor to many in the Moscow community, but also to many around the world, who would always ask the question, “where is God in all this?” To me… Mike was more than just a counselor… he was a dear friend, and a father figure. He came into my life during a dark time, and God used him as a tool to reshape me in Christ’s image. Mike, all I can say is I love you, and my heart aches at your passing. But I am comforted to know that you are in glory with our creator and Eileen.

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily Newsbrief for Wednesday, December 14th. 2022… Happy hump day everyone! I hope you and yours are having a week full of blessings thus far, and before we get to the news… just a reminder… Club Membership Plug: Its Christmas, join our club. During December, the first 75 people to upgrade or join our Gold or Platinum club membership will get our 32OZ Kodiak Christmas water bottle and a free subscription to our Fight Laugh Feast Magazine. By joining the Fight Laugh Feast Army, not only will you be aiding in our fight to take down secular & legacy media; but you’ll also get access to content placed in our Club Portal, such as past shows, all of our conference talks, and EXCLUSIVE content for club members that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Lastly, you’ll also get discounts for our conferences… We don’t have the big money of woke media, and so our club members are crucial in this fight. So, join the movement, join our army, and you can sign up now at fightlaughfeast.com. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/13/lawmakers-unveil-bipartisan-bill-that-aims-to-ban-tiktok-in-the-us.html Lawmakers unveil bipartisan bill that aims to ban TikTok in the U.S. A new bill from a bipartisan group of lawmakers, if passed, would ban TikTok in the U.S. after years of broad concern across the Trump and Biden administrations about potential Chinese government influence on the company. Social media stocks including Meta and Snap were positive Tuesday when the news broke. Meta shares were up more than 6% and Snap was up more than 3% as of late morning. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has raised fears in the U.S. that Chinese government officials could gain access to U.S. user data under Chinese law that could compel the company to hand over information. TikTok has insisted U.S. user data is safely stored outside of China, which it says should keep it out of reach of government officials. But the company’s reassurances have done little to turn down the heat on TikTok. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. is in talks with the company about how to resolve some of the data concerns, though a solution has reportedly been delayed. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress recently that he’s “extremely concerned” about the Chinese government’s potential influence through TikTok on U.S. users. The new bill, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., would ban “all transactions from any social media company in, or under the influence of, China, Russia, and several other foreign countries of concern,” according to a press release. The ANTI-SOCIAL CCP ACT — which stands for Averting the National Threat of Internet Surveillance, Oppressive Censorship and Influence, and Algorithmic Learning by the Chinese Communist Party — explicitly names ByteDance and TikTok as subject to the restrictions in the bill, “unless and until the date on which the President certifies to Congress that the company no longer meets any of the conditions described,” such as being subject to “substantial influence” by a country of concern. “It is troubling that rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review of TikTok, some members of Congress have decided to push for a politically-motivated ban that will do nothing to advance the national security of the United States,” a TikTok spokesperson said. “We will continue to brief members of Congress on the plans that have been developed under the oversight of our country’s top national security agencies—plans that we are well underway in implementing—to further secure our platform in the United States.” https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-desantis-to-investigate-covid-vaccine-related-injuries?utm_campaign=64487 DeSantis to investigate Covid vaccine-related injuries During a Tuesday morning roundtable with health regarding Covid-19 mRNA vaccine accountability, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he will be petitioning for a statewide grand jury to investigate "any and all wrongdoing in Florida with respect to Covid-19 vaccines." https://twitter.com/i/status/1602711034921619461 - Play Video Speaking in regards to the information that came about during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, where people were told to stay inside but George Floyd protestors