by B. Grayson | news
Oregon officials are contemplating a rollback of key provisions from the 2021 initiative, Measure 110, which aimed to decriminalize heroin and fentanyl.
Reevaluating the Impact of Measure 110
Image Credit: Shutterstock / one photo
The initial rationale behind the liberal experiment was to facilitate easier access to treatment for drug addicts.
Shifting Public Opinion
Image Credit: Shutterstock / A9 STUDIO
While Measure 110 was initially supported by 58 percent of voters in November 2020, recent data from an Emerson College poll indicates a significant shift in public sentiment.
56% of Voters Would Back a Repeal
Image Credit: Shutterstock / I’m friday
The latest figures reveal that 56 percent of voters would now back a repeal of the measure, signifying a substantial change in perception.
Concerns From Business Owners
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kateryna Onyshchuk
Matt Siegmund, owner of Gardner Floor Covering in Eugene, shared his concerns about the impact of Measure 110 on his business. “It has been pretty awful,” he said.
Increases in Belligerence, Defecation, and Urination
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Srdjan Randjelovic
He noted changes in the behavior of the homeless population, including increased belligerence, defecation, and urination around his store.
Sweeping Away Homeless For Staff
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Followtheflow
Siegmund emphasized the challenges faced by business owners due to the altered dynamics, “For the last three weeks, police have been sweeping the homeless people away so I and my staff can come to work.”
Ticketing System and Treatment
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com
Under Measure 110, people with an addiction receive “tickets” for drug offenses, resulting in $100 fines. The penalty can be waived if the addict contacts a self-help line and seeks treatment.
The Approach Isn’t Working
Image Credit: Shutterstock / meikesen
However, the effectiveness of this approach has come into question, as only a small percentage of those ticketed engaged with the self-help line.
Lack of Successful Examples
Image Credit: Shutterstock / antoniodiaz
Eugene’s Police Chief, Chris Skinner, said the limited success of the measure, stating that there is not a single successful example of someone transitioning from a citation to self-assessment and addiction services leading to wellness.
6,000 Tickets and Less Than 125 Called For Help
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Motortion Films
6,000 people were ticketed in Oregon, but fewer than 125 rang the self-help line. Skinner expressed concerns about the rising rates of overdose calls and deaths in Oregon.
Police Support for Reversal
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nomad_Soul
While not advocating for a complete reversal of Measure 110, police officials are supporting the idea of making drug possession a criminal offense again.
Addicts Would Need Compulsory Treatment
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
This shift would compel addicts to undergo compulsory treatment, addressing some of the challenges posed by the decriminalization measure.
Warning of Overdose Records
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fewerton
Chief Skinner warned that Oregon is on track to break records for overdose calls for service and overdose deaths.
Increased Need for Narcan
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Halfpoint
The increased use of life-saving Narcan by police officers and firefighters reflects the urgency of the situation.
Potential Ballot Measure
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture
While police are not pushing for a complete reversal, there is potential for a ballot measure next year that could re-criminalize hard drugs.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Oregon Set to Surpass Previous Overdose Records, Police Chief Raises Alarm first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Proxima Studio. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by B. Grayson | news
In Trump’s New York fraud trial, the defense’s “no harm, no foul” stance is challenged with someone from Deutsche Bank admitting due diligence constraints on the stand.
‘No Harm No Foul’
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
In the unfolding drama of Donald Trump’s New York fraud trial, a significant defense strategy has been the assertion that, even if he may have breached the law, no harm befell anyone, rendering the legal violations inconsequential.
MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin encapsulated this defense by stating, “No harm, no foul.”
Reporter Says That May Not Be the Case
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gil C
New York Times investigative reporter Susanne Craig countered this argument, explaining that while the bank might not have incurred losses directly due to Trump’s misrepresentations on financial forms, it doesn’t negate the possibility that the bank could have made more money had Trump been forthright in his dealings.
Doesn’t Have to Cause Harm to Be In Violation
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zerbor
“There’s a fundamental principle of regulation, and that’s that if you lie to a regulator, it doesn’t have to cause a financial harm to someone for it to be a violation of law,” Rubin emphasized during her analysis.
