Colorado Supreme Court Bans Trump From Ballot; Marvel Drops Jonathan Majors | NTD Tonight – Dec. 19

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to NTD Tonight. I'm David Lam, sitting in for David Zhang. Here's a preview of some of today's top stories. Former President Donald Trump banned from Colorado's 2024 primary ballot. More on the decision. Texas police can now arrest illegal immigrants. One group is ready to challenge the measure in court. Marvel drops actor Jonathan Majors after he's been convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. First, some breaking news. Just this afternoon, the Colorado Supreme Court banned former President Donald Trump from the state's 2024 ballot. The Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday declared that Trump is not eligible on the state's primary ballot. They cited the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment Insurrection Clause to disqualify a presidential candidate. The motion passed in a narrow four-to-three decision. The court stayed its decision until January 4th, or until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the case. In response, Trump's campaign wrote in a statement, Democrat Party leaders are in a state of paranoia over the growing dominant lead President Trump has amassed in the polls, adding that they have confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn the decision. And outspoken journalists advocating for democracy began trial this week in Hong Kong. But unlike U.S. trials, the 76-year-old was not allowed a jury or his UK defense lawyer under Chinese communist rule. What could this mean for Hong Kong's estimated seven million residents? I spoke with Epoch Times China expert, Nathan Su. Nathan Su, senior investigative reporter with The Epoch Times, and you specialize in Chinese politics and government deception. Thank you for joining me. Oh, David, thank you for having me. Now, let's talk about Jimmy Lai, this Hong Kong tycoon that recently went to trial in Hong Kong. So what's your thoughts on this trial? Well, that basically shows that Hong Kong has completely lost its freedom of speech, freedom of press. Now, what Jimmy Lai's case stands for, it's an extraordinary example that how a city is being ruled by the British government for like a century long, and they still can easily lose the kind of freedom people have been enjoying for decades. Now, speaking of freedom, there are many people, including the son of Jimmy Lai, who's calling this trial a sham. So is this a common thing for people to kind of just call out the prosecution from Hong Kong government? Well, of course, in Hong Kong, a lot of people living in Hong Kong society, they used to enjoy a lot of freedoms when British government was ruling Hong Kong. But now this is something new, but all you need to do for us, all you need to do is just turn your eyesight to China, look at it, this kind of a thing has been happening ever since 1949 inside China. So now it's just happening in Hong Kong. In China, you're talking about Chinese Communist regime's unlimited government power. There's no limit. So they basically, they look at the situation, wherever your situation is, it doesn't really matter. They actually can use their law to persecute you as they see fit. You know, what about the rights of the citizens or the nation to improve its, anybody that has like a different opinion that wants to change the way things are? The Chinese people living under the Chinese Communist regime, that political system, they don't have any freedom, you know, from, especially when you talk about religious freedom, but if you don't have religious freedom, then you are not pretty much entitled of any other freedom because you don't even have a freedom to think, right? Man, that's why a lot of people are looking at this case. So Nan Su, Senior Investigative Reporter with The Epoch Times, thank you for joining me. Oh, thank you for having me. Now let's take a look at other national headlines. Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday approved sweeping new powers that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally crossed the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country. Senate Bill 4 is now law in the state of Texas. Abbott, surrounded by supporters, arrived to protesters who fear the law will lead to racial profiling. We need to respond with a heart and with a better system. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens tells CNN border authorities apprehended about 192,000 migrants between ports of entry last month. Our border has been erased. We have no border any longer. Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law. And a funeral today for the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. President Joe Biden spoke during the service at the Washington National Cathedral, calling the late justice a trailblazer. I know the anniversaries and the birthdays. The moments, big and small, will be hard without them. But as the saying goes, memory is the power to gather roses in winter. I hope you find the strength in knowing that your mom and dad are together again this December, gathering roses in winter once again as great Americans, both great Americans for all seasons. May God bless Sandra Day O'Connor, an American pioneer. O'Connor retired from the high court in 2006 after more than two decades. A graduate of Stanford Law School, she was known for being a moderate conservative during her term on the Supreme Court. Sandra O'Connor died on December 1st. She was 93. Now we turn to the latest updates from the Israel-Hamas war. The United Nations Security Council had plans to vote today on a new resolution calling for a ceasefire, but the vote is again being delayed. This comes as ambassadors failed to come to a consensus and will continue informal consultations and meetings. The draft resolution sponsored by Arab nations originally included a call for a cessation of hostilities to allow much needed aid to enter Gaza, but diplomats changed the language to suspension of