Islamic State murder plot missed due to 'serious blunder', inquiry finds

A Chinese maritime expert warns that tensions in the South China Sea could escalate, predicting "more provocations" from the Philippines following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s strengthened political position after midterm elections. The analyst, Wu Shicun, also suggests Vietnam might become the next flashpoint due to its land reclamation efforts in the disputed Spratly Islands.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another routine territorial spat—it’s a sign that post-election confidence in Manila and Hanoi’s infrastructure moves could push Beijing to react more aggressively. With regional stability and global trade routes at stake, these tensions could ripple far beyond Asia, affecting everything from oil prices to U.S.-China relations. Keep an eye on how this plays out; it’s a slow-burning crisis with real consequences.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed disappointment as the UK economy shrank for the second consecutive month in May, a surprise downturn that puts her under growing political and economic pressure.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a dry stat—it’s a red flag for the government. Back-to-back contractions suggest deeper economic trouble, and with Reeves already under scrutiny, it fuels doubts about her ability to steer the country toward growth. For everyday people, it could mean tighter budgets ahead if the trend continues.

The UK economy is showing signs of trouble, shrinking for the second month in a row—down 0.1% in May after a 0.3% drop in April. Rachel Reeves, likely a key political or economic figure, called the GDP figures "disappointing," hinting at broader concerns. The story also touches on external pressures like Trump-era trade policies, adding to the economic unease.

Editor’s Note: Back-to-back contractions in GDP are a red flag—it suggests the UK might be sliding into a recession, or at least facing a rough patch. With trade tensions and political scrutiny in the mix, this isn’t just a dry stats story. It’s about jobs, prices, and how much financial breathing room people have. If the trend continues, expect louder debates over how to fix it.

The EU is bracing for details on potential new US tariffs, as Donald Trump hinted that a letter outlining his proposal could arrive as soon as today or tomorrow. He specifically named the EU and Canada as targets, signaling a possible escalation in trade tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic noise—it could mean higher costs for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. Trump’s trade moves have a history of sparking retaliation, so Europe’s response (and how markets react) will be key to watch. If this plays out like past disputes, it could ripple through supply chains and inflation trends.

Two big stories are making waves today: the Australian dollar just hit its highest value against the US dollar in nine months, which could mean cheaper imports or pricier holidays for Aussies. Meanwhile, Jillian Segal is speaking up in defense of new measures to tackle antisemitism, a hot-button issue as tensions over free speech and discrimination continue to simmer. Oh, and the Tibetan government-in-exile’s leader is touring Australia this week—a visit that’s sure to draw attention given China’s sensitivities about Tibet.