At the Turning Point USA conference on Saturday, Steve Bannon, former White House chief advisor and host of “War Room,” called for the dismantling of the FBI. Bannon, who has been a controversial figure, delivered an energetic speech to the crowd in Detroit, describing the FBI as the “American Gestapo” and criticizing the Department of Justice (DOJ). He expressed his intention to “purge” the DOJ and disband the FBI entirely, proposing to demolish the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., “ugly slab by ugly slab,” and to salt the earth where it stands to prevent any future buildings from being erected there.

🚨 STEVE BANNON: “We’re going to take apart the FBI. The FBI, the American Gestapo. That building on Pennsylvania Avenue — We don’t need $400 MILLION for a new headquarters. There’s NOT going to be any FBI.”pic.twitter.com/FycNvJpOKn

— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) June 16, 2024

Bannon’s remarks came shortly after he was ordered to report to federal prison for defying a subpoena issued by the committee investigating the events of January 6. Despite this, Bannon has repeatedly stated that he is not afraid of incarceration. In his speech, he dismissed the FBI’s accomplishments in counterterrorism and criticized the agency for what he perceives as its focus on targeting ordinary American activities, such as praying at abortion centers and attending school board meetings.

‘Steve Bannon Is Naming Names’: MSNBC Anchor Alarmed by ‘Chilling’ List of People Ex-Trump Adviser Wants Prosecuted in a Second Term https://t.co/qeFO7VOgwe

— Mediaite (@Mediaite) June 16, 2024

Furthermore, Bannon discussed the legal troubles of former President Donald Trump, predicting that Trump would receive a lengthy prison sentence. Trump, who was recently convicted on multiple felony counts in a case in Manhattan, is set to be sentenced just days before the Republican National Convention. Bannon described the legal actions against Trump as “direct election interference” and vowed that those responsible would face investigation, prosecution, and imprisonment.

Steve Bannon actually just said that Mike Lindell is a “very good actor.”

Lindell: “this was before all of the election stuff.”

🤦‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/VUT793juQM

— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) June 16, 2024

Bannon’s statements reflect his ongoing critique of federal law enforcement agencies and his alignment with Trump’s grievances against the political and legal systems. His rhetoric underscores the deep divisions within American politics and the continued tension between Trump supporters and the federal government.  The people all understand what is going on.  We see the fake justice system being used against conservatives. We all know that America is on the verge of collapse into a Marxist dictatorship.  The FBI is turning into a major instrument of the terror now being unleashed on mothers and fathers, Catholics and patriots.

Key Points:

i. Event and Location: Steve Bannon spoke at the Turning Point USA conference in Detroit, advocating for the dismantling of the FBI and the DOJ.

ii. Rhetoric Against FBI: Bannon criticized the FBI, referring to it as the “American Gestapo” and expressed intentions to completely disassemble the agency’s headquarters.

iii. Legal Situation: Bannon, recently ordered to report to federal prison for not complying with a subpoena, emphasized his lack of fear about going to jail.

iv. Critique of Law Enforcement: He dismissed the FBI’s counterterrorism achievements and accused the agency of targeting ordinary Americans over minor activities.

v. Comments on Trump: Bannon predicted a severe prison sentence for former President Donald Trump in relation to his felony convictions, framing it as an act of election interference.

James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post Steve Bannon Calls for Dismantling of FBI at Turning Point USA Conference, Advocates for Salting the Earth of Future Headquarters appeared first on The Washington Standard.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has openly criticized the military’s recent announcement of temporary ceasefires on a primary route into Gaza, meant to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. These “tactical pauses” are scheduled to occur daily from 8 am to 7 pm local time in the Rafah area, aimed at enabling safe transit for aid trucks from the Israel-managed Kerem Shalom crossing to the Salah a-Din highway. This route facilitates aid distribution throughout Gaza and is coordinated with the UN and international aid agencies.  Does the military truly tell Netanyahu what to do? It looks as if this is the case.

The Israeli military has announced daily tactical pauses in its southern Gaza offensive to allow more humanitarian aid deliveries. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the plan, calling it unacceptable. Jonathan Regev reports. #HumanitarianCrisis #Gaza pic.twitter.com/Ogmz4RnfXq

— CGTN Global Watch (@GlobalWatchCGTN) June 17, 2024

The decision for these pauses arose after Israeli ground troops entered Rafah in early May, causing significant bottlenecks at the crossing. Despite the military’s assertion that there would be no cessation of fighting in southern Gaza during these hours, Netanyahu described the pauses as “unacceptable” to his military secretary and emphasized that the fighting in Rafah would continue without changes to military policy.

