Blogs

By Giancarla Sambo

Edited by Elissa D. Hecker

Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News:

Oscars Ban AI in Acting and Writing Categories, Overhaul International Feature Film Rules

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced major rule changes for the 99th Oscars (2027), including a ban on AI-generated performances and scripts. Only roles “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent” are eligible, excluding AI likenesses like Tilly Norwood. The changes also let actors receive multiple nominations in the same category and broaden international film eligibility beyond the previous one-country-one-film rule.

https://www.thewrap.com/industry-news/awards/oscars-rule-changes-2026-ai-actors/

Good Grief! ‘Peanuts’ Music Copyrights Owner Fires Off Four Infringement Lawsuits — U.S. Gov’t, Heritage Auctions, GameMill, and Buckle-Down Face Complaints
Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) filed four complaints following Sony Music’s deal for a controlling stake in Peanuts Holdings, although there is no link between the lawsuits and Sony’s recent acquisition.  LMFP is the “television and film production company and music publisher” founded by the namesake Lee Mendelson over six decades ago.  Mendelson, who passed away in 2019, served as executive producer on a number of Peanuts television specials, among them A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. LMFP also owns and administers Vince Guaraldi’s library of Charlie Brown music; Guaraldi composed well-known works including “Linus and Lucy” for the Peanuts television programs.
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/05/21/peanuts-lawsuits-lee-mendelson-film-productions/

George Clinton Sues UMG, Alleging Over $1.1M In Royalties Have Been Withheld for More Than Three Years
Legendary funk musician George Clinton sued Universal Music Group, alleging that the label has withheld all of his royalties for over three years. The complaint accuses UMG of breach of contract and claims that it is holding over $1.1 million in frozen royalties.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/george-clinton-sues-umg-alleging-over-1-1m-in-royalties-have-been-withheld-for-more-than-three-years/

Indie Music Has Been Invaded by Fake Fans and Cynical Viral Campaigns​. Here’s How Deep It All Goes.

Brooklyn indie rock band Geese was caught in a controversy after a marketing agency, Chaotic Good, used bots and engineered TikTok clips to create a false organic rise. Wired called it a “psyop,” sparking backlash from veterans who said that digital marketing is industry standard. This raises concerns about fans discerning real buzz from hype and impacts how we discover and trust new music.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/apr/29/geese-outcry-phoney-virality-music-fans-hype

Bonny Darin Musical Reaches a Rare Broadway Milestone: Profit

The Bobby Darin jukebox musical Just in Time, starring Jeremy Jordan at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre, recouped its $12.5 million investment, becoming the first 2024–2025 season Broadway musical to turn a profit. Launched with Jonathan Groff, it has broken weekly box office records and plans a North American tour in June 2027. In a season where profits are rare, this milestone shows that star power and smart casting can still succeed.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/theater/just-in-time-broadway-profit.html

Broadway’s ‘Giant,’ with John Lithgow, Turns a Profit in 10 Weeks

Giant, the Olivier Award-winning play starring John Lithgow as Roald Dahl, recouped its $5.6 million investment in just 10 weeks at the Music Box Theatre. Written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by Nicholas Hytner, it imagines a tense 1983 confrontation between Dahl and his publishers over Dahl’s antisemitic remarks. The play is nominated for four 2026 Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Actor.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/theater/giant-lithgow-broadway-recoup.html

Live Nation Operates in ‘Climate of Fear,’ Finds U.K. Trade Committee, Urges ‘Full Market Investigation’
The U.K. Parliamentary trade committee urged the Competition and Markets Authority to urgently investigate the live music industry, stating that Live Nation operates in a “climate of fear.” The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, composed of MPs from both parties, launched an inquiry into the U.K. live music market last December.
https://variety.com/2026/music/global/live-nation-climate-of-fear-investigation-uk-1236756844/

‘Married at First Sight U.K.’ Rape Allegations Lead to Call for U.K. Investigation

Two women told BBC News they were sexually assaulted during production. These accusations reignited Britain’s debate on duty of care and safety in reality TV. The government called for a formal investigation, and Channel 4 removed episodes from streaming platforms to address misconduct.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/world/europe/married-at-first-sight-uk-rape-investigation.html

Is It Time to Rewrite U.S. Copyright Law?

