Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.
Your favorite news sources, one neutral feed — we distill their reporting into fact-first
summaries and always link to the original story. How it works
US News
Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Thousands of Christians gathered in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 2026, for a day-long prayer rally supported by President Donald Trump’s administration. The event aimed to promote religious values, but it faced criticism for mixing religion and government and raising concerns about Christian nationalism.
Key Facts
The prayer rally took place in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 2026.
It was supported by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Thousands of Christians came from across the United States to attend.
Attendees said the rally was a response to a decline in religious values.
Critics argue the event promotes Christian nationalism, which blurs the line between church and state.
President Trump’s approval rating among white Evangelical voters has dropped recently.
The rally included a recorded message from President Trump.
The event was part of a larger national conversation about religion’s role in government and society.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Workers for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) started a strike, stopping train service for the first time in 32 years. Over 300,000 commuters who travel between Long Island and New York City are affected, and city officials are preparing alternate travel plans like shuttle buses and parking near subway stations.
Key Facts
The LIRR strike began at midnight on Saturday after contract talks failed.
More than 300,000 people use the LIRR daily to commute.
The strike is the first work stoppage for the LIRR in 32 years.
The main issues in negotiations were pay raises and health care costs.
The unions say the MTA added new demands about healthcare just before the deadline.
City officials expect buses and subways to be crowded due to the strike.
Authorities set up shuttle buses to Queens subway stations for essential workers.
Commuters can park at Citi Field to access the subway during the strike.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, is running for her sixth term while facing a strong challenge from Democrat Graham Platner, a Marine veteran with no political experience. Democrats see Maine as a key state where they can gain a Senate seat in the upcoming election, especially since President Trump’s return to office has influenced the race.
Key Facts
Susan Collins has been a U.S. senator from Maine for nearly 30 years and is considered a moderate conservative.
Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate; he is 41, a Marine veteran, and an oysterman with no political background.
Platner’s past includes controversial racist, sexist, and homophobic posts, plus a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Maine is one of the few states that Democrats believe they can flip to gain control of the Senate.
Collins has at times disagreed with President Trump but also supported many of his priorities.
President Trump has no strong Republican challenger to Collins and has recently softened his criticism of her.
Issues shaping the race include foreign policy, inflation, immigration, Medicaid cuts, and federal agency funding.
The race is nationally significant because Collins is the only Republican senator up for re-election in a state won by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Utah lawmakers are working together to ban prediction markets, which allow people to bet on various events and are growing quickly across the US. These markets are supported by the federal government under President Trump, but Utah leaders strongly oppose them, saying they are a form of gambling that should not be allowed in the state.
Key Facts
Utah has strict anti-gambling laws and a long history of opposing gambling.
Prediction markets let users bet on things like elections, sports, and entertainment outcomes.
Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket claim they are financial markets, not gambling.
Federal regulators under President Trump support prediction markets as financial exchanges.
Many states, including Utah, see these markets as illegal gambling and want to regulate or ban them.
Utah’s Republican governor and lawmakers are united in fighting prediction markets.
Before Trump’s return to office, the government under Biden tried to restrict these markets and investigate their founders.
President Trump’s son advises prediction market companies, and Trump’s own company is interested in starting such a market.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Taylor Kiesel, a young woman diagnosed with autism and struggling with mental health since childhood, was sent to a residential treatment center called Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO). She and her family later joined a lawsuit alleging neglect and abuse at the facility, which faces multiple complaints and police reports over the years, while CALO denies wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Taylor Kiesel was diagnosed with autism in first grade and showed self-harm thoughts by age six.
After years of therapy and hospital stays, Taylor’s family placed her in CALO, a residential treatment center in Missouri.
Taylor and other families are suing CALO with claims including emotional distress and battery.
CALO has had over 400 sheriff’s office calls in ten years related to the facility’s address.
Reports describe violence inside CALO, including children harming themselves, assaults on staff, and other dangerous incidents.
