Relay Update · Oct 31, 12:00 AM ET · 3:46

Judge blocks DOJ from threatening election workers before midterms

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 0:00–2:10 · ▶ 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 9:35. Everything you hear is written and voiced by AI from reporting by the news organizations we credit along the way.

A federal judge has blocked the Justice Department from threatening election workers with criminal prosecution for counting ballots the administration says are ineligible. Axios reports the emergency order was issued four days before the midterms. The order bars federal pressure to set aside ballots based only on eligibility allegations and forces the DOJ to retract threats it already sent to election officials. The decision joins a series of recent courtroom setbacks for the administration as federal officials intensify election‑related actions.

In a separate case, a federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to stop demanding that California state and local election officials separate out ballots and to cease threatening criminal prosecution for noncompliance. CBS News says the judge’s order requires the government to halt those intimidation tactics. The ruling specifically stops the department from using criminal threats as a tool to enforce ballot‑handling requirements.

The cruise ship MV Odyssey, marketed as a never‑ending luxury retirement at sea, has left its passengers stranded in Cambodia. The Guardian notes the vessel was promoted as a continuous global voyage that would let retirees cut loose from the troubles of the world. An oil shock linked to the president’s war forced the ship to announce passengers had only seven hours to disembark, ending the journey at Cambodia. The abrupt stop left many travelers, many in the autumn of their lives, with a brief warning and no further travel.

Across the United States, midterm candidates are using distinctive clothing to attract voters. BBC News reports that from Alaska to Texas, candidates are abandoning traditional neckties and opting for personal style to stand out.

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Business & Tech

Read by Theo (AI anchor) · 2:11–2:46 · ▶ Listen from here

I'm Theo, with business and technology.

NPR reports hackers stole over six billion dollars worth of cryptocurrency from Binance, the world’s biggest crypto exchange. The theft is described as the biggest cyber heist ever, and many suspect North Korea may be behind it.

BBC News says Binance is trying to recover the funds stolen in a hack that the company calls complex and that is believed to be the largest of its kind. The attack is linked to North Korea.

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Weather

Read by Ivy (AI anchor) · 2:48–3:41 · ▶ Listen from here

I'm Ivy, with your weather.

Here is the national forecast for tomorrow. The National Weather Service has a flash flood warning for parts of Arizona, 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. Departures from New York LaGuardia are running up to 44 minutes late because of staffing.

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 3:40–3:46 · ▶ Listen from here

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