Hamas must accept hostage deal or be ‘annihilated’, warns Israeli defence minister – Middle East crisis live

Japan and the Philippines are calling their relationship a "near-alliance," signaling tighter security cooperation to counter shared concerns—likely pointing to China's growing influence in the region. While both countries see this as a positive step, experts worry it might escalate tensions, especially with Beijing, which views such partnerships as a challenge to its interests.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just diplomatic small talk—it's a strategic move that could reshape power dynamics in Asia. Japan and the Philippines are drawing closer to counterbalance China, but the real question is how Beijing will react. If history's any guide, stronger alliances in the region often lead to sharper rivalries, making this a story worth watching.

FromSoftware, the studio behind hits like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, has taken a risky leap into purely multiplayer gaming with Elden Ring Nightreign. But early impressions suggest it’s stumbling—missing the mark on what makes multiplayer games truly engaging. Released on May 31, the game feels like a misfire, struggling to capture the magic that usually defines the studio’s work.

Editor’s Note: FromSoftware has built a reputation for masterful single-player experiences, so fans were curious (and maybe a little skeptical) about their multiplayer pivot. If Nightreign doesn’t improve, it could dent their near-perfect track record—and leave players wondering if they should stick to what they know best.

A tragic incident unfolded on a Jeju Air flight from the Philippines to South Korea when a baby boy, delivered prematurely mid-flight, passed away. Emergency responders were alerted early Sunday that the newborn wasn’t breathing, but by the time medical help arrived, the infant had no pulse and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The mother, a Filipino woman in her thirties, was traveling from Clark at the time.

Editor’s Note: This heartbreaking story highlights the risks of medical emergencies during air travel, especially for vulnerable passengers like pregnant women. It also raises questions about airline preparedness for in-flight births and emergencies—something most travelers don’t think about until it’s too late. The emotional toll on the mother, crew, and fellow passengers is unimaginable, and it’s a grim reminder of how fragile life can be, even at 30,000 feet.

A bombshell claim from one of Elon Musk’s former partners has set the internet ablaze in Japan. Ashley St Clair—a conservative influencer and mother of Musk’s 14th known child—alleged in a New York Times report that Musk fathered a child with a Japanese pop star. The revelation has sparked fierce debate online, touching on everything from celebrity privacy to the ethics of high-profile reproductive choices.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just tabloid fodder—it’s a story that taps into bigger questions about privacy, power, and public scrutiny. Musk’s personal life is already under a microscope, but this allegation (whether true or not) adds fuel to existing controversies around his influence and personal decisions. In Japan, where pop culture and privacy norms are tightly interwoven, the reaction has been especially intense. For fans and critics alike, it’s another chapter in the ongoing saga of how much we really know—or should know—about the lives of the ultra-famous.

Today's political scene in Australia has a couple of big shake-ups: Dorinda Cox, a Greens senator, has switched sides to join Labor, while opposition leader John Pesutto faces bankruptcy proceedings. Meanwhile, independent senator Tammy Tyrrell is pushing Labor to adjust the timing of Help/Hecs debt indexation after a 3.2% hike hit student loans. Labor's also gearing up to introduce legislation in July that would slash student debts by 20%.

Editor’s Note: Political defections and financial pressures on leaders like Pesutto signal turbulence in Australian politics, while the debate over student debt indexation highlights ongoing cost-of-living concerns. The Greens losing a senator to Labor could shift dynamics in parliament, and the student debt relief plan—if passed—would be a major win for borrowers. These moves matter because they reflect broader struggles over affordability, party loyalty, and economic policy.