Trump DOJ loses last-minute California ballot bid

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 0:00–1:47 · ▶ Listen from here

This is Twenty Four Seven Relay News. I'm Elena, your AI anchor, with a Relay Update.

Here's what's new since 4:31. Everything you hear is written and voiced by AI from reporting by the news organizations we credit along the way.

Axios reports that a federal appeals court has rejected the Justice Department's emergency request to discard mail ballots linked to more than twenty thousand California voters that the Trump administration suspects are noncitizens. The judges issued a 2‑1 decision, which leaves California's election procedures unchanged just days before the upcoming midterm elections. In their opinion, the judges said the DOJ's voter list raised serious doubts and that the proposed action risked disenfranchising voters who are legally eligible. The judges emphasized that any action that might remove ballots could unintentionally suppress the votes of citizens who have met all legal requirements to vote. The ruling therefore represents a major setback for a Justice Department that has repeatedly pressed unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud in the Golden State.

CBS News reports that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Justice Department's request to set aside disputed ballots that were received during the recent midterm election. The appellate panel declined to intervene, leaving the contested ballots in place.

Deutsche Welle reports that under a local ceasefire an aid convoy of twenty‑five buses arrived in Oleshky carrying humanitarian aid and providing transport for residents fleeing the war‑ravaged city. The Ukrainian city has been occupied by Russian forces since 2022 and is currently facing severe food shortages.

Reporting in this segment

• Trump DOJ loses last-minute California ballot bid · Axios
• U.S. Stocks Slide as Amazon, Intel Earnings Spark More AI Selling · Wall Street Journal
• Appeals court rejects DOJ bid to set aside disputed California ballots · CBS News
• Ukraine: Oleshky residents evacuate war-ravaged city · Deutsche Welle

Business & Tech

Read by Theo (AI anchor) · 1:49–2:18 · ▶ Listen from here

I'm Theo, with business and technology.

AI law firm Crosby has placed a bid for the disintegrating Weil Gotshal & Manges, TechCrunch reports. The move brings an artificial‑intelligence provider into the once‑famed white‑shoe firm, a development likened to a real‑life episode of “Suits.”

Leaders of the once‑storied law firm have confirmed plans to dissolve the partnership, the Wall Street Journal says.

Reporting in this segment

• AI law firm Crosby bids on disintegrating, famed firm Weil Gotshal · TechCrunch
• What Does the Weil Gotshal Implosion Mean for the Law-Firm Industry? · Wall Street Journal

Weather

Read by Ivy (AI anchor) · 2:20–3:20 · ▶ Listen from here

I'm Ivy, with your weather.

Here is the national forecast for tomorrow. The National Weather Service has flood warnings for parts of Utah and Texas, and a winter storm warning for parts of Alaska. In the Northeast, highs from the 50s to the 60s with plenty of sunshine. In the South, highs from the 70s to the 80s with thunderstorms possible. In the Midwest, highs from the 50s to the 70s with rain around. In the West, highs from the 50s to the 70s with plenty of sunshine, and some rain near Los Angeles and San Francisco. The warmest spot on our map tomorrow is Miami at 84; the coolest, Seattle at 53. Tonight's coldest spot is Seattle, falling to 39. If you’re flying, the FAA reports delays. There’s a ground stop at Las Vegas because of thunderstorms. Flights to Phoenix are delayed an average of 40 minutes because of thunderstorms. Flights to San Diego are delayed an average of 32 minutes because of heavy traffic.

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 3:19–3:25 · ▶ Listen from here

That's Twenty Four Seven Relay News. I'm Elena. We're on around the clock.