25 States Sue Over New USPS Election Ballots Rules

The Fight over Mail-in-Voting is Heating Up with Election Day just over Two Months away. Twenty-Five States have Challenged a Trump (R) Administration Rule that would give the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Additional Procedures for Handling Election Related Mail, including Ballot Tracking, Unique Barcodes, and Verification of Voters Approved, to Receive Mail-in-allots.

A Federal Judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order Blocking the USPS Rule, while Supporters Argue the Changes would Improve Election Integrity and Allow Voters and Election Officials to Track Ballots through the Mail. Greg Bishop is joined by Hans von Spakovsky, Senior Legal Fellow at Advancing American Freedom, to break down the Latest Court Battle, what the USPS Ruels would Actually do and whether there is enough time to Implement them before the 2026 Election. The Segment also Examines the Debate over Mail-in-Voting, Absentee Ballots, and the SAVE America Act's Proposed Proof-of-Citizenship Requirements.

Coalition of 25 States, including California, Colorado, New York,and Washington, has Filed a Lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) a New Rule that would give the Agency Authority to Regulate Mail‑in-Voting ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. A Coalition of 25 States, including: Colorado, Washington, New York, has Filed a Lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) over a New Rule that would give the Agency Authority to Regulate Mail‑in-Voting ahead of the November 2026 Mmidterm Elections

Officials from 23 Democratic States and the District of Columbia, filed a Lawsuit 8/1/2026 seeking to Block Trump's latest Executive Order (EO) that aims to Restrict Mail Voting, Arguing the Directive Unconstitutionally attempts to Interfere with States'Administration of Elections. The Lawsuit, led by California, was Filed with the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. It Asserts that neither the Constitution nor any Federal Law givesTrump the Power to Mandate Widespread Cchanges to States' Electoral Systems or Vvoting Procedures.

The Measure, they said, "transgress Plaintiff States' constitutional power to prescribe the time, place, and manner of federal elections" and seeks to "amend and dictate election law by fiat based on the President's whims."

The Executive Order at the Center of the Challenge was Signed by Trump on 8/1/2026, Months before the November Midterm Elections, and Lays Out New Requirements related to Mail Voting. The Directive Calls for the Department of Homeland (DHS) to Compile "State Citizenship Lists" of U.S. Citizens who are Eeligible to Vote in Federal Elections and Requires the USPS to send Mail or Absentee Ballots only to Voters on each State's List.

Trump's Measure also Lays out Specific Requirements for Mail Ballot Envelopes, including Requiring them to Bear a Uunique Barcode for Tracking. States and Localities that don't Comply with the Executive Order are at Risk of Losing Federal Funding. The Directive has already been Challenged by a Coalition of Major Democratic Groups, which Accused Trump of Attempting to Rewrite Election Rules for Partisan Ggain. In the Lawsuit, the States Warned that the Trump Order "violates bedrock principles of federalism and separation of powers."

"Each Plaintiff State has duly Enacted Laws Governing Voter Rrolls and Mail Voting that are, where Applicable, Consistent with Statutory Requirements set Forth by Congress," they wrote. "The EO disregards States' inherent sovereignty and attempts to arrogate to the President the States' and Congress's constitutional power to regulate federal elections."

Trump has long Railed against Mail Voting, Claiming that the Method is "Cheating" and Compromises Election Integrity. But instances of Mail-Voting Fraud are Rare, and there is No Evidence of Widespread Voter Fraud. Trump himself has taken Advantage of Voting-by-Mail, Casting a Mail Ballot in a Special Election Last Month for a Florida State House Seat.

The Constitution's Elections Clause gives States the Power to Set the "times, places and manner" of Federal Elections, and Congress also has the Authority to Pass Election Regulations. While Trump often Accuses Democratic States of Allowing Noncitizens to Cast Ballots in Federal Elections, it is a Federal Crime to do so. Instances of Noncitizen Vvoting are Rare.

