Today is Wednesday, May 20, the 140th day of 2026. There are 225 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 20, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, which was intended to encourage settlement west of the Mississippi River by making federal land available for private ownership and farming.

JERUSALEM (AP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained in power for most of the past 17 years due in part to a tight alliance with ultra-Orthodox religious parties. But that alliance is tearing apart his governing coalition and proving to be another major liability for the long-serving Israeli leader.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Two police officers who helped defend the U.S. Capitol from an attack by a mob of Trump supporters sued on Wednesday to block anyone – including Jan. 6, 2021, rioters – from receiving payouts from a new $1.776 billion settlement fund for people who claim to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The YOLO caucus is in session.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) – Indonesia is tightening state control over its globally important natural resources, with new regulations requiring that state-owned enterprises handle exports of key commodities like palm oil, coal and iron alloys.

KOLKATA, India (AP) – Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoffs hopes alive with a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday.

GOTEMBA, Japan (AP) – U.S. Marines test fired a dozen rockets from a mobile launcher on Wednesday at a range in the foothills of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, in an exercise to keep sharp on weapon that is a growingly important component of the American military’s arsenal.

LONDON (AP) – A seagull left a lasting impression Wednesday on King Charles III during his visit to Northern Ireland. The bird dropped a surprise from above, hitting the king’s suit jacket and splattering others around him, including members of the press.