This monthly snapshot shows how people across the US responded to the stories, debates, and cultural moments that shaped May 2026. From politics and public trust to technology, consumer trends, and everyday life, these insights come from real-time responses shared by the OnePulse community.
Week 21 of 2026
New plastic, technology, and changing priorities
A change to the US visa process also drew attention this week. Under the new rules, visa applicants must state they do not fear persecution in their home country. The biggest concern wasn’t about border security, but about who could be affected. Around 44% worried the change could prevent people who genuinely need protection from entering the country.
Washington found itself debating something a little more unusual this week. A lawsuit aims to stop plans to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue instead of keeping it gray. Opinion was closely split, with just over half saying they either like the idea or are open to it.
Getting around (and getting things done) may soon look a little different. Uber unveiled several new features. These include hotel bookings, Travel Mode, and a service that sends shoppers to local stores. Interest was spread fairly evenly, with hotel booking and Shop for Me both attracting 31%, while Travel Mode wasn’t far behind at 27%.
Not every new idea won people over, though. Apple may add tiny cameras to future AirPods as it pushes further into AI-powered wearables. Nearly 6 in 10 said the idea feels completely pointless. Meanwhile, a furry AI robot from the creator of Roomba is heading toward homes next year, though 31% said they wouldn’t want one in their house.
Technology and branding crossed paths in another headline this week. Dua Lipa’s lawsuit against Samsung over an allegedly unauthorized image put attention on celebrity rights, with 37% saying companies should pay compensation if they use a celebrity’s image without permission.
Researchers unveiled a hemp-based material that could one day replace traditional plastic packaging. Support was strong, with more than 3 in 4 (76%) saying it’s important for brands to explore alternatives to conventional plastic. Even so, 34% said they’d only make the switch if the price stayed about the same.
And finally, Spirit Airlines collapsed after months of financial pressure and rising fuel costs. While debate quickly turned to who was responsible, many people’s first reaction was simpler: disappointment at seeing another major airline disappear.
Week 22 of 2026
Politics, prices, and the power of hype
A large prayer event in Washington sparked discussion about the role of religion in public life. Thousands gathered on the National Mall as debate continued over faith’s place in government. Nearly half (48%) said government should stay separate from religion.
Political influence was a big part of the conversation this week. More than 2 in 3 (68%) said President Trump still has at least some influence over Republican primaries. But that doesn’t mean people like everything they see. More than 4 in 5 (82%) said politics feels too focused on payback rather than policy.
The Justice Department reached a settlement this week. As part of the deal, it will not pursue tax claims against Donald Trump, his sons, or their companies. Nearly half (49%) said that makes them trust the legal and tax system less. Separately, 57% said presidents should not profit from personal brands while in office, as a Trump-branded cellphone launch drew fresh attention.
Across the Pacific, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping talked about building steadier US-China relations. Americans wanted to see practical results next. Better trade conditions and lower prices topped the list. Many also wanted proof that cooperation would lead to real action.
Then there was the price tag. The estimated cost of the Iran conflict climbed sharply this week, with some projections reaching $1 trillion. Many focused on what that money could otherwise be used for, from infrastructure and healthcare to education.
If there was one reminder of social media’s power this week, it may have come from a watch. A Swatch and Audemars Piguet collaboration drew huge crowds. It also generated billions of online views and eye-watering resale prices. Most people felt the frenzy was driven more by social media buzz than the watch itself.
And speaking of convenience, retailers are trying to make shopping even faster. Companies continue expanding delivery services that promise orders in 15 to 30 minutes. About 1 in 3 (34%) said that kind of speed is useful for emergencies but unnecessary most of the time.
Week 23 of 2026
Politics, workplace change, and unexpected surprises
Extreme heat pushed climate concerns back into focus this week. Experts warned that rising temperatures could make life harder for farmers and outdoor workers. They also warned about growing pressure on food supplies. Most people think employers need to step up, with 62% saying companies should do more to protect outdoor workers during heat waves.
Debate over adding more Supreme Court justices picked up again this week. Trust in the court remains shaky. While supporters see court expansion as a way to rebalance the institution, trust remains shaky. In fact, more than half of Pulsers said they have either very little trust (34%) or no trust at all (20%) in the Supreme Court.
A proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery also drew attention. The Trump administration says it may not need congressional approval to move forward. Many weren’t convinced by the idea, with 38% calling it unnecessary. Meanwhile, nearly half (49%) said they want officials to better explain why the project is being built in the first place.
AI-generated campaign videos helped push reality TV star Spencer Pratt into the Los Angeles mayoral spotlight. Nearly half (48%) aren’t sure whether he’d make a good mayor, but there was much more agreement when it came to AI in politics. About 2 in 3 (64%) said AI-generated campaign content should carry a clear label.
AI was also reshaping the workplace. Meta announced another round of layoffs as it shifts more resources toward artificial intelligence, despite continuing to post strong profits. The move didn’t sit well with many people, with 61% saying it makes them feel more negative about the company. Elsewhere in the tech world, Elon Musk’s legal battle with OpenAI hit another setback, though 28% viewed the dispute mainly as personal drama between tech leaders.
Regulators are once again weighing the future of fruit-flavored vapes after a dispute inside the FDA over product approvals. While supporters argue they may help adults quit smoking, most people felt regulators should prioritize potential new users. About 3 in 5 (61%) said protecting young people who might start vaping should be the FDA’s main concern.
Bright blue sea creatures known as by-the-wind sailors have been washing up along the West Coast. Most people had never heard of them before, with more than 4 in 5 (82%) saying the creatures were new to them. Another 32% described the sight as fascinating.
A graduation surprise also struck a positive note this week. After months of students campaigning online for Bruno Mars to attend their ceremony, the singer sent an ice cream truck instead when he couldn’t make it. Nearly half (49%) called the gesture sweet and thoughtful, while another 29% saw it as a fun surprise.
Week 24 of 2026
Rocket setbacks, risky stunts, and unconventional athletes
It was a mixed week for ambitious projects. Blue Origin suffered a setback after one of its rockets exploded during a ground test in Florida. No one was injured, and most people seem willing to accept a few bumps along the way. In fact, nearly 4 in 5 (78%) said companies should continue testing rockets even after major failures.
Some chains say new Medicare drug pricing rules are putting pressure on pharmacy revenue, turning what was once a reliable draw for shoppers into more of a headache. About 2 in 3 (63%) expect some grocers could eventually scale back pharmacy services if profits keep shrinking.
Donald Trump skipping his son Donald Jr.’s wedding got people talking. The president said government responsibilities kept him in Washington. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel questioned that explanation, joking that Trump still found time for golf outings and UFC events. While many said they understood the president’s reasoning, 64% felt Kimmel’s criticism was fair. The late-night host’s comments also seem to be landing with some audiences, with 27% finding them entertaining and another 22% saying they’ve become funnier over time.
The administration saw another high-profile departure this week. Tulsi Gabbard announced plans to step down at the end of June after her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Nearly half (47%) said frequent leadership changes make them less confident in an administration, while 42% said a fourth Cabinet departure in recent months suggests instability.
And while most people would steer clear of a snake if they came across one, RFK Jr. took a different approach. Kennedy posted a video of himself removing two non-venomous snakes by hand from a Florida patio. More than 1 in 3 (38%) called the move reckless, and 55% said public officials should be more careful about posting risky stunts online.
The sports world was testing some boundaries too. The upcoming Enhanced Games left opinion divided. Athletes can use certain legal substances under medical supervision during the event. While 21% said they’re completely fine with the idea, nearly half (47%) said they’re uncomfortable with it or not okay with it at all. When it comes to the record books, though, there was much more agreement. About 3 in 4 (73%) said Enhanced Games results shouldn’t count alongside traditional world records.
Athletes were making headlines off the field as well. Some lesser-known professionals are turning to OnlyFans to help cover training, travel, and competition costs. While 59% were surprised to learn athletes are using the platform this way, 38% said it feels completely understandable given the financial realities many face.
And while some stories stayed firmly on Earth, others looked much farther out. New research suggests Neptune’s moon Nereid survived a massive cosmic upheaval billions of years ago. That caught many off guard, with more than 3 in 4 (77%) saying they were surprised a moon that small could make it through such a dramatic event.
All statistics are based on real-time responses collected from the OnePulse community in May 2026.
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