Situation Monitor

Headlines

• Live Updates: Britain’s Starmer Says He Will Not Resign
  Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to continue in office as he met with cabinet members. Dozens of Labour Party lawmakers had urged him to step down after heavy losses in local elections.
  NYT us 2026-05-12T09:38:52Z
• 100 million barrels lost every week Strait of Hormuz is shut, Saudi Aramco CEO says
  Oil prices continued to climb on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was "on massive life support". Meanwhile, the CEO of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, …
  France 24 europe 2026-05-12T09:38:00Z
• The Key Sticking Points for a US-Iran Peace Deal
  The US and Iran have been locked in a stalemate since agreeing to a ceasefire in April. They’ve been unable to reach a deal to end a war that has stretched more than two months, killed thousands of …
  Bloomberg us 2026-05-12T09:37:07Z
• Who Might Challenge Starmer in a Leadership Contest?
  Health secretary Wes Streeting, mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner are among possible contenders.
  NYT us 2026-05-12T09:29:22Z
• Report Slams Secretive, Prisonlike Conditions in Bosnia’s Migrant Centre
  New report says Bosnia’s only centre for the detention of migrants and refugees operates without clear oversight and transparency and in violation of international standards, especially concerning t…
  Balkan Insight eeurope 2026-05-12T09:29:06Z
• U. K.’s Starmer Fights for Job as Leadership Crisis Spills Into Markets
  Borrowing costs rise as investors fret over future economic policy of the British government.
  WSJ us 2026-05-12T09:28:00Z
• 2025 saw record number of people gaining Finnish citizenship
  Finland is home to nearly 200,000 dual citizens.
  YLE eeurope 2026-05-12T09:25:18Z
• Chipmaker Cerebras joins OpenAI's inner circle—at a cost.
  Entering the world of Altman's creations could turn out to be a significant benefit.
  ft uk 2026-05-12T09:22:44Z
• US climber dies in avalanche on Nepal’s Mount Makalu
  An American climber has died in an avalanche on Mount Makalu, officials said on Tuesday, as fatalities mount early in Nepal’s busy spring climbing season. Shelley Johannesen, 53, was killed on Monda…
  SCMP asia 2026-05-12T09:21:18Z
• Gwadar’s moment has finally arrived for Pakistan
  In April 2026, Gwadar Port processed around 11,000 standard shipping containers. For context, the same port handled roughly 8,300 containers throughout 2025. This is not a record broken by a whisker. …
  asiatimes asia 2026-05-12T09:21:02Z
• Defense Intelligence publishes data on companies involved in production of Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system
  Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense has released information about companies involved in the production of the Russian 72V6 combat vehicle for the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft …
  Ukrinform ukraine 2026-05-12T09:21:00Z
• Oil prices could fall sharply if energy crisis drags on — Novak
  "According to various international agencies, the conflict will cause a decline in global GDP growth rates by 0.3-0.5 percentage points in 2026-2027, possibly even more, depending on its duration," th…
  TASS russia 2026-05-12T09:18:54Z
• Zelensky accuses Russia of "ending" the ceasefire with new attacks against Ukraine.
  The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accused Russia on Tuesday of "ending the partial silence" of the past few days, referring to the 72-hour ceasefire between May 9th and 11th, with the lau…
  La Tercera latam 2026-05-12T09:17:23Z
• Bank of Japan minutes suggest next move to come in June
  Summary of opinions points to June move even if ‘the situation in the Middle East remains unclear’
  ft uk 2026-05-12T09:16:02Z
• Von der Leyen opens door to EU-wide social media ban for children
  European Commission will present plans for an EU-wide social media ban for minors as early as this summer amid growing pressure from several member states to strengthen protections for children.
  Euronews europe 2026-05-12T09:15:45Z
• Starmer is not giving up: "I want to continue governing."
  The British Prime Minister is attempting to withstand the rebellion within the Labour Party and the pressure within the cabinet.
  ANSA europe 2026-05-12T09:15:02Z
• Andrea Sempio is in Rome for a personal consultation, and his lawyers state: "He cannot be at peace."