Trump s EO comes as He has Pressured the Senate to Pass the SAVE America Act, which would Require Americans to show Proof-of-Citizenship in Person to Rregister to Vote in Federal Elections and Iimplement Photo ID Requirements for Voting. The House Approved the Measure in 2/2026, but it's Unlikely to Clear the GOP-led Senate, where most Legislation Requires 60 Votes to Advance.

Trump Signed another EO in 2025, which sought to Overhaul U.S. Elections and Require Documentary Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote, but has been Bblocked in Court.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Trump Wants Control of UPS

Trump (R) on 8/1/2026, said He may put the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) under the Control of the Commerce Department (DOC), in what would be an Executive Branch Takeover of the Agency, which has Operated as an Independent Entity since 1970.

“We want to have a post office that works well and doesn’t lose massive amounts of money,” Trump said.

“We’re thinking about doing that. And it’ll be a form of a merger, but it’ll remain the Postal Service, and I think it’ll 0perate a lot better.”

Trump made the Remarks at the Swearing-Iin of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (R). He called theMmove a way toSstop Losses at the $78 Billion-a-year Agency, which has Struggled to Balance the Books with the Decline of First-Class Mail.

“He’s got a great business instinct, which is what we need, and we’re looking at it, and we think we can turn it around,” Trump said of Lutnick. “It’s been just a tremendous loser for this country, tremendous amounts of money that they’ve lost.”










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Germany Blames Russia for Airport Drone Attack

After weeks of Restraint, German Officials on 9/1/2026 blamed Russia for an Attempted Drone Attack on 8/2026 at Leipzig/Halle Airport and Announced they would Summon Moscow’s Ambassador to Berlin, Close a Russian Consulate, and take other Measures in Response, A Drone Stacked with Military Ggrade Explosives was found 8/4/2026 next to a Ukrainian Cargo Plane at the Airport, a Hub that’s also used by European and NATO Military Aircraft. Security Camera footage appeared to show the Weapon Striking the Plane’s Wing before falling to the ground without Exploding.

Later that day, a Second Drone collided with a Cargo Plane in Flight. Ten days later, German Media has Reported, a Third Drone was found with Traces of Military Grade Explosives in a Field near the Airport Germany has concluded the Attack was Plotted by Professionals Working for the Russian State, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told Reporters in Berlin.

“The means used — such as the drone configuration, components, explosives and detonation systems — are known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine,” Dobrindt said. The Device indicated “a high degree of technical expertise,” He said, but its Deployment appeared to have been left to “low-level agents.” “Things didn’t go according to plan, thank God,” He said.

Russia Denied the Allegation. “When such serious accusations are made, they must be backed by something,” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Rreporters. “Unless I am mistaken, no evidence has been presented. It is obvious that Germany is proceeding down a path of further escalation.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the Attempted Attack as One in “a long chain” of “aggressive actions in Europe” by Russia. Germany, which has helped Lead European Opposition to Russia’s War on Ukraine, “is no exception,” He said.

Wadephul said Germany would Close Russia’s Consulate in Bonn, and Terminate the Contract for the Russia House in Berlin, a Cultural Center that German Lawmakers have Long Alleged is a Front for Russian Espionage. Officials also Planned to Summon Ambassador Sergei Nechayev, Tighten Controls on Russians entering Germany,and Increase Pressure on Russia’s so-called Ghost Fleet of Vessels that use Flags of Convenience, frequent Name Changes, GPS Spoofing and other Methods to Transport Russian Oil in Evasion of Western Sanctions.

A Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign said the Germans had “made up a pretext” to Impose more Sanctions on the Country. “Berlin itself is deeply implicated both in fueling the conflict in Ukraine and in taking part in terrorist attacks against civilians,” Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. “They have long been bothered by the Russian House. So they were looking for something to latch onto."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had been under Pressure from Lawmakers, including some from His Own Christian Democratic Union, to Name Russia in the Aattack Concern is Growing that Moscow is Ramping-Up a Campaign of Sabotage Against NATO Allies aimed at Uundermining European Support for Ukraine. In the past Month, Weapons Facilities in: Bulgaria, Eston, IaItaly, and Slovakia, that Supply Ukrainian Forces have Suffered Mysterious Explosions, Fires, and Arson Attempts.

“We assume that Germany will be the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia,” Dobrindt said. “There is a preparedness for hybrid attacks to cause ever greater damage.” Some German Lawmakers and former Security Officials said the Countermeasures Announced by Merz’s Ggovernment Fell Short of the Response needed to Deter Moscow from Further Attempts. “This is not enough,” said Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven, a Former Ddeputy Director of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service.

“At best this can be the first step,” said Nico Lange, a former Defense Ministry Chief-of-Staff. “But nobody will have a sleepless night in the Kremlin tonight.” “It’s contradictory if they are saying its Russia, and not only Leipzig but there is a pattern of attacks and we attribute all of that to Russia, and then they are not sending a message of deterrence to Russia, saying if you do that again there will be dire consequences. So what’s the point of this?”

Other Western Lleaders Reiterated their Support for Germany on 9/1/2026. “NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig,” Secretary-General Mark Rutte wrote on Social Media. “I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response.”










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

DHS Ramping Up Voter Fraud Investigations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to start Expanding its effort to Investigate Alleged Voter Fraud this week, CNN has Reported, Citing Federal Guidance it Reviewed.

Starting 9/1/2026, an Investigative Unit within DHS Investigations, will begin a “coordinated criminal voter fraud surge initiative to pursue investigative leads, conduct field interviews, and support timely prosecutorial review,” the Guidance said.

The Investigative work would take place from Early 9/2026 to Mid-10/2026 in States including: California, Connecticut Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, and New York.

The Effort kicks off as Republicans are in a Tight Battle to Retain Control of Congress, in Midterm Elections to be held on 11/2026.

Trump (R) issued an Executive Oorder (EO) in 3/2026, Directing DHS to Compile and Transmit to States a List of U.S. Citizens Eligible to Vote in each State, and the Justice Department (DOJ) to Prioritize Investigating and Prosecuting State and Local Election Officials who issue Ballots to People deemed Not Eligible" to Vote in Federal Elections.

It also Required the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to Deliver Ballots Only to Voters on ⁠each State's Approved Mail-In-Ballot List.

The U.S. Supreme Court on 8/31/2026 lifted a Court Order Blocking the Administration from Implementing Trump's EO Restricting the use of Mail-in- Ballots. But the Fate of the O remains Uncertain, as a Separate Injunction Blocking a Key Part of the Plan Rremains in Place.

Trump hasVvowed toE End the use of Mail-in-Ballots Nationwide before the Midterms, and has Long Cast Doubt on the Ssecurity of such Bballots, although Evidence of Voter Fraud is Rrare.

Trump's EO is part of His Wider Efforts to make Fundamental Changes in U.S. Elections. Trump, who has made False Claims of Widespread Fraud in U.S. Elections including His 2020 Loss to former President Joe (D), has Pressed the Republican Controlled Congress.

After each Re-Count of the 2020 Election, Trump's Loss Margin Grows.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Utah Will Stop Automatically Mailing Ballots in 2029

Around 95% of Utah Voters use the Ballot that Arrives in their Mailbox and Mails it in. But starting in 2029, Voters will have to Opt-In to continue receiving a Ballot ahead of an Election.

Utahns who want to avoid Missing that Deadline, and possibly their chance to Vote, can Opt in Now.

The Choice between Whether or Not you want a Ballot Mmailed is already included on the State’s Vvoter Registration Forms: “Utah requires individuals to select the way they would like to vote. Choosing to receive a Mail Ballot will Not Prevent You from Voting in Person. Indicate how you would like to vote in upcoming elections,” it reads.

