The Plain News — Morning Edition — Sunday, May 17, 2026

        May 17, 2026

The Plain News — Morning Edition — Sunday, May 17, 2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026 · Morning Edition · Plain facts, finite edition

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Front Page · U.S.
Senate parliamentarian rejects funding for Trump's ballroom
The Senate parliamentarian has ruled against a provision in a GOP bill that sought $1 billion for the Secret Service to finance a ballroom at the White House. This decision impacts the funding proposal's viability.

The GOP bill included $1 billion for the Secret Service.
The funding was intended for a ballroom at the White House.
The Senate parliamentarian's ruling affects the bill's progress.

Read the original source

More Stories

U.S.
Doctors request Supreme Court to maintain mifepristone restrictions
A group of doctors opposed to abortion filed a request with the Supreme Court to keep restrictions on mifepristone in place. The court faces a deadline to respond to this request.
The request was submitted on Tuesday.
The deadline for the Supreme Court to act is Wednesday night.
Mifepristone is a medication used in medication abortions.
Original source

U.S.
South Carolina Supreme Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh. The court cited jury interference by clerk Becky Hill as a key factor.
The South Carolina Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision to overturn Murdaugh's convictions.
The court found that clerk Becky Hill's comments and actions interfered with the jury process.
The ruling is based on claims of unprecedented jury interference.
Original source

U.S.
Trump criticizes Boebert over Massie support
President Trump expressed disapproval of Rep. Lauren Boebert's support for Rep. Thomas Massie. He indicated a potential withdrawal of his endorsement.
Trump made the comments on Truth Social.
Boebert attended a campaign event with Massie.
Trump referred to Boebert as 'weak minded'.
Original source

U.S.
Tennessee Air National Guardsman charged for applying to hitman website
A Tennessee Air National Guardsman faces charges after submitting an application on a spoof website. The Department of Justice confirmed the details.
The individual applied to a website designed as a joke.
The FBI investigated the application.
Charges have been filed against the guardsman.
Original source

World
War in Ukraine remains unresolved
The conflict in Ukraine continues without significant progress towards peace. Public sentiment in Russia shows signs of fatigue regarding the ongoing military engagement.
The peace process between Ukraine and Russia is currently stalled.
Ukraine is employing robotic warfare in its military operations.
Public opinion in Russia indicates increasing fatigue with the war.
Original source

World
Ship boarded near Strait of Hormuz
A ship was boarded by unauthorized personnel off the coast of the UAE near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was reportedly heading toward Iranian territorial waters.
UKMTO reported the boarding incident.
The ship was near the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel was moving toward Iranian waters.
Original source

World
WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a global health emergency
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a global health emergency. The outbreak has reported approximately 246 cases and 80 deaths.
WHO announced the declaration on [specific date].
The outbreak does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past.
Original source

World
Ukrainian drone attack reported in Moscow region
Russia reports three fatalities from a drone attack in the Moscow region. Ukraine's president claims the strikes are a response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Russia reported three deaths due to a drone attack in the Moscow region.
Ukraine's president stated the strikes are a response to Russian actions.
The incident marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Original source

World
Soldier dies after fall at Royal Windsor Horse Show
A soldier died following a fall during a display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. King Charles attended the event.
The incident occurred during a King's Troop display on Friday.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Original source

Business
U.S. imposes tariffs on quartz countertops
The U.S. government has implemented tariffs on quartz countertops following a request from Cambria CEO Marty Davis. Competitors have raised concerns about the impact of these tariffs.
Cambria CEO Marty Davis requested tariffs on quartz countertops.
The U.S. government approved the tariffs.
Competitors of Cambria have expressed concerns about the tariffs.
Original source

Business
Vermont self-storage operators report increased demand
Self-storage operators in Vermont report long waitlists and increased profits. The state's housing market and demographic trends are contributing factors.
Self-storage facilities in Vermont are experiencing long waitlists.
Operators report increased profits in the self-storage sector.
Vermont has a tight housing market and an aging population.
Original source

Business
New ETF Allocates Between Gold and Oil Based on Inflation
A new exchange-traded fund (ETF) automatically shifts investments between gold and oil in response to inflation rates. The fund aims to provide investors with a hedge against inflation.
The ETF adjusts its allocation based on inflation data.
Investors can gain exposure to both gold and oil through this single fund.
The fund's strategy is designed to respond to economic indicators.
Original source

Business
Government restricts third-party driving test access
The UK government has implemented new laws to prevent third parties from using automated systems to purchase driving tests. This aims to eliminate the resale of tests at higher prices.
Robert paid £726 to skip the driving test waiting list.
New laws prohibit the use of bots to buy driving tests.
The government aims to reduce inflated prices for driving tests.
Original source

Business
Parents report errors in child maintenance payments
Thirty parents reported issues with the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to BBC Your Voice. Some parents claim they were overcharged.
John Hammond is one of the parents who reported issues.
Parents reported being charged amounts they did not owe.
The CMS has been criticized for its handling of payments.
Original source

Technology
HMRC awards contract to Quantexa for fraud detection
HM Revenue and Customs has awarded a £175 million contract to Quantexa. The contract is for the use of AI technology to identify fraud and errors in tax returns.
HMRC awarded a £175 million contract to Quantexa.
Quantexa is a financial data platform.
The technology will be used to detect fraud and tax return errors.
Original source

Technology
Sam Altman testifies about Elon Musk's control attempts over OpenAI
Sam Altman testified in court that Elon Musk sought total control of OpenAI. Musk is currently involved in a lawsuit regarding the organization.
Sam Altman stated that Elon Musk attempted to gain control of OpenAI multiple times.
The lawsuit involves claims related to the governance of OpenAI.
Elon Musk has expressed intentions for his children to take control of OpenAI.
Original source

Technology
Global tech outage linked to software update
A significant tech outage affected airlines, banks, casinos, package deliveries, and emergency services worldwide. The outage was traced to a software update from the U.S.-based cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
The outage impacted multiple sectors including airlines and emergency services.
The root cause was identified as a software update from CrowdStrike.
The event is being described as one of the largest tech outages in history.
Original source

Technology
Mark Zuckerberg testifies before Senate on social media impacts
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, testified before the Senate regarding the effects of social media on teenagers. He expressed regret to families affected by these issues.
Zuckerberg appeared at a Senate hearing alongside executives from other tech companies.
The hearing focused on the potential harms of social media products on youth.
Zuckerberg acknowledged concerns raised by lawmakers and families.
Original source

Technology
Waymo recalls vehicles after incident in Texas
Waymo announced a voluntary recall of thousands of its vehicles following an incident in San Antonio, Texas. An empty Waymo car entered a flooded road on April 20.
Waymo recalled thousands of vehicles.
The incident occurred on April 20 in San Antonio, Texas.
The vehicle involved was empty when it entered the flooded road.
Original source

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