Liberal Reporting for 2026-05-18
Today’s news coverage from liberal media sources.
Sen. Bill Cassidy defeated in Louisiana Senate primary in a victory for Trump
Rep. Julia Letlow and ex-Rep. John Fleming will face off on June 27 ahead of the general election in November, when Republicans are heavily favored to win. The post Sen. Bill Cassidy defeated in Louis...
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
Massie’s primary is the most expensive in history. Pro-Israel groups have played a huge part.
Ad spending in the race to unseat the rebellious Republican has smashed House records.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.com
‘The timing sucks’: Race is on to safeguard World Cup from drones
Lack of equipment, a lengthy government shutdown and snags with a new law are prompting worries with games just weeks away.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.com
‘Fundamentally, I’m a Southerner;’ how a SCOTUS ruling complicates Black voters’ sense of place
I’ve never lived in a South without a Voting Rights Act that restricted white officials’ worst impulses. And now that I do, home is feeling a lot less so. The post ‘Fundamentally, I’m a Southerner;’ h...
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
Hospitals are taking the fall for high health care costs
On right and left and among industry rivals, everyone is pointing the finger at the caregivers.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.com
This Christian nationalist rally gets the Constitution all wrong
The Rededicate 250 rally on Sunday at the National Mall offers a preview of what American theocracy would look like. The post This Christian nationalist rally gets the Constitution all wrong appeared ...
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
Trump Says He’s a Builder. His Peace Deals Are Far From Sturdy.
Arab officials worry Trump will leave them in a lurch with Iran.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.com
Bill Cassidy held Trump accountable. Voters responded by humiliating him.
Louisiana’s Cassidy is the first elected U.S. senator to lose a primary in more than a decade. The post Bill Cassidy held Trump accountable. Voters responded by humiliating him. appeared first on MS N...
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
The Louisiana primaries test MAHA’s political power
RFK Jr. and a host of conservative fundraisers pooled their resources in a bid to unseat Sen. Bill Cassidy — and the result will likely enhance their political power. The post The Louisiana primaries ...
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
‘Clobbered’: Trump vowed Cassidy would lose Louisiana’s Senate GOP primary. And he did.
Trump urged the state’s Republicans Saturday to oust Cassidy for his vote to “IMPEACH me for something that has now proven to be total ‘bullshit!’” The post ‘Clobbered’: Trump vowed Cassidy would lose...
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
Taiwan urges Trump to stay the course on weapons sales
The arms supply appeal follows President Donald Trump’s comments Friday that he’s delaying approval of a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.com
The Guardian view on Cuba: Trump says he can do ‘anything I want’ to the island. It doesn’t belong to him | Editorial
Buoyed by his removal of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, the US president is intensifying an economic stranglehold and military menaceWhile the world watched the pomp of Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing, th...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Pete Hegseth thinks the lawmakers who know the most about the military should have the least to say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new attempt to mute his nemesis Sen. Mark Kelly is part of the Pentagon’s larger effort to muzzle all of us military retirees, especially those with legislative power....
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
‘Green card for the planet’? Fifa’s World Cup is on pace to be a climate catastrophe
The 2022 World Cup failed to deliver on its environmental promises. From air travel emissions to heat-related dangers, the 2026 edition will be even worseSoccer fans are increasingly watching preparat...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Smuggled in Syringes: Inside Nairobi’s Black Market in Giant Harvester Ants
This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. In the biblical text Book of Proverbs, King Solomon describes the harvester ant as...
Mother Jones
May 17, 2026 - motherjones.com
Johnson says there’s still room for dissent in GOP even after Cassidy ouster
Trump’s ouster of the Louisiana senator was one of his most stunning displays of electoral power to date.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.com
How Cassidy’s loss could turn into an even bigger win for RFK Jr.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a Make America Healthy Again devotee, is angling to replace the defeated Louisiana senator atop the Health Committee.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.com
Runoff in Peru Offers Two Starkly Differing Visions for the Nation
The presidential election pits Keiko Fujimori, a conservative, against Roberto Sánchez, a leftist, after a crisis marked by delays and protests.
