Ukraine war live: deadly Russian attacks continue after Turkey peace talks end with no significant breakthrough

The Philippines is beefing up its air force with 12 new FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea, a $700 million deal aimed at boosting its defense capabilities—especially in the contested South China Sea. While these upgraded jets will help with air patrols and power projection, experts point out they’re not the advanced multirole fighters the country really wants. Deliveries will roll out between 2026 and 2030.

Editor’s Note: This move signals Manila’s effort to stand its ground in the South China Sea, where tensions with China have been simmering. But it’s also a reminder that the Philippines’ military modernization is still a work in progress—these jets are a step up, but not the full solution. For regional security watchers, it’s a sign of how smaller nations are trying to balance deterrence with budget realities.

Industry experts say Hong Kong is positioning itself as a key player in the stablecoin market, with these digital currencies—pegged to assets like the US dollar—likely to become a go-to tool for cross-border payments. This could give Hong Kong issuers and mainland Chinese businesses a leg up in global expansion, especially as both Hong Kong and the US move to regulate the sector. One insider even calls stablecoins the "next-generation payment system."

Editor’s Note: Stablecoins are gaining serious traction as a reliable way to move money across borders without the volatility of other cryptocurrencies. If Hong Kong successfully leverages this trend, it could strengthen its role as a financial hub while helping Chinese businesses operate more smoothly overseas. With regulators stepping in, this isn't just hype—it's a shift in how global payments might work.

A top battery scientist, Zhou Jianbin, is leaving his research post in the U.S. to return to China, where he’ll focus on next-gen solid-state battery tech. Zhou, who studied in China and later worked at a major U.S. national lab, is part of a bigger global competition to develop better batteries—a key piece of the clean energy puzzle. His move highlights how talent and innovation are becoming major battlegrounds in the race for energy dominance.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one researcher changing jobs—it’s a sign of how fiercely countries are competing for the brains behind breakthrough tech. Better batteries mean everything from longer-range EVs to cheaper renewable energy storage, so when top experts shift countries, it could tilt the playing field. For the U.S., it’s a reminder that retaining scientific talent is as crucial as funding research. For China, it’s another step in its push to lead in clean tech. Either way, the energy future is being shaped by these quiet, high-stakes career moves.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young is urging fellow senator Dorinda Cox to step down, calling it "the honorable thing" amid unspecified tensions. Meanwhile, Perth has halted e-scooter rentals after a fatal accident, described as "tragic." Elsewhere, Climate Change Authority head Matt Kean hinted at ongoing debates over Australia's 2035 emissions targets, with some leaders pushing for softer goals if they seem unattainable—a move likely to spark controversy.

Editor’s Note: This story bundles high-stakes drama—political pressure, public safety, and climate policy—into one update. Cox's potential resignation could signal infighting, Perth's e-scooter pause reflects growing safety concerns around urban mobility, and Kean's comments reveal the tightrope walk of climate targets. Together, they show how policy and personal accountability collide in real time.

The Pittsburgh Steelers issued a statement clarifying that quarterback Mason Rudolph’s appearance at a Donald Trump rally doesn’t reflect the team’s official stance, after some fans raised questions. They emphasized that players’ personal views are their own—basically saying, "Don’t lump us in with individual politics."

Editor’s Note: In today’s hyper-polarized climate, sports teams walk a tightrope when players wade into politics. The Steelers’ response is a classic move—keeping the focus on football while acknowledging players’ rights to personal opinions. It’s a reminder that pro athletes aren’t just uniforms; they’re people with their own beliefs, which can sometimes ruffle feathers in the fanbase.