Ex-Plaid leader's 2026 re-election bid in doubt

Indonesia wants to extend its high-speed "Whoosh" rail line from Jakarta to Surabaya, its second-biggest city, building on the success of its first Chinese-backed project. But there’s a catch: debt to China and regulatory headaches might throw a wrench in the plans. Analysts warn that while the expansion could boost connectivity, financial and bureaucratic hurdles could slow it down—or even stop it altogether.

Editor’s Note: Big infrastructure projects like this are a double-edged sword. On one hand, better rail links could supercharge Indonesia’s economy by connecting major cities faster. On the other, relying too much on Chinese funding has bitten other countries before—think "debt trap" worries. If this stalls, it could signal broader challenges for developing nations balancing ambition with financial caution.

The UK government is investing £1.5 billion to build six new weapons factories, which the defense ministry says will boost domestic production of long-range missiles and create or sustain around 7,000 jobs. This move signals a major push to strengthen the country’s military-industrial capacity.

Editor’s Note: With global tensions rising, the UK is betting big on its ability to produce its own advanced weapons rather than relying on imports. It’s not just about military readiness—this could mean more jobs and economic activity in key regions. But critics might question whether pouring more money into arms manufacturing is the best use of public funds. Either way, it’s a clear sign of where the government’s priorities lie.

Calgary cops are stepping up their game this summer with beefed-up security at street festivals—think more officers, better surveillance, and tighter crowd control. They’re not messing around when it comes to keeping the party safe.

Editor’s Note: Street festivals are a big deal in Calgary—they draw crowds, boost local businesses, and define summer vibes. But with big crowds come risks, so the police are getting ahead of potential trouble. It’s a reassurance for attendees and organizers alike, signaling that fun won’t come at the cost of safety. If anything, it might make these events even more appealing.

This piece dives into the quiet but dangerous reality for Ukrainians living under Russian occupation—three individuals share how they navigate daily life while resisting in subtle, often unseen ways. From refusing to use Russian currency to secretly teaching Ukrainian history, their stories reveal the constant tension between defiance and survival.

Editor’s Note: While headlines often focus on battlefield updates, this story reminds us that occupation isn’t just about territory—it’s about people forced to live under oppressive rule, weighing every small act of resistance against the risk of retaliation. It’s a raw look at the human cost of war beyond the front lines.

President Trump's escalating attacks on Harvard University aren't just political theater—they're part of a broader effort to undermine what he sees as a bastion of liberal elitism. While his presidency may be ending, the tensions he's stoked between conservative leaders and elite institutions could linger for years, reshaping debates about education, funding, and political influence in academia.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about Harvard—it's about the growing politicization of universities and the long-term consequences of framing them as ideological battlegrounds. If Trump's rhetoric sticks, it could fuel deeper divisions over how education is funded, who gets to shape it, and whether elite schools remain trusted institutions or partisan targets.