NYT > Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
‘Jim Crow 2.0’: South Carolina’s Republicans move to oust state’s only Black congressman since 1897
James Clyburn could now find his district dismantled after supreme court effectively gutted Voting Rights ActSouth Carolina has had exactly one Black representative in Congress since 1897: James Clybu...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Trump’s trade commission is using fear to silence dissent
The FTC settled its case with Media Matters for America. But it doesn’t have to win in court to achieve its goalsIs there something “radically left” about being anti-Nazi? That was the question a judg...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
It may not feel like it, but hope is on the horizon: Trump, Netanyahu and Putin’s powers appear to be waning | Simon Tisdall
Plummeting approval ratings for these three poisonous comrades-in-arms show voters are demoralised and tiring of forever wars – the west could soon breathe againFeeling depressed about the state of th...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
One clinic tracks the heavy toll Trump's immigration crackdown takes on mental health
Zocalo Health, a primary care organization, screens all its patients for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. It documented a marked increase in those conditions since ICE enforcement actions be...
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - npr.org
For Trump, Soaring Prices Test Voters’ Finances and Patience
Just months before another election that may hinge on the economy, the war in Iran has sent gas and other goods soaring.
NYT > Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Trump news at a glance: billions of taxpayer dollars could go to president and his allies in unprecedented move
If case is settled for full amount Trump is requesting, a $10bn payment would more than double his family’s net worth – key US politics stories from Saturday, 16 May at a glanceDonald Trump may agree ...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
The American epoch of oil is collapsing. What comes next could be ugly | Jonathan Watts
China is dominating the energy transition with astonishing result, while fossil fuel fascists in the US try to turn back the clock“Farewell,” the flag-waving Chinese children chanted to Donald Trump a...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
New burn bans and Trump's battle with immigration and DEI are impacting forest fires
Firefighters say setting fires on purpose is one of the best ways to protect against massive wildfires later. But the Trump administration is banning or stalling preventative burning across the U.S.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - npr.org
New York Magazine reviewing work of writer facing plagiarism allegations
The high-profile writer, who has written a forthcoming book about New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is being investigated by the magazine after being called out for copying the work of other writers.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - npr.org
Crowds pack into Washington's National Mall for prayer rally
President Donald Trump was expected to address the gathering, which got underway as a light rain fell, in a video message. Other top Republicans, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
May 17, 2026 - pbs.org
Louisiana Primary-Election Map Results: Bill Cassidy Loses
The Republican senator, who voted to convict President Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial, failed to advance to a runoff election next month.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and Analysis
May 17, 2026 - newyorker.com
Trump Tightens Grasp on G.O.P. as Cassidy Loss Shows Cost of Defiance
The defeat showed the president’s dominance in his party, even as a broader range of views about Mr. Trump could be a major Republican liability in the midterms.
NYT > Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Lamar Alexander Wants Republicans to Stand Up to Trump
In a new memoir, the former senator, governor and cabinet member says President Trump committed an impeachable offense on Jan. 6 and calls on Congress to assert its power.
NYT > Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Trump attacks Massie as Republican critic describes ‘desperate’ attempts to oust him from primary
US president writes ‘vote the bum out’ as congressman faces close race against Trump-endorsed RepublicanWith two days to go before the next big test of Donald Trump’s iron grip over his party, the pre...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Experts sound alarm as North America’s bees start swarm season unusually early
After record losses last year, beekeepers report a warm winter has led to bees ‘waking up earlier’ this yearAfter a series of record-breaking US heatwaves, the 2026 bee swarm season in North America h...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
France’s top film producer says it will blacklist figures who petitioned against rightwing billionaire
Canal+ head says he will not work with hundreds of actors and directors who signed protest against Vincent Bolloré’s political swayThe head of France’s biggest film producer, Canal+, has said the grou...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
‘It’s no longer exceptional’: Karachi struggles under brutal new reality of extreme heat
Experts say the unseasonably hot weather across south Asia shows the impact of the climate crisisAn intense and prolonged heatwave has been causing misery for millions across Pakistan and India.In sou...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
How to prepare for a huge disaster when you live in a tiny apartment
A person wades through a flooded street in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City on October 29, 2012. | Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images It often feels like we’re on the br...
