Welcome for housing pledge - but is it too late for some?

Japan is sounding the alarm after a Chinese fighter jet from the aircraft carrier Shandong made what they’re calling "abnormal approaches" to a Japanese patrol plane over the Pacific. The incident happened twice over the weekend—once for 40 minutes and again for 80 minutes—with the Chinese jet flying uncomfortably close. Tokyo has lodged formal complaints, calling it a serious safety risk.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a routine spat—it’s the kind of high-stakes aerial brinkmanship that could easily spiral into a real crisis. With tensions already simmering in the Pacific, close encounters like this raise the risk of accidents or miscalculations. It’s a reminder of how fragile the peace can be in contested regions, especially when military posturing goes unchecked.

Los Angeles is bracing for a second night of curfews and escalating tensions as US marines prepare to join National Guard troops on the streets within days. Protesters, responding to recent immigration raids, continue to march and chant in downtown LA, with scenes like a woman dancing defiantly near police capturing the mix of resistance and unrest. The city is on edge as authorities ramp up their presence.

Rory McIlroy started strong at the US Open but faltered late in his first round, while JJ Spaun seized the early lead with a one-stroke advantage. McIlroy showed flashes of brilliance—like a monster 392-yard drive—but couldn’t sustain momentum, leaving fans wondering if his post-Masters slump is lingering. Meanwhile, Spaun quietly outplayed the field, setting up an intriguing showdown.

Editor’s Note: McIlroy’s rollercoaster round is a microcosm of his recent struggles—brilliant one moment, shaky the next. For golf fans, it’s a reminder that even superstars can’t flip a switch overnight. Spaun’s lead adds an underdog twist to the tournament, proving the US Open is anyone’s game. If McIlroy can’t rebound, this major might slip away early.

A loud explosion rocked an apartment block in Lidcombe, western Sydney, leaving one person injured. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, and authorities are still piecing together what caused the blast. Meanwhile, a judgment date has been set for the high-profile legal case involving journalist Antoinette Lattouf, adding another layer to today’s news cycle.

Editor’s Note: Explosions in residential areas are rare but alarming, and this incident will likely raise questions about building safety or potential hazards. The Lattouf case, though unrelated, keeps media freedom and workplace discrimination in the spotlight—two issues that resonate deeply in Australia right now. It’s a busy news day with real consequences for people involved.

An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, with over 240 passengers and crew on board. Details are still emerging, but early reports suggest a possible technical failure. Rescue operations are underway, and authorities are investigating the cause.