Top News — Tue, May 12, 9:08 PM UTC

Senate confirms Kevin Warsh to Federal Reserve Board

The US Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as a governor on the Federal Reserve Board in a 51-45 vote, largely along party lines, with Senator John Fetterman joining Republicans. Warsh is now expected to be confirmed as the chairman of the Central Bank on Wednesday.

Ukraine corruption probe escalates; Zelenskyy's ex-chief of staff suspect

Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have named Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's former chief of staff, as a suspect in a money-laundering scheme. This development marks an escalation in the country's ongoing corruption probe, with Yermak appearing in court.

Hamas ‘weaponized’ sexual violence in October 7 attacks, Israeli report finds

A comprehensive Israeli investigation found that sexual violence was "systematic" and "integral" to the Hamas-led October 7 terror assault. The report details harrowing cases of sexual attacks, with the BBC also covering the findings.

Jen Kiggans faces calls to resign over ‘cotton-picking’ remark

Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans is facing calls to resign after agreeing with a radio host's racist "cotton-picking" remark about House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. While Kiggans stated she did not condone the language, Jeffries' spokesperson condemned the "disgusting, vile and racist" comments.

UK Prime Minister Starmer Defies Resignation Demands Amid Cabinet Departures

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is resisting calls for his resignation, despite several allies stepping down from ministerial posts and online safety campaigners expressing frustration. Starmer remains defiant, telling his cabinet he will not quit, even as his leadership faces ongoing challenges.

California Mayor Eileen Wang Pleads Guilty as Chinese Agent; Faces 10 Years

Former Arcadia, California mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty to acting as a covert agent for the Chinese government, facing up to 10 years in prison. She worked with another individual from late 2020 through 2022 to promote Chinese content on a fake news website.

Man dies by suicide, strikes Frontier jet engine on Denver runway

A 41-year-old man, Michael Mott, died by suicide after breaching the perimeter fence at Denver International Airport and walking onto an active runway, where he was struck by a Frontier Airlines jet. Mott had a criminal past with over 20 arrests in Colorado dating back to 2002.

DOJ charges ship operator in Baltimore Key Bridge collapse

The Justice Department announced criminal charges against the ship operator and an employee involved in the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, which killed six construction workers. Two foreign companies were also indicted in connection with the incident.

US inflation jumps to 3.8% as Iran war drives energy costs

US inflation accelerated to 3.8%, the highest since May 2023, primarily due to surging energy prices and gasoline costs fueled by the ongoing Iran war. This rise in prices is creating economic challenges for consumers and impacting market expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes.

FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations; agrees to alcohol test

FBI Director Kash Patel vehemently denied allegations of excessive drinking and unexplained absences during a tense Senate budget hearing. He sparred with Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, who questioned him about the claims, which Patel dismissed as a "total farce."

Trump, Xi Meet in Beijing; Summit Targets Iran, Auto Trade

President Trump is traveling to China for a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping, aiming to stabilize ties, but the ongoing Iran war is overshadowing the agenda. Discussions are expected to cover trade, with Boeing hoping for a 737 Max deal, and Taiwan's arms sales are a concern.

Nigerian Airstrike Kills 100 Civilians; Amnesty Cites War Crimes

A Nigerian military airstrike reportedly killed 100 civilians at a market in Zamfara state, prompting Amnesty International to call for an investigation. While a military spokesman confirmed the bombing, he denied verifiable evidence of civilian casualties, despite the UN documenting 880 deaths from strikes.

Macron unveils $27 billion Africa investment, urges new partnerships

French President Emmanuel Macron, attending the Africa Forward summit in Kenya, unveiled a $27 billion investment plan for Africa. He called for a "fundamental reset" in relations with Europe, promoting partnerships built on shared interests and mutual respect to bolster economic growth.

Trump, Hegseth warn US may restart Iran strikes

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the US might restart strikes on Iran, with Trump stating the ceasefire is "on massive life support." Hegseth affirmed the Pentagon is prepared for combat operations if necessary, despite the ongoing fragile truce.

WHO warns countries to prepare for more hantavirus cases

The head of the World Health Organization has urged countries to prepare for more hantavirus cases, following an outbreak on a cruise ship where a French woman is in intensive care. While there's no sign of a larger outbreak yet, the situation could change, with more confirmed cases possible.

Trump's tariffs face legal challenges; $35.5 billion in refunds issued

A federal appeals court temporarily halted a ruling that declared President Trump’s global tariffs unlawful, while the administration is processing over $35.5 billion in refunds to importers. The Supreme Court previously ruled some tariffs unconstitutional, leading to the first wave of refunds.

Last updated: 5/12/2026, 9:08:33 PM