‘Prepared for a long stay’: tsunami alert triggers mass evacuations across Pacific

In a sharp escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump hit Brazil with hefty 50% tariffs and sanctions targeting judges involved in the trial of ex-Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges over an alleged coup attempt. Current Brazilian President Lula da Silva slammed the move as a blatant overreach into Brazil’s legal system and sovereignty.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about trade—it’s a political firecracker. Trump’s actions signal a willingness to weaponize economic policy to shield allies (or punish adversaries), even if it means meddling in another country’s judiciary. For Brazil, it’s a sovereignty headache; for global observers, it’s another example of how domestic legal battles can spiral into international standoffs.

Thursday’s headlines are split between a bittersweet goodbye and a frustrating déjà vu. The papers highlight Ozzy Osbourne’s emotional final public appearance, dubbing him the "Prince of Sadness," while also covering the latest wave of air travel disruptions across the UK—a recurring headache for travelers.

Editor’s Note: Ozzy’s farewell marks the end of an era for rock fans, but the real groan-worthy news is the air traffic chaos, which feels like a broken record. Delays and cancellations aren’t just inconvenient—they’re a symptom of deeper issues in the system, and travelers are rightfully fed up. Meanwhile, Ozzy’s exit reminds us how much cultural icons shape our collective memories, even when their time in the spotlight winds down.

Today’s political buzz in Australia revolves around two key issues: the Greens are pushing Labor to crack down on supermarket price gouging with a new bill, while social media platform X (formerly Twitter) just lost a legal battle against Australia’s eSafety commissioner. Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplays concerns about the delayed arrival of a new US ambassador, calling it routine.

Editor’s Note: The Greens' move signals growing pressure on the government to address cost-of-living pain points—supermarket prices being a hot-button issue. X’s court loss highlights ongoing tensions between tech giants and regulators over online safety. And the ambassador delay? Probably not a diplomatic snub, but it’s a reminder of how global politics can ripple into local headlines. A busy day in Aussie politics, with real-world implications for shoppers, social media users, and foreign policy watchers.

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s eastern coast triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, forcing millions to evacuate. But by Wednesday, the all-clear was given, and most people returned home safely—with just one reported death from the initial quake.

Editor’s Note: While the quake and tsunami alerts caused widespread disruption, the relatively low casualty count is a relief. It’s a reminder of how vulnerable coastal communities are to these threats, but also how effective early warning systems can be in saving lives. The story isn’t just about the disaster—it’s about the resilience and preparedness that kept it from being far worse.