The plan also drew criticism from Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who deemed the decision-maker a “fool” and suggested they should be removed from their position. This disagreement marks another instance of tension within Netanyahu’s coalition government over the management of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which is now in its ninth month.

Netanyahu denounces tactical pauses in Gaza fighting to get in aid

Netanyahu criticized daily tactical pauses by the military to aid Gaza, deeming them unacceptable.
The reaction by Netanyahu highlights political tensions on aid delivery into Gaza amid a humanitarian crisis.… pic.twitter.com/v7WKsCGCpJ

— X News Journal (@XNewsJournal) June 16, 2024

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with the UN reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands on the brink of famine. From May 6 to June 6, the daily average of aid trucks delivered to Gaza was 68, a significant drop from the 168 trucks per day recorded in April and well below the 500 trucks daily deemed necessary by aid organizations. The COGAT, an Israeli military body overseeing aid distribution, reported that over 8,600 trucks entered Gaza from various crossings from May 2 to June 13, averaging 201 a day. Despite this, much of the aid has not reached its intended destinations, accumulating at crossings.

Netanyahu Opposed To Israeli Military ‘Tactical Pauses’ For Gaza Aid https://t.co/qJnyqXmcCS #Newsupdate #jubilee997fmlagos #everyone #trendingstories #worldnews pic.twitter.com/OjdmLEnHOp

— Jubilee99.7FM (@jubileefmlagos) June 17, 2024

Compounding the issue, less than a third of health centers in Gaza are operational, and over 50,000 children are in need of treatment for acute malnutrition, according to UNRWA, the UN agency tasked with assisting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The UN has blamed the slow pace of aid delivery on the Israeli military’s stringent authorization requirements for truck drivers, aimed at ensuring their safety. Moreover, the ongoing conflict and lack of security have sometimes resulted in aid being looted.

The new ceasefire arrangement aims to facilitate better coordination and safer delivery of aid by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted window for trucks to access the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, it remains unclear whether the military will provide protection for the trucks as they travel along the highway. One thing is certain, Hamas will be able to move to alternate areas when under pressure, and that facilitates their efforts to kill as many Jews as possible. Netanyahu would be wise to stop this ASAP, in my opinion.

Major Points

• Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizes the military’s decision to implement daily “tactical pauses” along a key route into Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid.
• The ceasefires, intended to allow safe passage of aid trucks from the Kerem Shalom crossing through the Salah a-Din highway, are scheduled from 8 am to 7 pm daily.
• Despite the announced pauses, Netanyahu insists that military operations in Rafah will continue as planned, highlighting tensions within the Israeli government.
• The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with significant shortages in aid deliveries, operational health centers, and an increase in malnutrition among children.
• The UN and Israel are in disagreement over the management of aid delivery, with aid often getting stuck at crossings and not reaching those in need in Gaza.

TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post Israel’s Prime Minister Criticizes Military’s Ceasefire Plan for Gaza Aid Delivery appeared first on The Washington Standard.

Michigan has emerged as a focal point in discussions about voter fraud in America, largely due to controversies surrounding its Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson. Backed by George Soros, Benson has been accused of maintaining dirty voter rolls, leading to concerns about election integrity.

During the 2020 election, reports surfaced that votes were processed at the TCF Center despite voters’ names not appearing in the electronic or supplemental poll books. This raised suspicions about the legitimacy of these votes, with poll challengers unable to verify if they were cast by real individuals or “ghost voters.” In September 2020, Benson admitted that 500,000 of the 7.7 million unsolicited absentee ballot applications sent out were returned because the recipients had either died or moved. Despite this, she only removed 177,000 names from the voter rolls after a lawsuit was filed by conservative activist Tony Daunt, demanding cleanup of the voter lists.

Dem-Controlled Michigan Senate Passes Bill Banning Bipartisan Election Boards From Investigating Voter Fraud https://t.co/TZArEmcPV9

— AggressiveYetty (@AggressiveYetty) June 17, 2024

The RNC also filed a lawsuit against Benson in March, urging her to address the inflated voter registration rolls, which they claim violate the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The lawsuit highlighted that in 53 of Michigan’s 83 counties, there are more active registered voters than adult citizens, with some counties exceeding 90% voter registration rates.

