Senate approves cuts to global aid funding and public broadcasting in win for Trump – US politics live

In a small village in China's Anhui province, a 60-year-old farmer named Zhang Shengwu has turned heads by building his own 7-meter submarine from scratch—no engineering degree or formal plans required. Inspired by a lifetime of watching boats, Zhang’s DIY sub glides through the river with surprising sophistication, proving that ingenuity isn’t confined to labs or big budgets.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a quirky local story—it’s a reminder that creativity and determination can spark innovation anywhere, even in unexpected places. Zhang’s submarine challenges stereotypes about who gets to be an inventor and highlights the untapped potential of everyday problem-solvers. Plus, it’s just plain cool.

President Trump has announced plans to release additional documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, responding to criticism over how his administration has handled the high-profile sex trafficking scandal. The move could shed more light on the case, which has implicated numerous powerful figures.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about Trump—it's about accountability in a case that's captivated the public for years. If these documents reveal new details, it could reignite debates over who knew what and when, especially given Epstein's connections to elites. But given the political tensions around this case, the release could also be seen as a deflection or a play for public trust. Either way, it keeps the Epstein saga in the headlines.

A group of Chinese economists is sounding the alarm after a key measure of the country's market-friendly reforms slipped for the first time in years. The index, which tracks things like how much the government interferes in business, dipped slightly from 5.72 to 5.62 out of 10 since 2019. Experts say this backslide – while small – highlights deeper issues like cutthroat competition between companies and economic imbalances that could hold back growth. They're pushing for fresh reforms to keep China's economy on track.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about a decimal-point drop in some obscure index – it's a warning sign about China's economic direction. When experts start publicly calling for course corrections, it usually means internal debates are heating up. For global markets and businesses tied to China, any slowdown in market reforms could mean more red tape, less fair competition, and tougher conditions for private companies. Keep an eye on whether Beijing listens to these concerns or doubles down on state control.

Former President Trump has ordered his attorney, Pam Bondi, to push for the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein—a move that comes after backlash from his own supporters, whom he dismissed as "weaklings" for criticizing his handling of the Epstein controversy. Bondi responded quickly, saying she’s ready to file the request immediately.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political spat—it’s a messy internal clash within Trump’s base, fueled by lingering questions about Epstein’s high-profile connections. If the testimony is unsealed, it could reignite scrutiny over who was involved in Epstein’s crimes, potentially implicating powerful figures. But Trump’s harsh tone toward his own supporters also signals growing tension within the MAGA movement.

Qantas just scored a legal win to block access to hacked data—likely a relief for the airline after recent cybersecurity headaches. Meanwhile, Queensland’s forensic science unit, already under scrutiny for reliability issues, lost its leader. And in Tasmania, Labor’s backing a divisive AFL stadium project, despite local pushback.

Editor’s Note: The Qantas injunction highlights ongoing fallout from cyber threats—something every company fears. The forensic unit resignation? Another red flag for public trust in crime investigations. And the stadium debate? Classic tension between economic promises and community skepticism. All three stories show systems under pressure.