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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Donald Trump’s approval rating sinks to lowest point of second term

Donald Trump’s approval rating sinks to lowest point of second term

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 37%, the lowest since he returned to office in January 2025. Many Americans disapprove of his decisions on the US-Israel war with Iran and the handling of the economy, especially with higher living costs and fuel prices.

Key Facts

  • Trump’s approval rating is now 37%, down from 42% in October 2025.
  • Nearly two-thirds of voters think going to war with Iran was a bad choice.
  • The average US fuel price is $4.52 per gallon, up from $3.18 a year ago.
  • About 64% of voters disapprove of Trump’s management of the economy.
  • Many voters are unhappy with Trump’s handling of immigration and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Independent voters feel more personally hurt by Trump’s policies than last year (47% vs. 41%).
  • Trump stated he does not focus on Americans’ financial struggles when considering peace deals.
  • Only 26% of voters are satisfied with the Democratic party, showing dissatisfaction across the board.
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Luigi Mangione Update: Judge Blocks Prosecution Using 5 Pieces of Evidence

Luigi Mangione Update: Judge Blocks Prosecution Using 5 Pieces of Evidence

May 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A New York judge ruled that five items taken from Luigi Mangione’s backpack during a police detention cannot be used as evidence in his trial. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson in a shooting last December.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
  • The shooting happened in midtown Manhattan in December 2024.
  • Police searched Mangione’s backpack after detaining him at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
  • Five items seized from the backpack include a magazine, cellphone, passport, wallet, and computer chip.
  • Judge Gregory Carro ruled these five items cannot be used in court because the bag was not clearly in Mangione’s control when searched.
  • One item, a journal logged at police headquarters, is still allowed as evidence.
  • The judge’s decision is a setback for prosecutors in the case.
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Newsweek
Judge allows some evidence from Luigi Mangione's backpack for state murder trial

Judge allows some evidence from Luigi Mangione's backpack for state murder trial

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A New York judge decided that some evidence found in Luigi Mangione's backpack can be used in his state trial. Mangione is accused of murdering Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is on trial in New York for the alleged murder of Brian Thompson.
  • Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
  • A judge ruled that some items found in Mangione's backpack are allowed as evidence in the trial.
  • The ruling was made on a Monday.
  • The evidence was considered important enough to be introduced at the state level trial.
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CBS News
Pratt ‘going to forever change how political ads are done’: Chaffetz

Pratt ‘going to forever change how political ads are done’: Chaffetz

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Jason Chaffetz, a Fox News host and former representative, praised Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign in Los Angeles for using new kinds of political ads. Pratt’s team has created ads using artificial intelligence (AI) that show the current mayor, Karen Bass, in a negative way.

Key Facts

  • Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles.
  • Pratt’s campaign uses AI to produce political advertisements.
  • The AI ads portray Mayor Karen Bass negatively.
  • Jason Chaffetz supports Pratt’s use of AI ads and believes it will change political advertising.
  • Karen Bass is the current mayor and a member of the Democratic Party.
  • Chaffetz is a former Republican member of Congress from Utah and now hosts on Fox News.
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The Hill
Hochul blames Long Island Rail Road strike on Trump administration

Hochul blames Long Island Rail Road strike on Trump administration

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the current Long Island Rail Road strike happened because of actions taken by the Trump administration last fall. She and officials in Washington are in disagreement about who is responsible for the strike.

Key Facts

  • The Long Island Rail Road is currently on strike.
  • Governor Kathy Hochul blames the strike on decisions made by the Trump administration.
  • She says the strike would not be happening if the Trump administration had not taken a certain unusual step last fall.
  • There is an ongoing disagreement between New York state officials and Washington leaders about the cause of the strike.
  • The strike is affecting train service in the New York area.
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The Hill
LIRR workers strike, NYC employees feel impact of interrupted train service

LIRR workers strike, NYC employees feel impact of interrupted train service

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Workers on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) are on strike. This strike is causing big problems for people who commute to work in New York City because train service is interrupted.