Additionally, Michigan Fair Elections (MFE) reported over 320,000 “ghost voters” in the state’s Qualified Voter Files as of May 2024. These ghost voters are names that remain on the voter rolls despite the original registrants having moved, died, or been re-registered with duplicate identification numbers. Such discrepancies present opportunities for voter fraud, particularly through mail-in ballots.

Michigan voter fraud EXPOSED: ‘If you want to live forever, register to vote’ https://t.co/fEiC6CXPsw

“80% of Americans support voter ID’s to vote”…. why don’t the Dems???

— JP (@pence_jan67588) June 17, 2024

The problem of bloated voter rolls isn’t new; it echoes issues faced by countries like Zimbabwe, where voter rolls have historically been inflated with non-existent voters to manipulate election results. The persistence of ghost voters in Michigan underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain clean and accurate voter registration records.

To combat this, citizens are encouraged to participate in efforts to clean up voter rolls. Tools like Check My Vote allow individuals to identify and report ghost voters to their local clerks. Active engagement with local election officials and support for election integrity groups are crucial steps in ensuring fair and transparent elections.

Randy Schiffer, an election integrity advocate, has been instrumental in analyzing and addressing these issues. His work with various election integrity groups aims to prevent voter fraud and promote accurate voter registration practices in Michigan.

The stakes are high, as ensuring the integrity of elections is fundamental to the democratic process. Without concerted efforts to address these issues, there is a risk that the integrity of future elections could be compromised, mirroring the electoral challenges seen in less stable democracies.  Yes, we are virtually a banana republic at this very moment. The Democrats are 100% responsible along with the Deep State.  All America is waking up now to this fact, so a repeat of the scams of 2020 will most likely explode on the Left in ways they would never believe. AMerican freedom is not something to just die in the night.

Key Points:

i. Voter Fraud Concerns: Michigan has become a focus of voter fraud discussions due to allegations of maintaining inaccurate voter rolls under Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

ii. 2020 Election Issues: During the 2020 election, votes were processed despite missing names in voter records, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of those votes.

iii. Lawsuits and Cleanup Efforts: Conservative activist Tony Daunt and the RNC have filed lawsuits against Benson, demanding the cleanup of voter rolls, which allegedly include many ghost voters.

iv. Inflated Voter Rolls: Reports indicate over 320,000 ghost voters in Michigan’s Qualified Voter Files, with several counties showing more registered voters than adult citizens.

v. Citizen Involvement: Efforts like Check My Vote encourage citizens to report ghost voters to local clerks, emphasizing the need for active engagement to ensure election integrity.

James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post Michigan Faces Major Voter Fraud Concerns as Calls for Voter Roll Cleanup Intensify appeared first on The Washington Standard.

Over 170,000 individuals have traveled out of state to access abortion services since January of the previous year, reflecting an increasing challenge in obtaining such care in numerous states. This statistic represents more than 15% of the nearly 1 million abortions performed from 2023 to March of the current year, showing a significant rise in interstate travel for abortion services compared to previous years. Each abortion is the death of a baby boy or girl. Something the Left loves to leave out of all stories on this issue.

The left is promoting interstate trafficking of underage girls for abortions out of state without their parent’s knowledge or consent. pic.twitter.com/rpsmfhKbOy

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 12, 2024

Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, emphasized the substantial financial and logistical hurdles that people face to receive abortion care. He highlighted the concerning reality that individuals must travel extensive distances to access basic health services, stating this situation as neither normal nor acceptable.  How killing an unborn child is considered as basic health care services, is beyond me. Perhaps these people are simply evil, or what?

Following the 2022 Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court, which reversed a long-standing federal standard detested by most Americans on abortion access, fourteen states have implemented near-total abortion bans. This shift has led to states like Kansas and New Mexico seeing a majority of their abortion procedures being performed on patients from out of state, with Texas enacting one of the strictest bans in the country.

Women's health clinics in Colorado are seeing a mass influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortion care.

I introduced the ACCESS Act to increase capacity at these clinics so that physicians and nurses can provide patients the care they need.

pic.twitter.com/QxKicQG8AR

— Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, MD (@RepCaraveoMD) June 13, 2024

Earlier this year, Florida introduced a severe six-week abortion ban, further complicating access in a state that previously had relatively lenient abortion policies compared to its neighbors. Kelly Baden, Vice President of the Guttmacher Institute, expressed concern over the impact of this policy, not only on Floridians but also on those from other states who previously sought supposed ‘care’ in Florida.

