The top political stories for Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

1. 1
   White House

   President Declares National Emergency Over Power Grid Security

   President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to secure the U.S. bulk-power system. The measure aims to protect against foreign cyber threats by banning certain foreign-produced electrical equipment. The Department of Energy will oversee the new operational guidelines.

2. 2
   Election Integrity

   24 States Sue Postal Service Over Mail Ballot Restrictions

   Colorado has joined 23 other states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against the United States Postal Service. The coalition is fighting new rules that limit who can receive a mail ballot for the 2026 midterms. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold criticized the move as an unlawful attempt to control elections.

3. 3
   Senate Race

   Darline Graham Wins GOP Senate Runoff in South Carolina

   Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has secured the Republican nomination for her brother's former Senate seat in South Carolina. She defeated Congressman Ralph Norman in Tuesday's runoff election. Graham is now favored to win the general election against Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

4. 4
   Foreign Policy

   CIA Director John Ratcliffe Makes Secretive Visit to Moscow

   CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently completed an unannounced trip to Moscow, sparking questions about U.S. and Russia relations. The Kremlin confirmed the visit but stated Ratcliffe did not meet with Vladimir Putin. Russian officials indicated it is too early to tell if the high-level intelligence meeting would ease bilateral tensions.

5. 5
   Military Operations

   U.S. Military Strikes Cartel Vessel in Caribbean

   The U.S. Southern Command carried out a lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, killing four alleged cartel members. The operation marks the 68th reported strike in an ongoing military campaign against drug smugglers in the region. Military officials vow to continue hunting and disrupting cartel networks.

6. 6
   Congress

   Lawmakers Push Back on Saudi Nuclear Deal

   Senator Ed Markey and other lawmakers are urging Congress to block a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. The administration recently sent the deal to Congress for review, raising concerns it lacks stringent nonproliferation safeguards. Critics warn the agreement could spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.