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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

President says he’s adding ‘over 600’ prescription drugs to TrumpRx site

President says he’s adding ‘over 600’ prescription drugs to TrumpRx site

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that his prescription drug discount website, TrumpRx, will add over 600 generic medications, greatly increasing the number of drugs available to consumers. The site also introduced new features like a price comparison tool and options to find the cheapest local pharmacy or get prescriptions shipped to homes, aiming to help Americans find lower drug prices.

Key Facts

  • TrumpRx will expand its drug list by over 600 affordable generic medicines.
  • The site aims to offer the lowest prices on prescriptions for millions of Americans.
  • New tools will help users find the cheapest nearby pharmacy or get discounts through home delivery.
  • A "Presidential Deals" section highlights low-cost brand-name drugs and lets users compare them to generics.
  • The price comparison tool allows searching for medicine costs similar to how people compare hotels or tickets online.
  • Some experts say many patients might still find cheaper options through insurance or other services.
  • Experts also say the site adds complexity to the already complicated U.S. healthcare and prescription drug system.
  • Joe Gebbia, Airbnb co-founder, is involved as chief design officer and presented some of the site’s new features.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Primary elections to test Trump's grip on GOP

Primary elections to test Trump's grip on GOP

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump faces a key challenge this week with primary elections happening in six states. These elections will show how much influence he still has over the Republican Party. Reporters are discussing Trump’s poll results and other candidates’ campaigns in states like Kentucky and Georgia.

Key Facts

  • Primary elections are taking place in six states this week.
  • These elections will test President Trump’s influence in the Republican Party (GOP).
  • CBS News reporters Anthony Salvanto and Aaron Navarro provided information on Trump’s poll numbers and Rep. Thomas Massie’s campaign in Kentucky.
  • Adam Beam from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution discussed the upcoming primary day in Georgia.
  • The results of these primaries will indicate how strong Trump’s control remains within the GOP.
  • Primary elections are important because they help choose party candidates for the general election.
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CBS News
Hunter Biden Tells Candace Owens She's 'Right On' in Podcast Interview

Hunter Biden Tells Candace Owens She's 'Right On' in Podcast Interview

May 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, appeared on conservative commentator Candace Owens' podcast, agreeing with some of her points and discussing his past drug use, family struggles, and perceived corruption in Washington, D.C. The interview is notable because Owens has been a vocal critic of Hunter Biden, and the conversation touched on political and personal topics.

Key Facts

  • Hunter Biden spoke on Candace Owens' podcast, saying she is “right on” about some issues.
  • He admitted to being a former drug user, responding to Owens calling him a “crackhead.”
  • Hunter talked about his marriage breaking up and his views on corruption in Washington.
  • He said the political elite in D.C. hurt his father because Joe Biden was never part of their group.
  • Hunter defended Owens from criticism over her comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
  • The interview preview attracted attention on social media from both supporters and critics.
  • The Hunter Biden laptop scandal from 2020 is a frequent topic of conservative discussion.
  • Hunter Biden faced legal troubles, including a felony gun charge and tax fraud, and was pardoned by President Biden before the end of his term.
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Newsweek
A redistricting re-do? What to know about Alabama’s primary elections

A redistricting re-do? What to know about Alabama’s primary elections

May 18, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Alabama is holding primary elections, but four congressional districts will have special primaries in August due to a new congressional map approved by the Supreme Court. This map changes district boundaries to concentrate many Democratic voters into one district. Governor Kay Ivey cannot run for re-election in 2026, and multiple Democrats and Republicans are competing to replace her, with Senator Tommy Tuberville among the top Republican candidates.

Key Facts

  • Alabama’s primary elections are taking place, with some voters needing to vote again in August special primaries.
  • The Supreme Court approved a new congressional map for Alabama, which groups many Democratic voters into one district.
  • The new map affects four districts in Alabama’s southern region and aims to influence control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Governor Kay Ivey cannot run again in 2026 because the state limits governors to two consecutive four-year terms.
  • Ivey has supported conservative policies and President Trump.
  • Six Democrats and three Republicans are running in the governor’s race to replace Ivey.
  • Senator Tommy Tuberville is a key Republican figure and is running for re-election; his Senate seat is closely contested.
  • The Republican Senate primary has six candidates focused on border security, law enforcement, and gun rights.
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Al Jazeera
TrumpRx Adds Hundreds of Generic Drugs: What It Means for Prices

TrumpRx Adds Hundreds of Generic Drugs: What It Means for Prices

May 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that about 600 generic drugs will be added to the government’s TrumpRx website to help lower drug prices. Mark Cuban’s company joined this effort, aiming to give Americans better access to affordable medicines.

