Australia news live: teal’s lead jumps to more than 20 in battle for Bradfield; Tanya Plibersek ‘delighted’ by Dorinda Cox defection to Labor

Elon Musk is calling on Americans to pressure lawmakers to reject a pending Senate bill, arguing it would undermine efforts to cut federal spending. The billionaire’s public push comes as the legislation faces a critical vote.

Editor’s Note: Musk’s influence could sway public opinion—and maybe even lawmakers—on a bill that’s already contentious. Whether you agree with him or not, it’s another example of how powerful figures are stepping directly into policy debates, turning fiscal arguments into public showdowns.

President Trump revealed that after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Putin signaled plans to retaliate against Ukraine for a recent drone attack. This escalation suggests peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are unlikely to happen soon, as tensions continue to simmer.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic update—it’s a sign that the war could drag on longer. If Russia follows through with retaliation, we might see more violence instead of negotiations. For the rest of the world, it’s another worrying signal that stability in the region is still far off.

Tonight’s Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal is heating up, with live updates from the 8:10pm BST kick-off. Meanwhile, a wild rumor about Cristiano Ronaldo possibly leaving Al-Nassr for Inter Miami has surfaced—even FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted at it.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another match—it’s a high-stakes clash between two football powerhouses, and the Ronaldo speculation adds an extra layer of intrigue. Whether you're here for the game or the drama, there’s plenty to keep an eye on.

Elon Musk, fresh off his departure from Trump’s administration, is doubling down on his criticism of the president’s spending bill, calling it fiscally reckless. He’s pushing for a new tax bill, warning that current policies are pushing the U.S. toward "debt slavery." Meanwhile, a non-partisan analysis backs up concerns, estimating Trump’s tax plan could balloon national debt by $2.4 trillion.

Editor’s Note: Musk’s outspoken critique adds fuel to an already heated debate about government spending and debt. With a credible analysis highlighting the bill’s potential economic fallout, this isn’t just political noise—it’s a real concern for taxpayers and policymakers alike. Whether you agree with Musk or not, the conversation about America’s financial future just got louder.

A trade expert argues that the new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum—set at a steep 50%—aren’t just about protecting American industries. According to Gavin Bade from the Wall Street Journal, the real goal is to squeeze China’s economy by closing loopholes that let Chinese metals slip into the U.S. through third countries. The Trump administration’s broad approach aims to block these workarounds, but it could ripple across global trade.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tariff story—it’s a strategic move in the long-running U.S.-China economic tug-of-war. By slapping heavy duties on metals, the U.S. is trying to cut off China’s indirect exports, which could escalate tensions and disrupt supply chains. For businesses and consumers, it might mean higher costs, but it also signals how far Washington’s willing to go to counter Beijing’s influence.