Global Conflicts, Politics, and Social Issues Dominate News

A victim of child sexual abuse, known as 'Zora', has appealed to Elon Musk to remove links to images of her abuse from his social media platform X. The BBC investigation found that images of Zora's abuse were being sold on X, and the platform's moderation systems were not effective in removing such content. The investigation revealed that the trader was based in Indonesia and was offering 'VIP packages' of child abuse material. X claims to have 'zero tolerance' for child sexual abuse material, but the BBC's findings suggest otherwise. The issue highlights the need for social media platforms to do more to prevent the spread of child abuse material.

Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old woman, was found guilty of murdering three relatives with a death cap mushroom-laced meal in July 2023. The victims were her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband and the sole survivor of the lunch, told the court about the impact of the murders on his life and offered forgiveness to Patterson. Other relatives also gave emotional statements about the loss of their loved ones. Prosecutors argued that Patterson should be sentenced to life in prison without parole, while her lawyer agreed that life in prison was appropriate but argued for the possibility of parole. The sentencing is set for September 8.

At least 20 people, including five journalists working for international media outlets, were killed in an Israeli double strike on Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. The journalists worked for Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye. The incident has been widely condemned, with the UN Secretary General calling for a prompt and impartial investigation and an immediate ceasefire. The strike comes amid a brutal conflict that has killed nearly 200 journalists in Gaza since October 2023, making it the deadliest conflict for journalists ever documented. The Israeli Prime Minister has called the incident a 'tragic mishap' and said military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation.

The French government has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner to protest his recent allegations that France has failed to tackle a surge in antisemitism. Kushner, who is Jewish and related to US President Donald Trump by marriage, made the comments in an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron published in the Wall Street Journal. The letter echoed criticism of France made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Macron of contributing to antisemitism by calling for international recognition of a Palestinian state. France plans to formally recognize Palestine in September. The controversy comes amid an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in significant loss of life and a humanitarian crisis.

Jerry Adler, a veteran actor and stage manager, has died at the age of 96. Adler began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage manager and director on Broadway, working on productions such as 'My Fair Lady' and 'Camelot'. He transitioned to acting in his 60s, landing roles in films and television shows, including 'The Sopranos', 'The Good Wife', and 'Rescue Me'. Adler's career spanned over five decades, and he worked alongside notable stars such as Julie Andrews and Richard Burton. He died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday.

Rapper Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges after being arrested in Los Angeles for wandering the streets naked and allegedly injuring a police officer during the arrest. The 26-year-old artist, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, faces three counts of battery with injury to a police officer and one count of resisting arrest, potentially facing up to five years in prison if convicted. Lil Nas X was arraigned in a Los Angeles courthouse, with bail set at $75,000. Unverified videos show the rapper dancing and rapping in the street before the altercation with police. The incident has sparked controversy, with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stating that attacking police officers is a threat to public safety. Lil Nas X has been known to court controversy throughout his career, including criticism for his music videos and singles.

Mexican drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada has pleaded guilty to two drug smuggling and conspiracy charges in a New York court, marking the end of his notorious criminal career. Zambada, the founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, had previously pleaded not guilty to various charges but changed his plea before a federal judge in Brooklyn. He apologized for his actions, acknowledging the harm caused by illegal drugs in the US and Mexico. Zambada's guilty plea comes after US prosecutors confirmed they would not seek the death penalty against the 77-year-old. His arrest last year was the result of a double-cross by the sons of his former ally, Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, who is serving a life sentence. Zambada is expected to receive a more lenient sentence and will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Three young sisters, aged 9, 11, and 17, drowned in a migrant boat in the central Mediterranean while attempting to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa. The boat, carrying around 65 people, departed from Libya's Zuwara city and encountered rough seas, with waves of up to 1.5m. Rescuers from the German charity RESQSHIP saved about 65 people, including the sisters' mother and brother, as well as three pregnant women and a seven-month-old baby. Many survivors suffered severe chemical burns due to the mixture of seawater and petrol inside the boat. The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, with over 700 deaths recorded this year.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy National Guard troops to Baltimore to 'clean up' crime, escalating a clash with Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Trump made the comments on social media in response to Moore's invitation to join a 'safety walk' in the city. The move is part of Trump's efforts to deploy National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities as part of a crackdown on crime, a strategy that has drawn fierce backlash from Democrats. Governor Moore criticized Trump's comments as 'tone deaf' and 'ignorant', saying they were based on tropes rather than reality. Trump has already deployed around 2,000 troops to Washington DC, where crime figures have actually been falling. The deployment has been met with condemnation from Democratic leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who argue that Trump lacks the legal authority to dispatch troops to cities like Baltimore and Chicago.

