Primaries, Kyiv Attacks, and an AI Funding Rush: 5 Key Updates to Start Your Day.

Six states are holding primary elections today, including California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota. Among the most closely watched races are California’s open governor’s contest and a fiercely competitive battle for the Los Angeles mayor’s office. The outcomes could offer early signals on voter sentiment ahead of the general election.

In energy news, gas prices have dropped to a one month low, averaging $4.29 per gallon, according to AAA. While this offers some relief from the recent peak of $4.56 on May 21, analysts warn the downturn may be temporary. The decline is largely tied to falling oil prices driven by speculation over a potential US-Iran deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed for 94 days.

Russia launched a large scale, deadly attack on Kyiv today as part of a broader offensive across Ukraine. Ukrainian military officials report that more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles, including advanced hypersonic weapons, were used in the assault, killing at least 17 people. The barrage marks one of the most intense strikes on the capital in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has signaled to Republican congressional leaders that it may drop a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. However, the plan’s permanence remains uncertain. Several senators have told CNN they are unwilling to move forward with funding for ICE and Border Patrol until the fund is definitively scrapped rather than merely delayed.

On Wall Street, a wave of AI-related initial public offerings is generating excitement, with Anthropic, OpenAI, and SpaceX all reportedly moving toward going public. The artificial intelligence boom is also lifting companies tied to the massive data centers required to power the technology. In a related development, Florida has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company’s products are unsafe for children.