What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries and Buss family drama over Lakers share: Morning Rundown

Morning RundownWhat to watch in Tuesday’s primaries and Buss family drama over Lakers share: Morning RundownPlus, Hayden Panettiere’s lifelong career in Hollywood that was marred by struggles with stardom, depression and substance abuse.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00ShareAdd to GoogleAug. 18, 2026, 7:10 AM EDTBy Elizabeth Robinson and Josh FeldmanPrimary races in Florida test GOP redistricting efforts while two men with the same name face off in an Alaska Senate race. Hayden Panettiere’s death follows a lifelong career marked with struggles. And family drama delivers a new twist in the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. Here’s what to know today.The Dan Sullivan saga, redistricting and more in today’s primariesMary Peltola; Dan SullivanGetty Images fileVoters will head to the polls today to decide crucial primary races in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming, including one that features dueling names on one state’s ballots.This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.In Alaska, you may remember the news of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan facing a primary challenger also named Dan Sullivan. The latter Sullivan’s run sparked a legal battle over his placement on the ballot, but his name was ultimately allowed to remain. The incumbent Sullivan’s most notable opponent is former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. Alaska’s all-party primary system means the top four vote-getters will advance to the general election. Florida’s primaries come months after the Republican-led state Legislature passed a new congressional map in hopes of netting the party up to four more seats from the state. That means some Democratic representatives are in newly vulnerable districts and could face tough odds in the general election. Then, there’s the race to succeed term-limited Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is backed by Trump and wealthy Republican donors, is the top contender. Trump’s endorsement, including for s...