At least four former CALO employees were convicted of crimes such as sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
Missouri authorities have found cases of physical and sexual abuse at CALO over the past 20 years.
CALO says all incidents were reported, employees went through background checks, and those involved were dismissed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Youth treatment centers say they help teens who are having serious problems. A CBS News investigation questions if these centers actually help or if some teens leave feeling worse. Many of these programs do not have strong government oversight.
Key Facts
Youth residential treatment programs aim to teach teens coping skills.
These centers promise to help teens return home and be productive.
Many of these programs operate with little federal government regulation.
CBS News conducted an investigation into the effectiveness of these centers.
Some teens and families report increased trauma after attending these programs.
The investigation raises concerns about the safety and success of these treatment centers.
There is no clear system in place to monitor or oversee these programs nationwide.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration has changed its approach to vaping products by removing some restrictions that limited the industry’s growth. Recently, it approved four flavored vaping products and allowed some vaping devices without prior approval to remain on the market.
Key Facts
The Trump administration relaxed rules on vaping products.
Four flavored vaping products received official marketing approval.
New guidance allows certain unauthorized vaping products to stay on the market.
These changes occurred within a two-week period.
The tobacco industry continues to have strong influence in Washington.
The previous administration’s restrictions aimed to limit vaping among young people.
This shift could lead to increased availability of flavored vaping items.
The changes show a clear policy pivot by President Trump’s government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Senate is preparing for a debate over funding a White House ballroom linked to President Trump. This issue is part of a larger budget plan focused on immigration enforcement until 2029, but a Senate official has challenged the Republicans’ funding approach.
Key Facts
The Senate will discuss a budget plan that funds immigration enforcement through 2029.
Part of this budget includes money for President Trump’s White House ballroom.
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled against the Republican plan for ballroom funding.
This ruling is seen as a setback for Senate Republicans.
The debate is expected to be a key issue in the upcoming budget discussions.
The Parliamentarian’s role is to enforce Senate rules during budget reconciliation.
The disagreement concerns whether the ballroom funding fits within Senate budget rules.
This debate reflects ongoing conflicts over funding priorities in the Senate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Congress is working quickly to approve funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol before a June 1 deadline. Republicans want to use a special rule called reconciliation to pass the funding without needing support from all senators.
Key Facts
The deadline to fund ICE and Border Patrol is June 1.
Lawmakers want to finish the funding before their scheduled break at the end of the week.
Republicans are leading the effort to approve the funding.
They plan to use reconciliation, a process that avoids the Senate filibuster.
The Senate filibuster normally requires 60 votes to pass a bill, but reconciliation only needs a simple majority.
The funding package is part of ongoing immigration policy debates.
Fast action is needed to keep ICE and Border Patrol operations funded.
Both the House and Senate must agree on the funding package before the deadline.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democratic lawmakers are close to passing a resolution to stop President Trump’s military actions against Iran. More Republican members of Congress are joining Democrats to support this measure using the 1973 War Powers Act.
Key Facts
The resolution aims to end President Trump’s war with Iran.
It is supported by Democrats and a growing number of Republicans.
The measure is based on the 1973 War Powers Act.
Both the House and Senate are involved in considering the resolution.
The War Powers Act allows Congress to limit the president’s military actions without approval.
Support for the resolution increased in the past week.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A citywide treasure hunt is taking place in San Francisco, but it has caused some backlash among residents. ABC News reporter Danny New has covered the story, highlighting the mixed reactions to the event.
Key Facts
The treasure hunt is happening across San Francisco.
The event involves participants searching for hidden items or clues around the city.
Some residents have expressed concerns or negative reactions about the treasure hunt.
ABC News reporter Danny New is providing coverage and details about the event.
The treasure hunt has attracted public attention and sparked discussion.
Specific reasons for the backlash have not been detailed in the article excerpt.
The story is part of local San Francisco news reported on May 18, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is preparing to meet his national security team to discuss possible military action against Iran. A recent drone strike near a nuclear plant in the UAE has increased worries about the conflict escalating. Meanwhile, the war with Iran is becoming less popular among people in the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to meet advisers on May 19 to talk about options for military action against Iran.
