US News

Voters in six states head to polls with Kentucky’s Massie facing Trump’s fury – US politics live

May 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Voters in six states, including Kentucky, voted in primaries that could shape the 2024 midterm elections. In Kentucky, Congressman Thomas Massie faces a tough primary challenge from Ed Gallrein, who is supported by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Key Facts

Primaries took place in six states: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Idaho.
In Kentucky, Trump criticized Congressman Thomas Massie and endorsed Ed Gallrein against him.
Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary, broke tradition by publicly supporting Gallrein as a private citizen.
Massie has opposed Trump on several issues, including tax cuts and military oversight.
Kentucky Republicans are also choosing a candidate to replace retiring Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell.
Democratic candidates Charles Booker and Amy McGrath are competing again for Senate nominations in Kentucky.
A deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego is under investigation as a hate crime.
President Trump announced an expansion of his TrumpRx.gov website to offer more affordable generic drugs.
Trump’s administration created a $1.776 billion fund to support allies he says were wrongfully targeted by the government.

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Guardian World Guardian US

Pete Hegseth Praised for 'Solid' Donald Trump Impression

May 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an impression of President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Kentucky. The impression was praised by many pro-Trump supporters online but received mixed reactions from others.

Key Facts

Pete Hegseth gave a brief impression of President Trump’s unique speaking style at a rally supporting GOP candidate Ed Gallrein.
The impression included mimicking Trump’s rhythm and voice while recalling a phone call where Trump offered him the defense secretary position in 2024.
The crowd at the rally laughed and applauded the impression, and clips of it were shared widely on social media.
Many pro-Trump supporters described the impression as accurate and entertaining.
Some people outside Trump supporter groups questioned whether it was appropriate for a senior official to do this during a political event.
Hegseth has gained public attention before, including for reciting a prayer similar to a movie monologue at a Pentagon service and being parodied on Saturday Night Live.
The event shows Hegseth’s close support of President Trump and his role in the current administration.

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Newsweek

San Diego police treating mosque shooting as hate crime

May 19, 2026 • France24

Summary

Two teenage boys shot and killed three people at a mosque in San Diego, then died by suicide a few blocks away. Police are investigating the shooting as a hate crime due to evidence the shooters expressed hateful beliefs, although no specific threats were made against the mosque.

Key Facts

The shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California.
Three people were killed in the mosque during the attack.
The two teenage shooters killed themselves shortly after leaving the mosque.
Police are treating the case as a hate crime.
Authorities found that the shooters used general hate speech.
No direct threats were made against the mosque before the shooting.
The incident occurred on or around May 18, 2026.
Emergency services responded quickly and police guarded the scene.

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France24

What to know about today's primaries in Georgia, Kentucky and more

May 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Voters are participating in primary elections in several U.S. states, including important ones like Georgia and Kentucky. In Kentucky, GOP Rep. Thomas Massie faces a strong challenge from Ed Gallrein, who is supported by President Trump and other Republican groups.

Key Facts

Kentucky’s 4th District has a high-stakes primary between incumbent Thomas Massie and challenger Ed Gallrein.
Massie has opposed some of President Trump’s priorities, leading Trump to back Gallrein strongly.
Outside groups, including pro-Israel organizations and GOP donors, are funding Gallrein’s campaign.
Massie claims he votes with President Trump 90% of the time but resists on key issues like war and surveillance.
President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have actively supported Gallrein.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has not endorsed either candidate but favors a more reliable GOP vote in Congress.
In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp cannot run again due to term limits, opening the race for a new governor.
These primaries are taking place amid shifts in party control in key states between Democrats and Republicans.

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CBS News

Louisiana payout cannot erase pain of Ronald Greene death by police – lawyer

May 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Louisiana authorities have agreed to pay $4.85 million to the family of Ronald Greene, a Black man who died during a police arrest in 2019. The settlement aims to resolve a wrongful death lawsuit after videos showed officers using excessive force against Greene, contradicting earlier police accounts.

Key Facts

Ronald Greene died in 2019 during a violent arrest by Louisiana police.
Police officers used stun guns, punched, kicked, and put Greene in a chokehold while he was handcuffed and shackled.
The state initially withheld bodycam videos showing the abuse and falsely claimed Greene died from crashing into a tree.
A federal wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Greene’s daughter, Tayla, leading to a $4.85 million settlement proposed to Louisiana’s legislature.
Two officers faced misdemeanor battery charges and pleaded no contest; another officer involved died in a car crash after being notified of his firing.
The U.S. Justice Department initially found a pattern of excessive force by Louisiana state police but later rescinded this during President Donald Trump’s second term.
The case drew attention following nationwide protests against racial injustice, especially after George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Greene’s family continues to seek accountability despite the settlement.

