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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump tightens grip on Republican Party with Massie defeat

Trump tightens grip on Republican Party with Massie defeat

May 20, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

President Trump has strengthened his influence over the Republican Party by supporting candidates who oppose his critics within the party. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky congressman who often disagreed with Trump, lost his primary race to a Trump-backed opponent, Ed Gallrein. Similar defeats for other Republicans opposing Trump suggest his strong control over the party.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Massie, a Kentucky congressman, lost his Republican primary to Ed Gallrein, a Trump-backed candidate.
  • Massie opposed some of President Trump's policies, including military actions and budget plans.
  • Massie pushed to release Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Ed Gallrein did little campaigning but won largely due to Trump's endorsement and financial support.
  • Multiple Republican politicians opposing Trump have lost recent primary elections.
  • Senator Bill Cassidy and several Indiana state legislators also lost to Trump-backed rivals.
  • President Trump recently endorsed Ken Paxton over Senator John Cornyn, signaling preference for stronger loyalty.
  • Trump's endorsements have surprised some Republican senators and shown his strong influence in party politics.
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BBC US BBC Top Stories BBC World
List Of Donald Trump’s Endorsed Candidates Who Won Elections

List Of Donald Trump’s Endorsed Candidates Who Won Elections

May 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump celebrated a series of wins for his endorsed Republican candidates in the May 19, 2026 primary elections across four states. These results show Trump's strong influence in shaping the Republican Party’s candidate choices ahead of the 2026 midterms, although some races remain unsettled or uncontested.

Key Facts

  • Trump posted updates on his platform, Truth Social, showing his candidates’ victories in Kentucky, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Alabama primaries.
  • Most of Trump-backed candidates won in safe Republican districts by receiving a majority of votes.
  • Some important races, including Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District Republican primary, are still unresolved or heading to runoffs.
  • Trump’s endorsements provide a big boost in low-turnout or crowded primary races.
  • The results do not yet show how these candidates will perform in the general elections in November.
  • Trump uses endorsements to gain influence within the Republican Party and promote preferred candidates.
  • Some candidates advanced without strong challenges, rather than winning outright.
  • The highlighted winners include candidates for House seats and statewide offices like Kentucky’s Senate race and Georgia’s governor race.
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Newsweek
Georgia mayor who fired town’s entire police force resigns, citing family ‘health concerns’

Georgia mayor who fired town’s entire police force resigns, citing family ‘health concerns’

May 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The mayor of Cohutta, Georgia, Ron Shinnick, resigned shortly after he fired the entire town police department. The town council later reversed the firing and reinstated the police, while Shinnick cited family health concerns as the reason for his resignation.

Key Facts

  • Ron Shinnick was mayor of Cohutta, a small town of about 930 people in Georgia, since 2014.
  • On May 6, Shinnick fired the police chief and all 10 officers in the town.
  • The police department closure was announced on a town sign, directing people to call the county for help.
  • Shinnick said he fired the police because of social media comments and issues involving his wife, Pam Shinnick, who was previously the town clerk.
  • Pam Shinnick had been accused of creating a hostile work environment and improperly keeping access to sensitive data after being fired.
  • The town council met on May 8 and voted to bring back the police department.
  • The town attorney said Shinnick did not follow proper procedures in firing the police.
  • Ron Shinnick resigned on May 15, citing family health concerns and said he wanted to support a smooth leadership transition.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Rubio offers "new relationship" to Cuban people

Rubio offers "new relationship" to Cuban people

May 20, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Cuban people directly, blaming Cuba’s communist leadership for their hardships and promising a new relationship under President Trump focused on helping ordinary Cubans. The U.S. Justice Department will indict Raúl Castro for ordering attacks on U.S.-based planes, and the Trump administration is continuing sanctions targeting Cuba’s military-run economy.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio spoke directly to Cubans in Spanish on Cuban Independence Day.
  • Rubio blamed Cuba’s problems on the communist leaders controlling the economy through GAESA, a military conglomerate.
  • GAESA controls about 70% of Cuba’s economy, including hotels, banks, and stores.
  • The U.S. Justice Department will indict Raúl Castro for ordering attacks on Miami-based rescue planes in 1996.
  • Rubio said President Trump offers $100 million in food and medicine to Cubans, to be given through trusted charities, not the government.
  • Cuba’s government blames U.S. sanctions and the loss of aid from Venezuela for the island’s economic troubles.
  • Cuba’s economy is struggling with food and fuel shortages and limited electricity.
  • The U.S. accuses Cuba of hosting foreign military and intelligence officials and buying drones from Russia and China.
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Axios
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution

Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution

May 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Some people are choosing cheaper health plans that do not meet the Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards because ACA plan costs have risen a lot. These alternative plans often have lower monthly payments but come with limits like less coverage and fewer consumer protections.

