TODAY'S NEWS, May 16-18, 2026

IN POLITICAL NEWS Acting AG Todd Blanche said criminal charges tied to alleged 2020 election fraud could be coming and claimed evidence exists the election was “rigged.” Republicans reportedly performing strongly in California early voting amid voter-roll reductions and demographic shifts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change softened some climate projections, prompting Trump allies to claim vindication. Trump-backed candidate Julia Letlow defeated Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana’s Senate primary. China committed to purchasing $17B in U.S. agricultural products. Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of former election clerk Tina Peters. Administration reportedly intensifying investigations into liberal fundraising and nonprofit infrastructure, including Minnesota-related fraud probes. Illinois officials reportedly lost track of hundreds of violent offenders. Congressman James Comer plans to resign to run for governor. Homelessness and overdose deaths rising in parts of San Francisco and Santa Monica amid criticism of local policies. A Virginia prosecutor refused to enforce a new state gun-control law. Federal judge blocked parts of NYC housing bankruptcy actions tied to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration. GOP chair Joe Gruters announced dozens of lawsuits tied to election oversight and fraud concerns. Wealthy donors reportedly subsidizing salaries for journalists at left-leaning media outlets. IN ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIEN NEWS Border Patrol reportedly seized over 100 million lethal doses of fentanyl. IN UFO NEWS Researcher claimed multiple extraterrestrial species had allegedly been recovered from crashed craft. Entire discourse still sounded suspiciously like a cosmic HR department with terrible pilot training. IN CULTURAL NEWS Study claimed increased school spending correlated with lower math performance outcomes. Trump appeared at the Rededicate 250 National Prayer event and publicly read scripture emphasizing humility and faith. IN ECONOMIC NEWS Amazon expanding 30-minute delivery efforts, increasing pressure on physical retailers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced upgrades to air-traffic-control systems at eight airports. California refinery capacity concerns described as a growing national-security issue. AI-driven publishing explosion reshaping the book industry, with some authors producing thousands of titles annually. Louisiana LNG expansion project expected to significantly increase export capacity. IN INTERNATIONAL NEWS European media criticized for withholding suspect details in alleged terrorism-related incidents. Australian women-only social platform founder Sall Grover fined after refusing access to a biological male user. Iran facing worsening natural-gas shortages amid sanctions and economic strain. Toyota investing $2B into Texas manufacturing expansion. Commentary argued attractive young women increasingly front portions of Europe’s “far-right” movements. Cuba struggling with energy shortages after reduced Venezuelan support. U.S. reportedly eliminated a top ISIS leader operating in Africa. Venezuelan-linked businessman Alex Saab reportedly returning to face U.S. legal proceedings. France admitted difficulty stopping migrant boat crossings. European climate activists criticized older generations and proposed stricter dietary restrictions. Europe’s high energy costs seen as undermining AI competitiveness. Mexican senator linked to cartel activity arrested in San Diego. Polling in Austria showed many Muslim youths prioritizing religious law over civil law. IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Dennis Locorriere died at 76. Jermaine Jackson ordered to pay damages in a civil sexual-assault case. Filming of “Survivor Greece” paused after a contestant suffered a severe boating accident. A free digital history book on the Mississippi River Valley was released by the user’s co-author reference. “Dutton Ranch,” the Yellowstone spinoff, debuted with a slower tone and major setting shift to Texas. Historical novelist James Best released a Civil War novel titled Maelstrom. AND FINALLY… Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself standing beside a chained alien. Somewhere in the distance, an exhausted extraterrestrial immigration lawyer lit a cigarette and whispered: “not this guy again.” Larry SchweikartRock drummer, Film maker, NYTimes <a href="https://www.wi