ONE BIG HEADLINE

Alaska's Unprecedented Election 

More than four dozen candidates—including former Gov. Sarah Palin (R) and a North Pole councilman named Santa Claus—are vying for a single US House seat in Alaska's special primary election. It's the first all-mail election in the state's history, with ballot submissions due today. 

The top four of the 48 total candidates will advance to the state's special general election in August, as contenders compete to serve the remainder of Republican Rep. Don Young's (At-large) term through January. Young died in March after serving 49 years in Congress.

In a new ranked-choice voting system adopted in 2020 (see 101), Alaskan voters can pick and rank four of their preferences from a single mail-in ballot that lists all the candidates, regardless of party affiliation. In contrast, most states follow a partisan primary, where each party has the chance to choose a nominee for the general election.

Analysts see Palin, businessman Nick Begich, and fisherman-physician Al Gross as top contenders. See all candidates here. 

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QUICK HITS

In partnership with OLIPOP

CELEBRITIES ARE DRINKING THIS UP

What does Patrick Mahomes do off the football field? Or Gwyneth Paltrow and Mindy Kaling off the screen? Or the Jonas Brothers, Logic, and Camila Cabello off the stage? They drink a lot of OLIPOP. So much so, they’re just a few of the star-studded cast of investors in the startup changing the way we drink soda.

With beloved flavors like Vintage Cola and Classic Root Beer, every sip of OLIPOP will leave you stunned that healthy soda is possible without sacrificing taste. To compare: a can of Coca-Cola has 39g of sugar, but OLIPOP Vintage Cola has 2g. Plus, OLIPOP has 9g of fiber to support your digestive health so it’s a soda you can enjoy all the time—and you don’t have to stop yourself from enjoying it all the time.

Today, OLIPOP is announcing the limited-edition launch of their new diabolical Banana Cream soda, in partnership with "Minions: The Rise of Gru." Melding sweet vanilla and creamy banana, it's best described as a delicious banana cream pie in a can—but it’s only available for the month of June. Try this new flavor while it lasts, or any of OLIPOP's other fan favorites for 20% off + free shipping with code 1440MEDIA.

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HUMANKIND

Ukrainian teen refugee with Down syndrome meets wrestler John Cena. (More)

Meet the world's oldest person to sail solo nonstop across the Pacific. (More) 

A pediatric nurse brings joy to hospital children with singing and music. (More) 

Class of kindergartners releases rescued baby turtles into the wild. (More)

Animal shelters use creativity to name pets and help them find homes. (More)

A 50-year-old mom gives birth after becoming a surrogate for her daughter. (More)

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HUMANKIND(NESS)

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Stan M. in Bothell, Washington.

"I was at a grocery store buying a sports drink so I could ask for cash back to tip our dog's groomer. After paying for the drink, I was told that cash back only worked for debit cards (I used a credit card) ... I thought about buying another item, when the kind lady behind overheard my conversation with the checker. She asked how much I needed for the tip ($20), and offered me a $20 bill! I profusely thanked her, and she said, 'just pass the favor along, next time.'"

Read another story of kindness here.

What act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us.

ETCETERA 

Historybook: Jeannette Rankin, first woman elected to US Congress, born (1880); Football coach Vince Lombardi born (1913); Reality competition series "American Idol" debuts (2002); RIP actress and civil rights activist Ruby Dee (2014).

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