Global News Highlights: Politics, Crime, and International Issues

The article examines the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on US manufacturing, particularly in Fall River, Massachusetts. Despite Trump's promises to revive American manufacturing, companies in the area are struggling with increased costs and reduced demand due to the tariffs. The Teixeira family's Accurate Services, a sewing company, has turned down new business due to hiring difficulties and uncertainty about sustained demand. Other local manufacturers, such as Matouk and Vanson Leathers, are also feeling the effects of the tariffs, with increased costs and reduced investments. While some Trump supporters remain optimistic, experts warn that the tariffs will ultimately harm the economy.

An Indian woman, Anjali, lost 58.5m rupees to a 'digital arrest' scam, where fraudsters posed as law enforcement officials and coerced her into transferring money. She alleges that her bank, HDFC, failed to detect red flags or trigger alerts for abnormal transactions. The scam has exposed regulatory gaps in India's digital banking system, with growing discussions worldwide around who ultimately pays for financial fraud. Anjali has managed to recover only a fraction of her lost money.

Erin Patterson, an Australian woman, has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering three relatives and attempting to kill another with a toxic mushroom meal. Patterson, 50, served a beef Wellington dish containing death cap mushrooms to her in-laws and their guests at her home in Victoria in 2023. The victims, Don and Gail Patterson (both 70) and Heather Wilkinson (66), died after consuming the meal, while Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson survived but has ongoing health issues. Patterson maintained her innocence throughout the trial, claiming the mushrooms were accidentally added to the dish. The sentencing judge described Patterson's crimes as the 'worst category' of offending and imposed three consecutive life sentences for the murders and 25 years for the attempted murder. Patterson will be eligible for parole in at least 33 years, when she is in her 80s.

The French parliament is set to vote out Prime Minister François Bayrou, but this is unlikely to break the country's political deadlock. Bayrou called a confidence vote in an attempt to 'shock' politicians into agreeing on a way to tackle France's looming debt crisis, but he is expected to lose. The country's politics remain divided, with President Emmanuel Macron's centrist government weakened after a snap parliamentary election in June 2024 resulted in a hung parliament. The far-right National Rally party is gaining popularity, with its leader Jordan Bardella becoming increasingly prominent. The article discusses the potential for further protests and industrial action as France faces economic challenges.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has joined a flotilla of boats carrying aid to Gaza, which docked in Tunisia to a warm welcome from large crowds. The flotilla, comprising around 20 vessels and 350 pro-Palestinian activists, aims to 'break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza.' Thunberg addressed the crowd, stating that a 'genocide' and 'mass starvation' are occurring in Gaza due to Israel's actions. Israel has denied these claims, blaming hunger on Hamas and aid agency failures. The flotilla's previous attempt in June was intercepted by Israeli forces. The group will stay in Tunisia for a few days before continuing their journey to Gaza.

A recent cocaine trafficking operation involving over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine was foiled by Irish authorities in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. The operation, linked to the notorious Kinahan organised crime group, was attempting to smuggle the drugs into the UK and Europe via Ireland. Eight men were convicted and jailed for a total of 129 years. Despite this success, law enforcement agencies admit they are struggling to stop the growing quantity of cocaine crossing the Atlantic from South America due to limited resources. Ireland's coastline is particularly vulnerable to smuggling due to its extensive and isolated inlets, and the country's low defence spending exacerbates the issue. The Irish government has announced plans to increase defence funding, but experts warn that more needs to be done to protect the country's maritime borders.

Rosa Roisinblit, an Argentine human rights activist and honorary president of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, has died at the age of 106. She was a founding member of the organization, which searched for children stolen during Argentina's military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983. Roisinblit's own daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were kidnapped in 1978, and her grandson was later found and reunited with her. She dedicated her life to fighting for human rights and was instrumental in bringing perpetrators to justice. Her grandson, Guillermo, is now a human rights lawyer continuing her legacy.

