Australian PM vows 'full force of law' after arson attack at synagogue

Japan recently conducted its first-ever live missile test on home soil, launching a Type-88 surface-to-ship missile from Hokkaido toward an unmanned target 40 kilometers away. Analysts see this as a significant shift in Japan’s defense strategy—less about aggression and more about demonstrating its readiness to protect itself amid growing regional tensions.

Editor’s Note: Japan has long relied on its alliance with the U.S. for security, but this test signals a move toward greater self-reliance. With China’s military expansion and North Korea’s missile tests next door, Japan’s decision to flex its own defense muscles is a big deal—and a sign of how uneasy the region’s power dynamics have become.

Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne are reuniting for their final concert ever, dubbed Back to the Beginning, at Birmingham’s Villa Park. The star-studded lineup includes heavy metal legends like Mastodon and Anthrax, plus surprise guests. While the livestream won’t allow screengrabs and photos won’t drop until after the show, fans can follow along in real-time for a historic send-off.

Rescue teams in Texas are still searching for missing children after catastrophic floods hit the region over the holiday weekend. The death toll has climbed to 43, with entire communities submerged when months' worth of rain dumped in just hours. Families celebrating the Fourth of July found themselves trapped or swept away—now survivors are left waiting for news as emergency crews battle debris and receding waters.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another weather story—it’s a human tragedy unfolding in real time. Floods turned holiday festivities into chaos, exposing how vulnerable communities are to extreme weather. With climate change fueling more intense storms, disasters like this could become harder to recover from, especially in areas unprepared for sudden deluges. Every missing person represents a family living in agony, and the rising death toll underscores how quickly ordinary days can turn deadly.

Texas is reeling from catastrophic flooding after relentless rains left at least 24 people dead and dozens missing—including 23 girls from a Christian summer camp. Rescue teams are scrambling with helicopters and emergency crews, but officials are urging the public to avoid the area to avoid hampering efforts. The situation remains dire as families wait for updates on loved ones.

A 34-year-old man from New South Wales has been charged in connection with a suspicious fire at a synagogue in East Melbourne, which occurred late Friday night. Meanwhile, the Minns government has announced fare-free travel days for public transport. In other news, Australia’s east and west coasts can expect rainy weather today, with mild temperatures across major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Editor’s Note: The synagogue fire is a concerning act that raises questions about potential motives—whether it was targeted or accidental—and underscores ongoing tensions around religious sites. The fare-free travel announcement is a small but welcome relief for commuters, while the weather update is just your standard daily forecast. The real focus here is the police investigation, which will likely draw significant attention in the coming days.