Washington's Iran options harden against a Beijing nuclear understanding, with the costs spreading from US farms to the LIRR
Washington finalised Iran strike options — an Isfahan special-forces raid, a Kharg Island amphibious assault, expanded mainland bombardment — as Trump and Xi locked in a Beijing principle barring an Iranian nuclear weapon. US Special Forces and Nigerian troops killed IS deputy Abu-Bilal al-Minuki; prosecutors arrested an Iraqi militia commander tied to multi-continent plots. At home, farmers reported their worst crisis since the 1980s; the LIRR struck for the first time in decades; Louisiana postponed its primary after the Supreme Court's Callais ruling.
Top Stories
US finalizes Iran strike package for Isfahan nuclear raid and Kharg Island as classified review shows Tehran has rebuilt 30 of 33 missile positions
The US-Israeli joint command has finalized contingency plans to broaden Operation Epic Fury against Iran if the truce talks collapse, including a special-forces seizure of enriched material at the Isfahan nuclear facility, an amphibious assault to take Kharg Island, and expanded long-range bombardment of mainland targets, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a New York Times report disclosed. Classified assessments show Iran has restored 30 of 33 missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz and retains around 70 percent of its mobile launchers and ballistic inventory and 90 percent of its underground bunkers, contradicting earlier White House statements that the Iranian military was "crushed" or "decimated." Donald Trump and Xi Jinping locked in an in-principle understanding in Beijing that Iran cannot be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, with Washington weighing a targeted easing of secondary sanctions on Chinese state and independent buyers of Iranian crude to keep Beijing inside the pressure regime.
US arrests Iraqi militia commander accused of orchestrating international terror attacks
US authorities have arrested and charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national alleged to be a senior commander of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah, with orchestrating at least 18 attacks across the US, Canada, and Europe. A criminal complaint unsealed Friday in Manhattan federal court accuses him of directing firebombings, a synagogue arson, a shooting at the US consulate in Toronto, and plotting attacks on Jewish targets in New York, California, and Arizona. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed al-Saadi was arrested overseas and brought to the US, calling him “another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism.”
US farmers face worst crisis since 1980s as Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertilizer costs
Farmers across the Midwest are entering planting season under mounting financial pressure as the Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertilizer prices, deepening an agricultural downturn that some say is the worst since the 1980s. Diesel averaged $5.67 per gallon as of May 14, up 60% from a year earlier, and 70% of farmers cannot afford the fertilizer they need, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The crisis threatens to push more family farms out of business and drive up food prices, with ground beef already up 19% year-over-year.
China and US pledge to coordinate diplomatic efforts to end Ukraine and Middle East wars
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and the US have agreed to coordinate diplomatic leverage to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, following a two-day summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing. Wang stated that both capitals are investing “significant efforts” to spearhead immediate peace negotiations, and that Beijing is abandoning its hands-off posture on the Ukraine crisis. The announcement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on May 19 for a state visit.
All Events
Every other event tracked in United States, with a one-line preview.
us41Long Island Rail Road workers strike, halting service for first time in decades
Five unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers went on strike early Saturday after failing to reach a contract agreement with the MTA by a midnight deadline, shutting down North America's largest commuter rail system for the first time since 1994. The strike, affecting up to 300,000 daily riders, centers on a dispute over a 5% wage increase for 2026, which the MTA says would cost $100 million per percentage point and force fare hikes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the Trump administration for cutting mediation short and urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. Limited shuttle buses and alternate transit options have been arranged, but the MTA warns the contingency plan cannot handle normal ridership.
Show summaryHide
Long Island Rail Road workers strike, halting service for first time in decades
Five unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers went on strike early Saturday after failing to reach a contract agreement with the MTA by a midnight deadline, shutting down North America's largest commuter rail system for the first time since 1994. The strike, affecting up to 300,000 daily riders, centers on a dispute over a 5% wage increase for 2026, which the MTA says would cost $100 million per percentage point and force fare hikes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the Trump administration for cutting mediation short and urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. Limited shuttle buses and alternate transit options have been arranged, but the MTA warns the contingency plan cannot handle normal ridership.
