Saudi government frees Iranian cleric Gholamreza Ghasemian after being arrested for ‘obscene concerts’ remarks

A gambling company allegedly offered a Melbourne man $25,000 to settle a complaint—but only if he withdrew his grievance with the regulator and agreed to cover any "adverse media" fallout. While such settlement conditions aren’t unusual in business, critics argue they could be used to pressure complainants into silence and shield companies from accountability.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one guy and a payout—it’s about whether companies can buy their way out of scrutiny. If businesses dangle cash to bury complaints, it undermines trust in regulators and leaves consumers vulnerable. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz of gambling ads, there’s often a darker game being played.

The Philippines' recent midterm elections have left President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the influential Dutertes in a political standoff, with both sides winning an equal number of Senate seats. This deadlock means the country’s attention will now shift to the escalating power struggle between these two dynasties, potentially sidelining urgent economic and foreign policy concerns as they gear up for a long-term battle over the 2028 presidency.

Editor’s Note: Political infighting isn’t just insider drama—it has real consequences. With two powerful clans locked in a stalemate, critical issues like inflation, jobs, and regional tensions risk being overshadowed by their rivalry. For Filipinos, this could mean more gridlock and less action on the problems that affect daily life. The 2028 race might seem far off, but the jockeying starts now, and it’s already shaping the country’s direction.

Germany's notorious bureaucracy is more than just a headache—it's actively choking economic growth and scaring off investors, according to economists. The article highlights how endless paperwork, slow approvals, and rigid regulations are turning the country into a frustrating place to do business, sapping energy from entrepreneurs and stifling innovation.

Editor’s Note: If Germany wants to stay competitive, it can't afford to keep drowning businesses in red tape. This isn't just about minor annoyances—it's a real drag on the economy, making it harder for startups to thrive and pushing potential investors toward less bureaucratic markets. For a country that prides itself on efficiency, that's a pretty bad look.

Polish artist and animator Mateusz Urbanowicz opens up about his journey to Japan and how legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki shaped his creative philosophy—prioritizing the audience's emotional experience. Urbanowicz finds beauty in the mundane, drawing inspiration from everyday streets and storefronts, blending realism with storytelling magic.

Editor’s Note: Urbanowicz’s story isn’t just about animation—it’s a reminder that great art often starts with observing the ordinary. His Miyazaki-inspired approach resonates with creators everywhere, showing how humility and attention to detail can connect deeply with audiences. Plus, it’s a lovely nod to how cultural exchange fuels creativity.

At a rally in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in steel tariffs—doubling them to 50% on foreign imports—while cheering a major deal with Japan’s Nippon Steel to invest in US Steel. Framed as a win for American workers, the move aims to protect domestic industry but could spark trade tensions.

Editor’s Note: Steel tariffs are a classic Trump-era economic strategy, meant to boost US manufacturing but often drawing backlash from trading partners. The Japan deal adds a twist—it’s a rare moment of cross-border cooperation in an otherwise protectionist play. For workers and industries tied to steel, this could mean short-term gains, but economists warn it might raise costs for other sectors (think cars or appliances) and invite retaliatory measures. In short: a big bet with ripple effects.