In response to what Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro calls 'outlandish threats' by the US, thousands of Venezuelan citizens, including housewives and retirees, have volunteered to join the country's militia. The move is seen as a show of force to Washington, which has issued a $50 million bounty for Maduro and stationed three warships off Venezuela's coast for anti-drug operations. The US alleges Maduro is leading a drug cartel, which Maduro denies. The militia registration centers were set up in various locations, including the presidential palace and a military museum. Volunteers were shown a documentary about a historical European blockade on Venezuela's coast and were taken through a room with various weapons on display. Experts say it is unlikely the US would take direct action, but the situation has sparked worries and jokes among Venezuelans.

An Israeli strike on Gaza's Nasser Hospital killed at least 20 people, including 5 journalists, and wounded many more. The strike was part of a 22-month war sparked by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they carried out the attack and would investigate, expressing regret for harm to uninvolved individuals. The strike was condemned by various organizations, including the Foreign Press Association and the Committee to Protect Journalists, who called for Israel to be held accountable for its attacks on journalists. The incident has drawn international attention and criticism, with many questioning Israel's actions and demanding protection for journalists in Gaza.

Japanese police officials apologized to the family of Shizuo Aishima, a businessman wrongfully arrested and detained for months before dying from cancer. Aishima was one of three executives from Ohkawara Kakohki detained on charges of illegally exporting sensitive equipment, which were later dropped. Human rights campaigners have long criticized Japan's 'hostage justice' practice, where lengthy detentions are used to coerce confessions. The Tokyo police and prosecutors acknowledged the illegality of the investigation and arrests, with officials visiting Aishima's grave to offer apologies. The family and their lawyer are calling for changes to the judicial system to prevent similar cases in the future.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell discusses the Gaza famine and humanitarian crises in Sudan on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Russell emphasizes that the famine in Gaza is man-made, resulting from the inability to deliver sufficient aid, and criticizes the Israeli government's control over aid distribution. She also highlights the dire situation in Sudan, where millions of children are displaced and facing severe humanitarian needs.

Hugo Ortego, a captain on luxury yachts and a star of the reality TV show 'Below Deck,' shares his journey from being an unhappy engineer to working on yachts. He left his well-paying job and long-term relationship to backpack around the world, where he met a South African yacht deckhand who inspired him to join the yachting industry. Ortego discusses common misperceptions about working on yachts, the importance of being willing to learn and having a customer service personality, and the challenges of being away from family. He now mentors others through his 'Superyacht Sunday School' program, which has helped over 90% of his students find jobs in the industry. Ortego shares insights into the financial benefits and drawbacks of working on yachts, cautioning that it's not just about the money.

The article discusses the impact of GLP-1s, a class of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, on the economy and various industries. The drugs have been shown to have a transformative effect on Wall Street and waistlines, and are expected to have a significant impact on consumer spending patterns, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Experts say the wide-ranging applications of GLP-1s could have sweeping implications for both health outcomes and the economy, with potential benefits including increased productivity and healthcare savings. The article also notes that the impact of GLP-1s could go beyond food, with potential applications in the treatment of addictions and implications for producers of recreational stimulants like alcohol and tobacco.

The article discusses the impact of President Donald Trump's decision to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position on the U.S. stock market. The news led to a decline in U.S. stock futures, a weakening of the U.S. dollar, and a rise in gold prices. The article also touches on the potential implications of Trump's move on the independence of the Federal Reserve and the potential consequences for the market. Additionally, it mentions upcoming economic reports and events, such as Nvidia's earnings report, that investors are watching.