As generative AI reproduces creative works at scale, legal experts question if the Copyright Act of 1976 is adequate. It was made for human authors and physical copies, not for models that ingest millions of works and generate new ones rapidly. Proposed reforms include new licensing, opt-out registries for creators, and clearer transformative use rules.

https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/05/14/is-it-time-to-rewrite-us-copyright-law/

A Beloved Whale Mural in Dallas Is Being Painted Over Ahead of the World Cup

Crews painted over Wyland's nearly 30-year-old whale mural, “Whaling Wall 82,' on a Dallas parking garage for FIFA World Cup artwork, causing public backlash. Wyland was "deeply disheartened” and threatened legal action under the Visual Artists Rights Act. Dallas hosts more World Cup matches than any U.S. city this summer, but many residents and students felt the cost was too high, prompting a Change.org petition to halt the painting.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/us/dallas-world-cup-wyland-whale-mural-painted-over.html

Federal Panel Approves Trump’s Plans for a 250-Foot Arch in Washington

A federal panel approved President Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington. The arts panel, whose members were selected by Trump, has an advisory role in the project's design but no enforcement power.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/us/politics/trump-arch-approved.html

The Kennedy Center Is Latest D.C. Political Football Amid Fight Over Planned Closure and Exodus of Artists and Audiences
A modest gathering at the Kennedy Center will overlook the fireworks on the Mall, marking the Mall's pending closure three days later. President Trump, who took over soon after his second term began, portrays himself as its savior, with the closure necessary for renovation.
https://deadline.com/2026/05/donald-trump-kennedy-center-closure-chaos-1236883661/

Pollock and Brancusi Join the $100 Million Club at Auction

Christie’s sold over $1 billion of art in under three hours at its New York spring auction, marking one of the house's best single nights in 259 years. The top lot was Jackson Pollock’s Number 7A (1948), which sold for $181.2 million, nearly tripling the artist’s previous record. Constantin Brancusi’s bronze Danaïde (1913) sold for $107.6 million, a 50% increase over his prior high, from the S.I. Newhouse collection.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/arts/design/pollock-brancusi-christies-auction.html

Is Museum Wall Text the Next Political Battleground?

The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery restored references to Trump’s two impeachments in his portrait’s wall text at the “America’s Presidents” exhibit, months after they were removed in January due to White House pressure. The updated exhibit lists the impeachments with other key presidential events. The reversal followed criticism from historians who said that the Smithsonian bowed to political pressure.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/arts/design/smithsonian-museum-wall-text-politics.html

Shein, the Face of Fast Fashion, Buys the Sustainability-Minded Everlane

Shein and Everlane confirmed they plan for Shein to acquire a majority share in the California-based brand from L Catterton, for an undisclosed amount. For Everlane, this offers a chance to tackle about $90 million debt. Everlane CEO Alfred Chang said his brand will keep its identity and leadership amid concerns about Shein's environmental record. The deal needs regulatory approval.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/style/shein-everlane-fast-fashion-sustainability.html

Son of Mango Fashion Chain’s Founder Is Arrested as Suspect in His Death

Spanish police arrested Jonathan Andic, son of billionaire Mango founder Isak Andic, as a suspect in his father's December 2024 death. Originally deemed an accidental 300-foot cliff fall, the case was reopened amid claims of an economic motive linked to his father's estate.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/world/europe/mango-son-arrest-andic.html

SCORE Act Pulled from House Floor After CBC Opposition

The SCORE Act, a landmark law aiming to set new standards in college sports, including revenue sharing and athlete pay, will not move forward to a vote at this time. This is the second time in less than a year that the bill, which sought to give the NCAA limited antitrust protections amid legal challenges, has failed to advance in the House amid bipartisan criticism.
https://thehill.com/policy/keeping-score/5884675-score-act-house-cbc-ncaa/

Brendan Sorsby Files Suit Against NCAA, Details Bets on Own Team While at Indiana