Key Facts

  • President Trump unveiled the addition of around 600 generic drugs to the TrumpRx website.
  • The website is intended to help Americans find lower-cost prescription drugs.
  • Mark Cuban, a businessman who supported Kamala Harris in 2024, partnered with Trump’s effort.
  • Some Democrats and experts have criticized the program for not always having the lowest drug prices.
  • Officials from Amazon and GoodRx were present at the announcement.
  • President Trump said U.S. drug costs have gone from the most expensive to the least expensive.
  • The goal is to expand TrumpRx to improve affordable access to medicines.
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Newsweek
Five dead, including two suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque

Five dead, including two suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque

May 18, 2026 • France24

Summary

Two teenage gunmen opened fire outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, California, killing three men, including a security guard. The two suspects were later found dead from what appears to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego on a Monday.
  • Three men were killed outside the mosque.
  • One of the victims was a security guard.
  • Two teenage suspects carried out the shooting.
  • The suspects died from what police say are self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
  • Police responded to the scene and reported these details.
  • The event took place in California, United States.
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France24
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Trump v Massie: Could president's Republican nemesis survive $20m attack to oust him?

Trump v Massie: Could president's Republican nemesis survive $20m attack to oust him?

May 18, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Congressman Thomas Massie faces a tough Republican primary challenge after opposing several key policies of President Donald Trump. Trump has strongly criticized Massie and endorsed a rival candidate to try to remove him from Congress.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Massie is a Republican congressman representing a district in Kentucky.
  • Massie has voted against some of President Trump's major policies, including a tax and spending bill and tariffs on Canada.
  • He also worked with Democrats to release Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • President Trump has called Massie negative names and supports a Navy veteran candidate, Ed Gallrein, to run against him.
  • Senator Rand Paul and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert have publicly supported Massie, despite Trump's opposition.
  • Trump threatened to withdraw his endorsement of Boebert if someone challenged her in the primary, but the filing deadline has passed.
  • Massie’s supporters admire his consistency and principles, even if it risks his political career.
  • Massie’s opposition to Trump’s agenda has made him a problem for the narrow Republican majority in the House.
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BBC US BBC World BBC Top Stories
Police investigating shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego as a hate crime

Police investigating shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego as a hate crime

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Police are investigating a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that left at least three people dead. Two suspects involved in the shooting also died, and investigators are treating the case as a possible hate crime.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
  • At least three people were killed in the attack.
  • There were two suspected shooters involved.
  • Both suspected shooters are dead.
  • Police are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
  • The event took place on a Monday.
  • Authorities continue to gather information to understand the motive.
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CBS News
In unprecedented move, Secretary Hegseth hits campaign trail amid Iran war

In unprecedented move, Secretary Hegseth hits campaign trail amid Iran war

May 18, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned for Republican Ed Gallrein in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, supporting Gallrein’s bid to defeat incumbent Thomas Massie. Hegseth said he acted as a private citizen, and Pentagon officials confirmed no government funds were used for the visit.

Key Facts

  • Pete Hegseth is the current U.S. Secretary of Defense.
  • He campaigned for Ed Gallrein, a Republican candidate and former Navy SEAL.
  • Gallrein is running against Thomas Massie, a longtime Republican congressman and critic of President Trump.
  • The event took place one day before Kentucky’s primary election.
  • Pentagon stated no taxpayer money was spent on Hegseth’s campaign visit.
  • Legal review concluded Hegseth’s campaign involvement did not violate the Hatch Act or other laws.
  • Hegseth called for Republican unity to support President Trump’s agenda.
  • President Trump postponed a planned military attack on Iran on the same day as the event.
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ABC News
Millions of Salaried Workers Would Get Paycheck Boost Under New Bill

Millions of Salaried Workers Would Get Paycheck Boost Under New Bill

May 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new bill called the Restoring Overtime Pay Act of 2026 aims to increase the salary level that makes workers eligible for overtime pay. This change could help nearly 30 million salaried workers earn extra money when they work more than 40 hours a week by 2030.

