The news, distilled into what matters.

Saudi Arabia calls an attempted Mecca attack a 'red line' as Iran-backed Houthis deny they did it

  • Saudi Arabia says Iran-backed Houthi rebels tried to attack Mecca — calling the holy city a "red line" — a claim the Houthis deny and that Riyadh says it intercepted.
  • Houthi assaults have reportedly shut a key Saudi oil pipeline and helped push prices above $100 a barrel, raising concerns about supply and shipping security.
  • A new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense pact has not been activated — Ankara and Islamabad say they haven’t received any Saudi request for military support.

Hong Kong's first five-year plan aims to add jobs, homes

  • Hong Kong's new five-year plan promises 196,000 public housing units and fast-tracks the Northern Metropolis to ease the housing crunch and create jobs.
  • The city aims to cement its financial hub role — launching a gold central clearing system by 2027, rolling out CBDC settlement this year, and boosting offshore renminbi and dual listings.
  • Emphasis on deeper tech ties with the mainland (AI, robotics, microelectronics) and family-friendly measures — extended baby bonuses, child allowances and more childcare centers.

Misiorowski Powers Brewers To A 4th Straight NL Central Title

  • Brewers clinched their fourth straight NL Central after a 5-1 win over the Pirates and a late Cubs loss — players celebrated watching the other game on TV.
  • Rookie flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski struck out seven in five shutout innings, topping 100 mph on many pitches and cementing his Cy Young–caliber season (1.89 ERA, 243 K).
  • Milwaukee has reached the postseason 8 of the last 9 years but is still chasing the franchise's first World Series appearance since 1982.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is expected in court in The Hague

  • Rodrigo Duterte, 81, is expected to make his first public appearance in over a year at an ICC pretrial hearing in The Hague after judges ruled he’s fit to attend despite earlier medical absences.
  • He faces crimes-against-humanity charges over his “war on drugs,” with contested death tolls cited between about 6,000 (police) and up to 30,000 (human-rights groups).
  • The case has fueled wider turmoil: the Philippines tried to withdraw from the ICC, a former police chief wanted on an arrest warrant remains on the run, and Duterte’s daughter, VP Sara Duterte, is facing an impeachment trial.

Pete Alonso Reaches 300-Home Run Milestone Against His Old Team

  • Pete Alonso launched his 300th career homer — a 414-foot solo shot to tie the game in the 9th at Citi Field, drawing a curtain call and chants from the crowd.
  • Coby Mayo finished it in the 11th with a dramatic inside-the-park, three-run homer (the ball glanced off the center fielder), giving the Orioles a 7-5 win.
  • The Mets dropped their third straight (clinching a losing season), and fans even chanted “Fire Stearns” amid the late-game drama.

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