Top News — Mon, May 18, 7:40 PM UTC

DOJ creates $1.7B ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’; Trump drops $10B IRS suit

The Justice Department announced a $1.7 billion fund to compensate Trump allies for alleged government 'weaponization' as part of a settlement, leading President Trump to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns.

Shakira wins $64 million tax fraud case against Spanish government

A Spanish court acquitted Shakira of tax fraud, ruling she was not a tax resident of Spain in 2011 and ordering the government to repay her over $64 million in wrongly imposed fines. The singer stated the ruling crumbles the 'narrative' of her guilt.

Trump-backed candidates win Louisiana Senate primary; rattle GOP establishment

Donald Trump's influence as a 'kingmaker' was highlighted as his backed candidates, Julia Letlow and John Fleming, advanced to a runoff in Louisiana's Senate race, defeating incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy. The Kentucky House primary for Rep. Thomas Massie's seat also drew national attention.

Trump Halts Iran Strike Planned Tuesday; Oil Prices Volatile After Gulf Request

President Trump announced he aborted a planned 'full scale' attack on Iran for Tuesday, citing requests from leaders of the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for more time for negotiations. Oil prices remained volatile amid ongoing war risks and a new Iranian proposal.

Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Off Cyprus

The Israeli Navy intercepted several vessels of the Global Sumud flotilla attempting to breach the Gaza maritime blockade off the coast of Cyprus. Activists reported commandos boarding the boats, while Israel and Turkey clashed over the incident.

ICE Agent Charged in Nonfatal Minneapolis Shooting of Venezuelan Immigrant

Minnesota prosecutors issued a nationwide arrest warrant for an ICE agent, Christian Castro, who is accused of shooting a Venezuelan immigrant in Minneapolis and then lying about the incident. Castro faces five counts related to the shooting.

LIRR strike costs millions, snarls commutes on third day

The Long Island Rail Road strike entered its third day, causing long commutes for thousands of riders and an estimated loss of tens of millions of dollars daily to the regional economy. The dispute centers on wages and health benefits.

Cuba warns US: ‘Bloodbath’ if military action follows drone claims

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned of a 'bloodbath of incalculable consequences' if the US takes military action, following reports of Cuba amassing Iranian drones. The US has intensified pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.

Supreme Court sends Native American voting rights case back to lower court

The Supreme Court has returned a closely watched Voting Rights Act case, brought by Native American tribes, to a lower court for reconsideration. This decision impacts who can sue to enforce the remaining provisions of the Act.

Elon Musk loses OpenAI lawsuit; jury cites expired statute of limitations

A California jury unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, ruling that Musk filed the case too late, missing the three-year statute of limitations. Musk had accused Altman of betraying OpenAI's original nonprofit mission.

Three arrested in Austin shooting spree; four injured

Three individuals are in custody following a series of at least 10 random shootings across Austin, Texas, over the weekend, which left four people injured. Police stated the incidents began with a stolen car.

Judge allows gun, notebook as evidence in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder trial

A judge ruled that a gun and notebook found in Luigi Mangione's backpack, which prosecutors say link him to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are admissible as evidence in his New York murder trial. Other items like a passport and cellphone were excluded.

DOJ drops fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani

US prosecutors asked a judge to dismiss criminal fraud and conspiracy charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader resolution of pending legal matters, following Adani's promise to invest $10 billion in the U.S.

China's growing influence: Putin visits Beijing after Trump courts Xi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping, just days after Donald Trump's visit to China. These meetings highlight Beijing's increasing role in a shifting global landscape and its growing economic ties with Russia.

Belarus launches nuclear drills with Russia; Ukraine condemns move

Belarus announced its armed forces began training exercises involving Russian nuclear weapons, drawing strong condemnation from Ukraine and NATO allies. Kyiv decried the drills as Russia 'de facto legitimizing' its nuclear presence.

Redistricting debate shifts to South Carolina; GOP seeks House sweep

The debate over congressional redistricting is shifting to South Carolina, where Republicans are seeking a clean sweep of US House seats. Democrats frame the fight as a civil rights battle over Black voter representation in Congress, with some experts warning of significant seat losses for African American legislators.

Last updated: 5/18/2026, 7:40:37 PM