Carney says Canada to focus on peace, energy security and new partnerships at G7 meeting

Japan’s military is stuck in a frustrating limbo. Their aging F-2 fighter jets, which have guarded the country for years, are looking increasingly outdated—especially as China flexes its advanced stealth aircraft nearby. Tokyo had pinned its hopes on a high-stakes collaboration with the UK and Italy to develop a cutting-edge sixth-generation fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). But progress has stalled, and patience is wearing thin. Now, Japan might be forced to rethink its strategy, whether that means pushing harder for breakthroughs or exploring other options to stay ahead in an increasingly tense regional arms race.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about jets—it’s about Japan’s ability to defend itself in a neighborhood where China’s military advancements are raising alarms. Delays in GCAP could leave Japan vulnerable or force it to spend heavily on stopgap solutions. For the UK and Italy, this could also signal cracks in a flagship defense partnership. If Japan walks away, the whole project might unravel, reshaping how Western allies counter growing threats in the Indo-Pacific.

Today's live news coverage highlights two key stories: a community vigil for Pheobe Bishop, whose story has clearly touched many, and the Tasmanian premier backing away from a controversial privatization study amid mounting pressure. It’s a mix of local solidarity and political backtracking—typical of a day where personal and public struggles collide.

Editor’s Note: The vigil for Pheobe Bishop reflects how communities come together in grief or support, while the Tasmanian premier’s move shows how public pushback can shift political decisions. Both stories remind us that local actions—whether collective mourning or civic pressure—can have real impact.

The Trump administration is sending the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests against immigration enforcement. Border czar Tom Homan announced the move as clashes between demonstrators and police—including tear gas use—intensified. The administration insists it’s pushing forward with its crackdown, framing the deployment as necessary to maintain order.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another protest story—it’s a flashpoint in the heated debate over immigration policy. Sending the National Guard signals how volatile the situation has become, and it raises questions about the balance between enforcement and civil liberties. For Angelenos, it means heightened tensions in their streets; for the rest of the country, it’s a preview of how immigration battles might play out elsewhere.

Social media is challenging long-held myths that Africa lacked advanced knowledge systems by spotlighting ancient African writing scripts. Users are sharing examples like Nsibidi and Ge'ez—proof that African societies had their own sophisticated ways of recording and transmitting knowledge long before colonial influence. It’s a digital reckoning with outdated stereotypes.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about correcting the record—it’s about reclaiming pride in Africa’s intellectual heritage. For too long, colonial narratives downplayed or erased pre-colonial achievements. Now, social media is turning into a tool for education and cultural revival, showing that Africa’s history is far richer than many were taught. That’s a big deal, because how we see the past shapes how we see the present.

NASA's budget request to Congress has sparked a major controversy, revealing deep cuts to science funding—nearly halving it—amid a public spat between former President Trump and Elon Musk. The agency is caught in the political crossfire, with critics calling it the "biggest crisis ever" for America's space ambitions.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about dollars and cents—it's a high-stakes clash over the future of space exploration. With science programs on the chopping block and political tensions flaring, NASA's ability to lead in research and innovation could take a serious hit. For anyone who cares about space, tech, or how politics shapes big institutions, this is a big deal.