Five unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers went on strike early Saturday after failing to reach a contract agreement with the MTA by a midnight deadline, shutting down North America's largest commuter rail system for the first time since 1994. The strike, affecting up to 300,000 daily riders, centers on a dispute over a 5% wage increase for 2026, which the MTA says would cost $100 million per percentage point and force fare hikes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the Trump administration for cutting mediation short and urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. Limited shuttle buses and alternate transit options have been arranged, but the MTA warns the contingency plan cannot handle normal ridership.
us40US and Nigerian forces kill Islamic State global deputy leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in joint operation
In a joint operation, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by President Trump as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, in the Lake Chad Basin. The strike on his fortified compound in Metele, Borno state, also killed several lieutenants. Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national designated a global terrorist in 2023, oversaw IS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping. The operation marks a significant blow to IS's African and global networks and highlights deepening US-Nigerian counterterrorism cooperation.
Show summaryHide
US and Nigerian forces kill Islamic State global deputy leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in joint operation
In a joint operation, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by President Trump as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, in the Lake Chad Basin. The strike on his fortified compound in Metele, Borno state, also killed several lieutenants. Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national designated a global terrorist in 2023, oversaw IS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping. The operation marks a significant blow to IS's African and global networks and highlights deepening US-Nigerian counterterrorism cooperation.
In a joint operation, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by President Trump as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, in the Lake Chad Basin. The strike on his fortified compound in Metele, Borno state, also killed several lieutenants. Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national designated a global terrorist in 2023, oversaw IS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping. The operation marks a significant blow to IS's African and global networks and highlights deepening US-Nigerian counterterrorism cooperation.
us39Trump officials urged UAE to seize Iranian island, report says
Senior officials in the Trump administration reportedly encouraged the United Arab Emirates to capture Iran's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, proposing Emirati ground action instead of American boots on the ground. The proposal follows covert Emirati strikes on the island in early April.
Show summaryHide
Trump officials urged UAE to seize Iranian island, report says
Senior officials in the Trump administration reportedly encouraged the United Arab Emirates to capture Iran's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, proposing Emirati ground action instead of American boots on the ground. The proposal follows covert Emirati strikes on the island in early April.
Senior officials in the Trump administration reportedly encouraged the United Arab Emirates to capture Iran's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, proposing Emirati ground action instead of American boots on the ground. The proposal follows covert Emirati strikes on the island in early April.
us38US indictment reveals deep cartel-politician symbiosis in Sinaloa, putting Sheinbaum in a dilemma
Background: The US Justice Department indicted Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican officials for conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import drugs into the US. The indictment details a symbiotic relationship where the cartel helped Rocha Moya win the 2021 election by kidnapping and intimidating rivals, in exchange for impunity and protection. Allegations include that a senior Culiacán police commander accepted bribes to allow cartel access to municipal police and assisted in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA source. The US is now linking economic market access under the UMSCA trade agreement to security cooperation. President Sheinbaum faces a dilemma: cooperating risks internal party conflict within her Morena party, while ignoring risks a trade war. She has adopted a strategy of controlled cooperation, demanding evidence and referring the case to the Mexican Attorney General's Office, which is led by a close confidante. Rocha Moya has announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on his defense.
Show summaryHide
US indictment reveals deep cartel-politician symbiosis in Sinaloa, putting Sheinbaum in a dilemma
Background: The US Justice Department indicted Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican officials for conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import drugs into the US. The indictment details a symbiotic relationship where the cartel helped Rocha Moya win the 2021 election by kidnapping and intimidating rivals, in exchange for impunity and protection. Allegations include that a senior Culiacán police commander accepted bribes to allow cartel access to municipal police and assisted in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA source. The US is now linking economic market access under the UMSCA trade agreement to security cooperation. President Sheinbaum faces a dilemma: cooperating risks internal party conflict within her Morena party, while ignoring risks a trade war. She has adopted a strategy of controlled cooperation, demanding evidence and referring the case to the Mexican Attorney General's Office, which is led by a close confidante. Rocha Moya has announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on his defense.
Background: The US Justice Department indicted Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican officials for conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import drugs into the US. The indictment details a symbiotic relationship where the cartel helped Rocha Moya win the 2021 election by kidnapping and intimidating rivals, in exchange for impunity and protection. Allegations include that a senior Culiacán police commander accepted bribes to allow cartel access to municipal police and assisted in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA source. The US is now linking economic market access under the UMSCA trade agreement to security cooperation. President Sheinbaum faces a dilemma: cooperating risks internal party conflict within her Morena party, while ignoring risks a trade war. She has adopted a strategy of controlled cooperation, demanding evidence and referring the case to the Mexican Attorney General's Office, which is led by a close confidante. Rocha Moya has announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on his defense.
us34Trump claims US made fortune from Venezuelan oil after 48-minute military operation
The United States removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a January military operation but left his party and allies in power under new President Delcy Rodríguez, prioritizing oil-sector recovery over political transition. In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump stated the operation lasted 48 minutes and 13 seconds, and that the US has since generated a fortune from Venezuelan oil. He further claimed that Venezuela has made more money from oil in the last eight months than in the previous ten years. He also commented on Cuba, suggesting the US may 'turn' the island and noting that Cuba is accepting US humanitarian aid.