hostilities in hopes of gaining American support. The US has previously voted against a ceasefire in the larger UN General Assembly. As one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, a US veto means the resolution will not pass. On the ground in Gaza, Israeli defense forces continue to keep the pressure on Hamas terrorists. The IDF says most of the tunnels they found have been located under schools, hospitals, and mosques, and most recently, even under United Nations facilities. A first of its kind database for federal law enforcement officers is being rolled out by the DOJ and Biden administration. We have NTD's Jason Blair to tell us more about the announcement. Jason, so what is this database and what is the purpose behind it? Yeah, this is a new database that the Justice Department announced on Monday. And what it's going to contain is information on both current and past law enforcement officers containing both their good and bad conduct. And the main goals of this is to help the departments to make more informed decisions when they're considering somebody for a position and also to help restore the public's trust in law enforcement. Now, does it apply to local police? No, this is only gonna be for federal officers at the federal level, meaning FBI agents, DEA guys. As far as getting into the local level, like your local police officers or state police, highway patrol, it's not gonna apply to them. It's only gonna be to federal agents. And Jason, what was the origin? Like, why was it started? Yeah, the database is actually a part of an executive order that Biden signed last May of 2022. And the whole goal, as I kind of mentioned earlier, is to have more transparency, help restore the public's trust in law enforcement. And it was really kind of a response to public, some outcry from the public about repeat offenders in law enforcement that kept active and they were getting rehired and then going out and offending again. There were also some instances of police misconduct that people were concerned about. And according to the administration, it's a way to centralize this kind of accountability database in an effort to help improve law enforcement conduct and to help restore trust. All right, Jason, thank you so much. We appreciate it. Thank you. Actor Jonathan Majors has been convicted of assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend in a domestic dispute, leading to major companies now parting ways with him. NTD's Christina Corona has more on the story. 34-year-old Jonathan Majors was convicted of assault and harassment by a Manhattan jury Monday. However, he was cleared of a separate assault charge and aggravated harassment. The jury declared him guilty after a two-week trial where Majors didn't testify. Shortly after the verdict, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Company have dropped Majors from all upcoming projects. His lawyer, Priya Khadri, said in a statement that he still has faith in the process and looks forward to fully clearing his name. The charges stemmed from an altercation between the Creed III star and his former girlfriend, Grace Jabari, that began in the backseat of a chauffeured vehicle and continued onto the streets of Manhattan back in March. Jabari accused him of causing pain, alleging he struck, twisted, and fractured her finger. His defense claimed Jabari was the aggressor due to jealousy. Majors was set to play a significant role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the antagonist, Kang. He had featured in Ant-Man and the Wasp, Quantumania, and the first two seasons of Loki. His role was anticipated in Avengers The Kang Dynasty, scheduled for release in May 2026. Majors will be sentenced on February 6th. He could get up to a year in jail for assault. However, probation or other non-jail sentences are also possible. Christina Corona, NTD News. We'll take a short break now, everybody, but here's a look at what we have for you when we come right back. Cocaine disguised as jalapeno paste shipments. More on how much California border officials seized. The race is heating up for the NFL's MVP awards. We'll take a closer look at a rising favorite, Brock Purdy. In California, water regulators are looking to recycle wastewater and turn it into drinkable water. We'll have more on why and how. More on those stories coming up on NTD Tonight. Welcome back to NTD Tonight. I'm your host, David Lam. Over $10 million in hard narcotics disguised as jalapeno paste shipments seized in San Diego. NTD's Stephanie Sokol reports. A shipment of jalapeno paste in San Diego last week was found to contain over $10 million worth of hard narcotics, including 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and over 500 pounds of cocaine. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 349 concealed packages and vats at the Otay Mesa cargo facility. CBP officers said that the shipment was located in a commercial tractor trailer driven by a 28-year-old with a valid border crossing card on December 13. A K-9 unit detected something suspicious around 10.30 a.m., and officers began inspecting the packages. The truck driver was turned over the Homeland Security Investigations, and the incident comes after officers seized over 14,000 pounds of narcotics at California's land ports of entry throughout November. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted over $239 million worth of cocaine in San Diego in six separate smuggling events this month. Stephanie Sokol, NTD News. We've witnessed some remarkable twists in the NFL MVP race, especially with Brock Purdy's stellar performance in Week 15. NTD's Carlos Reyes is here to delve into the details. Carlos, how pivotal was Week 15 for Purdy's MVP chances? Well, thanks for having me, David. Week 15 was undoubtedly a turning point for Purdy. While Prescott faced adversity against a tough Bills defense, Purdy showcased his mettle by dissecting the Cardinals' defense like no other. This performance, coupled with the 49ers' march towards the NFC's top seed, has, in my opinion, solidified Purdy's position as a front runner for the MVP. Interesting, Carlos. Now, what factors contribute to his emergence as the MVP favorite, especially considering his journey from a seventh-round pick to a potential MVP? Well, David, for starters, Purdy's journey is truly remarkable, especially for anyone who likes an amazing underdog story. He stepped up when injuries hit the 49ers' quarterback death chart last season, and Kyle Shanahan's confidence in him has paid off tremendously. Purdy's constantly pulling off strong performances, particularly in the passer rating department. His passer rating exceeding 120 in five out of his last six games is not just a statistic, it's a reflection of his growth and impact on the team. That's fantastic. Now, facing the Ravens in Week 16 poses a challenge for Purdy. So how critical is this upcoming matchup in shaping the MVP race, and what hurdles could Purdy encounter? So yeah, David, it's great that you point that out. The Ravens game is pivotal for Purdy, in my opinion. While every quarterback faces challenges, this matchup against a strong opponent like the Ravens is a significant test. How Purdy navigates this game, especially considering that he'll be able to hanging in a shootout with Lamar Jackson, will pay a crucial role in shaping the narrative of his MVP candidacy. It's an opportunity for him to showcase his ability to overcome adversity and give a clear example of what's to come, come playoff time. Interestingly, there's a debate emerging about Christian McCaffrey's MVP candidacy. With his standout performance against the Cardinals, do you think McCaffrey could pose a threat to Purdy's chances? Well, David McCaffrey's recent performance has added an intriguing layer to the MVP discussion. While Purdy is rightfully the favorite, McCaffrey's impact cannot be understated. With 1,801 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns through 14 games, he's a force to be reckoned with and easily the most elite running back in the league. Purdy's acknowledgement of McCaffrey's role in the team reflects the depth of talent on the 49ers. If McCaffrey continues his stellar form, especially with Purdy recognizing his contribution, it could create a compelling case for him to challenge Purdy for the MVP title. Carlos, looking ahead, do you think Brock Purdy's limited pass attempts, typically 30 or fewer in each of his last six games, could impact him getting MVP, especially as he faces tougher competition in the playoffs? That's a very valid concern, David. While Purdy's efficiency with fewer passer attempts has been impressive, the playoffs bring a different level of competition. If the 49ers face tighter games where they need to rely more on the passing game, it could impact how Purdy is perceived in the MVP race. How he adjusts to potential changes in game dynamics will be a crucial factor as we enter the postseason. Well, Carlos, thank you so much for your insight. We'll continue to monitor the MVP race as the regular season comes to an end. No problem, David. It's always my pleasure. Turning wastewater drinkable. That's what California is hoping to do soon. This comes after years of drought and struggles to provide enough drinking water to the state's nearly 40 million residents. After using a toilet in California, the water can end up in a lot of places. An ice skating rink in Ontario, ski slopes around Lake Tahoe, or farmland in the Central Valley. And coming soon, your kitchen faucet. California regulators will vote Tuesday on new rules to let water agencies recycle wastewater and put it back into the pipes that carry drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses. It's a big step for a state that has struggled for decades to have a reliable source of drinking water for its more than 39 million residents on top of multiple extreme droughts. In San Jose, local officials have opened the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center for public tours. True, we have a wastewater treatment facility first that makes it very clean. And then we have additional processes to make it to drinking water standards. So there's a whole technology in between the toilet and the tap. Right now, the agency uses the water for things like irrigating parks and playing fields, but they plan to use it for drinking water in the future. California has been using recycled wastewater for decades. The minor league hockey team, Ontario Reign, has used it to make ice for its rink. Soda Springs Ski Resort has used it to make snow, and farmers use it to water their crops. But it's never been used directly for drinking water. Orange County operates a large water purification system that recycles wastewater and then uses it to refill groundwater aquifers. The water mingles with the groundwater for months before being pumped up and used as drinking water again. The rules would require water agencies to treat it for all pathogens and viruses, even if the pathogens and viruses aren't in the wastewater. Yeah, so there is a very extensive advanced water treatment process, and it goes through three stages. So microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light disinfection, and the water is pure water at the end. Because it can be costly and time-consuming to build these treatment facilities, they will likely only be an option for bigger, well-funded cities. That includes San Diego, where city officials have planned to build a water recycling program that they say will account for nearly half of the city's water by 2035. The rules also require water agencies to build public support by telling customers about the recycled water before starting any projects. California would be just the second state to allow this, following Colorado. Just this afternoon, California regulators approved the new rules. Water agencies are now allowed to recycle wastewater for drinking water. That's all we've got for you tonight. We'd like you to join us again on NTD Tonight every weekday at 9 p.m. I'm David Lam, sitting in for David Zhang. Have a wonderful evening.