9th Circuit block on California noncitizen voter probe lifted, then restored in legal boomerang

DOJ's fight to segregate alleged illegal votes is facing continued opposition in California

 A federal appeals court briefly lifted a block on the Trump administration’s efforts to investigate alleged voting by noncitizens in California, then reversed course hours later, sending the dispute to the full 11-judge 9th Circuit for rehearing.

Earlier Monday night, a three-judge panel granted the Justice Department’s request to pause a temporary restraining order issued by a San Francisco federal judge. That order had barred the administration from making further requests to set aside ballots under the warning of prosecution of state and local election officials who declined.

The panel said the government was likely to prevail in arguing that its requests and criminal investigations were core executive functions.

Hours later, the full 9th Circuit vacated the ruling and ordered the case reheard by all 11 active judges, according to the court’s order. The move restored the district court’s restrictions while the full court considers the dispute.

"The TRO issued by a San Francisco judge purporting to restrict DOJ investigations into election officials has been appropriately lifted," First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli wrote on X before the temporary restraining order was restored. "Conducting criminal investigations is a core function of the executive branch, not the judiciary."

The case against the investigation of alleged noncitizen voting was brought by labor unions and civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens. They argued that DOJ and Homeland Security letters to election officials, which warned of potential criminal liability over ballots linked to suspected noncitizens, amounted to intimidation.

CALIFORNIA ELECTION WORKERS HIT WITH CRIMINAL SUBPOENAS AS TRUMP DOJ TURNS UP HEAT IN VOTING SHOWDOWN

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (right) is warning the state of California's election officials that refusing to obey federal law about not allowing the counting of legal votes could bring potential prosecution against them.

The Trump administration argues that allowing illegal voting and halting investigative work could lead to prosecution for those involved.

"Americans deserve to have confidence in their elections," Essayli wrote late Monday night. "The courts have made it clear that the preferred remedy for election law violations is criminal prosecution. Building on Operation Protect the Vote, we will continue investigating and charging those who violate election laws or assist in their violation."

The appeals court whiplash followed a separate Supreme Court rejection of the Trump administration's effort to protect the vote Monday. The justices denied an emergency request to require California to set aside mail ballots from roughly 20,000 registered voters federal officials flagged as likely noncitizens.

BLANCHE ANNOUNCES CHARGES AGAINST 10 PERMANENT RESIDENTS ACCUSED OF MINNESOTA VOTER FRAUD

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"We will continue pursuing every available legal avenue to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure federal law is enforced," acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Trent ​McCotter wrote on X.

The administration had demanded that California separate any alleged unlawful ballots from other ballots and not count them until those voters are determined to be U.S. citizens through investigations that the state has rejected without review.

"Once California commingles the challenged ballots with lawful ones, there is no way to get the challenged ballots back," the Justice Department wrote in its request to the Supreme Court.

DHS OFFICIAL VOWS TO PROSECUTE AND DEPORT NONCITIZENS CAUGHT ILLEGALLY VOTING AHEAD OF MIDTERMS

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The DOJ has been forced into a legal Catch-22 where it has to watch votes be cast in California, even if they have alleged evidence of them being noncitizen voters, and then pursue legal action afterward.

ttorney General Todd Blanche announced that 63 people were charged with election crimes Monday.

"Today's announcement marks the largest surge of voter-fraud arrests since President [Donald] Trump returned to office," Blanche wrote in a statement. "These foreign nationals allegedly took advantage of the trust of the American people and flouted the laws that govern our nation’s elections. This Department of Justice will continue investigating and prosecuting voter fraud to restore confidence in our electoral system."

The DOJ has charged 195 illegal immigrants across 25 states with illegal voting and voter registration offenses in the past nine weeks. There have been charges against 239 people with voting fraud offenses since Trump returned to the White House, according to the DOJ.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/9th-circuit-block-california-noncitizen-voter-probe-lifted-restored-legal-boomerang

“I Can’t Believe That N—-r” – Democrat Alaska Senate Candidate Mary Peltola Accused of Lashing Out at Army Veteran, Calling Him the N-Word

Former Rep. Mary Peltola said in August 2026 that “it should be a criminal offense to lie or mislead the electorate.” 

Two former staffers are accusing Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola of repeatedly using the n-word, including once to attack an Army veteran who organized a fundraiser for her. 

An unnamed staffer says that during an October 25, 2024 dinner to honor Black Army soldiers who helped construct the Alaska-Canada Highway during World War II, she used the slur while privately lashing out at the man promoting the event.

Ed Wesley, an Army veteran and former commander of the American Legion Post 34, had urged Peltola’s campaign to purchase multiple tables for the event, assuring her they would be filled. But when the event was poorly attended and the tables sat mostly empty, according to Alaska Landmine, Peltola lost it, calling Wesley a “scammer” and the n-word, according to the former staffer.

