Daily News Summary – 2026-05-18 – en

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit Guangxi early Monday, killing two and leaving one missing. Over 7,000 residents were evacuated as 13 buildings collapsed. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Four people were injured in a series of at least 10 random shootings in Austin, Texas. Two teenage suspects were arrested, and a third later taken into custody. The motive remains unknown.

Over 12 cities saw protests against a government plan to overhaul public broadcasting funding. Critics fear political control akin to Hungary. The coalition council will discuss the draft on May 25.

A 67-year-old woman was killed and her husband injured when a herd of 50 cows charged them in Oberlienz. The incident has raised concerns about hiker safety in alpine pastures.

A drone caused a fire at an electrical generator outside the Barakah nuclear plant. Two drones were intercepted, but a third struck a generator. No injuries or radiation leak reported.

A $1.4 trillion refinancing wall looms for 23 emerging economies. The IMF warns of the largest restructuring wave since the 1980s. Pakistan and Egypt are most at risk.

The August 2 deadline for high-risk AI compliance is near, but most member states have not designated enforcement authorities. The Digital Omnibus may delay obligations.

Data centers may consume 1,100 TWh by 2026. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are signing nuclear deals. The NRC issued its first advanced reactor permit.

The Critical Minerals Ministerial launched FORGE and Project Vault. China controls 90% of rare earth processing, causing sixfold price spikes.

NdPr oxide prices surged from $80 to $480/kg. Licensing approvals for European firms fell below 25%. The West faces a 12-18 month window.

The 54-nation summit launched FORGE, but analysts warn rebuilding capacity could take 20-30 years. NATO defense stockpiles are sufficient for only 6-9 months of conflict.

The Framework Agreement expires soon. Compliance is contested, and the Supreme Court has invalidated key tariff authorities. Three scenarios are possible.

May 14-15 summit in Beijing yielded $17B in purchases and boards of trade. Rare earths and semiconductors remain unresolved.

Beijing invests $57B in critical minerals. EU and US announce partnerships but funding shortfalls persist. Diversification could take decades.

Tariffs rolled back to 30%, but AI chip export controls and rare earths remain flashpoints. China's AI progress narrows the gap despite curbs.

Over 30,000 evacuated in Pforzheim for a 1.8-tonne British bomb. Seven US bombs also defused in Bitburg. Unexploded ordnance remains a persistent threat.

A tiger from Carmen Zander's private enclosure attacked a handler and was shot dead. The incident reignites debate on private wild animal ownership.

Mid-air collision during demo, all four crew ejected safely. The air show was canceled. Investigation is ongoing.

Under India's chairship, BRICS is linking digital currencies to bypass SWIFT. The gold-backed BRICS Unit and BRICS Pay are also advancing.

mBridge uses CBDCs for instant cross-border settlement. The BIS withdrew, but India pushes forward. Over $55B processed in pilot phase.