Major midterm primary results are setting the stage for November, with a progressive victory in a major Democratic race in Michigan and key contests settling in Kansas, Missouri and Washington.
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U.S.-Iran negotiations remain on shaky ground after another cargo ship was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, while Rep. Max Miller of Ohio faces a House ethics investigation over domestic abuse allegations.
Authorities have arrested an arson suspect in the devastating Spokane-area wildfires, and scientists are watching the aftermath of a SpaceX rocket’s likely crash into the Moon.
Here are five stories worth following:
Quote Driving the News:
“If there’s any minimum standard for being a public official, as I said, he fails to meet that minimum, basic standard,” Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno said of the allegations against his former son-in-law, Republican Rep. Max Miller.
El-Sayed Edges Stevens in Michigan Primary
What we’re watching: Progressive public health official Abdul El-Sayed eked out a victory in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary over Haley Stevens, while Missouri Rep. Wesley Bell fended off a primary challenge, Kansas Democrats nominated Adam Hamilton for U.S. Senate, and several competitive House races took shape in Washington state.
Why it matters: The results begin to define key battleground matchups for November as both parties look for signs of momentum, with recent polling showing Trump’s approval ratings under pressure in several competitive states that could determine control of Congress.
Iran and Oman Advance Talks to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
What we’re watching: Iran and Oman are making progress on a potential agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations focused on creating a safe shipping route through the key energy corridor even as disputes remain over Iran’s role in controlling traffic and the terms of any deal.
Why it matters: A reopening of the strait could ease pressure on global oil markets and reduce the risk of a wider Middle East conflict, but the talks remain fragile after weeks of fighting, a recent cargo ship strike and disagreements over whether Iran or international authorities would control passage through one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
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SpaceX Rocket Believed to Have Crashed Into the Moon
What we’re watching: A discarded piece of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is believed to have crashed into the moon early Wednesday morning at roughly 5,400 mph. Scientists expected the impact to create a crater about 90 feet wide and a plume of lunar debris.
Why it matters: The accidental collision offers a rare scientific opportunity to study lunar impacts while highlighting the growing challenge of managing space debris. “It doesn’t present any danger to anyone, though it does highlight a certain carelessness about how leftover space hardware (space junk) is disposed of,” astronomer Bill Gray told Reuters.
House Ethics Panel Opens Probe Into Rep. Max Miller
What we’re watching: The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Ohio Rep. Max Miller over allegations of domestic abuse and illegal drug use raised by his ex-wife Emily Moreno, who is the daughter of Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio.
Why it matters: The allegations around Miller, a former aide to President Donald Trump, are politically damaging for Republicans as they fight to hold their narrow House majority, with Miller facing pressure from fellow Republicans – including from his former father-in-law – to drop out of the race.
Arson Arrest Made as Spokane Wildfire Disaster Deepens
What we’re watching: Authorities charged 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire – one of three wildfires raging near Spokane, Washington – after a sheriff’s deputy detained him near the fire’s origin with waterproof matches and a butane lighter over the weekend.
Why it matters: The arrest provides investigators with a suspect in Spokane’s devastating wildfires, which have now destroyed more than 700 structures, forced 67,000 evacuations and left 14 people unaccounted for. Authorities are warning that hotter temperatures and stronger winds could worsen a wildfire crisis that has already become the nation’s top firefighting priority.
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