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    • Apple Card offers varying cashback percentages for different purchasesApple Card offers up to 3% cashback at Apple, 2% with Apple Pay, and 1% with physical or virtual card. Progressive saves customers an average of $744 per year, and reaching out for help during a crisis can have a significant impact.

      Apple Card offers daily cashback rewards with varying percentages based on where and how you make purchases. You can earn up to 3% cashback at Apple, 2% with Apple Pay, and 1% with the physical or virtual card. Progressive, on the other hand, promises significant savings for those who switch to their insurance services, with an average of $744 saved per year. Meanwhile, a chilling news report from the year 2000 highlights the importance of community connections during a time of crisis. Reporter Dan Zukreski shared an account of a frozen death investigation, where he discovered that the victim, Lawrence Wagner, had contacted the police for help on the night he went missing. This unfortunate incident underscores the significance of reaching out for assistance when needed and the potential impact of small actions on larger events.

    • Reports of Two Men Freezing to Death in Saskatoon, CanadaAllegations of 'Starlight Tours' emerged after two men, one a First Nations individual, claimed they were abandoned in freezing temperatures by police instead of being taken to the station, potentially leading to their deaths.

      In Saskatoon, Canada, there were reports of two men, Darryl Knight and Rodney Naestis, freezing to death in a remote industrial area within the same week. Darryl, a First Nations man, claimed he was taken by police and abandoned in the same area. His account resonated with stories of "Starlight Tours," an open secret where intoxicated individuals were dropped off in freezing temperatures instead of being taken to the police station. Darryl survived, but others did not. The temperatures during this time were dangerously cold, potentially leading to death or frostbite. The police's actions, if true, put individuals' lives at risk.

    • Saskatoon Police Force Scandal: Leaving Homeless to Freeze to DeathIn the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Saskatoon Police Force was under scrutiny for leaving homeless people to freeze to death. Two constables admitted to their involvement, leading to investigations and the involvement of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

      The Saskatoon Police Force in the late 1990s and early 2000s was facing a major scandal when it was discovered that some officers had been leaving homeless people to freeze to death in the cold weather. The police force was trying to determine the extent of this practice and how many officers were involved. Two constables, Dan Hatchen and Ken Munson, admitted to picking up Darrell Knight and leaving him in a remote area, leading to his death. The police chief ordered investigations into the deaths of Rodney Naistus and Lawrence Wagner, and the Saskatchewan Justice Department brought in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to take over. Dan Zicreski, a journalist, recalled feeling that the situation was escalating and that they had uncovered a horrific practice that had been going on for some time. The discovery of the interconnected deaths of Naistus, Wagner, and Knight was particularly terrifying. Apple Card, a cashback rewards credit card, offers daily cash rewards on purchases. Progressive Insurance offers auto insurance discounts for various reasons, including having multiple vehicles on your policy and being a homeowner. The Saskatoon Police Force scandal marked a significant moment of scrutiny and accountability for the police service.

    • Indigenous Discrimination in Saskatoon's Criminal Justice SystemLack of Indigenous representation in law enforcement perpetuates systemic discrimination and marginalization, highlighting the need for greater inclusion and understanding within the criminal justice system.

      Indigenous people in Saskatoon, Canada, have long faced systemic discrimination and marginalization, particularly within the criminal justice system. This was highlighted in the case of Neil Stonechild, a First Nations teenager whose suspicious death in 1991 went largely unnoticed and uninvestigated by authorities. Ernie Lutet, a First Nations police officer at the time, was struck by the odd circumstances surrounding Stonechild's death and the lack of representation within the police force. He recalled that when he joined the Saskatoon Police Service, there were only two other Indigenous officers, making up less than 1% of the force. Lutet's experience illustrates the need for greater representation and understanding within law enforcement to address systemic issues and ensure that all communities are treated fairly. The story also underscores the importance of listening to and believing Indigenous voices when they raise concerns about injustices and inequalities.

    • Police dismissive of new information in Neil Stonechild's deathThe importance of listening to new information and treating all cases with thoroughness and respect, especially in sensitive matters.

