States Advance 2026 Legislation on E-Verify, Tax Deductions for Tips and Overtime

• The Supreme Court has shifted significant political power away from Congress and minority groups toward the presidency and the judiciary. • In the April 29 case *Louisiana v. Callais*, the court effectively dismantled key protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

• President Trump is seeking to involve Congress following a series of mixed rulings from the Supreme Court. • Key judicial decisions include the removal of campaign spending limits for political parties and the affirmation that children born in the U.S. are citizens.

• The Supreme Court concluded its latest term with a series of rulings that reportedly sideline Congress and shift authority toward the judiciary and the presidency. • According to Axios, this trend transfers decision-making power regarding public health, employment, voting, and financial matters away from the legislative branch.

• India and Japan have unveiled an ambitious roadmap to deepen maritime and defense cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region. • Key initiatives include increasing the frequency of naval exercises, collaborating on defense technology, and scheduling an early India-Japan 2+2 ministerial dialogue.

• Imran Khan's PTI party has announced a boycott of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) Assembly elections scheduled for July 27. • The decision follows ongoing JAAC-led protests and a prolonged sit-in in Rawalakot, where demonstrators are rejecting Islamabad's control.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met during the Japanese leader's visit to India to condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations. • The two nations signed a key Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing global cooperation.

• European leaders have rallied around Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Donald Trump questioned Italy's reliability as an ally and criticized Meloni's attempts to gain his attention. • The incident highlights a growing trend where Trump's divisive rhetoric is inadvertently strengthening unity and cooperation among European nations.

• Iran has threatened a "forceful response" against maritime vessels that deviate from approved routes in the Strait of Hormuz. • This escalation occurs as indirect talks between the US and Iran in Doha concluded with mediators reporting "positive progress."

• The European Union is set to reallocate reform funding within the Western Balkans to prioritize "frontrunner" nations. • Financial support will be redirected toward Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, as these countries are meeting reform deadlines more effectively than their neighbors.

• Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party (EPP), stated in an interview with Euronews that EU climate policies must be "reasonable from a business perspective" to avoid destroying European industry. • These comments come as a severe heatwave across Europe has caused approximately 1,300 deaths, intensifying the debate over the bloc's environmental strategies.

• European justice authorities have launched a probe into France's far-right National Rally party regarding the alleged embezzlement of European Union funds. • As part of the investigation, a series of searches were conducted targeting the group, which includes former European Parliament member Jordan Bardella.

• Spain advanced to the World Cup round of 16 following a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria on July 1, featuring two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal. • Legal repercussions from the 2025 trial and conviction of Dominique Pelicot have triggered a wave of similar criminal cases across Europe, including Germany and the Netherlands.