Key Facts

  • Long Island Rail Road workers have stopped working in a strike.
  • The strike is causing train delays and cancellations.
  • Many people commuting to New York City are affected.
  • Trains are not running on their usual schedule.
  • The strike impacts daily travel for NYC employees.
  • The reason for the strike is not explained in the article.
  • The situation is ongoing as of the article’s publication.
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Supreme Court tells lower courts to take new look at 2 voting rights cases

Supreme Court tells lower courts to take new look at 2 voting rights cases

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court asked lower courts to review two cases about who can sue to stop discriminatory voting practices under the Voting Rights Act. These cases question whether private individuals and groups can enforce a key part of the law after a recent Supreme Court decision that weakened it.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court sent two voting rights cases back to lower courts for reconsideration due to a recent ruling affecting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
  • Section 2 bans voting rules that discriminate against certain groups.
  • The main question is whether private people and groups can sue to enforce this law or if only the attorney general can do so.
  • One case involves Mississippi and was brought by the NAACP and 14 voters, the other is from North Dakota and involves Native American tribes and voters.
  • Lower courts ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, but the 8th Circuit Court limited private lawsuits, saying only the attorney general can enforce Section 2 in its region.
  • Private lawsuits have made up most Section 2 cases nationally for over 40 years, with more than 400 cases since 1982 brought by private parties.
  • The Supreme Court’s decision could restrict the ability of individuals and groups to challenge voting discrimination in court.
  • Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with the Supreme Court’s order (she dissented).
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CBS News
Marco Rubio’s next shapeshift could betray MAGA or his own rhetoric

Marco Rubio’s next shapeshift could betray MAGA or his own rhetoric

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Marco Rubio has been involved in efforts aligned with President Donald Trump's campaign to shape the future of the United States. There is discussion about whether Rubio’s upcoming political moves will support the MAGA movement or contradict his previous statements.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio is a U.S. Senator actively working with President Trump’s campaign initiatives.
  • The campaign aims to influence the direction of the United States.
  • Rubio’s next actions in politics are under scrutiny.
  • Some view Rubio’s future moves as potentially conflicting with his earlier positions.
  • The article focuses on Rubio’s relationship with the MAGA movement, which supports President Trump’s agenda.
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The Hill
Mangione state trial: Key evidence, including gun, allowed; some evidence suppressed

Mangione state trial: Key evidence, including gun, allowed; some evidence suppressed

May 18, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A judge ruled that some evidence found in Luigi Mangione’s backpack during a warrantless search at a McDonald’s must be excluded from his state murder trial, while evidence seized later at the police station, including what prosecutors say is the murder weapon, will be allowed. Mangione faces state and federal trials for the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with a December 2024 killing.
  • A judge said the search of Mangione’s backpack at the McDonald’s was illegal because it was done without a warrant.
  • Evidence found in the backpack at the McDonald’s, like a cellphone and passport, is not allowed in court.
  • Evidence taken later at the police station, including a 3D-printed gun and notes about escape routes, is allowed.
  • Some of Mangione’s statements to police are suppressed, while other conversations with corrections officers are allowed.
  • The state trial is set to start on September 8, 2026.
  • Prosecutors say Mangione’s notebook entries suggest a motive linked to insurance.
  • Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.
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ABC News
Trump escalates Iran threats as poll shows Americans feel stressed about higher prices

Trump escalates Iran threats as poll shows Americans feel stressed about higher prices

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump has increased warnings toward Iran amid continuing tensions. A recent CBS News poll shows that many Americans are worried because higher prices for things like gas and oil are making life harder.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump has made stronger threats involving Iran.
  • Ongoing conflict related to Iran is affecting the cost of oil and gas.
  • Higher oil and gas prices are causing stress for many Americans.
  • A CBS News poll measured the feelings of Americans about these price increases.
  • The combination of international conflict and rising prices is impacting daily life in the U.S.
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CBS News
Judge allows gun and notebook as evidence at Mangione’s trial in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing

Judge allows gun and notebook as evidence at Mangione’s trial in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing

May 18, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A judge in New York ruled that a gun and notebook found in Luigi Mangione’s backpack can be used as evidence in his murder trial for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The judge said the initial search at a McDonald’s was illegal, but later searches with a warrant were allowed. Mangione faces a state trial starting September 8 and a federal trial in October.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan.
  • Police found a 3D-printed gun and a notebook in Mangione’s backpack five days after the killing.
  • The notebook includes writings about wanting to harm a health insurance executive.
  • The judge ruled the initial search at a McDonald’s was illegal because it was done without a warrant.
  • Evidence found later during a police inventory with a warrant can be used in trial.
  • Mangione gave a false name to police, which led to his arrest.
  • The state murder trial begins September 8, and the federal stalking trial starts in October.
  • Mangione has pleaded not guilty and faces life in prison if convicted.
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AP News
Ketanji Brown Jackson Dissents in Native Americans Voting Rights Case

Ketanji Brown Jackson Dissents in Native Americans Voting Rights Case

May 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court asked lower courts to review a voting rights case involving Native American tribes. The case questions who can sue under the Voting Rights Act, which protects against voting discrimination. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with the majority decision.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court sent a Native American voting rights case back to lower courts for reconsideration.
  • The case deals with how the Voting Rights Act can be used to challenge voting rules.
  • An appeals court ruled that only the federal government, not voters or groups, can file lawsuits under the law.
  • This ruling breaks from past practice where others could sue to defend voting rights.
  • The conservative majority of the Supreme Court made it harder to prove voting discrimination by requiring proof of intentional bias.
  • Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with the majority and issued a dissenting opinion.
  • The case involves voters in North Dakota and redistricting issues in Mississippi.
  • The Voting Rights Act is a law from the Civil Rights era that aims to prevent racial discrimination in voting.
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Trump moves to dismiss $10B lawsuit against IRS

Trump moves to dismiss $10B lawsuit against IRS

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump asked a federal court in Miami to dismiss his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. The lawsuit was about a leak of his tax return information by a contractor working for the IRS.

Key Facts

  • President Trump filed to dismiss a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS on Monday.
  • The case was filed in a federal court located in Miami.
  • The lawsuit claimed an IRS contractor leaked Trump’s tax return information to the news media.
  • Trump’s lawsuit sought a large payout based on a federal law allowing people to sue the government for privacy breaches.
  • The IRS is a U.S. government agency that collects taxes and manages tax records.
  • The filing to dismiss is called a "notice of voluntary dismissal," meaning Trump chose to end the case.
  • The legal action was related to protecting tax return privacy.
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The Hill
Violent tornadoes rip through central U.S.

Violent tornadoes rip through central U.S.

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Violent tornadoes hit parts of the central United States over the weekend. The storms caused serious damage to homes and property in affected areas.

Key Facts

  • Tornadoes struck the central U.S. during the weekend.
  • The tornadoes caused heavy damage to houses.
  • Nebraska was one of the states impacted by the storms.
  • Weather reports and videos captured the severe conditions.
  • Emergency services responded to the affected communities.
  • CBS News provided coverage of the event, including a report from Rob Marciano.
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CBS News
Republicans trail Democrats by double digits on generic congressional ballot: Survey

Republicans trail Democrats by double digits on generic congressional ballot: Survey

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A recent poll shows that more people say they would vote for a Democrat than a Republican in congressional elections. According to the New York Times/Siena survey, 50% of people support Democratic candidates while 39% support Republican candidates.

Key Facts

  • The poll was released on Monday by the New York Times and Siena College.
  • 50% of respondents said they would vote for the Democratic candidate in their district.
  • 39% of respondents said they would vote for the Republican candidate.
  • 11% of respondents were undecided or did not specify a preference.
  • The poll measures support using a "generic congressional ballot," meaning it asks about candidates without naming specific people.
  • The gap between Democrats and Republicans in the poll is more than 10 percentage points.
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The Hill
Supreme Court won’t weigh teacher’s firing for posts after George Floyd death

Supreme Court won’t weigh teacher’s firing for posts after George Floyd death

May 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Supreme Court decided not to hear the case of Jeanne Hedgepeth, a teacher from Illinois who was fired over controversial Facebook posts she made after George Floyd's killing in 2020. This means the lower court's ruling on her firing will stand for now.

