Primary elections in five states, a breakthrough for the Attorney General nominee, and more from the U.S. political trail.

1. 1
   2026 Midterms

   Five States Hold Crucial Primary Elections

   Primary elections are underway today in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, and Washington [1.1.2]. These contests will set the stage for key gubernatorial, Senate, and House races this November.

2. 2
   Justice Department

   Todd Blanche Nomination Advances After GOP Senators Drop Opposition

   The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote on Todd Blanche's nomination for U.S. Attorney General. Republican holdouts John Cornyn and Thom Tillis dropped their opposition following an agreement over the Justice Department's anti-weaponization fund.

3. 3
   Voting Rights

   Democratic Senators Push Back on DOJ Election Monitors

   Senators Alex Padilla and Mark Warner are pressing the Justice Department over its deployment of election monitors to 15 jurisdictions. The Democratic lawmakers warned that the monitors are disproportionately targeting areas in states led by Democrats.

4. 4
   Foreign Policy

   Trump Calls Iran Talks 'Last Chance' Amid Strait of Hormuz Deal

   President Trump warned that ongoing talks with Iran are a final opportunity, calling the nation's leadership duplicitous. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing an agreement to manage and reopen shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

5. 5
   Senate Race

   Ossoff Slams Collins Over Ties to White Nationalist Social Media Posts

   Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff is demanding an apology from Republican challenger Mike Collins over social media posts by Collins's son-in-law. The posts reportedly promoted antisemitism and white nationalism, prompting intense scrutiny in the Senate race.

6. 6
   Foreign Affairs

   Rep. Michael McCaul Honored by Taiwanese President

   Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Representative Michael McCaul. The honor recognizes the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus for his contributions to U.S.-Taiwan relations.