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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky says wealthy donors from outside the state are spending a lot of money to try to defeat him in the upcoming primary election. President Donald Trump supports Massie's challenger, Ed Gallrein, and has criticized Massie on social media. Massie claims the funding is connected to pro-Israel groups and donors.
Key Facts
Rep. Thomas Massie faces a primary challenge from Ed Gallrein, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Massie says three billionaires from outside Kentucky have contributed millions of dollars to his race.
Massie links these funds to major GOP donors Miriam Adelson and Paul Singer and lobbying groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) and AIPAC.
Massie claims the funding is an attempt to influence U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Israel.
President Trump has criticized Massie on social media, calling him a "bad Congressman" and urging voters to replace him.
Massie has been in Congress for seven terms and has conflicted with President Trump during Trump's second term.
Massie says he has support from pro-life and gun rights groups and several members of Congress campaigning for him.
Media outlets have requested comments from the groups and individuals Massie named but have not yet received replies.
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Thousands gathered at the National Mall in Washington for a daylong Christian prayer event called Rededicate 250, marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. President Donald Trump and other top Republicans took part through speeches or video messages, focusing on a theme of the nation being united under God.
Key Facts
The event was held on May 17, 2026, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
It featured mostly conservative Christian leaders and supporters of President Trump.
The rally emphasized a Christian vision of America, including displays of stained-glass windows with the nation’s founders and a cross.
President Trump was expected to speak via video message; other Republicans like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson were also scheduled speakers.
Only one non-Christian faith leader, Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, was included in the program.
Some religious leaders criticized the event for focusing narrowly on one Christian viewpoint, arguing it ignored the nation’s religious diversity and commitment to freedom of religion.
The event promoted the idea that America's rights come from God, a view highlighted by participants like Pete Hegseth.
Historians and some religious groups dispute the claim that the U.S. was founded as a solely Christian nation, noting early religious diversity including Jews, Muslims, and Indigenous beliefs.
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Workers on New York’s Long Island Rail Road went on strike, shutting down North America’s largest commuter rail system for the first time in 30 years. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged the unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to resume contract talks to end the strike quickly.
Key Facts
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the busiest commuter rail system in North America.
About half of the LIRR’s workers, represented by five unions, went on strike early Saturday.
The strike stopped all train service on the LIRR starting just after midnight Friday.
The unions say they want better pay to keep up with New York’s rising cost of living.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul invited the unions back to the bargaining table to avoid longer disruption.
The strike could affect hundreds of thousands of commuters who rely on the LIRR to travel to and from New York City.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority runs the LIRR and is negotiating with the unions.
This is the first LIRR strike in 30 years.
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Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi discussed the impact of redistricting on U.S. elections on "Face the Nation." They agreed that gerrymandering, or drawing political district lines to favor one party, harms American democracy and makes it harder for politicians to work together.
Key Facts
Republicans are expected to be nine seats closer to keeping control of the House due to recent redistricting.
Both Fitzpatrick (Republican) and Suozzi (Democrat) say gerrymandering is harmful to the country and democracy.
Gerrymandering creates "safe seats," meaning politicians only need to appeal to their party's base in primary elections, not the general public.
This situation encourages politicians to avoid reaching across party lines and increases political polarization.
The House Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group co-chaired by Fitzpatrick and Suozzi, supports fighting gerrymandering.
One possible way to reduce gerrymandering is using independent citizen commissions with computer help to draw fair district lines.
Federal funding related to elections may be tied to states adopting such reforms.
Recent primary election results, such as Senator Bill Cassidy’s loss in Louisiana, show the effects of party dynamics influenced by redistricting and party leadership involvement.
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Voters in Louisiana voted against all five proposed changes to the state constitution in the May election. None of the amendments were approved by the voters.
Key Facts
Louisiana held a May election with five constitutional amendments on the ballot.
All five proposed amendments were rejected by voters.
The amendments were meant to change parts of the state constitution.
The vote shows that Louisiana residents did not want these changes at this time.
The election results reflect the current views of Louisiana voters on constitutional changes.
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James Comey, the former FBI director, commented on the Justice Department’s handling of his federal case. He advised Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to better understand the rules that govern court discussions.
Key Facts
James Comey is the former FBI director facing a federal prosecution.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is currently leading the Justice Department.
Comey said he does not comment on the case due to federal court rules.
He told Blanche to "bone up on the rules," meaning to study the legal guidelines carefully.
The discussion took place during a public event on a Sunday.
The federal court rules limit what people involved can say about ongoing cases.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed worry about rising gas prices as the 2024 midterm elections get closer. He linked the increase in prices to the war in Iran and the closure of an important shipping route called the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the House Speaker and a Republican from Louisiana.
Gas prices have gone up sharply since the war in Iran began in late February 2024.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
The GOP wants to keep its slim majority in the House of Representatives in the November midterm elections.