President Donald Trump has fired Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, has denied the allegations and hired high-profile attorney Abbe Lowell to challenge her termination. Trump's move is seen as an unprecedented escalation of his attacks on the US central bank's independence and could be challenged in federal court. The termination comes after months of complaints by Trump about the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell, for not cutting interest rates.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on China if it curbs exports of rare-earth magnets to the US. Trump made the statement after a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House, claiming that the US has leverage over China through airplane parts, particularly Boeing aircraft. China's exports of rare-earth magnets have recovered to pre-export curb levels, with a significant surge in shipments to the US. Experts believe Trump's remarks are a negotiating tactic and that the real test lies in implementing trade agreements. Senior Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang is set to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and senior Treasury officials in Washington this week.

Australia has expelled the Iranian ambassador to Canberra after its intelligence agency, ASIO, found that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. The attacks targeted a Jewish-owned restaurant in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the acts as 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.' The Iranian ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, and three other diplomatic staff have been given seven days to leave the country. Australia has also suspended operations at its embassy in Iran and urged Australians in Iran to leave. The IRGC will be listed as a terrorist agency. Iran has denied the allegations, calling them 'unfounded.'

The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the design industry, including furniture, architecture, and fashion. Three prominent designers - Philippe Starck, Norma Kamali, and Tim Fu - share their experiences with AI-driven design, highlighting its potential to enhance creativity, improve efficiency, and streamline manufacturing. While AI is not yet capable of replicating human creativity, it can be a valuable tool for designers, allowing them to generate new ideas, explore new territories, and automate repetitive tasks. The designers emphasize the importance of maintaining human intuition and vision in the design process, while leveraging AI to augment their work.

The island of Jeju, known as the 'Hawaii of South Korea,' has issued a multi-language guide to warn international visitors about misbehaving and outline minor offenses that can result in fines. The guide comes as a response to a surge in tourism, with 1.9 million foreign tourists visiting in 2024, and subsequent complaints from locals about disorderly conduct. Jeju officials have printed 8,000 copies of the guide, which is written in Korean, English, and Chinese, to inform visitors about local regulations and culture. The guide warns against offenses such as smoking in non-designated areas, jaywalking, littering, and damaging the environment, with fines of up to 50,000 KRW ($35.77). The issue of overtourism is not unique to Jeju, with other destinations in the region, such as South Korea's Bukchon Hanok Village, Japan's Kyoto, and Indonesia's Bali, also facing similar challenges.

President Donald Trump has announced that he has fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook has denied any wrongdoing and stated that she will continue to carry out her duties. The move is unprecedented and has sparked debate about the president's authority to fire a central bank governor. Cook's attorneys have vowed to take action to prevent the firing, and the issue may end up in court.

The article discusses the escalating political feud between President Donald Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker over Trump's threat to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. The standoff has the potential to trigger a major national crisis, with implications for the balance of power between the federal government and Democratic-run cities and states. Trump has a history of demonizing Chicago and has previously deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Pritzker and other Democratic governors are pushing back against Trump's actions, characterizing them as unconstitutional and an attempt to flex personal power. The dispute raises questions about the limits of executive power and the potential for a constitutional crisis.

Thousands of people attended the Corgi Race Vilnius event in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, where 120 teams from across Europe participated in various corgi competitions. The event featured races, costume contests, and other activities, with corgis from countries such as Latvia, Poland, Austria, Italy, and Germany. The event was enjoyed by families and corgi enthusiasts, with one participant stating it was 'so much fun and great emotion for the entire family'.

The Israeli military is preparing for a full-scale offensive on Gaza City, with tanks and troops moving closer to the outskirts. The operation, known as 'Gideon's Chariots B', aims to capture the city and remove Hamas from power. Experts warn of a high-risk and high-cost battle, citing the dense urban terrain, extensive tunnel network, and presence of civilians and hostages. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has deployed up to five divisions and 60,000 reservists, with a focus on clearing Hamas' military capabilities and searching for hostages. However, the operation is expected to be slow and costly, with potential for significant civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced an investigation into a strike on the Nasser Hospital in Gaza, which reportedly killed at least 20 people, including five journalists. The incident has been described as a 'tragic mishap' by Netanyahu's office, which stressed that Israel does not intentionally target civilians. The strike was allegedly aimed at a Hamas surveillance camera on the hospital roof. The incident has sparked international concern, with the IDF spokesperson stating that Israel will investigate the incident thoroughly and professionally. The journalists killed were identified as working for major news outlets such as Reuters, Associated Press, and Al Jazeera.