New York Attorney General Weighs In
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Heidi Besen
The New York Attorney General’s Office, representing the interests of the state, has taken an interest in vindicating the integrity of financial markets. Attorney General’s Office said, “If people like Donald Trump can mess with the integrity of the markets, then it’s certainly not —”
Not a Victimless Crime
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture
According to Rubin, this approach reflects a recognition that if influential figures like Trump can compromise market integrity, it is far from being a victimless crime.
Deceptive Actions Have Repercussions
Image Credit: Shutterstock / BlueSkyImage
MSNBC host Ali Velshi interjected during this discussion, saying that deceptive actions in financial matters can have repercussions that extend beyond immediate financial losses.
Bank Says Due Diligence Was Constrained
Image Credit: Shutterstock / SeventyFour
During a recent court appearance, Deutsche Bank, central to the trial, admitted that its due diligence was constrained by the limited information it received from Trump and his company.
Bank Was Unable to Confirm Information
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com
Rubin noted the challenge faced by the bank, saying, “If the client isn’t presenting to you accurate information in the first place, then your efforts to confirm that information are going to be lacking in some respects.”
Granting Trump Favorable Terms
Image Credit: Shutterstock / l i g h t p o e t
Deutsche Bank acknowledged its willingness to offer Trump more favorable terms based on its perception of his net worth.
Testified He Had $100 Million in Liquidity
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dilok Klaisataporn
“They also talked about their willingness to grant Trump more favorable terms because of their perception of his net worth. They thought — and one of the witnesses today testified that he had $100 million in liquidity. That’s something that I think experts on Trump might question,” Rubin added.
Why Did the Bank Cut Ties With Him?
Image Credit: Shutterstock / MAYA LAB
One crucial aspect yet to be explored is the reason behind Deutsche Bank severing ties with the Trump Organization.
The Senior Banker Taking the Stand
Image Credit: Shutterstock / l i g h t p o e t
As Rubin explained, when senior banker Rosemary Vrablic, who initially dealt with the Trump family, testifies, it is anticipated that her insights into why Deutsche Bank ceased extending credit to Trump could be detrimental to him.
Testimony Could Change Everything
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images
This development could prove pivotal, even if the loans performed well, as the bank ultimately decided to discontinue business ties, indicating an underlying issue.
The Case Has Continued to Evolve
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff
The case has evolved into a broader narrative about money, Trump’s financial standing, and the future financial well-being of his children and subsequent generations.
Fines Could Be Up to $250 Million
Image Credit: Shutterstock / dizain
With potential fines reaching up to $250 million and the jeopardy of his business operations in New York, the consequences are substantial.
The Detrimental Effects on His Business
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Frederic Legrand – COMEO
Craig pointed out that, regardless of the trial’s outcome, Trump has already been found liable, and the specter of a receiver overseeing his company adds potential detriment to his business.
‘There Have Already Been Consequences’
Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin
“They’ll keep going on appeal, but that doesn’t mean in the interim there’s not going to be a potentially crippling effect to his business going forward because there’s already a receiver over it and there have already been consequences,” Craig said.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Trump’s ‘No Harm, No Foul’ Defense Challenged in New York Fraud Trial first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by B. Grayson | news
The rural North Texas school board initiated an investigation into the incident where a transgender student lost his role in the high school musical, sparking national attention.
Superintendent Stripped of Duties
Image Credit: Shutterstock / DarkBird
In a consequential move, the school board temporarily removed the school district’s superintendent from overseeing the fine arts department until the investigation concludes.
Administrative Decision Spurs Debate
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ASDF_MEDIA
The decision comes in response to the administrative choice that led Max Hightower, a senior at Sherman High School, to lose his role and solo in the musical earlier in the month.
Reversal of Initial Decision
Image Credit: Shutterstock / VRVIRUS
Following public outcry, the school board reversed its initial decision, instructing school leadership to reinstate Max Hightower and others in their original roles in the musical “Oklahoma!”
School Board Defies Texas Political Landscape
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images
The school board’s actions appear to defy the political landscape in Texas, where conservative policies often limit transgender rights, including recent legislative restrictions.
Max Hightower’s Surprising Experience
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roquillo Tebar
Max Hightower, 17, expresses surprise at the controversy, noting that until this incident, he largely felt accepted in his rural town.
Public Backlash
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drazen Zigic
The decision to recast Max and other students triggered swift public backlash, with numerous news articles and national organizations condemning the move.