Ryan Wesley Routh, 59, is set to stand trial in Florida for allegedly attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump in September 2024. Routh will represent himself in court, despite being advised against it by Judge Aileen Cannon. The incident occurred while Trump was golfing at his club in West Palm Beach, Florida, and a US Secret Service agent spotted Routh hiding in the bushes. Routh fired on the agent and was later apprehended by local law enforcement. He has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The trial is expected to begin on September 8 at a federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida.

A South Korean worker at a Hyundai car factory in Georgia witnessed a massive immigration operation by federal agents, resulting in the arrest of 475 people, including 300 South Korean nationals. The worker described panic and confusion as agents descended on the site. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Low Voltage', targeted an electric battery plant being built on the same site as the existing Hyundai car factory. The detained workers were found to be illegally present in the US, having entered through various means, including illegal border crossing and visa overstaying. The raid has raised concerns about the impact on US-South Korean relations and the potential deterrent effect on foreign investment in the US.

The BBC visited Cambodian villages caught in the middle of a conflict with Thailand over a disputed border. The conflict has killed dozens and displaced thousands, with razor wire now separating the two countries. Cambodia claims Thailand is illegally encroaching on its territory, while Thailand says it is securing its border. The dispute centers around the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was damaged during the fighting. The conflict has had a significant economic impact, with billions of dollars in annual trade slowed to a trickle and hundreds of thousands of Cambodian workers leaving Thailand. Both sides are using the conflict to drum up international sympathy, with Cambodia complaining to UNESCO about the damage to the temple and Thailand accusing Cambodia of laying landmines along the border.

The Israeli army has called on Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate to a designated humanitarian area in the south as it expands its operations in preparation for seizing the famine-stricken city. The evacuation order comes as aid groups warn of a dire humanitarian crisis and Palestinians have been repeatedly displaced during the nearly two-year-long war. The conflict began after Hamas-led terrorists attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, with many more displaced and struggling to access medical care and basic necessities.

A drone fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels hit Israel's southern Ramon International Airport, causing minor damage and injuring one person. The attack was part of an escalation in the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthis, who have been firing missiles and drones at Israel since Hamas' October 7 attack. Israel's military said most of the drones were intercepted, but one breached air defenses and crashed into the airport's passenger terminal. The Houthis hailed the attack as a 'unique, qualitative military operation' and warned that 'enemy airports are unsafe.' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue operations in Gaza City, amid stalled negotiations with Hamas.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation following a historic defeat in July's parliamentary election, amid growing calls from his own party to take responsibility. Ishiba had resisted demands to step down for over a month, citing the need to avoid a political vacuum during a time of key challenges for Japan. His decision comes as the Liberal Democratic Party prepares to decide whether to hold an early leadership election, which would have been a virtual no-confidence motion against him. The party is expected to set a date for its presidential election, likely to be held in early October, with possible candidates including Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi. Ishiba's resignation is seen as a step towards healing the party's divisions and allowing for more effective governance, as the next LDP leader will have to work with opposition parties to pass bills.

The Ukrainian government building in Kyiv was damaged in a massive Russian aerial attack, marking an escalation in the ongoing war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, which killed at least two people, including a mother and her 3-month-old child. Russia launched 810 drones and decoys, as well as 13 missiles, against Ukraine, with Ukraine's Air Force shooting down 747 drones and 4 missiles. The attack was the largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began, and it came after European leaders pressed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to work towards ending the war. Ukrainian officials called for increased sanctions against Russia, while Western leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned the attack.

American social media influencer Ethan Guo was released from a Chilean airbase in Antarctica after being detained for two months for landing a plane without permission. Guo, who was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents, was detained after Chilean authorities said he provided false flight plan data. He was released on the condition that he donates the money he raised to a childhood cancer foundation within 30 days and leaves the country as soon as possible. Guo is also banned from entering Chilean territory for three years.