      The initial investigation into Neil Stonechild's death was inconclusive and dismissive of new information, leaving the grieving mother feeling ignored and unsupported. Ernie, a police officer, discovered this when he read the case file and found the conclusion that Stonechild had frozen to death while on his way to turn himself in to be implausible. When Ernie attempted to share his concerns with the lead investigator, Sergeant Jarvis, he was met with hostility and dismissal. Despite providing information that could potentially reopen the case, Stella, Stonechild's mother, reported no progress or communication from the police. This experience highlighted the importance of listening to new information and treating all cases with thoroughness and respect, especially in sensitive matters like sudden deaths or homicides.

    • Former officer discovers missing police report on Neil Stonechild's caseA former officer's discovery of a missing police report led to renewed investigation and scrutiny of Neil Stonechild's death, revealing potential police misconduct and racism towards Indigenous populations.

      The investigation into Neil Stonechild's death was mishandled by local police, leading to renewed interest and scrutiny decades later. Ernie Loutitt, a former officer, played a crucial role in bringing the case back to light when he discovered a missing police report from the initial investigation in his basement. The report's existence was significant because it was the only one in existence, and it raised questions about the initial handling of the case. The disappearance and death of Neil Stonechild, along with other cases involving Indigenous men in Saskatoon, led to accusations of racism and police misconduct, bringing national attention to the issue. The lost report and the subsequent investigation highlighted the importance of thorough and transparent police work, especially in cases involving vulnerable populations.

    • Mishandled investigation into Neil Stonechild's death revealed through inquiryAn official inquiry uncovered evidence contradicting the initial investigative report, including a witness who saw Stonechild in a police car, leading to the conclusion that two Palestinian police constables had him in custody on the night he died.

      The investigation into the death of Neil Stonechild was mishandled by the South African Police, as revealed through documentary evidence and testimonies during an official inquiry. Ernie Lutet, a key figure in bringing the truth to light, faced criticism but stood firm in sharing his concerns about the police force's procedures and the mistreatment of Stonechild's family. The inquiry, which lasted 43 days and included testimonies from 63 people, uncovered evidence that contradicted the initial investigative report, including a witness who saw Stonechild in a police car on the night of his death. The final report from the inquiry concluded that two Palestinian police constables had Neil Stonechild in their custody on the night he died, shedding light on the tragic events that had been overlooked for years.

    • The Stonechild Inquiry: A Critique of the Saskatoon Police Service's InvestigationThe Stonechild Inquiry exposed systemic issues within the Saskatoon Police Service, including inadequate investigations and lack of respect for First Nations families. Recommendations included training on race and recruitment efforts. Changes have been made, but the importance of thorough investigations and addressing systemic issues remains.

      The Stonechild Inquiry revealed systemic issues within the Saskatoon Police Service regarding the investigation of the death of Neil Stonechild, a First Nations man. The inquiry criticized the police for a superficial and inadequate investigation, and the family's lack of being taken seriously. Recommendations included training about race and creating an introductory program for aboriginal and minority candidates. The incident was an eye-opener for many, and the police's attempts to edit out the Starlight Tours from their Wikipedia page were caught and caused embarrassment. The police service has since implemented changes, including training, recruiting, and relationship building with the indigenous community, but the incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations and addressing systemic issues. The police service supports calls for an independent oversight body.

    • Exploring History and Culture through 'Criminal' and 'Juntos' PodcastsListen to 'Criminal' for historical insights and 'Juntos' for cultural exploration during daily activities. New episodes available Tues/Thurs for 'Criminal' and anytime for 'Juntos'. Save on insurance with Progressive.

      There are two unique podcasts, "Criminal" and "Juntos," providing historical and cultural perspectives respectively, which can be easily accessed and enjoyed during daily activities like driving or cleaning. "Criminal," hosted by Jodi Averghan and Nicole Hemmer, discusses significant moments in political history and their relevance to the present. New episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday. "Juntos," from PopSugar, celebrates Latin culture and identity through interviews, commentary, and exclusive content. Both podcasts can help broaden one's knowledge and understanding of various topics, and listeners can save money by switching to Progressive Insurance while enjoying these shows.

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    High Country Politics - March 8, 2023 - Government and Elections News from Colorado, Arizona and the West

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    Arizona AG Kris Mayes refocuses Election Integrity Unit on protecting election officials and voting rights | CO Gov. Jared Polis and Democrats introduce bills to lower healthcare costs | Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples commission sets field hearings for AZ, CA, MT, NM | Department of Defense provides process for service members to obtain abortions when stationed in states where abortion is banned | Ani DiFranco does a western swing with shows in CO, MT, and ID.

