1 dead in New York sewage-boat explosion on Hudson River

Memorial Day is a time when U.S. presidents pay tribute to those who died serving the country, often visiting sacred sites like Arlington National Cemetery or overseas military cemeteries. This piece looks at how recent commanders-in-chief have observed the tradition—whether through speeches, ceremonies, or quiet reflection—highlighting the continuity and respect woven into this national moment.

Editor’s Note: Memorial Day isn’t just barbecues and sales—it’s a solemn reminder of sacrifice, and how presidents mark it sets a tone for the nation. This story matters because these rituals aren’t just symbolic; they reflect how leaders frame service, loss, and unity (or, sometimes, division) in the public eye. It’s a lens into both history and current values.

This episode of The Sunday Story dives into the real-world impact of higher education changes under the Trump administration, as seen through the eyes of recent graduates. Host Ayesha connects her own college experience with the struggles of three seniors who’ve faced funding cuts and a disrupted final semester. The conversation reveals how these challenges have forced them to rethink the value of college and their future plans—painting a vivid picture of resilience and uncertainty.

Editor’s Note: College isn’t what it used to be—and for students graduating into a landscape of shrinking resources and shifting priorities, the stakes feel personal. This story matters because it humanizes the ripple effects of policy decisions, showing how budget cuts and institutional changes don’t just play out in headlines but in derailed dreams and last-minute pivots. It’s a reminder that behind every graduation statistic, there’s a person recalculating their next move.

Five years after George Floyd's murder sparked global Black Lives Matter protests, this article gathers reflections from writers and activists worldwide. They explore the movement's lasting impact—from initial waves of solidarity to the complex mix of progress and setbacks that followed. The piece captures both the hope ignited by mass demonstrations and the sobering reality of how much work remains.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a look back at a moment in history—it’s a reality check on how far (or not) we’ve come. The global response to Floyd’s murder forced conversations about systemic racism into the mainstream, but the mixed perspectives here show that real change is messy, uneven, and far from finished. For readers invested in racial justice, it’s a chance to reflect on what protest can—and can’t—achieve.

Venezuela is gearing up for another controversial election this Sunday, just months after President Nicolás Maduro secured a third term in a vote plagued by fraud claims and unrest. This time, the opposition is calling for a full-blown boycott, arguing that participating would only give credibility to what they view as another rigged process. The big question now is whether voters will stay home—or if Maduro’s government can still rally enough turnout to claim legitimacy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another election—it’s a high-stakes test of Venezuela’s crumbling democracy. With the opposition refusing to play along and Maduro doubling down, the outcome could deepen the country’s political crisis or signal whether his grip on power is weakening. For ordinary Venezuelans, it’s another chapter in a years-long struggle for fair governance amid economic collapse and international isolation.

If you're in Los Angeles and heard a mysterious loud boom earlier, don't worry—it wasn’t an explosion or earthquake. Turns out, it was SpaceX’s Dragon capsule making a dramatic return to Earth, creating a sonic boom as it re-entered the atmosphere. SpaceX confirmed the noise on X (formerly Twitter), putting an end to the speculation.

Editor’s Note: Sonic booms from spacecraft re-entries aren’t super common, so when one rattles a major city like LA, it’s bound to cause a stir. This story matters because it highlights how space travel is becoming more routine—yet still has moments that remind us just how wild and futuristic it really is. Plus, it’s a good reminder that SpaceX’s operations are now so frequent that their tech can literally shake up daily life.