Thursday morning news: October 3, 2019

Democrats, Trump admin clash over impeachment inquiry » House Democratic leaders warned the White House on Wednesday to expect a subpoena demanding documents about President Trump’s dealings with Ukraine.

They said refusal to cooperate could be considered an impeachable offense.

But Trump said yesterday that he’ll cooperate with the demands from Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and other leaders.

TRUMP: This is a fraudulent crime on the American people, but we’ll work together with shifty Schiff and Pelosi and all of them, and we’ll see what happens. 

The president also responded to a New York Times report that someone on Schiff’s staff met with the whistleblower before the complaint was filed. He accused Schiff of helping to write the complaint.

Judge halts Georgia “heartbeat” law » A federal judge in Georgia has temporarily blocked Georgia’s new “heartbeat law.” WORLD Radio’s Kristen Flavin reports. 

KRISTEN FLAVIN, REPORTER: U.S. District Judge Steve Jones halted new protections for unborn infants with a “detectable human heartbeat.” 

Jones wrote that, based on U.S. Supreme Court precedent, courts will likely overturn it. 

A heartbeat is detectable as early as six weeks of gestation. And the judge noted that the Supreme Court has overturned similar laws protecting infants before they can survive outside the womb.

The law was scheduled to take effect on January 1st.

Reporting for WORLD Radio, I’m Kristen Flavin. 

Judge blocks CA law aimed at Trump’s tax returns » Meantime, a federal judge in California has temporarily blocked a state law aimed at forcing President Trump to release his tax returns in order to appear on 2020 primary ballots.

U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. said the law is likely unconstitutional. 

The law requires candidates for president or governor to file five years of personal tax returns with the secretary of state’s office. If they refuse, they could not appear on the state’s primary ballot. The law did not affect general elections.

Sanders cancels campaign events after medical procedure » Bernie Sanders’ has cancelled campaign events “until further notice” after undergoing a procedure to clear a blocked artery. WORLD Radio’s Sarah Schweinsberg has that story. 

SARAH SCHWEINSBERG, REPORTER: The 78-year-old senator and presidential contender felt discomfort in his chest during an event on Tuesday and decided to have it checked out. 

Doctors inserted two stents. Sanders’ campaign said he “is conversing and in good spirits.”

Sanders is the Democratic field’s oldest candidate. He sometimes jokingly refers to his age at town halls and other events. His aides have tried to project him as a candidate with energy levels that surpassed his 20-16 presidential campaign.

Reporting for WORLD Radio, I’m Sarah Schweinsberg. 

Former Dallas Police officer convicted of murder sentenced to 10 years » Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger learned her fate—one day after a jury convicted her of murder. Judge Tammy Kemp announced the sentence on Wednesday… 

JUDGE: Ten years imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

Guyger fatally shot her neighbor, Botham Jean, in his apartment. She said she mistook his apartment for her own unit one floor below and thought he was an intruder. The jury could have sentenced Guyger to life in prison. 

A powerful moment at the hearing when Botham Jean’s brother Brandt told Guyger “I forgive you.” 

JEAN: I want the best for you because I know that’s exactly what Botham would want you to do, and the best would be give your life to Christ. 

Brandt then turned to the judge with this request… 

JEAN: I don’t know if this is possible but can I give her a hug please? Please?
JUDGE: Yes. 

He then stepped down from the witness stand and hugged Guyger. 

Separately, Judge Kemp also hugged Guyger, handed her personal Bible to her and told her to live John 3:16. 

British Prime Minister pitches Brexit compromise to E.U. » British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that his government is asking EU negotiators to meet in the middle and strike a last minute divorce deal.

JOHNSON: In Brussels we are tabling what I believe are constructive and reasonable proposals, which provide a compromise for both sides. 

The new proposal aims to address a key sticking point—what to do with the border between EU member state Ireland and the UK’s Northern Ireland.

The proposal would maintain an open border by keeping Northern Ireland closely tied to EU rules for trade in goods. 

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he welcomed Johnson’s efforts but noted there were still some “problematic” issues. 

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU at the end of this month.

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The Capitol in Washington is seen at dawn, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

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