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New report reveals sharp rise in online sale of primates on social media in US

May 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A report found a big increase in selling live primates like monkeys on social media in the US. The animals are often sold under false claims like rescue or adoption, causing concerns for wildlife safety, public health, and animal welfare.

Key Facts

Over 1,600 primates were listed for sale on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube during a six-week study in mid-2025.
Sellers often hid real sales as “rehoming” or “rescue” to avoid detection by the platforms.
Twelve types of primates were sold, including macaques, marmosets, capuchins, and chimpanzees.
Prices ranged from $250 to $6,500 depending on species and age.
Many primates sold were babies taken from their mothers, suffering trauma or dying during smuggling.
About 60% of primate species worldwide are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and hunting.
Wildlife trafficking is a global illegal market worth around $23 billion annually, with primate smuggling increasing in the US.
Experts call for stronger laws and better social media tools to stop illegal primate sales and protect animals and public health.

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Guardian World

Why more US women are moving abroad: ‘It’s because of Trump, right? Yes and no’

May 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Many American women are choosing to move abroad, influenced by concerns over issues like gun violence, political instability, and work-life balance in the US. A survey found that 40% of American women aged 15 to 44 would like to live permanently in another country, a number much higher than that of men in the same age range.

Key Facts

In 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a website helping Americans move abroad saw a large increase in visitors.
Women make up about two-thirds of the clients using this relocation service.
A Gallup poll showed 40% of US women aged 15 to 44 want to move abroad, which is four times higher than similar polls since 2014.
The percentage of men wanting to move abroad has remained steady at about 19%.
More Americans are applying for citizenship or long-stay visas in countries like Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom.
Women cited worries about gun violence, poor work-life balance, and US political issues as main reasons for moving.
Social media shows women life abroad, which encourages them to dream of living where they feel safer and more respected.
For some, like Emily Burt who moved to Ecuador, safety concerns at schools and disrespectful attitudes toward women in the US were key factors in deciding to relocate.

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Guardian US

Could a Pennsylvania primary decide the Democratic party’s new direction? | Dustin Guastella

May 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

A primary election in Pennsylvania’s 7th congressional district is gaining national attention because it could signal the Democratic party’s direction. The district has a nearly even split between Democrats and Republicans, and the candidates represent different visions: political insiders versus candidates who connect more directly with working-class voters.

Key Facts

Pennsylvania’s 7th congressional district is very competitive, with a margin of just over 4,000 votes separating the Democrat and Republican candidates in the last election.
The Democratic primary candidates include Lamont McClure Jr., a lawyer and former county executive; Carol Obando-Derstine, a renewable energy engineer and former senior adviser to a U.S. Senator; and Ryan Crosswell, a lawyer and former federal prosecutor.
These candidates are considered insiders who often do well in primaries but may struggle to connect with working-class voters in general elections.
Only 33% of voters in the district have a college degree, which is 10 points below the national average.
The district has many working-class workers, including those in manufacturing, warehousing, trucking, and construction.
Working-class voters tend to prefer candidates with blue-collar backgrounds like electricians and schoolteachers because they speak plainly about economic struggles.
The primary could determine if Democrats adopt a more blue-collar populist approach or stick with political insiders.

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Guardian US

Six US states hold primaries as Trump urges Kentucky voters to oust Massie

May 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Six US states—Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Idaho—are holding primary elections to choose candidates for the November midterm elections. Some races, especially in Kentucky and Pennsylvania, are seen as important tests of President Trump’s influence within the Republican Party and the Democrats’ efforts to regain control of Congress.

Key Facts

Kentucky’s Republican primary features a contest where President Trump supports Ed Gallrein against incumbent Thomas Massie, who has opposed Trump on several issues.
Mitch McConnell is retiring from the Senate, and Republican candidates Andy Barr and Daniel Cameron are competing to replace him in Kentucky.
Pennsylvania Democrats aim to win back House seats lost in 2024 and have competitive primaries in the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 8th, and 10th districts.
In Georgia, Republicans will choose a candidate to run against Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, with Mike Collins, Buddy Carter, and Derek Dooley as leading contenders.
Georgia voters of both parties will pick candidates to succeed outgoing Governor Brian Kemp.
Some primaries are seen as indicators of President Trump’s control over the Republican Party.
The midterm primaries affect key political battles that could influence control of the U.S. Congress.
Several formerly contested seats are in states that were important in the 2020 and 2024 elections.