Missouri @AGAndrewBailey joined @DLoesch to react to the Hunter Biden verdict and his efforts to prevent Planned Parenthood from trafficking minors out of state for abortions. #DanaRadio

Podcast: https://t.co/HHFoIypomJ pic.twitter.com/GxPfTwdY8i

— The Dana Show (@DanaLoeschRadio) June 11, 2024

The political implications of these new restrictions are also becoming apparent. Florida, for instance, will have an abortion rights measure on the ballot this November, with Democrats hoping that the issue will mobilize voters. Additionally, the Guttmacher Institute reported that two-thirds of all abortions were conducted via medication. This method was recently defended in the Supreme Court, which upheld the federal government’s authority to regulate restrictions on abortion medications, ensuring continued access.

Major Points

• Over 170,000 individuals have traveled out of state to access abortion services since January of last year, as per Guttmacher Institute data.
• Out-of-state patients accounted for more than 15% of the estimated 1 million abortions provided between 2023 and March of this year, doubling the figure since 2020.
• Fourteen states have enacted near-total abortion bans following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned previous federal protections.
• Florida recently implemented a strict six-week abortion ban, complicating access to abortion care for both residents and those from neighboring states.
• The political landscape is also affected, with abortion rights measures like the one in Florida appearing on ballots, potentially influencing voter turnout.

Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post New Realities: Over 170,000 Travel for Abortion Care Amid Stringent State Bans appeared first on The Washington Standard.

On June 14, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio upheld a decision to block a Biden administration directive that would have required schools to allow transgender students to participate in sports teams and access facilities corresponding to their gender identity. This directive, issued by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), was aimed at federally-funded schools and tied compliance to federal funding.

Biden’s Transgender Directive Rejected by the Court Biden's order permitting transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms and join sports teams that correspond with their gender identity was denied by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 2021 Department of… pic.twitter.com/N4wSwJrEZQ

— Nya360 (@Nya360_) June 14, 2024

The controversy began in 2021 when 20 states, primarily led by Republican attorneys general, challenged the DOE’s guidance. They argued that the directive conflicted with state laws and threatened their federal funding. The legal dispute centers around the interpretation of Title IX—the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions—which the DOE had expanded to include gender identity, citing the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County as a precedent.

The appellate court’s decision was based on procedural grounds, stating that the DOE failed to follow proper processes in issuing the guidance. This ruling supports the temporary block set by a Tennessee federal judge in 2022 and maintains the status quo while the lawsuit continues.

A U.S. appeals court on Friday rejected the Biden administration's bid to revive its directive that schools allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms and to join sports teams that align with their gender, which has been blocked in 20 Republican-led states. pic.twitter.com/kPWPcoGQq6

— Srbija Evropa (@srbija_eu) June 14, 2024

Despite the court’s ruling, the Education Department has moved forward with an expanded interpretation of Title IX, officially incorporating gender identity into its definition of sex discrimination. This updated version, set to be enforced from August 1, has already sparked further legal challenges and considerable debate across the country.

In response to the court’s decision and the ongoing legal challenges, an Education Department spokesperson emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of gender identity, experience non-discrimination in schools. Meanwhile, groups opposing the expansion, like Alliance Defending of Titles and others, have expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, viewing it as a protection of traditional sex-based rights and opportunities, particularly for women and girls.

A US appeals court rejected the Biden administration's bid to revive its directive that schools allow transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms and to join sports teams aligning with their gender, which was blocked in 20 Republican-led states https://t.co/1Sj85wYHUM pic.twitter.com/obfwoVHhBh

— Reuters (@Reuters) June 14, 2024

As the legal battles continue, the landscape of Title IX enforcement remains contentious, with several states actively suing to block the enforcement of the new rules and some courts already issuing preliminary injunctions against the Biden administration’s expanded so-called protections for transgender individuals.  Citizens all over America have had it with the Left. No one wants their daughter’s to be molested in bathrooms by 50 year old men claiming they are women, NO ONE. The Democrats and their war on women and girls go on, but as each day passes, they lose more and more votes.

