Rachel Reeves in stand-off over policing and council budgets days before spending review

In Malaysia, a subtle but powerful movement is taking shape—people are gathering in public parks to read together in silence, reclaiming the joy of books in response to increasing censorship. These quiet "reading rebellions," like those in Kuala Lumpur's botanical gardens, reflect a growing appetite for literature despite government crackdowns on certain texts. At the same time, book fairs are thriving, showing a cultural revival—but it’s shadowed by tensions over who gets to decide what stories Malaysians can access.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about reading—it’s about resistance. When governments ban books, they often underestimate how people will creatively push back. Malaysia’s silent reading circles are a poetic middle finger to censorship, proving that stories can’t easily be suppressed. The story matters because it shows how ordinary acts (like sitting under a tree with a novel) can become quietly political in places where freedom of expression is under threat.

Trump has deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests against recent immigration raids. The president praised the troops before they even arrived, while demonstrators took to the streets in the early hours of Sunday. A Democratic congresswoman warned that immigration officers might remain in California for up to a month, signaling a prolonged enforcement effort.

President Trump has ordered federal agencies to intervene and "liberate Los Angeles" in response to ongoing violent unrest in California. The directive calls for all necessary actions to restore order, though specifics remain unclear.

Editor’s Note: This is a high-stakes escalation in the federal response to civil unrest, signaling potential heavy-handed measures. It matters because it could deepen tensions between state and federal authorities while raising concerns about government overreach and public safety. If protests intensify, this could become a defining moment in how the U.S. handles domestic crises.

A snowy mess in Victoria’s alpine region has left drivers stranded near Mount Hotham, with emergency crews working to free them. Meanwhile, over in Kosciuszko National Park, two bushwalkers were rescued—details on their condition aren’t clear yet. In a separate but equally urgent situation, a humpback whale tangled in debris is moving south, and rescuers are asking for public help to track it.

Editor’s Note: Between freak weather and wildlife in distress, Australia’s emergency teams are stretched thin. The snow traps are a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous in alpine areas, while the whale’s plight highlights the ongoing challenges of human impact on marine life. These incidents aren’t just isolated dramas—they’re snapshots of the unpredictable demands on rescue services and conservation efforts.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already kicking into high gear, with organizers scrambling to get ready for the massive crowds expected across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. NBC News got an exclusive peek behind the scenes—think stadium upgrades, transportation plans, and the logistical chaos of hosting the planet’s biggest sporting event. With just a year to go, the clock is ticking.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another soccer tournament—it’s a global spectacle that’ll reshape cities, boost economies, and bring millions of fans together. If you’ve ever wondered how host countries pull off an event this huge, now’s your chance to see the groundwork being laid. Plus, with three nations sharing the load, it’s a fascinating test of cross-border coordination.