Three Georgia candidates sue Raffensperger seeking public election reporting for primary

Staff Writer 

Three Georgia candidates filed a writ of mandamus in Fulton County Superior Court on Monday seeking to force Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to carry out statutorily required public duties for Tuesday’s May 19 primary, and to allow State Election Board members to observe Election Night results aggregation at the state Emergency Operations Center.

Plaintiffs in the petition are congressional hopeful Chris Mora (11th District), State Senator Greg Dolezal, who is running for lieutenant governor, and Cobb County Commission candidate Keli Gambrill. They are represented by attorney David Oles. The petition asks the court to compel Raffensperger to perform his duties publicly under Georgia law, and includes an emergency motion for a temporary injunction to permit members of the State Election Board to be present during results aggregation conducted at the Emergency Operations Center, which plaintiffs describe as a secret bunker. The complaint cites O.C.G.A. 21-2-406.

The filing was submitted in Fulton County, where state election matters are required to be heard. The candidates said delays in resolving the issue would cause irreparable harm. Their counsel indicated he may seek an ex parte ruling from Chief Judge Ural Glanville after the assigned judge, Melynee Leftridge, said she would be unavailable Monday and counsel for Raffensperger requested five days to respond.

The action drew support from 14th District Congressman Clay Fuller, who wrote to House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil asking for designated congressional election observers to monitor all elements of the Secretary of State’s election reporting process, including the Election Night Reporting Room, invoking the Confirmation of Congressional Observers Access Act, 52 U.S.C. 21083a.

Raffensperger, who is running for governor, pushed back in an interview with Atlanta’s 11Alive, saying votes are not counted in the Secretary of State’s Emergency Operations Center. Plaintiffs and outside election integrity advocates disputed that characterization. Garland Favorito, co‑founder of VoterGA, said statewide votes are verified, aggregated, and reported from a secret bunker and urged immediate Department of Justice intervention to protect voting rights and enforce election laws.

The lawsuit asks the court to order public access and strict compliance with state statutes governing how and where election reporting and aggregation are observed and carried out. A hearing date and any court action on the emergency motion had not been announced as of Monday.

https://voterga.org/news/

Reparations Set for J6ers

There is potential for financial compensation for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol protests, often referred to as "J6ers. " This follows the president's actions to drop a lawsuit against the IRS and to instead focus on creating a fund for those harmed by the government's response to the protests.

1. Dismissal of Lawsuit: The president's attorneys have voluntarily dismissed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS regarding the unlawful disclosure of tax documents. This was tied to a past incident where tax records were leaked to the media, allegedly impacting the 2020 election.

2. Creation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” worth approximately $1.76 billion, aiming to provide relief to victims who believe they were unfairly targeted by the government. This fund seeks to address grievances from various groups, including J6ers.

3. J6 Prosecutions: The Biden administration has faced criticism for aggressively prosecuting nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the Capitol protests, with many receiving severe charges and long prison sentences. Nearly 300 were felony indicted under a controversial law, which the Supreme Court later ruled was improperly applied.

4. Impact on Families: The repercussions of these prosecutions have been severe for J6ers and their families, leading to job losses, family stresses, and in some tragic cases, suicides among individuals facing legal and public vilification.

5. Support from Victims: Individuals who suffered due to the events surrounding January 6 express mixed feelings about the fund. Some, like Christopher Kuehne, view it as a starting point for addressing the wrongs done to many, though they believe much more is needed for full restitution.

6. Future Measures: The fund will be managed by a five-member commission appointed to handle claims and ensure victims can speak out and seek justice. There are calls for accountability from those who believe government actions against J6ers were unjust.

The establishment of the Anti-Weaponization Fund marks a significant shift towards acknowledging the hardships faced by individuals involved in the January 6 protests. While it represents an initial step towards restitution, many feel that further actions and financial support are necessary to properly compensate those who have suffered due to government actions. 

https://www.declassified.live/p/reparations-set-for-j6ers

RNC Chair Joe Gruters Announces 130 LAWSUITS Filed Across 32 States to Stop Democrat Election Shenanigans — as President Trump Deploys ARMY of Election Lawyers to STOP THE STEAL

The Republican National Committee (RNC), led by Chairman Joe Gruters, is taking significant legal action to address concerns over election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

• Lawsuit Initiative: The RNC has filed 130 lawsuits across 32 states. These lawsuits aim to prevent what they perceive as Democratic efforts to undermine election integrity.

