Good morning, and welcome to The Epoch Times News Brief for Tuesday, May 14, 2024. I’m Bill Thomas, and today, we’re covering a variety of critical topics, from a Wisconsin court ruling on voting laws to Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance’s support of former President Donald Trump. Also, we have updates on the Trump classified documents case, a legal battle the White House is facing in Florida, and a call from House Democrats for executive action on the border.
Judge Rejects Democrat Lawsuit Challenging Wisconsin Absentee Voting Requirements
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit claiming that Wisconsin’s requirement for witnesses to sign for absentee voters clashes with federal law. U.S. District Court Judge James Peterson found the plaintiffs’ interpretation of the Voting Rights Act incorrect.The plaintiffs argued that the Act doesn’t allow forcing absentee voters to verify their qualifications through a witness, which they said made Wisconsin’s rule illegal. But Judge Peterson clarified that the law doesn’t ask witnesses to confirm the voter’s eligibility.
In Wisconsin, voters who can’t or choose not to vote in person can get an absentee ballot, which must be filled out in the presence of another adult. This witness, though, only confirms statements made by the voter and doesn’t certify their qualifications.
The judge highlighted that accepting the plaintiffs’ view would invalidate many absentee ballots cast in past elections.
The lawsuit also stated that this requirement breached the Civil Rights Act, but this too was dismissed by the judge due to the lack of evidence that witnesses faced penalties for not verifying a voter’s qualifications.
The organization “Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections” supported the ruling, emphasizing the importance for absentee voters to adhere to the law.
Republican VP Hopeful JD Vance Shows Up at Court for Trump
Mr. Vance, who is being considered as a possible vice presidential running mate for President Trump in 2024, was seen in a Manhattan court yesterday.Mr. Vance accompanied President Trump to the courthouse where President Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, was testifying in a “hush money” trial.
The race for the vice presidential nomination has heated up lately. Mr. Vance, among others, is in the running, especially after attending a gathering at Mar-a-Lago. Other notable figures being considered for the VP post include Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dr. Ben Carson, and Tulsi Gabbard.
Mr. Vance is slated to join President Trump on the campaign trail later in the week for a fundraiser.
During a lunch recess at the courthouse, Mr. Vance, along with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and other Republican elected officials, held a press conference to show their support for President Trump.
They criticized the trial proceedings, labeling them as an attempt to derail President Trump’s campaign, and questioned the credibility of Michael Cohen and the conduct of District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) also spoke out, calling the trial a misuse of taxpayer money.
Mr. Vance also appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” where he dismissed the trial as a mere distraction from President Joe Biden’s “failed record.”
He defended President Trump’s straightforward communication style and refuted media claims of the former president falling asleep during the trial.
Mr. Vance has been vocal in previous interviews about his admiration for President Trump and his endorsement of President Trump’s actions following the 2020 election.
Federal Judge Orders Trump, Jack Smith to File New Redactions in Documents Case
A federal judge has paved the way for the public release of materials in the classified documents case involving President Trump. Judge Aileen Cannon, who made the order on May 9, has also delayed the trial indefinitely due to issues surrounding the classified evidence.President Trump has until May 16 to propose how certain motions and exhibits should be sealed or redacted. And special prosecutor Jack Smith’s team must also finalize their sealing or redaction suggestions.
The move follows a February motion by President Trump’s legal team, which accused prosecutors of misconduct and illegally obtaining evidence. Judge Cannon specified that any grand jury materials and personal identifying information must be redacted.
The case charges President Trump with several felony counts, including the illegal possession of classified documents and obstructing the FBI’s retrieval efforts and, as you might know, President Trump has pleaded not guilty. Beyond New York, it’s still unclear if any of the other three criminal cases against him will reach trial before the upcoming election. The Supreme Court is also reviewing a separate case concerning President Trump’s immunity from federal prosecution.
Florida Sues Biden Administration Over Attempt to Force State to Fund ‘Gender Transition’ Surgeries for Children
Florida’s attorney general has initiated a legal challenge against the Biden White House, objecting to federal directives that require the state to finance gender transition surgeries for minors, a policy that conflicts with Florida’s own laws.The lawsuit claims that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is not only overriding state laws but also threatening doctors with penalties if they refuse to perform these surgeries, including the potential withdrawal of federal funding.
Florida is contesting the 2024 Rules introduced by HHS, arguing they surpass the legal boundaries of Section 1557 and Title IX by demanding that Florida support and fund these medical procedures. The state is urging the court to invalidate these rules, labeling them as arbitrary and in violation of existing laws.
Nearly half the states in the U.S. have passed laws prohibiting medical interventions that alter the bodies of minors. Critics, including Bonnie Gasper, vice chair of the Child Protection League Action, argue that the federal push toward gender ideology overlooks the deeper mental health issues facing children with gender confusion.
Ms. Gasper criticizes the prevailing “affirmation only” treatment model for gender dysphoria, stating it lacks a basis in science, biology, or ethics. She points to studies indicating that gender dysphoria is often not a permanent condition and that early adolescent gender dissatisfaction can be linked to issues like poor self-esteem and other mental health challenges.
Ms. Gasper supports lawsuits like Florida’s, saying they’re essential to protecting minors from irreversible treatments.
15 House Democrats Ask Biden to Take Executive Action on the Border
A group of 15 House Democrats, led by Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), has written to President Biden, urging him to take decisive executive action to manage the ongoing border crisis and reform the nation’s troubled immigration system.In their letter, the Democrats pointed to the significant impact the border situation is having nationwide, notably contributing to the fentanyl crisis and straining resources needed to shelter and support asylum seekers. They criticized Republicans for blocking a previous immigration deal in the Senate, accusing them of playing politics to aid President Trump’s reelection efforts.
The letter calls on President Biden to leverage all available executive powers to bolster security at the southern border, curb illegal fentanyl trafficking, and streamline legal immigration processes. While some Democrats are skeptical that new legislation is the answer to border issues, a number of moderate Democrats are exploring other strategies, worried about how immigration concerns might affect their chances in upcoming elections.
In response to the letter, the White House has introduced some changes to its asylum policies. However, these measures have faced criticism for not being robust enough to address the high volume of illegal entries. It’s a critical story that we’re all concerned about and one we’ll continue to both follow and report on.
I can see that we are just about out of time, so that’s going to be our final story on the Tuesday edition of The Epoch Times News Brief.
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Finally, as we do each and every day on this program, we wrap things up with a very “notable” quote:
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure” —Colin Powell
Check out this guy’s resume: Colin Powell was a United States statesman and a retired four-star general in the U.S. Army. He was the 65th U.S. Secretary of State (2001–2005), serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American appointed to that position and he was the first African American to serve on the joint chiefs of staff.
A very accomplished guy!
For all of us here at The Epoch Times News Brief, I’m Bill Thomas, we always appreciate you being here, and have a superb day today.
