Wednesday's 9 Things To Know- Sept. 2, 2026 - KMBC

• The Pentagon has removed documents from the Secretary of Defense Orders Book (SDOB) from an internal web portal on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network. • The SDOB contains critical data on the location and availability of U.S. warships, weapons systems, and military units, while allowing top generals to voice disagreements with President Donald Trump and Hegseth.

• Iran has launched attacks on its Gulf neighbors in retaliation for U.S. military strikes, ending a monthlong lull in hostilities. • The escalation follows a U.S. strike that Iranian officials claim hit a wedding party, resulting in at least five deaths and 68 injuries.

• The U.S. Supreme Court currently lacks a formal law or standard policy governing how justices' personal case records are preserved, sealed, or released. • Justices argue that keeping these exchanges private is essential for judicial independence, allowing them to debate ideas and evolve their positions without public scrutiny.

• The U.S. Postal Service is rapidly developing a complex screening system for mail-in ballots following an executive order from President Trump. • Two dozen states and various voting organizations are challenging the order, arguing that it illegally restricts voting rights.

• In August 2026, the Supreme Court focused on internal reviews of its docket and addressing various unsettled legal matters. • Key rulings included a decision on the eligibility requirements for appointing Civil Judges (Junior Division).

• The Swedish institute V-Dem has ranked India 106th out of 179 nations on its 2025 Electoral Democracy Index and 105th on the Liberal Democracy Index. • The institute has categorized India as an "electoral autocracy," citing a slow but systematic dismantling of democratic institutions since 2009.

• India will face Hong Kong this Thursday in their second match of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai. • Despite being seven-time champions across ODI and T20 formats, India experienced a batting collapse during the second half of their opening match against Thailand.

• Chevron has confirmed it will expand its operations in Venezuela, aligning with President Donald Trump's strategic plan to develop the nation's vast oil reserves. • The announcement comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, including Mark Carney pushing back against a new series of attacks originating from Washington.

• The AARP Bulletin interviewed Democratic and Republican candidates across 12 high-profile races for governor and the U.S. Senate to gauge their stances on issues affecting older voters. • The initiative aims to provide transparency and direct insights into candidate platforms as voters prepare for the general election on November 3.

• A whistleblower has alleged that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) repeatedly and secretly violated multiple court orders to support President Trump’s efforts to restrict mail-in voting. • The report claims the USPS disregarded judicial mandates while the Department of Justice sought legal relief from the Supreme Court.

• Democratic incumbents Senator Ed Markey and Representative Stephen Lynch secured election victories in Massachusetts, successfully defeating younger challengers. • In other political developments, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries outlined his legislative agenda while Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a constitutional amendment to maintain the Supreme Court at nine justices.