Search resumes for schoolchildren swept away by South Africa floods

Malaysia’s top judicial leaders are hitting mandatory retirement age, leaving key positions vacant—and the country’s biggest ruling party is scrambling to push for extensions. Critics warn this could deepen a leadership crisis in the courts, with no clear plan to fill the gaps. The constitution allows a temporary fix, but so far, nothing’s been done.

Editor’s Note: When judges retire without replacements lined up, it’s not just bureaucratic noise—it risks delaying court cases, undermining legal stability, and fueling public distrust. For a country already grappling with political turbulence, a shaky judiciary could make things worse. This isn’t just about who’s in charge; it’s about whether Malaysians can rely on their courts to function fairly and on time.

Two major stories are unfolding in Australia today. First, massive 13-meter waves are battering the New South Wales coast, causing dangerous conditions, property damage, and flooding. Authorities are warning residents to stay alert as the wild weather continues. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, a second man has been charged with child sex abuse crimes following the arrest of a childcare worker—a deeply unsettling development in an ongoing investigation.

Editor’s Note: The NSW storms are a stark reminder of how quickly severe weather can disrupt lives, while the Melbourne case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety in institutional settings. Both stories demand public attention—one for immediate safety, the other for accountability.

Former President Trump claims Israel has agreed to terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but he’s putting pressure on Hamas to accept the deal, warning things will escalate if they refuse. It’s unclear whether this is an official proposal or more of a political statement, but it signals ongoing high-stakes negotiations behind the scenes.

Editor’s Note: Ceasefire talks are always fragile, and Trump’s involvement—whether as a mediator or a commentator—adds another layer of complexity. If Hamas rejects this, violence could spike, but if they agree, it could buy time for more lasting talks. Either way, civilians in Gaza are caught in the middle.

A Russian drone strike in Ukraine's Kharkiv region left one person dead and another injured, according to local officials. Meanwhile, Ukraine retaliated by targeting an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region, signaling continued escalation in the conflict.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another headline in a long war—it’s a grim reminder that civilian areas remain in the crosshairs, and both sides are still actively striking behind enemy lines. The attack-reflex cycle shows no signs of slowing, with ordinary people paying the price.

In a tense Senate showdown, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski—despite openly disliking the bill—ended up being the deciding vote to pass Trump’s massive tax-and-spending package. She had pushed for Medicaid concessions for Alaska but didn’t get them, and her reluctant "yes" tipped the scales to 50 votes, with three Republicans and all Democrats opposing it.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a bill passing—it’s about how messy legislative sausage-making gets when party loyalty clashes with personal principles. Murkowski’s flip shows how much pressure Republicans face to fall in line, even when they disagree. And with Democrats united against it, this vote could fuel more partisan battles down the road.