Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill heads to House – US politics live

The Philippines is changing its approach to maritime disputes with China by treating the East and South China Seas as a single strategic zone, following Japan’s lead. This "one-theatre" strategy aims to boost coordination among allies like the U.S., Japan, and South Korea—part of a group called the "Squad"—to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro says it’ll improve intelligence-sharing and military cooperation. Analysts see this as a sign of tighter alliances in the face of China’s assertive moves.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about lines on a map—it’s a big shift in how the Philippines and its allies are pushing back against China’s expanding control over contested waters. By linking the two seas into a single "theatre," they’re basically saying, "We’re all in this together," which could make their response more coordinated and harder for Beijing to ignore. For folks in the region, it signals escalating tensions but also a stronger united front. Watch this space—it could reshape power dynamics in Asia’s maritime backyard.

A ferry traveling from Java to Bali sank, leaving at least four people dead and dozens more missing. The boat was carrying 65 people—53 passengers and 12 crew—when it went down. Rescue efforts are underway, but the situation remains dire as families anxiously await news.

Editor’s Note: Ferry accidents like this are tragically common in Indonesia, where overcrowding and lax safety standards often turn routine trips into disasters. This isn't just a headline—it's a reminder of the human cost behind transportation gaps in archipelagic nations. For locals, ferries are a lifeline, but when they fail, the consequences are devastating.

This live update covers a mix of breaking news in Australia, including the passing of Eileen Bond at 87 and the tragic death of a NSW man who contracted a rare virus from a bat bite. Meanwhile, power is gradually being restored for thousands in NSW after outages.

Editor’s Note: While the story touches on routine updates like power restoration, the focus here is on two sobering events—a high-profile death and a rare fatal virus case. The bat-related infection is particularly alarming because it highlights the unpredictable risks of zoonotic diseases, something that might make people think twice about wildlife encounters. It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be, even in seemingly mundane circumstances.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is pushing back against Donald Trump’s demands for his arrest, framing the attacks as retaliation for his pro-worker stance—not his background. Mamdani slammed Trump’s policies, like the "Big Beautiful Bill," as handouts to the rich disguised as economic relief, arguing they abandon everyday Americans.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political spat—it’s a clash over who gets to shape the narrative about economic justice. Mamdani’s response highlights how progressive candidates are directly challenging Trump’s legacy, turning his attacks into a rallying cry for labor rights. For voters tired of corporate-friendly policies, this feud underscores a bigger fight about whose interests politicians really serve.

The US has relaxed export controls on advanced chip design software sold to China, according to major tech firms like Siemens, Synopsys, and Cadence. This means these companies no longer need special government approval to sell their electronic design automation (EDA) tools to Chinese customers—a move that hints at a slight thaw in tech trade tensions between the two nations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about software—it’s a small but telling shift in the high-stakes tech cold war between the US and China. EDA tools are critical for designing cutting-edge chips, so loosening restrictions could ease pressure on China’s semiconductor industry while giving American firms access to a lucrative market. But don’t mistake it for détente: it’s likely a tactical adjustment, not a full retreat from tech competition.