Papua New Guinea gains a team in Australian rugby league in diplomatic push aimed at curbing China

Seoul, South Korea – South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is meeting U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time to discuss a trade deal that includes South Korea purchasing $100 billion in U.S. energy and investing $350 billion in the U.S. economy, amidst challenges from North Korea and evolving U.S.-South Korea defense relations. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli airstrikes in Yemen's capital Sanaa killed at least six people and wounded 86, targeting military and energy sites in response to Huthi missile attacks on Israel during the ongoing Gaza war. The Huthis vowed to continue their fight against Israel and condemned the strikes, while Israeli officials asserted that the Huthis would face severe consequences for their aggression. Want More Context? 🔎

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an expedited expansion of a scheme allowing first home buyers to secure properties with just a 5% deposit, aiming to enhance home ownership and rental availability. While facing criticism from Nationals leader David Littleproud for insufficient housing policy changes, Albanese emphasized his government's commitment to tax cuts and potential future tax reforms to improve efficiency and equity. Want More Context? 🔎

The federal government is reportedly pressuring Kilmar Abrego Garcia to plead guilty to human smuggling charges or face deportation to Uganda, according to his attorneys. After refusing a plea deal that would have allowed him to be deported to Costa Rica, Abrego Garcia was released from custody, but ICE has mandated he report to their Baltimore office, threatening his safety if he does not comply. Want More Context? 🔎

This summer in the UK has seen extreme weather, including heatwaves, hosepipe bans, flooding, and Storm Floris, leading to record warmth with the second-hottest June and fifth-hottest July on record. As perceptions of British summers shift due to climate change, the question arises whether the traditional view of mixed summers should be revised in light of these changes. Want More Context? 🔎

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned after his government failed to implement sanctions against Israel in response to the Gaza atrocities. This follows a trend where several European countries, including Slovenia, Belgium, and Germany, have imposed arms embargoes or restrictions on military exports to Israel, raising concerns about potential political ramifications within the EU. Want More Context? 🔎