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MUNICH – Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a message of reassurance to European allies at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, signaling a desire to “revitalize” the transatlantic relationship after a period of strain. But, the offer of renewed partnership came with clear conditions, framing a future alliance largely within the policy priorities of the Trump administration. Rubio described the United States as “a child of Europe,” emphasizing a shared history and destiny, but similarly underscored the need for a fundamental reassessment of Western priorities.

The speech marked a significant shift in tone from last year’s conference, where Vice President J.D. Vance adopted a more combative stance, rattling European capitals. Even as Rubio’s remarks were met with a standing ovation, analysts noted the offer wasn’t one of equals, but rather a partnership defined by American terms. The Secretary of State’s address comes amid ongoing tensions stemming from President Trump’s trade policies, his approach to NATO, and recent controversial actions like the attempt to annex Greenland, as reported by The New York Times.

A Call for Shared Renewal

Rubio explicitly stated the US does not seek to isolate itself from Europe, declaring, “We do not seek to separate, but to revitalize an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history.” He acknowledged that the US approach might be perceived as direct, attributing it to a “profound concern” for Europe’s future. He framed a shared responsibility for addressing societal challenges, stating, “We made these mistakes together, and now together, we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward — to rebuild,” according to a statement released by the State Department.

However, this call for renewal was interwoven with pointed critiques of European policies. Rubio admonished European nations for prioritizing welfare programs over national defense and for embracing migration policies he argued threatened societal cohesion. He argued that a post-Cold War “euphoria” had led to a “dangerous delusion” of borderless globalization and overreliance on international institutions, a sentiment echoed in reporting by CBS News.

Framing Security and Sovereignty

A central theme of Rubio’s speech was the importance of national sovereignty, particularly regarding border control. He asserted that controlling national borders is “a fundamental act of national sovereignty,” and not an expression of xenophobia. This stance aligns with the Trump administration’s broader focus on immigration restriction. He also criticized what he termed a “foolish but voluntary transformation” of Western economies that had created vulnerabilities and dependencies.

Rubio also took aim at what he called a “climate cult” and the expansion of welfare states, arguing these had come at the expense of national defense. He suggested that the US and Europe had made similar errors in judgment, and that a renewed alliance should recognize these shared failings. He argued for reforming, rather than dismantling, international institutions like the UN, asserting that President Trump, not the UN, was actively resolving crises in Gaza and Ukraine.

A Contrast to Past Rhetoric

The Secretary of State’s conciliatory tone stands in stark contrast to the address delivered by Vice President Vance at the same conference last year. Vance’s remarks were widely criticized for being combative and divisive, fueling fears of a trans-Atlantic split, as noted by USA Today. Rubio, while delivering sharp criticism, repeatedly affirmed a shared destiny between the US and Europe, stating, “For us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.”

Conference chair Wolfgang Ischinger reportedly described the speech as widely reassuring, telling Rubio, “Mr. Secretary, I’m not sure you heard the sigh of relief through this hall.”

Rubio offered limited details regarding Ukraine in his speech, having skipped a meeting with European leaders the previous night citing scheduling issues. However, he indicated that the two sides had narrowed their differences, with the remaining issues being the most challenging.

What comes next will depend on Europe’s response to Rubio’s conditional offer. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the US and Europe can forge a renewed alliance based on the terms outlined in Munich, or if tensions will continue to escalate. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on this developing story in the comments below.

Alice Springs, NT – As temperatures soar in central Australia, a growing number of families are facing an impossible choice: pay for electricity to retain cool, or put food on the table. The extreme heat, exacerbated by the climate crisis, is driving up power bills and leaving vulnerable communities, particularly First Nations Australians, struggling to cope.

Vanessa Napaltjari Davis, an Arrernte and Luritja woman living in Nyewente, also known as Trucking Yards, a town camp surrounding Alice Springs, is one of over 65,000 Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland relying on prepaid electricity. She describes a recent stretch where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius for nearly 40 days. “We almost had 40 days over 40,” she says. “I was struggling to keep on top of the power bill and keep my little grannies [grandchildren] cool.”

The situation highlights a critical issue of energy affordability and access for Indigenous communities in remote Australia. Prepaid electricity meters, while intended to facilitate manage consumption, are creating a precarious situation where power can be disconnected with little notice, leaving families without essential cooling during dangerous heatwaves. The rising cost of living, coupled with inadequate housing, is compounding the problem.

The Rising Cost of Keeping Cool

Davis typically budgets $70 per week for electricity, enough to cover her needs during moderate temperatures. However, with the recent extreme heat, that amount now lasts less than three days. “I usually put $70 a week on my electricity when it’s normal temperature, and it will last me until the next pay week,” she explains. “But because of this extreme hot weather, that $70 is only like two or three days.” She is forced to repeatedly top up her prepaid card, diverting funds from other essential expenses like food.

This isn’t an isolated case. A 2025 study by Original Power, a First Nations energy justice organisation, found that households relying on prepaid electricity experience an average of 49 disconnections per year – almost one per week – due to unaffordable bills. The financial strain is particularly acute for Davis, who is the sole provider for her household.