Key Facts

  • Melanie Miller stopped buying ACA plans after her monthly premium jumped to $914, choosing cheaper alternatives that cost $341 a month.
  • Alternative plans may not cover essential health benefits and can set caps on how much they pay annually or over a lifetime.
  • Unlike ACA marketplace plans, these alternatives can deny claims with little legal rights for customers to appeal.
  • Some states encourage the use of alternative plans, while others try to discourage them.
  • These plans include short-term policies, fixed-indemnity plans, and faith-based healthcare sharing ministries.
  • Marketplace enrollment dropped about 20% from 2025, with some people moving to non-ACA compliant plans.
  • Marketing for alternative plans has increased since subsidies expired, with some sharing plans seeing rapid membership growth.
  • Experts warn that people using these plans as their main insurance might face big medical bills because coverage is limited.
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CBS News
I Had Multiple Miscarriages—Now Put Them On My Résumé

I Had Multiple Miscarriages—Now Put Them On My Résumé

May 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A university professor shared her experience of having multiple miscarriages while continuing her academic work. She included her miscarriages on her résumé to explain gaps in her productivity caused by emotional and physical challenges that workplaces often do not acknowledge.

Key Facts

  • The author is a professor at University College London.
  • She experienced recurrent pregnancy loss while maintaining her teaching and research duties.
  • Miscarriages caused physical and emotional difficulties, affecting her ability to work at her usual level.
  • She noticed a gap in her publication record during this time.
  • Workplaces often lack support systems for people who experience pregnancy loss.
  • Including miscarriages on her résumé helps others understand the drop in her productivity.
  • The author believes workplace policies should better support employees who cannot perform their duties due to health issues.
  • Sharing her story has opened conversations about caregiving and support in the workplace, including with male colleagues.
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Newsweek
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Trump Can't Escape Mitch McConnell in Kentucky

Trump Can't Escape Mitch McConnell in Kentucky

May 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump endorsed Andy Barr in Kentucky’s Republican Senate primary, and Barr won the race. Both top candidates had close ties to Senator Mitch McConnell, showing McConnell’s continuing influence in Kentucky politics despite his retirement.

Key Facts

  • President Trump backed Andy Barr for the Republican Senate nomination in Kentucky.
  • Andy Barr won the primary election.
  • Both Barr and his main opponent, Daniel Cameron, worked closely with Senator Mitch McConnell in the past.
  • The only candidate openly opposing McConnell dropped out before the primary after Trump offered him a government job.
  • Mitch McConnell is retiring after more than 40 years in the Senate.
  • McConnell has helped bring over $65 billion in federal funds to Kentucky.
  • Neither Barr nor Cameron criticized McConnell during the campaign; both praised his legacy.
  • McConnell remains a powerful figure in Kentucky and national Republican politics despite some disagreements with President Trump.
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Newsweek
San Diego mosque shooting: Who were the victims?

San Diego mosque shooting: Who were the victims?

May 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Two men were killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where two teenage attackers opened fire before dying by apparent self-inflicted wounds. The victims, including a security guard who tried to stop the attack, are being honored by the mosque community as heroes, and police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Key Facts

  • Two teenage attackers opened fire at the San Diego mosque and then died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
  • The mosque's security guard, Amin Abdullah, was killed while trying to stop the attackers and is credited with saving lives.
  • Mansour Kaziha, 78, a longtime mosque employee originally from Syria, died after calling the police during the attack.
  • Nader Awad, 57, was a daily mosque attendee who ran into the mosque to help and also died.
  • The attackers were being sought by police after one attacker’s mother reported her son missing and concerned about his mental state.
  • The mosque imam and community members described the victims as pillars of the community and called them heroes.
  • Police are treating the attack as a hate crime.
  • Amin Abdullah was a father of eight and described by family as loving and dedicated to protecting the mosque.
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Al Jazeera
Who is Maureen Galindo? Democrat Calls For Prison For ‘American Zionists’

Who is Maureen Galindo? Democrat Calls For Prison For ‘American Zionists’

May 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Maureen Galindo, a Texas Democratic candidate, said she would turn an ICE detention center into a prison for American Zionists if elected to Congress. Her statements have been widely criticized as antisemitic, including by fellow Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Galindo has received death threats following her comments.

