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Missouri Governor Signs Bill to Prohibit Biological Males from Playing on Female Teams

Matt OHern
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Missouri Governor Signs Bill to Prohibit Biological Males from Playing on Female Teams

Missouri joined a growing list of states that have taken legislative action to set guidelines on sports participation. In an effort that Governor Mike Parson described as a step to protect the integrity of female sports and Missouri children from potentially harmful experimental surgeries and treatment, Parson signed Senate Bill 39 into law.

“We appreciate Senator Holly Rehder for leading on this issue and fighting for women and girls across the state. We, along with the vast majority of the General Assembly, agree that women and girls deserve fair sports competition without intrusion from biological men,” Parson said. “Women and girls deserve and have fought for an equal opportunity to succeed, and with this legislation today, we stand up to the nonsense and stand with them as they take back their sport competitions. In Missouri, we support real fairness, not injustice disguised as social righteousness.”

The bill’s summary reads:

“This act prohibits a private school, public school district, public charter school, or public or private institution of postsecondary education from allowing any student to compete in an athletic competition that is designated for the biological sex opposite to the student’s biological sex as stated on the student’s official birth certificate or other government record as described in the act. The act delineates what constitutes an acceptable official birth certificate. A private school, public school district, public charter school, or public or private institution of postsecondary education may allow a female student to compete in an athletic competition designated for male students if no corresponding competition for female students is offered or available. Any private school, public school district, public charter school, or public or private institution of postsecondary education that violates this act shall not receive any state aid or other revenues from the state. The parent or guardian of any student, or any student who is over eighteen years old, who is deprived of an athletic opportunity as a result of a violation of the act shall have a cause of action for injunctive or other equitable relief as described in the act.”

Mississippi Politicians Request Removal of LGBTQ Pride Flag at Biloxi National Cemetery

Matt OHern
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Mississippi Politicians Request Removal of LGBTQ Pride Flag at Biloxi National Cemetery

As national debates continue over LGBTQ issues and laws continue, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis R. McDonough calling for the removal of an LGBT “Pride” flag now flying at the entrance of the Biloxi National Cemetery on a pole normally reserved for a U.S. flag.

In their letter to McDonough, the Mississippi lawmakers push back on recent comments from the VA defending the decision.

“Replacing the United States flag with a flag that promotes a particular sexual or gender identity goes against the very mission of our national cemeteries. These sites were established to be a shrine ‘sacred to the honor and memory of those interred or memorialized there.’ Cemeteries should be places for reflection and respect, not public virtue signaling,” the lawmakers wrote.

The delegation members call on McDonough to take immediate action to reinstate the U.S. flag and remember the VA’s core mission.

“This political stunt is yet another example of this Administration’s willingness to promote its political agenda rather than focus on its mission as the executive branch. Our veterans expect the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide services, not promote controversial ideologies,” the lawmakers wrote.

Biloxi National Cemetery is located in Harrison County, about five miles west of the center of Biloxi on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and adjacent to the Keesler Field Air Force Base in Mississippi.

According to the VAMC, the cemetery was established in March 1934 as part of the VA Medical Center. Biloxi Cemetery’s first burial was held on March 24,1934, with the interment of Private Edgar A. Ross, 1st Regiment of the Tennessee Infantry.

From 1934 to 1973 the purpose of the cemetery was to provide a final resting place solely for veterans who died in the adjoining medical center.

Since its establishment in 1934, Biloxi’s has increased in size twice as the result of land transfers from the VAMC. In 1982, 17 acres were added to the original 25 and, in 1996, 12 more were added for a total of 54 acres.

Pro-Life Group Endorses Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves for Re-Election

Matt OHern
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Pro-Life Group Endorses Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves for Re-Election

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s Candidate Fund announced its endorsement of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves for re-election.

“When we think of bold pro-life leadership in the Dobbs era, we think of Tate Reeves. Governor Reeves works tirelessly to protect babies and serve mothers in Mississippi, setting an outstanding example for the entire nation,” said Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, SBA Pro-Life America’s vice president of government affairs.

