Michigan Primaries Highlighted in Key Senate Race for Democrats

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Key Developments Across the Nation

Voters in five states, including Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, and Washington, head to the polls today for primary elections. Michigan has drawn significant attention due to the open Senate seat, which is crucial for Democrats aiming to retake control of the chamber. Voters in Michigan will decide between two Democratic contenders, who will later face Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers in November. Discover more about the five states’ primaries.

• 🎧 NPR’s Sam Gringlas has been in touch with about 50 voters over the past two weeks, gaining insights into the heated Senate race. Gringlas describes the contest as a microcosm of broader Democratic Party debates: establishment versus insurgent, further-left versus more moderate, and more. Congresswoman Haley Stevens, known for her appeal in suburban districts, is up against Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official. Stevens focuses on her bipartisan appeal and support for local manufacturing, while El-Sayed advocates for Medicare for All and the removal of corporate money from politics.
• ➡️ Across the Midwest, Democratic elections in states like Wisconsin and Minnesota are pivotal in evaluating the viability of progressive candidates in competitive regions. Learn more about these races.
• ➡️ This year, there are 36 gubernatorial races. Check out what’s happening in these contests.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is poised to advance with the confirmation of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche following Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis reversing their opposition. This shift came after Blanche confirmed in writing that the Department of Justice’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” would be rescinded. This fund, part of a settlement from a lawsuit filed by Trump against the IRS, had stirred controversy due to its potential to compensate Trump’s allies and those involved in the Jan. 6 riots. Blanche also confirmed that a tax immunity deal would apply retroactively only to Trump, his sons, and the Trump organization. With the fund out of the picture, Cornyn and Tillis stated they “look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon.”

• 🎧 NPR’s Ryan Lucas notes that legal experts argue the documents Blanche released lack legal binding and fail to deliver the assurances they claim. Experts and department veterans also highlight a list of other concerns that Congress should consider regarding Blanche’s leadership, including his management of the Epstein files.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Department has apprehended 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on allegations of first-degree arson linked to one of the most devastating fires in the area. Firefighters in Spokane, Wash., are combating three significant wildfires — Old Trails Fire, Autumn Lane Fire, and Fairview Fire — which have forced around 65,000 people to evacuate since last weekend. These fires have scorched over 7,000 acres and destroyed about 600 homes. View photos from the region to see the devastation.

• 🎧 Residents who have evacuated may not return home for several days as erratic winds continue to threaten neighborhoods, NPR’s Kirk Siegler reports. With tears, 54-year-old Charlie Patrick tells Siegler she is uncertain if her home still stands. The Spokane fires began in the wildlands but advanced into neighborhoods due to strong winds, where structures further fueled their spread. The region’s increased wildfire risks have been a long-standing concern for local fire officials.

After an extensive investigation, the bipartisan House Ethics Committee released a 20-page report advising that Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) be censured for his “ongoing unprofessional and inappropriate behavior towards two young female staffers.” The report found no evidence of the congressman engaging in sexual activity with his staffers, although his lawyers argued the staffers did not express their discomfort to Edwards.

Visual Journey

Far out in the Pacific Ocean are tiny islands that few have seen. These pristine epicenters of biodiversity are teeming with life, from thriving coral reefs to sharks and seabird colonies. The Trump administration is now opening some of these waters — much of which are safeguarded as U.S. marine national monuments and sanctuaries — to commercial fishing. Hawaii’s fishing fleet supports the move. People in the industry say they’re facing increasing competition and rising diesel costs, and that opening the Pacific Marine Monument waters could give them more opportunities. But many Native Hawaiian cultural groups oppose this decision, viewing the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as sacred. Conservationists also warn that, amid climate change, these marine areas require the highest level of protection to sustain their vibrant ecosystems.

📷 This area, far out in the Pacific Ocean, rarely gets visitors … but NPR journalists went and documented the wildlife there. See the images from their visit now on the NPR app.

Listen In

Seven-year-old Khalib Townsend, a first-grader passionate about nature, dreams of becoming a conservation scientist. NPR facilitated a meeting between Khalib and Keith Russell, a conservation scientist at the Audubon Discovery Center in Philadelphia. This spring, the two embarked on a bird walk along the center’s nature trail, where Khalib interviewed Russell about his career, with NPR documenting their interaction. Listen to their conversation and discover how the interview unfolded.

Quick Updates Before You Go

1. Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract to remain the coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Soccer announced.
2. Two people in Michigan have died from the cyclosporiasis outbreak that began in May, according to Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services.
3. The federal government has dropped charges against three people accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Prosecutors attributed the damage to a “botched installation” carried out by a contractor chosen by Trump.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.