Russia's top nuclear official, Alexei Likhachev, has warned of 'colossal threats' to the country's existence and vowed to update its nuclear capabilities. The comments come amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Likhachev's statements were made less than a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with former US President Donald Trump, but it is unclear if the comments are directly related to the meeting. Russia and the US possess 90% of the world's nuclear arsenal, with Moscow holding nearly 4,400 nuclear warheads and the US possessing over 3,700. The New Start Treaty, the only bilateral nuclear arms control agreement between the two countries, is set to expire in February 2026, and its future remains uncertain.

Donald Trump has expressed his desire to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again 'this year', following their three meetings during his first term in office. Trump stated that he got along 'great' with Kim and they became 'very friendly' during his presidency. The potential meeting comes after Trump's talks with the new South Korean president Lee Jae Myung, who has pledged to reopen dialogue with North Korea. Analysts say engaging North Korea will be more difficult now due to its expanded nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, as well as its close ties with Russia.

At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in two Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The strikes were described as a 'double-tap' attack, with the second strike occurring minutes after the first as journalists and rescue workers rushed to the scene. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed 'deep regret' over the incident, calling it a 'tragic mishap', and announced an investigation. The Israeli military claimed it was operating in a complex reality and that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure as shields. The incident has been condemned by various news organizations and press freedom advocates, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.

The article discusses the recent Israeli strike on Nasser hospital in Gaza, which killed over 20 people, including five journalists. The attack was a 'double tap' strike, where a second explosion occurred after the initial strike, targeting rescuers and journalists. The Israeli military insists it does not deliberately target civilians, but the hospital is a known gathering place for media workers. The article highlights the high number of journalist casualties in the conflict, with over 200 reported deaths, and criticizes Israel's actions as 'barbarism in the extreme'. The situation in Gaza is dire, with parts of the region suffering from famine and a ceasefire proposal on the table.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 30-year-old Salvadoran national, was wrongly deported from the US to El Salvador and has been detained again by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Garcia is charged with conspiring to transport illegal immigrants into the US and faces deportation to Uganda if convicted. His lawyers argue that the detention is punitive and that Garcia should be allowed due process to fight removal. A judge has ruled that Garcia must remain in detention until an evidentiary hearing on Wednesday.

A manhunt is underway in Australia after two police officers were shot dead and a third was seriously injured during a search warrant operation at a rural property in Porepunkah, Victoria. The gunman is believed to be on the run and heavily armed. The incident has sparked a significant search operation, with the Special Operations Group en route to the scene. The motive behind the shooting is unclear, but police believe the gunman may be a 'sovereign citizen'. The Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, has expressed her support for the police and first responders, praising their bravery and courage.

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a former Mexican cartel kingpin, has pleaded guilty to U.S. drug trafficking charges and will spend the rest of his life in prison. Zambada, 75, acknowledged the harm caused by his actions and apologized for flooding the U.S. with cocaine, heroin, and other illicit substances. He also admitted to fueling deadly violence in Mexico. Zambada's guilty plea is seen as a landmark victory in the fight against drug cartels, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stating that he 'will die in a U.S. federal prison, where he belongs.' Zambada's arrest last year sparked deadly fighting in his home state of Sinaloa between rival cartel factions. He is due to be sentenced on January 13 to life in prison and faces billions of dollars in financial penalties.

A decomposing leg found in a Tennessee creek has been identified as belonging to Joseph Frank Benton, a missing alleged pedophile and sexual predator who was facing multiple charges. Benton had been missing since 2024 and was wanted by authorities for violating his probation. The discovery has sparked reactions on social media, with some speculating that Benton may have severed his own leg to evade capture or that he was a victim of street justice. Benton was previously linked to a two-decade-old cold case involving the disappearance of his son's girlfriend, Jennifer Wix, and her 2-year-old daughter, Adrianna, in 2004.