High gas prices are a political concern for Republicans heading into the elections.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that carries a large share of the world’s oil shipments.
The war in Iran is affecting global energy markets.
The article suggests the situation could impact voter decisions in the U.S. midterms.
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President Donald Trump's false statements and changes in policy have led to a loss of trust. This has made foreign countries less likely to take him seriously, which could harm the safety of the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump has made statements that are not true.
He has frequently changed his policies.
These actions have created a credibility gap, meaning people find him less believable.
Foreign allies and rivals are affected by this loss of trust.
The situation could pose risks to U.S. national security.
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President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are trying to gain support from U.S. farmers ahead of the midterm elections. Farmers have been upset by higher prices linked to trade policies and world events, so the administration is focusing on a China trade deal and a new farm bill to address their concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump relies on farmers as a key group of supporters.
Rising prices have caused frustration among farmers.
These price increases relate to trade policies under President Trump and the conflict involving Iran.
The GOP is preparing for midterm elections where farmer support is important.
The Trump administration is promoting a trade deal with China to help farmers.
They are also working on a farm bill to support the agricultural sector.
The goal is to improve conditions for farmers and secure their votes.
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President Donald Trump was questioned on Fox News about his earlier statements that the Iran war would end quickly. New polls show many Americans are unhappy with how he is handling inflation and gas prices, which have risen since the conflict began.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Iran war would be resolved quickly but now says the situation is worse because Iran is trying to build a nuclear weapon.
Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key water route for oil, which is causing gas prices and inflation to rise in the U.S.
Trump told Fox News that a solution to the Iran conflict could be peaceful or violent.
CNN polls show 79% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of gas prices; this includes half of Republicans.
Gas prices have risen by 50% since the war began, reaching an average of $4.52 per gallon nationally.
Polling expert Harry Enten said Trump is facing the worst approval ratings on inflation compared to any president, worse than Jimmy Carter and Joe Biden.
Trump claims Iran agreed to give up highly enriched uranium ("nuclear dust"), but this has not been confirmed by Iranian officials.
The U.S. wants Iran to limit its nuclear program, release blocked assets, and end the war before lifting sanctions or making further moves.
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Many recent US college graduates are struggling to find jobs due to a tougher job market and economic uncertainty. Factors such as government funding cuts, global conflicts, and less job turnover make it harder for new graduates to start their careers.
Key Facts
The current US job market is tight, with many jobs open but fewer people quitting or changing jobs.
In March, there were 6.9 million open jobs, but hiring only increased slightly to 5.6 million.
Job growth has slowed compared to previous years, with only 115,000 jobs added recently, mainly in healthcare, transportation, and retail.
Some sectors like finance and information services have lost jobs.
Less hiring and fewer people leaving jobs create a “no-hire, no-fire” environment, making it harder for new graduates to find work.
Government funding cuts, including $4 billion less for health research, have led to hiring freezes at universities and public health organizations.
These funding cuts and economic concerns discourage employers from hiring new graduates.
Recent graduates face competition from more experienced workers who lost jobs earlier due to layoffs.
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President Donald Trump returned from a trip to China. On the show "Face the Nation," U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Taiwan’s U.S. Ambassador Alexander Yui discussed trade and Taiwan-U.S. relations. The show also shared new CBS News polling about the U.S. economy.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump recently visited China.
The U.S. Trade Representative is Jamieson Greer.
Alexander Yui is Taiwan's representative to the United States.
Both appeared on the CBS News show "Face the Nation."
The discussion included topics on trade and Taiwan-U.S. relations.
Anthony Salvanto presented the latest CBS News polling on the economy.
The program aired on May 17.
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Senator Lindsey Graham said the Republican Party will not accept actions that harm President Donald Trump’s plans. This statement came after Senator Bill Cassidy did not make it to a runoff election for his Senate seat.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham spoke about the future of the Republican Party on Sunday.
He said there is no place in the GOP for those trying to stop President Trump's agenda.
Senator Bill Cassidy did not advance to a runoff election for his Senate seat in Louisiana.
President Trump supported efforts to remove Representative Thomas Massie from his position.
The comments reflect ongoing divisions within the Republican Party related to support for President Trump.
The Republican Party continues to focus on maintaining President Trump’s priorities.
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Tom Steyer, a billionaire and climate activist, is running for governor of California with a campaign focused on taxing the very wealthy to help with affordability issues. His message comes at a time when many Americans are concerned about income inequality and the power held by billionaires.
Key Facts
Tom Steyer is a billionaire worth about $2.4 billion.
He is running for governor of California, promoting higher taxes on the ultra-rich.
California has a large number of billionaires but also faces serious affordability problems like high rent and living costs.
Many Americans are skeptical of billionaires and believe they threaten democracy.
