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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

5/16: The Uplift

5/16: The Uplift

Summary

David Begnaud from CBS News meets a man who has gone to the Kentucky Derby every year for 79 years. The man’s final wish is to attend the Derby one last time before he dies.

Key Facts

  • The story is about a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby 79 years in a row.
  • David Begnaud is the CBS News reporter telling the story.
  • The man’s wish is to go to the Derby one last time.
  • The Kentucky Derby is a famous annual horse race in the United States.
  • This story was featured in CBS News on May 16.
  • The report is available to watch on the CBS News App and online.
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Sorry, Kamala: ‘No bad ideas’ is a uniquely bad idea

Sorry, Kamala: ‘No bad ideas’ is a uniquely bad idea

Summary

Vice President Kamala Harris suggested the Democratic Party should have an open brainstorming session where no ideas are rejected, including radical constitutional and political changes if they regain power. She shared this idea during a livestream on the “Win with Black Women” podcast.

Key Facts

  • Vice President Kamala Harris spoke on a podcast called “Win with Black Women.”
  • She proposed a “no bad idea brainstorm” for the Democratic Party.
  • The idea encourages sharing all suggestions, even very bold political or constitutional changes.
  • This proposal is aimed at the party preparing for power after future elections.
  • The concept promotes open discussion within the Democratic Party without immediate judgment.
  • The livestream happened on Thursday.
  • Harris invited Democrats to consider major changes as part of the brainstorming.
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North America’s largest commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike

North America’s largest commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike

Summary

Workers on the Long Island Rail Road, which is the busiest commuter rail system in North America, began a strike that stopped all trains on Saturday. The strike happened after months of failed contract talks between unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Key Facts

  • The Long Island Rail Road stopped running early Saturday due to a strike by union workers.
  • Five unions, representing about half of the rail system's workers, took part in the strike.
  • Negotiations for a new contract had been ongoing for months but did not lead to an agreement.
  • President Donald Trump’s administration tried to help negotiate a deal but was unsuccessful.
  • Union leaders said no new talks have been planned, and they feel they are far from agreement.
  • The MTA chairman said the agency offered all the pay increases the unions requested.
  • This is the first strike by Long Island Rail Road workers since 1994.
  • About 250,000 daily riders will need other ways to get to work if the strike lasts beyond the weekend.
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Trump blasts ‘disloyal’ Sen. Cassidy while pushing challenger in Louisiana Republican primary

Trump blasts ‘disloyal’ Sen. Cassidy while pushing challenger in Louisiana Republican primary

Summary

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana faces a tough Republican primary challenge supported by President Donald Trump, who endorsed Cassidy’s opponent, Julia Letlow. Trump criticized Cassidy for voting to convict him in his second impeachment trial and called him disloyal while promoting Letlow as a loyal candidate.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bill Cassidy is running for re-election in Louisiana’s Republican primary.
  • President Donald Trump endorsed Julia Letlow, Cassidy’s challenger.
  • Cassidy voted to convict Trump in Trump’s second impeachment following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
  • Trump called Cassidy “a disloyal disaster” on social media.
  • A third candidate in the race is Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming.
  • If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will take place on June 27.
  • The winner of the primary is expected to win the general election due to Louisiana’s strong Republican base.
  • The election was affected by a Supreme Court decision changing how voting districts are drawn, causing some scheduling confusion.
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Brass bands in Beijing make way for sticker shock at home as Trump returns to escalating inflation

Brass bands in Beijing make way for sticker shock at home as Trump returns to escalating inflation

Summary

President Donald Trump returned from a visit to China as inflation in the United States rose to 3.8% in April, causing prices to go up faster than wages. The higher costs affect many daily expenses, while Trump's negotiations with China have yet to show economic benefits at home.