were allowed to congregate in large groups, DeSantis announced a "panel of experts" who will "counteract nonsense when it’s coming out of these institutions" like the CDC. Speaking of the CDC! https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/cdc-mask-tripledemic/2022/12/12/id/1100143/ CDC Urging Return to Masks Amid 'Tripledemic' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again is urging people to wear masks indoors. The reason for encouraging mask use is what health officials are calling a "tripledemic:" the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The CDC's Dec. 8 report said that 13.7% of Americans live in communities rated "high" for COVID-19 community levels, up from 4.9% the previous week, The Hill reported. An additional 38.1% of Americans are in "medium" areas and 48.2% are in "low" areas. "[We] encourage you to wear a high quality, well-fitting mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, most especially for those in the 5% of the population currently living in counties with high COVID-19 community level," Dr. Rochelle Walensky said last week during a conference call. "CDC continues to recommend masking for anyone choosing to travel by plane, train, bus, or other form of public transportation, or for anyone who may be immunocompromised or increased risk of severe disease." The Hill reported that several major cities are mulling a return to masking mandates. More than 10 counties in California fall under the "high" areas. Los Angeles County health officials are recommending that everyone wear masks indoors. Hospitals in LA saw an average of 1,245 COVID-positive patients every day — a nearly 20% jump from previous week. "When you put on your mask for these few weeks during this surge, it is about the people of LA County. It is about every individual, every visitor, our health care workers, essential workers and other people who serve. In addition to vaccination, it is one of the easiest things everyone can do right now,” Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County director of public health, wrote in a Dec. 9 press release. In New York, state officials urged schools to return to indoor masking to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses, and a health advisory notice alerted hospitals, local health departments, emergency rooms and labs to prepare for rapidly rising cases of respiratory illness. Not only do they want you to mask up, but they’re coming for our guns too! https://www.theepochtimes.com/states-tighten-second-amendment-rules-as-scotus-lifts-restrictions_4915179.html?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport States Tighten Second Amendment Rules as SCOTUS Lifts Restrictions Despite a list of pro-gun rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court over the past 13 years, Rev. Mark Knutson of Portland, Oregon, who has been advocating against gun access, gives one reason for his support of stricter firearms laws. “This will save lives,” says Knutson, a pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church and chairman of the “Lift Every Voice Oregon—YES on Measure 114” campaign. Knutson was the chief petitioner of the campaign in support of Oregon Measure 114, which narrowly passed in the midterm election in November. He described the campaign as “grassroots” and said it was in response to the recent shootings in the United States. It was a well-funded campaign based on reports filed with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. “Lift Every Voice Oregon” spent just shy of $2.4 million. The top three contributors to the campaign were Connie Ballmer of Bellevue, Washington, who contributed $750,000. Ballmer is an Oregon native and married to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Together, they have started several organizations to support charitable and political causes. The National Education Association, a teacher’s union, contributed $500,000, and the 1630 Fund contributed $250,000. The 1630 Fund is described by the website Influencewatch.org as a possible “dark money” fund that supports progressive causes. When asked about the fund, Knutson pointed out that, as a 501c4, it is not required to disclose its donors. He said the fund was set up to help progressive political campaigns. In Oregon, Measure 114 requires Oregonians apply for a permit to purchase firearms, along with background checks and certification from the purchaser for passing an approved safety course. The law also requires the state police to compile a firearms database, and prohibits the sale of magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, is involved in a Second Amendment battle on the opposite side of the country. He denies that safety is motivating New York state officials. “It’s about intimidation,” King said. His organization sued New York state over its previous requirement that concealed