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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended a 58-year-old US citizen in Arizona, Donald Day Jr, in connection with a religiously motivated terror attack on a remote Australian property that occurred last year, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. Day faces charges related to the incitement of violence online, having allegedly sent multiple online messages containing “Christian end of days ideology” to the attackers involved in the ambush. The attack, which took place in Queensland last December, claimed the lives of two police officers, a neighbor, and the three shooters. The FBI arrested Day in Heber Overgaard, northeast of Phoenix, on Friday. Prosecutors suggest that if convicted on both charges, Day could potentially face up to 10 years in prison. The indictment states that Day used social media platforms to express a desire to incite violence and threaten various groups and individuals. Authorities highlight that Day had a significant online presence, threatening harm to law enforcement officials in a YouTube video following the Queensland ambush. Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon revealed that Day and one of the shooters, Gareth Train, were engaged in direct online communication and exchanged comments on each other’s YouTube videos. Queensland Police investigators have collaborated with the FBI, and evidence suggests that the three shooters followed YouTube accounts created by Day. The attackers, identified as Nathaniel, Stacey, and Gareth Train, carried out the attack on police officers who were responding to a missing person report. The ambush unfolded when officers approached the property owned by Gareth and Stacey Train. Four officers, dispatched to check on Nathaniel Train, were met with gunfire as they approached the house. Two constables were fatally shot, and another officer was injured during the incident. A neighbor, 58-year-old Alan Dare, who arrived at the scene to assist, was also fatally shot. The siege involved extensive weaponry, and the suspects engaged in a prolonged standoff with law enforcement. The Queensland Police have labeled the incident a “religiously motivated terror attack” and allege that the Trains adhered to a Christian fundamentalist belief system known as premillennialism. Premillennialism, characterized by the belief in Jesus Christ’s physical return to Earth after a period of destruction, has been linked to the attack. This marks the first instance of an extreme Christian ideology being associated with a terror attack in Australia, according to authorities. While Day has been charged under US law, there are currently no plans to extradite him to Australia. The investigation involves collaboration between Australian and US law enforcement agencies to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the potential involvement of online incitement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is embarking on a rare international journey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is also slated to visit Saudi Arabia. This trip marks a significant departure for Putin, who has remained largely within Russia since March, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). During his visit to the UAE, Putin is expected to engage in discussions with the UAE President on critical issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as matters related to oil production. Notably, the UAE is currently hosting the COP28 UN climate summit, but it remains uncertain whether Putin will participate. The ICC has accused Putin of war crimes, specifically the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. However, neither the UAE nor Saudi Arabia recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC. Putin’s absence from recent international summits, including Brics in South Africa and the G20 summit in India, has been conspicuous. Trade and oil are anticipated to top the agenda in discussions with the UAE, described in a Kremlin statement as “Russia’s main economic partner in the Arab world.” Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia later in the week will involve meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with a focus on exploring ways to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Sudan will also feature in discussions during Putin’s visits to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as outlined by Russian presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov. Additionally, the Kremlin has announced Putin’s meeting with Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi on Thursday to address the war in Gaza. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin’s international visits have been limited to Russian-occupied Ukraine, Iran, and China. These trips come at a time when Russia aims to project influence globally and counter efforts by the West to isolate the country. Putin emphasized to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that “our relations have reached unprecedented levels,” underscoring the significance of these diplomatic engagements.

In a significant move, China has granted $1.5 million for the healthcare development of Rohingya women residing in shelters in Bangladesh, a contribution that has been warmly welcomed by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The UNHCR, in a statement released today, disclosed that China’s generous grant will specifically benefit over 60,000 Rohingya women aged between 12 and 50. This aid is part of China’s commitment through the China International Development Cooperation Agency and is expected to continue until the year 2025. Sumbul Rizvi, the representative of UNHCR in Bangladesh, underscored the importance of this substantial funding from China, particularly as the Rohingya crisis enters its seventh year. She highlighted that Rohingya women and girls already receive annual hygiene kits, and China’s assistance will now facilitate the distribution of an additional 500,000 hygiene kits. The collaborative efforts of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and UNHCR will ensure the supply of these kits, containing essential items such as soap, shampoo, and other necessities. Yao Wen, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, reiterated China’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a crucial partner and its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for marginalized communities. While expressing hope for future collaborations with UNHCR on more initiatives, Ambassador Wen emphasized that a lasting solution to the crisis lies in the repatriation of displaced Rohingya to Myanmar. A noteworthy aspect of the initiative involves the active involvement of over 200 women from Rohingya and local Bangladeshi communities in Cox’s Bazar. They will play a pivotal role in producing the remaining items for the hygiene kits, gaining valuable skills for self-reliance, and contributing to sustainable livelihoods within their communities. Sumbul Rizvi further emphasized, “Refugee women, who have been vocal about their needs, have stressed the critical importance of these kits. They find this assistance indispensable and appreciate the quality of these materials produced by women in their own society.” The UNHCR collaborates closely with women and various stakeholders in Bangladesh, making significant contributions to the development of people’s lives. Given the ongoing humanitarian crisis, international support from nations like China is crucial to bolster the efforts of the Bangladesh government in providing humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees and local host communities. This allocation from China stands as a testament to global cooperation in addressing pressing humanitarian needs.