China's exports to the U.S. plunged 33% in August, while overall exports growth slowed to 4.4%, its lowest since February. Imports rose 1.3%, missing estimates. The U.S. remains China's largest export destination, despite a decline in bilateral trade. Chinese exporters have been diversifying to other markets, such as Southeast Asia and the EU. Economists expect China's exports to come under pressure due to the U.S.-China trade tensions and the impact of frontloading exports wanes. China's economic growth is also facing challenges from sluggish domestic demand and deflationary pressure.

The U.S. economy suffered a setback with the August jobs report showing a significant decline in new payrolls, rising unemployment, and a slowdown in employment growth. The Federal Reserve is expected to respond with a rate cut, with traders pricing in an 8% chance of a 50 basis point cut and a near certainty of a 25 basis point reduction. The report had a negative impact on U.S. markets, but they ended the week in the green. Other news includes U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning of massive refunds if tariffs are ruled illegal and Trump threatening to launch a trade probe to nullify EU fines on Google.

The August U.S. jobs report revealed a significant slowdown in job growth, with nonfarm payrolls rising by only 22,000, far below expectations. Despite this, the unemployment rate increase was largely due to a surge in the labor force. The report has heightened expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut, with traders now pricing in a 10% chance of a 50 basis point cut and a near certainty of at least a 25 basis point reduction. The article also touches on other market news, including Alibaba's investment in a Chinese humanoid startup and the impact of potential tariff rulings on U.S. Treasury refunds.

Klarna, a Swedish fintech company, is preparing for its initial public offering (IPO) and is attempting to rebrand itself as a digital retail bank rather than just a buy now, pay later (BNPL) firm. Investors will scrutinize this rebranding and Klarna's business model as it edges closer to its IPO. The company has held a banking license in the EU since 2017 and offers personal bank accounts in Germany. Klarna's IPO valuation is expected to be between $13 billion and $14 billion, down from its 2021 valuation of $45.6 billion. The company's financials will be under scrutiny, having disclosed a net loss of $53 million in the second quarter, while revenues climbed 20% year-over-year to $823 million. Analysts are divided on how to value Klarna, with some comparing it to peers like Affirm, which has a market capitalization of over $29 billion.

Erin Patterson, an Australian woman, was sentenced to three life sentences with a non-parole period of 33 years for killing three lunch guests with poisonous mushrooms. Patterson had invited her estranged husband's family members to lunch, deliberately lacing the meal with death cap mushrooms. The victims included her husband's parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt and uncle, Ian and Heather Wilkinson. Ian Wilkinson was the sole survivor and was hospitalized after consuming the tainted meal. The court heard that Patterson had premeditated the crime, purchasing a dehydrator to dry the mushrooms and lying to police about the source of the mushrooms. The sentencing judge described Patterson's actions as an 'enormous betrayal of trust' that had caused 'untold suffering' to her own children and others.

A fugitive father, Thomas Callam Phillips, was shot dead by police in New Zealand after a four-year search for him and his three children. The children, aged 9, 10, and 12, were found safe and taken into police custody. Phillips had been evading police since December 2021, and the search for him and his children had garnered significant attention. A police officer was injured during the confrontation, and Phillips' children are now expected to be reunited with their mother.

The article analyzes President Donald Trump's second administration, eight months in, and argues that beneath his aggressive rhetoric and actions, there are signs of political weakness. Trump's policies on the economy, public health, and foreign policy are having adverse impacts that risk political blowback. The administration is facing challenges in the courts, with several rulings against Trump's policies, and is responding by doubling down on disruption and executive power grabs. The article suggests that Trump's economy is floundering, and his actions on public health and foreign policy are having negative consequences. The overall tone is critical and analytical, with a negative sentiment towards Trump's policies and actions.

The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is being criticized by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) through a series of Facebook ads, accusing GHF of orchestrating violence and killing civilians. GHF denies the allegations, calling them 'false and disgraceful' and claiming that MSF is amplifying a disinformation campaign by the Hamas-linked Gaza Health Ministry. The United Nations reported 1,889 deaths near aid sites between May 27 and Aug. 18. Tensions between GHF and MSF are evident, with GHF providing support to MSF in early August, but MSF staff allegedly refusing to treat GHF staff wounded in a Hamas attack.

