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The sole survivor of a deadly lunch in Australia, Ian Wilkinson, testified in court about the loss of his wife and friends due to Erin Patterson's actions. Patterson was convicted of murdering three people with toxic mushrooms and attempting to murder Wilkinson. Wilkinson described his grief and feelings of being 'half-alive' without his wife. Patterson faces a potential life sentence, with the prosecution arguing for life without parole and the defense seeking eligibility for release after 30 years.

A Russian climber, Natalia Nagovitsyna, is stranded on Kyrgyzstan's highest mountain, Victory Peak, after breaking her leg. An Italian climber, Luca Sinigaglia, died trying to rescue her. The rescue operation has been suspended due to severe weather conditions. Nagovitsyna's husband also died on a mountain four years ago. The article discusses the challenges of rescuing climbers at high altitudes and the risks involved in mountaineering.

The French government has summoned the U.S. ambassador to Paris, Charles Kushner, over a letter he wrote to President Emmanuel Macron alleging that France was not doing enough to combat antisemitism. France's foreign ministry rejected Kushner's allegations as 'unacceptable' and a violation of international law, citing the 1961 Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations. The diplomatic tension comes amid existing strains in French-U.S. relations due to trade wars, disagreements over U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, and differences in supporting Ukraine. The issue has been further complicated by recent comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing France of fueling antisemitism by considering recognition of a Palestinian state.

Economist Mohamed El-Erian discusses the US economy and Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cut on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.' El-Erian believes the Fed has been too data-dependent and hasn't looked forward enough, but sees opportunities in productivity enhancements from AI and other innovations. He also expresses concerns about political interference with the Fed and the potential for a culture of allegations against Fed officials.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' about President Trump's deployment of National Guardsmen and federal agents to Washington D.C. to combat crime. Moore strongly criticized the move, calling it 'unconstitutional' and a violation of the 10th Amendment. He also defended his own record on crime in Maryland, citing a 20% drop in homicides since he became governor. Moore argued that Trump's approach to crime is 'theatrics' and that the President's policies are actually making the situation worse. The interview also touched on the possibility of Trump sending troops to Baltimore, with Moore stating that he would not authorize the Maryland National Guard to be used for such a purpose.

Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican Congressman from New York, appeared on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' to discuss several key issues, including gerrymandering, crime, and government investment in private companies. Lawler strongly opposes mid-decade redistricting and gerrymandering, arguing that it has contributed to Congress's dysfunction by reducing the number of competitive districts. He advocates for banning gerrymandering nationwide and implementing term limits. Lawler also expressed frustration with the handling of crime in New York, criticizing the lack of prosecution for gun crimes and suggesting that federal resources, including potentially the National Guard, could be used to address the issue. Additionally, he discussed the government's plan to invest in Intel as part of the CHIPs bill, generally opposing government ownership stakes in private companies but understanding the national security rationale behind the current investment. The interview covered a range of topics, highlighting Lawler's positions on electoral reform, crime, and economic policy.

A U.S. military contractor, identified as Martin D., has been indicted on espionage charges in Germany for allegedly offering to supply sensitive information to China. Martin D., who worked at a U.S. military facility in Germany, contacted Chinese authorities in the summer of 2024 and offered to provide confidential U.S. military information. He was arrested in Frankfurt in early November and is now facing trial in Koblenz. The arrest is part of a larger concern in Western capitals about espionage and sabotage activities by foreign powers, particularly China and Russia.

The world's first commercial carbon storage facility has begun operations off Norway's coast, injecting CO2 deep into the North Sea seabed. The Northern Lights project, led by oil giants Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies, aims to capture and store CO2 from industrial sources across Europe, helping to reduce emissions and combat climate change. The facility has an initial annual capacity of 1.7 million tons, expected to increase to 5.5 million tons by the end of the decade. However, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is complex, controversial, and costly, with some experts questioning its efficacy and motivations. Critics argue that it may be used as a justification for continued fossil fuel use, rather than transitioning to clean energy sources.

Australia and the Philippines are forging a defence pact to counter China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. The agreement, expected to be finalized by next year, aims to 'regularise' military operations and exercises between the two countries. The pact will include eight infrastructure projects across five locations in the Philippines and is seen as a strategic bridge between Manila, Canberra, and Tokyo, complementing existing US-led security arrangements. Analysts believe this development could reshape strategic dynamics in the region.

Chinese air force scientists have made a breakthrough in radar technology, developing a method to render airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft nearly undetectable to enemy electronic surveillance. The new technology, known as frequency diverse array (FDA) technology, assigns each antenna a minutely varied frequency, making the signal chaotic and obscuring its directional origin. This innovation is considered a 'paradigm shift' from traditional phased array radars and makes it difficult for adversaries to track the platform by listening to its radio emissions. The development is significant as AEW&C aircraft are considered high-value targets due to their powerful radar emissions.

Hong Kong police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the suspected murder of a 51-year-old man, identified as Zeng Pengshan, in Tuen Mun. The victim was found under a bridge with a fatal knife wound to the back of his head. The suspects are believed to have been involved in a dispute over the sale of illicit cigarettes. A private car with bloodstains was also discovered near the scene, which officers suspect is connected to the case. The arrests were made after a passer-by discovered the victim unconscious and covered in blood.

