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Voters across the country decide on state ballot measures

Published

3 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Voters across the country decide on state ballot measures

While many states voted on abortion measures and immigration initiatives, several blue states passed tougher crime measures.

“You’re allowed to rob a store as long as it’s not more than $950. Has everyone ever heard of that?,” President-elect Donald Trump said at a press conference in Bedminster, New Jersey, in August. “You can rob a store, and you have these thieves going into stores with calculators, calculating how much it is.”

While convicted shoplifters have faced charges, California voters thought the penalties were not enough. Proposition 36 now makes shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders.

CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN CONCEDES COMPETITIVE RACE TO DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER

According to California crime data, shoplifting had been on the rise. Incidents jumped 27.5% between 2018 and 2023. Proposition 36 also tackles another issue in California – drug addiction. The measure increases penalties for some drug charges, including fentanyl. During the same time period, fentanyl overdose deaths were also up by more than 770%.

A voter casts a ballot during the Super Tuesday primary at a polling station in an American Legion Post in Hawthorne, California, on March 5, 2024. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

“Prop 36 is a balanced approach to reducing crime to keep our communities safe while holding repeat retail thieves and those trafficking drugs to minors more accountable,” said Elizabeth Graham, CEO of the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance.

The changes in the new measure stem from an initiative passed in 2014, which downgraded some drug offenses and thefts under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors.

“I know we’re all here to say no to Prop 36, but some of us are here to say hell no to Prop 36,” said a speaker at a rally in opposition of Proposition 36.

While the initiative passed with overwhelming support, those against the measure say it will disproportionately imprison poor people and those with substance abuse issues.

“This is not the time to return to our ridiculous failed policy of incarceration,” said another speaker against the initiative.

Longs Peak, part of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, rises in the background, framed by green trees and the Denver skyline. (Dave Parsons via iStock)

Colorado voters also voted in favor of several crime initiatives. In the aftermath of the pandemic crime rose across the country, including in Colorado. The most recent data shows violent crime is up 23.8% from 2019.

“I am going to make Colorado safe again. We’re going to make you safe. We’re going to do it fast,” President-elect Trump said at a rally in Aurora, focusing on suspected Tren de Aragua crime in the area.

Voters approved an initiative that removed the right to bail in cases of first-degree murder, when the proof is evident, or the presumption is great. Another measure requires criminals convicted of violent crimes, to serve more of their sentences, before being eligible for parole.

BLUE STATE GOVERNOR SUMMONS LEGISLATURE IN RESPONSE TO TRUMP WIN: ‘READY TO FIGHT’

Voters also approved a fund for police officer recruitment, retention and training and a separate fund to help victims of crime.

“Places like Denver have given away, have diverted $9 million out of law enforcement. Why? Because we need to take care of the euphemistically named newcomers. We have a spending problem. We have a prioritization problem. Crime is going up because of your policies,” Colorado state Rep. Ken DeGraaf said during a hearing on a property tax bill in August.

Colorado voters also denied an effort to end hunting of wild cats like Mountain Lions, Bobcats and Lynx. Most states allow for Bobcat and Mountain Lion hunting, but Lynx are already federally protected. California has passed a state ban on sport hunting Mountain Lions. Florida’s panthers are classified as endangered under federal law.

A mountain lion is pictured in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Colorado voters recently rejected a proposal to ban hunting of wild cats, including mountain lions, bobcats and lynx. (Dennis Donohue via iStock)

Florida voters also approved protections for hunters and fishermen. The measure adds language to the state constitution that provides a right to hunt and fish. Proponents say the change guards against efforts to take away those rights. Opponents say the addition is legal overkill.

In Maine, voters decided against changing their state flag. The first official flag, used between 1901 and 1909, gained popularity in recent years. It shows a pine tree and star. But voters decided to keep the blue state seal as its official flag.

There were also several unusual local laws passed. Voters in Miami-Dade county decided to expand public Wi-Fi access. Malheur County, Oregon voted against repealing a mandate that would have ended some discussions over shifting the Idaho-Oregon border. Voters in Illinois also voted on state boundaries. Seven counties voted in favor of exploring whether to secede from the state over differences with Cook County which holds Chicago.

Bret Baier currently serves as FOX News Channel’s (FNC) anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier (weeknights at 6-7PM/ET), chief political anchor of the network and co-anchor of the network’s election coverage. Baier is also host of FOX News Audio’s “The Bret Baier Podcast” which includes Common Ground and The All-Star Panel. He joined FNC in 1998 as the first reporter in the Atlanta bureau and is now based in Washington, D.C.

