Palestinian journalist Adam Abu Harbid killed in Israeli strike

Taiwan is holding a contentious recall vote aimed at removing lawmakers perceived as too friendly toward China. The outcome could shift political dynamics on the island, potentially breaking a months-long legislative gridlock that’s stalled key policies.

A man has been arrested in connection with the brutal 1994 murder of Shona Stevens, a 31-year-old woman who was violently attacked near her home in Irvine, Scotland. She died from severe head injuries, and the case had remained unsolved for nearly three decades.

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has hinted that Britain might join international efforts to airdrop aid into Gaza, signaling a potential shift in the country's approach to the humanitarian crisis. This comes as pressure mounts from over 200 MPs across party lines, urging the UK government to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.

The UK and Australia have officially inked a 50-year deal under the Aukus pact to collaborate on designing, building, and operating cutting-edge nuclear-powered submarines. The signing took place in Geelong, with defense ministers from both countries sealing the agreement. However, the deal isn’t without its wrinkles—there’s lingering uncertainty due to a pending US review of the broader security pact, and UK shadow foreign secretary David Lammy has tried to brush off concerns about American skepticism.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another military handshake—it’s a decades-long commitment that solidifies Western allies’ push to counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Nuclear subs are a big deal: they’re stealthier, more powerful, and signal a major shift in Australia’s defense strategy. But the US hesitation lurking in the background raises questions about how smoothly this high-stakes partnership will run. If the Aukus plan holds, it could reshape regional power dynamics; if it stumbles, it might expose cracks in allied coordination. Either way, it’s worth watching.

President Trump is spending four days in Scotland, mixing business with leisure—mainly golf. While there, he’ll squeeze in a meeting with the UK prime minister, but the trip seems largely focused on his golf resorts. No major policy announcements are expected, but it’s drawing attention given the ongoing scrutiny of his travel and foreign engagements.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s visits to his own properties always spark debate about conflicts of interest, and this one’s no different. While it’s a low-stakes trip on the surface, it keeps the spotlight on how he blends personal and presidential interests—something critics watch closely. Plus, any interaction with foreign leaders, even informally, can have diplomatic ripples.