Community News
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 · Washington County
Supreme Court Extends Access to Abortion Pill Mifepristone
The Supreme Court has extended access to mifepristone, an abortion pill, by temporarily blocking a lower court's ruling. The ruling would have prevented telehealth prescriptions and mail distribution of the medication. The legal fight surrounding access to mifepristone continues.
Fort Smith police locate missing woman safe
Fort Smith police located a missing woman reported safe. The department did not release details about her whereabouts or the circumstances of her disappearance.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Arkansas Senate kills $750M Franklin County prison plan—for now
Arkansas senators blocked $750 million in funding for a proposed 3,000-bed state prison in Franklin County, stalling the project after multiple failed votes this spring.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Restricts Presidential Removal Power Over FTC, Upholds Fed Independence
The Supreme Court recently issued decisions impacting the President's ability to remove commissioners from the Federal Trade Commission and governors from the Federal Reserve. These rulings revisit a 1935 precedent concerning agency independence, potentially influencing future administrative operations and challenges to regulatory powers.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Decides Birthright Citizenship, Campaign Finance Cases
The Supreme Court concluded its term with decisions on matters including birthright citizenship and campaign finance. One ruling addressed a presidential executive order regarding citizenship. Supreme Court analyst Amy Howe discussed these outcomes.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Republicans Plan Midterm Convention in Dallas
Republicans will host their first national convention before midterm elections in September, President Donald Trump announced. The Dallas event aims to increase voter participation in races determining control of Congress.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Overturns Campaign Finance Limit on Party Spending
The Supreme Court struck down a federal law limiting financial coordination between political parties and candidates. The 6-3 ruling stated these limits violate the First Amendment. This decision reverses a 2001 precedent.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Adds Six Cases to Docket, Declines Trump's Carroll Appeal
The Supreme Court accepted six new cases for its 2026-27 term, addressing topics from trademark law to immigration. Concurrently, the court denied former President Donald Trump's request to appeal a $5 million award in a defamation lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Modifies Campaign Finance Regulations
The Supreme Court has issued a ruling that changes existing campaign finance regulations. This decision affects the amount political parties and candidates can spend in elections, modifying rules established decades ago.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules on Presidential Authority Over Federal Reserve Board
The Supreme Court found President Trump lacked the authority to remove Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. This 5-4 ruling impacts the president's powers over certain independent agencies. Cook's lead counsel, Abbe Lowell, discussed the decision.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
International Talks Resume, Supreme Court Considers Citizenship Case, Colorado Voters Head to Polls
Diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran will recommence on Tuesday. Concurrently, the Supreme Court anticipates issuing a decision on birthright citizenship, and residents of Colorado are preparing to cast their ballots.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Authorities Warn Parents on Sharing Children's Images Online Amid AI Concerns
The National Crime Agency has issued a warning to parents about publicly sharing images of children online. Authorities cite an increasing threat that AI technology poses in generating child abuse material from these images.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Senator Marshall Describes Recent Strikes as 'Mop-Up Operation,' Calls Major Conflict Over
Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, characterized recent military actions between the U.S. and Iran as a 'mop-up operation.' He stated that while the conflict was not 'over,' he believed its 'major' phase had concluded.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
U.S. Immigration Experience Changes for Spouses of Citizens
Spouses of U.S. citizens historically held a distinct status within immigration policy. The current administration and immigration attorneys state that this designation has changed. Individuals seeking citizenship through marriage now encounter different administrative processes.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Trump's Fourth of July Speech and Housing Legislation Reviewed
President Trump delivered a speech on July 4th. He also approached a bipartisan housing bill designed to address housing affordability concerns.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Iran Considers Toll for Strait of Hormuz Transit, U.S. Negotiations Continue
Iran has expressed its intent to levy a transit fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This proposal remains an unresolved issue within broader U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Trump Nominates Former Oklahoma Trooper Lance Schroyer for ICE Director
President Trump has put forward Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This nomination could fill a position vacant since the Obama administration.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Democrats Target Affordability in Weekend Events
The Democratic National Committee plans a series of local events this weekend. These events aim to highlight voter concerns regarding rising costs, attributing current economic pressures to former President Donald Trump.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
President Trump Comments on U.S. Response to Iran
President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that continued reciprocal strikes with Iran could force the United States to return to war. These remarks cap a weekend of escalating tensions threatening peace efforts between the countries.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Trump's Loyalty Appeals Prompt Discussion Among Republicans, International Allies
President Trump has emphasized loyalty among his supporters and allies. This emphasis has led to discussions within the Republican Party and among international partners.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Container Ship Struck in Strait of Hormuz Amid Diplomatic Visit
A drone struck a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a U.S. official. The incident coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the Persian Gulf, where he aimed to address security concerns among Arab allies regarding potential agreements with Iran. Shipping traffic in the strait subsequently experienced widespread disruptions.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
UN Agency Halts Ship Evacuations in Strait of Hormuz After Vessel Attack
A United Nations agency paused ship evacuations through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. This decision followed a report from the British military indicating a vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman's coast. Several tankers had recently used a UN-backed route.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Poll Indicates Divided Perspectives on National Identity Ahead of 250th Anniversary
A new poll reveals a perception among many Americans that the nation has moved away from its founding ideals. The survey also indicates some respondents consider violence potentially necessary for national course correction.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Allows Revival of Trump-Era Asylum Restriction
The Supreme Court has acted in a 6-3 vote, overturning a lower court's decision. This action permits the re-implementation of an immigration policy from the Trump administration that restricts the number of asylum seekers processed daily.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Prepares to Issue Key Decisions by Term's End
The Supreme Court will deliver several significant rulings before the conclusion of its 2026 term. These decisions include cases concerning birthright citizenship and the President's power to dismiss Federal Reserve governors.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Justices Express Divergent Views on Asylum Policy Case
During a Supreme Court session, Justice Sonia Sotomayor read a dissenting opinion regarding a case on expedited asylum proceedings. Justice Samuel Alito visibly reacted during her delivery of the dissent.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Supreme Court Allows End to Protective Status for Haitian, Syrian Immigrants
The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with ending Temporary Protected Status for individuals from Haiti and Syria. This ruling could affect numerous immigrants who have lived in the United States for several years.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Judge Blocks USPS Proposal Regarding Voter List Requirement
A federal judge has issued an order blocking proposals from the U.S. Postal Service. These proposals included not delivering ballots in states that did not provide voter lists to the federal government.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
House Conservatives Block Procedural Vote, Triggering Early Recess
A procedural vote failed on the House floor, initiated by a faction of Republican lawmakers. This action suspended legislative proceedings, leading to an early start to the July 4 recess. The vote specifically targeted a rule to advance the National Defense Authorization Act.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Trump Delays Housing Bill Signing, Demands Vote on SAVE Act
President Trump has postponed signing a housing bill, despite its passage through Congress with veto-proof majorities. He aims to leverage the bill's signing to secure action on the SAVE Act. This move mirrors a previous strategy concerning intelligence legislation.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026