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Oregon

FBI offering $25K reward for info leading to suspect wanted for ballot box fires in Oregon, Washington state

Published

3 mins ago

November 14, 2024

Press Room

FBI offering K reward for info leading to suspect wanted for ballot box fires in Oregon, Washington state

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The FBI announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the suspect responsible for the ballot box fires that occurred in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

The first incident occurred in Vancouver on Oct. 8, in which a device was placed in a drop box with the phrases “Free Palestine” and “Free Gaza” written on it.

A couple of weeks later, two more ballot boxes — one in Portland and another in Vancouver — were set on fire with incendiary devices marked with the message “Free Gaza.”

Both ballot boxes were equipped with fire suppression systems, but the system inside the ballot box in Vancouver failed, causing more ballots to be destroyed.

DEVICES USED IN PORTLAND, VANCOUVER BALLOT BOX FIRES HAD ‘FREE GAZA’ AND ‘FREE PALESTINE’ MESSAGE: REPORT

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect responsible for these crimes. (FBI)

Police said the incendiary devices were placed on the outside of the boxes.

FBI Portland has said it is actively investigating both situations.

Officials said they believe that all three incidents are connected and believe that the man suspected of setting the drop boxes on fire is an experienced metalworker and may be planning additional attacks.

Authorities describe the suspect as a White male between 30 and 40, who is balding with short hair.

WASHINGTON OFFICIALS RETRIEVE ABOUT 475 DAMAGED BALLOTS FROM BURNED DROP BOX

Police released photos of a suspected vehicle allegedly involved in ballot box fires in Vancouver and Portland. (Portland Police Bureau)

The FBI said a surveillance camera captured images of an early 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan, described to be dark, with dark wheels and a light-colored interior, driven by the suspect believed to be responsible for these crimes.

Officials said the vehicle does not have a Volvo logo on the front grill.

FIRES AT OREGON AND WASHINGTON BALLOT BOXES CONNECTED, POLICE ID ‘SUSPECT VEHICLE’: ‘ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY’

Image of suspected ballot box arsonist vehicle

The Portland Police Bureau released images of the suspect’s vehicle that is believed to be connected to ballot box fires in Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. (Portland Police Bureau)

At the time of the Oct. 28 incident, the vehicle also displayed a fraudulent temporary Washington state license plate on the rear and no front license plate. The plate, which is not associated with a Volvo, may no longer be on the vehicle, officials said.

No ballots were damaged in the Oct. 8 incident. Only three ballots were damaged in the arson in Portland, but hundreds were damaged in the attack in Vancouver.

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Greg Kimsey, the elected auditor in Clark County, Washington, said the exact number of ballots destroyed in Vancouver was not known, but officials retrieved about 475 damaged ballots from the box.

Kimsey previously called the arson a “direct attack on democracy,” just days before Election Day.

Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz contributed to this report.

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Utah

Utah Hockey Club Nets Three Goals In Three Minutes

Published

31 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Press Room

Utah Hockey Club Nets Three Goals In Three Minutes

SALT LAKE CITY—Karel Vejmelka has been putting on a show in goal for the Utah Hockey Club tonight, keeping Utah in the game despite constant pressure from the Hurricanes’ offense. With Vejmelka standing on his head, Utah’s offense finally broke loose, scoring three goals in less than three minutes to take a 4-1 lead over Carolina.

Utah Hockey Club (6-6-3, 15 pts) is hosting the Carolina Hurricanes (11-3-0, 22 pts) at Delta Center on Wednesday, November 13.

Nick Bjugstad Gives Utah Hockey Club First Period Lead Over Hurricanes

McBACK OF THE NET AND WE’RE UP! pic.twitter.com/5uwyyS29HJ
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) November 14, 2024

Despite being outshot 36-15, Utah HC has made the most of its limited opportunities. Five minutes into the third period, Michael Kesselring found Jack McBain in front of the net with a perfect pass. The fourth-year forward blasted a one-touch snap-shot past Pyotr Kochelkov in goal.

Two minutes later, defenseman Mikhael Sergachev beat a suddenly shaky Kochelkov to put his club up by two.

SERGY!! ANOTHER ONE! 💥 pic.twitter.com/EhCSadvM6c
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) November 14, 2024

Following a goalie swap, Utah HC continued the onslaught 17 seconds later when Nick Bjugstad’s second goal of the night put Utah in front 4-1.

