top of page
All Articles


Progressive Cities Running Out of Other People’s Money
All these empty office spaces belong to someone. - Credit: nytimes.com As Margaret Thatcher famously observed, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” In 2026, New York City and Seattle provide textbook examples. Decades of progressive policies—sky-high taxes, heavy regulations, and expansive social spending—have strained budgets, prompting more tax hikes on businesses and high earners. The result? Major employers, founders, and wo

Rex Ballard
Jun 153 min read


The Stark Decline of "New Age" Protestantism
Texas politician and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico proudly identifies as a Presbyterian, a seminarian at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin—a congregation aligned with the progressive wing of the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PC(USA)). Talarico frequently invokes his faith to advocate for positions on abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, and progressive social causes, reflecting the denomination’s embrac

Rex Ballard
Jun 153 min read


Gorder’s Failed Lawsuit Against Shasta County Backfires, Costing Taxpayers a Quarter-Million Dollars
Shasta County, CA — A politically motivated lawsuit filed by a vocal critic of Supervisor Kevin Crye, Jeffrey Gorder, has been dismissed with prejudice after draining county resources and delivering zero benefit to taxpayers. In March 2025, Gorder — a former Shasta County Public Defender and leader of the failed recall effort against Crye — sued County CEO David Rickert, the County of Shasta, and the Board of Supervisors. His target: a $40,000 Personal Services Agreement (PSA

Elisa Ballard
Jun 153 min read


Shocking Revelation: U.S. Has Been Funding 120+ Biolabs in 30+ Countries, DNI Tulsi Gabbard Confirms
On June 12, 2026, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released declassified evidence confirming longstanding U.S. government funding for more than 120 biological laboratories across over 30 countries, including facilities in Ukraine. The announcement highlights significant concerns over oversight, potential gain-of-function research on dangerous pathogens, and past efforts to downplay or conceal the program from the American public. According to the official DNI p

Elisa Ballard
Jun 142 min read


James Talarico and the Hollowing Out of Christianity
Is This the Best Democrats Can Offer Texas? As Texas Democrats pick state Rep. James Talarico as their 2026 U.S. Senate candidate, many voters are asking: Is this the best they have? Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian, presents himself as a defender of real Christianity, but he often uses selected Bible verses to push progressive ideas on gender, life, borders, and faith. His words show more left-wing politics than solid biblical teaching. James Talarico - Credit: texastribu

Rex Ballard
Jun 143 min read


Pet of the Week: Duke (and his two cat buddies) need loving forever homes
Hi everyone! This week’s featured pets are a very special trio who deserve the absolute best. Their owner is going through major life changes in Redding, including a move that unfortunately means they can no longer keep them. It’s heartbreaking, but they’re determined to find the right homes where these guys will be cherished. Meet Duke. Duke is a 7–8-year-old Lab/Pitbull mix, currently about 75 lbs, on a healthy diet and getting daily walks to drop those last 10 pounds. He’s

Kari Chilson
Jun 142 min read


Shasta County Voters Assert Their Right to Self-Government — State Sues to Nullify Their Will
Shasta County voters took a clear stand for electoral integrity in the June 2, 2026, primary election, approving Measure B with an unofficial majority of approximately 55%. The citizen-initiated charter amendment would bring greater transparency and security to local elections by requiring government-issued photo ID, single-day in-person voting with limited absentee exceptions, precinct-level hand counting, and locally controlled voter rolls maintained on a secure, air-gapped

Kari Chilson
Jun 143 min read


Taking a Stand Against Tyranny of the State’s “S-ELECTION” System In Shasta County
OPINION I’m proud to have helped gather signatures for Measure B, Shasta County’s Charter Amendment to shut down the cheating methods California allows in our elections. As predicted, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber have sued to overturn it — despite Measure B winning 55.59% of the vote on June 2, 2026. The lawsuit has been served on the County and is on the agenda for the Tuesday, June 16 Board of Supervisors meeting. Will our Supervisors defe

Elisa Ballard
Jun 134 min read


4th Annual North State Chamber Mixer Draws Strong Crowd at Rolling Hills Resort & Casino
When people get together, especially if they are in the business and non-profit world, good, mutually beneficial things can happen. But it takes someone, some entity… to effectively organize these “always busy” business and nonprofit entities. One of the best to carry out these necessities is the Red Bluff/Tehama County Chamber of Commerce, which recently put together a Regional Chamber Meeting at the Rolling Hills Resort and Casino, very near downtown Corning, California.

