UK eyeing permanent Arctic military presence – Telegraph

The Chinese embassy in Washington has formally protested a U.S. decision to revoke visas for Chinese students, calling the move "xenophobic" and sparking backlash. The diplomatic pushback follows an announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the U.S. would aggressively cancel these visas, a move critics argue unfairly targets Chinese nationals.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about visas—it's another flare-up in the tense relationship between the U.S. and China, with real consequences for students caught in the middle. Critics see it as politically charged and discriminatory, while supporters may frame it as a national security measure. Either way, it risks deepening mistrust between the two countries.

A top Chinese economist, Lian Ping, is sounding the alarm that financial sanctions—like freezing assets or cutting off access to global banking—could turn into the next big flashpoint between the U.S. and China. He thinks full-blown economic warfare is unlikely for now, but warns the U.S. might start by squeezing individual Chinese companies or sectors, escalating tensions further.

Editor’s Note: Money talks, and in this case, it might start shouting. If the U.S. and China ramp up financial sanctions, it won’t just hurt big banks—it could ripple through global markets, disrupt trade, and make an already rocky relationship even worse. Even if full sanctions aren’t on the table yet, targeted moves could still sting, especially for Chinese firms caught in the crossfire.

Despite recent market turbulence, Nomura—Japan’s biggest investment bank—is doubling down on its U.S. expansion plans. The firm is pushing ahead with ambitious growth targets for its investment management and wholesale banking divisions, betting on long-term opportunities in the Americas.

Editor’s Note: Nomura’s confidence in the U.S. market signals that major financial players still see room for growth even amid economic uncertainty. For investors, this could mean more competition (and possibly better services) in wealth management and banking. It also hints at a broader trend of global firms leaning into the U.S. as a key profit engine—even when the road looks bumpy.

One Nation has scored an unexpected win in the NSW Senate race, with former British SAS soldier Warwick Stacey securing a seat. This brings the party’s Senate representation to four, matching its peak performance from the 2016 election.

Editor’s Note: One Nation’s gain signals a shift in voter sentiment, especially in NSW, and reinforces the party’s growing influence in federal politics. Stacey’s military background might appeal to certain voter blocs, but his win also raises questions about the broader political landscape—are voters leaning toward fringe parties, or is this just a one-off surprise? Either way, it’s a development worth watching.

A grim discovery has shaken the small Caribbean island of Canouan after a boat carrying 11 badly decomposed bodies washed ashore. Local officials are scrambling to piece together what happened—passports found onboard point to a possible connection to Mali in West Africa, hinting at a tragic migrant journey gone wrong. International agencies are now assisting with the investigation, but for now, the island is left with more questions than answers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a local mystery—it’s a stark reminder of the deadly risks people take fleeing hardship, and how far-reaching those tragedies can be. For a quiet island like Canouan, it’s an unsettling shock, but it also forces a bigger conversation about migration routes, smuggling, and who’s accountable when lives are lost at sea.