Newsletter - FBI Releases Info on Trump Shooter's Rifle, Texas Removes Aliens and Felons from Voter Rolls

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Good morning, friends. In this free edition of the En Bloc Press Newsletter, you'll find:

- FBI releases info on Trump shooter's rifle
- Oregon Ghost Gun ban to begin soon
- Texas removes non-citizens and felons from voter rolls
- MA court rules on switchblades
- SOLGW acquires M4Carbine[dot]net
- Boar's Head's deadly listeria outbreak
- Colorado man arrested for threatening politicians

And much more...
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Yesterday, we uploaded a podcast episode covering the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov and the rising tensions between billionaire free speech advocates like Elon Musk and the progressive governments that oppose them. If you're a paid subscriber, this is a reminder that it's on your feed. If you're not a paid subscriber and want to be one, you can upgrade your subscription here and access the private podcast feed and member-only emails for just $500/month (just kidding, it's $7/month).

FBI Releases Photos of the Gun Used in Trump Assassination Attempt

Summary: The FBI released photos of the gun and explosives used by Thomas Matthew Crooks in the July shooting of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. Investigations reveal Crooks extensively researched Trump’s rally, showing a "hyper-focused" intent on the event, though no clear motive or ideology has been identified. Crooks had a history of searching for explosive-making instructions but acted alone, with no evidence of foreign direction or co-conspirators. The FBI dismissed conspiracy theories, confirming there was no second shooter.

Configuration of the Trump shooter's rifle

Read More:

FBI releases photos of the gun used in Trump assassination attempt | CNN Politics
The FBI has released new photos of the gun used to shoot Donald Trump during a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as well as the backpack and explosives the shooter had in his car at the rally.

Summary: Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a July 13 rally, viewing it as a "target of opportunity" after extensive planning and online searches for Trump and Biden events. The FBI, having interviewed nearly 1,000 people, remains unsure of his motive despite insights into his mindset. Crooks shot Trump in the ear but was killed by a Secret Service sniper.

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Gunman in Trump assassination attempt saw rally as ‘target of opportunity,’ FBI official says
A senior FBI official says the gunman in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump searched online for events of both Trump and President Joe Biden and saw the Pennsylvania campaign rally where he opened fire last month as a “target of opportunity.”

News Briefs

Be Aware: Oregon Ban on ‘Ghost Guns’ Goes Into Effect Sept. 1

Source: KDVR
Oregon is implementing a new ban on "ghost guns" starting Sept. 1. Ghost guns are firearms that are often built from scratch at home or from parts bought separately, according to a news release from the Oregon Attorney General. 

Ghost guns also don't have serial numbers, the release said. 

"Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable 'ghost guns,'" Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum wrote in the release.

"Oregonians who own guns lacking serial numbers will be in violation of the law after September 1." 

After Sept. 1, the following guns must have serial numbers: 

- A firearm bought after Oct. 22, 1968
- An "unfinished frame or receiver." 

Residents who possess firearms or firearm components without serial numbers after Sept. 1 will face a fine up to $1,000 for their first offense, according to the Oregon Department of Justice. Repeat offenses can lead to higher fines or potential jail time.

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Ban on ‘ghost guns’ goes into effect Sept. 1
Oregon is implementing a new ban on “ghost guns” starting Sept. 1. Ghost guns are firearms that are often built from scratch at home or from parts bought separately, according to a news release from the Oregon Attorney General.

Texas Removes 1.1 Million from Voter Rolls, Including Over 10,000 Non-US Citizens and Felons

Summary: Since signing Senate Bill 1 in 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the removal of over one million ineligible voters from the state’s rolls, including noncitizens, deceased individuals, and those who moved out of state. This action is part of ongoing efforts to ensure election integrity. The removed voters include over 6,500 noncitizens and over 457,000 deceased people. Texas has also increased penalties for illegal voting, making it a second-degree felony, and implemented laws to further safeguard elections.

