On Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, primary elections are underway in five U.S. states, featuring key contests that may indicate the future trajectory of the major political parties before the November midterm elections. Among these, Michigan hosts the most expensive Democratic Senate primary race in the state's history.

In addition to the primaries, other notable events reported include the reopening of Palisades Village Mall following destructive wildfires and the celebration of Panda Bao Li's 5th birthday at the Smithsonian National Zoo. A mechanical issue led to a plane landing on a Florida interstate, and two deaths have been linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan.

Legal developments include Bryan Kohberger obtaining a new attorney amid a bid to withdraw his plea, with the Goncalves family speaking out on this matter. Meanwhile, Jeanine Pirro faces an uncertain future following a reflecting pool case.

NBC’s Shaquille Brewster reports on these developments, with political analysis provided by Steve Kornacki on TODAY.

Sources