AN Orange County Ballot Drop Box, this one located in front of the Garden Grove Unified School District headquarters (Orange County Tribune photo).

Another federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s efforts to curtail mail-in voting. On Monday, Judge Carl J. Nichols – who had been appointed by Trump – ruled that Trump’s executive order to restrict voting by mail was outside the authority of the executive branch.

The ruling puts keeps Trump’s and the U.S. Postal Services’ Ballot Mail for Federal Elections Rule from going into effect.

Nichols pointed out that the plan had not been approved by Congress, which has jurisdiction over the operations of the USPS.

In March, Trump signed an executive order telling the Postal Service to come up with new rules that would have kept it from delivering ballots to people whose voting information wasn’t submitted to the federal government by state election officials, among other restrictions.

Also news:  A.I., McConnell, Kennedy Center

MITCH McCONNELL (Wikipedia)

• President Donald Trump on Monday rebuffed pleas from many artificial intelligence executives for strong controls on a.i. technology, saying that the only “guardrail” needed was “a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT.”

• U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) was not present when the Senate convened today (Monday), deepening the concern over his ability to serve in office. McConnell, 84, sent a message that he was recovering at home after a fall after being discharged from a rehab center.

• The Kennedy Center for the Arts in New York City is facing “certain fiscal collapse” through the loss of public financial support after Donald Trump’s name was added – temporarily – to the building.

Sports: Halos, Dodgers in action

• The Los Angeles Angels are back in Anaheim and will host the Seattle Mariners (70-80) today (Monday). The Angels lost 6-5 to the Washington Nationals on Sunday. The Halos are 56-93 and last in the American League West.

• The Los Angeles Dodgers (90-59) are visiting the Cincinnati Reds (70-79). The Blue Crew lost 6-4 to the Florida Marlins on Sunday. The Dodgers are first in the National League West.

Weather:  A little but cooler

A slight cooling trend is continuing for our West Orange County cities. The National Weather Service forecast for Tuesday is for a daytime high of 79 with an overnight low of 67 under partly cloudy skies. There’s a 12 percent chance of some rain. Wednesday should have temps of 78 (66) with morning clouds and afternoon sun. Thursday is somewhat similar at 79 (63) and partly cloudy. Friday and Saturday will be slightly warmer with a high of 80 and lows of 64 and 65.