    Song plays

    Intro by host

    Welcome to High Country - politics in the American West. My name is Sean Diller; regular listeners might know me from Heartland Pod’s Talking Politics, every Monday.

    Support this show and all the work in the Heartland POD universe by going to heartlandpod.com and clicking the link for Patreon, or go to Patreon.com/HeartlandPod to sign up. 

    Membership starts at $1/month, with even more extra shows and special access at the higher levels. 

    No matter the level you choose, your membership helps us create these independent shows as we work together to change the conversation.

    Alright! Let’s get into it: 

    ARIZONA MIRROR: ARIZONA AG INVESTIGATES FAKE ELECTORS

    Kris Mayes is investigating Trump’s ‘fake electors,’ focusing on threats to election workers

    BY: JEROD MACDONALD-EVOY - MARCH 3, 2023 7:12 AM

    While her predecessor used a dedicated election crimes division to investigate hundreds of bogus election fraud claims, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes says she will redirect the unit’s focus to prosecute election-related threats and protect voting rights. 

    “We are almost at a crisis situation in our state, in the sense that we now have a third of our counties experiencing the resignation of high-level election officialS due to death threats and harassment. That is unacceptable,” 

    Former AG Mark Brnovich, the Republican who Mayes replaced this year, persuaded the state legislature to create the Election Integrity Unit so his office could have a dedicated team to investigate election fraud claims. But Brnovich buried what was arguably its most important work, a 10,000-hour investigation debunking hundreds of fraud claims related to the 2020 election. AG Mayes released the results of that investigation earlier this month. 

    And the Election Integrity Unit is also investigating a much larger effort to undermine the will of the voters — The Trump / Eastman / Perry plot to send fraudulent slates of electors for former President Donald Trump to Congress on Jan. 6 - using the state’s seal. While she was secretary of state, Gov. Katie Hobbs requested Brnovich investigate the criminal use of the state seal on false documents, but Brnovich did nothing.

     There were actually multiple “fake elector” schemes in Arizona. One was tied to the Arizona Republican Party and allegedly done at the request of the Trump campaign. It involved officials including former AZ GOP chairwoman Kelli Ward, state Sen. Jake Hoffman, state Sen. Anthony Kern and Turning Points USA CEO Tyler Bowyer. That fake electors scheme is also the subject of a federal investigation. 

    Another group, the Sovereign Citizens of the Great State of Arizona, also created an alternate slate of electors for Trump, independent of the former President’s desperate and nihilistic attempts to steal the 2020 election for himself.

    Since the 2020 election, threats to election officials nationwide have been increasing. Arizona has been at the forefront of those threats, with the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice getting involved in multiple cases. 

    Most recently, veteran Cochise County Election Director Lisa Marra resigned. In her departure letter, she described a workplace that was hostile due to a monthslong saga in which Marra stood up to election conspiracists’ insane demands and threats.

    Last year, the director of elections in Yavapai County resigned due to more than 18 months of threats she received. GOP-dominated Yavapai County has been a hotbed of hostile activity, with the white supremacist Oath Keepers intimidating voters before federal law enforcement got involved. 

    AG Mayes said the images of armed men watching drop boxes “disturbed” her and set her on a path to begin speaking to police and sheriff’s departments across the state. 

    Making sure voters feel safe and secure when using a drop box will be a major priority, Mayes said, and if that means making sure that agents with the Attorney General’s Office are present alongside law enforcement, then that might be the case. Currently, Mayes has 60 agents working directly with her in the office. 

    Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies had to be dispatched in riot gear to deal with angry and armed crowds of butt-hurt snowflake losers (my term) during the 2020 election, when they descended upon the Maricopa County tabulation center. Deputies have had to dedicate security to election officials who faced threats as well.

    During the midterms, Maricopa County spent approximately $675,000 on security for the elections, a number the Sheriff expects to be “substantially” higher for the next election as he and his deputies are already preparing for the next wave of threats to election officials, as well as illegal activities around drop boxes. 

    But for AG Mayes, the Arizona Election Integrity Unit can be a force that actually protects voting rights in the state. 