Vox
May 17, 2026 - vox.com
WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda
Though the virus is highly contagious, the outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency like COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization. The post WHO declares global health em...
MS NOW
May 17, 2026 - ms.now
China says preliminary agreement reached with US to lower some tariffs
The two sides “agreed to promote two-way trade, including in agricultural products, through arrangements such as mutual tariff reductions on a range of products,” the commerce ministry in Beijing said...
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - politico.eu
To Critics, Trump Remarks Reveal a Billionaire Out of Touch
The president has never pretended to be an ordinary American, but a recent “truth bomb” has opened him to criticism that he doesn’t grasp the economic strain of his war with Iran.
NYT > Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Trump Administration Pushes Narrative of Christian Nation at Prayer Rally in D.C.
The nine-hour prayer event features speakers from President Trump’s cabinet and a program that connects the nation’s founding with Christianity.
NYT > Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Here’s the Trade Deal That Trump and Xi Should Have Reached
For this to happen, however, both men would need personality transplants.
NYT > Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Workers racing to turn reflecting pool blue for Trump may be at risk, union warns
Union representative concerned about safety as workers rush to finish repainting DC pool before 250th celebrationsWorkers renovating one of Washington DC’s most historically symbolic sites in a projec...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
A ‘tax-the-rich’ billionaire candidate? Democrats are intrigued
Tom Steyer has built his campaign for governor of California around affordability – he’s not the only Democrat testing the party’s appetite for a populist from the 1%Tom Steyer has built his campaign ...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
London protests, disco dancers and robot monks: photos of the weekend
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world Continue reading...
The Guardian
May 17, 2026 - theguardian.com
Bus riders to Montgomery retrace old steps while fighting a new fight
Thousands of people rallied Saturday in Montgomery, Alabama, to push back against conservative states' efforts to dismantle congressional districts that helped secure Black political representation.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - npr.org
How a CEO and Trump donor is weaponizing tariffs against his rivals
Cambria CEO Marty Davis has successfully asked the U.S. government to put tariffs on quartz. His business competitors are crying foul.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
May 17, 2026 - npr.org
Trump warns 'clock is ticking' for Iran as peace progress stalls
Iranian media reports the US has not made concrete concessions in response to Tehran's latest proposals.
BBC News
May 17, 2026 - bbc.com
UAE reports strike near Abu Dhabi nuclear power plant
The country is investigating the source of the strike, which it calls a "dangerous escalation".
BBC News
May 17, 2026 - bbc.com
Forty-three arrests after £4.5m police operation to keep rival London protests apart
Serious clashes between Unite the Kingdom and pro-Palestinian protesters were avoided on Saturday.
BBC News
May 17, 2026 - bbc.com
Drone attack starts fire at UAE nuclear power plant
No one claimed responsibility, and the UAE did not blame anyone for what it said was an "unprovoked terrorist attack." It has recently accused Iran of launching drone and missile attacks as tensions h...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
May 17, 2026 - pbs.org
Taiwan's president defends U.S. arms purchases after Trump sowed doubts following visit to China
His statement came days after Trump raised doubts over his willingness to continue to sell arms to Taiwan, the island democracy that China claims as its own breakaway province, to be retaken by force ...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
May 17, 2026 - pbs.org
News Analysis: Trump spent two days with Xi in Beijing. Was he outplayed?
The Trump administration argues the trip was a success, having secured the display of conciliation and partnership the president had sought after years of increasingly dangerous acrimony.
World & Nation
May 17, 2026 - latimes.com
AI license plate cameras tore this town apart and led to a state of emergency
In Troy, New York, residents and city officials are at odds over police use of Flock cameras, which some call a safety tool and others see as surveillance.
National
May 17, 2026 - washingtonpost.com
Suing His Own IRS? Creating a $1.8 Billion Slush Fund? What the Hell Is Trump Trying to Pull?
Sen. Ron Wyden, longtime Oregon Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Finance Commitee, has never been a fan of President Donald Trump. But I’ve never seen him quite this worked up. The administra...