  At the Genomica laboratory on Via Arduino, a new phase has begun in the defensive strategy for the investigation into the murder of Chiara Poggi. The defense team's consultants stated: "We must not tr…
  La Repubblica europe 2026-05-12T09:12:40Z
• Uber Hong Kong warns proposed permit cap risks triggering 70% rise in fares
  Uber Hong Kong has warned that a proposed cap of up to 15,000 ride-hailing permits could trigger a 70 per cent increase in fares and result in 40 per cent of peak-hour bookings being unsuccessful. In …
  SCMP asia 2026-05-12T09:10:36Z
• Starmer tells cabinet he will not quit without leadership challenge
  Prime minister says process for challenging a leader has not been triggered and Labour should get on with governing • UK politics live – latest updates • Who are the main threats to Starmer’s …
  Guardian uk 2026-05-12T09:10:12Z
• US-China rivalry comes to a climax as Trump meets Xi in Beijing
  For Donald Trump, China is a rival, but also an enticing market. It is a security threat, but it has the economic and strategic weight to make US politicians think twice before launching coercive acti…
  EUobserver europe 2026-05-12T09:10:04Z
• SK hynix CEO to meet Bill Gates, Microsoft CEO: sources
  SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- Kwak Noh-jung, chief executive officer (CEO) of chip g...
  Yonhap asia 2026-05-12T09:09:22Z
• Macron thanks Kipchoge for 'patience' after Nairobi morning run
  Macron joined marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge for an early morning run in Nairobi on day three of his Africa tour, later thanking the two-time Olympic champion for his "patience."
  Euronews europe 2026-05-12T09:08:31Z
• Iran’s president says negotiations with United States possible, despite mistrust
  Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran will need to consolidate in the diplomatic arena everything the Iranian armed forces have achieved on the battlefield
  TASS russia 2026-05-12T09:08:27Z
• Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
  Exclusive: Marie Rimmer backs Keir Starmer and deals blow to Greater Manchester mayor’s byelection hopes UK politics live – latest updates Andy Burnham’s hopes of returning to Westminster were d…
  Guardian uk 2026-05-12T09:07:34Z
• Shipping industry fears fuel shortages that could drive up prices worldwide
  Global shipping companies are bracing for fuel shortages and rising costs as the Iran war disrupts supplies of bunker fuel through the Strait of Hormuz.
  Euronews europe 2026-05-12T09:07:15Z
• Asean explores ‘tentative’ Myanmar re-engagement with virtual talks
  A planned virtual meeting between Southeast Asian foreign ministers and Myanmar’s junta-appointed representative has analysts predicting a potential normalisation of ties five years after the coup t…
  SCMP asia 2026-05-12T09:07:05Z
• Greenland Leader Says US Talks Hampered by Danish Political Snag
  Diplomatic talks with the US over Greenland have been complicated by Denmark’s lack of a fully formed government even as there is progress, according to the island’s prime minister.
  Bloomberg us 2026-05-12T09:05:42Z
• The West needs Central Asia's rare earth minerals to militarize its economy, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
  Director Alexander Sternik of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that rare earth metals are used in advanced weapons, military equipment, laser systems, and nav…
  TASS russia 2026-05-12T09:05:05Z
• Tax cuts and cost of living help proposed by Labour-linked groups allied to Streeting and Burnham
  With Starmer under growing pressure to resign, Growth and Tribune groups put forward ideas for policy revamps UK politics live – latest updates Groups connected to the health secretary, Wes Streetin…
  Guardian uk 2026-05-12T09:03:06Z
• The War in Iran Is Another Blow to Russia’s Credibility. Or Is It?
  Despite its long slog in Ukraine and the loss of former allies like Syria, Russia is benefiting from costly energy, a clever narrative and America’s own failure to achieve a quick victory.
  NYT us 2026-05-12T09:02:25Z
• Live: First UK minister resigns amid calls for PM Starmer’s resignation
  The British premier is under pressure to quit after his Labour Party suffered election losses.
  Al Jazeera mideast 2026-05-12T09:02:15Z
• Russia Keeps Attacking U. S. Firms in Ukraine. The White House Is Silent.
  Facilities tied to Coca-Cola, Cargill, Mondelez and others appear to have been deliberately hit. The Trump administration’s muted response has raised concerns.
