WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump pledged on Monday to issue an executive order to end the use of mail-in ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, a move likely to disproportionately favor his Republican Party.

The conservative network Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of defaming a voting equipment company by spreading lies about President Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss.

Affected voters who don’t update their registration by the next election will have to cast a provisional ballot, which can be thrown out if identifying information is not eventually provided.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday said he was open to holding an election in his country, if the war with Russia comes to an end and it was safe to do so.

ATLANTA — As the 2026 election looms, Georgia Republicans seeking higher office met Tuesday to begin exploring plans to eliminate the state’s personal income tax.

The conservative network Newsmax will pay $67 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of defaming a voting equipment company by spreading lies about President Trump’s 2020 election loss, according to documents filed Monday.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who is running for mayor in the November election, officially secured Mayor Mike Duggan's endorsement.

Two other centers focusing on cybersecurity and chemical, biological and nuclear threats would also be reduced, and the National Intelligence University would be eliminated.