Hong Kong is set to conduct its first anti-terror drill, code-named 'Bravelight', on Thursday afternoon, overseen by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. The exercise will involve over 500 government officers and 200 members of the public, and will be held at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The drill aims to reassure Hongkongers that the government is equipped to respond to threats and serves as a warning to terrorists. The exercise will also mark the first activation of the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre.

The article highlights seven key news stories from Asia, including Malaysia's Terengganu state enforcing sharia law to jail Muslims for skipping prayers, North Korea's acknowledgment of soldier deaths in Ukraine, and a Malaysian student's death due to bullying. These stories showcase the region's diverse issues, from religious conservatism to social problems and geopolitical tensions. The enforcement of sharia law in Malaysia is seen as a tilt towards religious conservatism, while North Korea's acknowledgment of soldier deaths highlights the country's deepening domestic anxieties. The death of the Malaysian student has triggered a movement against bullying in the education system. These stories demonstrate the complexity and diversity of issues in Asia, ranging from political and social issues to cultural and economic developments.

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration plans to allow 600,000 Chinese students to study in the US, doubling the current number. This shift in tone comes after the Chinese embassy in the US advised students to be cautious when choosing Houston as their destination due to reports of unjustifiable questioning and harassment. Trump stated that his administration is going to 'get along good' with China and reiterated an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit China. The announcement was made during a White House press conference where Trump addressed concerns about the treatment of Chinese students entering the US.

Venezuela is reinforcing its border security with Colombia amid heightened tensions with the US. President Nicolas Maduro announced the deployment of 15,000 troops to the border states of Zulia and Tachira, citing the US's 'extremism' and the deployment of warships to the southern Caribbean. The US is sending at least three warships with over 4,000 sailors and Marines to counter drug cartels, a move that Maduro warned could lead to a 'debacle'. Venezuela is also in talks with Colombia's defence ministry to coordinate security efforts.

The French government has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner to Paris after he accused France of not doing enough to combat antisemitism in a letter to President Emmanuel Macron. Kushner, a Jewish real estate developer and father of Jared Kushner, wrote that antisemitic incidents in France were fueled by the government's statements on recognizing a Palestinian state. The French foreign ministry deemed Kushner's allegations 'unacceptable' and a violation of international law, stating that France has 'fully mobilized' to combat antisemitic acts. The US State Department backed Kushner, saying he was 'doing a great job advancing our national interests.' The incident highlights the differing views between the US and France on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Macron being critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US being a staunch supporter.

The rescue mission for Russian climber Natasha Nagovitsina, who has been stranded on Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan for nearly two weeks with a broken leg, has been called off due to harsh weather conditions and the death of an Italian climber, Luca Sinigaglia, who attempted to help her. Nagovitsina, 47, was stuck at 22,965 feet on the mountain since August 12. Despite several rescue attempts, including two helicopter rescues, the mission was suspended due to worsening weather and the risk to rescuers. A drone that flew over Nagovitsina's location confirmed she was alive on Tuesday, but there was no sign of life on Thursday as temperatures dropped to -9°F.

A highly decorated Russian Lieutenant Colonel, Konstantin Frolov, known as 'the Executioner' for his sniper skills, has been accused of masterminding a massive fraud scheme within Russia's elite 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade. Frolov allegedly fabricated his heroic acts and helped his troops fake combat injuries to collect nearly $2.5 million in payouts. At least 35 officers reportedly sat out of combat and collected almost $40,000 each. Frolov admitted to ordering his soldiers to shoot him deliberately to stage injuries. He faces charges of fraud, bribery, and illegal trafficking in weapons and ammunition.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy received a written warning from the Environment Agency for fishing without a license during a visit with US Vice President JD Vance. Lammy had invited Vance and his family to his country estate, where they fished together. The agency requires anyone over 13 to have a license to fish in freshwater. Lammy later purchased a license and reported himself, calling the incident an 'administrative error.' Vance joked that Lammy didn't catch any fish, while Vance's kids did. The two also held a bilateral meeting to discuss international issues.

The article discusses the factors influencing America's young voters in the 2024 US presidential election. Young voters are disillusioned with the current state of the economy, feeling that higher education is too expensive and home ownership is out of reach. The choice between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is stark, with Harris leading among young voters. The article highlights the concerns and views of young voters, including their perceptions of the candidates' economic policies and their potential impact on the future. Young voters are more fired up than in the past, with a larger proportion of young Democrats saying they will definitely vote in the coming election. The article suggests that the future of the American republic is in the hands of this generation, with voters under 35 accounting for around 29% of the national electorate.

The article discusses the last generation of people who experienced the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and their memories of their homeland. It highlights the stories of two individuals, Mr. Vikram Kalra and Ms. Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, and have been unable to return. The article also provides historical context about the Partition, including the violence and displacement that occurred, and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The author notes that as the last generation of Partition survivors passes away, their memories and stories are in danger of being lost.