  NYT us 2026-05-12T09:01:34Z
• In Argentina, professors, students and university authorities march against Milei’s cuts
  On Avenida Córdoba, one of Buenos Aires’ busiest avenues, one lane remains closed. With desks set up on the asphalt, about 50 economics students listen to a professor who, while sketching on a plas…
  EL PAIS europe 2026-05-12T09:01:32Z
• "Unprecedented" global effort gives new name to polycystic ovary syndrome – and new hope to millions of women.
  A decades-long campaign driven by patient perspectives has resulted in a change from PCOS – a name that caused confusion and unnecessary suffering – to PMOS. After more than a decade of global con…
  Guardian uk 2026-05-12T09:00:45Z
• The Bahamas goes to polls in three-way battle with immigration a key issue
  Rising cost of living such as high gas prices also a concern in election that will have record number of voters Voters in the Bahamas head to the polls on Tuesday in a hotly contested general election…
  Guardian uk 2026-05-12T09:00:43Z
• As he prepares to meet Xi, Trump no longer pushes for change in China’s system
  In his first term, the president demanded fundamental shifts in China’s economic model. Now, he has copied parts of how Beijing does business.
  WaPo us 2026-05-12T09:00:41Z
• A super El Niño wiped out millions of people in 1877. Are we better prepared now?
  The climatic phenomenon is expected to return this year, but a lot has changed since what might have been the worst environmental disaster in human history.
  WaPo us 2026-05-12T09:00:39Z
• Most deportees under Trump are men, leaving women to care for families alone
  A rising share of those removed are men who had lived in the U. S. for several years. Women are bearing the brunt of having to sustain families in their absence.
  WaPo us 2026-05-12T09:00:30Z
• Starmer is not giving up: "I will not resign. I will continue to lead."
  The British Prime Minister chaired the meeting following the electoral defeat. "The Labour Party has a mechanism for changing leaders, and that process has not been initiated," he stated. However, a l…
  La Repubblica europe 2026-05-12T09:00:29Z
• He’s a billionaire running as a class traitor. Will Democrats buy it?
  Tom Steyer is running for California governor on an affordability agenda, testing voters’ willingness to set aside their aversion to billionaires.
  WaPo us 2026-05-12T09:00:23Z
• Trump rejects ‘garbage’ Iran peace plan before heading to China
  US President Donald Trump said a month-long ceasefire with Iran was on “massive life support” as he rejected Tehran’s response to a peace proposal. The Iranian reply was a “piece of garbage”…
  SCMP asia 2026-05-12T09:00:12Z
• China's "dark factory" more than doubles production efficiency for J-20 jets.
  China has more than doubled the production efficiency of stealth fighter components in a "dark factory," where autonomous vehicles and AI-driven machinery operate nearly 24 hours a day. The process, w…
  SCMP asia 2026-05-12T09:00:11Z
• Hong Kong, mainland China spur surge in Asia-Pacific commercial property deals
  Asia-Pacific’s commercial property investments surged in the first quarter, according to data tracked by analysts, as early signs of recovery in office and retail segments across Hong Kong and mainl…
  SCMP asia 2026-05-12T09:00:08Z
• Russia calls for fully resuming the Arctic Council's work – senior diplomat.
  Alexander Grushko emphasized that Moscow remains open to dialogue based on mutual respect, as well as to constructive cooperation.
  TASS russia 2026-05-12T09:00:02Z
• As Trump goes to China, what do Americans say about tariffs, Iran and world standing?
  Most Americans see China as one of the United States' biggest rivals or adversaries, but largely as an economic threat, according to a new Chicago Council/NPR/Ipsos poll. (Image credit: Andrew Harnik)
  NPR us 2026-05-12T09:00:00Z
• Trump goes to China as Iran war smolders
  President Trump says he has a great relationship with President Xi. His trip to China will provide a temperature check. (Image credit: Andrew Harnik)
  NPR us 2026-05-12T09:00:00Z
• Bipartisan lawmakers push for ICE training on recognizing tribal IDs following stops of Native Americans
  A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to undergo training to recognize tribal IDs following reports of Native Americans being wrongly deta…
  The Hill us 2026-05-12T09:00:00Z
• The complicated history of American presidents visiting China
  From Nixon visiting during the Cold War to Clinton navigating the optics of being welcomed in Tiananmen Square, presidential trips to China have always been fraught.