weapons permit applicants show “proper cause,” or in other words, a legitimate reason for applying for a concealed firearm permit. According to King, the law was to disarm the populace while making exceptions for the wealthy and politically connected. The original case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court this year. In New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, the Supreme Court decided last June that the proper cause requirement was unconstitutional. The court also held that Second Amendment regulations must align with constitutional text and history. In other words, since the Constitution did not mention “proper cause” and historically this had not been required, the state could not require it either. Almost immediately, Gov. Kathy Hochul called the legislature into session to pass the Concealed Carry Improvement Act. The act removed mention of “proper cause” but expanded all other requirements. An applicant’s social media will be scrutinized, and must provide contact information for a list of close family and friends. The CCIA also requires 16 hours of training, including two hours of training on a firing range. In addition, the new law expanded the government’s list of “sensitive places” where it sought to prohibit the carrying of firearms. This includes private property unless the property owner posts a sign granting permission or has given express permission to the permit holder. Pro-Second Amendment groups, including Virginia-based Gun Owners of America, sued the state and a judge found several elements of the new law unconstitutional. However, that judge’s ruling is on hold as state officials vow to continue the fight. Armored Republic The Mission of Armored Republic is to Honor Christ by equipping Free Men with Tools of Liberty necessary to preserve God-given rights. In the Armored Republic there is no King but Christ. We are Free Craftsmen. Body Armor is a Tool of Liberty. We create Tools of Liberty. Free men must remain ever vigilant against tyranny wherever it appears. God has given us the tools of liberty needed to defend the rights He bestowed to us. Armored Republic is honored to offer you those Tools. Visit them, at ar500armor.com https://thepostmillennial.com/new-zealand-bans-cigarettes-for-all-those-born-after-2009?utm_campaign=64487 New Zealand bans cigarettes for all those born after 2009 Kiwis born after 2009 will not be able to purchase legal cigarettes, according to a new law by Jacinda Ardern's Labour party that seeks to make the country smoke-free. The law would grandfather tobacco use to those born before January 1 of 2009, reports the Daily Mail. This would mean that 50 years from now, one would have to be 63 or older to buy cigarettes in New Zealand. Health authorities are aiming to make the country smoke-free by 2025. The law will also reduce the number of retailers who can sell tobacco by 90 percent, which would leave just 600 stores. New Zealand's associate minister of health said that the legislation seeks to ban cigarettes from use, saying that "There is no good reason to allow a product to be sold that kills half the people that use it. "And I can tell you that we will end this in the future, as we pass this legislation," she continued. The New Zealand health system hopes that billions of dollars will be saved by cutting smoking, as it causes cancer, increases blood pressure, strokes, and causes a variety of other diseases. Lawmakers voted to pass the legislation 76 to 43. New Zealand's right-wing ACT party, which voted against the bill, said that corner stores would go out of business without cigarettes to sell. Statistics New Zealand has found that 8 percent of New Zealand adults smoked daily, down from 16 percent a decade ago. 8.3 percent of adults vape daily, an increase of 1 percent from six years ago. Indigenous Maori populations smoke more than the average New Zealander, with around one-fifth reporting that they smoke. That’s the news for today… but before I end today’s newsbrief… I want to stop and take a moment to talk about someone who is likely very dear to some of you… Mike Lawyer… Just before I came to do this newsbrief, I received a church email that announced that Dr. Lawyer, had passed away, and has gone to glory, to be with his wife Eileen, and with our creator, whom with no doubt is saying, well done, my good and faithful servant. Dr. Lawyer was a faithful counselor to many in the Moscow community, but also to many around the world, who would always ask the question, “where is God in all this?” To me… Mike was more than just a counselor… he was a dear friend, and a father figure. He came into my life during a dark time, and God used him as a tool to reshape me in Christ’s image. Mike, all I can say is I love you, and my heart aches at your passing. But I am comforted to know that you are in glory with our creator and Eileen.