College quarterback Brendan Sorsby filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after the organization barred him from the supplemental draft following a gambling investigation. He argues that the punishment was disproportionate and cost him a professional contract worth millions. The Texas Tech quarterback is seeking an emergency injunction for the 2026 season, arguing that his actions are the result of a clinically recognized gambling addiction rather than an attempt to manipulate games. The case is the latest challenge to the NCAA’s uneven gambling enforcement policies, which critics say lack due process.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7289109/2026/05/18/brendan-sorsby-sues-ncaa-supplemental-draft-gambling/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7292874/2026/05/20/brendan-sorsby-gambling-ncaa-lawsuit/

Speaking To World Cup 2026 Ticket Brokers: ‘I Had Sold a Lot Before Owning Any’

Secondary brokers are making huge profits on tickets for this summer’s World Cup, despite the already high prices. In fact, one broker has made over $45,000 in profit from the USA’s opening match against Paraguay alone.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7272366/2026/05/18/world-cup-ticket-brokers/

White House Tells Congo’s Soccer Team to Isolate, Citing Ebola Outbreak

The White House has told the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national soccer team to isolate in Belgium for three weeks before entering the U.S. to take part in this year’s World Cup, citing the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/23/world/africa/congo-soccer-ebola-world-cup.html

Nationals Ban Individual Who Displayed White Nationalist Sign at Home Game

The Washington Nationals banned at least one individual from Nationals Park after he unfurled a sign during Sunday’s game directing fans to a white nationalist website and calling for the deportation of “100+ million,” according to a team spokesperson. The team stated, “The Washington Nationals vehemently condemn discriminatory and hateful rhetoric, and we strive to make our home field a safe space for our fans.”

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7287471/2026/05/17/nationals-white-nationalist-sign-ban/

Brad Karp Remains as NFL Lawyer After Associations with Epstein Revealed

After his name surfaced in email correspondence with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, attorney Brad Karp resigned as the chairman of Paul Weiss. But Karp, 66, remained with the firm as a senior partner, and the NFL continues to employ him as a lead attorney in two high-profile ongoing lawsuits.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7292335/2026/05/21/brad-karp-nfl-lawyer-epstein-files/

Florida Atlantic University Sues 4 Former Football Players Over NIL Transfers

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) sued four former football players in Palm Beach County to recover "liquidated damages" after they transferred. The NIL contracts require players leaving before their contracts end to repay half of the remaining pay. FAU enforced this after all four left after the 2025 season and signed with new schools.

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fau-sues-4-former-football-090742884.html

The Enhanced Games is Here. But Forget The ‘Sport’ – It Has Something It Wants to Sell You

While the Games market themselves as a bold challenge to traditional sports and anti-doping rules, the author portrays them as a tech-backed spectacle designed to sell wellness and enhancement services to consumers.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7297633/2026/05/23/enhanced-games-supplements/

Soccer Official Took Millions Reclaimed After FIFA Scandal, Complaint Alleges

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez faces an ethics complaint at FIFA, alleging that he and another official received over $5 million from FIFA's FIFAgate scandal, funds meant for the sport. Senior FIFA officials have known of the complaint for over a year without action. This news comes weeks before the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where Dominguez is a FIFA vice president.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/world/americas/fifa-south-america-conmebol-dominguez.html

Twist in FIFA Corruption Case: 2 Fugitives Emerge, Seeking a Plea Deal

Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, a father and son from Argentina, accused of bribing Latin American soccer officials for lucrative television and marketing rights, evaded U.S. prosecutors for years.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/nyregion/fifa-argentina-bribery-brooklyn.html

Coach Who Secretly Filmed His Women Players Undressing Given Lifetime Ban By UEFA

Former 1FC Slovako Women’s coach Petr Vlachovsky received a lifetime ban from UEFA for filming players undressing without their knowledge. UEFA also called for FIFA to extend the ban worldwide and for the FACR to revoke his coaching license.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7291633/2026/05/19/women-football-coach-banned-filming-players/

Elon Musk Loses $150 Billion Suit Against OpenAI and Sam Altman

A federal jury in Oakland quickly ruled against Elon Musk in his lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, stating his claims were time-barred. The case never addressed whether Altman and Brockman betrayed OpenAI's nonprofit mission. OpenAI’s lawyers saw the suit as an attempt to hinder a competitor after Musk's failed attempt to take control. Musk vowed to appeal, calling the verdict a “calendar technicality.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/technology/elon-musk-lawsuit-openai-sam-altman.html

Google Appeals Landmark Ruling Declaring It a Monopolist in Search

Google appealed the antitrust remedies after the 2024 ruling finding that it illegally maintained its search monopoly. The remedies, which required sharing search data and banning exclusive deals, did not force divestitures. Both Google and the DOJ are now appealing from opposite sides, leading to a prolonged legal battle before the D.C. Circuit that could reshape search market rules.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/technology/google-appeals-search-case.html

Before Mass Layoffs, Meta Reassigns 7,000 Workers to Focus on A.I., Lays Off 8,000 Employees

Meta told employees that it was reassigning 7,000 workers to focus on new initiatives around artificial intelligence, the latest change in a company transformation spurred by the powerful technology. Employees will be moved to four new organizations focused on building new A.I. Employees have signed petitions against being tracked by A.I. and were trying to figure out who had been let go, as the Silicon Valley giant tries to transform into an A.I.-first company.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/technology/meta-reassigns-7000-employees-ai.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/technology/meta-layoffs-ai.html

California’s Governor Signs A.I. Order Aimed at Protecting Workers

After Meta announced 8,000 layoffs citing AI, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order for state agencies to prepare for AI-driven disruption. The order includes a 180-day safety-net review, a 90-day public dashboard for AI-related hiring, and updates on California’s WARN Act. Labor leaders welcomed it but noted it doesn't create new laws or protections, while critics saw it as a study in search of a policy.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/technology/newsom-ai-executive-order-california.html

FTC Begins Enforcing the TAKE IT DOWN Act
As of May 19, 2026, the FTC can now fine platforms up to $53,088 per violation for failing to remove nonconsensual AI deepfakes within 48 hours of a request. This marks a massive shift from voluntary moderation to mandatory compliance for tech platforms.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/05/ftc-begins-enforcing-take-it-down-act

Suno Sued by Poseidon Wave Media, An Entity Behind Indie Duo the American Dollar, Claiming It ‘Nearly Eliminated’ Their Licensing Revenue
Poseidon Wave Media LLC, behind The American Dollar, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for New York claiming that Suno copied the band’s copyrighted tracks to train its AI without permission, causing an 80% revenue drop since Suno's launch. “In fact, there is a clear line of demarcation in revenue fall-off dated from the public launch of Suno’s AI service,” the complaint states.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/suno-sued-by-poseidon-wave-media-an-entity-behind-indie-duo-the-american-dollar-claiming-it-nearly-eliminated-their-licensing-revenue/

Paramount Assembles Legal Team to Defend Warner Bros. Deal

Jeffrey Kessler will work alongside former federal prosecutors Makan Delrahim and David Gelfand. The big-name antitrust lawyer is known for taking on plaintiff-side antitrust work and won pivotal competition cases against the NCAA and Live Nation.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-adds-big-name-antitrust-lawyer-legal-team-1236604752/

Disney Hit with Class Action Over Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrances

Most visitors are unaware of the tools and opt into having their faces scanned. Mass adoption of the tools at sports and entertainment venues have sparked concerns of a privatized surveillance state.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-class-action-lawsuit-facial-recognition-disneyland-1236598890/

Nexstar Says Federal Judge’s Freezing of Tegna Merger “Degrades the Very Assets It Purports To Protect”
Nexstar responded to a lawsuit by DirecTV and multiple states' attorneys general aiming to block its $6.2 billion merger with Tegna. In an appeal to the Ninth Circuit, Nexstar called a federal judge’s April injunction a “straightjacket" risking harm to Tegna. The process, Nexstar argued, locks Tegna into an outdated, strained structure, increasing the risk of its failure while the deal is contested.
https://deadline.com/2026/05/nexstar-tegna-lawsuit-appeal-merger-1236917544/

James Murdoch, Intent on 'Thoughtful Journalism,' Buys Half of Vox Media

James Murdoch's Lupa Systems acquired about half of Vox Media for over $300 million, including New York magazine, Vox.com, and the Vox podcast network, but excluding The Verge, SB Nation, Eater, and Popsugar, which will be spun off. The deal followed New York winning the National Magazine Award, highlighting a decade when digital media companies once valued over a billion dollars sold for far less.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/business/media/vox-media-james-murdoch-sale.html

Trump Cancels Signing of A.I. Executive Order

Trump said that he postponed the executive order, which would give the government power to evaluate A.I. models before their release, over concerns about “aspects of it.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/technology/trump-ai-executive-order.html

The San Diego Mosque Shootings Were a Crime Made for and by the Internet

Authorities said the teenagers who killed three men met online, posted their writings there, and livestreamed the killings.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/san-diego-mosque-cain-clark-caleb-vazquez.html

Suspect’s Mother Warned Police of Missing Guns Before Mosque Attack

Two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18, killing three: security guard Amin Abdullah and community members Nadir Awad and Mansour Kaziha. Abdullah’s quick response, locking down the mosque and engaging the shooters, likely saved up to 140 children inside. The suspects were found dead from self-inflicted wounds; investigators recovered a manifesto expressing hatred toward Muslims, Jewish people, the LGBTQ+ community, and both political parties. he FBI is investigating it as a hate crime.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/18/us/san-diego-islamic-center-shooting

White House Approves $9 Billion for Spy Agencies to Catch Up on A.I.

The White House approved a secret $9 billion fund for the NSA and CIA to buy advanced A.I. chips, addressing their critical computing gap that hampers the deployment of A.I. on secure, isolated networks.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/us/politics/spy-agencies-ai-chips-shortage.html

How a Curious FIFA Boardroom Deal Handed Fox an Outstanding Bargain

Fox secured a major deal for the 2026 World Cup by paying under $500 million, less than the $1.5 billion valuation, through an unbidded 2015 contract extension to avoid a lawsuit over FIFA's decision to move the 2022 Qatar tournament.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/world/europe/fifa-world-cup-fox-broadcast-rights.html

Judge Dismisses Michael Wolff’s Lawsuit Against Melania Trump

A federal judge dismissed Michael Wolff‘s lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump, calling it “inappropriate tactical gamesmanship.” Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil stated they must follow the same legal procedures as everyone else. Wolff sued in October after a legal threat from her lawyer over comments about her role in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in a podcast and an article.
https://deadline.com/2026/05/judge-dismisses-michael-wolffs-lawsuit-against-melania-trump-1236920236/

One Job That Is Growing in the A.I. Era? Cybersecurity Experts.

The rise of artificial intelligence is driving a significant increase in demand for cybersecurity experts, as new technologies generate more code and associated security concerns.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/technology/one-job-that-is-growing-in-the-ai-era-cybersecurity-experts.html

Their Phones Were Stolen in London. Then Threats Started.

Tens of thousands of smartphones were reported stolen in the British capital in recent years. For some victims, losing their phone was only the beginning.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/23/world/europe/phone-theft-threats-london.html

Inside the British Lab Hunting for Dangers Lurking in A.I.
The U.K.'s AI Security Institute grew from a small team to the world's largest, well-funded government body focused on AI security. It has become a model for other governments, including the U.S., even as the Trump administration downgraded its equivalent.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/technology/uk-ai-safety-institute.html

General News

With Big Decisions Ahead, the Supreme Court Collides with a Testy Trump

The Supreme Court's 6-3 conservative majority ruled in favor of Vice President JD Vance and Republican committees in NRSC v. FEC, striking down limits on how much national parties can spend in coordination with candidates. The ruling, expected to reshape the 2026 midterm landscape, now allows parties to pour unlimited funds into TV ads and voter outreach with candidates, undermining campaign finance reformers who saw the limits as a guardrail against corruption.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/us/politics/supreme-court-trump-vance.html

Justices Hint at Strains as Supreme Court Comes Under Scrutiny

Traveling across the country, the Supreme Court justices defend the Court's role even as strained relations among its members emerge in their writing and remarks.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/us/politics/supreme-court-political-tensions.html

I.R.S. to Drop Audits of Trump and Family

The Justice Department granted Trump, his family, and businesses immunity from ongoing tax inquiries, shielding them from audits and prosecutions. Signed by acting attorney general Todd Blanche, the one-page document states they are “FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED" from future tax claims. This arrangement, part of a deal including a $1.8 billion fund for Trump’s allies, could prevent significant financial liability.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/trump-irs-doj-lawsuit-audit.html

Blanche Defends $1.8 Billion Fund That Could Benefit Trump’s Allies

Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, faced sharp criticism from Democratic senators over Trump’s $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who claim to have been the target of politically motivated prosecutions by Democratic administrations. Blanche said that the fund “is unusual, but it is not unprecedented,” while Democrats called it a “slush fund” for Trump allies.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/19/us/trump-news#section-130294599

Trump’s ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund, Explained

The Justice Department launched a $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, funded by Trump’s lawsuit settlement over IRS tax return leaks. It aims to compensate those targeted by past administrations. Acting AG Todd Blanche avoided ruling out payments to January 6 rioters during congressional testimony. Two Capitol Police officers, who defended the building, filed suit to block the fund, calling it an unconstitutional reward for insurrection.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/us/politics/trump-anti-weaponization-fund.html

Top Treasury Lawyer Resigns After Creation of ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund

The top Treasury Department lawyer is said to have stepped down in the wake of the creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” that could soon make payments to Trump’s political allies.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/business/anti-weaponization-fund-brian-morrissey-treasury.html

Jan. 6 Defendants Are Already Talking About Collecting From Trump’s New ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund

Former January 6 defendants are openly celebrating the prospect of payments from the Trump administration’s $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, which was designed to compensate those who claim they were victims of politically motivated prosecutions.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/us/politics/jan-6-rioters-trump-fund-payouts.html

Officers Who Defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 Sue to Stop Trump’s ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund

Capitol Police officers Daniel Hodges and Harry Dunn filed a federal lawsuit to block any payouts from the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, calling it unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment’s prohibition on paying debts incurred in aid of insurrection. “If they get this payout, they’ll have significant financial resources and no ethical qualms about more violence,” officer Hodges said.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/us/politics/jan-6-officers-lawsuit-trump-fund.html

With Trump’s Deal, a Possible $100 Million I.R.S. Penalty Melts Away

The tax service argued that the Trump Organization tried to claim the same losses twice. Trump said the audit was a “disgrace.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/trump-settlement-irs.html

Iran War Live Updates: U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Nearer, But Could Take Days to Nail Down, U.S. Official Says

The official said the sides had agreed in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and commit Iran to disposing of its highly enriched uranium, but stressed that a deal had not yet been signed.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/24/world/iran-war-trump

E.P.A. to End Some Limits on ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

The EPA plans to relax drinking water limits for four PFAS compounds and extend deadlines for two. The 2024 standards, which target six chemicals linked to cancer and developmental issues, may be delayed or eliminated, potentially affecting more than 100 million Americans.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/climate/epa-forever-chemicals-pfas-drinking-water.html

Fish and Wildlife Service Clears a Weedkiller, Saying It Won’t Cause Extinctions

The Trump administration's review states that atrazine, a common weedkiller for crops, does not threaten endangered wildlife, supporting its continued use.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/climate/epa-atrazine-endangered-species-maha.html

Over 100,000 Family Separations in Deportation Push, Report Estimates

A Brookings Institution analysis estimates over 100,000 children—mostly U.S. citizens—have been separated from parents due to immigration detention and deportation policies. Since the government doesn’t systematically track affected children, researchers used census data to estimate the scale, concluding that official figures likely undercount the true number.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/us/brookings-institution-report-family-separations.html

Judge Bars ICE from Making Immigration Arrests at Courts in New York and Then ICE Makes Courthouse Arrest Despite the Order

A judge largely barred federal agents from making arrests in immigration courts in New York City. Kuttel tried to give ICE agents a paper copy of Judge Castel’s 15-page order before the arrest, but they refused, and one said that the agency did not care.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/nyregion/ice-courthouse-arrest-nyc.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/nyregion/ice-immigrant-arrests-nyc-courts.html

Abortion Pill Lawsuit Leaves Trump Silent, and in a Political Bind

The Trump administration has avoided making aggressive moves on mifepristone, maintaining Biden-era policies to sidestep the abortion debate before midterms. However, a Fifth Circuit ruling now restricts the drug to in-person doctor visits, complicating matters. Trump faces a dilemma: anti-abortion groups want him to enforce the new limits, but advisers warn such actions could harm Republican prospects this fall.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/us/politics/abortion-pill-trump-politics.html

25 States Sue Over Changes Limiting Federal Loans for Nursing Degrees

Todd Pickard warned that Trump's changes to student loans could cause a doctor and nurse shortage. The Department of Education is redefining professional degrees, which will disqualify PA students from higher federal loans. PA programs require a master's degree, clinical hours, and licensure. Other fields like physical therapy and nursing have also been reclassified from professional to graduate degrees.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/nursing-loans.html

Hegseth Campaigns for Trump Loyalist in House Race, a Breach of Decorum.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at a Kentucky rally to chants of “U.S.A.,” clarified that he was speaking as a private citizen supporting Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein. He criticized a Congressmember from the president’s party for not voting with him and urged Kentucky to choose a warrior or an obstructionist in the race, emphasizing “the fight against the radical left.”

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/18/us/trump-news#section-130294599

In Closed-Door Talks, U.S. Demands a Major Role in Greenland

The U.S. seeks veto power over Greenland investment deals to block Russia and China, which  met with strong objections from Greenlanders and Danes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/world/europe/us-greenland-talks-trump.html

Iran War Exposes Shortcomings in U.S. Military Industrial Base

The escalating tensions involving Iran are reshaping the global military landscape. Recent analyses reveal that the conflict exposes deep vulnerabilities and bottlenecks in the U.S. military-industrial base.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/pentagon-weapons-drones-iran-war-hegseth.html

Green Card Seekers Must Leave U.S. to Apply, Trump Administration Says

The Trump administration announced that most foreigners seeking green cards must return home to apply, potentially disrupting hundreds of thousands of lives. Many, including students, spouses of Americans, and foreign workers, face lengthy green card processes that could separate families for months or more.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/us/politics/green-card-changes-trump.html

Judge Dismisses Criminal Case Against Abrego Garcia

A Tennessee judge dismissed all human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran migrant whose wrongful deportation sparked national outrage. The judge called the prosecution vindictive and an abuse of power. Despite the ruling, Abrego Garcia’s future is uncertain, with officials now threatening deportation to Liberia.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/us/politics/abrego-garcia-case-dismissed-trump-administration.html

Manager at Trump's N.J. Golf Club Helped Plan Reflecting Pool Repairs.

The manager of Trump’s Bedminster golf club, David Schutzenhofer, suggested ideas for renovating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and helped recruit a contractor, according to federal documents and a government spokeswoman. He has run the club since 2006, is a private citizen, and has no known training in engineering or architecture. An Interior Department spokeswoman said  Schutzenhofer advised on the project without becoming a temporary government employee, which would have required ethics training and conflict-of-interest pledges.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/reflecting-pool-trump-schutzenhofer.html

Duffy Defends Road Trip Reality Show in Tense Senate Hearing

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended his reality TV road trip project in a fiery Senate hearing, as Democratic senators called it an unethical and tone-deaf vacation that would be unaffordable to most Americans.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/sean-duffy-senate-testimony.html

61% of Americans Said They Had to Cut Back on Groceries

A U.S. survey found that 61% of Americans cut back on groceries, and 59% trimmed spending on extras and entertainment. Over three-quarters felt that the cost of living had risen, with gas above $4.50 and economic confidence at a four-year low.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/23/us/politics/americans-groceries-inflation-affordability.html

Pentagon Inspector General to Assess U.S. Boat Strikes

The Defense Department’s inspector general will review if U.S. Southern Command followed procedures in its campaign against drug-smuggling suspects, analyzing 57 airstrikes since September that killed at least 192 people.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/pentagon-boat-strikes.html

Trump Crushes Republican Dissent: 8 Takeaways from Tuesday’s Primaries

Despite Trump's heavy support and outside money, Rep. Thomas Massie beat Trump-backed Ed Gallrein in Kentucky’s Republican primary, showing limits of presidential influence even within the party. Massie had opposed Trump on Iran, Epstein files, and budgets. The victory indicates that not all Trump critics in red districts are vulnerable to primaries.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/us/politics/trump-massie-primary-takeaways.html

How to Get a Pardon in Trump’s Washington

Josh Nass, a lawyer and lobbyist based in New York and South Carolina, shared a warning for those seeking clemency in Trump’s Washington. “There are a lot of bad actors out there, promising prospective clients that they can get pardons,” he said in the first of a series of phone calls starting in March. “You have people who are in desperate straits, and they get taken to the cleaners by people who wind up doing nothing for them.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/magazine/pardon-trump-washington.html

A $5 Million Donation from Big Tobacco Preceded F.D.A. Vape Decision

The tobacco company Reynolds American donated $5 million to MAGA Inc., a super PAC backed by Trump, about one week before the Trump administration announced a new policy on e-cigarettes the company had sought.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/us/politics/donation-big-tobacco-vaping.html

Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as Director of National Intelligence

Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard resigned from the Trump Cabinet, effective June 30, citing her husband Abraham’s diagnosis with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.” Gabbard is the fourth cabinet member to leave this term, after Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas will serve as acting DNI. During her tenure, Gabbard was often sidelined from key deliberations, including the Iran war strategy.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/us/politics/tulsi-gabbard-resigns.html

G.O.P Pulls Measure to End Iran War, Lacking Votes to Defeat It

House Republicans abruptly canceled a vote on a resolution directing Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran or win approval from Congress to continue the war, after it became clear they lacked the votes to defeat the measure.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/us/iran-war-powers-trump-measure.html

Kennedy Fires Leaders of Key Health Task Force

The Trump administration has fired two leaders of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to undermine the influential panel’s work.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/well/rfk-jr-firings-preventative-services-task-force.html

Health Experts ‘Stunned’ by Trump Officials’ Strict Quarantine Measures

Public health experts say the administration’s quarantine orders go beyond what is needed to prevent the spread of Ebola and hantavirus in the U.S.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/us/hantavirus-ebola-quarantine-trump.html

Whites-Only Community in Arkansas Sued for Discrimination

Return to the Land, a 160-acre development requiring members to be white and heterosexual, is breaking fair housing and civil rights laws, according to a lawsuit.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/realestate/return-to-the-land-discrimination-lawsuit.html

Gunman Shot and Killed by Secret Service Near White House

A 21-year-old man, Nasire Best, approached a Secret Service checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. He pulled a weapon from a bag, fired 10-20 shots at officers, and was critically wounded by return fire, later dying at a hospital. A bystander was also critically injured. This was the third gunfire incident near Trump in a month, following the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.

https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000010923246/gunman-shot-and-killed-by-secret-service-near-white-house.html

New York's Rape Laws Leave Out Many Victims Who Drank Willingly

There is a push in the New York State Legislature to change rape laws that prevent prosecutors from charging perpetrators when victims drank alcohol voluntarily. Current law excludes voluntarily intoxicated people from claiming they were "mentally incapacitated," making it hard to prove inability to consent. Victims can use the "physically helpless" standard if unconscious or unable to communicate, but this excludes semi-conscious victims or those too impaired to stand. Advocates say the law lets perpetrators escape charges because victims chose to drink before being assaulted.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/nyregion/new-york-rape-laws.html

Crack Forms in Toxic Chemical Tank, a Positive Sign for Firefighters

A 34,000-gallon methyl methacrylate tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, overheated on Thursday, triggering an unprecedented hazmat emergency and evacuating about 50,000 residents. Officials warned it could rupture or explode, calling it "the worst-case scenario.' Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency. By Sunday morning, crews found a possible crack relieving pressure, but evacuations continued without a return timeline.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/us/chemical-tank-garden-grove-southern-california.html

Actually, Democracy Dies in H.R.

New research using data from Argentina’s Dirty War suggests career pressures can motivate lower- and midlevel officials to violate norms and morality, even without extremism or victimhood. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/world/americas/actually-democracy-dies-in-hr.html