Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima dies at 89

In a bizarre yet telling display of loyalty, Filipino Senator Robin Padilla was spotted in The Hague toting around a life-sized cardboard cut-out of former President Rodrigo Duterte—complete with sunglasses and a casual T-shirt. Padilla, a key figure in Duterte’s political party, even staged a café photo-op with the standee, sharing it on social media. The stunt highlights the enduring, almost cult-like devotion of Duterte’s base, even as the ex-leader faces international scrutiny over his controversial drug war.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a quirky political prop—it’s a snapshot of how deeply polarized Philippine politics remains. Duterte’s supporters are doubling down on their allegiance, even as his legacy is debated globally. The theatrics in The Hague, where the ICC investigates his drug war, underscore how symbolism and loyalty play outsized roles in shaping public opinion. For Filipinos and observers alike, it’s a reminder that political divides aren’t just about policies—they’re performative, personal, and sometimes downright strange.

Hundreds gathered to honor Kumanjayi White at a vigil, while former Liberal Party president stirred controversy with remarks about "assertive" women. Meanwhile, Climate Change Authority chief Matt Kean emphasized the need for ambitious emissions targets, pushing back against defeatist attitudes in politics and business.

Editor’s Note: This story captures a day of contrasts in Australia—community solidarity, regressive gender politics, and the ongoing climate debate. The vigil reflects unresolved tensions around Indigenous justice, while the climate discussion underscores the urgency of policy action. The controversial comments? Just another reminder of how far some public figures still need to go.

Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul who recently parted ways with the Trump administration, has slammed the president’s tax bill as "outrageous" and an "abomination," warning it could balloon the deficit by $2.5 trillion. Meanwhile, a UN report highlights how Trump’s trade wars—including steep tariffs on seafood—could disrupt global supply chains and drive up prices for American consumers.

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of the wife and children of Mohamed Soliman, a suspect linked to an attack at a pro-Israel rally. The court ruled that kicking them out of the country without proper legal proceedings could cause "irreparable harm," suggesting their case deserves a fair review before any action is taken.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one family—it’s a spotlight on how the US handles deportations, especially when families are involved. The judge’s decision hints at concerns over due process, which could ripple into broader debates about immigration policy and human rights. For now, it’s a pause, not a resolution, but it keeps the conversation alive about fairness in the system.

A former cadet is suing Vernon Cadet Camp, alleging they were physically and sexually assaulted by a leader back in 2007. The plaintiff, referred to as G.A.C. in court filings, is seeking accountability for the alleged abuse, which resurfaced in legal documents last week.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one incident—it’s part of a broader reckoning over abuse in youth programs and military training environments. Cases like this often encourage others to come forward, and they force institutions to confront past failures in protecting young participants. It’s a painful but necessary step toward justice.