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Up First from NPR

Midterm Mail-In Voting Starts, IRS Targets DEI In Schools, ICE Officer Charged

September 4, 2026·13m

The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow new Postal Service requirements for mail ballots just as midterm voting begins, despite warnings from election officials that the plan could disrupt voting. The I.R.S. is proposing to revoke the tax-exempt status of private schools and universities with programs designed to benefit students based on race, potentially affecting thousands of institutions. An ICE officer is facing federal charges for allegedly lying about a shooting in Minneapolis after video evidence contradicted his account, in a rare prosecution of a federal immigration officer under the Trump administration. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one.