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Guardian World Guardian US

Charitable Platforms Have Empowered Trump’s Attack on Dissent | Opinion

May 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Several large charitable platforms stopped processing donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) shortly after the Trump administration publicly criticized the group. These actions happened without any legal ruling against SPLC and raise concerns about political pressure affecting charitable giving and free speech in the U.S.

Key Facts

Fidelity Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, and Charles Schwab’s DAFgiving360 paused donations to the SPLC.
The decision came soon after the Department of Justice under President Trump publicly criticized SPLC.
No court found SPLC guilty of any wrongdoing at that time.
These platforms acted without legal obligation, responding to political pressure.
The SPLC is a civil rights organization focused on fighting hate and racial injustice.
Similar government actions have shut down or limited NGOs in countries like Turkey, India, and Ethiopia by blocking their funding.
Experts warn these moves threaten civil society and democracy in the U.S. by limiting support for groups that hold power accountable.
The timing came shortly before a Supreme Court decision that affected voting rights linked to Black political power.

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Newsweek

Republicans grow increasingly worried about Trump’s negative polls

May 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republicans are concerned because President Trump’s approval ratings are falling. A recent poll shows that many voters are worried about issues like inflation, gas prices, and the U.S. role in the war in Iran.

Key Facts

President Trump’s approval ratings are declining.
The New York Times/Siena College poll reports these approval ratings at a new low during his second term.
Voters are anxious about rising costs, including inflation and gas prices.
Concerns about U.S. involvement in the war in Iran also affect voter opinions.
These issues worry Republicans as they approach the upcoming midterm elections.

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The Hill

The Memo: Massie seeks to buck GOP trend, survive Trump-enforced exit

May 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky is running for re-election against a Republican challenger supported by President Donald Trump. Massie, known for his libertarian views and caution about government spending, faces a primary election that could end his time in Congress.

Key Facts

Thomas Massie is a Republican congressman from Kentucky.
He is known for his libertarian approach, especially about reducing government spending.
Massie is running in a primary election on Tuesday.
His challenger is Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL.
President Donald Trump supports Gallrein and has criticized Massie.
The election will decide if Massie keeps his seat in Congress.
This primary challenge is part of a larger pattern of Trump backing opponents against some Republicans.

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The Hill

Republicans seek to shift blame for unpopular redistricting war

May 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republicans in Congress are trying to blame Democrats for the ongoing dispute over redrawing voting district boundaries. The conflict began when President Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to redraw the district map outside the normal schedule, aiming to reduce Democratic seats.

Key Facts

The controversy concerns redistricting, which means redrawing voting district boundaries.
President Trump started an uncommon redistricting effort during the middle of the decade.
This move was aimed at removing five Democratic-held districts in Texas.
The effort is called a "redistricting war" because it involves intense political conflict.
Voters from different political backgrounds generally dislike this gerrymandering fight.
Republicans want to shift responsibility to Democrats for the conflict.
President Trump took a leading role in pushing for these changes last summer.

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The Hill

Gallego to offer DACA, immigration enforcement amendments for reconciliation bill

May 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Ruben Gallego will introduce changes to immigration rules during a Senate committee meeting. His amendments aim to support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and modify how federal immigration enforcement agencies operate.

Key Facts

Senator Ruben Gallego represents Arizona and has Colombian and Mexican heritage.
He plans to offer three amendments related to immigration policy.
These amendments are part of a larger bill using budget reconciliation, a process to pass spending laws with a simple majority in the Senate.
The bill will fund federal immigration enforcement agencies.
One focus is on protecting DACA recipients, who are young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
The amendments will be discussed in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The goal is to improve immigration enforcement while supporting immigrant protections.

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The Hill

Trump’s ouster of Republican senator sends shockwaves through Senate GOP

May 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, lost his party’s primary election. His defeat highlights a political risk for Republicans who do not strongly support President Donald Trump. This event has caused concern among Senate Republicans about showing disloyalty to the President.

Key Facts

Senator Bill Cassidy is a Republican from Louisiana.
Cassidy lost his party’s primary election.
His loss is seen as a warning for Republicans who distance themselves from President Trump.
President Trump’s approval ratings are currently low.
Some Republicans worry about political consequences for not backing the President.
The event is affecting the mood within the Senate Republican group.
Cassidy’s defeat happened recently during the Louisiana primary.
The result may influence how other Republicans approach their relationship with President Trump.