US President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance criticized Democratic governors Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Wes Moore, labeling them as weak on crime, while defending plans to expand the National Guard's presence in Democratic-run cities and states. Trump signed executive orders targeting cashless bail and flag burning, and announced plans to establish 'specialized units' in the National Guard to deal with public order issues. The move is seen as a political strategy to boost the Republican Party's prospects for the 2028 presidential election.

The article discusses Chongqing, a municipality in China, and its unique urban planning challenges due to its mountainous terrain. The city's landscape is characterized by multi-layered buildings and complexes that appear maze-like, with different entrances and exits at various levels. Chongqing's growth into a megacity is attributed to its history as China's wartime capital during World War II and its designation as one of the four municipalities. The city's urban planners have built around natural obstacles, creating a complex and polycentric landscape. Despite the challenges posed by its geography, Chongqing has become an industrial powerhouse and a social media sensation, attracting tourists and content creators. The city's GDP growth rate is expected to remain strong, with a target of 6% in 2025.

European stock markets opened lower on Tuesday due to French equities being pulled down by the potential for a no-confidence vote in the government. The CAC 40 index plummeted over 2% after opposition parties refused to back a confidence vote called by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. Global investors were also monitoring U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention in the Federal Reserve, after he announced on social media that he had fired Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, who refused to resign. Meanwhile, shares of German sportswear giant Puma opened 2% lower after a 16% jump on Monday following reports of a potential sale. The week is relatively quiet on the data and earnings front, with some European inflation figures and Nvidia's earnings report being the main highlights.

Nissan Motor shares fell over 6% after Mercedes-Benz announced plans to sell its 3.8% stake in the Japanese automaker. Mercedes-Benz's pension trust will divest its stake worth $346 million as part of a portfolio cleanup. The move adds pressure on Nissan's stock, which has been struggling due to U.S. tariffs, declining sales, and the transition to electric vehicles. Nissan has been undergoing major restructuring, including slashing 11,000 jobs and shutting down seven plants. The company's stock has declined over 29% this year.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently praised Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), calling it 'one of the greatest companies in the history of humanity.' Following his comments, TSMC's shares rose, and the company's market capitalization remains near $1 trillion. Professionals share mixed views on whether to invest in TSMC, with some being bullish due to its advanced semiconductor manufacturing lead and growing AI demand, while others are cautious about its valuation and potential geopolitical risks.

The US has confirmed its first human case of New World screwworm (NWS) myiasis, a parasitic infestation caused by fly larvae, in a patient who returned from El Salvador. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Maryland's health department investigated the case, which was confirmed on August 4. NWS primarily affects livestock but can infest humans, particularly those with open wounds, who travel to affected regions or are around livestock in rural areas. The outbreak has spread to every Central American country, including Mexico, and poses a significant economic threat to the US cattle and livestock industry, potentially impacting over $100 billion in economic activity. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working with international partners to respond to the outbreak.

The South African government is warning young women about viral social media videos promoting job opportunities in Russia, allegedly linked to a weapons factory producing drones used in the war in Ukraine. Influencer Cyan Boujee's video, which has been removed, advertised a two-year 'start programme' for young women to acquire professional skills in Tatarstan, Russia. The authorities are investigating, and the government is cautioning against unverified foreign job offers.

Typhoon Kajiki hit Vietnam's north central coast on Monday, causing widespread destruction, evacuations, and flight cancellations. The storm, with winds of up to 103mph, toppled trees, flooded homes, and cut power supplies. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated, and airports and schools were closed. The typhoon had already caused devastation in southern China, and is expected to move inland across Laos and northern Thailand. Vietnam's coastline is prone to storms that trigger deadly flooding and landslides, and Kajiki is expected to be more powerful than Typhoon Yagi, which killed 300 people last year.

Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old Australian woman, was convicted of murdering her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister-in-law by serving them a toxic lunch containing death cap mushrooms in July 2023. The sole surviving guest, Ian Wilkinson, delivered a victim impact statement at Patterson's pre-sentencing hearing, describing how he felt 'half alive' after the loss of his wife. Wilkinson called on Patterson to confess to her crimes and expressed forgiveness. Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson, also spoke about the devastating impact on their children, who now live in an 'irreparably broken home'. Patterson faces a potential life sentence for each murder and 25 years for attempted murder.

An emotional graduation ceremony was held in Gaza for children who lost their parents due to the ongoing conflict. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, more than 39,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have lost parents since October 2023, with 17,000 having lost both. The ceremony in Khan Younis was a poignant moment for the tearful children and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The article also touches on other global news stories, including conflicts in Venezuela and Ukraine, natural disasters, and political developments.

St. Louis Cardinals player Willson Contreras was ejected from a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after a heated argument with umpire Derek Thomas over a called third strike. Contreras's reaction escalated into a physical confrontation, involving his manager Oliver Marmol and other coaches, and resulted in both Contreras and Marmol being ejected. The incident included Contreras throwing his bat, which inadvertently hit hitting coach Brant Brown. Despite the chaos, the Cardinals won the game 6-5.