  WaPo us 2026-05-12T09:00:00Z
• Lawmaker indicted over migrant facility visit pushes to expand oversight
  Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-New Jersey) plans to introduce a bill to strengthen scrutiny by members of Congress as her own legal battle is about to escalate.
  WaPo us 2026-05-12T09:00:00Z
• He Was Fired for Sexually Harassing Students. California Allowed Him to Keep Teaching Anyway.
  Anna Vignet/KQED Jason Agan was impossible to miss at Angelo Rodriguez High School. The San Francisco Bay Area teacher was loud and gregarious, a fixture on campus since the Fairfield school opened in…
  ProPublica us 2026-05-12T09:00:00Z
• Ukrainian forces strike two Russian radars, fuel, ammunition depots in Donetsk region
  Operators of the 1st Separate Center of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces have struck the PRV-16 and P-18 radar systems, a fuel depot, an ammunition storage site, and temporary deployment points o…
  Ukrinform ukraine 2026-05-12T09:00:00Z
• ₹3.5 lakh fine for a fallen mango? Indian woman warns about strict Singapore law
  A content creator’s video from Singapore has prompted varied remarks on social media.
  Hindustan Times asia 2026-05-12T08:59:59Z
• Canada struggles to revoke citizenship of Mumbai attacks planner Tahawwur Rana
  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has asked a Federal court to revoke Rana’s citizenship, the case still remains “unresolved”
  Hindustan Times asia 2026-05-12T08:59:33Z
• Labour’s turmoil is now uncontrollable
  Keir Starmer may take responsibility, but he has sidestepped accountability
  ft uk 2026-05-12T08:58:49Z
• Starmer Rebuffs Calls to Resign in Defiant UK Cabinet Meeting
  A defiant Keir Starmer pushed back against widespread calls for him to quit as Britain’s prime minister, telling his Cabinet that he plans to stay on.
  Bloomberg us 2026-05-12T08:58:35Z
• Spotlight on Africa: Africa Forward - a fresh start in Nairobi?
  This week, Spotlight on Africa takes you to the 'Africa Forward' summit, hosted by France and Kenya in Nairobi on the 11th and 12th of May. It marks the first time Paris has staged such an event in an…
  RFI europe 2026-05-12T08:58:19Z
• 7 Examples of Gaza Media Coverage That Prove Pro-Israel Bias
  Ask anyone who has followed news about Gaza with even a smidgen of critical thinking, and they will tell you: Media organizations are biased against Palestinians — and systematically favor Israel. I…
  The Intercept us 2026-05-12T08:58:00Z
• Special counsel seeks 4-yr prison term for ex-President Yoon in 'free opinion poll' case
  SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- A special counsel team on Tuesday sought a four-year p...
  Yonhap asia 2026-05-12T08:56:59Z
• 160 million hectares burned and sea temperatures at record highs: 2026 is shaping up to be a year of extreme warming
  The first half of 2026 has already provided clues that this will be another record-breaking year linked to global warming, according to scientists and meteorological organizations. These signs range f…
  EL PAIS europe 2026-05-12T08:55:12Z
• Help Us Report on Teacher Misconduct in California
  Anna Vignet/KQED KQED has teamed up with ProPublica to report on how California handles cases of alleged teacher misconduct. The state’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing releases few details abou…
  ProPublica us 2026-05-12T08:55:00Z
• SK Hynix reportedly buys Silicon Valley property to bolster AI supply chain
  SK Hynix has reportedly acquired a building in San Jose, California, as the memory chip maker moves to establish a new production and R&D base in Silicon Valley, a key battleground for AI semiconducto…
  DigiTimes tech 2026-05-12T08:54:45Z
• Real-life Transformers: China's Unitree unveils a 'mecha' robot that can switch between two and four legs.
  Bridging the gap between science fiction and reality, a Chinese robotics firm on Tuesday unveiled a manned "mecha" capable of transitioning between bipedal walking and four-legged mode. Developed by …
  SCMP asia 2026-05-12T08:54:13Z
• Iran could raise uranium enrichment to 90% if US attacks again, lawmaker says
  Ebrahim Rezaei said the Iranian parliament will discuss such an option
  TASS russia 2026-05-12T08:54:02Z
• Uganda’s Octogenarian Leader Museveni Sworn In for Seventh Term
  Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for another five-year term, retaining his position at the helm of the East African nation as it gears up to become an oil producer.