Key Facts

  • Jeanne Hedgepeth taught at Palatine High School in Illinois for 20 years.
  • She made inflammatory posts on Facebook during a summer vacation in Florida after George Floyd's death.
  • Hedgepeth was fired by the school district because of these posts.
  • The Supreme Court chose not to review the case.
  • The decision means the previous court’s ruling, which supported the firing, remains effective.
  • The case involved questions about free speech and teachers’ rights outside of work.
  • The teacher claimed the firing violated her right to free expression.
  • The school argued the posts affected her ability to teach.
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The Hill
Judge rules some key evidence can be used in Luigi Mangione's state trial

Judge rules some key evidence can be used in Luigi Mangione's state trial

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A New York judge decided that some evidence, including a gun and a notebook, can be used in Luigi Mangione’s state trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The judge ruled that part of the search was illegal but allowed other evidence found later at the police station to be used in court.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is on trial for the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
  • Police found a 3D-printed gun, a silencer, and a notebook in a backpack during Mangione's arrest.
  • Mangione’s lawyers argued the backpack search was illegal because they say no warrant was obtained.
  • The judge said the initial search of the backpack was improper and suppressed some evidence like a gun magazine and a cellphone.
  • The gun and notebook found later at the police station were allowed as evidence.
  • Mangione pleaded not guilty to both federal and state charges.
  • The state trial was delayed from June 8 to September 8; the federal trial jury selection starts October 5.
  • Mangione’s defense lawyers are also representing Harvey Weinstein in another case.
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CBS News
Donald Trump to Drop IRS Lawsuit in a $1.8 Billion Deal—Attorney

Donald Trump to Drop IRS Lawsuit in a $1.8 Billion Deal—Attorney

May 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump plans to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. This move is linked to talks about a $1.7 to $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who say they were wrongly targeted by the federal government during the Biden administration.

Key Facts

  • President Trump sued the IRS because his tax returns were leaked by a government contractor.
  • The contractor pleaded guilty to leaking tax information of Trump and other wealthy individuals.
  • Trump sought at least $10 billion in damages, claiming harm to his finances and reputation.
  • Trump’s lawyers told a federal judge that he will dismiss the lawsuit voluntarily.
  • The dismissal will likely be "with prejudice," meaning Trump cannot sue again over the same issue.
  • The lawsuit involved unusual legal questions since Trump was suing agencies under his own administration.
  • The new compensation fund would be worth about $1.7 to $1.8 billion to help people who claim they were unfairly targeted by the government.
  • Some lawmakers, like Representative Jamie Raskin, have criticized the compensation plan as unconstitutional or politically motivated.
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Ex-assistant principal faces trial after six-year-old shot Virginia teacher

Ex-assistant principal faces trial after six-year-old shot Virginia teacher

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A former Virginia assistant principal, Ebony Parker, is going to trial for ignoring warnings that a six-year-old student brought a loaded gun to school. The gun was used to shoot a first-grade teacher, Abby Zwerner, who suffered serious injuries.

Key Facts

  • Ebony Parker faces eight felony child neglect charges, one for each bullet in the gun.
  • The charges accuse Parker of reckless disregard for student safety by ignoring warnings.
  • Teacher Abby Zwerner was shot in January 2023 but managed to help her students escape.
  • Zwerner had multiple surgeries and has limited use of her left hand after the shooting.
  • In a related lawsuit, Zwerner was awarded $10 million, with the court blaming Parker for ignoring warnings.
  • Other school officials were dismissed from the lawsuit, leaving Parker as the sole defendant.
  • The student’s mother pled guilty to child neglect and weapons charges and received nearly four years in prison.
  • The student got the gun from his mother’s purse by climbing on furniture to reach it.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump moves to dismiss $10bn lawsuit against IRS amid reports he’s considering settlement

Trump moves to dismiss $10bn lawsuit against IRS amid reports he’s considering settlement

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump asked a court to dismiss a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. He may be considering a settlement with the government that includes a $1.7 billion fund to pay his allies for alleged government persecution.

Key Facts

  • President Trump filed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS on Monday.
  • The lawsuit was about leaked tax returns shared by an IRS contractor with news outlets.
  • The contractor involved is named Charles Littlejohn.
  • There is a possible settlement that could create a $1.7 billion fund to compensate Trump’s allies.
  • A judge had asked for information on whether the lawsuit had a valid legal basis before a May 20 deadline.
  • Trump’s lawyers said the lawsuit should be dismissed without further court review.
  • The Justice Department did not provide a comment on the case.
  • This move happened shortly before the court’s deadline for briefs on the issue.
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