Key Facts

  • Inflation in the U.S. reached 3.8% annually in April 2026, higher than when President Trump took office.
  • Inflation is growing faster than wages, reducing workers' buying power.
  • Rising oil and gas prices, partly due to the war in Iran, are pushing costs higher.
  • Trump visited China and met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
  • The president announced potential large Boeing airplane sales and increased soybean exports to China.
  • Many Americans face higher prices for gasoline, groceries, utilities, clothes, and travel.
  • Trump described high gas prices as "short-term pain" expected to drop after the war ends.
  • Democrats see the inflation problem as a political challenge for Trump and Republicans.
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When should you get a mammogram? Conflicting advice makes it hard to know

When should you get a mammogram? Conflicting advice makes it hard to know

Summary

Different health groups give varying advice on when women should start getting regular mammograms and how often they should have them. The newest guideline recommends women aged 50 to 74 get a mammogram every two years, while women aged 40 to 49 should talk with their doctor about whether to start screening.

Key Facts

  • Some groups say women should begin mammograms at age 40 or 45, while others say start at 50.
  • The American College of Physicians suggests women 50 to 74 get mammograms every other year.
  • Women aged 40 to 49 should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor before starting screening.
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends starting mammograms at age 40 every two years.
  • The American Cancer Society advises yearly mammograms for women 45 to 54 and switching to every other year at age 55, but women can begin at 40 if they choose.
  • Mammograms have limitations, such as sometimes missing cancer or causing stress from follow-up tests.
  • Breast cancer risk varies among women, making a one-size-fits-all screening approach difficult.
  • Women 75 and older are advised to consult doctors about stopping routine mammograms, with some guidelines saying healthy women can continue screening.
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Lauren Boebert suggests Trump withheld funds to Colorado over prosecution of election denier

Lauren Boebert suggests Trump withheld funds to Colorado over prosecution of election denier

Summary

Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert said President Donald Trump blocked money for a clean water project in Colorado because of the state's prosecution of election denier Tina Peters. Peters, who accessed voting records without permission during efforts to challenge the 2020 election results, was recently released early by Colorado’s governor.

Key Facts

  • Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk, was sentenced to nearly nine years in prison for allowing unauthorized access to voting records.
  • Colorado Governor Jared Polis reduced Peters’ sentence and set her release date for June 1.
  • Lauren Boebert credited President Trump for pressuring officials to seek fairness for Peters and support her early release.
  • Boebert said Trump withheld federal funds for a clean drinking water project in Colorado’s district because of Peters’ prosecution.
  • The water project would have helped 50,000 people and had full support from Colorado lawmakers, including Boebert.
  • Trump vetoed a bill funding the water project in January, citing financial reasons.
  • Boebert criticized other House members for supporting the veto but praised Trump’s stance.
  • Boebert linked Trump’s actions to past efforts to pressure foreign leaders by withholding aid for political reasons.
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Politics and pensions don’t mix: Retirees prevail in the Sooner State

Politics and pensions don’t mix: Retirees prevail in the Sooner State

Summary

The article says that public pension funds should be managed to benefit retirees financially. It argues against politicians controlling these funds for political reasons.

Key Facts

  • Public pensions provide retirement income for government workers.
  • Managing these pensions well is important for retirees’ financial security.
  • The article warns against using pension funds for political goals.
  • It emphasizes that decisions should focus on good financial outcomes for retirees.
  • Political involvement might harm pension fund performance.
  • The article references a situation in Oklahoma ("Sooner State").
  • It suggests retirees have successfully protected their pensions from political interference there.
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New York commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike

New York commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike

Summary

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New York’s largest commuter train system, stopped running on Saturday because workers went on strike over contract talks. About half the workforce, represented by five unions, walked off the job after months of failed negotiations mainly over pay and healthcare costs.

Key Facts

  • The LIRR serves New York City’s eastern suburbs and is the largest commuter rail system in North America.
  • Five unions, representing roughly half of the railroad’s workers, began the strike early Saturday morning.
  • Contract talks stalled mainly on pay raises and health care costs for workers.
  • The strike is the first LIRR walkout since 1994 and may disrupt travel for about 250,000 daily riders.
  • The MTA claims it met the union’s pay demands and accuses the unions of planning to strike regardless.
  • Some sports events at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, and Madison Square Garden could be affected due to closure of LIRR service.
  • The MTA will offer limited shuttle buses, but many commuters will face traffic jams or must work from home.
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged people to work remotely if possible; fare increases are a concern if unions get higher pay.
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Trump doubles down after dismissing affordability concerns amid Iran war

Trump doubles down after dismissing affordability concerns amid Iran war

Summary

President Donald Trump defended his earlier statement that he does not consider Americans' cost of living when negotiating to end the war with Iran. He told Fox News he stands by this comment as he returns to the U.S.

