Friday, October 30

19 threads moved · 12 stories opened · 15 went quiet

Courts and prosecutors shaped the final weekend before Tuesday's midterms. A federal judge barred the Justice Department from threatening California election officials, Alaska's top federal prosecutor confirmed a criminal probe in the state's Senate race, and federal monitors set terms in Colorado. Oil profits and the Iran war also drew attention.

The five

Voter rolls
Judge bars DOJ from threatening California election officials
A federal judge in California on Friday ordered the Justice Department to stop threatening election officials with criminal prosecution over ballots tied to suspected noncitizen voters. The Hill reported that Judge Trina Thompson issued a temporary restraining order. CBS News reported the order also covers demands that officials separate out ballots.
The question
Should California separate ballots even if results are delayed?
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Senate races
Federal prosecutor confirms criminal probe in Alaska Senate race
Alaska's top federal prosecutor confirmed a criminal investigation into an alleged scheme to put a candidate with the same name as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan on the ballot, the Boston Herald reported. The prosecutor would not say what crimes are being examined. NBC News reported Democrat Mary Peltola told an Anchorage rally she is "deeply offended" by the accusations.
The question
Should Mary Peltola drop out over the namesake candidate report?
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Election monitors
Federal monitors reject Colorado terms for Adams County polls
Four Justice Department election monitors in Adams County, Colorado will stay at least 100 feet from polling sites, Colorado Newsline reported, after federal officials rejected state conditions. Jena Griswold said her office offered reasonable restrictions the monitors refused. ABC News reported the department warned election officials in multiple states they could face jail time if they fail to preserve records.
The question
Should federal monitors be allowed inside polling places?
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Iran
Oil profits and fuel prices tied to Iran war as midterms near
ABC 15 reported that America's two biggest oil companies posted soaring profits Friday while gas prices have barely budged for months. Wired reported Democrats are using diesel, heating oil and fertilizer prices to tie Republicans to the Iran war. Headtopics reported U.S. officials are advising Middle East countries to prepare for possible renewed strikes after the midterms.
The question
Will another round of strikes on Iran reach its goal?
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Russia and Ukraine
Ukraine hits Russian refinery, ending two-week pause
The Wall Street Journal reported Ukraine struck a Russian oil refinery Friday, ending a two-week halt in such attacks that followed U.S. pressure. Freerepublic posted a report naming the Novokuybyshevsk refinery in Russia's Samara region and describing a major fire. Separately, Al Jazeera reported the G20 canceled its group photo in Atlanta after European objections to Russia's Lavrov.
The question
Was there ever a real pause in Ukraine's refinery strikes?
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Also yesterday

The Pentagon
Lincoln Journal Star reported Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia over accusations he leaked classified information, officials said Thursday.
Midterm messaging
An Emerson College poll found 52% of likely voters planned to back the Democrat and 42% the Republican, The Hill and NJ reported.
The Courts
A federal judge ordered the government to pull three taxpayer-funded Trump administration ads from television, social media and government websites, the Associated Press reported.
Brazil
Al Jazeera reported Brazil summoned Argentina's representative after Flávio Bolsonaro flew to the United States by way of Argentina.
Health care
Lincoln Journal Star reported a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a rule narrowing Medicaid work requirement exceptions for people with serious medical conditions.
Poland's courts
Kgw reported police secured Poland's Constitutional Tribunal as protests erupted over the suspension of the court's president.
On the Hill
CNN reported the push to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would gain momentum if Democrats win the House, and Democrats have outlined investigations they would pursue.