WASHINGTON, May 20 – Former President Donald Trump expressed approval of the US indictment against former Cuban leader Raul Castro, describing it as a significant moment for accountability. While acknowledging the seriousness of the charges, Trump emphasized that the United States should avoid any additional escalation with Cuba. Background of the Indictment The indict

The United Arab Emirates has achieved a major milestone with 50% completion of the West-East Pipeline, a strategic crude oil project designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Managed by ADNOC and accelerated under Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the pipeline aims to increase crude export capacity via the port of Fujairah by 2027. ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber highlighted that even after the resolution of regional conflicts, global oil flows could take several months to

On May 20, the Senate removed $1 billion in funding for the White House ballroom project from a larger immigration bill, marking a notable political setback for former President Donald Trump. The funding was intended to cover Secret Service security upgrades for the East Wing, including modernized infrastructure and underground enhancements. The decision followed guidance from Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who flagged the allocation as incompatible with budget reconciliation ru

Houston power outages affected more than 13,000 customers early Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after severe thunderstorms moved across Southeast Texas overnight. Utility outage data showed more than 13,000 customers in the Houston region were without electricity as of 7:00 AM local time on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The outages followed a round of severe weather that began Tuesday evening, May 19, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread weather-rel

Google used its annual developer conference on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Mountain View, California, to introduce new Gemini AI tools aimed at making its assistant more proactive and task-focused. The biggest consumer-facing update is Gemini Spark, a personal AI agent inside the Gemini app that Google says can help users manage digital tasks under their direction. The company said Spark will run on dedicated virtual machines on Google Cloud, allowing

The UK GCC trade deal could add an estimated £3.7 billion a year to Britain’s economy in the long run, while cutting tariffs for exporters selling into Gulf markets. The U.K. Department for Business and Trade announced the agreement on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, calling it a major step in economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The gove

A new Jersey City beach shuttle stop is giving local riders a more direct way to reach popular Jersey Shore destinations during the summer travel season. Park Avenue Worldwide is adding a weekend pickup location at the ACME on 18th Street in Jersey City, expanding its Shore-bound service for riders from Jersey City and nearby Hoboken. Jersey City Beach Shuttle Pickup Added at ACME on 18th Street The new stop will serve passenge

TVK-led government clarifies that rebel AIADMK MLAs supporting the government will not receive cabinet positions, securing allies backing. Rebel AIADMK MLAs Excluded from Cabinet Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has ruled out offering cabinet posts to rebel AIADMK MLAs who are extending support to the government. The clarification was made following warnings from the

The TMC-controlled Kolkata Municipal Corporation has issued demolition notices to 17 properties linked to party MP Abhishek Banerjee, sparking speculation about internal friction within the party. KMC’s Demolition Notices to Abhishek Banerjee In an unusual political twist, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), controlled by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), sent demolition notic

Gold prices rise with silver gains following market movements. Gold Price Gold (per oz): $4,500.40 ↑ Gold 24K (per 10g): ₹14,012 approx Gold 22K (per 10g): ₹12,826 approx Silver Price Silver (per oz): $75.92 ↑ (₹7,353 approx) Silver (per kg): $2,444 (₹2,36,520 approx) Currency Rates

Amid growing regional tensions, Iran has initiated a public training program teaching citizens how to safely handle AK-47 and Kalashnikov rifles. The initiative, named “National Defense Preparedness”, is designed to enhance civilian readiness while educating citizens about firearm safety. Public Drills Across Major Cities In Tehran and other key cities, men, women, and teenagers are particip

U.S. regulators are examining an unexpected spike in oil futures trading that occurred just before President Donald Trump announced a postponement of planned strikes on Iran’s energy sector. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is reviewing unusual off-hours trading activity that reportedly generated millions in profits for several trading firms. Trading Activity Details

The United States military has confirmed significant aircraft losses during Operation Epic Fury, with a total of 42 planes, helicopters, and drones affected. Reports compiled from US defense sources, Central Command (CENTCOM) updates, and operational briefings reveal the scale of challenges faced in the Middle East. F-15E Strike Eagle Setbacks Four F-15E Strike Eagles wer

A Pakistan Air Force training jet crashed near Mianwali, Punjab on Wednesday, with both pilots escaping unharmed. The aircraft, a Hongdu JL-8, was on a routine flight when it went down in a rural area. Authorities have secured the crash site, while locals shared photos and videos showing scattered wreckage across fields. Pilot Ejection and Safety The Hongdu JL-8 is widely used for training and is

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing to reaffirm the growing strategic partnership between their nations. The summit emphasized energy cooperation, trade expansion, and technological collaboration. Xi described the bilateral relationship as a “source of stability,” underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong alliance amid shifting global dynamics. Key Agreemen

Tamil Nadu SSLC Class 10 results 2026 have been declared by the Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 9:30 am. Students who appeared for the Class 10 board examinations can now check their marks through official result portals and digital platforms.More than nine lakh students appeared for the Tamil Nadu SSLC examinations this year, which were conducted from March 11 to April 6, 2026. Direct Ways To Check TN SSLC Marks

Whitehall, Ohio, will hold a recall election on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, giving voters a chance to decide whether Mayor Michael Bivens and two city councilmembers should remain in office. Whitehall City Council approved the special election date on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after petition efforts moved the recall process forward. The vote will include Bivens and councilmembers Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar. Who

The Dallas Mavericks parted ways with Jason Kidd on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, ending his five-season run as head coach after a difficult 2025-26 NBA season. The organization said the decision was mutual and confirmed that it will begin a comprehensive search for its next head coach. Mavericks Begin Head Coach Search After Jason Kidd Exit The move comes shortly after Masai Ujiri joined Dallas as president of basketball operations,

The Trump IRS addendum explained in new Justice Department filings shows that the federal government is barred from pursuing existing or past tax-related claims involving President Donald Trump, his family members and affiliated businesses. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the one-page addendum on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The document states that the United States is “forever barred and precluded” from pursuing claims, examinations or reviews that have

Strong Tremors Shake Kagoshima A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Kagoshima region on Wednesday, May 20, sending tremors across multiple areas. While some reports suggested a magnitude of 6.2, authorities continue to assess the situation. No immediate tsunami warnings were issued, and early reports indicate no major injuries or structural damage. Japan’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly suscep