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily Newsbrief for Wednesday, December 14th. 2022… Happy hump day everyone! I hope you and yours are having a week full of blessings thus far, and before we get to the news… just a reminder… Club Membership Plug: Its Christmas, join our club. During December, the first 75 people to upgrade or join our Gold or Platinum club membership will get our 32OZ Kodiak Christmas water bottle and a free subscription to our Fight Laugh Feast Magazine. By joining the Fight Laugh Feast Army, not only will you be aiding in our fight to take down secular & legacy media; but you’ll also get access to content placed in our Club Portal, such as past shows, all of our conference talks, and EXCLUSIVE content for club members that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Lastly, you’ll also get discounts for our conferences… We don’t have the big money of woke media, and so our club members are crucial in this fight. So, join the movement, join our army, and you can sign up now at fightlaughfeast.com. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/13/lawmakers-unveil-bipartisan-bill-that-aims-to-ban-tiktok-in-the-us.html Lawmakers unveil bipartisan bill that aims to ban TikTok in the U.S. A new bill from a bipartisan group of lawmakers, if passed, would ban TikTok in the U.S. after years of broad concern across the Trump and Biden administrations about potential Chinese government influence on the company. Social media stocks including Meta and Snap were positive Tuesday when the news broke. Meta shares were up more than 6% and Snap was up more than 3% as of late morning. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has raised fears in the U.S. that Chinese government officials could gain access to U.S. user data under Chinese law that could compel the company to hand over information. TikTok has insisted U.S. user data is safely stored outside of China, which it says should keep it out of reach of government officials. But the company’s reassurances have done little to turn down the heat on TikTok. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. is in talks with the company about how to resolve some of the data concerns, though a solution has reportedly been delayed. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress recently that he’s “extremely concerned” about the Chinese government’s potential influence through TikTok on U.S. users. The new bill, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., would ban “all transactions from any social media company in, or under the influence of, China, Russia, and several other foreign countries of concern,” according to a press release. The ANTI-SOCIAL CCP ACT — which stands for Averting the National Threat of Internet Surveillance, Oppressive Censorship and Influence, and Algorithmic Learning by the Chinese Communist Party — explicitly names ByteDance and TikTok as subject to the restrictions in the bill, “unless and until the date on which the President certifies to Congress that the company no longer meets any of the conditions described,” such as being subject to “substantial influence” by a country of concern. “It is troubling that rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review of TikTok, some members of Congress have decided to push for a politically-motivated ban that will do nothing to advance the national security of the United States,” a TikTok spokesperson said. “We will continue to brief members of Congress on the plans that have been developed under the oversight of our country’s top national security agencies—plans that we are well underway in implementing—to further secure our platform in the United States.” https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-desantis-to-investigate-covid-vaccine-related-injuries?utm_campaign=64487 DeSantis to investigate Covid vaccine-related injuries During a Tuesday morning roundtable with health regarding Covid-19 mRNA vaccine accountability, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he will be petitioning for a statewide grand jury to investigate "any and all wrongdoing in Florida with respect to Covid-19 vaccines." https://twitter.com/i/status/1602711034921619461 - Play Video Speaking in regards to the information that came about during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, where people were told to stay inside but George Floyd protestors were allowed to congregate in large groups, DeSantis announced a "panel of experts" who will "counteract nonsense when it’s coming out of these institutions" like the CDC. Speaking of the CDC! https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/cdc-mask-tripledemic/2022/12/12/id/1100143/ CDC Urging Return to Masks Amid 'Tripledemic' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again is urging people to wear masks indoors. The reason for encouraging mask use is what health officials are calling a "tripledemic:" the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The CDC's Dec. 8 report said that 13.7% of Americans live in communities rated "high" for COVID-19 community levels, up from 4.9% the previous week, The Hill reported. An additional 38.1% of Americans are in "medium" areas and 48.2% are in "low" areas. "[We] encourage you to wear a high quality, well-fitting mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, most especially for those in the 5% of the population currently living in counties with high COVID-19 community level," Dr. Rochelle Walensky said last week during a conference call. "CDC continues to recommend masking for anyone choosing to travel by plane, train, bus, or other form of public transportation, or for anyone who may be immunocompromised or increased risk of severe disease." The Hill reported that several major cities are mulling a return to masking mandates. More than 10 counties in California fall under the "high" areas. Los Angeles County health officials are recommending that everyone wear masks indoors. Hospitals in LA saw an average of 1,245 COVID-positive patients every day — a nearly 20% jump from previous week. "When you put on your mask for these few weeks during this surge, it is about the people of LA County. It is about every individual, every visitor, our health care workers, essential workers and other people who serve. In addition to vaccination, it is one of the easiest things everyone can do right now,” Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County director of public health, wrote in a Dec. 9 press release. In New York, state officials urged schools to return to indoor masking to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses, and a health advisory notice alerted hospitals, local health departments, emergency rooms and labs to prepare for rapidly rising cases of respiratory illness. Not only do they want you to mask up, but they’re coming for our guns too! https://www.theepochtimes.com/states-tighten-second-amendment-rules-as-scotus-lifts-restrictions_4915179.html?