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Top Headlines of the Day
California’s election system faces scrutiny as the U.S. Justice Department charges 28 green card holders with election-related offenses. Accusations include illegal voter registration and participation in elections, intensifying ongoing tensions between the federal government and California. This move coincides with the Justice Department’s urgent plea to halt the processing of ballots concerning individuals listed as “likely noncitizens” by the federal authorities. Despite California’s request for further information, clarity from the federal side remains elusive. This follows a recent lawsuit by the DOJ against California and Los Angeles County for not probing alleged noncitizen voting.
People vote in Norwalk, Calif., during early voting in California’s primary election on June 1, 2026. The Department of Justice has charged 28 green card holders in the state for allegedly illegally registering to vote or voting in U.S. elections, in an escalation of a feud with California officials over the state’s voting system.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
- 🎧 DOJ seeks to isolate and investigate ballots of those on its list, postponing their count. Legal analysts question the DOJ’s chances of success, given prior failed attempts to modify state voting procedures. Miles Parks reports that changes so close to elections, with ballots already distributed, are unlikely. Research indicates that misunderstandings often lead legal permanent residents to register to vote. Concerns arise over federal actions potentially leading to ballot confiscation during counting, but local officials are prepared with legal support on standby.
Both major political parties are strategizing as Election Day nears, with President Trump focusing on key battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, Kansas, Iowa, and Florida.
- 🎧 Questions arise over Trump’s campaign focus in Kansas and North Carolina, as NPR’s Stephen Fowler notes. Kansas has a longstanding Republican majority in the Senate, and many GOP groups have halted ad spending in North Carolina, viewing it as a lost opportunity. Current efforts are concentrated on preserving the Senate majority over the House, while Democrats seize potential in traditionally Republican regions. In Georgia, early voting shows a notable increase in Black voter turnout, according to Fowler.
- ➡️ The NPR App centralizes election coverage — offering comprehensive access to national stories and local issues. Discover the latest updates through the 2026 Election tab.
TikTok faces internal criticism over child safety, with employees expressing concerns about the app’s potential risks to minors. Newly disclosed court documents reveal employee dissatisfaction regarding management’s handling of issues like sexual exploitation and exposure to harmful content. Filings from March 2026 provide insights into TikTok’s child safety measures since its rise in 2018. Staff reports detail minors interacting with inappropriate content, which profits the company. They also point out loopholes allowing users under 18 to evade restrictions, with TikTok avoiding age surveys to prevent sharing results with the FTC.
Life Advice
The U.S. sees the onset of cold and flu season this month, lasting until May, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cooler and drier conditions can make individuals more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Experts recommend assembling a cold-and-flu preparation kit to stay ahead. Here’s what you should have at home.
- 🤒 Over-the-counter medications can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid potential risks or side effects. Ibuprofen or naproxen can alleviate headaches, body aches, and sore throats, while acetaminophen helps lower fevers.
- 🤒 Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe sore throats, making it ideal for young children who can’t take cough medicine. However, it should not be given to children under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.
- 🤒 A thermometer is essential for monitoring temperatures. For young children, a rectal thermometer is recommended.
- 🤒 Nasal saline sprays or rinses can help maintain moist mucous membranes and relieve symptoms by loosening mucus during a cold.
For more guidance on stocking your medicine cabinet for cold and flu season, tune into this episode of NPR’s Life Kit. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships, and more.
Picture Show
American Girl dolls of all eras on display at the store, September 24, 2026, New York, New York.
Lanna Apisukh for NPR
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Lanna Apisukh for NPR
Since its inception in 1986 with three dolls — Samantha, Molly, and Kirsten — Pleasant Company’s American Girl brand has become an iconic part of toy history. To mark its 40th anniversary, a new adult-targeted historical fiction book, Samantha: The Next Chapter, was penned by author Fiona Davis. The story revisits Samantha Parkington, now 25, following her previous adventure at a suffragist rally. Set in 1920, the book explores Samantha’s transition from a socialite to a shopgirl after her grandmother’s wealth is stolen. NPR’s Samantha Balaban visited the American Girl store in New York to delve into the character’s development over the years, drawing insights from the staff and Davis. More details and photographs of this visit are available, along with an exploration of the American Girl dolls’ history.
Things to Know Before You Go
For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause.
BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
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BSIP/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its menopause treatment guidelines for the first time since 2014, recommending hormone replacement therapy alongside other treatments to manage symptoms.
- For many couples, wedding days rank among the most expensive occasions. Some couples are cutting costs by choosing grocery-store cakes over those from specialty bakers.
- Vegemite, a staple in Australian breakfasts, has become the center of a legal battle as a convicted killer sues the state of Victoria for the right to consume it in prison. The ban stems from concerns over its potential use in brewing alcohol, which could interfere with drug-sniffing dogs.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
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