Trump sours on Putin, but bromance may not be over

A Beijing space startup, Space Pioneer, has successfully tested its Tianlong-3 rocket’s first stage—a major milestone after last year’s embarrassing mishap where the rocket accidentally launched and crashed. This time, the redesigned vehicle aced a rigorous ground test, simulating everything from fueling to liftoff and recovery, proving it can handle the brutal forces of an actual launch.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a technical win—it’s a comeback story. China’s private space sector is growing fast, and proving it can learn from failures matters. A reliable Tianlong-3 could shake up the global launch market, offering another affordable option for sending satellites (or more) into orbit. For Space Pioneer, it’s a big step toward credibility—and maybe competing with SpaceX down the line.

Meta is going all-in on AI, planning to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into building massive data centers—one of which will reportedly be almost as big as Manhattan. Mark Zuckerberg framed this as a long-term bet to stay competitive in the AI arms race, but the sheer scale (and cost) of the project is turning heads.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tech upgrade—it’s a staggering commitment that shows how seriously Meta (and Silicon Valley at large) is taking AI dominance. The investment could supercharge AI capabilities across Meta’s apps, but it also raises questions: Will this pay off, or is it a risky overextension? And what does it mean for energy use, local communities, or even AI regulation? Either way, it’s a signal that the AI boom isn’t slowing down.

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, is pushing for new regulations on ride-hailing services to level the playing field with traditional taxis. The long-overdue rules, expected to drop soon, aim to set clear standards for platforms like Uber while ensuring taxi drivers aren’t pushed out of business. Lee admits it’s a tricky balance but says the city can’t afford to drag its feet any longer.

Editor’s Note: Ride-hailing has been in a legal gray area in Hong Kong for years, leaving drivers and passengers in limbo. This move signals the government’s attempt to modernize outdated transport rules—without leaving taxi drivers high and dry. For commuters, it could mean safer, more reliable options, but the devil’s in the details: will it actually fix the tension between tech disruptors and old-school cabs?

Victoria Police have expanded their investigation into an accused pedophile, revealing four more childcare centers where the individual allegedly worked. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is meeting with Chinese officials in Beijing, navigating political tensions while exploring economic opportunities.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it involves serious child safety concerns—parents and communities will want to know how this breach happened and what’s being done to prevent future risks. The political meeting, though unrelated, adds weight to the news cycle, showing how domestic and international issues often collide in public discourse.

The US is reportedly pushing Japan and Australia to publicly commit to supporting Taiwan in case of a conflict with China, but analysts from both the US and mainland China doubt those pledges will happen. They argue that Washington’s pressure tactics—combined with its focus on the "China threat"—actually highlight its shaky confidence in handling regional tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Taiwan—it’s a sign of how messy alliances in the Pacific are getting. If the US can’t secure clear backing from key allies like Japan and Australia, it suggests a bigger struggle to rally support against China’s growing influence. For Taiwan, that uncertainty could be risky. For the rest of us, it’s another reminder of how tense this region really is.