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport States Tighten Second Amendment Rules as SCOTUS Lifts Restrictions Despite a list of pro-gun rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court over the past 13 years, Rev. Mark Knutson of Portland, Oregon, who has been advocating against gun access, gives one reason for his support of stricter firearms laws. “This will save lives,” says Knutson, a pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church and chairman of the “Lift Every Voice Oregon—YES on Measure 114” campaign. Knutson was the chief petitioner of the campaign in support of Oregon Measure 114, which narrowly passed in the midterm election in November. He described the campaign as “grassroots” and said it was in response to the recent shootings in the United States. It was a well-funded campaign based on reports filed with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. “Lift Every Voice Oregon” spent just shy of $2.4 million. The top three contributors to the campaign were Connie Ballmer of Bellevue, Washington, who contributed $750,000. Ballmer is an Oregon native and married to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Together, they have started several organizations to support charitable and political causes. The National Education Association, a teacher’s union, contributed $500,000, and the 1630 Fund contributed $250,000. The 1630 Fund is described by the website Influencewatch.org as a possible “dark money” fund that supports progressive causes. When asked about the fund, Knutson pointed out that, as a 501c4, it is not required to disclose its donors. He said the fund was set up to help progressive political campaigns. In Oregon, Measure 114 requires Oregonians apply for a permit to purchase firearms, along with background checks and certification from the purchaser for passing an approved safety course. The law also requires the state police to compile a firearms database, and prohibits the sale of magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, is involved in a Second Amendment battle on the opposite side of the country. He denies that safety is motivating New York state officials. “It’s about intimidation,” King said. His organization sued New York state over its previous requirement that concealed weapons permit applicants show “proper cause,” or in other words, a legitimate reason for applying for a concealed firearm permit. According to King, the law was to disarm the populace while making exceptions for the wealthy and politically connected. The original case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court this year. In New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, the Supreme Court decided last June that the proper cause requirement was unconstitutional. The court also held that Second Amendment regulations must align with constitutional text and history. In other words, since the Constitution did not mention “proper cause” and historically this had not been required, the state could not require it either. Almost immediately, Gov. Kathy Hochul called the legislature into session to pass the Concealed Carry Improvement Act. The act removed mention of “proper cause” but expanded all other requirements. An applicant’s social media will be scrutinized, and must provide contact information for a list of close family and friends. The CCIA also requires 16 hours of training, including two hours of training on a firing range. In addition, the new law expanded the government’s list of “sensitive places” where it sought to prohibit the carrying of firearms. This includes private property unless the property owner posts a sign granting permission or has given express permission to the permit holder. Pro-Second Amendment groups, including Virginia-based Gun Owners of America, sued the state and a judge found several elements of the new law unconstitutional. However, that judge’s ruling is on hold as state officials vow to continue the fight. Armored Republic The Mission of Armored Republic is to Honor Christ by equipping Free Men with Tools of Liberty necessary to preserve God-given rights. In the Armored Republic there is no King but Christ. We are Free Craftsmen. Body Armor is a Tool of Liberty. We create Tools of Liberty. Free men must remain ever vigilant against tyranny wherever it appears. God has given us the tools of liberty needed to defend the rights He bestowed to us. Armored Republic is honored to offer you those Tools. Visit them, at ar500armor.com https://thepostmillennial.com/new-zealand-bans-cigarettes-for-all-those-born-after-2009?utm_campaign=64487 New Zealand bans cigarettes for all those born after 2009 Kiwis born after 2009 will not be able to purchase legal cigarettes, according to a new law by Jacinda Ardern's Labour party that seeks to make the country smoke-free. The law would grandfather tobacco use to those born before January 1 of 2009, reports the Daily Mail. This would mean that 50 years from now, one would have to be 63 or older to buy cigarettes in New Zealand. Health authorities are aiming to make the country smoke-free by 2025. The law will also reduce the number of retailers who can sell tobacco by 90 percent, which would leave just 600 stores. New Zealand's associate minister of health said that the legislation seeks to ban cigarettes from use, saying that "There is no good reason to allow a product to be sold that kills half the people that use it. "And I can tell you that we will end this in the future, as we pass this legislation," she continued. The New Zealand health system hopes that billions of dollars will be saved by cutting smoking, as it causes cancer, increases blood pressure, strokes, and causes a variety of other diseases. Lawmakers voted to pass the legislation 76 to 43. New Zealand's right-wing ACT party, which voted against the bill, said that corner stores would go out of business without cigarettes to sell. Statistics New Zealand has found that 8 percent of New Zealand adults smoked daily, down from 16 percent a decade ago. 8.3 percent of adults vape daily, an increase of 1 percent from six years ago. Indigenous Maori populations smoke more than the average New Zealander, with around one-fifth reporting that they smoke. That’s the news for today… but before I end today’s newsbrief… I want to stop and take a moment to talk about someone who is likely very dear to some of you… Mike Lawyer… Just before I came to do this newsbrief, I received a church email that announced that Dr. Lawyer, had passed away, and has gone to glory, to be with his wife Eileen, and with our creator, whom with no doubt is saying, well done, my good and faithful servant. Dr. Lawyer was a faithful counselor to many in the Moscow community, but also to many around the world, who would always ask the question, “where is God in all this?” To me… Mike was more than just a counselor… he was a dear friend, and a father figure. He came into my life during a dark time, and God used him as a tool to reshape me in Christ’s image. Mike, all I can say is I love you, and my heart aches at your passing. But I am comforted to know that you are in glory with our creator and Eileen.