Mother Jones
May 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Jared Polis Did the Right Thing
On Friday afternoon, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued 35 pardons. He also commuted the sentences of nine prisoners, allowing them to be released years before they otherwise would be. Some of these act...
Mother Jones
May 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
Bill Cassidy’s fall is a warning sign for other Trump enemies
Sen. Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) primary loss is a massive warning sign for any Republicans who’ve provoked the president’s wrath — like Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 16, 2026 - politico.com
Ballroom security money nixed by Senate parliamentarian
Republicans proposed sending $1 billion to the Secret Service, with some to be used on the controversial White House project.
Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories
May 16, 2026 - politico.com
Immigrants Are Reportedly Being Held in ICE Jails Despite Agreeing to Leave US
Rep. LaMonica McIver says private prisons are profiting by jailing some who've already signed deportation agreements.
Truthout
May 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Trump returns to the U.S. from China with pressure over rising inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump returned from the spectacle of a Chinese state visit to a less than welcoming U.S. economy — with the military band and garden tour in Beijing giving way to pr...
PBS NewsHour - The Latest
May 16, 2026 - pbs.org
Ahead of Louisiana Primary, Trump Calls GOP Sen. Cassidy a “Disloyal Disaster”
As voters in Louisiana head to the polls for Saturday’s primary elections, President Donald Trump is doing all he can to ensure that incumbent Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy gets the boot. Cassidy was ...
Mother Jones
May 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
SCOTUS Denied VA Dems’ Attempt to Salvage Congressional Map Approved by Voters
The map would have added several Democtratic-leaning districts as a counter to GOP gerrymandering in other states.
Truthout
May 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Tillis slams Hegseth for ‘impulsive decisions not grounded in reality’
The North Carolina GOP senator excoriated Hegseth for what he called disrespecting “our greatest allies and some of our best military professionals.” The post Tillis slams Hegseth for ‘impulsive deci...
MS NOW
May 16, 2026 - ms.now
Trump Is Making America Uninsured Again
The GOP is heading into the midterms as the party that made health coverage out of reach for millions of Americans.
Truthout
May 16, 2026 - truthout.org
A Hallowed Monument to US History May Be Assailed by Data Centers
It’s hard to make a story about data centers interesting. I know this because that was the goal I gave myself recently: Report a data center story that wasn’t totally soporific. And honestly, it was a...
Mother Jones
May 16, 2026 - motherjones.com
The US Has Treated Immigrant Doctors as a Safety Net in Moments of Crisis
The US has long seen immigrant physicians as a global reserve labor force instrumentalized in response to crises.
Truthout
May 16, 2026 - truthout.org
Trump may settle his lawsuit against IRS for $1.7bn fund to compensate allies
In unprecedented self-dealing maneuver, billions of taxpayer dollars could be paid to US president and his alliesThere is growing concern Donald Trump’s massive $10bn lawsuit against the Internal Reve...
The Guardian
May 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Secret police and propaganda: The Chinese agents spying on expats in US
Experts say two espionage cases in the US highlight China's attempts to peddle influence globally over the past decade.
BBC News
May 16, 2026 - bbc.com
Trump’s War on Iran Is a Symptom of Unchecked US Military Power
Virtually everyone killed by the US during the “war on terror” has been a person of color, writer Norman Solomon says.
Truthout
May 16, 2026 - truthout.org
‘They may draw racist maps, but we are the south’: thousands rally in Alabama for Black voting rights
People came to Montgomery by bus, car and plane to march on the state capitol with local and national leaders Thousands of people from across the country descended on Montgomery, the capital of Alaba...
The Guardian
May 16, 2026 - theguardian.com
Louisiana senator who voted to convict Trump loses Republican primary
Sen. Bill Cassidy is one of few remaining Republican senators who voted to convict President Trump after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Trump endorsed his opponent, Rep. Julia Letlow.
NPR Topics: Home Page Top Stories
May 16, 2026 - npr.org
Train car found with 6 dead migrants inside came from Long Beach, officials say
Six migrants were found dead inside a train car in Laredo, Texas, Sunday, and officials say the train originated from Long Beach.