Australia news live: Minns promises fare-free day and independent review into Sydney’s ‘nowhere near good enough’ trains

Millennial parents are redefining what success looks like for their Gen Alpha kids—less about report cards and more about emotional resilience, creativity, and financial savvy. Prudential Hong Kong is tapping into this shift with its PruNextGen platform, helping families plan for a future where values and adaptability matter as much as diplomas.

What This Mean: This isn’t just about raising kids—it’s a cultural pivot. Millennials, burned by rigid systems, are prioritizing flexibility and well-being over old-school milestones. Financial firms like Prudential are noticing, signaling that even big institutions see this as more than a passing trend. For Gen Alpha, it could mean growing up in a world where "success" feels less like a checklist and more like a tailored fit.

** Japan’s export growth hit the brakes in April, rising just 2% compared to last year—down from March’s 4% bump. The slowdown was driven by weaker demand for cars and steel, partly due to U.S. tariffs squeezing shipments. Economists are now warning this could push Japan closer to a recession if the trend continues.

What This Mean: ** Japan’s economy leans heavily on exports, so when trade slows, it’s a big deal. The U.S. tariffs aren’t helping, and if demand keeps dropping, it could spell trouble for jobs and growth at home. This isn’t just a Japanese problem—it’s a sign of how trade tensions and weaker global demand are rippling through economies worldwide.

Emergency crews in New South Wales are in a race against time as relentless floods trap residents and overwhelm communities. With 150 rescues in just 12 hours and more heavy rain on the way, responders are scrambling to keep up. The mid-north coast could see another 200mm of rainfall, worsening an already dire situation.

What This Mean: Floods like these aren’t just headlines—they’re life-altering for families caught in the chaos. With emergency services stretched thin, this story highlights both the immediate danger and the long-term challenges of extreme weather in Australia. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly nature can upend lives.

** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s rising star and MVP contender, turned up the heat in the third quarter with a 12-point burst, sparking a comeback that toppled the Timberwolves. His clutch performance reminded everyone why he’s in the conversation for the league’s top honor.

What This Mean: ** This isn’t just another regular-season win—it’s a statement. Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership in crunch time shows he’s not just putting up numbers; he’s elevating his team when it matters. For Thunder fans, it’s a thrilling glimpse of what could be a special season. For the rest of the league? A warning that Oklahoma City is for real.

** President Trump has unveiled a sweeping new missile defense program called the "Golden Dome," positioning it as a nationwide shield against potential threats. The announcement frames it as a major security upgrade, though details on costs, feasibility, or international reactions are still sparse.

What This Mean: ** Missile defense systems aren’t new, but branding it as a "Golden Dome" suggests an ambitious—and likely expensive—vision. This could spark debates over military spending, geopolitical tensions (especially with rivals like Russia or China), and whether the tech can actually deliver what’s promised. For now, it’s more about political messaging than concrete policy.