This week, we are excited to have Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan as our guest! We all knew that there were going to be many close races this election--from the top of the ticket on down, so we thought it was important for our listeners to understand how Oregon's election system works. In this episode, Secretary Fagan explains her role and the protocols that county elections follow to ensure ballots are counted accurately. We also discuss what she sees as the greatest threat to election integrity in Oregon, how the roles of the Oregon Secretary of State vary from the roles in other states, how the audit function of her office works, and her advice for how to make state government work better. Secretary Fagan also gives a tip for how to manage the anxiety of election night--you'll want to keep this in mind for next cycle! As a bonus, after the pod was recorded, Ben Morris shared that about 10,000 folks were on the SOS results website on the primary election night--so you can bet there were a lot more on November 8th!

With the November election ballots starting to be mailed to voters this week, the state of Oregon is sending out the message that elections here continue to be free, fair and secure. The Secretary of State's office is encouraging Oregon voters to “know their rights” and urging anyone who feels someone is trying to intimidate them at the ballot box or elsewhere to report it to her office. Donald Trump and his supporters are attempting to cast doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections with lies about election fraud, and specifically about the security of voting by mail. Voters in some Oregon counties have complained about being questioned about their votes from people falsely representing themselves as government employees. And Oregon is not immune to the “monitoring” of voters at ballot boxes, which some voters say they find intimidating. Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan joins us to remind us about the safeguards baked into the state's vote-by-mail system, and walk us through the efforts to counter disinformation and intimidation.