Comedian Devon Walker has announced his exit from 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) after three seasons, calling the experience 'toxic as hell' at times. Walker shared the news on Instagram, comparing his job to a relationship that was sometimes 'really cool' but also 'toxic.' He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with colleagues like Gary and Alex and revealed plans to go overseas. Walker's departure comes after SNL creator Lorne Michaels hinted at a cast shakeup ahead of the show's new season. Another cast member, Celeste Yim, also announced their exit from the show, citing the 'grueling' nature of the job.

New York City's vibrant nightlife is dwindling as restaurants and businesses that once operated 24/7 are now closing earlier due to various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, crime, and changing consumer behavior. Owners of iconic establishments like Sarge's Delicatessen and French Roast cite decreased demand, staffing shortages, and a shift towards luxury residences as reasons for their reduced hours. While some businesses like L'Express have extended their hours, others like Veselka struggle to find staff to operate around the clock. The decline of late-night venues has left New Yorkers nostalgic for the city's former glory.

A 25-year-old immigrant restaurant owner from Georgia, Mariam, was mocked by a customer for her accent at her New York City restaurant, Mamali NYC. The customer, who was not identified, became agitated when he had trouble understanding Mariam's pronunciation of the word 'bowl' and told her to 'speak good English.' Mariam posted the interaction on TikTok, which went viral and garnered over 3.5 million views. The video sparked widespread support for Mariam, with many commenters defending her and criticizing the customer's behavior. Mariam later posted a follow-up video thanking her supporters and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.

A new study by the Institute for Family Studies found that men in high-power positions or those who are unemployed are more likely to cheat on their partners. The study analyzed occupational data from the General Social Survey and found that 18% of men in high-power positions, such as CEOs and surgeons, have been unfaithful in their marriage. Unemployed men between the ages of 25 and 54 are also more likely to cheat, with about 1 in 5 having already done so. The study suggests that men without jobs or those who rely on their wives for financial support may feel inferior and insecure, leading them to seek fulfillment elsewhere. In contrast, women in low-prestige jobs are more likely to cheat than those in higher-up positions. A professional 'honey trapper' also shared signs to look out for to catch a cheating partner, including hiding their phone, not posting pictures on social media, and not sharing their location.

The article discusses how non-profit groups are being used by political insiders to divert billions of dollars in government funds for their own benefit. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has canceled $7 billion in advance payments made to nonprofits during the Biden administration, revealing a larger scam involving government-funded charities. The Biden administration had directed tens of billions of dollars in subsidies to tech firms under the CHIPS Act through a public-private not-for-profit called Natcast, which was created by Democratic insiders. Another scheme involved parking $20 billion at CitiBank to ensure environmental justice grants went to Democratic allies, including one linked to Stacey Abrams. The article argues that this is part of a larger problem where non-profits are used to enrich insiders and fund political activities, and that the Trump administration is starting to crack down on these scams.

The article argues that President Donald Trump can end the Ukraine war by applying pressure on Russia through its oil revenues. Trump can achieve this by imposing sanctions on companies and banks involved in purchasing Russian oil, or by improving the price-cap system on Russian crude exports. The article suggests that this economic pressure, combined with stronger military support for Ukraine, could convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a pause in the war on terms acceptable to Ukraine.

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was stabbed to death at a North Carolina train station by a homeless career criminal, Decarlos Brown Jr., who has a history of arrests and was charged with first-degree murder. Zarutska had recently fled Ukraine seeking safety and a new beginning in the US. The incident occurred at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in Charlotte's South End, and Brown was arrested after being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the stabbing is still unknown.

The Australian government has accused Iran of orchestrating two antisemitic arson attacks in Australia last year, leading to the severing of diplomatic ties and the expulsion of Iranian diplomats. The attacks targeted a kosher restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne, causing significant damage but no injuries. Australian security agencies have linked the attacks to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which will be designated as a terrorist organization. The move is seen as a strong response to Iran's actions, which are believed to have been aimed at undermining social cohesion in Australia.

The article discusses Daniil Medvedev's behavior at the U.S. Open, where he whipped the crowd into a frenzy and berated the umpire after a disputed call. Medvedev is described as a 'walking Rorschach test' who divides opinion among fans and players, with some welcoming his confrontational approach and eccentricities, while others see it as crossing the line of what's acceptable. The article explores Medvedev's history of outbursts and his impact on the sport, highlighting both the entertainment value he brings and the poor results he's been having lately.