A drone strike hit an area close to a nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about war escalation.
Talks aimed at resolving tensions with Iran are currently stalled.
President Trump has warned that "the clock is ticking" for Iran regarding the conflict.
Within the United States, public support for the war with Iran is decreasing.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported normal radiation levels after the drone strike near the UAE nuclear plant.
The article mentions related regional events and tensions, including Israel's actions in Lebanon and issues in Gaza.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike entered its third day, causing major travel problems for thousands of commuters. Union talks with the MTA have not yet led to a deal, and shuttle buses are running but cannot handle all passengers, leading to crowded subways and heavier road traffic.
Key Facts
The strike is due to a dispute over the last year of a four-year contract between the MTA and unions.
The MTA offered a 9.5% wage increase but proposed raising healthcare costs for new hires from 2% to 10%.
The unions are asking for a modest wage raise and do not want health insurance costs to increase.
The MTA says LIRR workers are the highest-paid railroad employees in the U.S. and has made several new offers.
275 free shuttle buses run from six LIRR stations to Queens but can carry only 13,000 riders daily, far fewer than the usual 250,000 LIRR riders.
Commuters are advised to work from home if possible.
Even if a strike deal is reached, LIRR service will take at least a day to restart after safety checks.
The strike is causing crowded subways and congested roads on Long Island and in New York City.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The House Oversight Committee will interview Tova Noel, a former prison guard on duty when Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 at a New York jail. Noel, who was the last person to see Epstein alive, is under scrutiny because of alleged failures in her duties and internet searches related to Epstein on the night he died.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 at the Metropolitan Corrections Center in New York.
Tova Noel was a prison guard on duty when Epstein died and is believed to be the last person to see him alive.
Noel is accused of spending time on the internet instead of doing required prisoner checks before Epstein’s death.
Prosecutors charged Noel and another guard in 2019 with falsifying records to cover up missed checks, but charges were dropped after deals.
Noel received cash deposits totaling $12,000 between 2018 and 2019, with some made before Epstein’s arrest.
DOJ documents show Noel made internet searches about Epstein the night he died, but she denies remembering these searches.
FBI found no evidence of a bribe after checking Noel’s bank records.
Surveillance video showed a staff member believed to be Noel near Epstein’s cell carrying linen, but Noel denies providing excess linen.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jewish lawmakers in the U.S. are facing a sharp increase in open antisemitism in politics, including hateful messages, social media attacks, and controversial ads. Recent events show some political figures and candidates expressing or tolerating antisemitic views, causing concern among members of Congress.
Key Facts
Jewish politicians receive hateful calls, emails, and social media messages with explicit antisemitic language.
Rep. Jerry Nadler and Rep. Greg Landsman reported receiving violent and hateful threats from constituents.
A political ad linked to Rep. Thomas Massie’s supporters used antisemitic imagery involving a Jewish donor.
Sen. Rand Paul’s son made antisemitic comments toward Rep. Mike Lawler and later apologized.
Texas congressional candidate Maureen Galindo posted antisemitic rants and wants to introduce legislation against Zionism.
California governor candidate Don Grundmann published a statement with antisemitic language in an official voter guide.
Jewish lawmakers, including Rep. Randy Fine, openly criticized Rep. Massie for not condemning the antisemitic ad.
Lawmakers say this level of public antisemitism in politics is worse than ever before.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent poll shows that President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped significantly among white voters without a college degree. This group was key to his 2024 election win, and their declining support could influence the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating among non-college-educated white voters dropped from +36 points in February 2025 to −8 points in May 2026.
This is a 44-point decline in net approval.
The February 2025 poll surveyed 2,175 U.S. adults with a 2.5% margin of error.
The May 2026 poll surveyed 2,064 U.S. adults with a 2.7% margin of error.
Non-college-educated white voters were an important part of Trump’s winning coalition in 2024.