Some politicians, including Democrats like Steyer and others, are pushing anti-elite messages to connect with working-class voters.
California’s powerful labor unions have endorsed Steyer along with other progressive candidates.
Other wealthy Democrats, like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, also run on progressive platforms.
Anti-rich sentiment is growing across the U.S., influencing politics and elections.
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President Donald Trump has returned from a trip to China. On the May 17, 2026, episode of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Taiwan’s U.S. Ambassador Alexander Yui spoke about trade and diplomatic topics. Additionally, CBS News shared new poll results about the economy.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump recently traveled to China and has now returned.
The show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" aired on May 17, 2026.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer participated in the discussion.
Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., was a guest on the show.
CBS News reporter Anthony Salvanto shared the latest polling data on the U.S. economy.
The program focused on trade, international relations, and economic issues.
The episode was featured on CBS News and available on their app.
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Health groups in Australia accuse big tobacco companies of trying to use fears about illegal cigarette sales to reduce tobacco taxes. They warn that cutting taxes would make legal cigarettes cheaper, increase smoking rates, and hurt public health efforts.
Key Facts
A parliamentary inquiry in Australia included secret evidence from Philip Morris, a large cigarette maker.
Tobacco companies say illegal cigarette sales could eliminate legal products by 2030 and want lower tobacco taxes.
Fifteen health organizations, including the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation, disagree and call this a tactic to push for tax cuts.
The World Health Organization has rules to keep tobacco companies from interfering with public health policies.
Australia’s health guidelines say officials should limit contact with tobacco industry representatives.
Smoking causes 24,000 deaths per year in Australia and is the leading preventable cause of death.
Cutting tobacco taxes could give the industry an estimated $2.3 billion gain and increase smoking rates.
Illegal tobacco sales have already cost the Australian government $6 billion in less than six months.
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Experts say that helping children recover from traumatic experiences can reduce crime among young people. Childhood trauma has a strong link to youth crime, making support for affected kids a key way to prevent future offences.
Key Facts
Childhood trauma means very stressful or harmful experiences during early life.
Such trauma can increase the chance that a child might later commit crimes.
Addressing trauma early can help prevent youth from turning to crime.
Providing mental health support and stable environments is important.
Crime prevention strategies focusing on trauma can improve communities.
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Two U.S. states, Colorado and Illinois, have passed laws giving parents extra time off work when their newborns need care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Advocates are now pushing for a federal law to provide similar leave rights across the country.
Key Facts
Olivia White was born prematurely at 29 weeks and needed NICU care.
Her parents, Marlon and Farra Lanzer-White, worked while their baby was in intensive care to save leave time.
Colorado became the first state to offer up to 12 weeks of paid NICU leave in addition to regular parental leave.
Illinois passed a law granting 10 to 20 days of unpaid NICU leave starting soon.
Advocates want NICU leave added to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
The proposed federal bill would provide up to 12 weeks of NICU leave on top of existing FMLA leave.
Supporters see potential bipartisan agreement on the issue.
The U.S. has no federal paid family leave law, and many workers cannot afford unpaid leave.
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Construction on the U.S.-Mexico border wall is damaging sacred Native American sites, including Kuuchamaa Mountain. Indigenous leaders say government contractors are destroying these cultural places while building new sections of the wall, which started increasing recently after some environmental rules were waived.
Key Facts
Kuuchamaa Mountain is sacred to the Kumeyaay Nation and is seen as a healer and spiritual place.
U.S. federal contractors have been blasting and bulldozing parts of the mountain to build new border wall segments.
The construction has increased sharply this year after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security waived some cultural and environmental protections.
Illegal crossings at the border have dropped to very low levels, but building continues.
Indigenous leaders say no tribe agreed to this destruction and are considering legal action.
The Kumeyaay Nation includes tribes from both California and Mexico’s Baja California region.
In Arizona, similar damage has been done to other ancient Native American sites during wall construction.
The expansion of the border wall began during President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Georgia will hold its primary election on Tuesday to select candidates for important races, including the US Senate and governor. The Republican Senate primary is competitive, while Democrat Jon Ossoff is running unopposed. The governor’s race presents a key chance for Democrats to win an open seat.
Key Facts
Georgia's primary election is on Tuesday, focusing on Senate and governor races.
Senator Jon Ossoff is the only Democrat running in the Senate primary.
Five Republicans, including two current House members, Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, are competing to challenge Ossoff.
Collins leads in fundraising but faces an ethics investigation; Donald Trump has not endorsed any candidate.
Former football coach Derek Dooley, endorsed by outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, is running as a moderate Republican.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms leads the Democratic governor primary.
The current governor, Brian Kemp, cannot run again because of term limits.
Republicans Rick Jackson and Trump-endorsed Burt Jones are among the top candidates for governor.
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