Key Facts

  • Maureen Galindo leads the Democratic primary for Texas' 35th Congressional District and is facing a runoff election against Johnny Garcia.
  • She wrote on Instagram that she would make Zionism illegal and turn the Karnes ICE detention center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers.
  • Galindo also said the center would be used to punish pedophiles, whom she linked to Zionists.
  • New York Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned Galindo’s remarks as antisemitic and told people to vote for her opponent.
  • Galindo insisted she does not want to imprison Jews but targets Zionists who support certain land claims and actions she views as harmful.
  • After the Instagram post and media coverage, Galindo received death threats and blamed inflammatory reporting for some of the backlash.
  • Some Democrats claim that Republican-linked super PACs fund extreme candidates like Galindo to weaken Democrats in general elections.
  • This situation is ongoing, and more updates are expected.
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Newsweek
Albanese’s department among those blocking 80% of FoI requests, scathing report finds

Albanese’s department among those blocking 80% of FoI requests, scathing report finds

May 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A government audit found that nearly 80% of freedom of information (FoI) requests to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s department and other key departments in Australia were denied or delayed. The report said these departments lacked proper procedures and records, leading to poor transparency and slow replies to public requests for information.

Key Facts

  • Almost 80% of FoI requests to Albanese’s department, Treasury, and the infrastructure department were rejected fully or partly.
  • Over 43,000 FoI requests were made to the Albanese government in 2024-25.
  • 57% of FoI requests led to no documents being given out.
  • Many departments had incomplete disclosure logs and failed to meet the legal 30-day response deadline, with 63% of requests delayed.
  • 62% of decisions reviewed by the Australian Information Commissioner were changed or overturned, showing officials often withheld information improperly.
  • There was a 25% rise in FoI applications across the government last financial year.
  • The FoI system suffers from poor record-keeping, resistance to disclosure, and slow responses, as stated by the auditor and transparency experts.
  • Labor dropped plans to change FoI laws, which would have added fees and reduced transparency after facing criticism.
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Guardian World
Lax rules and rise in for-profit childcare allow predators to abuse children, NSW inquiry finds

Lax rules and rise in for-profit childcare allow predators to abuse children, NSW inquiry finds

May 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A New South Wales (NSW) government inquiry found that weak rules and the growth of for-profit childcare centers have allowed people who harm children to work in the childcare sector. The report said private equity-backed childcare providers are not suitable for the industry, and the state regulator failed to handle repeated problems effectively.

Key Facts

  • The inquiry focused on early childhood education and care services in NSW.
  • It found that many for-profit childcare providers failed safety and quality standards but kept operating.
  • Private equity groups own some childcare services, which the report says should not be part of this sector.
  • The regulator did not act properly against centers with poor safety records and bad reviews.
  • Childcare workers accused of abuse often continue working if there is no criminal conviction.
  • The inquiry recommended fewer for-profit providers and more government, community, or not-for-profit services.
  • There are plans for a national register for childcare workers and trials for CCTV and staff rules.
  • Developers and lease arrangements are influencing childcare service locations, sometimes limiting options for families.
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Guardian World
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie charted his own way, until toppled by Trump

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie charted his own way, until toppled by Trump

May 20, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie lost his Republican primary election after President Donald Trump strongly opposed him. Massie was known for voting independently and often disagreeing with Trump and his party, but Trump's support helped Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, win the nomination.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Massie was a Republican congressman from Kentucky who often voted against his party and President Trump’s views.
  • Massie lost his primary election to Ed Gallrein on May 19, 2026.
  • President Trump actively campaigned against Massie and endorsed Gallrein.
  • Massie opposed Trump’s tax cuts due to concerns over increasing the national deficit.
  • He also opposed military actions in Iran and Venezuela and voted against U.S. foreign aid, including aid to Israel.
  • Massie worked with a Democrat to try to make the Justice Department release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Massie’s loss follows other recent defeats of Republicans who opposed or crossed President Trump.
  • Massie hinted he might run for office again in the future during his concession speech.
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AP News
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South Carolina House backs congressional map favoring GOP but bill faces a more skeptical Senate

South Carolina House backs congressional map favoring GOP but bill faces a more skeptical Senate

May 20, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The South Carolina House approved a new map for U.S. congressional districts that favors Republicans, aiming to help them win more seats in the November elections. The plan, supported by President Donald Trump, now moves to the state Senate, where some Republicans are more cautious about its impact.