“I can’t believe that n—r,” she allegedly said.

According to another staffer, Peltola used the n-word multiple times during a 2024 campaign staff meeting.

Peltola’s campaign has denied the claims to the outlet and the New York Post. In a statement to the Post, they described it as “part of a smear campaign driven by an unstable, disgruntled former staffer.”

“Mary would never use this word, which is a vile slur with a painful, hateful history,” the spokesperson said.

However, Peltola is reportedly prone to outbursts involving profanities and slurs.

She’s been accused of using the word “f*ggot” over the years, even calling her staffers the slur.

Her campaign has conceded that she “regrets” using the word “retarded.”

In text messages obtained by reporters, Peltola wrote “Fuck that retard,” in reference to a commercial fisheries executive who posted a selfie with her. She also wrote “FUCK THOSE B*TCHES.” during an outburst on Planned Parenthood, even wishing that one local Planned Parenthood board member would “die of a botched abortion.”

And she’s been accused of assaulting an aide during a fit of rage, shoving him in the chest hard enough that he stumbled backward after she could not find a document.

MORE:

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/11/i-cant-believe-that-n-r-democrat-alaska/

AI Giant Already Looking to 2028, Trying to Influence Candidates

OpenAI’s top lobbyist is trying to shape the way 2028’s top political contenders think about artificial intelligence, Politico reported Monday.

Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s top lobbyist, circulated sent a memo to top presidential candidates, arguing that candidates need to give voters a positive policy platform for AI, rather than just messaging about opposing data centers, according to Politico. The memo is reportedly being circulated as a way for these presidential hopefuls to consider policies ranging from tax policies, how AI can make life more affordable and how to beat China in the AI race.

“No historical analogy is perfect (thankfully, we’re not in a depression!), but 2028 has echoes of 1932: candidates must earn the trust of Americans who feel increasingly powerless in the face of disruptive technologies, powerful financial interests, accelerating change, and the erosion of institutions that once anchored daily life,” the memo, which was obtained by Politico, stated. “AI threatens to compound that anxiety through a transformation whose consequences no one can fully predict. It is a general purpose technology on the scale of the wheel, the printing press, and electricity.”

OpenAI sent the memo to roughly six prospective presidential candidates as well as some lawmakers and notable political operatives, a person with knowledge of the memo told the outlet, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment.

Instead, Lehane called for a “third path” between pursuing AI without “speed limits” and those who would “keep control over the technology in the hands of a self-appointed elite,” per the memo.

He said that one-fifth of the ads Democrats aired in the midterm elections attacking data centers are concentrated in Michigan, Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania, where many of the data centers being built, adding that Democrats may not be able to provide the “answer 2028 voters are looking for” based on their anti-data center midterm messaging.

Lehane, a Democratic operative and former press secretary to then-Vice President Al Gore, charged that if America loses its lead against China in the AI race, this could be the “2028 version of the 2002 vote to go to war in Iraq.”

The memo called for advancing tax policy that would help Americans benefit from the “upside” of the AI boom, protecting children while expanding opportunity and ensuring that AI can help make life more affordable for Americans.

“The successful candidates won’t promise to stop the future or simply trust everything will work out. They’ll show Americans how to shape that future and benefit from it,” the memo concluded.

The memo to presidential contenders follows reports that OpenAI will launch a policy and public relations campaign after the midterm elections, according to Axios. As part of that effort, the company will rebrand data centers as “AI compute campuses,” per the outlet.

Americans have grown hostile to data centers in recent months, with nearly half of Americans saying the projects would increase home costs, according to a late September Pew Research poll.

“You can try to chase the moment, or seek to inform the moment via the power of ideas,” Lehane told the outlet.

The company will lobby Congress about AI “speed limits” to ensure that “people should have more control” over how AI shapes their lives, Lehane told Axios.

The AI industry seeks to increase its relationship with Democrats as the party remains poised for a sweep that may give them control of the House and potentially the Senate, according to the latest Cook Political Report. Meta continues its bipartisan lobbyist team, according to Axios.

https://thelibertydaily.com/ai-giant-already-looking-2028-trying-influence-candidates/

Union boss stuns with major Republican endorsement as election nears

The self-described 'lifelong Democrat' praised Moody's work protecting pensions and defending good-paying union jobs

The leader of one of the nation’s oldest and largest unions stunned political observers by issuing a surprise endorsement for a Senate Republican stalwart over the weekend.

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien, who famously nearly came to blows with now-Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin during a Senate hearing before ultimately becoming acquaintances, issued a ringing endorsement of Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., signaling a major break from national union sentiment that has tended to favor Democrats.

"Just voted in the State of Florida for the first time, and very proud to have cast a ballot for Sen. Ashley Moody," O’Brien, whose 123-year-old union is about 1.3 million-strong, announced Sunday.

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"Sen. Moody has been extremely helpful working with the Teamsters to protect workers’ pensions, defend good-paying jobs, and support well-funded union apprenticeship programs."

