Welcome to the daily briefing. Here’s what you need to know this morning.
nicole farato here. Join us in our Summer Book Challenge! From hot prep days around the country to hits from the “Knicks in Four,” we’ve got the news for you Tuesday.
Can Democrats hold on to Jared Golden’s pro-Trump House seat in Maine?
Democrats face a high-stakes choice in Tuesday’s competitive primary for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. The candidate will seek to retain the seat of U.S. Rep. Jared Golden in a district that voted for President Donald Trump three times.
Other primaries today: In addition to Maine, Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota are also scheduled to hold local elections today, including House, Senate and gubernatorial races, among other states. Here are some key upcoming races, including Trump’s disdain for Rep. Nancy Mace in the Republican primary for South Carolina governor and Democrat Graham Platner’s special election for Maine’s U.S. Senate.
Hot election: Above-normal temperatures are expected across the lower 48 states this week.
More news you need to know right now
- USA TODAY exclusive interview with JD Vance: The vice president did not rule out the possibility of escalating military combat with Iran before the war ends if no agreement is reached after months of negotiations.
- More New World screwworm infections have been confirmed: Federal officials say the threat to the U.S. food supply remains low, but 75 people are reported to be actively working in the field and hundreds more in the lab to contain the outbreak threatening U.S. livestock.
- Are you packing for the summer Euros? The EU’s new fingerprint and face scan immigration process has led to reports of long wait times and connection failures.
NBA Finals 2026
Spurs dominate Knicks
The NBA Finals was suddenly wide open. The San Antonio Spurs held off the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York, avoiding an almost irreversible 3-0 series lead. New Yorkers all over the city were glued to the game, and President Trump (who was booed loudly) and many celebrities were also in attendance.
Pride Month 2026
A strange affirmation that encouraged cancer patients
Alix Schulman and his wife, Lisa, wanted a home with a nice backyard. Little did they know that the worst would come from elsewhere. Shulman, 49, was diagnosed with stage 3 IIB triple-negative breast cancer several years ago. She has survived 16 rounds of chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy, and has now been cancer-free for four years. Is it an integral part of her care? Her support system, from health care providers to loved ones, affirms her queer identity and acknowledges her spouse.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
