Trump orders release of Epstein ‘transcripts’

China has been steadily reducing its stash of US Treasury bonds, hitting the lowest level since 2009. In May, Beijing’s holdings dipped slightly to $756.3 billion, marking the third consecutive monthly drop. The move comes as trade tensions with the US simmer and concerns grow over American fiscal policies. China also slipped to third place among foreign holders earlier this year, behind Japan and the UK.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about numbers—it’s a signal. China’s pullback from US debt reflects deeper unease between the two economic giants, whether over trade, politics, or long-term financial strategy. Fewer Chinese-held Treasuries could mean higher borrowing costs for the US if the trend continues, and it adds another layer of tension to an already rocky relationship. For everyday folks, it’s a reminder that global money moves can ripple into things like interest rates and market stability.

Two major stories are unfolding in Australia today. First, a grim discovery in the Snowy Mountains, where a body has been found in the wreckage of a crashed plane. Meanwhile, in politics, independent MP Monique Ryan is pushing to lower the voting age with a new private member's bill. And in Tasmania, Labor leader Dean Winter has thrown his party's support behind the divisive Macquarie Point AFL stadium project.

Editor’s Note: This mix of updates captures a snapshot of Australia’s current events—tragedy, political change, and local controversy. The plane wreckage is a sobering reminder of aviation risks, while Ryan’s bill could reshape youth engagement in democracy. And Tasmania’s stadium debate? It’s another chapter in the endless tug-of-war between progress and public opinion. These stories matter because they reflect real lives, policies, and tensions playing out right now.

Authorities have identified the body recovered from a plane crash in the Snowy Mountains as David Stephens, a 74-year-old pilot from Bega. Stephens was flying from Wangaratta in Victoria to Moruya in New South Wales when his plane disappeared on Tuesday afternoon.

Editor’s Note: This tragic incident highlights the risks of small aircraft travel, especially in remote or challenging terrain like the Snowy Mountains. For the local community and Stephens' loved ones, it brings a grim closure to a distressing search. It also raises broader questions about aviation safety and emergency response in rural Australia.

The EU has finally agreed on a new round of sanctions against Russia after Slovakia dropped its opposition, marking the 18th such package since the invasion of Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen framed it as a direct hit to Russia’s war efforts, while Denmark’s Europe minister celebrated the consensus as a step toward weakening Moscow’s military capabilities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another sanctions announcement—it shows the EU’s ability to stay unified (despite hiccups) in pressuring Russia. But it also hints at the ongoing friction between member states over how far to go. For Ukraine, every new package matters, but the real test is whether these measures actually slow Russia’s war machine down.

Keir Starmer’s right-hand man, Morgan McSweeney, is the highest-paid special adviser in the UK government, earning between £155,000 and £159,999 a year, according to a Cabinet Office report. That puts his salary above other top political aides—sparking some eyebrows over pay scales in Westminster.

Editor’s Note: Special advisers (or "spads") are political appointees who work closely with ministers, so their pay is always a touchy subject. McSweeney’s salary reflects his key role in Starmer’s inner circle, but it also raises questions about whether such high pay is justified—especially when public sector workers are pushing for better wages. It’s a small detail, but one that could fuel debates about fairness and spending in government.