“Reeves doesn’t just talk about having pro-life values, he takes action. He has proven his courage during the most pivotal moment for life in our nation in half a century, when the people’s right to protect the unborn was restored. In just these few short years he has been a champion for the most vulnerable children, including those with Down syndrome, and for empowering families. Recently he signed eight new pro-life safety net measures into law to support foster care, improve the adoption process, and provide aid to moms and babies. We proudly stand with Governor Reeves and urge the people of Mississippi to re-elect him to see the cause of life advance even further in his next four years.”

Reeves faces Elvis Presley’s great grandson Brandon Presley in the Mississippi Gubernatorial Election. Reeves is a graduate of Florence High School and an honors graduate of Millsaps College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He and his wife Elee are the proud parents of three daughters, Tyler, Emma, and Maddie.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is a network of more than one million pro-life Americans nationwide, dedicated to ending abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders.

North Carolina Governor Launches Safe Gun Storage Campaign

Matt OHern
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North Carolina Governor Launches Safe Gun Storage Campaign

In an effort to decrease gun thefts and accidental firearm injury and deaths, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced the NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) initiative.

“For those of us who own guns, it’s our responsibility to keep them safe and out of the wrong hands,” said Governor Cooper. “Safe storage is an essential part of responsible gun ownership, and this initiative will encourage North Carolinians to safely secure their firearms in their homes and vehicles.”

NC S.A.F.E. is not associated with any advocacy-based initiatives related to gun laws or regulations. NC Department of Public Safety Deputy Secretary William Lassiter emphasized the urgent need to reverse the trend of youth access to firearms across the Tar Heel State.

“Children are gaining access to firearms in their homes, and gun theft — especially from cars — is on the rise throughout North Carolina,” Lassiter said. “Today, more than 20% of youth car break-ins involve guns. That’s double what we’ve seen in recent years. We all have to work together to stop guns from getting into the wrong hands.”

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein also highlighted the importance of the youth safety aspect behind the initiative. “Too many of our children are dying from gun violence, and it simply does not have to be this way,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “If you own a gun or are thinking of buying one, lock it up and keep it secured so it’s not stolen or lost. Our children’s lives may depend on it.”   

The NC S.A.F.E. initiative is one of multiple efforts made by Gov. Cooper’s administration to implement gun control reforms in the state. In March of 2023, Cooper announced the creation of a statewide Office of Violence Prevention focused on reducing violence and firearm misuse in North Carolina. In 2019, the Governor directed state agencies to close crime reporting gaps between state and federal agencies. The Governor’s budget proposal includes investments in school and community safety, including the Office of Violence Prevention.

According to Gov. Cooper’s news release, firearms are the leading cause of injury-related death among children and youth in North Carolina. According to the governor, 62% of gun thefts in Durham were from unlocked cars, and more than half of guns stolen at homes were loaded and unlocked.

New Poll Shows Kentucky Gubernatorial Candidates Tied

Matt OHern
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New Poll Shows Kentucky Gubernatorial Candidates Tied

A recent poll by Cygnal shows Kentucky’s incumbent Governor Andy Beshear (D) tied with Republican nominee Daniel Cameron at 47%, each.

“We’re starting to see the landscape take shape and set the tone for what’s in store in the 2024 cycle,” said pollster Brent Buchanan, President of Cygnal. “With President Biden’s numbers continuing to plummet in the commonwealth, Republicans have an opportunity to capitalize on turning out those voters who currently view the incumbent Democrat Andy Beshear favorably but have completely soured on the President.” 

Cameron has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and is considered a rising young star in the GOP. As an African American attorney general in a southern state, Cameron will likely enjoy an influx of additional campaign funds from out of the state, which could pose a major challenge for Beshear. In 2019, Beshear narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Matt Bevin by less than one percentage point. A Morning Consult poll showed Beshear’s approval rating at around 59 percent, which is high mark heading into re-election, but with so many months until 2023 Election Day, there is still plenty of time for challengers to pull even.

As the Attorney General of Kentucky, Cameron gained statewide and national attention when he demanded records involving COVID school closures that are concealed by Governor Beshear. Cameron describes himself as a bold conservative who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump. As a rising young star in the GOP, Cameron may enjoy the benefit of an influx of additional campaign funds from out of the state, which could pose a major fundraising challenge to Beshear. Cameron’s campaign website is cameronforkentucky.com

Kentucky’s voting population is difficult to gauge. Despite the Democratic Party control of the governor’s mansion, Kentucky voters have supported two Republican U.S. Senators, including minority leader Mitch McConnell, who relied on Cameron for legal counsel.