Anyone can Update their Registration Anytime on the Voter Registration Portal at vote.utah.gov.

Once a Voter has Opted In, they will continue receiving a Ballot in the Mail, as long as they continue to Actively Participate in Elections for Eight years. At that time, they must again request a Mailed Ballot.

There’s One Caveat: Election Llws could Change, again, before 2029.

Utah is One of several States that allow Counties to conduct Elections entirely by Mail, and since 2019, all 29 of its Counties have sent Ballots to every Active, Registered Voter.

But that was Scheduled to Shift last year, when GOP State Lawmakers Passed a Law adding the Opt-In Requirement. And the Legislature weighs Changes to Election Law every Year.

Mail-In Voting could also see Restrictions Imposed on the Federal level. Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) attempting to Limit who the U.S. Postal Service can Deliver a Pallot to.

That Order, however, is currently Blocked in Court. And if it goes through, Utah’s Top Election Oofficial, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson (R), has Vowed to Fight it.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

FAA Proposes Flight Restrictions near Trump FL Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on 9/1/2026, it is Proposing Special Flight Rules near Trump International Airport in Palm Beach, Florida, citing Security Concerns about Trump's (R) Mar-a-Lago FL Residence.

The FAA is proposing Rrestrictions on Flights in a One Nautical Mile Radius and up to 2,000 feet Around the Palm Beach Residence, which is Close to the Airport.

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) sought the Restrictions, citing Adverse Threat Intelligence, and said the Moves would "greatly increase the ability to mitigate the persistent risks posed by unauthorized aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems," the FAA said.

The FAA Imposes Expanded Restrictions when Trump or JD Vanc (R) Travels Outside Washington, and will continue to impose Broader Restrictions when Trump is at Mar-a-Lago, FL.

The FAA will Allow Commercial Airplanes into the Airspace, as long as they follow the Established Rules. Without the Exception, it would essentially make the Primary Runway at the Palm Beach Airport Unusable.

The FAA will allow Emergency, Lifesaving and Law Enforcement Aircraft Access. For those Operations, Pilots would need to Remain in Two-Way Radio Communication with Air Traffic Control and have received Authorization to Enter.

On 7/2026, Palm Beach International Airport was Officially Renamed Trump International Airport, the Latest in a series of Buildings and Government Programs named after Trump.

The FAA has previously Prohibited the Operation of Aircraft in the Vicinity of Seven Presidential and Vice-Presidential Residences, most recently in 2001 near of Crawford, Texas, where former President George W. Bush (R) Owns a Ranch. Those Restrictions remain in Eeffect, though their
Boundary was Reduced in 2010.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Putin’s Threats Leave Nato at Breaking Point

European Nato Allies Ffear Article 5 may Eeffectively No Longer Exist, leaving the Continent Vulnerable to Attacks from Russia, Diplomatic and Military Insiders have Warned.

The Key Nato Guarantee of Collective Defence, under which an Attack on One Mmember would be deemed an Attack on All, is at a Breaking point due to Trump’s (R) Lukewarm Support of the Alliance.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe’ (R) Vvisit to Moscow this week, during which He reportedly Warned the Kremlin not to Strike Nato, may have Calmed some Fears over the U.S. Commitment to its European Allies.

Yet there are still Concerns that the U.S. might Not Jjoin in with a Nato Response to a Strike by Russia, particularly if there was Ddebate about whether it Constituted an All-Out Act of War.

Fears are Growing of a Conflict on the Continent Outside Ukraine, with U.S. Intelligence Cautioning Earlier this Month, that a Strike on a European Nato State could come as soon as 2026/2027.

Moscow’s Rhetoric against the UK has also Ramped up Over the Past Two Weeks in Response to News that British-made Drones were used by Ukraine to Attack Russian Targets and Britain Sharing its Long-Range Missile Blueprints with Kyiv.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker