NPR Politics Lunchbox: Concerns In Cleveland, 'Funny-Looking People'

Politico reports: A "backdrop of uncertainty and anxiety" is mounting in Cleveland just three weeks from the convention, Kyle Cheney writes. Hate groups have planned to be at the convention and the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit last week about RNC protest boundaries they say are too restrictive. Despite this and other concerns, local authorities are defending their preparations and organizers are insisting their demonstrations will be calm, although there are worries about outside agitators infiltrating the protests.

The Hill reports: Priorities USA, the main superPAC backing Hillary Clinton, has accepted $200,000 in donations from a company that is banned from making political contributions because of their current government contracts. It also found similar violations in donations to other superPACs including Right to Rise, the superPAC that was created to support Jeb Bush.

ABC reports: In his first prediction of the general election, Nate Silver says Hillary Clinton has a 79 percent chance of winning the presidency in November. Talking to ABC's George Stephanopoulos, Silver said their analysis found Clinton ahead in "almost every poll, every swing state, every national poll," noting that the only other candidate in history to forfeit such a large lead was Michael Dukakis in 1988.

NPR reports: During an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, Obama said there are parallels between the U.S. Election and the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union. He added that both Brexit and Trump's campaign tap into "xenophobia" and a fear of "funny-looking people." The rise of immigrants and a stagnated economy were two major concerns among voters in the Brexit referendum. However, Obama said he was confident the U.S. election would turn out differently.

Member Station KSTX reports: Texas politicians reacted swiftly to the Supreme Court's 5-3 ruling that a 2013 Texas law restricting abortion procedures placed an "undue burden" on women seeking care. As abortion rights activists celebrated, abortion rights opponents and lawmakers swore to fight on during the 2017 legislative session. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted: My statement #SCOTUS decision. We will redouble our efforts to protect innocent life & mothers' health. #ProLife.

Politico reports: Two transgender candidates have won Democratic congressional primaries, a first in American history. The two also share a first name: Misty. In Utah, Misty Snow (pictured) will be challenging Sen. Mike Lee this fall. In Colorado, Misty Plowright will be contesting Rep. Doug Lamborn for his seat. Both now face uphill battles in heavily Republican districts.