Major Points

• The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a block on a Biden administration directive that required schools to allow transgender students to join sports teams and use facilities matching their gender identity.
• The block was initially set by a Tennessee federal judge in 2022, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) had not followed proper procedures in issuing the guidance.
• The legal challenge was led by 20 states, mostly with Republican leadership, asserting that the directive conflicted with state laws and jeopardized federal funding.
• Despite the ruling, the DOE proceeded to expand Title IX definitions to include gender identity, effective from August 1, facing further legal challenges across the country.
• Critics of the expanded rules, including legal groups and several states, have filed lawsuits, with some preliminary injunctions already in place, arguing that the changes threaten traditional sex-based rights and opportunities.

Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post Appeals Court Upholds Block on Biden’s Transgender Sports and Facilities Directive appeared first on The Washington Standard.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF), a leading organization in the Black Lives Matter movement, is under scrutiny following revelations from its recent tax filings. These documents have disclosed substantial payments to companies owned by the organization’s leadership and their family members, raising significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest and ethical breaches.

Between July 2022 and June 2023, BLMGNF awarded contracts worth millions to firms closely associated with key figures within the organization. The consulting firm BOWERS, owned by Shalomyah Bowers, who holds at least 35% of the company and serves as the secretary of BLMGNF’s board, received nearly $2.6 million for staffing and management services. Bowers also plays a dual role as the treasurer of the Black Lives Matter PAC, directing substantial sums from the PAC to his firm for strategic consulting services.

There’s a lot of us here who’ve been saying this the entire time. Trump & his base have 0, or limited at best core values. They could care less about Fauci, BLM or the Ukraine Ponzi Scheme. It’s all about idolatry & regaining what they believe was stolen. pic.twitter.com/S6vfERlCFL

— DeSantis Appreciation Society (@KickboxerEsq) June 15, 2024

Another example includes Black Ties LLC, owned by Paul Cullors, the brother of BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors. This firm was paid $1.6 million for providing professional security services. Moreover, New Impact Partners, controlled by Danielle Edwards, the sister of BLMGNF’s director of operations, received $913,500 for consulting. Additionally, Trap Heals, run by Damon Turner, who has a child with Patrisse Cullors, was compensated approximately $780,000 for live production, design, and media work.

NEW: BLM’s latest tax return is out, showing the charity doled out massive payments in 2023 to the father of co-founder Patrisse Cullors’s only child despite performing no work for the group that year.https://t.co/G0E2SsjLwZ

— Andrew Kerr (@AndrewKerrNC) June 10, 2024

These financial transactions have prompted criticism from nonprofit ethics experts and charity watchdogs, who argue that such practices could undermine public trust in the charitable sector. Laurie Styron, Executive Director of Charity Watch, expressed that the public, regardless of their views on the mission of BLM, should be concerned about the channeling of charitable dollars to insiders without adequate oversight. This scenario creates not only real but also perceived conflicts of interest, potentially damaging the credibility of the charity.

Doug White, another nonprofit ethics expert, described the situation as indicative of potential “private inurement,” where organizational assets are used for personal enrichment rather than the intended charitable purposes. This misuse could jeopardize the foundation’s charitable status. He also noted that while the cause of seeking equality is commendable, the organization must maintain ethical standards and honor its obligations to the public and donors.

BLM’s leaders used charitable funds to enrich themselves and their families, new documents show https://t.co/zZc98TzXME via @BIZPACReview

— Louise B Eisenhardt (@LouiseBEisenha2) June 15, 2024

The financial dealings have also contributed to a fiscal imbalance, with BLMGNF reporting a deficit exceeding $6 million in the same period. This financial strain highlights further the questionable nature of the large payments made to insiders. Past controversies surrounding financial management practices within BLMGNF, such as the $6 million spent on a mansion in Los Angeles and luxurious expenditures by another nonprofit led by Patrisse Cullors, have only added to the ongoing scrutiny.

This unfolding situation presents significant challenges not only for BLMGNF but also for the broader nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for independent oversight and strict governance to prevent misuse of funds and ensure that charitable organizations operate transparently and ethically. The absence of a response from BLMGNF to inquiries about these issues underscores the pressing need for accountability and reform within the organization to restore and maintain public confidence in its operations and mission.

