U.S. envoys push for peace in Ukraine, Congress averts a shutdown, and the Supreme Court hands the White House a construction victory.

1. 1
   Foreign Policy

   U.S. Envoys Push Peace Talks in Moscow and Kyiv

   U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Kyiv following a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The diplomatic visits are part of the Trump administration's renewed effort to broker a peace settlement in the Russia-Ukraine war.

2. 2
   Congress

   House Passes Continuing Resolution to Avert Shutdown

   The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through December 11, 2026. The bipartisan 370-48 vote prevents a looming government shutdown at the end of September while Congress works on long-term appropriations.

3. 3
   Supreme Court

   SCOTUS Allows White House Construction to Proceed

   The Supreme Court has ruled 5-4 to allow President Trump to continue controversial construction of a new White House ballroom and secure bunker. The conservative majority dismissed a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ruling the plaintiffs lacked legal standing.

4. 4
   2026 Midterms

   Judge Extends Block on Mail-in Voting Restrictions

   A federal judge has extended a block on President Trump's executive order aimed at restricting mail-in voting. The ruling comes as the first wave of mail ballots for the 2026 midterm elections are sent out to voters in key swing states.

5. 5
   Voting Rights

   Appeals Court Halts SAVE Database Voter Purges

   A federal appeals court has rejected the Trump administration's attempt to use the SAVE database for mass voter purges ahead of the midterm elections. The ruling upheld a lower court's decision that blocked the government's expansion of the verification system.

6. 6
   Homeland Security

   DHS Criticizes Release of MS-13 Member

   The Department of Homeland Security issued a sharp rebuke after a California federal judge released an MS-13 gang member wanted for murder in El Salvador from ICE custody. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that the release puts American lives at risk.