• Trump's Support: Former President Donald Trump has declared his support for this initiative, planning to deploy a larger team of election lawyers than in 2024 to ensure fair electoral practices.

• Focus on Election Integrity: Gruters emphasized the importance of secure elections and criticized Democrats for allegedly attempting to "cheat every single day." This reflects a broader belief among Republicans in the need for strict measures to guarantee trust in the election process.

• Staffing Efforts: The RNC has already hired personnel in 17 states to strengthen their legal and on-ground efforts related to election procedures and security.

• Ongoing Concerns: The RNC's actions are described as a response to long-standing concerns over election fraud and manipulation, with Gruters asserting that various tactics, including manipulation of redistricting and voter registration, are being utilized by Democrats.

The RNC's aggressive legal strategy highlights its commitment to preserving what it views as the integrity of U. S. elections. With substantial lawsuits filed and support from Trump, Republicans are gearing up for a rigorous defense against perceived electoral fraud efforts as the midterm elections approach. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/05/rnc-chair-joe-gruters-announces-130-lawsuits-filed/

Software CEO Convicted In Massive $1 Billion Medicare Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors

Brett Blackman, the CEO of HealthSplash, has been convicted of major health care fraud in Florida. His scheme defrauded Medicare and other programs out of over $1 billion, targeting vulnerable seniors.

• Conviction Details: A jury found Blackman guilty on multiple conspiracy charges, including health care fraud and making false statements. He faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for August 26, 2026.

• Background: Blackman marketed himself as a healthcare innovator, claiming HealthSplash used advanced technology to improve care. However, evidence showed his platform was used to produce fake medical orders for unnecessary equipment.

• Fraud Operation: Blackman and his team targeted Medicare beneficiaries through foreign call centers and telemarketing, pressuring them into accepting uncivilized equipment. Orders were signed by telemedicine doctors with little patient interaction, leading to massive billing to Medicare.

• Financial Outcomes: The scheme resulted in $450 million in payments on fraudulent claims. Co-defendant Gary Cox was previously convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

• Lifestyle Accusations: Blackman flaunted wealth through luxury displays, contrasting sharply with his fraudulent activities.

This case highlights a significant health care fraud operation, with federal officials emphasizing the exploitation of seniors and the scale of the misconduct. The Department of Justice continues to address such illegal activities aggressively. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/software-ceo-convicted-massive-1-billion-medicare-fraud-scheme-targeting-seniors

The Politicization of Everything

Politics used to be just one part of life, with citizens engaging in voting and public discussions before returning to their daily routines. However, this balance has shifted significantly.

1. Pervasiveness of Politics: Politics has expanded beyond government and elections, infiltrating various aspects of life such as entertainment, education, and personal beliefs.

2. Loss of Non-Political Life: Almost everything now carries political weight, compelling individuals to justify their existence politically.

3. Increased Control: Modern societies are filled with mechanisms of state control that encroach on personal privacy, making individuals dependent on political ideologies for meaning.

4. Similarity in Political Systems: Philosophers note that both communism and liberal democracy promote ideological conformity and dismiss historical obligations.

5. Impact on Culture: Art, education, and even humor are evaluated based on political alignment rather than intrinsic value.

6. The New Citizen: The ideal of an independent citizen is fading, replaced by a regulated individual who perceives dependency as freedom.

7. Cultural Heritage at Risk: The connection to classical civilization is diminishing, with political leaders often lacking knowledge of historical influences.

Although there is a concerning trend of politics overshadowing all aspects of life, there are still pockets of society, such as churches and independent journals, that uphold elements of civilization untouched by political ideology. Without these, our cultural heritage risks disappearing under the weight of political dominance. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/the-politicization-of-everything-6026417?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=ZeroHedge

This Midterm Season, the American Dream is on the Line

The 2026 midterm elections are critical for America as economic challenges threaten the American Dream for working families and future generations. The 2026 Joint Economic Report highlights key issues impacting the economy, providing insights essential for voters.

1. Economic State: The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) report presents a worrying picture of the economy, citing that Democratic policies have led to national debt at $39 trillion and rising deficits around 6% of GDP. This financial state impacts everyday expenses and future economic stability.

