Tour de France’s phoney war gets dose of reality as Pogacar v Vingegaard hits the mountains | William Fotheringham

Japan is gearing up for a crucial upper house election, and far-right parties are making waves by pushing anti-immigrant rhetoric—mirroring tactics used by Trump’s Republicans and Europe’s hard-right movements. While mainstream candidates focus on bread-and-butter issues like jobs and defense, these populist groups are shifting the national debate by stoking fears about immigration.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Japan—it’s part of a global trend where far-right movements gain traction by blaming immigrants for societal problems. If these parties gain ground, it could reshape Japan’s traditionally cautious immigration policies and signal a broader shift toward divisive, identity-driven politics. Worth watching, because it affects not just voters but also Japan’s future workforce and international reputation.

President Trump has ordered an investigation into Brazil’s trade policies, calling them "unfair" to U.S. interests. This comes just days after he publicly pressed Brazilian officials to drop legal actions against former President Jair Bolsonaro, a political ally. The move suggests a mix of economic and diplomatic maneuvering, with trade tensions now added to an already complicated relationship.

Editor’s Note: Trade disputes between the U.S. and Brazil aren’t new, but Trump’s probe—paired with his defense of Bolsonaro—hints at a broader strategy. It could strain ties with Brazil’s current government while signaling to other nations that the U.S. is willing to flex its economic muscle over political disagreements. For businesses and consumers, it might mean more uncertainty around tariffs or supply chains.

Today’s news in Australia covers two major topics: childcare safety reforms and a debate over antisemitism definitions. Meanwhile, Sydney police are investigating a brazen ram raid where an SUV plowed into a luxury store to steal handbags.

Editor’s Note: Childcare safety is back on the political agenda, showing how lawmakers are responding to public concerns. But the antisemitism debate highlights tensions between protecting free speech and combating hate. And that wild ram raid? It’s a stark reminder that even high-end stores aren’t immune to bold, daylight crimes—something that’ll likely fuel discussions about urban security.

The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of letting President Trump move forward with his plan to dismantle the Department of Education, a long-stated goal of his administration. Trump celebrated the decision, claiming it will help make American students "the best, brightest, and most highly educated in the world." Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are raising concerns about an unrelated issue—smoke drifting into the US from Canadian wildfires.

The UK government quietly established a secret program to relocate certain Afghan nationals after a major data breach exposed their identities. The scheme was kept under wraps due to a court gag order, which only just lifted—meaning we’re only hearing about it now.