    “We really want to repurpose the Election Integrity Unit to be an arm of the Attorney General’s Office that is focused on protecting democracy in Arizona, protecting election officials against the rise of death threats and intimidation against them, and to protect the voting rights of every legally registered Arizonan.

    COLORADO NEWSLINE: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and a group of Democratic lawmakers have introduced a slate of new bills that are meant to reduce health care costs in the state.

    BY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 3, 2023 2:04 PM

    The bills would reduce premiums for Colorado Option health insurance plans, lower prescription drug costs and work to increase transparency around the huge profits being made by hospitals.

    “Saving people money on healthcare has been a top priority for me since Day One, and it’s a big challenge,” said Gov. Polis. “We want to pound away on it every year, to find every cost driver and address it, to make sure Coloradans stop having to overpay for prescription drugs, insurance, and the health care that they need.”

    House Bill 23-1224 would work to improve the Colorado Option, the state-regulated plan offered by private insurers that passed just last year. The bill would make it easier for consumers to compare prices on standardized plans, and empower the state’s insurance commissioner to hold carriers accountable for the cost reduction requirements in Colorado Option standardized plans.

    Another bill, House Bill 23-1225, addresses the state’s prescription drug affordability board. It would allow the board to review any number of expensive prescription drugs instead of only a dozen as outlined in the legislation that created the board.

    The board, which has not yet reviewed the costs of any drugs so far, has the authority to set an upper payment limit if it determines a drug is unaffordable for Coloradans.

    House Bill 23-1227, would give more oversight power to the state’s Division of Insurance over pharmacy benefit managers. 

    “In some cases, PBMs are coming between consumers, health insurance plans, pharmacies and manufacturers while making very, very large profits. PBMs can be a part of the plan to save Coloradans money on prescription drugs, but they have to follow the rules,” Jodeh, one of the bill sponsors, said.

    Lawmakers highlighted other pieces of health care cost saving legislation:

    HB23-1226 would enhance current hospital financial transparency reporting in an effort to highlight what is driving up hospital costs in the state.

    COLORADO SUN: And, Almost four years after becoming the first state to cap insulin copayments, Colorado may limit what consumers pay for epinephrine autoinjectors, also known as EpiPens, which treat serious allergic reactions.

    In 2007, the wholesale price of a single EpiPen was about $47. Today, two brand-name autoinjectors cost just under $636 at a Walgreens in Denver, according to GoodRx. 

    A proposed state law would cap out-of-pocket copays at $60 for a two-pack of Epi Pens.

    The bill is part of a nationwide push by states to address the soaring prices of lifesaving drugs. New Hampshire passed a law in 2020 requiring insurance to cover the autoinjectors, and Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a similar measure this year. 

    No state has capped what consumers pay for EpiPens, though the New Jersey Senate passed a bill in June to do so; that measure is pending in the legislature’s lower house.

    state Rep. Iman Jodeh, a bill sponsor, said “The need for EpiPens doesn’t discriminate based on who you are. This unfortunate trend we’re seeing of lifesaving medication being out of reach for so many people is something we need to end.”

    In 2019, Colorado became the first state to enact a law that set a $100 limit on monthly copays for insulin, a hormone that regulates the blood sugar of people with diabetes.

    Since then, 21 other states, plus Washington, D.C., have implemented laws limiting insulin costs. Congress imposed a $35 insulin copay cap for seniors on Medicare, and, in his recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden called for expanding this cap to every American.

    KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

    Tagged: Colorado legislature, Colorado politics, EpiPen, Iman Jodeh, insulin, Kaiser Health News, KHN, prescription drug costs

    AZMIRROR: 

    Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples field hearing comes to AZ in May

    BY: SHONDIIN SILVERSMITH - MARCH 3, 2023 12:27 PM

         

    As part of the U.S. departments of the Interior and Justice’s work to combat the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis, the Not Invisible Act Commission will be hosting its first round of field hearing sessions this spring. 

    “In partnership with the Justice Department and with extensive engagement with Tribes and other stakeholders, the Interior Department is marshaling our resources to finally address the crisis of violence against Indigenous peoples,” she added. 