“What’s more important, the electricity or food? But to us, they are both important,” Davis says. “We need the electricity to keep the fridge cool for the food to be stored in. If we don’t keep the electricity on then the food goes off, then a lot of people have to wait until their next payday to buy more food. This is the decision that we create every day, everybody.” She provided a breakdown of her power costs, revealing she paid $1331.12 during the winter months (June-August), $920.64 in September-November, and already $663.97 for December and January, with frequent disconnections due to insufficient funds.

Systemic Issues and Calls for Change

The Northern Territory government states that electricity prices are “regulated and subsidised,” and that consumption typically increases during extreme temperatures. A spokesperson for Jacana Energy, the electricity retailer, confirmed that higher consumption leads to quicker depletion of prepaid credit, but the tariff itself remains unchanged. They also highlighted the availability of safeguards like emergency credit and hardship programs.

However, advocates argue that these measures are insufficient. Lauren Mellor, co-director of Original Power’s clean energy communities program, says governments are “dragging their heels” on implementing a ban on disconnections during extreme heat. Original Power has proposed a trial banning disconnections when temperatures exceed 40°C, but the proposal is still under consideration by the Albanese government. Mellor emphasizes that “poor quality housing and a reliance on box air-conditioners in many First Nations communities cause families to spend more to keep homes at safe temperatures.”

Dr. Simon Quilty, a physician working in the Northern Territory for over two decades, has observed a direct correlation between inadequate housing and increased hospital admissions during heatwaves. “What I started to notice in 2014 in Katherine was how many people were coming to hospital because of their terrible housing stock,” he said. “You would see a real uptick in admissions and highly serious illnesses in the really hot months.”

The federal government has stated its commitment to addressing energy poverty and supporting the clean energy transition in remote areas, thanking Original Power for its work and promising continued collaboration with states and territories. The Northern Territory government is running campaigns to educate customers on energy conservation and available support schemes.

Vanessa Napaltjari Davis is a senior researcher at the Tangentyere Council Research Hub, with over 20 years of experience in social research and evaluation. Her ORCID ID is 0000-0001-9828-8038. She advocates for community-led research and ensuring Aboriginal voices are heard in policy decisions.

As central Australia braces for continued extreme temperatures, the need for systemic change is becoming increasingly urgent. The long-term solution requires investment in energy-efficient housing, affordable energy options, and policies that prioritize the wellbeing of vulnerable communities. The question of whether to prioritize electricity or food should not be one that families like Davis’ are forced to confront.

Share your thoughts on this critical issue in the comments below.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Akshay Bhatia is making a strong push at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, continuing a remarkable run of form with a precision approach shot on the 7th hole at Pebble Beach. The 21-year-classic golfer carded a birdie after a stunning 102-yard tee shot landed just 8 feet from the pin, adding to a day already marked by impressive play. This latest success comes as other top players also navigate the challenging conditions at the iconic California course.

Bhatia’s performance comes after a strong showing on Friday, where he shared the lead with Ryo Hisatsune at 15-under 129, the lowest 36-hole score since the tournament adopted its current two-course rotation in 2024. The favorable conditions of the first two days – dry fairways and soft greens – allowed for low scoring, but players are bracing for potentially tougher conditions as the weekend progresses. The tournament has also drawn attention for off-course buzz surrounding a potential celebrity sighting, though the focus remains firmly on the competition.

Bhatia’s Precision Approach Sets Up Birdie

The shot on the 7th hole exemplifies Bhatia’s accuracy. According to PGA Tour coverage, the 102-yard tee shot landed within striking distance, setting up a straightforward birdie putt. This continues a trend of exceptional iron play for Bhatia, who has been consistently placing his shots in advantageous positions throughout the tournament. Footage of the shot showcases the precision of his approach.

Akshay Bhatia has birdied six out of his first seven holes during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and currently holds a lead! 🐦https://t.co/wJq9w9qJ9q

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) February 10, 2024

Strong Start to the Third Round

The birdie on the 7th isn’t an isolated incident. Bhatia began the third round with a flurry of birdies, having previously birdied six of his first seven holes. This aggressive start builds on his impressive performance over the first two rounds, where he remained bogey-free at both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. He also sank a 6-foot birdie putt on the 6th hole and a 28-foot birdie putt on the 5th, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on opportunities. Prior to this, he hit a 77-yard approach to 8 feet on the 4th, setting up another birdie chance. His consistent scoring has positioned him favorably as the tournament enters its final stages.

Other players are also making moves on the leaderboard. Sam Burns chipped in from 47 feet for a birdie on the 18th, while Sepp Straka chipped in from 40 yards on the same hole. Rickie Fowler and Sam Burns are one shot behind the leaders, and notable players like Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, and defending champion Rory McIlroy remain within striking distance. Even Scottie Scheffler, currently nine shots back, believes he remains in contention, stating, “We’ll see how it shakes out at the finish of the day. It’s going to accept two pretty special rounds, really three special rounds, but you’re never out of it.”

Looking Ahead

As the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am progresses, the focus will be on whether Bhatia can maintain his momentum and withstand the anticipated tougher conditions. The leaderboard remains tightly packed, promising a thrilling finish. The weekend rounds will be crucial as players battle for position and the coveted title at Pebble Beach. The tournament continues to draw significant attention, not only for the high-level competition but also for the surrounding atmosphere and potential celebrity appearances.

What are your thoughts on Akshay Bhatia’s performance so far? Share your predictions for the weekend in the comments below!