Bombing Iran's underground nuclear plant might not be effective, one expert says

A Labour MP serving as a government whip has resigned from her role after refusing to support a controversial welfare bill that includes cuts to disability benefits. She stated she couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for the legislation, highlighting growing tensions within the party over austerity measures.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political resignation—it’s a sign of deepening divisions over welfare policy. When a whip (whose job is to enforce party loyalty) steps down over principle, it suggests serious discontent, even within the ranks of the governing party. For voters, especially those reliant on disability benefits, this signals a heated debate ahead about who bears the brunt of budget cuts.

A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump can maintain control over California’s National Guard troops in Los Angeles, rejecting the state’s attempt to reclaim authority. The decision underscores ongoing tensions between federal and state powers, particularly around military deployments in politically charged situations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about who gets to call the shots—it’s a fresh skirmish in the long tug-of-war between Washington and state governments. With National Guard deployments often tied to protests or emergencies, the ruling could set a precedent for how much say states have when the feds step in. For Californians, it’s a reminder that local control isn’t always guaranteed, even over homegrown forces.

A federal appeals court has ruled that California’s National Guard will remain under federal control, backing President Trump’s decision to deploy them during protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids. The move reinforces the administration’s authority over state guard units in contentious situations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about who controls the National Guard—it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing tug-of-war between federal power and states’ rights. With tensions high over immigration enforcement, the ruling signals that Washington can override local objections in certain scenarios, which could set a precedent for future clashes between the White House and state governments.

Satellite images show the US has quietly pulled out nearly 40 military jets from Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base—one of its key hubs in the Middle East—leaving just three aircraft behind in a two-week span. Officials haven’t spelled out the exact reason, but the drawdown lines up with rising tensions with Iran and a US embassy warning urging staff to stay vigilant. It looks like a precautionary move to avoid potential strikes.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just routine shuffling—it’s a visible shift in military posture at a critical base. With Iran tensions simmering, the US seems to be playing it safe by moving assets out of harm’s way. It’s a sign that behind the scenes, things might be more volatile than the headlines suggest. For Qatar, which hosts the base, it’s also a delicate balancing act between diplomacy and security.

Despite China and Russia's so-called "no-limits" partnership, cybersecurity experts report that Chinese state-linked hackers have been quietly targeting Russian military and government networks since the Ukraine war began. Their goal? To scoop up classified war-related intelligence. A leaked Russian security document even hints at Moscow’s growing distrust, labeling China as a potential threat—suggesting their alliance might be shakier than it appears.

Editor’s Note: On the surface, China and Russia are tight allies, but this report peels back the curtain on some serious behind-the-scenes espionage. It’s a reminder that in geopolitics, even "friends" spy on each other—and that cyber warfare is now a key battleground for secrets, especially during conflicts like Ukraine. For Russia, the bigger worry might not just be the West, but also its so-called partner.