2. Impact of Debt: Nearly 20% of all tax dollars go to paying interest on the national debt, which is expected to increase significantly. This growth means higher borrowing costs for families and businesses and threatens financial security, particularly for seniors and young workers.

3. Government Spending: The report argues that government spending has shifted from security and infrastructure to transferring money between generations, primarily from a shrinking workforce to a growing elderly population. This poses sustainability issues for programs like Medicare.

4. Healthcare Spending Crisis: Federal healthcare spending has risen sharply, accounting for more than 28% of total federal outlays. Many policies intended to control costs have instead led to inefficiencies and increased premiums for families.

5. Demographic Challenges: America's low fertility rates have stalled population growth, complicating fiscal policies. The country needs to attract talent through immigration systems that support economic growth.

6. Call for Policy Reform: The report suggests that tax policies must incentivize innovation rather than protect established interests. Republicans must highlight the risks of Democratic spending and present alternatives that focus on economic growth.

7. Need for Accountability: With the impending crisis in Medicare and other financial obligations, voters need clear answers from their representatives regarding accountability and reforms.

The 2026 Joint Economic Report serves as a crucial warning about America's economic trajectory, emphasizing that current policies could compromise the American Dream. Voters are urged to pay attention to its findings, as the decisions made during this midterm season could significantly affect the nation’s fiscal future. By embracing the report's message, policymakers can work towards solutions that secure prosperity for future generations while addressing the dire economic challenges at hand. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/05/this_midterm_season_the_american_dream_is_on_the_line.html

Covid Dissenter Alex Berenson’s Free Speech Victory Might Be The First Of Many

 Independent journalist Alex Berenson recently achieved a legal victory in his ongoing fight for free speech after settling a lawsuit against the federal government. This lawsuit revolves around the claim that the government pressured social media platforms like Twitter to suppress Berenson's views on COVID-19 and related policies.

1. Background of the Case

• Berenson gained popularity on Twitter by challenging COVID-19 policies and vaccine effectiveness.

• He was permanently banned from Twitter after what he alleges was coercion from members of the Biden administration and Pfizer representatives.

2. Initial Lawsuits

• Berenson first filed a lawsuit against Twitter, claiming it breached its own terms by banning him.

• During the legal process, he uncovered internal communications that suggested government involvement in his suspension.

3. Settlement with Twitter

• Twitter eventually settled, reinstating Berenson’s account and acknowledging the unjust nature of the ban.

4. Lawsuits Against Government Officials

• Following the Twitter settlement, Berenson filed claims against several high-profile officials, including President Biden. These claims include:

• A violation of First Amendment rights (Count I).

• A conspiracy to violate those rights (Count II).

• Tortious interference by Pfizer officials (Count III).

5. Focus on First Amendment Rights

• The case highlights the government’s role in suppressing speech, with the administration allegedly pushing Twitter to ban Berenson soon after Biden took office.

6. Settlement Outcome

• Recently, Berenson settled his claims against the government, receiving $150,000 and an acknowledgment that the government violated his First Amendment rights.

• He will continue his lawsuit against Pfizer executives for their alleged roles in the conspiracy to silence him.

7. Legal Complexities

• The lawsuit distinguishes between claims made against officials in their official versus individual capacities, impacting how the government defendants can be held accountable.

• Berenson’s victory against the government strengthens his claims against private actors, shifting the focus to whether “unvaccinated Americans” constitute an identifiable class under civil rights laws.

8. Impact on Public Perception

• The acknowledgment by the Trump administration regarding governmental overreach lends weight to Berenson’s argument that such actions undermine civil rights.

• This acknowledgment may also pressure defendants, including Pfizer, to reconsider their stance and possibly settle.

9. Next Steps in Legal Proceedings

• Berenson’s ongoing appeal will address whether the issue of unvaccinated Americans can be protected under Section 1985(3) from discrimination.

• The appellate court's decision will be pivotal in determining future protections for similar claims of discrimination.

Alex Berenson's legal battle serves as a significant case regarding First Amendment rights, especially in the context of social media. The settlement with the federal government recognizes violations of free speech, while the ongoing litigation against Pfizer executives highlights broader questions of accountability and civil rights for groups perceived as controversial. The outcome could set important legal precedents regarding the treatment of speech, especially in cases involving public health narratives and government actions.

https://thefederalist.com/2026/05/18/covid-dissenter-alex-berensons-free-speech-victory-might-be-the-first-of-many/