Key Points:

i. The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) has been found to allocate millions in contracts to companies owned by its leadership and their relatives, according to recent tax filings.

ii. Notable payments include nearly $2.6 million to BOWERS for staffing and management, owned by Shalomyah Bowers, a board member and treasurer of the Black Lives Matter PAC.

iii. Additional payments were made to Black Ties LLC for security services, owned by Paul Cullors, brother of co-founder Patrisse Cullors, and other firms linked to close relatives of organization leaders for consulting and media production.

iv. These transactions have raised ethical concerns and potential conflicts of interest, with experts warning that such practices could threaten the foundation’s charitable status and undermine public trust.

v. BLMGNF’s financial activities contributed to a reported deficit of over $6 million, intensifying scrutiny on its financial management and governance practices.

Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation Faces Scrutiny Over Payments to Insiders appeared first on The Washington Standard.

California’s Democratic leaders are facing criticism for their aggressive strategy to derail a criminal justice initiative from appearing on the November ballot. The contentious proposal in question is the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Charged Restitution Talent Issue (HDATRTI), which has become a focal point in a larger debate over how to address the state’s increasing retail theft issues and drug-related crimes.

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act has qualified for the Nov 2024 ballot. #FixProp47 pic.twitter.com/8d524Ir5bc

— Jeff Reisig (@jeffreisig) June 11, 2024

The tactic employed by Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire involves a legislative “kill switch” that would render a series of anti-theft bills ineffective if the HDATRTI passes. This move has been interpreted as a blatant attempt to prevent the initiative from reaching voters, thus denying them a chance to weigh in on the issue directly. This maneuver suggests a confidence among Democratic leaders in their legislative supermajority, enabling them to manipulate legislative outcomes to their advantage, which has raised questions about their transparency and accountability.

California has been grappling with a rise in retail thefts that not only impact business owners but also lead to higher prices for consumers. In response, a bipartisan effort produced a package of 14 bills aimed at addressing this issue through various measures. These measures include tougher sentences for severe retail crimes, consolidating multiple thefts into a single charge to meet felony thresholds, easier prosecution of vehicle break-ins, permanent establishment of a retail crimes task force, and allowing businesses to obtain restraining orders against repeat offenders.

After the 2p news CA State Senator @SenJanetNguyen will be on to talk about the Homelessness Drug Addiction & Theft Reduction Act getting enough signatures to be on the Nov ballot & how Dems want to fight it w/poison pills

Listen live on @KFIAM640 at 2phttps://t.co/tpAFICvhrr pic.twitter.com/oMDw6nmdVS

— The John Kobylt Show (@JohnKobyltRadio) June 12, 2024

The HDATRTI itself targets Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that aimed to reduce prison overcrowding by reclassifying certain non-violent offenses. The new measure would introduce a “treatment-mandated felony” classification, allowing for felony charges after two drug-related offenses, with the option of treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration. It also proposes increased penalties for trafficking hard drugs like fentanyl and the possibility of murder charges for dealers if sales result in death, as well as heightened consequences for serious retail thefts.

Opponents argue that passing the HDATRTI could reverse important criminal justice reforms, potentially filling prisons with minor offenders, disproportionately affecting Black individuals and people of color. This aspect of the debate has been somewhat overshadowed by the Democratic leadership’s tactics, which have been criticized for undermining the democratic process.

DA Zimmer is pleased with local efforts as the California Secretary of State announced that the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is eligible for the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot.

Read more: https://t.co/H4xjCVleQH pic.twitter.com/MnOKXwT1hi

— Kern County District Attorney (@KernCountyDA) June 12, 2024

The situation has already caused rifts within the Democratic Party. For instance, State Senator Marie Alvardo-Gil publicly withdrew her support for two of the retail theft bills, objecting to amendments that would nullify them should the HDATRTI pass. Meanwhile, proponents of the initiative are rallying to ensure it reaches voters, accusing Democratic leaders of deceitful practices.

This controversy not only tests the strength of the Democratic Party’s strategy but also highlights a broader dissatisfaction with how public safety and criminal justice are being handled in California. It’s a critical moment that calls for a reevaluation of tactics and possibly a more inclusive approach to policymaking that considers the concerns and voices of all Californians.  As President Trump loves to say ‘ Everything Democrats control turns to shit’.  Crime makes his point quite effectively.  Every city and state that the Democrats control, has seen massive crime increases, and the Democrat Party only wants more of the same policies that are driving millions from their cities to the so-called red cities and states, where there is still some law and order.

Major Points

• California’s Democratic leaders are using legislative tactics to prevent a tough-on-crime initiative, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, from appearing on the November ballot.
• They propose a “kill switch” in a package of anti-theft bills that would become ineffective if the initiative passes, aiming to dissuade support for the measure.
• The initiative seeks to modify Proposition 47 by introducing stricter penalties for drug trafficking and repeat theft offenses, including a new “treatment-mandated felony” category.
• Critics argue that the Democratic strategy undermines democratic processes and could reverse important criminal justice reforms, potentially increasing the prison population with minor offenders.
• The controversy has caused divisions within the Democratic Party and fueled criticism that party leaders are ignoring broader public concerns about crime and public safety in California.

James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post California Democrats Face Backlash for Blocking Crime Initiative from November Ballot appeared first on The Washington Standard.

Amid the escalating border crisis, fears of homeland attacks and foreign espionage are intensifying due to incidents involving illegal immigrants with suspected terrorist affiliations and others breaching U.S. military bases. Recently, eight nationals from Tajikistan, with potential ties to ISIS, were arrested in major U.S. cities for immigration violations. These arrests underscore the growing security concerns as these individuals had previously crossed the U.S. southern border undetected by the existing screening processes.

These developments come at a time when illegal crossings from a variety of countries, including those known for harboring terrorism sponsors, are on the rise. In particular, the number of Chinese nationals entering illegally has seen a dramatic increase, reaching numbers unprecedented in recent years. This influx includes a notable incident where Chinese nationals attempted unauthorized access to military bases, which has raised alarms regarding potential espionage activities.

Chinese May Be ‘Probing’ American Military Readiness Through Base Breaches, Lawmaker Says https://t.co/OefD2q9lW7

— 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓓𝓲𝓿𝓪™ (@1776Diva) June 15, 2024

The U.S. government’s response has been scrutinized, with some officials and experts criticizing the efficiency of the current vetting processes. For instance, the reduction in screening questions for Chinese nationals from forty to just five has been highlighted as particularly inadequate in the face of the potential risks posed by such entries. This reduction in thoroughness raises concerns about the U.S.’s ability to prevent espionage and terrorist activities orchestrated by foreign actors.

Moreover, incidents of unauthorized access to military installations have prompted investigations and heightened security protocols. Examples include unauthorized entries at Quantico Marine Base and the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base, where foreign nationals, including those on terrorist watchlists, managed to gain partial access before being apprehended.

JOE BIDEN'S BORDER CRISIS

Eight suspected ISIS-K terrorists have been arrested in Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia.

They illegally crossed the southern border earlier this year, and were RELEASED INTO THE U.S. by the Biden administration.
RNC Research pic.twitter.com/gp4B6ZQdv6

— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) June 12, 2024

The broader implications of these security breaches are significant, prompting calls for a more robust and effective national security strategy that can handle the complexities of modern global threats. The situation underscores the necessity for improved diplomatic and economic strategies to manage the relationships with countries that are reluctant to repatriate their nationals involved in illegal activities.

Key Points:

i. Eight Tajikistan nationals with suspected ties to ISIS were arrested across major U.S. cities, highlighting growing security concerns related to illegal immigration.

ii. These individuals had previously entered the U.S. through the southern border and were released after initial screenings failed to identify their potential terrorist connections.

iii. A significant increase in illegal immigrants from adversarial nations, notably China, has been observed, with instances of attempted espionage at U.S. military bases.

iv. Screening processes for immigrants, especially from countries like China, have been criticized for inadequacy, as the number of screening questions has been drastically reduced.

v. U.S. security protocols and border management practices are under scrutiny as illegal crossings and potential threats from foreign nationals continue to rise, emphasizing the need for improved national security measures.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

The post Rising Security Concerns Amid Increased Illegal Immigration and Border Breaches appeared first on The Washington Standard.

A federal judge in Texas recently decided to liquidate the personal assets of Alex Jones, as families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims seek to collect a nearly $1.5 billion judgment that pushed him into bankruptcy. The judge’s decision does not affect the bankruptcy case regarding Jones’s media company, Infowars, leaving its future uncertain. Infowars is where Jones infamously branded the 2012 massacre of 20 children and six educators in Newtown, Connecticut, as a hoax.

Deep State is today trying to permanently censor Alex Jones by unconstitutionally shutting down InfoWars and taking all of his social media.

This is clearly much bigger than @RealAlexJones because if they can do this to him they can do this to all of us.pic.twitter.com/nEeFCsYND2

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 14, 2024

The agreement to liquidate Jones’s assets was reached last week between the families and Jones, with Judge Christopher Lopez finalizing the decision. This agreement does not, however, determine the fate of the conservative media website. The liquidation includes Jones’s extensive collection of firearms and his $2.8 million ranch home, although his primary residence remains exempt.

Further, the families have requested the inclusion of Jones’s social media accounts in the liquidation. They argue this would prevent him from using these platforms to launch new business ventures in the future. Judge Lopez has yet to make a ruling regarding the social media accounts.

Alex Jones makes first public statements after conclusion of bankruptcy case. pic.twitter.com/oN6udUjhdx

— Owen Shroyer (@OwenShroyer1776) June 15, 2024

Despite these legal actions, the families intend to pursue all of Jones’s future earnings, even if he continues to broadcast via Infowars. Jones himself has expressed pessimism about the survival of his show, hinting that the end of Infowars might be imminent. “This is probably the end of Infowars here very, very soon. If not today, in the next few weeks or months,” Jones expressed before a court hearing, emphasizing that although this chapter may be closing, his battle against what he describes as tyranny is only just starting.

BREAKING: Sandy Hook families and the federal government are now trying to seize Alex Jones' social media accounts. So, not only are they forcing him to sell off his assets, they want to censor his voice forever

They claim Alex's social media posts to his fans is a key part of… pic.twitter.com/0p7IRcXhv9

— George (@BehizyTweets) June 13, 2024

Jones, who has been a controversial figure due to his conspiracy theories, which over time have been amazingly confirmed to be true by probably close to 90% of the time, has disclosed in court that his assets total less than $12 million. This amount is far short of covering the hefty legal debts accrued from the judgments against him. This financial disclosure comes after years of Jones claiming that the Sandy Hook tragedy was staged, leading to extensive harassment of the victims’ families by his followers.

Major Points

• A Texas federal judge has ordered the liquidation of Alex Jones’s personal assets to help pay a nearly $1.5 billion judgment to families of the Sandy Hook massacre.
• The ruling does not affect the bankruptcy proceedings of Jones’s media company, Infowars, leaving its future uncertain.
• Jones’s notable assets, including a collection of firearms and a $2.8 million ranch, will be sold, though his primary residence is exempt.
• The families also seek to include Jones’s social media accounts in the liquidation to prevent future business ventures.
• Jones predicts the end of Infowars and vows to continue fighting against what he calls tyranny, despite his assets totaling less than $12 million.

James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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A police officer from Tennessee has been arrested for participating in an explicit video while on duty. Sean Herman, a former officer with the Metropolitan Nashville Police, faced charges of felony official misconduct following his arrest on Wednesday, as detailed in a departmental news release issued the next day.

NEW: Former Nashville police officer Sean Herman arrested after participating in an Only Fans video while on duty.

The 33-year-old was arrested on two counts of felony official misconduct.

The video was discovered by Specialized Investigations Division detectives who were able… pic.twitter.com/aZnDVDWTl2

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 14, 2024

Herman, 33, was terminated from his position on May 9, shortly after investigators identified him in a video posted on the adult platform OnlyFans, where he appeared from the chest down in his police uniform.

Following Herman’s dismissal, Nashville Police Chief John Drake instructed detectives to extend their investigation, leading to Herman’s indictment. After being taken into custody, Herman was able to secure his release from jail early Friday morning by posting bond, according to jail records.

Legal representation for Herman has not been identified, and attempts to contact him directly were unsuccessful. His involvement in the controversial video occurred during his third year with the Nashville police. The department explained that Herman participated in a simulated traffic stop for an OnlyFans skit, during which he inappropriately touched a woman portraying a driver.

The incident reportedly took place in late April in a warehouse parking lot, at a time when Herman was scheduled to be on patrol duty in the Madison precinct.

Major Points

• Sean Herman, a former Metropolitan Nashville police officer, was arrested for participating in an explicit video while on duty.
• He was charged with felony official misconduct and was fired from the department after being identified in an OnlyFans video wearing his uniform.
• The incident involved Herman in a mock traffic stop where he inappropriately touched a woman, filmed in a warehouse parking lot.
• Herman was released from jail on bond shortly after his arrest.
• The investigation was extended by Nashville Police Chief John Drake following Herman’s dismissal, leading to an indictment.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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