Top News — Sat, May 23, 9:03 PM UTC

Newsom declares emergency as California chemical leak threatens explosion, prompts evacuations

A damaged chemical tank at an aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California, containing 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, led to evacuation orders for 40,000 to 50,000 residents and a state of emergency declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom due to explosion threats.

France Bans Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir for Flotilla Activist Mistreatment

France banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country, citing his "unspeakable" behavior and a video taunting detained Gaza aid flotilla activists, with calls for EU sanctions against the far-right minister.

SpaceX launches revamped Super Heavy-Starship rocket in test flight

SpaceX successfully launched its revamped Super Heavy-Starship rocket in its 12th test flight from Texas, overcoming minor engine malfunctions, as Elon Musk aims to take people to Mars and the company prepares for its highly anticipated IPO.

Raúl Castro Indictment Signals Trump's Maduro Playbook for Cuba

The Trump administration's indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro has fueled speculation that Trump may be reviving his Maduro playbook against Cuba, with critics questioning the administration's "pretext" for a potential invasion.

France, US, India strengthen ties as Rubio visits Delhi after Trump-Xi summit

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to repair relations strained by Washington's tariffs and engagement with China, touting U.S. energy and calling India a natural partner, following President Trump's summit with Xi Jinping.

NASCAR champion Kyle Busch dies from pneumonia, sepsis; racing world mourns

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died at age 41 after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, leading to his hospitalization and prompting widespread mourning in the racing community.

Pope Leo visits Italy's ‘Land of Fires,’ decries toxic waste pollution

Pope Leo visited Italy's 'Land of Fires,' an area known for illegal toxic waste dumping, to meet families whose loved ones died from related illnesses, criticizing companies that prioritize "dizzying" profits over environmental protection.'

U.S., Iran Near Deal for 60-Day Ceasefire, Nuclear Framework

President Trump stated a peace deal with Iran is "largely negotiated" and would include opening the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran also signaling progress on talks, though nuclear weapons are not part of the initial framework.

Ebola outbreak kills 3 Red Cross workers in DRC

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed three Red Cross workers, with violence and overcrowding hampering response efforts, leading the U.S. to add Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to its enhanced screening locations for travelers from affected countries.

Staten Island Shipyard Blast Kills One, Injures Over 30

An explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard killed one worker, who was trapped in a boat's belly, and injured over 30 people, mostly FDNY members, prompting an investigation into the cause.

Trump's ‘anti-weaponization fund’ draws backlash from lawmakers

A new "anti-weaponization fund" unveiled by the Justice Department, stemming from a lawsuit settlement with the IRS, faced swift backlash from both Republican and Democratic legislators on Capitol Hill, with critics calling it an abuse of political power.

Last updated: 5/23/2026, 9:03:21 PM