US-backed aid group starts Gaza aid distribution as Israeli airstrikes kill dozens

A U.S. trade court just threw a wrench in Donald Trump’s tariff plans, ruling that he overstepped his legal authority by slapping taxes on Canadian imports using emergency powers. Essentially, the court said, "Nice try, but you can’t do that."

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Canada—it’s a check on presidential power and a big deal for global trade. If the ruling holds, it could limit how future presidents use emergency powers to justify tariffs, which might ease tensions (and costs) for businesses caught in the crossfire. For now, though, expect more legal and political wrangling.

When Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba picked up an unexpected call from Donald Trump last week, officials in Tokyo expected the U.S. president to push for trade concessions. Instead, Trump reportedly spent most of the 45-minute conversation rambling about his Middle East trip, praising himself, and even bringing up fighter jet sales—leaving Japanese officials baffled. The call, described as more of a monologue than a diplomatic discussion, seemed to reveal Trump’s craving for validation rather than a focus on substantive policy.

Editor’s Note: Diplomatic calls between world leaders usually have clear agendas—trade, security, or pressing global issues. But this one, according to insiders, felt more like a vanity exercise for Trump. It’s a reminder of how his unconventional, self-centered approach to diplomacy can frustrate even close allies like Japan, raising questions about how much real negotiation happens behind the scenes. For Japan, it’s another awkward moment in a relationship that’s already complicated by trade tensions and regional security concerns.

The U.S. is doubling down on its stance against Chinese students, vowing to "aggressively" remove those it deems a risk—a direct response to China's criticism of Trump's recent suspension of global student visa appointments. It’s another sharp turn in the escalating tensions between the two nations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about visas—it’s a political tit-for-tat with real consequences for thousands of students caught in the middle. The move signals a deeper chill in U.S.-China relations, where education and diplomacy are becoming collateral damage. For students planning futures abroad, the uncertainty just got a lot worse.

Elon Musk is taking shots at Trump’s latest tax bill, calling it a "massive spending bill" that could balloon the federal deficit. He’s also arguing it undercuts efforts to rein in costs for Dogecoin-related measures—though the details there are a bit murky. Meanwhile, the article hints at real-world fallout, like a cancer patient facing treatment delays due to funding cuts, though it’s unclear if that’s directly tied to the bill Musk is criticizing.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley is pushing back against criticism after demoting several women from the shadow cabinet, insisting it wasn’t punitive—especially denying that Senator Jane Hume’s removal was tied to a failed work-from-home policy. Ley frames her leadership approach as informed by her dual role as a working mother and caregiver, while Nationals leader Michael McCormack hints at potential shifts in the party’s stance on net zero emissions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about internal party shuffles—it’s a snapshot of the broader tensions shaping Australian politics right now. Ley’s defense highlights the delicate balance of gender dynamics and policy accountability in leadership, while McCormack’s net zero comments suggest climate policy could become a fresh battleground. For readers, it’s a peek into how personal narratives and party infighting might influence the national agenda.