In its latest edition, the influential American magazine Forbes has unveiled its prestigious annual list ranking the top 100 most powerful women globally. The list highlights women from diverse fields who have made significant impacts on the world stage. Topping the list for the second consecutive year is Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission (EC), showcasing her continued influence on the international stage. A notable mover in this year’s ranking is Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Climbing from her 42nd position last year, she now holds the 46th spot. This recognition emphasizes her enduring impact and leadership on the global front. In the Politics and Policy category, Sheikh Hasina stands out, securing the 18th position among powerful women worldwide. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is her ninth-place ranking in this category, at the age of 76, highlighting her enduring influence and political prowess. Forbes acknowledges six categories in its latest list, with Sheikh Hasina making her mark in the Politics and Policy arena, where a total of 18 powerful women have earned their positions. This annual Forbes list not only recognizes individual achievements but also serves as a testament to the evolving role of women in shaping global politics, policy, and society. The diverse array of accomplished women showcased in the list reflects the ongoing progress toward gender equality and the increasing impact of women leaders on the world stage.

Two leading Australian criminal defence barristers are pushing for the use of truth serum to force murderers to reveal the location of bodies. But how does this controversial technique work and what are the ethical implications? What is truth serum? Truth serum is a colloquial term for a drug that is supposed to make people tell the truth. The most commonly used drug for this purpose is sodium pentothal, which is a barbiturate that slows down the activity of the brain and nervous system. Sodium pentothal is also used as an anaesthetic and a sedative in medical settings. According to Victorian barrister Sharon Kermath and former NSW crown prosecutor Margaret Cunneen, sodium pentothal can lower a person’s inhibition and reduce their capability of lying. They are calling for trials of sodium pentothal in Australia to help families of murder victims find closure. “It’s like an anaesthetic, so basically if it’s used appropriately and if there are trials conducted … it could be developed in the legal field to help … families have closure,” Ms Kermath told Ross and Russel. How would it be used in criminal cases? Ms Kermath and Ms Cunneen propose that sodium pentothal could be administered to convicted murderers who refuse to disclose the location of their victims’ bodies. They argue that this would not violate their human rights, as they have already been found guilty beyond reasonable doubt. They also suggest that the use of truth serum could be voluntary, meaning that the murderers would have to consent to it. In exchange, they could receive some benefits, such as a reduction in their sentence or better prison conditions. Ms Kermath told Waleed Aly that she supports this idea, as she believes that it would provide justice and closure for the families of the victims. “It’s not about punishing them further, it’s about giving them an incentive to do the right thing,” she said. What are the challenges and risks? However, not everyone agrees with the idea of using truth serum on criminals. Some experts and critics have raised several concerns and objections, such as: The future of truth serum Given these challenges and risks, it is unlikely that truth serum will be widely used in criminal cases anytime soon. However, Ms Kermath and Ms Cunneen hope that their proposal will spark a debate and a discussion about this topic. They believe that truth serum has the potential to be a valuable tool for justice and closure, if used carefully and responsibly. “We’re not saying that this is a magic bullet, we’re saying that this is something that should be explored,” Ms Kermath said.