Jerry Sanchez, Sr.
Jun 132 min read


Dunsmuir 31st River & Rail Brewfest-Aug 1, 2026, 5-9PM
31st Annual River & Rail Brewfest Saturday, August 1st, 5-9pm in downtown Dunsmuir Featuring Live Music by The Gnarly Pints & Beso Negro! Set in historic downtown Dunsmuir, the River & Rail Brewfest is one of the West Coast’s longest-running and most beloved beer festivals! Join us for an unforgettable day filled with ice-cold craft brews and bold homebrews from some of the best breweries around. 🍻 Sip & Savor: Enjoy a handpicked selection of craft beers from top West Coast

Rex Ballard
Jun 131 min read


Shasta County Budget Claims Don’t Pass the Smell Test: Big Cuts Promised With “No Impact” While General Fund Balance is Shrinking
Opinion by Rex Ballard, Shasta Unfiltered As the Shasta County Board of Supervisors wraps up budget hearings for the FY 2026-27 recommended $658 million spending plan, county officials are patting themselves on the back for "balancing" another budget. All while assuring everyone that major cuts to critical departments can be absorbed with little pain. Just delete some vacant positions, they say. No layoffs, just some furloughs. Minimal impact on services. Sorry, but the whol

Rex Ballard
Jun 124 min read


Redding Civic Auditorium: Grand Jury Scrutinizes City Funding Decisions Amid Advance Redding’s Exit and Tourism Marketing Questions
Image Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license Redding, Calif. — The Redding Civic Auditorium, a North State landmark since 1970, faces an uncertain future as operator Advance Redding winds down after 14 years. A Shasta County Grand Jury report highlights concerns over due diligence on public funding, while the City of Redding grapples with budget deficits and the effectiveness of its tourism promotion efforts. The venue has hosted concerts, graduations, trade show

Elisa Ballard
Jun 125 min read


Patrick Henry – “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”
American Patriot Series “Give me liberty, or give me death!” The words thundered through St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, on March 23, 1775. A fiery young orator named Patrick Henry stood before the Second Virginia Convention, his voice rising like a storm. With clenched fists and blazing eyes, he painted a vivid picture of British chains closing around the colonies. The hall fell silent as he delivered one of the most electrifying speeches in American history — a cal

Rex Ballard
Jun 123 min read


Shasta County’s Budget Squeeze: Why Tax Hikes Aren’t the Answer — Pro-Growth Policies Are
Opinion Sundial bridge, Redding, CA - Credit: California.com "Why Redding, CA is the Perfect Place to Call Home" As the Shasta County Board of Supervisors wraps up hearings on the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget, the numbers paint a familiar but troubling picture. The proposed $658 million budget reflects a roughly $27 million (4%) decrease from the prior year, with discretionary revenues projected to drop nearly 9%. Personnel costs, retiree health obligations, courthouse demo

Rex Ballard
Jun 115 min read


Local Favorite, Chad Bushnell, Headlines Mosquito Serenade Summer ‘26 Debut
Mosquito Serenade (Summer!) 2026 just wrapped up its first concert of the summer, with Ashley Black performing for one hour and firing up thousands of attendees before one of Shasta County’s own, Chad Bushnell, took over the Sierra Pacific Industries Amphitheater Stage, at Anderson River Park…….and wowed everyone until nine o’clock. Sketch of Chad Bushnell by Robert Exter Watch how Robert Exter creates his amazing sketches by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/wat

Jerry Sanchez, Sr.
Jun 112 min read


Shasta County Board of Supervisors Budget Hearings Continue: Health Services and Public Safety Under Scrutiny (June 10-11, 2026 Recap)
REDDING — The Shasta County Board of Supervisors continued reviewing the recommended $658 million FY 2026-27 budget this week. This plan reflects a roughly $27 million reduction from last year. Wednesday’s session (June 10) focused on Support Services and the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Thursday (June 11) covered public safety departments facing some of the deepest cuts. As covered in our June 9 recap, the budget includes increases for some offices — such as the

Rex Ballard
Jun 113 min read


Federal Fraud Task Force Strikes: HUD Cuts Off Funding to LA’s Homeless Industrial Complex
In a decisive move against years of alleged waste, fraud, and mismanagement, the Trump administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has suspended federal funding to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). This action marks the first major wave of the White House’s broader fraud task force targeting California’s notoriously ineffective homelessness programs. LAHSA, the primary coordinator of billions in taxpayer dollars aimed at addressing ho

Rex Ballard
Jun 112 min read


Shasta County Board of Supervisors Holds Budget Hearings - Recap of June 9, 2026 Meeting
Redding, CA — The Shasta County Board of Supervisors this week launched its FY 2026-27 budget hearings, where department heads are delivering detailed presentations on operations, major challenges, and funding requests. Tuesday’s session on June 9 provided the public with a rare and valuable look behind the curtain at county government. Department leaders laid out budgets, goals, performance data, and pressing concerns — offering taxpayers a clear window into how their money

Elisa Ballard
Jun 113 min read
Advertisements
bottom of page







