England v West Indies, second men’s cricket one-day international – live

A former top U.S. defense official, Ely Ratner, is pushing for a formal military alliance between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines to counter China’s growing military influence in the Pacific. While Ratner calls the idea urgent and necessary, experts caution that such a pact could escalate regional tensions and face major political hurdles.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about military strategy—it’s a high-stakes gamble on how to handle China’s rise. A new alliance could shift power dynamics in Asia, but it also risks provoking Beijing and straining diplomacy in a region already on edge. Whether it’s a smart deterrent or a dangerous escalation depends on who you ask.

Qatar’s ambitious $7 billion plan to help rebuild Syria’s power infrastructure is running into a major roadblock: Syria’s electricity grid is in such bad shape that it might not even be able to handle the new investment. Years of war and looting have left the system in ruins—transformers, cables, and other critical parts have been stolen or destroyed. Until Syria can stabilize and repair its grid, Qatar’s money might not make much of a difference.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s about whether Syria can actually recover from its long collapse. Without a functioning power grid, everything from hospitals to businesses struggles to operate. Qatar’s investment could be a lifeline, but if the basics aren’t fixed first, even billions might not turn the lights back on. It’s a stark reminder of how deep Syria’s crisis goes.

Mongolia's Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene has stepped down after lawmakers voted against him in a confidence motion. He’ll stay on as a temporary leader until a replacement is picked within the next month—part of the country’s constitutional process.

Editor’s Note: Political shake-ups like this aren’t uncommon, but they matter because they signal shifts in leadership priorities or public discontent. For Mongolia, a country balancing economic growth with environmental and corruption challenges, this transition could shape policies on mining, foreign investment, or social programs. It’s worth watching who steps in next—and whether they steer the country in a new direction.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held off on a big 0.5% rate cut last month, but newly released minutes show they’re keeping that option in their back pocket—especially if global economic chaos (think Trump policies or other shocks) starts hurting Australia. They’re basically saying, "We’ll act fast if things get messy."

Editor’s Note: Rate cuts are a big deal—they affect everything from mortgages to business loans. The RBA’s hint at rapid-fire cuts signals they’re nervous about external risks (like U.S. politics spooking markets) but aren’t panicking yet. For everyday Aussies, it’s a heads-up: buckle up if global turbulence hits home.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the official cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85%, citing no immediate economic harm from recent Trump-era tariffs. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is dropping hints about his honeymoon plans—because even leaders need a break. On a less rosy note, social housing waitlists have ballooned by 26,000 households over six years, highlighting a growing crisis.

Editor’s Note: The RBA’s rate cut suggests cautious optimism about Australia’s economy, but the housing waitlist surge is a stark reminder that not everyone’s feeling the benefits. Albanese’s personal tidbits might grab headlines, but the real story is the balancing act between economic signals and everyday struggles. If you’re watching interest rates or waiting for a home, this one’s for you.