Red heat alerts are in place across Italy as an intense heatwave named “Nero” brings scorching temperatures and extreme weather conditions. The heatwave has prompted authorities to issue warnings to tourists, urging them to take precautions and stay indoors to avoid the dangerous heat. Red Alerts and High Temperatures A total of 16 cities in Italy have been issued red heat alerts due to the soaring temperatures, which are expected to reach up to 40°C (104°F). The heatwave is attributed to an anticyclone known as “Nero,” named after the emperor accused of starting the Great Fire of 64 AD in Rome. The anticyclone is responsible for driving up temperatures and creating uncomfortable conditions. Stay Indoors During Peak Hours The severity of the heatwave has led health officials to advise even the young and healthy to stay indoors between 10am and 6pm, when temperatures are at their highest. This recommendation aims to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure the safety of residents and tourists alike. Impact on Tourist Destinations Popular tourist destinations such as Rome and Milan have been hit by the heatwave, with temperatures forecasted to reach up to 37°C (98.6°F). Other cities like Naples, Genova, and Florence are also experiencing high temperatures, leading authorities to warn visitors to avoid sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day. Regions Affected The heatwave’s effects are concentrated in the northern and central regions of Italy, while the south experiences temperatures more in line with seasonal averages. Cities including Turin, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Frosinone, Latina, Palermo, Perugia, Rieti, and Verona are also under red heat alerts due to the extreme conditions. Coping with the Heat The heatwave has brought high humidity, causing sticky and uncomfortable weather conditions. Nights have become muggy, making it challenging for people to find relief from the heat even during nighttime. To cope with the extreme weather, it’s recommended to stay in well-ventilated spaces, use air conditioning or fans, and stay hydrated. Relief on the Horizon Meteorologists predict that the sweltering conditions caused by the Nero heatwave will gradually ease towards the end of the week. Thunderstorms with strong wind gusts are expected to arrive, bringing relief from the intense heat. This comes as a relief for both residents and tourists who have been grappling with the effects of the heatwave. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Italy’s experience with frequent heatwaves and extreme weather events is consistent with the global trend of rising temperatures due to climate change. Scientists have confirmed that human-caused climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves. The impact of climate change is evident in the increasing number of extreme weather events observed in the country. As Italy faces the challenges of these weather events, the importance of climate action and efforts to reduce carbon emissions becomes increasingly urgent to mitigate the effects of future extreme weather events.

Gene Kelly was one of the most influential and versatile performers in the history of Hollywood. He was a dancer, actor, director, choreographer, and singer who starred in some of the most memorable musicals of all time. He was known for his innovative, athletic, and graceful style of dancing, as well as his charismatic and likable screen persona. Early Life and Career Kelly was born on August 23, 1912, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as Eugene Curran Kelly[^1^][1]. He was the third son of Harriet Catherine (Curran) and James Patrick Joseph Kelly, a phonograph salesman[^2^][2]. His father was of Irish descent and his mother was of Irish and German ancestry[^2^][2]. Kelly grew up in a working-class family and learned to dance at a young age from his mother, who ran a dance studio with his brother Fred[^3^][3]. Kelly attended Pennsylvania State College and the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied economics and journalism. He also taught dance at his family’s studio and performed in local nightclubs and theaters. He made his Broadway debut in 1938 in the musical Leave It to Me! and later starred in the hit show Pal Joey in 1940. Hollywood Stardom Kelly moved to Hollywood in 1941 after signing a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), the most powerful studio at the time. He made his film debut in For Me and My Gal (1942) with Judy Garland. He soon established himself as a leading man and a talented dancer who could also act, sing, and direct. He collaborated with other stars such as Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, Cyd Charisse, Debbie Reynolds, and Leslie Caron. Some of Kelly’s most famous films include Anchors Aweigh (1945), On the Town (1949), An American in Paris (1951), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Brigadoon (1954), and Hello, Dolly! (1969). He also directed and choreographed several films, such as On the Town (1949), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), It’s Always Fair Weather (1955), and Hello, Dolly! (1969). He received an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 for his achievements in film musicals. Personal Life and Legacy Kelly was married three times and had three children. His first wife was actress Betsy Blair, whom he married in 1941 and divorced in 1957. They had one daughter, Kerry. His second wife was dancer Jeanne Coyne, whom he married in 1960 and who died of leukemia in 1973. They had two children, Bridget and Tim. His third wife was writer Patricia Ward, whom he married in 1990 and who survived him. Kelly died on February 2, 1996, at the age of 83, from complications of two strokes. He left behind a legacy of artistic excellence and innovation that influenced generations of dancers and actors. He was one of the first 25 film legends selected by the American Film Institute for its AFI’s 100 Years…100 Stars list. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, and a postage stamp from the United States Postal Service. Gene Kelly was a legendary dancer and actor who charmed the world with his talent and charisma. He once said: “I wanted to invent some kind of American dance that was danced to the music that I grew up on: Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart and Irving Berlin. So I evolved a style that certainly didn’t catch on right away – but I had some good mentors in New York who encouraged me”. He succeeded in creating a unique and enduring style that remains an inspiration for many today.