Source: texas.gov

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Governor Abbott Announces Over 1 Million Ineligible Voters Removed From Voter Rolls

Massachusetts Judicial Supreme Court Rules Switchblade To Be “Protected Arms”

Summary: Massachusetts Judicial Supreme Court rules switchblades are "protected arms" under the Second Amendment, contrary to a recent California ruling. In the case of Commonwealth v. Canjura, a man arrested for carrying a switchblade argued its legality. The court agreed that switchblades, in common use, shouldn’t be banned just for being "dangerous." They rejected the state's claim that "arms" refers only to firearms, allowing historical context for knives. Massachusetts failed to provide sufficient historical laws to uphold the ban, leading to a ruling that supports future challenges against the state's switchblade law.

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Massachusetts Judicial Supreme Court Rules Switchblade To Be “Protected Arms”
A Federal District Court Judge in California ruled that switchblades are not “protected arms” under the Second Amendment, but now the Massachusetts Judicial Supreme Court has ruled that they are protected.

NRA Hires Former Solicitor General for 1st Amendment Litigation

Summary: NRA hires ex-Solicitor General Noel Francisco to lead legal fight against government officials accused of suppressing its free speech. This follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming NRA's claims against coercive actions affecting its operations. NRA seeks damages in ongoing case.
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Sons of Liberty Gun Works Acquires m4carbine[dot]net

Summary: Sons of Liberty Gun Works acquires M4Carbine.net, creating an uncensored online platform for firearms enthusiasts to discuss and share knowledge. The revamped site will enhance community interaction and maintain neutrality in advertising. Robert Winner joins as Forum Manager, promoting a vibrant, inclusive community.
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Death Toll Is Now 8 in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Boar’s Head Deli Meat, CDC Says

Summary: Boar's Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats after a liverwurst tested positive for listeria, linked to at least eight deaths and 57 illnesses across the U.S. since late May. The outbreak, the largest since 2011, prompted federal health officials to urge consumers to check for contaminated products. Affected meats were distributed nationwide and abroad. One victim, 88-year-old Gunter Morgenstein, died from listeria-linked brain infection after consuming the recalled liverwurst. His family is pursuing legal action.

Twitter commentator Oilfield Rando called into question reported health and safety violations at the Boar's Head production facility in Virginia and the company's participation in the "Tent Coalition," a jobs program that places asylum-seekers with US corporations. The Tent Coalition is led by CEO Gideon Waltz, formerly of USAID and the Obama administration.

Source: X/Twitter


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Nvidia Q2 Earnings Blow Past Expectations

Summary: Nvidia's earnings report surpassed expectations, with $30 billion in AI-related revenue, a 122% year-over-year increase. However, competition intensifies as rivals pursue chip development. Nvidia faces a DOJ investigation for potential market dominance abuse, complicating its position. CEO Huang argues investments yield returns through cost savings. Despite the robust results, Nvidia's stock fell after-hours due to high expectations and volatility. New AI chips, Blackwell, are set to launch in Q4.
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The Anti-DEI Movement Is Gaining Steam as Ford Exits LGBTQ+ Index

The future is uncertain for the "Very Gay Raptor"

Summary: Major companies, including Ford and Harley-Davidson, are retreating from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index amid anti-DEI pressure, signaling a shift in corporate attitudes towards LGBTQ+ commitments. This trend reflects a growing influence of right-wing activism targeting diversity initiatives. Despite the concerns, HRC maintains that companies benefitting from inclusivity will ultimately thrive, especially with the rising non-heterosexual identity among younger consumers.
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Colorado Man Arrested After Allegedly Making Threats Against Judges and Election Officials

Summary: Federal authorities arrested Colorado man Teak Brockbank, 45, for threatening election officials and judges on right-wing social media. Claims include threats to "put two state election officials to death" and "put a bullet" in a judge. Brockbank's violent rhetoric, dating back to 2021, involved posts on Gab and Rumble, calling for executions and hangings of officials. In 2023, he indicated intent to target judges regarding Trump's ballot status, raising concerns over escalating political violence within the conservative movement.

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Colorado man arrested after allegedly making threats against judges and election officials
Authorities say Teak Brockbank used social media accounts on Gab and Rumble to threaten civil servants and share QAnon slogans.