Rabbis from various Jewish denominations are increasingly speaking out against Israel's tactics in Gaza, citing moral and religious grounds. A group of Orthodox rabbis recently signed an open letter criticizing Israel's actions, marking a shift in the typically staunch support for Israel among Orthodox Jews. The letter emphasized the need for 'moral clarity, responsibility, and a Jewish Orthodox response' to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Rabbis from other denominations, including Reform and Conservative, have also been vocal in their criticism, calling for Israel to release aid and end the war. The criticism reflects a growing divide within the Jewish community, with younger and more secular Jews increasingly critical of Israel's actions.

The article discusses the potential impact of President Trump's tariffs on the global auto supply chain, particularly on small and midsize auto parts suppliers in Japan, Germany, and South Korea. The tariffs, imposed by the Trump administration, have caused uncertainty and concern among suppliers, who fear that the added costs could hurt American demand for cars and cut the need for their parts. The article highlights the case of Asahi Tekko, an 84-year-old Japanese auto parts company that supplies components to Toyota, and notes that the tariffs could have a devastating effect on the dense networks of auto parts suppliers that form the backbone of the manufacturing sector in major car-producing countries. The article also mentions that the tariffs have already cost the German auto industry billions of dollars and that the International Monetary Fund has projected that the tariffs will significantly weigh on growth in Germany, South Korea, and Japan.

President Trump has fired Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, citing allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook and her lawyer dispute the allegations and vow to fight the dismissal. The move has sparked concerns about the independence of the central bank and the limits of Trump's power. Legal experts question whether Trump has the grounds to fire Cook, as she has not been charged or convicted of a crime. The dismissal could allow Trump to gain a majority on the Fed and potentially alter its monetary policy.

The article discusses the scam hub in Shwe Kokko, a town on the Myanmar-Thailand border, which has been a major breeding ground for transnational criminal networks. Despite a crackdown in February that saw over 9,000 workers repatriated, the scam operations appear to be continuing, with locals and experts reporting that the large scam compounds are still operating as usual. The article highlights the use of Starlink satellite-based systems, solar panels, and petrol generators to maintain internet and power supply. It also notes that the scam industry is estimated to generate between $50 billion and $75 billion annually and is driven by Chinese organized crime groups.

US President Donald Trump has fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, alleging that she made false statements on mortgage forms. Trump claimed that Cook indicated on documents for separate mortgage loans on properties in Michigan and Georgia that both were her primary residence. Cook responded that Trump had no authority to remove her and that she would continue to carry out her duties. The move has sparked questions about the boundaries of presidential power over the independent monetary policy body and could lead to a legal challenge.

The Cambodian parliament has passed a bill allowing the government to strip citizens of their nationality for 'collusion' with foreign powers, a move condemned by rights groups as a potential tool to stifle dissent. The law, passed unanimously by 120 lawmakers, empowers authorities to revoke citizenship for acts deemed to be 'collusion' with a foreign power or that threaten national security. Rights groups fear the vaguely worded law will be abused to target people based on their ethnicity, political opinions, or activism. The move comes amid heightened tensions with neighboring Thailand, with whom Cambodia had a border clash last month that killed at least 43 people. The legislation must still be passed by the upper house before being enacted, but this is seen as a formality.

A new report from the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre reveals a significant surge in piracy and armed robbery incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, with 80 incidents reported in the first half of 2025, nearly quadrupling the 21 incidents reported in the same period last year. The majority of incidents were opportunistic and non-confrontational, with most crew members left unharmed. Analysts attribute the rise to increased maritime traffic and perpetrators becoming more skilled at breaching shipboard security. The International Maritime Organisation has expressed concern and urged ships to follow best management practices.

Thousands of protesters, including students, workers, and activists, demonstrated outside Indonesia's parliament in Jakarta against the lavish allowances given to parliament members, which are seen as a symbol of the 'corrupt elites' within the government. The monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($US3,075) for MPs, almost 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage, has fueled public anger amid President Prabowo Subianto's austerity drive, which includes cuts to education, health, and public works. The protests turned violent as riot police fired water cannon and teargas, and protesters fought back with rocks and bottles. The demonstrations also targeted the growing role of the military in civilian life and policies that benefit conglomerates and the military.