Republicans have small majorities in both the House and Senate.
Losing seats in the midterms could limit the Republican ability to support Trump’s agenda.
Historically, the party not holding the presidency tends to gain seats in midterm elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A pregnancy center in Sandpoint, Idaho called 7B Care Clinic offers free services like pregnancy tests and parenting classes in a town that lost its OB-GYN doctors and maternity care. The center is faith-based and opposes abortion, and it plans to expand services and bring in an OB-GYN from a nearby state. Critics say these centers are not fully medical and may mislead patients.
Key Facts
7B Care Clinic has operated since 2001 and is part of the Care Net network of Christian evangelical pregnancy centers.
The clinic offers free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, life skills classes, and support groups.
The local hospital closed its labor and delivery unit and OB-GYN doctors left Sandpoint three years ago.
Idaho has lost about one-third of its OB-GYNs since the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned nationwide abortion rights.
7B plans to expand its building and bring in a weekly OB-GYN from a nearby hospital in Washington state.
Crisis pregnancy centers like 7B aim to discourage abortions and are growing in areas lacking maternal healthcare.
These centers are not medical clinics and do not have to follow medical regulations.
Some community members and healthcare groups criticize crisis pregnancy centers for misleading women and lacking full medical services.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 60 supporters of President Donald Trump have sent him a letter asking for strict testing and government approval of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) systems before they are released. This group worries about the risks AI could bring, such as threats to jobs and security, and they want the government to treat AI safety seriously.
Key Facts
The letter was signed by Steve Bannon and other conservative anti-AI activists.
The group wants AI to be tested and approved by the government like nuclear or aviation systems.
They warn powerful AI could be used to create bioweapons, attack infrastructure, or manipulate markets.
The letter criticizes AI company leaders as “unelected elites” experimenting without enough safeguards.
Inside the White House, the main approach has been to keep AI regulation light to help America stay competitive.
Some officials support evaluating AI but do not back full government approval before release.
The letter was organized by Humans First, a group focused on technology serving humans rather than replacing them.
The White House is currently considering stronger rules on AI as more advanced systems develop.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump’s administration is reducing protections for Dreamers, young immigrants protected by the DACA program, by slowing down their renewal applications and allowing more deportations. A recent court ruling declared DACA illegal in Texas, creating more uncertainty for these individuals.
Key Facts
DACA protects about 500,000 Dreamers from deportation and gives them work permits.
The Trump administration is processing DACA renewal applications more slowly, sometimes taking up to six months.
A federal court in Texas ruled that DACA is illegal, challenging the program’s future in that state.
The Department of Homeland Security reported over 260 DACA recipients were detained, and 86 deported in 2025, many with criminal records.
The Board of Immigration Appeals said DACA does not guarantee protection from deportation.
Dreamers must renew their status every two years to keep their work permits and protections.
President Trump once considered making a deal to protect Dreamers in exchange for border wall funding, but it never happened.
Some immigration advocates believe President Trump supports Dreamers but is influenced by his advisers and political challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A late-night meeting between the MTA and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) unions ended without a deal, so the strike continues. Negotiations will resume early Monday morning as the strike affects many commuters.
Key Facts
The National Mediation Board held a meeting until 1:30 a.m. Sunday to help the MTA and five LIRR unions restart contract talks.
The unions and MTA had a deal on wages for the first three years but disagreed on healthcare cost increases for new hires in the fourth year.
Union leaders say the wage offers do not keep up with inflation and oppose increases in healthcare contributions.
MTA’s CEO said LIRR workers are the highest paid railroad employees in the U.S. and accused unions of blocking a fair deal.
The strike has shut down the Long Island Rail Road, the busiest commuter rail system in North America.
Starting Monday morning, the MTA will run shuttle buses from six locations to help commuters get to New York City subways during the strike.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged unions to return to talks and said the strike causes $61 million in economic losses each day.
Nassau County’s top official asked the governor to temporarily stop congestion tolls during the strike, but she said it is not legally allowed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