Key Facts

  • The South Carolina House passed a redistricting plan that benefits Republican candidates.
  • The map targets the state’s only Democratic-held U.S. House district to give Republicans an advantage.
  • President Donald Trump encouraged South Carolina to redraw districts before the November midterms.
  • Four Republicans voted against the bill after a long 14-hour session.
  • The bill must still pass the South Carolina Senate, which has some doubts about the plan.
  • The new plan would delay South Carolina’s U.S. House primaries from June to August and add at least $3 million in election costs.
  • Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose district is being changed, plans to run for re-election despite the new map.
  • Democrats opposed the changes, citing concerns about their impact, but Republicans rejected their amendments.
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AP News
Children in mental health crisis waiting up to three days in A&E for specialist bed in England

Children in mental health crisis waiting up to three days in A&E for specialist bed in England

May 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Children and young people in England facing mental health crises are often waiting up to three days in hospital emergency rooms before getting a bed in a specialist unit. NHS data shows these delays have increased, with many children experiencing distress and some needing sedation while waiting for care.

Key Facts

  • Children under 18 in mental health crisis sometimes wait up to three days in A&E (accident & emergency) departments before transfer to specialist units.
  • The number of children waiting more than 12 hours for mental health admission has more than tripled from 237 in 2019 to 802 in 2025.
  • Some NHS trusts in London and Cumbria reported waiting times of three days or more for mental health beds.
  • Staff sometimes have to use medication to sedate children who become very distressed while waiting.
  • The Royal College of Nursing called these delays a "catastrophic system-wide failure" of NHS mental health services for children.
  • Nearly 500,000 children in England have sought emergency mental health help since 2019.
  • Experts warn that mental health problems in young people are becoming more severe, with increased rates of self-harm and eating disorders.
  • NHS England says it is expanding mental health services and providing 24/7 support through phone and school teams to reduce A&E visits.
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Guardian World
Jones, Jackson move to Republican primary run-off in Georgia governor race

Jones, Jackson move to Republican primary run-off in Georgia governor race

May 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Burt Jones and Rick Jackson will compete in a June 16 run-off in Georgia’s Republican primary for governor after neither won outright. The winner will try to replace Governor Brian Kemp, who cannot run again due to term limits.

Key Facts

  • Burt Jones is Georgia’s current lieutenant governor.
  • Rick Jackson is a healthcare billionaire running for governor.
  • Neither candidate received enough votes to win the Republican nomination on Tuesday.
  • President Donald Trump endorsed Burt Jones last year.
  • The winner of the run-off will face a Democratic nominee in November’s gubernatorial election.
  • Democrats are selecting candidates to try to win the governor’s office for the first time since 1998.
  • More than $125 million has been spent on advertising in the Republican primary, with most spent by Jackson’s campaign.
  • Democratic candidate Jasmine Clark won her party’s nomination for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District and plans to focus on science policy in Congress.
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Al Jazeera
Ga. primary: Collins and Dooley in runoff to face Democratic Sen. Ossoff

Ga. primary: Collins and Dooley in runoff to face Democratic Sen. Ossoff

May 20, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

In Georgia's 2026 primary elections, Mike Collins and Derek Dooley will compete in a runoff to become the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. The winner will face Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. In the governor’s race, Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, supported by President Donald Trump, and businessman Rick Jackson will go to a runoff, while former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is projected to be the Democratic nominee.

Key Facts

  • Mike Collins and Derek Dooley advanced to a runoff for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Georgia.
  • The winner will run against incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
  • President Donald Trump did not endorse any candidate in the Senate primary.
  • In the Republican governor’s primary, Burt Jones (Trump-backed) and Rick Jackson are heading to a runoff on June 16, 2026.
  • The Georgia governor’s primary had over $100 million spent on campaign ads, making it one of the most expensive in history.
  • Jones is the current lieutenant governor and a known Trump supporter.
  • Rick Jackson spent more than $80 million of his own money on the campaign.
  • Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is expected to win the Democratic nomination for governor without a runoff.
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ABC News
TV presenter says abusive ex gave her no access to her own money

TV presenter says abusive ex gave her no access to her own money

May 20, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

TV presenter Ruth Dodsworth said her ex-husband controlled her by not letting her access her own money and making her ask him for cash. Her ex-husband, Jonathan Wignall, was jailed in 2021 for controlling and stalking behavior.