Cameron touted his positive relationship with both McConnel and Trump as an example of his ability to rally Republicans to unite for a common cause.

“They [Trump and McConnell] have their differences,” Cameron said. “I think what our candidacy means is that we’re able to transcend a lot of different factions within the Republican Party and bring people together. And I think that is what ultimately this candidacy represents.”

Trump Should Expect DeSantis to Attack in 3 New Areas – Opinion

Matt OHern
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Trump Should Expect DeSantis to Attack in 3 New Areas – Opinion

With Ron DeSantis officially joining the 2024 Republican Primary field, it’s only a matter of time until the Florida governor begins to distinguish himself from the current favorite, former President Donald Trump.

Voters have already seen Trump attack DeSantis since the 2022 mid-terms, where Trump’s handpicked candidates in high-profile U.S. Senate races lost in key swing states, including Herschel Walker in Georgia, Tudor Dixon in Michigan, and Dr. Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania

1: Trump’s National Deficit Growth vs. Florida’s Record surplus with DeSantis balancing one of the most populated state’s budgets

During the 2016 election, promised vowed to run the federal government like a business and eliminate waste. At the time, opponents including Sen. Marco Rubio pointed out the fact that Trump’s business record had a longer list of failures than successes. Even prior to the COVID Pandemic, the federal budget deficit was larger than it was during Trump’s two predecessors, Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

After multiple investigations into Trump’s wealth and taxes were completed, the public became aware of the fact that Trump’s wealth was not only overstated, but non-existent in certain cases where he was actually in debt.

Conversely, on a smaller scale, DeSantis has worked with Florida legislators to balance the state budget, in a state that doesn’t even have income tax. Florida has also enjoyed a record-high surplus during DeSantis’ tenure, and continues to thrive economically as more U.S. residents relocate to the Sunshine state than any other state, all despite one of the costliest hurricanes hitting the state when Hurricane Ian made landfall on the gulf coast.

2. DeSantis Offering Voters Trump’s Economic and Immigration Policies without Trump’s Legal Baggage to Worry About in the 2024 General Election

Fellow 2024 candidate Nikki Haley recently described DeSantis as a “mini Trump, without the charm”, but her intended insult may end up as an unintentional compliment, if DeSantis’ campaign successfully persuade voters that they can get all of the economic and immigration polices they love about Donald Trump, without the legal battles or other concerns inherent with Trump.

3. Trump’s Troubled Record with Military Leadership vs. DeSantis’ NAVY reord and Jground-level experience in Iraq.

– From Jim Mattis to Mark Kelly, Trump created chaos and confusion that ultimately led to frequent turnover. AS Peter Bergen shows in his powerful new book, Trump and His Generals: The Cost of Chaos, Trump’s sense of military men and women as “killing machines” was what drew Trump to populate his cabinet early on with generals like Michael Flynn, John Kelly, James Mattis, and H.R. McMaster. Yet, in some cases sooner and in some cases later, Trump soured on all of them—and they soured on Trump.than 150 former Trump administration officials now backing DeSantis for president.

DeSantis’ military background is essentially the opposite of Trump’s who has never served and once jokingly compared his sexual life to being a Vietnam solider. During the surge of US troops into Iraq in 2007, DeSantis was deployed as an advisor to the NAVY SEALS for legal counsel. From 2004 until 2010, DeSantis served on active duty in the Navy as a JAG, judge advocate general. JAG officers are attorneys with knowledge of civilian and military law, from the Uniform Code of Military Justice to international laws of war.In addition to his military experience, DeSantis can tout the fact that more than 150 former Trump administration officials now backing him for president.

Marsha Blackburn Demands Answers from former Obama Chief of Staff on Russian Collusion

Matt OHern
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Marsha Blackburn Demands Answers from former Obama Chief of Staff on Russian Collusion

Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R) sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary and former chief of staff to President Obama, Denis McDonough, to gain more information surrounding his potential involvement with the FBI’s surveillance on then-candidate Donald Trump in an attempt to uncover evidence regarding potential collusion with Russia.