    FROM WORC: Missing and Murdered Indigenous People is an epidemic stemming from over 500 years of colonization that has harmed Indigenous communities across the globe.  For Indigenous women in the United States, this means being amongst the population that is murdered at 10 times the national average. 

    According to the Indian Law Resource Center, more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence, and more than half have experienced sexual violence. There is no official statistic regarding how many Indigenous women go missing within the United States, and many families report the same experiences where law enforcement will dismiss a missing loved one’s case. 

    In a Montana Public Radio article from 2019, people who had missing loved ones reported that law enforcement officers had told them “that their daughters were drunk or had run away.” 

    Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said “This work requires each of us to face our own trauma, to relive unimaginable pain, and visualize a future in which our loved ones are safe, and our communities have closure. We’re here for our children, grandchildren, and relatives we have yet to meet.”

    The Not Invisible Act was signed into law in October 2020. It is the first bill in history to be introduced and passed by four U.S. congressional members who are enrolled in federally recognized tribes. Then- Representative Haaland, one of those four, spearheaded the bill during her time in Congress.

    At that time she said “A lack of urgency, transparency, and coordination has hampered our country’s efforts to combat violence against American Indian and Alaska Native people” 

    The commission established by the Not Invisible Act is a cross-jurisdictional advisory committee including law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, family members of missing and murdered individuals, and survivors. 

    In April, the commission will hold field hearings in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Anchorage, Alaska. In June, more hearings are scheduled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, northern California and Albuquerque, New Mexico.  In July, a hearing will be held in Billings, Montana. A national, virtual field hearing is also planned for later in the summer. 

    These field hearings will feature panel discussions and a public comment period. For more information, go to https://www.bia.gov/service/mmu

    COLORADO NEWSLINE: Land of the free.

    BY: LINDSEY TOOMER - MARCH 4, 2023 11:05 AM

    U.S. Rep. Jason Crow D-Colorado praised the Department of Defense’s decision to ensure service members have access to reproductive health care including abortion after he proposed a bill that would have done the same last fall. 

    “After the Supreme Court’s extreme and dangerous decision to take away a woman’s fundamental right to an abortion, servicemembers struggled to access basic reproductive health care,” Crow said. 

    “I applaud the Department of Defense for moving to protect our servicemembers and mitigate challenges of recruitment, readiness, and retention in the ranks. The servicemembers who fight for us should not have to fight for their own basic health care.”

    One of Crow’s goals was to ensure that service members stationed in states that enacted abortion bans were allowed to travel to states, such as Colorado, where abortion is still legal.

    A Department of Defense news release said “Our Service members and their families do not control where they are stationed, and due to the nature of military service, are frequently required to travel or move to meet operational requirements. The efforts taken by the Department today will not only ensure that Service members and their families retain the fundamental right to make their own health care decisions, as well as ensuring they’re afforded the time and flexibility needed to do so. 

    In response, Rep. Lauren Boebert and fellow Republicans said they plan to maintain their laser focus on the REAL truth behind Hunter Biden’s laptop.

    CONCERT PICK OF THE WEEK: Ani DiFranco! It’s the 25th anniversary of the excellent album, Little Plastic Castle, originally released in 1998. Ani is doing a run of shows starting March 15 hitting Boulder, Fort Collins, Breckenridge, Salt Lake City, Boise, Bozeman, Missoula and finishing in New Orleans at the FREE French Quarter Music Festival, April 13.

    Welp, that’s it for me! From Denver I’m Sean Diller. Original reporting for the stories in today’s show comes from the Arizona Mirror, Colorado Newsline, Kaiser Health News, Colorado Sun, and the Western Organization of Resource Councils at worc.org. 

    Thank you for listening! See you next time.

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    Rachel Parker @msraitchetp   (Post) 

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    Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium 

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    #217 — The New Religion of Anti-Racism

    #217 — The New Religion of Anti-Racism

    Sam Harris speaks with John McWhorter about race, racism, and “anti-racism” in America. They discuss how conceptions of racism have changed, the ubiquitous threat of being branded a “racist,” the contradictions within identity politics, recent echoes of the OJ verdict, willingness among progressives to lose the 2020 election, racism as the all-purpose explanation of racial disparities in the U.S., double standards for the black community, the war on drugs, the lure of identity politics, police violence, the enduring riddle of affirmative action, the politics of “black face,” and other topics.

    If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe.