Top News — Sat, May 16, 1:02 PM UTC

Long Island Rail Road Workers Strike, Halting Service for 330,000 Commuters

Long Island Rail Road workers initiated a strike after failing to reach a new four-year contract agreement, specifically over the fourth-year wage increase, impacting approximately 300,000 daily commuters.

Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to restore congressional map

The U.S. Supreme Court denied Virginia Democrats' request to reinstate a voter-approved congressional map, which was designed to favor the party, upholding the state Supreme Court's decision.

Trump's China visit concludes with trade deals, Taiwan arms sales uncertainty

President Trump's visit to Beijing concluded with China confirming deals to buy US aircraft and agricultural products, but his remarks on Taiwan arms sales as a 'negotiating chip' raised questions about US support.

Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire, but strikes continue

Despite an agreement to extend the ceasefire by 45 days and continue negotiations, Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have continued, with Lebanon reporting six deaths and first responders facing unprecedented casualties.

Our Best Stuff on the Stalemate in Iran

President Trump defended his controversial remarks dismissing Americans' cost of living concerns amid the Iran war, while also falsely accusing CNN and The New York Times of 'treason' for their reporting on the conflict.

Louisiana Senate primary heats up with Trump backing challenger

Senator Bill Cassidy faces a tough Republican primary in Louisiana, as Donald Trump has endorsed challenger Julia Letlow, criticizing Cassidy for his impeachment vote after January 6th.

Israel faces image crisis amid anti-Israel activism and blacklisting claims

Israel is grappling with an image crisis, with a Cannes juror claiming anti-Israel activists face blacklisting and Jewish groups calling on the UK to bar Hasan Piker amid antisemitic attacks, while Israel's Eurovision participant prepares to perform.

Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 80, cases reported in Uganda

A new Ebola outbreak in Congo's eastern Ituri province has resulted in at least 80 deaths, with around 246 cases reported and one case also confirmed in Uganda.

Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah commander arrested for alleged terror plots

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a senior member of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah, was arrested and charged by the US Justice Department for allegedly plotting terror attacks against Jewish sites in the United States and Europe.

Jerome Powell's Fed Chair term ends, temporary appointment made

Jerome Powell's term as Chairman of the Federal Reserve concluded, with the Fed naming him Chair Pro Tempore until Kevin Warsh is sworn in, despite Warsh's confirmation.

US, Nigerian Forces Kill Top ISIS Commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki

President Trump announced that a joint operation by US and Nigerian forces successfully killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior Islamic State leader designated a terrorist in 2023, who had been hiding in Africa.

At least eight killed, 35 injured in Bangkok train-bus crash

A freight train crashed into a public bus in Bangkok, killing at least eight people and injuring 35, prompting the Thai Prime Minister to order an investigation into the incident.

Trump Administration Prepares Raúl Castro Indictment, Escalating Cuba Pressure

The Trump administration is preparing to bring criminal charges against Raúl Castro, Cuba's former president, possibly as soon as next week, in a case reportedly focused on the 1996 downing of two planes.

Last updated: 5/16/2026, 1:02:32 PM