Top News — Sat, May 23, 1:03 PM UTC

At least 90 killed in China coal mine explosion; Xi Jinping orders rescue efforts

A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in China's Shanxi province has killed at least 90 workers, with nine still missing. President Xi Jinping has called for an investigation and urged authorities to spare no effort in rescue operations, marking it as the country's deadliest mining accident in over a decade.

1 killed, dozens injured in Staten Island shipyard explosion

An explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard in New York City has resulted in one death and injuries to at least 36 people, including numerous FDNY members. Officials described the incident as a "complex, fast-developing emergency situation."

Rising gas prices threaten Memorial Day travel amid inflation

Americans face near-record gas prices as the Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season, with millions hitting the roads despite inflation's pinch. Prices related to travel, recreation, and food have seen steep increases, stretching consumers' wallets.

Toxic chemical leak in California evacuates 40,000 residents

Over 40,000 residents in Southern California have been ordered to evacuate due to a leaking chemical tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove. Officials warn the tank, containing methyl methacrylate, is "actively in crisis" and at risk of explosion or spilling thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals.

US and Iran in diplomatic holding pattern amid peace deal efforts

The US and Iran remain in a holding pattern regarding a potential peace deal, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reporting "slight progress" in talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Despite a fragile ceasefire, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson claims US demands on nuclear issues are "unreasonable" and "excessive."

Judge dismisses ‘vindictive’ smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia; DOJ vows appeal

A federal judge dismissed human-smuggling charges against Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, ruling that his prosecution was vindictive and selective. The Justice Department has vowed to appeal the decision, which came after Garcia was mistakenly deported.

Senegal's President Faye sacks Prime Minister Sonko amid feud

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has fired Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government, following months of simmering tension and a deepening rift between the former allies. The move creates uncertainty amid the country's debt crisis.

White House demands Congo soccer team isolate for World Cup over Ebola

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed three Red Cross workers and spread to new areas, with over 170 deaths and 750 suspected cases. The US has restricted entry for travelers from affected African countries and warned Congo's World Cup soccer team to isolate or risk entry denial.

Trump's ‘weaponization’ slush fund blasted as abuse of power

President Trump's settlement of a lawsuit against the IRS resulted in the creation of an "anti-weaponization fund" that could benefit January 6 protesters, drawing criticism for being an abuse of political power. Critics argue Congress should not have delegated the power to appropriate unlimited settlements.

Trump posts AI-generated video of him throwing Stephen Colbert in dumpster

President Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting him throwing talk show host Stephen Colbert into a dumpster. This comes as Trump continues to use social media to target critics and promote his political agenda.

Raul Castro Indicted for Plane Shootdown; Sheinbaum Protests, Havana Regime in Suspense

The Trump administration's indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro and comments playing up Cuba's military and intelligence threat are drawing criticism. Critics argue that Trump's "pretext" for a potential Cuba invasion doesn't align with reality, while surveillance flights off the coast of Cuba continue.

Rubio visits India to repair ties, strengthen Quad alliance

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India to reset strained US-India ties and strengthen the Quad strategic alliance, which includes India, Australia, and Japan. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, energy, and defense cooperation, amid concerns over President Trump's overtures to China.

Ukraine accuses Russia of deadly drone strike on Luhansk dormitory

Ukrainian authorities claim a drone strike hit a university dormitory in Russian-controlled Luhansk, killing 10 and wounding dozens. Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the drone barrage and ordered a response, while Ukraine states it targeted Russia's elite Rubicon drone military unit.

San Diego mosque shooter Caleb Vazquez obsessed with racist Dutch cartoon

San Diego mosque shooter Caleb Vazquez was allegedly obsessed with a "based racist" Dutch cartoon character and joked about slaying Muslim and Jewish people in a radical-right group chat. Law enforcement was aware of Vazquez's alarming behavior a year prior to the deadly attack, leading to family guns being seized.

SpaceX launches biggest Starship rocket yet on test flight

SpaceX successfully launched its largest and most powerful Starship V3 rocket on a test flight from Texas, after an initial attempt was postponed. The rocket, which Elon Musk aims to use for Mars missions, completed its flight with a planned fiery explosion upon splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

6.0 Quake Rocks Hawaii's Big Island; Kilauea Eruption Days Away

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hawaii's Big Island near Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo, amid ongoing monitoring of the Kilauea volcano, which is likely to erupt again in days. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threats following the quake.

Kevin Warsh sworn in as Fed chair; Trump faces economic backlash

Kevin Warsh has been sworn in as the new Federal Reserve chair, replacing Powell, amid growing concerns over the cost of living and inflation. Warsh has vowed to preserve the Fed's independence over monetary policy and not "predetermine" interest rates at the president's behest.

Last updated: 5/23/2026, 1:03:20 PM