The American Postal Workers Union is launching a national TV ad campaign promoting voting by mail. This comes as President Donald Trump has raised skepticism about mail-in ballots. He recently signed an executive order to put the Postal Service in the middle of election administration. The 30-second union ad features voters explaining why they vote by mail and will start airing in Ohio this week. The ad encourages voting by mail to be protected and expanded. Union President Jonathan Smith says postal workers should not be responsible for verifying voter eligibility, as would be required under Trump’s order.
BUDAPEST, Hungary – Péter Magyar has called on Hungary’s president to convene parliament to form a new government quickly. Magyar’s Tisza party won a super-majority in Sunday’s election, allowing him to take over from Viktor Orbán as prime minister. Magyar promises a fundamental transformation in Hungary’s political culture, focusing on restoring ties with European allies and rooting out corruption. The victory has sparked celebrations in Budapest, with many hoping for a freer Hungary. However, challenges remain, including entrenched loyalists in key institutions. Magyar faces pressure from the EU to implement reforms and access frozen funds.
LOS ANGELES – Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit from the race for California governor left his rivals scrambling to lock down his former supporters in a crowded contest with no clear leader. Swalwell’s withdrawal injected more turmoil into the campaign less than a month before mail ballots go out to primary election voters. The congressman’s decision followed allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him, that were published Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN. He said on social media he will fight what he called “false allegations.”
WASHINGTON – A federal judge has dismissed President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a story on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles in Florida wrote in the order issued Monday that Trump had failed to make the argument that the article was published with the intent to be malicious, but gave the president a chance to file an amended complaint. Trump filed the lawsuit in July. The lawsuit came after the Journal put a new spotlight on his well-documented relationship with Epstein by publishing an article that described a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper said bore Trump’s signature and was included in a 2003 album compiled for Epstein’s 50th birthday.
WASHINGTON – Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas says he will retire from Congress after bipartisan calls to expel him. Gonzales had already said he would not seek reelection after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” Gonzales said in a social media post Monday. “When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office.” He said it has been a privilege “to serve the great people of Texas.” He gave no further details on his plans to step down.
– The Associated Press