Key Facts

  • The bill is introduced by Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic Representative Mark Takano.
  • It would raise the overtime pay salary threshold from $35,568 to over $89,000 by 2030.
  • This change could expand overtime protections to about 29.3 million additional salaried workers.
  • Currently, only 8% of salaried workers are eligible for overtime; the bill would increase that to 55%.
  • The bill responds to the rollback of a Biden-era overtime rule by the Trump administration.
  • Workers earning between today’s and the new thresholds could get paid time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a week.
  • The bill aims to help workers struggling with the rising cost of living and wage stagnation.
  • The salary threshold would be indexed to adjust automatically according to wage changes over time.
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Newsweek
3 killed in shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego; 2 suspects also dead | Special Report

3 killed in shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego; 2 suspects also dead | Special Report

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Three people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Two suspects in the incident also died. The event occurred on Monday and is being covered as a major news story.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
  • Three adults lost their lives in the shooting.
  • Two suspects involved in the shooting also died.
  • The incident took place on a Monday.
  • CBS News provided special coverage of the event.
  • The victims and suspects are confirmed dead, no additional injuries reported in this summary.
  • Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the shooting.
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CBS News
What to know about Trump’s $1.7B fund to compensate allies claiming political targeting

What to know about Trump’s $1.7B fund to compensate allies claiming political targeting

May 18, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration announced a $1.7 billion fund to compensate his allies who claim they were unfairly targeted by the Biden-era Justice Department. The fund is part of a deal to settle Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and aims to provide a way for people to seek compensation for political persecution claims. Democrats criticize the fund as unconstitutional and a misuse of taxpayer money.

Key Facts

  • The fund is called the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and is valued at $1.7 billion.
  • It will compensate individuals who say they were politically targeted by the Justice Department during President Biden’s term.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund offers a lawful way to address claims of unfair treatment.
  • The fund was created as part of a settlement for Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over the IRS leaking his tax returns.
  • The money will come from the federal judgment fund, which handles payments for lawsuits against the government.
  • Democrats argue the fund is a “slush fund” and question its constitutionality without Congress approving it.
  • The fund may provide formal apologies and compensation to successful claimants.
  • Critics point out that investigations of Trump’s opponents have raised similar concerns about politicized law enforcement.
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Trial begins for former Virginia assistant principal after 6-year-old student shot teacher

Trial begins for former Virginia assistant principal after 6-year-old student shot teacher

May 18, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A trial began in Virginia for Ebony Parker, a former assistant principal charged with child neglect after a 6-year-old student brought a loaded gun to school and shot his first-grade teacher. Parker faces eight felony counts, one for each bullet, for allegedly ignoring warnings about the student having a gun.

Key Facts

  • Ebony Parker is charged with eight counts of felony child neglect related to a school shooting in January 2023.
  • The shooting happened at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia.
  • The 6-year-old student brought a loaded gun that was used to shoot teacher Abby Zwerner.
  • Each charge carries up to five years in prison if Parker is convicted.
  • Prosecutors say Parker ignored repeated warnings from staff that the student had a gun.
  • Teacher Abby Zwerner was seriously injured, required six surgeries, and has limited use of her left hand.
  • Last year, a jury awarded Zwerner $10 million in a civil lawsuit against Parker.
  • The student’s mother was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for child neglect and federal weapons charges.
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PBS NewsHour
HHS withdraws amended vaccine advisory panel charter

HHS withdraws amended vaccine advisory panel charter

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) withdrew its updated plan for a vaccine advisory committee. The update would have made it easier for more people to be members, but it was pulled back because of administrative mistakes.

Key Facts

  • HHS is part of the U.S. government responsible for health-related programs.
  • The vaccine advisory committee gives advice on vaccines and vaccine safety.
  • The proposed charter changes would have loosened rules about who can join the committee.
  • HHS said it found administrative errors related to the proposed changes.
  • Because of these errors, HHS decided to officially withdraw the amended charter.
  • The decision was announced in a notice planned for the Federal Register, the official U.S. government publication.
  • The withdrawal means the committee will continue operating under the old rules for now.
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The Hill
US drops fraud charges after billionaire Adani pledges $10bn investment

US drops fraud charges after billionaire Adani pledges $10bn investment

May 18, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The US government has dropped criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani after he promised to invest $10 billion in the United States. The charges accused him of bribing Indian officials and misleading US investors, but the case was ended following the investment pledge and ongoing legal agreements.

