Israeli strikes kill Iranian commander: the latest on the ground in Tehran

Filipino fishermen are facing increasing pressure from Chinese patrols at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Many say they’re being pushed out of waters their families have fished for generations, as China ramps up enforcement of a contentious anti-trespassing law. Experts worry this could signal a broader strategy by Beijing to solidify control over contested areas in the region.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fish—it’s about power. China’s growing assertiveness at Scarborough Shoal could set a dangerous precedent for how it handles other territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a critical waterway for global trade. For Filipino fishers, it’s an immediate threat to their livelihoods; for the region, it’s another flashpoint in a long-simmering conflict with no easy resolution in sight.

Scientists in China have cracked the code of yeast’s metabolic cycle using math—and found an unexpected connection to the ancient concept of yin and yang. Led by Professor Li Lei, the research reveals how yeast’s life phases mirror the balance of opposing forces described in traditional Chinese philosophy. It’s a fresh twist on understanding one of biology’s simplest but most studied organisms.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a cool science story—it’s a reminder that modern research can sometimes echo ideas humans have pondered for centuries. By linking hard data to philosophical wisdom, the study bridges lab work and cultural heritage, showing how interdisciplinary thinking can unlock new insights. Plus, yeast might seem niche, but it’s a tiny powerhouse for studying bigger questions about life itself.

Sunday’s front pages are a mixed bag, with headlines ranging from a dramatic "spy plot arrest" to the more personal and lighthearted "my pal Wills." The coverage spans serious global issues like the conflict in Iran and domestic concerns about the NHS, alongside softer, human-interest angles. It’s a snapshot of how news cycles balance hard-hitting stories with relatable or uplifting moments.

Editor’s Note: Front pages often reflect the tension between weighty global events and the stories that resonate on a personal level. This blend reminds us that even amid crises, people crave connection and lighter narratives—but it also highlights how quickly attention shifts between the monumental and the mundane.

The Greens leader in Australia, Larissa Waters, has slammed the recent US bombing of Iran as a "blatant breach of international law" and warned it poses a "fundamental threat to world peace." Meanwhile, political discussions continue about whether Australia should involve its troops in any related conflicts, with figures like Hastie expressing hesitation.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another geopolitical headline—it’s a sharp critique of US actions from a key Australian political figure, highlighting growing global tensions. Waters' strong language signals deeper concerns about escalating conflict and Australia’s potential role in it. For readers, it’s a reminder of how distant conflicts can quickly become local debates about security and ethics.

The US has joined Israel in launching military strikes against Iran, targeting key nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. Former President Trump claimed these sites were "totally obliterated," signaling a major escalation in tensions between the West and Iran over its nuclear program.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another flare-up in the Middle East—it's a direct hit on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, which Tehran has long insisted is for peaceful purposes. The involvement of the US raises the stakes significantly, risking broader regional conflict or even a global energy crisis if Iran retaliates. For everyday readers, this could mean heightened oil prices, renewed security fears, and a test of how far major powers are willing to go to curb nuclear ambitions.