Trump-backed Ed Gallrein defeats Thomas Massie in Kentucky House primary

• Venezuela’s National Assembly approved a reform on 9 May 2026 to expand the Supreme Tribunal of Justice from 20 justices to 32, saying the change would speed up judicial work. • The Judicial Nominations Committee was installed on 19 May 2026 to fill 24 vacancies on the court, according to the International Commission of Jurists.

• President Donald Trump renewed threats against Iran on May 18, warning that “the clock is ticking” as Washington presses Tehran for a deal. • CBS News reported that most Americans are worried about the economic fallout of the Iran standoff, with 67% disapproving of Trump’s handling of the economy and 57% saying his policies are making them financially worse off.

• Nigeria's major opposition parties are facing internal crises ahead of the 2027 general elections, renewing calls for the adoption of independent candidacy. • The push is framed as a potential way to broaden political participation and reduce the influence of party gatekeepers over nominations.

• Britain’s Parliament is scheduled to debate a bill to bring steel undertakings into public ownership as MPs return for a packed week starting 18 May 2026. • The Commons and Lords will also continue debating the King’s Speech, while the Private Members’ Bill ballot will give 20 MPs a chance to introduce the session’s first bills.

• Nine Japanese political parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and opposition groups, agreed on Thursday to require social media operators to reduce disinformation, misinformation and slander during elections. • The plan would push platforms to halt reward payments to users, respond faster to deletion requests, and label AI-generated content, with lawmakers aiming to pass legislation during the current Diet session.

• Nepal’s opposition parties moved in Kathmandu to block all eight ordinances introduced by the government, escalating political and legal pressure on the ruling side. • The article says the fight centers on measures pushed by the government and now facing an organized effort in the National Assembly to strike them down.

• Iraqi lawmakers on Thursday approved a new government headed by businessman Ali al-Zaidi, ending months of deadlock in Baghdad. • The prime minister’s media office said parliament granted confidence to Zaidi’s cabinet, while the INA state news agency reported an absolute majority backed 14 ministerial nominations.

• A survey by Rutgers University and partner institutions found Americans disapprove of Trump administration policies targeting science and medicine by a margin exceeding 2-to-1, reflecting broad public opposition. • The polling data indicates significant public concern about the administration's approach to scientific research funding and medical policy implementation.

• The Department of Homeland Security appointed a new acting director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, marking a leadership change during the administration's ongoing immigration policy overhaul. • The appointment comes as the administration pursues significant changes to immigration enforcement and detention practices, including closure of the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center.

• A South Carolina court overturned the murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh, the prominent attorney convicted of killing his wife and son, setting the stage for potential retrial or release. • The judicial decision reverses the high-profile case that captivated national attention and raised questions about the investigation and trial proceedings.

• The Senate advanced legislation that would withhold congressional pay during federal government shutdowns, linking lawmaker compensation to budget negotiations outcomes. • The proposal represents a procedural step toward holding elected officials financially accountable for shutdown-related disruptions to federal operations and public services.