July Port Container Volumes Jump Amid Early Holiday Season

Summary: U.S. ports report record gains driven by early peak shipping season and school supplies. Port of Los Angeles saw a 37% volume increase, while Port of Long Beach's rose 52.6%. Northwest Seaport Alliance noted a 12.7% increase, and Port of Oakland reported an 18.8% rise despite some cancellations. Port Houston faced a 5% decline due to weather and outages, but year-to-date volumes remain strong. Other ports also showed growth, highlighting resilience and strategic importance in global supply chain amidst ongoing challenges.

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July Port Container Volumes Jump Amid Early Holiday Season | Transport Topics
U.S. ports are reporting record gains for this time of year with volumes being boosted by school supplies and an earlier-than-normal peak shipping season.

Waihopai Is a Secret u.s. Spy Base in New Zealand Designed for War-Fighting

Summary: In 1987, the Anti-Bases Campaign (ABC) formed to oppose the Waihopai spy base, which they claim functions as a U.S. military base and a tool of the NSA. Despite New Zealand officials asserting it is under local control, recent revelations show that from 2012 to 2020, the GCSB hosted a U.S. system, APPARITION, for surveillance and military targeting without proper oversight. This system is linked to drone strikes and other military operations, implicating New Zealand in potential extrajudicial killings. Both major political parties were unaware of this arrangement, raising further calls for the closure of both Waihopai and the GCSB.
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It’s Official: Harris Supports the Unrealized Capital Gains Tax

Summary: Kamala Harris likely supports a tax on unrealized capital gains, as confirmed by economic advisor Bharat Ramamurti. The proposed 25% tax targets individuals with over $100 million in assets. Ramamurti claims it’s reasonable and compares it to property tax, though CNBC hosts questioned this analogy. Critics, including Bitcoin proponents, argue the tax may be unconstitutional and could lead to economic downturns. Ramamurti's anti-crypto stance raises concerns about Harris’s support for the crypto industry.

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It’s Official: Harris Supports The Unrealized Capital Gains Tax
Harris’s economic advisor tried to ease concerns about how perilous the tax could be, but CNBC’s hosts weren’t buying it.

Several States Refuse to Remove Rfk Jr.’s Name From Ballots, Hurting Trump

Summary: Several states, including Michigan and Wisconsin, refuse to remove RFK Jr.'s name from ballots despite his endorsement of Trump after dropping out of the presidential race. Kennedy expressed concern that remaining on the ballot would help Democrats. Nevada allowed his removal, while states like Florida and Texas have also removed him. North Carolina's decision is pending. Criticism towards Democrats' treatment of Kennedy arises, highlighting a perceived moral decline.

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Several States Refuse To Remove RFK Jr.’s Name From Ballots, Hurting Trump
Three key states have dug in…

Lowe’s Becomes Latest Company to Scrap Dei Policies Amid ‘Woke’ Backlash

Summary: Lowe's is reducing its diversity initiatives amid rising activist pressure, deciding to cease participation in LGBTQ surveys and community events. This trend, observed in several major US corporations, follows a Supreme Court ruling against race-conscious programs. Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison, who has previously promoted diversity, cited the ruling as a catalyst for the change. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck claims responsibility for influencing these corporate shifts. The company's decision marks a notable reversal in its diversity policies under a black CEO.

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Lowe’s becomes latest company to scrap DEI policies amid ‘woke’ backlash
Lowe’s is scaling back some of its diversity initiatives, becoming one of the largest companies yet to make such an about-face as activist pressure mounts.

Allstate to Raise California Home Insurance Rates by 34% on Average. Map Details Hikes up to 650%

Summary: Allstate has received approval for the largest home insurance rate increase in California in three years, with an average hike of 34.1% for its 350,000 customers. Some homeowners may see decreases, but others face significant increases, with the highest at nearly 650%. This follows a trend of rising insurance rates in the state due to higher home values, repair costs, and severe weather. Allstate and other insurers are limiting new policies until they can adjust rates to better reflect costs, leading to concerns about future rate hikes and insurance availability in California.

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