1 - Massive spending, large voter turnout amid defeat of Ohio’s Issue 1
In a 57% to 43% defeat, Ohio’s special election resulted in a resounding “no” to Issue One. Issue One would have made it more difficult to adopt constitutional amendments via citizen-led ballot initiatives. While not primarily what this measure was about, it will now make an enshrinement of abortion into Ohio’s constitution much easier in November.
Of the 8 million registered voters, just 3 million showed up to vote, and yet that 3 million was an unprecedented number for a special election. If you live in Ohio, it is unlikely that you escaped unscathed from the major ad campaign launched by out of state interest groups.
About $15,000 dollars was spent pushing the “no” side, and 85% of that came from outside of Ohio. This money was primarily funneled through left wing donation sites, who allow donors to remain anonymous.
In contrast, on the “yes” side, just about $5 million was spent. However, this also primarily came from out of state, as Ohio received $4 million from just one donor: Illinois-based businessman Richard Uihlein. The billionaire frequently donates to conservative political initiatives.
Pro-lifers are now gearing up for a tough fight in November.
2 - Lawmakers uncover evidence multiple FBI offices involved in anti-Catholic memo, contradicting Wray via Just the News
Remember when the FBI said they weren’t targeting Catholics? This week, the House Judiciary Committee released newly subpoenaed evidence that multiple FBI offices were involved with a memo targeting traditional Catholics as domestic terrorists.
This is in direct opposition to the recent testimony of FBI director, Christopher Wray. Wray testified that the memo was isolated to the work of the FBI office in Richmond. According to Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, with the new evidence presented, LA and Portland offices were also involved.
Jordan has requested that Wray send all communications between offices before August 23, 2023 for review. At this time, the FBI, known of course for their honesty and transparency, have released a statement saying that Wray’s statements were accurate, and that Jordan’s information is misleading.
3 - Doctors Can Prescribe Ivermectin for COVID-19: FDA via the Epoch Times
A case is being heard in the 5th circuit of appeals, after three doctors who allege the FDA unlawfully interfered with their practice of medicine brought suit.
The FDA repeatedly discouraged people from taking ivermectin for COVID-19, including a viral social media post saying, “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.” This post linked to the FDA website stating that the medicine should not be used to treat C-19.
They are now attempting a gaslighting campaign it seems, as their lawyer argued, the "FDA explicitly recognizes that doctors do have the authority to prescribe ivermectin to treat COVID.” Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod asked, "What about when it said, 'No, stop it'? Why isn't that a command? If you were in English class, they would say that was a command." The FDA’s attorney argued, "In some contexts, those words could be construed as a command, but in this context, where FDA was simply using these words in the context of a quippy tweet meant to share its informational article, those statements do not rise to the level of a command."
The three judges on the appeals court panel were all appointed by former President Donald Trump. The case has not been decided yet.
4 - Bishops protest Biden administration’s addition of abortion to pregnant workers protections via Catholic News Agency
In 2022, with bipartisan support, The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, passed and established new protections for workers who are pregnant or recently had a child. This week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued proposed regulations that defined abortion as a “related medical condition.” Under these regulations, employers would need to accommodate women for limitations that arise from “having or choosing not to have an abortion.”
Although bishops initially supported the Act, Bishop Michael Burbidge issued a statement saying that the law was being abused. He said, “We supported the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act because it enhanced the protection of pregnant mothers and their preborn children, which is something that we have encouraged Congress to prioritize. The act is pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-life. It is a total distortion to use this law as a means for advancing abortion and the complete opposite of needed assistance for pregnant mothers.”
The proposed rules will undergo a 60-day public comment period, after which the EEOC can either revise the rules or hold a vote on whether to adopt them.
5 - Supreme Court reinstates Biden's ghost gun regulations via Just the News
In a 5-4 emergency ruling, the Supreme Court reinstated the Biden administration's restrictions on "ghost guns," or firearms without serial numbers this week. Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. Neither side presented their arguments.
This followed U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor of Texas, who struck down the Biden Administration rule in late June, concluding that it exceeded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ authority. The Judge wrote that the definition of a firearm in federal law does not cover all the parts of a gun. However, he wrote that Congress could change the law.
This case will continue in the 5th Circuit appeals court.