The US strike on a Venezuelan drug-smuggling boat is part of a broader campaign to dismantle Iran and Hezbollah's growing narco empire in Venezuela. Experts say Hezbollah has become a main finance and money launderer for narco-terrorism groups, using family ties, language, and community institutions to cement its influence across Latin America. The partnership between Iran, Hezbollah, and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro enables Hezbollah to operate in Venezuela, and Iran uses this partnership to safely operate in the West without prosecution. US officials say the key to weakening Hezbollah's narcotics empire lies in choking its financial networks.

The upcoming visit of President Donald Trump to the UK has highlighted the country's growing free speech crisis. The arrest of Irish comedian Graham Linehan for allegedly criticizing transgender activists on social media has sparked criticism of the left-wing Labor government's handling of free speech. Critics argue that the UK is cracking down on free speech, citing examples such as the arrest of parents for comments made in a WhatsApp group and the jailing of a woman for a racist tweet. The issue has raised alarm bells on both sides of the Atlantic, with Vice President JD Vance warning that 'free speech, I fear, is in retreat.'

The US Defense Department reported that two Venezuelan aircraft flew near a US Navy vessel in international waters, calling it a 'highly provocative move.' The incident occurred as the Trump administration escalates its efforts against narco-terrorism. The Pentagon is deploying 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico for counter-narcotics tasking. The move follows a US Marine strike on a cartel-operated vessel off Venezuela's coast, killing 11 members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a US-designated terrorist organization. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as an 'indicted drug trafficker' and a 'fugitive of American justice.' The US is reclassifying two gangs as foreign terrorist organizations and working with 'cooperative governments' to identify and disrupt drug traffickers.

A report into the Lisbon Gloria funicular crash that killed 17 people, including two Britons, has found that the cable linking the two carriages snapped, causing the disaster. The crash occurred when the carriages had travelled just six metres, and despite the activation of both brakes, the vehicle accelerated and crashed at 60kmh. The report found that maintenance was up to date, but the area where the cable broke was not visible without dismantling. The Gloria funicular is a historic national monument in Lisbon, popular with tourists. The exact number of people on board each carriage is not confirmed, but most victims were foreigners.

A man, Tom Phillips, who had been on the run with his three children in New Zealand for nearly four years, was shot dead by police during an armed confrontation. Phillips and his children had been evading capture since December 2021, with Phillips being wanted for various crimes including an armed bank robbery. During the confrontation, a police officer was critically injured, and Phillips was shot dead. The children were taken into custody and are expected to be reunited with their mother. The case has garnered significant attention in New Zealand due to Phillips' ability to evade arrest for an extended period.

US President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to move to the second stage of sanctioning Russia following a large-scale aerial attack by Moscow that resulted in at least four deaths and over 40 injuries. The attack, which involved 805 drones and decoys, was condemned by world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Trump to impose punishing sanctions on Russia to push for a peace agreement.

An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, has been sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years for poisoning four of her estranged husband's relatives with death cap mushrooms. Patterson was convicted of murdering three people and attempting to murder a fourth. The victims were her parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, as well as Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson, who survived the poisoning. Patterson had served them a lunch of beef Wellington pastries laced with death cap mushrooms at her home. The judge, Justice Christopher Beale, described Patterson's crimes as an 'enormous betrayal of trust' and noted that she had pretended to have been diagnosed with cancer to bring the victims together. Patterson maintained that she had added the mushrooms to the meal by accident, but the judge inferred that her intention was to kill. The case has attracted significant public interest, and the sentencing hearing was broadcast live on television for the first time in Victorian Supreme Court history.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is criticized for focusing on a minor, defunct non-profit organization in West Virginia while ignoring massive corruption within New York-based charities and non-profits that are allegedly siphoning hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. The article argues that James is more interested in pursuing ideological lawfare against her political enemies than addressing real corruption in her home state.

An 88-year-old jewelry store owner was assaulted by a gang of masked thieves during a smash-and-grab robbery at his store in San Jose, California. The owner suffered a stroke and was cut by broken glass. The robbers, armed with axes and hammers, stole gold and jewelry, causing damage estimated between $50,000 and $100,000. The San Jose Police Department has launched an investigation, but no arrests have been made. Local leaders have condemned the violent robbery and are demanding stronger protections for small businesses.

A woman named Cheryl Richardson-Wagner was wrongly identified as the 'Phillies Karen' who snatched a home run ball from a young boy at a game. The real 'Phillies Karen' remains unidentified and has been condemned online for her actions. Richardson-Wagner, a Red Sox fan, set the record straight on Facebook, and the Hammonton School District also cleared the air, stating that the 'Phillies Karen' was not an employee. The incident ended well for the boy, who received baseball goodies and met with the player who hit the home run, Harrison Bader.

Tom Phillips, a father who had been on the run with his three children in New Zealand's wilderness since 2021, was shot dead by police during a burglary attempt. The children were found, and their mother expressed relief and sadness at the outcome. The incident was traumatic for those involved, and authorities had struggled to locate Phillips and the children in the challenging Waikato landscape.

A new study by Dutch researchers Hessel Voortman and Rob de Vos has found that worldwide sea levels are not rising any faster than they were a century ago, contradicting complex climate-change models that predicted a much faster rate of rise. The study, which analyzed data from 150,000 coastal locations, found that sea-level rise this century will likely be about six inches, the same as last century. The authors argue that this debunks one of the most common claims about catastrophic man-caused climate change, but expect that the 'climate-change cult' will not be swayed by the evidence. The article criticizes the media and academia for amplifying predictions of apocalypse and argues that the push for 'net zero' carbon emissions is driven by ideological and financial interests rather than scientific evidence.

An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering three of her husband's relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms. Patterson, 50, was convicted in July after a two-month trial. The victims were her husband's parents, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. The only survivor was Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson. Prosecutors argued that Patterson had meticulously planned the poisonings, misled authorities, and attempted to conceal evidence. Justice Christopher Beale stated that Patterson's offenses involved 'substantial premeditation' and an 'elaborate cover-up.' Patterson claimed the deaths were an accident, but the prosecution presented evidence of tension between Patterson and her husband over child support and other matters, as well as layers of deception by Patterson.

Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking by winning the U.S. Open, defeating Jannik Sinner in the final. Alcaraz's victory was marked by a dominant performance, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The win was Alcaraz's sixth Grand Slam title and demonstrated his growing maturity as a player. Alcaraz's coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, noted that Alcaraz is 'growing up' and becoming more consistent. The article highlights Alcaraz's impressive performance and his rivalry with Sinner, who is now second in the world rankings.

France is on the verge of another government collapse due to political paralysis, with Prime Minister François Bayrou's austerity budget proposal facing opposition from both the far-right National Rally party and left-wing parties. The country's instability is reflected in its four prime ministers in 20 months, a severe budget deficit, and a worsening national debt. President Emmanuel Macron, who is term-limited and will leave office in 2027, is under pressure to resign or call a new parliamentary election, which could see the National Rally come out on top.

Despite President Trump's 50% tariffs on India, the country's stock markets have remained relatively stable, with Indian investors pouring money into stocks as fast as foreign investors are taking it out. The emergence of Indian homegrown investors as a major force reflects the growing confidence of India's middle class and the development of its domestic financial sector. Indian institutional investors now hold a greater proportion of the market, making individual investors less dependent on international money managers. The tariffs have devastated companies that export to the US, but India's government has signaled its readiness to support exporters. The number of individual brokerage accounts has exploded since 2020, with 200 million accounts opened by this summer.