Key Facts

  • Ruth Dodsworth has presented the weather on ITV Wales since 2000.
  • Her ex-husband Jonathan Wignall was jailed in 2021 for coercive and controlling behavior and stalking.
  • Wignall stopped Dodsworth from accessing her bank account and gave her only small amounts of cash.
  • Dodsworth said she had to ask for money even for small things like lunch.
  • Wignall also monitored her work activities and tried to control her phone use.
  • Dodsworth said she became fearful, stressed, and isolated during the relationship.
  • Her children warned her not to come home the night before Wignall’s arrest in 2019.
  • Dodsworth was awarded an OBE in December 2025 for services to abuse survivors.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Moped riding in shop is not a surprise on 'forgotten estate'

Moped riding in shop is not a surprise on 'forgotten estate'

May 20, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

On the Willows estate in Grimsby, residents report frequent anti-social behavior, including youths riding mopeds through shops and vandalism. Many community members believe the lack of youth facilities contributes to the problem, and there is a low rate of reporting incidents to the police.

Key Facts

  • A man was seen riding a moped inside a Co-op store on the Willows estate during the day.
  • Residents have reported motorbike thefts and youth vandalism in the area.
  • The estate has damaged property, such as broken windows and a burnt-out car.
  • Many residents feel unsafe and have experienced anti-social behavior like mud being thrown at windows.
  • A 2025 survey showed 58% of residents who experienced anti-social behavior did not report it.
  • Police records show only one anti-social behavior incident logged on the Willows between 2023 and 2026.
  • Local leaders recognize the problem and plan to address the lack of reporting and attention.
  • Residents say youth clubs, swimming pool, theatre, and library have closed, reducing community resources for young people.
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BBC Top Stories
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Abusive nursery worker's deportation 'horrendous'

Abusive nursery worker's deportation 'horrendous'

May 20, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A nursery worker in west London, Roksana Lecka, was jailed for abusing 21 babies but was deported to Poland after serving less than 15% of her sentence under an early release program. Parents of the abused children say the early release and deportation decision undermines the justice system and fear she may harm children again since she faces no further punishment in Poland.

Key Facts

  • Roksana Lecka abused 21 babies at two nurseries in London between October 2023 and June 2024.
  • She was sentenced to eight years in prison in September 2024 but released after 14 months due to an Early Release Scheme.
  • Lecka was deported to Poland and is banned from returning to the UK for life.
  • Parents say the early release and deportation feel unfair and hurt their sense of justice.
  • The Early Release Scheme was introduced in 2024 due to overcrowding in prisons.
  • Officials warned Polish authorities about Lecka’s convictions, but she may not face further legal action there.
  • Some victims still suffer trauma from the abuse, including ongoing emotional effects.
  • Families had little notice before Lecka’s deportation, adding to their distress.
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BBC Top Stories
'Adenomyosis may be invisible, its impact is not'

'Adenomyosis may be invisible, its impact is not'

May 20, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Adenomyosis is a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows into the muscle wall, causing heavy, painful, and irregular periods. Many women with adenomyosis feel their pain is often ignored, and experts say more education and research are needed to improve diagnosis and awareness.

Key Facts

  • Adenomyosis affects at least 1 in 10 women.
  • The condition causes symptoms like heavy bleeding and intense pain in the uterus and surrounding areas.
  • Adenomyosis differs from endometriosis; in adenomyosis, tissue grows inside the womb muscle, while in endometriosis, it grows outside the womb.
  • Diagnosis is difficult because traditional methods like scans often miss it, and hysterectomy was once the only sure way to diagnose.
  • Women with adenomyosis report feelings of dismissal from healthcare providers.
  • Experts call for better education about menstrual health from a young age to reduce stigma and improve understanding.
  • Workplace stigma affects women with adenomyosis, making it hard to discuss or accommodate their health issues.
  • Research is ongoing to find better ways to diagnose and treat adenomyosis.
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BBC Top Stories
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