Thousands of Clackamas County ballots from the May 17 primary have to be reprocessed because misprinted barcodes left them unreadable by tabulating machines. According to the county clerk, the vote counting will continue until mid-June. The debacle is fueling conspiracy theories and has caused confusion in the 5th Congressional District race, which the Associated Press finally called 10 days after the election. We hear from Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan about the situation in Clackamas County and how Oregon can avoid problems like this in the future.

Oregon Secretary of State auditors released a report detailing five risk areas that could put the success of students at risk. The report is a compilation of past K-12 school audits by the state. Auditors addressed their findings to the Governor, Oregon Department of Education and state legislators and made recommendations for improvements. Joining us is Principal Auditor Krystine McCants to share more on these risk areas and details of the report.

Oregon's biggest housing program, the mortgage interest deduction, does nothing to ease the state's long-running housing crisis. That's because this billion-dollar housing subsidy mainly benefits well-off homeowners. This is only one of the many flaws of the mortgage interest deduction, according to a recent audit by the Oregon Secretary of State's Office. In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk with Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and Audits Director Kip Memmott about what the audit revealed.Read the audit Without Legislative Action the Mortgage Interest Deduction Will Remain Regressive and Inequitable. 

Piper and Josh chat at length with Thursday from pdx.vote in the first part of a two part series on campaign finance. Support Thursday's work by subscribing to pdx.vote for $10 / month Vocabulary # Shemia Fagan is the current Oregon Secretary of State (in charge of lots of elections stuff). ORESTAR is the campaign finance website where entities report their spending. Transcript of both campaign epsiodes combined Content Warning: This episode is explicit Follow Us # Follow on twitter and instagram for podcast updates and @yourFriendPiper & @manicExpressive for people updates.

The second part of Piper and Josh's chat with Thursday from pdx.vote talking at length about campaign finance. Support Thursday's work by subscribing to pdx.vote for $10 / month Vocabulary # Shemia Fagan is the current Oregon Secretary of State (in charge of lots of elections stuff). ORESTAR is the campaign finance website where entities report their spending. Transcript of both campaign epsiodes combined Content Warning: This episode is explicit Follow Us # Follow on twitter and instagram for podcast updates and @yourFriendPiper & @manicExpressive for people updates.

Oregon's primary election is about a month away on May 17, with ballots going out in less than two weeks. Secretary of State Shemia Fagan wants Oregonians to feel confident in the security of the state's election process. Appearing on KGW's Straight Talk with Laural Porter, Fagan was emphatic in saying the 2020 election results were accurate. Her office is on the offensive in an effort to reassure Oregonians they can feel confident in the safety and security of Oregon elections and to clear up any confusion voters may have about the process.

Oregon's primary election is about a month away on May 17, with ballots going out in less than two weeks. Secretary of State Shemia Fagan wants Oregonians to feel confident in the security of the state's election process. Appearing on KGW's Straight Talk with Laural Porter, Fagan was emphatic in saying the 2020 election results were accurate. Her office is on the offensive in an effort to reassure Oregonians they can feel confident in the safety and security of Oregon elections and to clear up any confusion voters may have about the process.

Full Text: This time they're coming for your home. Earlier this month, Oregon's Secretary of State released an audit of Oregon's mortgage interest tax deduction. According to the audit, the tax deduction is “regressive and inequitable.” This audit is unusual in that it calls into question policy decisions made by the legislature. In particular, it claims that the deduction has no “clear purpose.” Incredibly, the audit recommends that the legislature come up with a clear purpose and direct a state agency to make sure the tax deduction is meeting that clear purpose. It is well known that one clear purpose for the mortgage interest deduction is to foster homeownership. For many first-time homeowners, the tax deduction is the primary reason they can even afford to become homeowners. More importantly, these homeowners enter into 30-year loans based on the expectation that the interest on those loans would be tax deductible. Yanking that deduction away could increase many homeowners' tax bills by thousands of dollars. Even more outrageous is the Secretary of State giving what amounts to marching orders to the legislature. Every session the legislature passes scads of laws that have no “clear purpose.” Yet, this audit seeks to upend one measure of the tax code that benefits a majority of Oregon voters. I hope the Secretary of State's audit falls on deaf ears, but I fear it may be the opening shot in the state's assault on homeowners. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coffeewithcascade/message

Nick Kristof is officially out of the race for Oregon governor and will not appear on the May primary ballot as a candidate in that race. The former New York Times columnist quit his job to run for Oregon's top job. On Thursday, the Oregon Supreme Court issued an opinion affirming Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan's determination that Kristof cannot legally vie for the governorship because he does not meet the state's three-year residency requirement. Kristof joins us to talk about what's next for him.

Nick Kristof is officially out of the race for Oregon governor and will not appear on the May primary ballot as a candidate in that race. The former New York Times columnist quit his job to run for Oregon's top job. On Thursday, the Oregon Supreme Court issued an opinion affirming Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan's determination that Kristof cannot legally vie for the governorship because he does not meet the state's three-year residency requirement. Kristof joins us to talk about what's next for him.

Nick Kristof is officially out of the race for Oregon governor and will not appear on the May primary ballot as a candidate in that race. The former New York Times columnist quit his job to run for Oregon's top job. On Thursday, the Oregon Supreme Court issued an opinion affirming Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan's determination that Kristof cannot legally vie for the governorship because he does not meet the state's three-year residency requirement. Kristof joins us to talk about what's next for him.