USA

Summary During a send-off in the Oval Office, Elon Musk addressed allegations from a New York Times report claiming he frequently used ketamine during the 2024 campaign, dismissing the publication's credibility. He acknowledged having a prescription for ketamine but contradicted the report by stating he uses it infrequently to manage depression. As Musk concludes his role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration, he has faced criticism regarding his drug use and its potential impact on his businesses, although he maintains that execution is what truly matters. Full Article

During the ongoing trial of Sean Combs, known as Diddy, his former personal assistant, pseudonym “Mia,” testified against him, alleging sexual assault and forced labor. Under cross-examination by defense attorney Brian Steel, Mia maintained her claims despite being confronted with social media posts suggesting a positive relationship. The trial has drawn significant attention, including comments from President Trump regarding a potential pardon for Diddy, as the defense continues to challenge Mia's credibility and the nature of her employment. Full Article

SummaryPresident Trump has dismissed Kim Sajet, the director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, citing her strong support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as inappropriate for her role. This decision is part of Trump's broader initiative to reshape federal cultural institutions, as he has previously criticized the Smithsonian for what he calls leftist ideologies. In addition, he has signed an executive order to eliminate perceived divisive ideologies from the Smithsonian's programs and has replaced leadership at other cultural entities like the Kennedy Center. Full Article

SummaryAn overturned truck in Washington state released an estimated 250 million bees, prompting authorities to warn the public to avoid the area due to potential swarming. Emergency officials, alongside master bee-keepers, worked to rescue the bees from the truck, which was transporting approximately 70,000 lb of active honey bee hives. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office reported that efforts were underway to help the bees re-hive and locate their queen, with expectations that most would return to their hives within 24-48 hours. Full Article

A semi-truck carrying 250 million bees overturned on a Washington state roadway, releasing a swarm of bees. Thanks to over two dozen volunteer beekeepers from Whatcom County, hives were restored, and most bees were expected to return to their hives within 24-48 hours. The sheriff's office warned residents to avoid the area as the bees were likely agitated, while the cause of the crash remains unknown. Full Article

SummaryA work crew of minimum-security inmates in McAlester, Oklahoma, helped clear debris for a woman and her three children after a tornado devastated their rural property on May 19. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections reported that nearly a dozen inmates volunteered for the cleanup, supervised by Warden Margaret Green, who organized the effort after seeing a social media post about the need for assistance. J.B. Sharp, a road foreman, praised the inmates for their significant contribution, highlighting their desire to give back to the community. Full Article

An appeals court has upheld a California judge's injunction that halts the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce, denying the White House's request to freeze the ruling. The Ninth Circuit Court emphasized that the executive order overstepped the President's constitutional powers, as any significant changes to federal agencies require congressional cooperation. The order, issued by Judge Susan Illston, questioned the legality of the administration's actions while tens of thousands of federal workers have already been affected by job cuts and resignations linked to the administration's initiatives. Full Article

The NAACP has urged local regulators to halt Elon Musk's xAI supercomputer project in South Memphis, citing non-compliance with environmental regulations. In a letter to Shelby County officials, the civil rights group expressed concerns over pollution affecting Black communities, emphasizing that wealth should not exempt individuals from environmental responsibility. xAI has defended its operations as compliant with laws, but the project’s methane gas turbines are under scrutiny for potential air quality impacts on nearby residents, prompting calls for immediate regulatory action. Full Article

The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia after a tornado struck Washington County, Kentucky, killing one person and injuring at least 14 others. Governor Andy Beshear reported that three adults and a child remain hospitalized, while some homes were destroyed and roads blocked. As severe weather continues, with warnings extending to North Carolina and Virginia, the NWS confirmed damage from an EF1 tornado in Washington County and reported another tornado in Loudon County, Tennessee, causing injuries. Full Article

Two passenger jets, United Flight 1152 and SkyWest Flight 5272, nearly collided at San Francisco International Airport on May 13, 2025, when the United flight veered into the SkyWest flight's path without authorization. The incident occurred during takeoff, with the planes coming perilously close—just 0.4 nautical miles apart horizontally and 280 feet apart vertically. The FAA is investigating the situation, while United Airlines is currently reviewing the incident's details. Full Article