The Supreme Court looks poised to ban late mail ballots ahead of the midterms

Here is the rewritten article:

The US is facing a tumultuous period ahead of the midterm elections, with the Supreme Court considering a ban on late mail ballots, potentially impacting voters in 13 states and the District of Columbia. Meanwhile, major airlines are experiencing a stock surge despite travel chaos caused by TSA staff shortages, extreme weather, and the deployment of ICE agents to airports.

What Happened

The Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in a case from Mississippi that could affect the counting of late-arriving mail ballots in 13 states and the District of Columbia. The court's conservative majority sounded skeptical of state laws that allow the counting of late ballots, a persistent target of President Donald Trump's attack on mail balloting.

In a separate development, major airlines such as Delta, American, and United saw their stock prices soar despite the chaos at US airports. The surge comes in the wake of President Trump's deployment of ICE agents to supplement the Transportation Security Administration during the government shutdown.

Why It Matters

The potential ban on late mail ballots could have significant implications for the midterm elections, particularly in states with tight margins. Meanwhile, the airline stock surge defies the current travel chaos, which has been caused by a combination of factors including TSA staff shortages, extreme weather, and the deployment of ICE agents.

What Experts Say

"The court challenge is part of Trump's broader attack on most mail balloting, which he has said breeds fraud despite strong evidence to the contrary and years of experience in numerous states," said a legal expert.

Key Numbers

• 13 states and the District of Columbia could be impacted by the potential ban on late mail ballots
• 15 states have more forgiving deadlines for ballots from military and overseas voters
• 4%: The surge in American Airlines stock
• 5%: The surge in United Airlines stock

Background

The US is currently experiencing a partial government shutdown, which has caused long lines at security checkpoints across the country. The deployment of ICE agents to airports has sparked an outcry from the public and multiple advocacy groups.

What Comes Next

As the Supreme Court considers the ban on late mail ballots, the US is also facing a global energy shock due to the Iran oil crisis. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a record-breaking 400 million barrels of oil to temper rising prices, but IEA executive director Fatih Birol has warned that world leaders are underestimating the severity of the crisis.

Key Facts

• What: Deployed ICE agents to airports, attacked mail balloting
• Where: US airports, Supreme Court
• Impact: Potential ban on late mail ballots, airline stock surge

Quotes

"The court challenge is part of Trump's broader attack on most mail balloting, which he has said breeds fraud despite strong evidence to the contrary and years of experience in numerous states." — Legal expert

What to Watch

The outcome of the Supreme Court case, the impact of the Iran oil crisis on global energy prices, and the continued chaos at US airports will be closely watched in the coming weeks.