Australia politics live: Chaney says now is right time for sanctions on Israel; Purcell announces pregnancy with Burns

Syria’s government announced plans to form a new transitional parliament by September, with local electoral bodies picking most lawmakers and the interim president selecting the rest. It’s framed as a step toward political transition, though the country remains deeply divided by war.

Editor’s Note: On paper, this looks like progress—a move toward some kind of governance structure after years of chaos. But Syria’s conflict is far from over, and critics will question how meaningful these steps are while fighting continues and key opposition groups are sidelined. It’s a reminder that even symbolic political gestures matter in a war this messy, but the real test is whether they lead to actual stability.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has shut down plans for a large pro-Palestine protest march across Sydney Harbour Bridge, citing insufficient notice and logistical concerns. Meanwhile, Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has stirred controversy by introducing a bill to scrap Australia’s net zero emissions target. In a separate development, a Labor MP confirmed Taiwan won’t participate in the upcoming military Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the tension between public protest rights and government oversight, as well as the ongoing political divide over climate policy in Australia. The rejection of the march reflects broader debates about balancing free expression with public safety, while Joyce’s net zero repeal bill signals a potential backtrack on climate commitments—both issues with real-world consequences for policy and public trust. The Taiwan military exercise tidbit adds a subtle layer of geopolitical relevance.

Lithuanian lawmakers are pushing a controversial proposal to ban Russian passport holders from engaging in political activities within the country. The move, if passed, would significantly restrict the participation of Russian citizens in Lithuania’s political landscape.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about domestic policy—it’s another flare-up in the ongoing tensions between the EU and Russia. Lithuania, a vocal critic of Moscow, is taking a hardline stance that could further strain relations and set a precedent for how other EU nations handle Russian influence. For Russian expats or dual citizens, it raises big questions about rights and belonging in a region where geopolitics keeps spilling into everyday life.

The US and EU have struck a tariff deal that hands President Trump a significant victory in his push to overhaul global trade—something he’s long argued unfairly disadvantages the US. But while Brussels didn’t walk away empty-handed, the agreement clearly leans in Trump’s favor, marking another bold move in his "America First" trade agenda.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s a power play in the global trade game. Trump gets to claim a win for his aggressive approach, but the EU avoids a full-blown trade war (for now). For businesses and consumers on both sides, it signals more uncertainty ahead as trade rules keep shifting. If you’re watching markets or global politics, this deal is a pulse check on how far Trump’s disruption will go.

A passenger train derailed in Germany, leaving three dead—including the driver—and dozens injured. At least 25 of the 50 injured are in serious condition, according to officials. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the cause of the derailment isn’t yet clear.

Editor’s Note: Train travel is generally seen as one of the safest ways to get around, so a deadly derailment like this shakes public confidence. It’s a grim reminder of how quickly routine trips can turn tragic, and it’ll likely spark urgent questions about rail maintenance, oversight, or potential system failures. For now, the focus is on the victims—but expect calls for accountability once the shock wears off.