Key Facts

  • President Trump made a statement about not factoring in cost of living concerns during Iran war talks.
  • He described his original comment as “perfect” and said he would say it again.
  • The remarks were made during an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier.
  • Trump spoke about this ahead of his return to the United States.
  • The comments have attracted attention because they relate to the impact of war on everyday Americans.
  • The ongoing conflict involves the U.S. and Iran.
  • Cost of living refers to how much money people need to cover basic expenses like food, housing, and bills.
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Jen Psaki Fact Checks Eric Trump Live On Air After He Threatens To Sue

Jen Psaki Fact Checks Eric Trump Live On Air After He Threatens To Sue

Summary

Jen Psaki questioned whether Eric Trump’s participation in President Donald Trump’s trip to China showed a conflict of interest because of his family business ties. Eric Trump denied the claims, said he has no business interests in China, and threatened to sue Psaki and her network for what he called false statements. Psaki responded by citing evidence that Eric Trump was introduced as a board member of a company linked to China.

Key Facts

  • Jen Psaki questioned Eric Trump’s role on President Trump’s China trip, suggesting a possible conflict of interest.
  • Psaki cited a report about Alt5 Sigma, a company connected to Eric Trump, working with a Chinese chipmaker linked to China’s ruling party.
  • Eric Trump denied being on Alt5’s board, having business in China, or involvement in merger talks.
  • Eric Trump said he joined the trip simply as a son supporting his father.
  • Jen Psaki showed a video where Eric Trump was introduced as a board member of Alt5 at a Nasdaq event.
  • Eric Trump threatened to sue Psaki and MS NOW over her statements.
  • The Trump family has faced past criticism over mixing their business and government roles.
  • A White House spokesperson said the president acts in the U.S. public’s best interests and there are no conflicts.
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Lindsey Graham's Chances of Winning South Carolina Senate Race: New Poll

Lindsey Graham's Chances of Winning South Carolina Senate Race: New Poll

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham leads the Republican primary for the 2026 South Carolina Senate race with 56% support according to a recent poll. He has strong backing from voters and President Donald Trump’s endorsement, making him the likely nominee and a strong contender for the general election.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham leads the South Carolina Republican Senate primary with 56% support in the latest InsiderAdvantage poll.
  • Graham’s nearest challenger, Mark Lynch, has 13% support.
  • The poll surveyed 800 likely Republican primary voters from May 13–14, 2026.
  • Graham’s lead is broad, with strong support across all demographic groups.
  • More than 60% of respondents said Trump’s endorsement helps Graham’s chances.
  • Other polls from 2025 and early 2026 also show Graham leading the field.
  • Prediction markets estimate an 80% chance that Republicans will win the 2026 South Carolina Senate race.
  • South Carolina’s Republican-leaning voters and Graham’s incumbency provide him an advantage.
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‘A horrible way to die’: after deaths in Laredo, experts prepare for lethal summer heat at US-Mexico border

‘A horrible way to die’: after deaths in Laredo, experts prepare for lethal summer heat at US-Mexico border

Summary

Six people from Mexico and Honduras died from extreme heat inside a sealed railway car in Laredo, Texas, while being smuggled into the U.S. Experts warn that the summer months bring dangerous heat conditions that cause many immigrant deaths along the southern border, especially in desert areas like Arizona.

Key Facts

  • Six immigrants, aged 14 to 56, were found dead in a sealed train car in Laredo, Texas.
  • Medical examiners say at least one died from hyperthermia, or extreme heat exposure, likely all six did.
  • The group had boarded a Union Pacific train near Del Rio, Texas, and became trapped inside the railcar.
  • Immigrants use train travel to avoid harsh overland routes controlled by cartels and extreme desert heat.
  • Hundreds of people die annually in border areas, many due to high temperatures reaching 118°F in deserts like the Sonoran.
  • Most heat-related immigrant deaths occur between May and September, peaking in July.
  • Nonprofit groups provide water and heat-awareness training to help immigrants survive the dangerous journey.
  • Children are among the victims vulnerable to heat exposure and dehydration during border crossings.
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‘A mask can’t hide you from God’: can you shame an ICE agent into quitting?

