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"Supreme Court blocks Trump's mail ballot restrictions ahead of midterms."

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By Nadja Lovadinov September 15, 2026

Welcome back. In a high-stakes emergency order, the Supreme Court rejects Trump’s bid to restrict mail ballots for the upcoming midterms. Also in the news today: What a Saudi pipeline closure could mean for oil exports; we take a look at Russians who continue to flee their country; plus, a full rundown of last night’s Emmys. Election worker Wendy Wimer looks through vote-by-mail ballots for the presidential primary election at the Clark County Elections Office in Vancouver, Wash., in 2024. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) POLITICS Supreme Court rejects Trump mail ballot restrictions ahead of midterms The Supreme Court on Monday rejected President Donald Trump’s bid to restrict mail ballots for the midterm elections. It allows states to continue sending out mail ballots under the same processes they’ve used for years and have accounted for nearly a third of votes cast. Read more.

Why this matters: The Supreme Court majority wrote that the administration’s push to implement the restrictions this year is likely to lose in court, though the brief emergency order didn’t detail its reasoning. Two justices, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, publicly dissented. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, meanwhile, agreed that the restrictions should not go into effect for the midterms but indicated he might rule in favor of the Trump administration if the issue comes back before the court at a later time. The White House and Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but have in the past framed the restrictions as commonsense changes aimed at keeping elections secure.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ WATCH: Our full report  Democrats and activist groups plan to push back if Trump tries to interfere in midterm elections  EPA eliminates rule that limits planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants DHS voter probe may break state laws and wrongly implicate US citizens, whistleblower alleges  Federal Reserve is expected to raise its benchmark rate, defying Trump’s demands  Ex-CIA Director John Brennan issued subpoena in Trump ‘grand conspiracy’ investigation, lawyer says  ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were held in small metal cages, federal report says  Texas landowners ask a court to stop Trump’s Big Bend wall plans  Kennedy Center board to propose new options for honoring Trump as center confronts solvency worries  Trump nominates wife of ‘God Bless the USA’ singer Lee Greenwood to serve as US ambassador  Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding celebration was partially funded by Russian oligarch, the couple confirms  McConnell returns to the Senate for the first time since his June hospitalization WORLD NEWS What the closure of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline could mean for oil flows A crucial Saudi oil pipeline that was struck in an attack will be mostly out of service for weeks as the damage is repaired, two regional officials said Monday. Analysts warn that the latest disruptions could bring even more pain for consumers. Read more.

Why this matters: The pipeline was built in the 1980s amid fears that Tehran would disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran-Iraq war. And for the first six months of the current war, it was crucial to getting some crude out of the Middle East by shipping it to the Red Sea rather than through Hormuz, where traffic remained at a standstill. Rystad Energy said Monday that an average 2.6 million to 4 million barrels of oil a day moved through the pipeline since late August — a volume it said is now at risk of “disappearing from the market.” Four million barrels per day is about 4% of the global oil supply, according to the International Energy Agency.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ As the last US troops pack up in Iraq, militias signal their weapons will stay  US watchdog tallies Iran war’s hit to weapons stockpiles, military bases and more  Fuel shortage in Yemen hampers migrants fleeing conflict and seeking safety in Djibouti WORLD NEWS Russians are still fleeing abroad, citing fears of a new mobilization and a loss of freedom A number of people have either left or are contemplating a move amid recent Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia and persistent rumors of a coming mobilization of troops for the 4 1/2-year-old war. Read more.

Why this matters: The attacks this summer caused an unprecedented fuel crisis and dealt crippling blows to the booming e-commerce sector. Since last year, the government has cited the attacks to justify harsh restrictions on connecting to the internet. The exodus is nowhere near as large as in 2022, when hundreds of thousands fled in the first year of the full-scale invasion. Still, a group that helps citizens who flee abroad said it received nearly eight times more queries last month than it had in May.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ NATO jets down drone in Lithuanian airspace after bloc warns strikes will drive support for Ukraine  Zelenskyy says Ukraine will pause strikes on Russia if Kremlin spares critical infrastructure  More than 500,000 Russian troops killed in Ukraine, UK defense chief says WATCH: Meet a digital content marketer who left Russia ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS READ Historic pact signed: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland leaders challenge UK unity New Zealand: Inquiry into man who hid his kids in forest for years lambasts officials’ actions  Macklemore: Singer says he was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian comments Sydney Sweeney: Female athletes accuse actor’s ad of sexualizing women in sports  Bob Mackie: Designer who dressed Cher, Marilyn and defined ‘70s glamour, dies at 87 Today in History: In 1963, four Black girls were killed in the Birmingham church bombing WATCH Crane collapse: Four people injured in Miami Brightly decorated idols: Hindus across India celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi A CHANGE OF PACE Matthew Rhys poses during the 78th Emmy Awards on Monday, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) ‘Widow’s Bay’ breaks Emmys record with 14 wins including best comedy series, ‘Pitt’ wins best drama Check out the full list of winners here. The night delivered plenty of memorable moments, including a surprise appearance by Taylor Swift in a pre-taped sketch, and a moving tribute honoring Catherine O’Hara. Browse our gallery for more. And don’t miss our roundup video of the best blue carpet looks. (The usual red was replaced with “peacook blue” to celebrate NBC’s 100th birthday.) First time nominee Meg Stalter literally dressed as an Emmy statuette.

That's all for today. Know someone who would enjoy Morning Wire? Forward this newsletter to them. They can also sign up here. - Nadja

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