Top 5 Political Stories of the Week: Voting Rights Act, Earthquake in Afghanistan, and More

Strategic Insights -

The last week has been marked by significant developments in the world of politics, from the Supreme Court's consideration of changing the Voting Rights Act to the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. In Chicago, the Trump Administration's plans to send ICE agents to crack down on illegal immigration have sparked concerns among local leaders. Meanwhile, a growing number of women are running for governor, with a record 40 candidates filing to run before the 2026 cycle. A federal judge has also barred the Trump Administration from using the military for police functions, citing the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state of Louisiana has petitioned the Supreme Court to change the Voting Rights Act, which could significantly alter the partisan makeup of Congress.
  • A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 800 people and injuring or displacing over 2,500.
  • The Trump Administration plans to send ICE agents to Chicago to crack down on illegal immigration, a move that has sparked concerns among local leaders.
  • A record 40 women have filed to run for governor in the 2026 cycle, with some states potentially seeing their first female governor.
  • A federal judge has barred the Trump Administration from using the military for police functions, citing the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.

Statistics:

  • 800: The number of people reported dead in the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.
  • 2,500: The number of people reported injured or missing in the earthquake.
  • 6.0: The magnitude of the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan.
  • 40: The number of women who have filed to run for governor in the 2026 cycle.
  • 54%: The percentage of Americans who believe that women have to prove themselves more than men, according to a 2023 poll.
  • September 12th: The date set for the federal judge's ruling on the Trump Administration's use of the military for police functions to take effect.

Sources:

  • Associated Press: "Louisiana Capitol in Baton Rouge, La. (Photo by: AP Photo/Stephen Smith)" and "Civil defense workers, locals and army soldiers prepare to evacuate injured victims of the earthquake. (Photo by: AP Photo/Hedayat Shah)" and "The Chicago city skyline. (Photo by: AP Photo/Erin Hooley)"
  • The Hill: "Republican candidate for Governor of New Hampshire Kelly Ayotte. (Photo by: REUTERS/Brian Snyder) (Photo by: REUTERS)"
  • Politico: "A member of the National Guard stands outside a federal building in Los Angeles. (Photo by: AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) (Photo by: AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)"