Good morning, and welcome to the Epoch Times News Brief for Friday, April 12, 2024. I’m Bill Thomas, and today we have some crucial stories of the day.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that District Attorney Fani Willis may have misused federal funding.
Ms. Willis’s office is currently prosecuting former President Donald Trump and others in connection with allegations of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. A spokesperson for the DOJ confirmed that they have “noticed some inconsistencies” in Fulton County’s reporting to the Federal Subaward Reporting System.
Mr. Jordan previously issued a subpoena to Ms. Willis for documents related to the possible misuse of federal funds. A former employee alleged that grant funds meant for gang prevention were instead used for personal expenses.
Ms. Willis has not publicly responded to these allegations, and her office did not comment.
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Previously, Ms. Willis said her office would provide information as requested and criticized Mr. Jordon’s investigation. She said that the subpoena would not stop the Trump case, claiming that there was not a conflict of interest that should force Ms. Willis off the case.
President Trump’s lawyers have requested an appeal in the case. The Court of Appeals has 45 days to decide whether to accept the case.
Mr. Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman were found dead in 1994, leading to a highly publicized murder trial. Although he was found not guilty, he was later held liable in a civil lawsuit brought by the victims’ families. The former NFL star, however, maintained his innocence and had publicly promised to find the “real killer.”
In 1997, he was ordered to pay $33.5 million for the wrongful deaths of the two victims. Some of his property was seized and auctioned, but most of the judgment has not been paid.
Mr. Simpson later served nine years in prison for robbery and kidnapping over an attempt to steal back some of his sports memorabilia. He insisted his conviction and sentence were unfair, saying that he had only wanted to get back personal mementos and items allegedly stolen from him following his acquittal in the killings.
Following his release, he maintained a low profile but occasionally made social media posts.
Mr. Simpson’s athletic career was marked by numerous achievements, including winning the Heisman Trophy and excelling in the NFL, where he won four rushing titles and scored 76 touchdowns. He also dabbled in acting and became known for his roles in “Roots” and “The Naked Gun.”
Despite public outrage, a book by Mr. Simpson titled “If I Did It” was released but retitled as “If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer” after Ron Goldman’s family won control of the manuscript.
Mr. Simpson’s attorney also confirmed his death Thursday to TMZ and other media outlets.
The change, mandated by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aims to require individuals who regularly trade firearms for profit to obtain a Federal Firearms License and conduct background checks. The rule applies to both online and in-store sales.
Critics argue that it will effectively end private transactions, including the inheritance of firearms within families.
Just over a year ago, President Joe Biden issued Executive Order 14092, which directed Attorney General Merrick Garland to clarify the definition. The proposal immediately drew criticism from gun rights activists. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) wrote in a letter to ATF Director Steen Dettelbach that the proposal “advances a radical left-wing agenda.” He said that it “will undermine the Second Amendment and the Constitutional rights of all Americans.”
Mr. Garland signed the rule on April 10, which will become effective on May 10, 2024. Critics also claim that the rule could criminalize private firearm sales and subject parents to federal prosecution for passing family heirlooms along to their children.
However, the ATF states that individuals not “engaged in the business” can continue engaging in intrastate private sales without a license. The ATF states that the rule is an effort to close avenues for criminals to acquire firearms.
Second Amendment advocates argue that the new rule is part of the Biden administration’s administrative approach to implementing gun control measures that face challenges in the legislative process.
They argue that his remarks, made at a church in Selma, Alabama, are concerning and represent a weaponization of the DOJ.
In a detailed letter, Mr. Rokita voiced concerns about such federal interference. He called this a “weaponization of the DOJ” fueled by Mr. Mr. Garland believes that interference in state elections poses a serious threat to federalism, separation of powers, democracy, and the rule of law. He argues that the Constitution entrusts state elections to elected representatives and any meddling would undermine the Constitution and law and order.
During a speech at a church, Mr. Garland discussed challenging state laws that he believes restrict black voters, such as limitations on mail-in voting, the use of drop boxes, and voter ID requirements. In response, Mr. Rokita contends that voter ID laws are necessary to prevent fraud, and mail-in voting and drop boxes present security risks.
Mr. Rokita argues that requiring an ID to vote is similar to using an ID for various other activities like driving, flying, buying cigarettes, or alcohol. He also disputes Mr. Garland’s assertion that the Voting Rights Act has been weakened, emphasizing its original purpose to address historical discrimination.
Accusing Mr. Garland of leveraging the Department of Justice to bolster Democratic votes and undermine democratic principles, Mr. Rokita criticizes the potential impact on the democratic process.
In Wisconsin, Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s decision not to seek reelection could shift the state Supreme Court’s liberal-leaning majority. With recent key rulings overturning Republican-drawn legislative maps and examining challenges to abortion laws, the court’s composition is a focal point for both political parties.
Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel and Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor are potential candidates vying to influence the court’s ideological direction. Concerns about advancing a partisan agenda and setting district boundaries before the upcoming election loom over the court’s decision-making process.
As the program concludes, listeners are encouraged to share the News Brief with others to expand its reach. The episode ends with a quote from John Lennon’s “Imagine,” urging unity and imagination in shaping a better world. Please rephrase this sentence.
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