Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • 3 min read

Wake up with The Yodel

by Natasha Frost with Harriet Sinclair

Good morning, everyone. If you can’t quite make it to a Parisian bakery, these flaky treats from the Trader Joe’s freezer aisle may be the next best thing. Now, on to the news.

Need to know

BTS win Artist of the Year at the 52nd American Music Awards at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. | Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images

The American Music Awards were held last night in Las Vegas. BTS made a triumphant return from their hiatus, opening the show and scoring Artist of the Year. Here’s what else went down.

Biggest winners: Katseye took new artist of the year; Justin Bieber won best male pop artist; and Sabrina Carpenter was named best female pop artist. Accepting the award for song of the summer for “SWIM,” BTS member RM offered some advice: “Keep swimming.” Catch up, and see all the winners. [Yahoo Entertainment/USA Today]
Best and worst moments: The Black Eyed Peas had a surprise reunion; Chrissy Teigen suffered a wardrobe malfunction; and The Pussycat Dolls and New Kids on the Block brought the nostalgia. See more highlights, including Queen Latifah’s star turn as host. [People/Entertainment Weekly]
On the red carpet: The Pussycat Dolls wore red latex like they meant it; Hilary Duff sparkled in silver; and Queen Latifah worked a colossal fur coat. Check out all the looks. [Variety]

In case you missed it

Basketball players hold a trophy in celebration.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Miles McBride of the Knicks celebrate with the Bob Cousy Trophy after defeating the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals. | Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

A Knicks sweep

The 27-year drought is over. The Knicks head to the NBA Finals after their victory over the Cavaliers in a dominant Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. To no one’s surprise, Jalen Brunson was named MVP. “I wouldn’t be here without my teammates,” he said. [Yahoo Sports]

New strikes on Iran

A deal with Tehran is still out of reach, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, quashing hopes for a quick resolution a day after U.S. strikes on southern Iran. On social media, President Trump said talks were going "nicely," but warned of fresh attacks if they failed. [Reuters]

Pope Leo speaks out

In a sweeping manifesto, Pope Leo XIV publicly apologized for the Holy See's role in legitimizing slavery in his first encyclical, a formal letter to the Catholic Church. The historic address, “Magnifica Humanitas,” discussed safeguarding humanity in the era of AI. [AP]

Massie’s 2028 run

Days after losing a primary battle to a Trump-backed challenger, GOP Rep. Thomas Massie filed to run for his Kentucky House seat in 2028. Massie and the president clashed after the congressman criticized Trump, including on the war in Iran. [Politico]

Remembering Sonny Rollins

Jazz great Sonny Rollins has died at the age of 95. The tenor saxophonist and New York City native, who wrote "St. Thomas" and "Oleo," released dozens of albums over a 70-year career. “My body is going to turn into dust,” he said in 2020. “But my soul will live forever.” [People]

What’s happening today

People walk a dog near a Vote Here sign.

Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

At the polls

Texas holds its Republican U.S. Senate primary today. Trump has endorsed challenger Ken Paxton, the Lone Star State's attorney general, whom he called a "true MAGA Warrior." Here’s what to know about the race. [USA Today]

On the diamond

The Braves open a three-game series against the Red Sox at 6:45 p.m. ET on TBS. Atlanta is off to a spectacular start this season, losing only one of their 16 series. See the other teams who’ve seen their playoff odds shift. [Yahoo Sports]

On TV

After an explosive finale, the cast of Summer House Season 10 is assembling for Part 1 of their reunion at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. Here’s what went down. [Variety]

On the court

The Western Conference finals are tied 2-2, and Oklahoma City are having a hard time figuring out the Spurs. Game 5 is at 8:30 p.m. ET on Peacock. [Yahoo Sports]

On the rink

Down 3-0 and facing elimination, the Avalanche are officially on thin ice. With the Golden Knights' power play firing on all cylinders, can Colorado stave off the sweep? Play continues at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. [AP]

And don't forget to...

Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

Today in history

Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Carmine Donofrio/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

In 1977, the "Human Fly" George Willig successfully climbed the south tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Elite free climber Alex Honnold, who holds multiple world records, recently shared how top climbers manage bathroom breaks on very long climbs. See what he said. [People]

Feel-good moment

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo is now home to an incredibly cute new arrival: a brand new lion cub. The female cub, born to parents Scarlett and Hondo, came into the world on April 5. (She’s still waiting on a name!) See when you can see her. [USA Today]

Your daily advice

When you need to end a friendship, experts suggest taking the direct approach, but trying to be clear and kind. Here are signs it’s time to let go. [Today]