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The Hill

Trump-Massie feud hits fever pitch: What to watch in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama primaries

May 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Six states will finish their primary elections on Tuesday. The main focus is on Representative Thomas Massie’s tough primary race in Kentucky and close Senate and governor races in Georgia. These contests show how much support President Donald Trump has in the Republican Party.

Key Facts

Six states will complete primary voting on Tuesday.
Representative Thomas Massie faces a difficult primary fight in Kentucky.
Georgia has competitive races for Senate and governor positions.
President Donald Trump is working to remove Republican opponents who disagree with him.
The Kentucky race is a test of President Trump’s power within the Republican Party.
The results in these states will be important for party leadership and future elections.
Races in Alabama and other states also conclude on the same day.

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The Hill

Trump’s SAVE America Act push creates fresh headaches for GOP leaders

May 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump is pushing Republican leaders to add the SAVE America Act to important bills that must pass soon. This effort makes it harder for lawmakers, who are already trying to pass other major laws like housing and intelligence measures.

Key Facts

President Trump wants the SAVE America Act connected to must-pass legislation.
The SAVE America Act deals with voter eligibility rules.
Republican leaders face challenges managing various important bills at the same time.
Lawmakers are working on a bipartisan housing bill.
They are also trying to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for a long time.
Adding the SAVE America Act could slow down or complicate these efforts.
The situation creates difficulties on Capitol Hill for both parties.

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The Hill

Blanche will face questions from lawmakers over a nearly $1.8B fund to compensate Trump allies

May 19, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will testify before Congress about a $1.776 billion fund created to compensate allies of President Donald Trump who say they were unfairly targeted for political reasons. The Justice Department started this fund to address claims of political persecution, but many lawmakers, mostly Democrats, criticize it as improper use of taxpayer money.

Key Facts

The fund is called the “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”
It was created to pay people who believe they faced political prosecution by the previous Justice Department under President Biden.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche supports the fund and says it ensures fairness for those impacted by “lawfare” and political targeting.
Nearly 100 House Democrats signed a legal brief asking a judge to block the fund, calling it a misuse of government money.
The fund is part of the Justice Department’s 2026 budget request and is facing tough questions from Congress.
Critics say the fund rewards people close to President Trump, including those involved in past controversies.
On his first day back in office, President Trump pardoned or reduced sentences for some supporters involved in the Capitol riot.
Blanche took over the Justice Department recently and has pushed cases aligning with the president’s priorities.

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AP News

What the Average American Could Afford With Congressman’s Salary

May 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Members of the U.S. Congress earn a base salary of $174,000 per year, with higher pay for leadership roles. After taxes, this salary allows an average American to afford housing, transportation, and food expenses comfortably, including owning a home or renting a two-bedroom apartment.

Key Facts

The base salary for U.S. Congress members in 2024 is $174,000 yearly.
Congressional salaries have been frozen since 2009 and have lost value due to inflation.
After federal and payroll taxes, a $174,000 salary nets about $129,725 annually, or around $10,810 monthly.
It is recommended to spend no more than 30% of income on housing, equaling about $3,243 per month for someone earning $174,000.
This housing budget can cover a mortgage on a $430,000 to $550,000 home or rent a two-bedroom apartment.
Typical monthly mortgage costs on a $505,000 home could include $2,517 principal and interest, $379 property taxes, and $347 insurance.
Average monthly spending for Americans includes about $2,189 on housing, $1,110 on transportation, and $847 on food.
Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the U.S. is approximately $1,895 per month as of April 2024.

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Newsweek

Congress is scrambling to regulate prediction markets

May 19, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Members of Congress are working to create new rules for online prediction markets after recent insider trading scandals. Several bills have been proposed, including one that would ban campaign funds from being used to bet on these markets, but none have yet become law.

Key Facts

Congress is trying to regulate online prediction markets due to insider trading concerns.
More than a dozen bills about prediction markets have been introduced this year.
A $30,000 bet on capturing former Venezuelan President Maduro raised questions about illegal insider trading.
A U.S. soldier was charged for using secret information to win over $400,000 betting on prediction markets.
Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced a bill to stop campaign funds from being used to bet on prediction markets, with possible prison time for violators.
Some prediction markets are being restricted by companies like Kalshi and government bodies including the U.S. Senate.
Other lawmakers have proposed banning prediction markets about war, politics, sports, and military events.
The Trump administration has opposed strict regulation of prediction markets, making new laws less likely.

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