US sanctions UN expert Francesca Albanese, critic of Israel's Gaza offensive

A community center in Hamilton, Ontario, is back up and running after a temporary shutdown caused by a spike in troubling behavior—think fights, property damage, and harassment—mostly involving teens. The city ramped up security to keep things under control, but the whole situation has left locals uneasy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a rec center closing for a few days—it’s a sign of bigger tensions around youth behavior and public spaces. If teens are acting out this aggressively, it could point to deeper issues like lack of activities, supervision, or community support. For residents, it’s a reminder that even places meant for fun and connection aren’t immune to problems.

The EU is under pressure to address China's tight grip on rare earth minerals—key ingredients for everything from smartphones to electric cars. With an EU-China summit looming, officials like Dutch MEP Bart Groothuis warn that Europe is caught between Trump-era tariffs and China’s potential to weaponize its near-monopoly on these critical resources. There’s no easy solution in sight, and the bloc’s dependence leaves it vulnerable to economic and geopolitical shocks.

Editor’s Note: Rare earths aren’t just niche minerals—they’re the backbone of modern tech and green energy. If China decides to flex its control (as it has before), Europe’s supply chains could seize up overnight. This isn’t just about trade; it’s about power. The EU’s scramble to find alternatives reveals how hard it is to untangle from China’s influence, even as tensions simmer. For readers, it’s a reminder that the gadgets and policies we take for granted hinge on fragile global deals—and those might be slipping.

The recent Brics summit in Brazil showed a group of emerging economies determined to carve out their own path on the global stage, despite internal disagreements and some no-show leaders. While the alliance is still a bit messy—think competing priorities and uneven progress—they sent a clear signal: they’re tired of playing by Western rules. Their joint statement took aim at U.S. trade policies, calling out "indiscriminate" tariffs and other barriers, which they see as a threat to the global economy.

Editor’s Note: Brics isn’t just a talking shop anymore—it’s flexing its influence, even if awkwardly. The group’s pushback against U.S.-led trade policies hints at a bigger shift: emerging economies are done being sidelined. Whether they can actually align their own interests well enough to challenge the West is another question. But the fact that they’re trying? That’s worth watching.

Malaysia just announced that China is set to sign a key Southeast Asian nuclear-free treaty once the paperwork is finalized. This comes straight from Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, signaling a diplomatic win for regional stability.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a big deal for a region wary of nuclear tensions. China’s commitment to the treaty (which bans nukes in Southeast Asia) could ease anxieties and strengthen trust among neighboring countries. For Malaysia and others, it’s a step toward keeping the area peaceful and nuke-free.

Royal Mail is planning to drop second-class letter deliveries on Saturdays, a move backed by regulator Ofcom as a way to save money. Basically, if you're sending or expecting non-urgent mail, don't count on it arriving over the weekend—though first-class post will still be delivered six days a week.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about slower mail—it’s another sign of how traditional postal services are struggling to stay viable in the digital age. For businesses and individuals who rely on second-class post, it means adjusting expectations. But it also hints at bigger questions: How much are we willing to pay (or wait) for physical mail in an era of instant communication?