Trump issues new threat to Iran

Pro-Palestinian protest organizers in Sydney are pushing forward with plans to march across the Harbour Bridge, despite Premier Chris Minns' refusal to grant permission. Meanwhile, in Canberra, the debate over net zero emissions continues to stir controversy, with independent senator David Pocock calling the Nationals' stance "total madness."

Editor’s Note: This story highlights growing tensions over public demonstrations and climate policy in Australia. The protest clash raises questions about free speech versus public safety, while the net zero debate reflects deeper political divisions on environmental action. Both issues are flashpoints in a heated national conversation.

Ukraine launched a major drone strike targeting Russian infrastructure, cutting power to over 150,000 people in the Donetsk People’s Republic—a region Moscow claims to have annexed. The attack highlights Kyiv’s growing ability to hit behind enemy lines, even as Russia struggles to defend its occupied territories.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another battlefield update—it shows how the war is spilling over into daily life for civilians under Russian control. Ukraine’s drone capabilities are evolving, making it harder for Moscow to shield occupied areas from disruptions. Meanwhile, blackouts like these could further strain local support for Russia’s occupation. A reminder that wars aren’t just fought with soldiers, but with infrastructure and public morale too.

A law professor at the University of Melbourne, Dr. Eric Descheemaeker, is claiming he was suspended over his political views—not misconduct—and says the university plans to fire him unless legally blocked. Court documents reveal his allegations, adding fuel to an ongoing controversy sparked by leaked emails.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one professor’s job—it’s a flashpoint in the debate over free speech in universities. If a top institution like Melbourne is accused of punishing dissent, it could chill academic expression and set a worrying precedent for how schools handle controversial opinions. People will be watching to see if this becomes a broader fight over politics in higher ed.

North Korea is doubling down on its nuclear stance, with Kim Jong Un's influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, declaring that any future talks about denuclearization would be a "mockery." The regime is essentially telling the U.S.—and specifically Donald Trump, who’s eyeing a potential return to the White House—that it won’t budge on its nuclear weapons status.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just posturing—it’s a clear signal that North Korea sees its nukes as non-negotiable, no matter who’s in charge in Washington. For the U.S. and its allies, it’s a sobering reminder that diplomatic efforts to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear program have hit a wall. And with Trump possibly back in the picture, tensions could flare up again, given his history of high-stakes brinkmanship with Kim Jong Un.

Heavy rains and severe flooding in Beijing have left over 30 people dead, with tens of thousands forced to evacuate. Some areas saw nearly two feet of rain, overwhelming infrastructure and displacing residents in the capital and nearby regions. Authorities are scrambling to manage the crisis, but the toll keeps rising.

Editor’s Note: Flooding in a major global city like Beijing isn’t just a local tragedy—it’s a stark reminder of how extreme weather can disrupt even the most developed areas. With climate change making such events more frequent, this disaster raises urgent questions about urban resilience and emergency preparedness in densely populated regions.