Show summaryHide
Trump claims US made fortune from Venezuelan oil after 48-minute military operation
The United States removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a January military operation but left his party and allies in power under new President Delcy Rodríguez, prioritizing oil-sector recovery over political transition. In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump stated the operation lasted 48 minutes and 13 seconds, and that the US has since generated a fortune from Venezuelan oil. He further claimed that Venezuela has made more money from oil in the last eight months than in the previous ten years. He also commented on Cuba, suggesting the US may 'turn' the island and noting that Cuba is accepting US humanitarian aid.
The United States removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a January military operation but left his party and allies in power under new President Delcy Rodríguez, prioritizing oil-sector recovery over political transition. In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump stated the operation lasted 48 minutes and 13 seconds, and that the US has since generated a fortune from Venezuelan oil. He further claimed that Venezuela has made more money from oil in the last eight months than in the previous ten years. He also commented on Cuba, suggesting the US may 'turn' the island and noting that Cuba is accepting US humanitarian aid.
us33Kentucky primary tests Trump's grip on GOP as Massie faces record spending against him
The Republican primary race between Rep. Thomas Massie and Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th district has become the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, with over $25.6 million in ad spending. The primary is now underway on May 19, with voters deciding whether to oust Massie, a frequent Trump critic and isolationist. The race is seen as a barometer of Trump's control over the Republican Party. Massie has outspent Gallrein in direct campaign spending ($5.8 million to $2.6 million), but super PACs heavily favor the challenger, pouring over $16.4 million into ousting the incumbent. Pro-Israel groups like AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition account for nearly half of all super PAC spending against Massie. The race has drawn national attention and is testing the influence of podcasters and social media versus traditional campaign spending.
Show summaryHide
Kentucky primary tests Trump's grip on GOP as Massie faces record spending against him
The Republican primary race between Rep. Thomas Massie and Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th district has become the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, with over $25.6 million in ad spending. The primary is now underway on May 19, with voters deciding whether to oust Massie, a frequent Trump critic and isolationist. The race is seen as a barometer of Trump's control over the Republican Party. Massie has outspent Gallrein in direct campaign spending ($5.8 million to $2.6 million), but super PACs heavily favor the challenger, pouring over $16.4 million into ousting the incumbent. Pro-Israel groups like AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition account for nearly half of all super PAC spending against Massie. The race has drawn national attention and is testing the influence of podcasters and social media versus traditional campaign spending.
The Republican primary race between Rep. Thomas Massie and Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th district has become the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, with over $25.6 million in ad spending. The primary is now underway on May 19, with voters deciding whether to oust Massie, a frequent Trump critic and isolationist. The race is seen as a barometer of Trump's control over the Republican Party. Massie has outspent Gallrein in direct campaign spending ($5.8 million to $2.6 million), but super PACs heavily favor the challenger, pouring over $16.4 million into ousting the incumbent. Pro-Israel groups like AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition account for nearly half of all super PAC spending against Massie. The race has drawn national attention and is testing the influence of podcasters and social media versus traditional campaign spending.
us31Analysis warns of emerging Chinese sphere of influence in Asia by default
A Foreign Affairs analysis argues that while the Trump-Xi summit did not produce an explicit spheres-of-influence deal, China is consolidating an 'open sphere' in Asia through economic, technological, and infrastructure dominance. Key risks include U.S. concessions on Taiwan arms sales, depletion of military resources due to the Iran war, and China's growing influence in Southeast Asia through trade and AI-enabled technologies. The analysis warns that such a sphere could emerge by default if the U.S. continues its strategic distraction and policy shifts.
Show summaryHide
Analysis warns of emerging Chinese sphere of influence in Asia by default
A Foreign Affairs analysis argues that while the Trump-Xi summit did not produce an explicit spheres-of-influence deal, China is consolidating an 'open sphere' in Asia through economic, technological, and infrastructure dominance. Key risks include U.S. concessions on Taiwan arms sales, depletion of military resources due to the Iran war, and China's growing influence in Southeast Asia through trade and AI-enabled technologies. The analysis warns that such a sphere could emerge by default if the U.S. continues its strategic distraction and policy shifts.