  Bloomberg us 2026-05-12T08:53:01Z
• How much would you pay to see Ronaldo? Here’s the cheapest ticket for his 2026 World Cup game
  The match between Portugal and Colombia in the 2026 World Cup is becoming a phenomenon off the pitch. The anticipation surrounding what could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup has caused the price…
  Euronews europe 2026-05-12T08:51:59Z
• EU energy ministers to mull domestic gas drilling amid security concerns
  The EU Cyprus Presidency will raise the question during an informal gathering of ministers amid energy security concerns and soaring prices. Gas projects in Greece, Italy, Romania and Poland were flag…
  Euronews europe 2026-05-12T08:51:51Z
• The Democratic Party (PD) has rejected Meloni's call for a discussion on the electoral law, stating that "the conditions for dialogue are not yet in place."
  Yesterday, a meeting of the ruling coalition took place at Palazzo Chigi. A proposal was put forward. The Democratic Party member, Alfieri, stated: "It's unacceptable that they present a text that the…
  La Repubblica europe 2026-05-12T08:51:37Z
• EU to stockpile key drugs to avoid repeat of pandemic-era panic buying
  Member states agree on Critical Medicines Act that aims to incentivise domestic production
  ft uk 2026-05-12T08:51:08Z
• Lithuania's airspace not open to foreign drone flights — official
  Asta Skaisgiryte specified that she referred to "drones from various third countries, not necessarily Ukraine"
  TASS russia 2026-05-12T08:48:09Z
• Starmer’s premiership in charts
  The prime minister’s term has been marked by falling approval ratings and bond market jitters
  ft uk 2026-05-12T08:46:53Z
• Who is Carlos Lool? A video of a beloved South LA chef's ICE arrest has gone viral, with reports that "they yanked him out..."
  The owner and chef of a popular restaurant in South Los Angeles has been taken into ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody. Chef Carlos Lool is now facing deportation.
  Hindustan Times asia 2026-05-12T08:46:52Z
• Humberto Cruz, from MLB pitching prospect to migrant smuggler
  The future of Humberto Cruz, one of the San Diego Padres’ top pitching prospects, has become clouded in a matter of months. In November, he pleaded guilty to participating in a human smuggling opera…
  EL PAIS europe 2026-05-12T08:46:38Z
• International tournament, live coverage of the Musetti-Ruud match. Following that, Darderi will face Zverev.
  Four Italian players are competing today. The highlight of the day is the match between Sinner and Pellegrino.
  La Repubblica europe 2026-05-12T08:44:51Z
• (LEAD) Presidential official proposes 'public dividends' from AI-driven boom
  SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- The presidential chief of staff for policy on Tuesday ...
  Yonhap asia 2026-05-12T08:44:24Z
• Hantavirus: How great is the transmission risk, as each country sets its own quarantine rules?
  All passengers from the MV Hondius have now been repatriated to their countries of origin. This marks a critical phase, as follow-up and quarantine protocols are not standardized across borders.
  Le Monde europe 2026-05-12T08:42:28Z
• Voters head to the polls in Nebraska as Democrats hope to turn a red district blue
  Nebraska voters head to the polls for primary elections Tuesday. Democrats in the traditionally red state see an opportunity to turn a GOP-controlled district blue.
  NPR us 2026-05-12T08:41:40Z
• As Trump goes to China, what do Americans say about tariffs, Iran and world standing?
  A new NPR-Ipsos poll looks at U. S.-China relations ahead of President Trump's summit in Beijing.
  NPR us 2026-05-12T08:41:24Z
• (URGENT) Special counsel seeks 4-yr prison term for ex-President Yoon in 'free opinion poll' case
  (END)
  Yonhap asia 2026-05-12T08:38:48Z
• Estonia appoints Tiina Intelmann as new ambassador to Ukraine
  Estonian President Alar Karis has appointed Tiina Intelmann as the new ambassador to Ukraine.
  Ukrinform ukraine 2026-05-12T08:38:00Z
• Teacher accidentally shares topless selfie with students
  The woman says the picture was intended for her husband.
  YLE eeurope 2026-05-12T08:37:25Z