Key Facts

  • The US Department of Justice (DOJ) decided not to continue fraud charges against Gautam Adani.
  • Adani was accused of bribing Indian officials to win solar energy contracts and lying to US investors.
  • The DOJ’s decision came after Adani pledged a $10 billion investment in the US, potentially creating 15,000 jobs.
  • A US judge must approve the DOJ’s request to drop the charges.
  • Adani’s legal team includes Robert J. Giuffra Jr., a personal attorney to President Donald Trump.
  • Adani’s company settled a $275 million case with the US Treasury over alleged Iran sanctions violations.
  • The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pursuing a civil case against Adani, seeking monetary penalties, which still require court approval.
  • Adani stated he wanted to invest in the US but could not while the legal cases were ongoing.
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Al Jazeera
Pay for American workers is lagging inflation — again

Pay for American workers is lagging inflation — again

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Many Americans feel their pay is not keeping up with rising prices, especially due to higher gasoline costs. Recent data shows inflation rose faster than wages in April, causing financial worries for most people. This gap makes it harder for households to afford everyday expenses and affects the economy.

Key Facts

  • About 75% of Americans say their income is not keeping up with inflation.
  • In April, inflation grew by 3.8% yearly, while wages increased by 3.6%.
  • Gasoline prices rose over 28% compared to last year, strongly impacting inflation.
  • Energy costs caused 40% of the inflation increase in April.
  • Higher import taxes (tariffs) also add to inflation pressures.
  • Many Americans (76%) are worried about their personal finances.
  • Most people (64%) rate the economy as "very bad" or "fairly bad."
  • Rising fuel prices increase costs for commuting and goods, making hiring harder for businesses.
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CBS News
Fetterman says he’s ‘pretty much locked and loaded’ in support of Iran war

Fetterman says he’s ‘pretty much locked and loaded’ in support of Iran war

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania said he strongly supports U.S. military action against Iran. He believes this issue is more important than just following what his political supporters want.

Key Facts

  • Senator John Fetterman represents Pennsylvania.
  • He recently gave an interview about U.S. actions toward Iran.
  • Fetterman said he is "pretty much locked and loaded" in support of a war against Iran.
  • He feels the matter is very important, beyond just political pressure.
  • Fetterman is a member of the Democratic Party.
  • The comments relate to potential U.S. military involvement in Iran.
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The Hill
1 of 2 suspects dead after shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego, sources say

1 of 2 suspects dead after shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego, sources say

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A shooting took place at an Islamic Center in San Diego. Police say one of the two suspects involved in the shooting is dead, and the threat has been ended.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened at an Islamic Center in San Diego.
  • There were two suspects involved in the shooting.
  • At least one suspect has died.
  • Police have secured the area and say the threat is neutralized.
  • Authorities are investigating the situation.
  • No further details about victims or motives have been reported yet.
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What to know about a midair collision between 2 Navy jets at an Idaho air show

What to know about a midair collision between 2 Navy jets at an Idaho air show

May 18, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Two Navy jets collided midair during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, but all four crew members ejected safely. Only one crew member was injured and is receiving hospital treatment. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Key Facts

  • The collision happened on May 17, 2026, at the “Gunfighter Skies” air show in Idaho.
  • Both planes involved were U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 in Washington state.
  • Each jet carried two crew members; all four ejected safely with parachutes.
  • One crew member was injured but the injury is not life-threatening.
  • Videos show the jets became temporarily stuck together before falling to the ground.
  • The planes crashed into a field and created a fireball with smoke rising.
  • Experts think pilot error may have caused the crash during a close formation flying maneuver.
  • The Navy is investigating the incident and recovering the damaged aircraft.
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AP News PBS NewsHour
Live Results: Kentucky midterm congressional primaries

Live Results: Kentucky midterm congressional primaries

May 18, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

In Kentucky’s primary elections, U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, who often opposes President Donald Trump within the Republican Party, faces a strong challenger. Kentucky voters are also selecting candidates for U.S. Senate, several House seats, the state legislature, and the Louisville mayor’s race.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Massie is a Republican U.S. Representative from Kentucky.
  • Massie is known for criticizing President Donald Trump within their party.
  • President Trump is supporting challengers against Republicans he sees as disloyal.
  • Kentucky held primary elections to choose candidates for U.S. Senate and five U.S. House seats.
  • Voters also decided nominees for the Kentucky General Assembly (state legislature).
  • Louisville voters are choosing candidates to narrow the field for mayor.
  • These primaries impact both state and federal political offices.
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PBS NewsHour
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