Evening Update: Today’s headlines from The Straits Times on July 26, 2026

• Former President Trump issued an executive order aimed at altering mail-in ballot procedures and voter verification ahead of midterm elections. • Key measures include the federal government creating citizenship lists for states, the Justice Department prioritizing investigations into ineligible voting, and the Postal Service implementing tracking barcodes on ballot envelopes.

• The Supreme Court ruled on Monday to allow the Trump administration to proceed with portions of a plan aimed at restricting mail-in voting. • The dispute involves an executive order designed to increase the federal government's authority in determining which voters are eligible to receive specific ballots by mail.

• Democratic-controlled states have filed a lawsuit to block an executive order from President Donald Trump that seeks to limit mail-in voting for the upcoming midterm elections. • The legal challenge follows Trump's long-standing efforts to restrict mail voting, which he falsely claims contributed to his 2020 election loss.

• The Supreme Court has removed a legal roadblock, facilitating efforts by the Trump administration to implement stricter restrictions on mail-in voting. • Judge Holmes warned that requiring new ballot packet designs is unrealistic, as county election offices already have materials printed and ready for the general election.

• The "judicialization" of American electoral strategy is shifting the focus of political campaigns away from policy debates and toward strategic legal battles, known as "lawfare." • Published by Treasure Coast Newspapers on August 26, 2026, the report highlights how legal maneuvers are increasingly used as primary tools for achieving electoral goals.

• The Takaichi Administration is facing a fiscal squeeze as Japan recorded a 364 billion yen trade deficit for the month, equivalent to roughly 7% of the annual defense budget. • Trade data shows oil imports from the United States now comprise 36% of Japan's total volume, while Chinese tourism remains down over 50% for the eighth straight month.

• A recent Supreme Court ruling regarding mail-in ballots has created significant uncertainty for voters in California and San Diego, where mail-in voting is the primary method. • Despite the legal ambiguity, a political science professor indicates that the ruling is unlikely to result in actual changes to the procedures for the upcoming midterm elections.

• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his intention for Canada to become a European protectorate, asserting that he views the nation as part of Europe. • This strategic shift comes as trade conflicts between Canada and the United States continue to deepen, leaving Canada seeking new stability.

• The Supreme Court lifted a federal judge's injunction on Monday, allowing key provisions of President Donald Trump’s mail-in voting order to proceed during the appeals process. • The ruling specifically permits the creation of eligible citizenship lists and governs the distribution of ballots via the USPS, overturning a previous block based on "speculation" regarding the 2026 midterms.

• UK Prime Minister Burnham will join a delegation of world leaders to lobby US President Trump to increase the supply of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. • The diplomatic push follows urgent pleas from President Zelenskyy to bolster Ukraine's air defenses against ongoing Russian attacks.

• The Supreme Court granted President Donald Trump a preliminary victory by lifting several legal hurdles to his plan to limit mail-in voting eligibility. • Despite this ruling, the president's proposal remains currently blocked by a lower-court order, meaning the rules have not yet changed.

• U.S. Senator Darline Graham won the Republican primary runoff on Tuesday to secure the GOP nomination for her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in South Carolina. • The victory ensures Graham will appear on the general election ballot to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.