Blackburn’s letter follows up on Senator Blackburn’s questioning in a May 17th Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, in which Secretary McDonough “forgot” his role in the FBI Crossfire Hurricane investigation that targeted the Trump campaign. 


Sen. Blackburn’s letter reads:

Dear Secretary McDonough, I am writing to follow up on our exchange during Senate Veterans Affairs’ Committee’s May 17th hearing to review the Department’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget.

Specifically, I am inquiring about your involvement in a meeting on July 31, 2016, regarding the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Crossfire Hurricane investigation.

According to then-FBI Director Jim Comey, you attended this meeting with then-National Security Advisor Susan Rice, then-Director of National Intelligence (DNI) James Clapper, then-CIA Director John Brennan, and then-Director of the National Security Agency Michael Rogers. Congress has a legitimate interest in obtaining information regarding the discussions that took place to ensure accountability and fully understand the Obama Administration’s actions to initiate a criminal investigation into a political opponent’s campaign based on meritless claims from disreputable sources, including personnel from Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

Specifically, we kindly request your response to the following questions by June 15, 2023:

  • Were any orders or directives given to FBI officials during this meeting?
  • Why was President Obama briefed on the Crossfire Hurricane investigation?
  • What other meetings were you involved in about the Crossfire Hurricane investigation with or without President Obama?
  • Were there any questions regarding the legal concerns of the Obama White House being involved in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation?

Transgender Surgery for Minors Opposed by Majority of Voters Surveyed in Recent Poll

Matt OHern
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Transgender Surgery for Minors Opposed by Majority of Voters Surveyed in Recent Poll

With LGBTQ Pride month officially underway, national debates continue to gain intensity among politicians and average American citizens, alike. Recent statewide policy updates in a variety of states have prohibited teachers and school staff from secretly counseling minors on gender transition. Support for such measures was reflected in a recent poll by Rasmussen, which showed that 71% of Americans believe there are only two genders, including 57% who strongly agree. 23% disagree, and 10% who strongly disagree. While majorities in every political category agree that there are only two genders, Democrats (47%) are less likely than Republicans (72%) or the unaffiliated (54%) to say they strongly Agree.

Majorities of every racial category – 55% of whites, 64% of blacks and 57% of other minorities – Strongly Agree that “there are two genders, male and female.” Blacks and other minorities are more likely than whites to believe schools and teachers should not be allowed to counsel students on their sexual and gender identities without parental knowledge or consent.

TRANSGENDERS AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES ON MINORS

Other notable results from Rasmussen’s survey cover the topic of youth and hormone replacement therapy. Key figures from the results include:

  • 59% of Americans approving of laws banning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for minors, with disapproving of laws against HRT for minors.
  • Majorities in every political category also oppose transgender treatment for minors, especially sex-change surgery, with 73% of Republicans, 56% of Democrats and 59% of the unaffiliated at least somewhat approving of legislation making it illegal to perform such surgery on minors.
  • Adults under 40 are less likely than their elders to believe there are only two genders. Americans ages 40-64 are most in favor of laws prohibiting sex-change surgery on minors.

TRANSGENDERISM IN EDUCATION

According to Rasmussen’s poll, only 26% of voters surveyed think schools and teachers should be allowed to counsel students on their sexual and gender identities without parental knowledge or consent, while 60% are opposed to such policies, and 14% are not sure.

Seventy-five percent of Republicans and 64% of those not affiliated with either major party are opposed to schools counseling children on gender identity without informing parents. A slight minority of Democrats (44%) oppose schools counseling children on gender identity without informing parents.

  • 65% of women say schools and teachers should not be allowed to counsel students on their sexual and gender identities without parental knowledge or consent.
  • 55% of men say schools and teachers should not be allowed to counsel students on their sexual and gender identities without parental knowledge or consent.
  • Americans with children at home are more likely than their childless peers to approve of laws prohibiting transgender treatment of minors.
  • Americans with annual incomes over $200,000 are most likely to believe schools and teachers should be allowed to counsel students on their sexual and gender identities without parental knowledge or consent, while those earning between $30,000 and $50,000 a year are most opposed to such counseling in schools.

The survey of 1,116 American Adults was conducted on May 24-25, 2023 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC.

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