05/18/2026
Happy , unhinged mental health memes every Monday
Things to care about in the US this week:
1. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says New York City eliminated a projected $12B budget deficit. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also announced California’s structural deficit has been reduced to $0 through 2028. (NYC Mayor’s Office; California Governor’s Office)
2. President Trump said Americans’ financial hardship did not factor into negotiations involving Iran, stating: “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation… We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.” (The New York Times)
3. An international women’s health panel recommended renaming PCOS to PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), arguing the updated name better reflects the condition’s hormonal and metabolic effects beyond fertility (International PCOS Guideline Update)
4. Viral testing results alleged pesticide residues on conventional Driscoll’s strawberries, including chemicals restricted in some countries. Claims circulating online have varied and some have been disputed previously. (EPA; company statements)
5. Thousands gathered in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, protesting congressional district changes they say weaken Black voter representation following recent court rulings (Reuters)
6. The Trump administration announced plans to reconsider the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects roughly 58 million acres of national forest land from logging and road construction (USDA Forest Service)
7. A POLITICO analysis found federal judges have ruled thousands of ICE detentions unlawful over time due to procedural or constitutional violations (POLITICO)
8. California’s updated budget includes wildfire recovery funding, education investments, and tax relief while projecting elimination of the state’s structural deficit through 2028 (California Governor’s Office)