‘A mask can’t hide you from God’: can you shame an ICE agent into quitting?

Summary

A non-profit group called Women’s March started showing TV ads in several U.S. cities to shame ICE agents for their treatment of immigrants. The ads aim to make ICE agents rethink their actions by appealing to their conscience and encouraging them to quit. Other groups also use prayer and community events to support immigrant families and hope to change ICE agents’ behavior.

Key Facts

  • Women’s March is a non-partisan nonprofit that mobilizes women on political issues and opposes ICE’s actions.
  • The ad features a child asking her father, an ICE agent, about his day, with images showing ICE brutality on immigrants.
  • The campaign appeals to ICE agents' morality and highlights financial incentives like signing bonuses offered under the Trump administration.
  • The ad runs in cities including Charlotte, Palm Beach, El Paso, Miami, Atlanta, and New Jersey.
  • Some activists use shame to pressure ICE agents, while others focus on compassion and healing.
  • A faith-based group, New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, holds weekly vigils praying for immigrant families and ICE agents.
  • The group believes in encouraging a change of heart among ICE agents through prayer and community support.
  • The campaign arose partly after a fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE officer, sparking public outrage and debate.
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From reality TV villain to mayor? Spencer Pratt tries to convince Los Angeles he should lead the city

From reality TV villain to mayor? Spencer Pratt tries to convince Los Angeles he should lead the city

Summary

Spencer Pratt, known from reality TV, is running for mayor of Los Angeles. He is gaining support as residents express frustration about homelessness, housing costs, and wildfire recovery, challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.

Key Facts

  • Spencer Pratt is a former reality TV star from the show The Hills.
  • He is running in a nonpartisan race for Los Angeles mayor against current Mayor Karen Bass and city councilor Nithya Raman.
  • Polls show Pratt is second, behind Bass but ahead of Raman.
  • Pratt received endorsements from Joe Rogan and praise from Elon Musk and Fox News personalities.
  • Los Angeles faces serious challenges, including nearly 44,000 homeless people and a shortage of 270,000 affordable housing units.
  • The city is recovering slowly from wildfires that destroyed over 4,000 homes, including Pratt’s.
  • Mayor Bass has reduced homelessness by 17.5% but many residents still feel the crisis is severe.
  • The mayoral race may go to a runoff in November since no clear winner is expected next month.
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Republican Louisiana senator in tough primary after Trump backs opponent

Republican Louisiana senator in tough primary after Trump backs opponent

Summary

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy faces a difficult Republican primary after President Trump endorsed his opponent, Julia Letlow. Cassidy had voted to impeach Trump and later tried to regain favor by supporting Trump-backed nominees, but Trump’s endorsement of Letlow has shifted support away from Cassidy.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bill Cassidy voted to impeach President Trump after the January 6 Capitol attack.
  • Cassidy later voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Trump-backed nominee, as health secretary.
  • President Trump endorsed Julia Letlow to run against Cassidy in the Republican primary.
  • Letlow and John Fleming are leading in polls ahead of Cassidy in the primary race.
  • Cassidy has criticized some Trump-backed nominees, causing further tension with the president.
  • Louisiana’s Republican party censured Cassidy in 2021 because of his impeachment vote.
  • Changes to Louisiana’s primary rules now allow only party members and unaffiliated voters to choose the Republican nominee, affecting Cassidy’s chances.
  • Cassidy is a doctor and former House member who has served as a US senator since 2015.
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CBS News insiders fear Bari Weiss will soon enact ‘massive changes’ to 60 Minutes

CBS News insiders fear Bari Weiss will soon enact ‘massive changes’ to 60 Minutes

Summary

CBS News’s program 60 Minutes remains highly popular, drawing millions of viewers. The upcoming 60 Minutes season will be the first fully led by Bari Weiss, the new editor-in-chief after Skydance Media acquired Paramount Global. Staff members expect significant changes, with some prominent correspondents leaving or possibly being fired.