The article discusses the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in men's tennis, particularly at the Grand Slams. The author questions whether their consistent presence in the finals is beneficial for the sport, as it creates a sense of predictability. The article highlights the gulf in class between Alcaraz and Sinner and the rest of the players, with Novak Djokovic, the world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, and other top players struggling to keep up. The author notes that while Alcaraz and Sinner have produced some great matches, their dominance can make the sport less exciting. The article also touches on the potential emergence of new players, such as 19-year-old João Fonseca, who could potentially challenge Alcaraz and Sinner's dominance.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in the U.S. Open men's final, reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking. Alcaraz won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, with his superiority on the serve and forehand being key factors. Alcaraz's ability to change tempo and disrupt Sinner's rhythm was crucial in the match. This was Alcaraz's sixth Grand Slam title and second at the U.S. Open. Sinner's serve was not as potent as usual, and he struggled with unforced errors on his forehand.

The article discusses the factors influencing America's young voters in the 2024 US presidential election. It highlights their disillusionment with the current state of affairs, including expensive higher education, a tough economy, and high-interest rates. The youth are attracted to both Donald Trump's authenticity and Kamala Harris's charm, with Harris leading in opinion polls among under-30s. The article explores the views of young voters, their concerns about the economy, and their perceptions of the candidates' policies.

The article discusses the lasting impact of the 1947 India-Pakistan Partition on the lives of people who lived through it and their descendants. The Partition resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with over 15 million people displaced and at least one million killed. The article highlights the stories of two individuals, Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, and have been unable to return. The Partition continues to affect the geopolitics of the region, with ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The article also touches on the different ways in which Partition survivors in India and Pakistan perceive the event, with some in India viewing it as an unfortunate break-up of the motherland and others in Pakistan mixing the bloodshed and loss with patriotic colour.

The article discusses the scam hub in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar, on the border with Thailand. Despite a crackdown in February that removed over 9,000 workers, the scam operations continue to operate, with some adapting to the loss of electricity and internet by using Starlink satellite-based systems and solar panels. The scam industry in South-east Asia is estimated to generate between $50 billion and $75 billion annually, with experts describing it as 'ground zero' for global online scamming. The article highlights the role of Chinese crime syndicates, corruption, and human trafficking in the region.

The article discusses the remaining comfort women survivors in Asia, 80 years after being forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. It highlights the story of 97-year-old Park Pil-geun, one of the last surviving comfort women in South Korea, and the ongoing struggles of these survivors to seek closure and justice. The issue remains a contentious topic between South Korea and Japan, with tensions rising and falling over the years. The article also touches on the different approaches taken by China and the Philippines in dealing with the comfort women issue, and how South Korea has been the most vocal in demanding justice.

A New Zealand fugitive father, Tom Phillips, was shot dead by police during an attempted burglary. Phillips had been hiding in the wilderness with his three children for nearly four years following a custody dispute. Police were alerted to the burglary and pursued Phillips, who opened fire on them. The police returned fire, killing Phillips. One of his children was found at the scene, and the other two were later located at a campsite, unharmed. The incident has been described as 'sad and absolutely tragic' by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who also indicated that there would be questions asked about the police's handling of the case.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has resigned following a funding scandal that has plagued the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The scandal, which involves dozens of LDP lawmakers siphoning unreported profits into slush funds, has led to the party losing its majority in both the lower and upper house elections. Ishiba's resignation marks the second time the LDP has faced a major crisis in recent years, and the party is now bracing for a leadership election in early October. The next PM will face the challenge of addressing the funding scandal and restoring public trust in the party. The LDP's ability to recover from this crisis is uncertain, with some analysts suggesting that the party may go into opposition for the third time in its history.

Tom Phillips, a fugitive father who had been on the run with his three children for nearly four years in New Zealand's wilderness, was shot dead by police during an exchange of fire while investigating an armed burglary. The children were later found safe and uninjured at a local campsite. The incident has sparked a mix of relief and sadness among the community and the children's mother, who had been seeking their safe return.