Supreme Court to Review Absentee Ballot Grace Periods
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case regarding the legality of grace periods for absentee ballots, which currently allow voters in 14 states to submit their mail-in ballots up to several weeks after Election Day on November 3. A ruling against these grace periods could affect not only the 14 states but also the 29 states that provide extra time for some mail voters, including military and overseas ballots. Stuart Holmes, director of elections for Washington, noted that 127,000 ballots were received after Election Day in 2024, suggesting significant voter disenfranchisement if these grace periods are eliminated.
Trump Administration Sues Harvard Over Antisemitism Claims
The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University in Massachusetts, alleging the institution failed to address antisemitism and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The lawsuit seeks to recover approximately $2 billion in federal funding and claims that Harvard allowed anti-Israel protests to occur without consequence, creating a hostile environment for affected students. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the university risks losing federal funds if it continues to permit discrimination.
US Defense Department designates Palantir's Maven AI system
The US Defense Department has designated Palantir Technologies Inc.'s Maven AI system as a 'program of record,' facilitating its integration into military operations, according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. This designation aims to streamline Maven's adoption across all branches of the military and ensure stable, long-term funding, with oversight shifting to the Pentagon’s Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Office. The decision is expected to take effect by the end of the current fiscal year in September.