School Board Meeting as a Stage
Image Credit: Shutterstock / BlueSkyImage
The school board meeting becomes a stage for impassioned public comments in support and opposition to Superintendent Tyson Bennett.
Security Intervention
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gecko Studio
Security removes a commenter who refuses to yield his time, underscoring the heightened emotions surrounding the issue.
Divided Community Opinions
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrii Yalanskyi
Community pastors and former school employees rally to support Bennett. In contrast, others call for his reprimand, citing Title IX as grounds for illegal actions.
Unanimous Board Vote
Image Credit: Shutterstock / I’m friday
The school board unanimously approves hiring an investigator and removes Bennett from supervising fine arts programs. Chief academic officer Amy Pesina assumes the interim role.
Criticisms Against Superintendent
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pixelvario
Superintendent Tyson Bennett faces criticism for his tenure, including the controversial “Stand in the Gap” program and inviting pastors to say prayers during district convocations.
Phillip Hightower’s Perspective
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi
Phillip Hightower, Max’s father, sees the board’s decision as a “little win” but deems Bennett as still “dangerous” to LGBTQ+ students in the district.
Concerns Beyond Fine Arts
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Inside Creative House
Phillip questions the broader impact on all students and expresses reservations about Bennett’s influence beyond the fine arts programs.
Superintendent’s Tenure
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pickadook
In office since May 2022, Bennett has encountered criticisms from parents, raising concerns about his appropriateness and the impact of his initiatives.
Ongoing Challenges
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Longfin Media
While the board’s decision addresses immediate concerns, the community grapples with the more significant issues of LGBTQ+ rights and the superintendent’s continued role in the district.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Texas School Board Investigates Removal of Transgender Student From Musical ‘Oklahoma,’ Sparks LGBTQ+ Rights Debate first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ranta Images. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by B. Grayson | news
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey faces a pressing challenge as family shelters in the state edge closer to full capacity amidst a surge in demand.
Shelter Crisis in Massachusetts
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olesia Bilkei
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey acknowledges a growing crisis within the state’s family shelters as they approach full capacity.
The Right-To-Shelter Policy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / create jobs 51
Despite the challenges, Governor Healey reaffirms her commitment to maintaining the right-to-shelter policy, ensuring newcomers have access to housing.
Overwhelming Demand
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aleksandr Ozerov
The state’s emergency family shelter system faces an overwhelming surge in demand, driven by both homeless families and an influx of immigrants.
Projected Occupancy
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Derek Robbins
In October 2023, it is estimated that Massachusett’s shelters housed 7,500 families, comprising 24,000 individuals.
Strain on the Shelter System
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
The strain on the shelter system is evident, as shelters struggle to accommodate the rising number of individuals in need of housing.
Expanding Shelter Capacity
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / ArliftAtoz2205
Authorities have expanded shelter capacity at an unsustainable rate over recent months to address the increasing demand.
The Collaborative Effort
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
Governor Healey commends the heroic work of public officials, shelter providers, and the National Guard in addressing the crisis.
Need More From the Federal Government
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrii Yalanskyi
“We will continue to help families exit shelter and move into more permanent housing options, connect those who are eligible with work opportunities to support their families, and advocate for the federal government to step up and address this federal problem,” she stated.
Reaching the Limit
Image Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa
Despite collective efforts, the shelter system has reached a point where further expansion may not be safe or responsible.
A Shift in Approach
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
Massachusetts will transition to a prioritization system in November 2023, prioritizing “high-need” families for shelter placement.
New Programs
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen
The state introduced two new programs, one targeting individuals awaiting work authorization and the other assessing the skills and work readiness of those with authorization.
Job Skills Development
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
The job skills program offers on-the-job training and skills development for individuals waiting for work authorization.
Evaluating Work Readiness
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
The second program focuses on assessing the skills and work readiness of individuals who already have work authorization.
Access to Driver’s Licenses
Image Credit: Shutterstock / evgenii mitroshin
In July 2023, Massachusetts made it possible for immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses, anticipating a significant increase in road test bookings.
Limitations on Licenses
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drazen Zigic
The driver’s licenses issued in Massachusetts have specific limitations, such as not being valid for use out of state or for voting purposes.
Application Requirements
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images
Applicants for driver’s licenses must provide proof of identity, date of birth, proof of residence, and a Social Security number.