LONDON — Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse who was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at a hospital in England, had several possible motives for her crimes, prosecutors said during her trial. Letby, 32, was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole on Friday, becoming the fourth woman in British history to receive such a punishment. She carried out the attacks between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where she worked in the neonatal unit. The reasons why Letby committed the murders may never be fully understood, but jurors were given a number of theories by the prosecution and other experts during the 10-month trial at Manchester Crown Court. She wanted to impress a married doctor she was infatuated with. One of the motives suggested by the prosecution was that Letby harmed and killed babies in her care to gain the attention and sympathy of a doctor who she had become “infatuated” with. The doctor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, worked at the same hospital as Letby and had a secret relationship with her, according to text messages shown in court. The prosecution claimed that Letby wanted to make herself the center of his attention and focus by being involved in medical emergencies and resuscitations. She also searched for him and his wife on Facebook and sent him love heart emojis. Letby denied having a romantic relationship with the doctor and said she loved him as a “trusted friend.” She broke down in tears when she heard his voice during his testimony, which was given behind a screen. She enjoyed “playing God” and predicting baby deaths. Another motive put forward by the prosecution was that Letby enjoyed “playing God” by controlling the fate of the babies and predicting their deaths. She also made remarks described as “portents of doom” as some of her victims deteriorated. For example, after her final murder in June 2016, she said to the doctor she was accused of being infatuated with: “He’s not making it out of here alive, is he?” The baby boy, who was one of triplets, died soon after. Letby had earlier pumped air into his stomach as she fed him milk. The prosecutor Nick Johnson said that Letby knew what was going to happen because she was “controlling things.” He said: “She was enjoying what was going on and happily predicting something she knew was going to happen. She, in effect, was playing God.” She got a thrill from watching baby deaths and parents’ grief. The prosecution also suggested that Letby got a thrill from watching the babies die and their parents suffer. Parents and nurses described Letby acting unusually when babies suddenly declined. For instance, when one of her victims died after repeated attacks by Letby, the baby girl’s parents told police they remembered the nurse “smiling and going on about how she was present at [the baby’s] first bath and how much she had loved it.” Letby also searched Facebook for the families of her victims. She would often search for several of them within minutes of each other, seemingly hunting for grief. She looked them up on the anniversaries of their babies’ deaths and even on Christmas Day. In court, Letby denied getting any pleasure from harming or killing babies or seeing their parents’ anguish. She said she searched for all sorts of people on Facebook, not just the families of babies on the unit.

BEIJING — China’s central bank on Monday cut one of its key interest rates for the first time in three months, in a move that analysts said was aimed at supporting the country’s faltering economic recovery amid a deepening property slump and weak consumer demand. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) reduced its one-year loan prime rate, which is mainly used as a benchmark for corporate lending, by 0.1 percentage point to 3.45 percent. However, it left its five-year loan prime rate, which is mainly used to price mortgages, unchanged at 4.2 percent. The decision surprised some economists, who had expected a bigger and more coordinated cut in both rates, following a similar reduction in the PBOC’s medium-term lending facility rate last week. The medium-term lending facility rate is a tool that the central bank uses to inject liquidity into the banking system and influence market interest rates. The PBOC’s latest move came as China’s economy showed signs of losing momentum in the second half of the year, after a strong rebound from the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Data released last week showed that China’s industrial output, retail sales and fixed-asset investment all grew slower than expected in July, while the urban unemployment rate edged up to 5.1 percent. One of the main drags on China’s growth has been the turmoil in its property sector, which accounts for about a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product and has ripple effects on other industries. Several major developers, including Evergrande Group and Country Garden Holdings, have faced liquidity problems and debt defaults, triggering fears of a broader financial contagion and social unrest. Evergrande, once China’s largest property developer by sales, filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States on Friday, as it sought to restructure its $300 billion debt load. The company has been struggling to pay its suppliers, contractors and investors, while also facing protests from homebuyers who have paid deposits for unfinished apartments. The PBOC’s interest rate cut on Monday was seen as a signal that the authorities were concerned about the impact of the property crisis on the economy and were willing to ease monetary policy to prevent a hard landing. However, some analysts said that the modest and selective nature of the cut also reflected the central bank’s caution about adding too much stimulus and fueling inflationary pressures or asset bubbles. “The PBOC is trying to strike a balance between supporting growth and maintaining financial stability,” said Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater China at ING Bank. “It wants to lower borrowing costs for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, but it also wants to avoid stimulating the property market too much.” Ms. Pang said that she expected the PBOC to cut both the one-year and five-year loan prime rates by another 0.1 percentage point in the fourth quarter, as well as lower banks’ reserve requirement ratio — the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves — by 0.5 percentage point. Other economists said that the PBOC’s interest rate cuts were not enough to revive China’s economic growth and that more fiscal and regulatory measures were needed to boost consumer confidence and spending. “The PBOC’s approach to monetary policy is of limited use in the current environment and won’t be enough, on its own at least, to put a floor beneath growth,” Julian Evans-Pritchard and Zichun Huang, economists at Capital Economics, wrote in a note. “Reviving demand would take much larger rate cuts, or regulatory measures to effectively restore confidence in the housing market.”