News Above the Noise—Week of May 31, 2026
1. Americans Are Done With Both Parties
Record numbers of Americans are refusing to identify with either major political party—and a new poll finally asked them to explain why. The results reveal a surprisingly specific set of grievances on both sides, and for both Democrats and Republicans, the path back to popularity is far from clear. Read more here.
2. The Uncertain Future of the Kennedy Center
What was supposed to be a sweeping renovation is now a legal and institutional mess. A judge this week ordered the Kennedy Center to remain open and Trump's name removed from its walls — prompting the president to threaten on Truth Social that he'd wash his hands of the cultural landmark altogether. Read more here.
3. Move Over GLP-1’s. Is Brain Health the New Wellness Obsession?
Americans spend billions each year chasing a sharper mind, and an entire industry has risen up to meet that demand. But Bruni sees a paradox at the heart of it all: the more obsessed we become with protecting our cognitive health, the more we may be undermining it. He argues there's something worth examining beneath the obsession. Read more here.
4. The Race to Replace—or Reelect—L.A.’s Mayor
The race to lead Los Angeles is heating up ahead of the June 2 primary, with Bass defending her record and four challengers arguing the city needs a new direction. The candidates couldn’t be more different from one another, in background, experience, and approach. ABC7 sat down with each of them. Read more here.
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