Headlines

May 17, 2025

ABC News

27 Dead as Storms Hit U.S. States

A massive outbreak of severe storms and tornadoes from the Heartland to the East Coast has killed at least 27 people, with widespread destruction, power outages, and more dangerous weather still in the forecast.
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CBS News

Cassie’s Cross-Examination Ends

Prosecutors called Dawn Richard to testify about Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged violence against Cassie Ventura, underscoring the trial's focus on serious allegations of abuse and its potential impact on Combs' career.
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SCOTUSblog

Supreme Court Blocks Removals

The Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administration from removing Venezuelan nationals, citing constitutional concerns, which underscores the ongoing legal battle over the use of the Alien Enemies Act.
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Al Jazeera

Prisoner Swap After Peace Talks

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a major prisoner swap during their first direct talks in over three years, but failed to reach a ceasefire as deep divisions and unrealistic demands stalled further progress.
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The Hill

GOP Hawks Block Trump Bill Vote

GOP fiscal hawks in the House Budget Committee blocked a key vote on advancing Trump’s legislative package, citing unresolved concerns over spending cuts and implementation timelines, dealing a major setback to GOP leadership.
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Politico

Biden’s 2028 Impact Looms Large

Democrats, including Josh Shapiro and Chris Murphy, are grappling with Joe Biden's legacy and its impact on the 2028 election, as concerns about Biden's cognitive decline raise questions about party leadership and strategy.
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The Independent

Rogan on Kanye’s ‘Heil Hitler'

Joe Rogan argues against tech platforms banning Kanye West's song glorifying Hitler, stating that its popularity on X could support West's claims of a Jewish effort to silence him, sparking wider debate.
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Mediaite

Trump Insults Springsteen Again

Donald Trump lashed out at Bruce Springsteen in a vitriolic social media post after the musician criticized his administration during a concert in England, continuing Trump’s long pattern of feuding with celebrities.
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Daily Mail

Noem Backs Wild Citizenship Show

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem supports a controversial reality TV show idea where immigrants compete for fast-tracked U.S. citizenship, sparking debates on immigration and media influence.
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The New York Times

How Democrats Closed Their Eyes

Michelle Goldberg argues that many elected Democrats failed to acknowledge President Biden’s decline due to groupthink, denial, and risk aversion, ultimately delaying necessary action and damaging the party’s credibility.
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Associated Press

Israel Intensifies Attacks

Israel intensified its military campaign in Gaza—killing over 100 people, mostly women and children—and expanded strikes to Yemen, while humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen under a prolonged blockade.
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CNN

Economy Optimism Hits Record Low

The University of Michigan reports a drop in U.S. consumer sentiment to near-record lows, intensifying concerns over economic instability amid President Trump's tariff policies and potential recession fears.
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The Wall Street Journal

Trump’s Bromance With Arab Leaders

President Donald Trump's Middle East tour emphasizes economic ties with Gulf states, while his silence on human rights sparks concerns, marking a shift from traditional U.S. advocacy and impacting regional dynamics.
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New York Post

Portnoy's Bestows A 9.2 Pizza Rating

Dave Portnoy's 9.2 rating for Ceres, a new pizzeria in NYC, has sparked massive lines and sold-out pies, with many New Yorkers eager to try what some now call one of Manhattan’s best pizzas despite its high price and limited daily supply.
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Nola

Jailbreak In NOLA

Ten inmates, including several charged with violent crimes, escaped from the Orleans Parish jail through a cut-out hole likely aided by inside help, prompting a massive manhunt and political fallout as authorities work to recapture them.
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The Atlantic

An Autopsy on Biden’s Decline

CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson's book 'Original Sin' examines President Joe Biden's cognitive decline, raising questions about his suitability for office and its impact on the American political landscape overall.
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The Hollywood Reporter

Do Ovations Signal Cinema’s Decline?

At Cannes, excessive standing ovations are seen as a sign of cinema’s decline, as festival organizers and press normalize prolonged applause, masking a diminished art form struggling to maintain relevance.
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NPR

Midwest Storms Cause Devastation

Severe storms, possibly including tornadoes across the Midwest and Missouri, caused at least seven deaths, widespread damage, power outages, and emergency responses as authorities searched for trapped and injured residents.
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We will NEVER SELL YOUR DATA. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Smerconish.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Aweber