A Foreign Affairs analysis argues that while the Trump-Xi summit did not produce an explicit spheres-of-influence deal, China is consolidating an 'open sphere' in Asia through economic, technological, and infrastructure dominance. Key risks include U.S. concessions on Taiwan arms sales, depletion of military resources due to the Iran war, and China's growing influence in Southeast Asia through trade and AI-enabled technologies. The analysis warns that such a sphere could emerge by default if the U.S. continues its strategic distraction and policy shifts.
us30US lets Russian oil sanctions exemption expire without extension
The US Treasury's OFAC did not extend the authorization to buy Russian oil after the exemption expired on 16 May. The last order allowed only oil loaded by 17 April 2026. India had requested an extension due to disruptions from the Iran war, but no amended order was issued. This development signals a tightening of US sanctions on Russian energy exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Show summaryHide
US lets Russian oil sanctions exemption expire without extension
The US Treasury's OFAC did not extend the authorization to buy Russian oil after the exemption expired on 16 May. The last order allowed only oil loaded by 17 April 2026. India had requested an extension due to disruptions from the Iran war, but no amended order was issued. This development signals a tightening of US sanctions on Russian energy exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The US Treasury's OFAC did not extend the authorization to buy Russian oil after the exemption expired on 16 May. The last order allowed only oil loaded by 17 April 2026. India had requested an extension due to disruptions from the Iran war, but no amended order was issued. This development signals a tightening of US sanctions on Russian energy exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
us29State gas tax rates vary widely as Trump pushes federal gas tax suspension amid Iran war
As President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright voice support for suspending the federal gas tax to combat rising fuel prices during the Iran war, a new article details the wide variation in state gas taxes—from California's 70.92 cents per gallon to Alaska's 8.95 cents per gallon. Several states, including Georgia and Indiana, have already enacted their own gas tax holidays, while Utah approved a tax reduction and Oregon residents will vote on repealing a tax increase. The piece also notes that GOP lawmakers have introduced bills for a temporary federal gas tax holiday, but bipartisan opposition remains, with some arguing that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a better solution. Wright reiterated that ending the Iran war will ultimately lower energy prices, though he declined to predict near-term price declines.
Show summaryHide
State gas tax rates vary widely as Trump pushes federal gas tax suspension amid Iran war
As President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright voice support for suspending the federal gas tax to combat rising fuel prices during the Iran war, a new article details the wide variation in state gas taxes—from California's 70.92 cents per gallon to Alaska's 8.95 cents per gallon. Several states, including Georgia and Indiana, have already enacted their own gas tax holidays, while Utah approved a tax reduction and Oregon residents will vote on repealing a tax increase. The piece also notes that GOP lawmakers have introduced bills for a temporary federal gas tax holiday, but bipartisan opposition remains, with some arguing that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a better solution. Wright reiterated that ending the Iran war will ultimately lower energy prices, though he declined to predict near-term price declines.
As President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright voice support for suspending the federal gas tax to combat rising fuel prices during the Iran war, a new article details the wide variation in state gas taxes—from California's 70.92 cents per gallon to Alaska's 8.95 cents per gallon. Several states, including Georgia and Indiana, have already enacted their own gas tax holidays, while Utah approved a tax reduction and Oregon residents will vote on repealing a tax increase. The piece also notes that GOP lawmakers have introduced bills for a temporary federal gas tax holiday, but bipartisan opposition remains, with some arguing that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a better solution. Wright reiterated that ending the Iran war will ultimately lower energy prices, though he declined to predict near-term price declines.
us28International press analyzes US-China summit as competition for global supremacy
A compilation of international press analysis on the Trump-Xi summit highlights the US-China tech race in quantum computing, AI, chips, and rare earths. Commentators note China's view of US strategic errors in the Iran conflict, Xi's warning on Taiwan invoking the Thucydides Trap, China's economic deflation, potential agreements on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and Europe's risk of being sidelined on rare earths and EV trade.
Show summaryHide
International press analyzes US-China summit as competition for global supremacy
A compilation of international press analysis on the Trump-Xi summit highlights the US-China tech race in quantum computing, AI, chips, and rare earths. Commentators note China's view of US strategic errors in the Iran conflict, Xi's warning on Taiwan invoking the Thucydides Trap, China's economic deflation, potential agreements on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and Europe's risk of being sidelined on rare earths and EV trade.
A compilation of international press analysis on the Trump-Xi summit highlights the US-China tech race in quantum computing, AI, chips, and rare earths. Commentators note China's view of US strategic errors in the Iran conflict, Xi's warning on Taiwan invoking the Thucydides Trap, China's economic deflation, potential agreements on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and Europe's risk of being sidelined on rare earths and EV trade.