Those without a Social Security number can submit a form declaring that they were never issued one.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Massachusetts Governor Faces Challenges with Increasing Demand as Family Shelters Approach Full Capacity first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by B. Grayson | news
President Trump’s statements prompt questions about as he references Obama instead of Biden on several occasions and Trump fires back.
Trump Responds to The Controversy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / stock_photo_world
Former President Donald Trump has acknowledged the ongoing discussions and criticisms surrounding his references to former President Barack Obama instead of President Joe Biden in past rallies and interviews.
He Says He’s Doing It ‘Sarcastically’
Image Credit: Shutterstock / mark reinstein
Trump quickly clarified that this was not due to any confusion, as some have speculated.
Instead, he claims to have done so “sarcastically” as a strategic commentary on the perceived influence of others in shaping the country’s policies.
Trump Mentions Obama Instead of Biden
Image Credit: Shutterstock / a katz
Trump’s frequent references to Obama instead of Biden have been a recurring theme, with many interpreting it as a sign of potential confusion.
Trump Says These References Are Intentional
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Joseph Sohm
However, Trump responds to this perspective, asserting that these references are a deliberate and sarcastic tactic aimed at highlighting the influence of other individuals in the political landscape.
Trump Speaks Out
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Consolidated News Photos
In a post on Truth Social, Trump addresses the criticism, stating, “Whenever I sarcastically insert the name Obama for Biden as an indication that others may actually be having a very big influence in running our Country…”
‘Democrat’s Radical Left Disinformation Machine’
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aaron of L.A. Photography
This assertion of intentional sarcasm is paired with criticism of political opponents, such as Ron DeSantis, and what Trump refers to as the “Democrat’s Radical Left ‘Disinformation Machine.'”
He Says He Never Mixes Them Up
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrew Cline
He refutes allegations of cognitive impairment, asserting that he knows both names well, never mixes them up, and is fully aware of the state of the country.
Allegedly Aces His Cognitive Test
Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin
To emphasize his mental acuity, Trump talks about having recently taken a cognitive test during his physical exam and claims to have “aced it.”
‘A Perfect Score!’
Image Credit: Shutterstock / eakasarn
“Also, and as reported, I just took a cognitive test as part of my Physical Exam and ACED it. Also, ACED (a perfect score!) one taken while in the White House.
Interview With Radio Host
Image Credit: Shutterstock / GBJSTOCK
The former president’s use of this sarcasm becomes evident in a radio interview with Brian Kilmeade, where he seamlessly integrates references to both Obama and Biden when discussing matters related to Iran.
Trump References Obama Again
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evan El-Amin
“It’s all coming through Iran. And Obama wants to he doesn’t want to talk about it. He doesn’t want to mention he doesn’t even mention them in his statements. It’s all coming through Iran,” Trump says.
‘Well, You Mean President Biden…’
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Debby Wong
Brian Kilmeade responds, “Well, you mean President Biden. So but right now.” “I also mean Obama,” Trump says.
Conversation Between Trump and Kilmeade
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evan El-Amin
Brian Kilmeade: What do you mean?
Donald Trump: You know Obama and Biden. But Obama is Biden’s boss. Guess you didn’t really know that.
Brian Kilmeade: Do you believe it? You believe President Obama —
Donald Trump: In the past? I don’t think I don’t think Biden knows what’s happening, to be honest with you. I think Obama is calling these shots…”
Trump Says Obama Is the ‘Boss’
Image Credit: Shutterstock / mark reinstein
Kilmeade attempts to correct the apparent confusion, but Trump insists on incorporating Obama into the narrative, asserting that Obama is Biden’s “boss.”
This interaction highlights Trump’s commitment to his chosen rhetorical approach, blurring the lines between sarcasm and sincerity.
Trump Calls for Obama’s Resignation
Image Credit: Shutterstock / noamgalai
Even during a recent rally, Trump shared an anecdote about a world leader purportedly calling for Obama’s resignation “and be replaced by Trump” several weeks ago, despite Biden currently holding the presidency.
The Impact on Public Perception
Image Credit: Shutterstock / insta_photos
The choice to respond to these situations defensively, even when using sarcasm, sparks inquiries into the motivations behind these statements and how they affect public perception.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Former President Trump Addresses References to Obama Instead of Biden, Clarifies Intent first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evan El-Amin. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