Make that goal #151 for Bjugy! pic.twitter.com/pR7iT55h1Y
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) November 14, 2024

Utah Hockey Club Looking For Solutions

As it currently stands, the Utah Hockey Club is fourth in the Central Division with a 6-6-3 overall record, far from panicking and about where most probably would’ve predicted they’d be this many games into the new season. However, with so many losses over the last few weeks and struggles on both ends of the ice, continued experimentation and changes are needed to figure things out.

Three Highs, Three Lows For Utah Hockey Club After 13 Games

We’re back 😎#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/CmQt35cHre
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) November 14, 2024

As one of Utah’s most seasoned veterans and someone who knows how to turn things around, defenseman Ian Cole, a member of the 2016 Stanley Cup Champion Penguins roster who flipped a nightmare season into a dream, shared that Utah needs to look at it from every angle and be open to necessary changes.

“Along the way here, we need to continue to make changes and be mature about it and say, hey, this is what worked, this is what didn’t work, we’re going to continue to do this, we’re going to change this, and we’re going to improve this,” Cole said regarding the situation.

“We need to take a step back, try to look at it as objectively as we can. I mean, some of the underlying numbers are really good, some of them aren’t good enough. So, what do we need to fix, what do we need to change, what do we keep the same, what do we improve on? These are all questions we’re trying to systematically answer and move forward.” he added.

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Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. Listen to Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.

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Washington

San Antonio vs. Washington, Final Score: Spurs ride Wemby’s first 50-point game to 139-130 win over Wizards

Published

41 mins ago

November 13, 2024

Press Room

San Antonio vs. Washington, Final Score: Spurs ride Wemby’s first 50-point game to 139-130 win over Wizards

Another day, another historical game for Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs came into tonight’s match-up against the struggling Washington Wizards looking for their third win in four games during this five-game home stand, and while the second unit gave up a couple of double-digit leads in the first and fourth quarter, they were built on the back of Wemby’s red-hot shooting, and the Spurs were able to hold on down the stretch to secure the 139-130 win.

Wemby scored a career-high 50 points with the help of another career-high of 8 threes on 15 attempts, along with 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. His big night actually overshadowed a similarly big one from Jordan Poole, who had 42 points and led the Wizards in their last-ditch comeback attempt to keep the game interesting down to the final seconds.

Observations

In case you missed it, the Spurs announced earlier in the day that the medical episode Gregg Popovich suffered back on November 2 ahead of the Timberwolves game was a mild stroke. He is now in a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery, but there is no timeline for him to return. Pop and his family remain in our thoughts and prayers, and hopefully he can return to the sideline again.
Jonas Valanciunas continued his Spurs-killer ways, recording a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds in just 10 minutes of action in the first half alone. Fortunately, he never got going in the second half as the Spurs pulled away.
Sometimes Box Score plus/minus doesn’t lie, and that was the case in the first half. All the starters had a plus/minus ranging from +9 to +17, while everyone off the bench had a negative, double-digit plus/minus except Blake Wesley, who was at 0. That certainly passed the eye test, as the Spurs built an early 16-point lead before almost instantly giving it back up when the bench came in for the first time, and the teams played pretty even from there to end up tied 67 all at halftime.
Wembanyama is on an absolute tear in this home stand, and it continued today. He had 24 points by halftime and didn’t slow down in the second half. For the third game in a row, he matched his career high for threes in a game (6) early in the third quarter — only to soon break it with another. Even though he attempted 15 threes (maybe he will keep taking them and break the franchise record after all), he made 8 of them. The real test will come when the Spurs return to the road on Saturday, as his splits between home and the road are night and day.
One thing the Spurs did not do well in this game was protect leads. They came out of the gate hot from three early to build a 16-point lead in the first quarter, but bench blew it almost entirely, and the lead was down to one at the end of the first quarter. The Wizards would eventually take a lead of three a few times before a huge 26-7 Spurs run to end the third quarter. The Spurs then built the lead all the way to 21 in the fourth, but once again the Wizards began to chip away once Mitch Johnson went the bench, and the starters had to return with five minutes left to close things out. Credit to the Wizards for not giving up.
To end on something the Spurs did well that they haven’t in past games: protect the ball. They only had nine turnovers, conceding just 4 points off them. On the other hand, the Wizards had 18 turnovers, giving up 20 points off them to the Spurs. It turns out, the Spurs needed every bit of that difference tonight.

For the Wizards fans perspective, visit Bullets Forever.

The Spurs will conclude their home stand on Friday for the NBA Emirates Cup opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Tip-off will be at 6:30 PM CT on ESPN.

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