"The Teamsters look forward to working with Sen. Moody in her role on the Senate HELP Committee to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act and get this critical legislation signed into law to protect American workers," he added.

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O’Brien, a self-described "lifelong Democrat," previously spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, but emphasized at the time that the Democratic Party had snubbed his request to speak at its convention.

"If the far-left want to criticize me and attack me, that’s OK. If the far-right wants to do the same, that’s great. I represent 1.3 million hardworking men and women," O’Brien said at the time.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Teamsters as well as Moody’s campaign for comment.

Moody, a former state attorney general, said in a statement that she was proud to have O’Brien’s endorsement:

"I’ll always fight to protect hardworking Americans, strengthen good-paying jobs, and ensure resources are available to train our next generation. It’s been great to deliver for Florida’s working families," she said.

After O’Brien endorsed Moody, the lawmaker’s Democratic opponent responded by posting a photo she once took with O’Brien and writing that "Ashley Moody never walked the line with you."

AOC BACKS FLORIDA DEM ANGIE NIXON FOR US SENATE: 'I’M PROUD TO ENDORSE HER'

Sean O'Brien, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, speaks during a press conference outside the West Wing of the White House on Oct. 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C., flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

"But ok brother. Shout out to all the rank and file Teamsters that are voting for me. I will always stand with you," Democratic nominee Angie Nixon, a state lawmaker from Jacksonville whose platform is considered DSA-aligned, wrote on X.

O’Brien also caught heat for voting in Florida, which appeared to signal a move from his hometown of Boston.

DSA candidate Angie Nixon advanced to a high-profile November Senate matchup against Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla. 

"Be union leader — move to a famously anti-union state — vote for a famously anti-union candidate — Brag about it — really cool stuff man," a top commenter on O’Brien’s post said. Other critics characterized O’Brien as a "scab", union jargon for someone who crosses a strike picket line to return to work for the company with which they are at odds.

The Teamsters leader’s announcement marked a noteworthy development with polls set to open nationwide in a matter of hours.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/union-boss-stuns-major-republican-endorsement-election-nears

Non-Binary ‘John Wick’ Star Asia Kate Dillon Transitioning Back to Food Service as Acting Jobs Dry Up

Non-binary actor Asia Kate Dillon is telling fans that she is looking for a job back in the food service industry as acting roles have dried up.

The 41-year-old actor, whose last role was in the 2025 indie film Outerlands and who starred in the 2023 series Billions, took to her social media last week to lament the state of Hollywood for working actors.

“I have worked exclusively in theater, film and TV for the last eleven years,” Dillon wrote on Instagram on Oct. 20. “Now, like for many, many performer colleagues of mine — particularly those of us who are trans/nonbinary/gender nonconforming — acting work has all but diminished, and I’m in need of service work once more.”

Dillion told fans that one of her early jobs was at a bakery at the age of 15, and that she found jobs in a variety of feed service positions until acting began panning out.

“I love customer service,” Dillon continued. “I love creating welcoming environments for people to relax in and connect with each other. I love food and drink.”

But despite having high-profile acting roles, Dillion says that acting simply won’t pay the bills.

“I imagine the hurdle to reentry will be learning the new POS systems, but I’m a quick study. I’m available for part time, night and weekend work,” she concluded.

Instagram/asiakatedillon

Dillon is not the first LGBTQ actor to lament a loss of roles.

Actor Billy Porter said this year that queer actors can’t make a living in “Donald Trump’s America.” And he claimed that Trump’s “authoritarian” and “fascist” government is somehow holding queer actors back.

Peacock’s Queer as Folk star Ryan O’Connell was also heard complaining that Hollywood has cut back on gay-themed projects. “It’s Tim Allen’s world again and we’re just living in it,” the actor and writer lamented.

https://www.instagram.com/asiakatedillon/p/DfMVItRsSbS/?hl=en

In another case, Matrix director Lilly Wachowski, who is transgender, blasted Hollywood for refusing to back an all-transgender action film.

But it isn’t just queer actors who are having trouble making a living in today’s entertainment industry.

Several actors including Princess Diaries star Heather Matarazzo and actor Jack Haven, have noted that roles have dried up for them, as well, and they are losing their union healthcare plans because they cannot make enough money in acting to meet the income threshold for union healthcare coverage benefits.

It is so bad that actor Drake Bell, most famous for his role on the Nickelodeon show Drake & Josh, publicly denounced actor’s union SAG-AFTRA after the major Hollywood union said he failed to qualify for health insurance coverage.

“Do not become an actor. Do not join SAG. You can work for 35 years and they still say [middle finger emoji],” Bell wrote in a social media post in Oct.

https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/11/02/non-binary-john-wick-star-asia-kate-dillon-transitioning-back-to-food-service-as-acting-jobs-dry-up/