Key Facts

  • On April 12, 60 Minutes attracted 10.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched news show this season.
  • Bari Weiss became editor-in-chief of CBS News after Skydance Media completed buying Paramount Global in August 2025.
  • Insiders say “massive changes” are expected after the current season ends on May 17, but the core mission of 60 Minutes may stay the same.
  • Anderson Cooper announced he is leaving the show to focus on his CNN program and family.
  • Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi suggested she may be fired; she criticized corporate interference at CBS News.
  • Weiss reportedly delayed Alfonsi’s December report on the Trump administration’s deportation of Venezuelans.
  • Some staff fear layoffs and worry changes under Weiss might harm the show’s reputation.
  • Former producers and insiders believe Alfonsi’s possible firing could discourage other journalists from reporting freely.
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Our 10-Month-Old Had a Mysterious Illness. Then Suddenly She Was Gone

Our 10-Month-Old Had a Mysterious Illness. Then Suddenly She Was Gone

Summary

A father writes about the sudden and unexplained death of his 10-month-old daughter, Aviva, after repeated hospital visits for a mysterious condition causing her heart rate to drop during sleep. Despite many tests, doctors could never find the cause, and Aviva passed away unexpectedly during her sixth hospital visit.

Key Facts

  • Aviva was a 10-month-old baby girl who often experienced sudden drops in her heart rate while sleeping.
  • She was taken to the hospital five times before her death, starting at just nine days old.
  • Doctors conducted many tests, including heart, brain, and genetic checks, but never found a cause.
  • Aviva appeared happy and healthy between episodes, showing no obvious symptoms.
  • During her sixth hospital visit, her condition worsened suddenly, and she died despite emergency efforts.
  • The cause of Aviva’s death remains unknown.
  • The father describes the deep grief and loss experienced after her passing.
  • He commits to honoring his daughter’s memory despite the tragedy.
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GOP Sen. Cassidy fights to hold onto seat in Louisiana primary

GOP Sen. Cassidy fights to hold onto seat in Louisiana primary

Summary

Louisiana voters are choosing their Republican Senate nominee in a primary where incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy seeks a third term against challengers including Rep. Julia Letlow. The race reflects divisions within the GOP, with President Trump endorsing Letlow over Cassidy, who voted to impeach Trump after the January 6 Capitol attack.

Key Facts

  • Sen. Bill Cassidy is running for a third Senate term in Louisiana.
  • Cassidy voted to convict President Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial.
  • President Trump endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow, Cassidy’s Republican challenger.
  • Letlow was the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Louisiana in 2021.
  • Cassidy and Letlow criticize each other on loyalty and conservative credentials.
  • State Treasurer John Fleming is also running, creating a three-way Republican race.
  • If no candidate wins more than 50%, the top two will have a runoff on June 27.
  • Louisiana is a strongly Republican state where Trump won 60% of the vote in 2024.
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Can a Republican defy Donald Trump and survive? Kentucky voters will decide

Can a Republican defy Donald Trump and survive? Kentucky voters will decide

Summary

In Kentucky’s 4th congressional district, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie faces a primary challenge from Ed Gallrein, who is backed by President Donald Trump. The race is seen as a test of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, as Massie has often opposed Trump and positioned himself as an independent voice.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Massie is a seven-term congressman known for his libertarian views and opposition to some Trump policies.
  • Massie has voted against Trump’s tax and spending bill, opposed military actions without Congress’s approval, and co-authored a bill to release Jeffrey Epstein files.
  • Ed Gallrein, a farmer and retired Navy SEAL, is Trump’s endorsed candidate trying to unseat Massie in the May 19 Republican primary.
  • President Trump has publicly criticized Massie using harsh language and called for voters to remove him from office.
  • Two senior Trump strategists lead a political action committee supporting Gallrein in the race.
  • Early polling shows the race is close, with Massie’s limited local presence seen as a potential weakness.
  • The district is mostly white, with a median income of about $82,000, and strongly supported Trump in the 2024 election.
  • The primary is viewed as a choice between loyalty to Trump or support for an independent Republican voice.
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