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- Japan and US announce joint intervention to support yen amid decline
- B.C. wildfires increase, prompting evacuation orders for over 5,000 people
- Israel conducts overnight strikes in Gaza, resulting in eight fatalities
- Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur hospitalised after Toledo car crash
- British pilot survives helicopter crash that killed two in Greece wildfire
- Greek police charge Afghan national with murder of British woman
- Hershey’s recalls some Creamy Milk Chocolate Kisses in Canada due to undeclared almonds
- Transcript of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s interview on Face the Nation, 2 August 2026
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Japan and US announce joint intervention to support yen amid decline
2:00 am
Get you up to speed: Japan and US confirm rare joint intervention to prop up yen
Japan and the United States confirmed a rare joint intervention to buy yen, aimed at halting the Japanese currency’s decline to 40-year lows. The Japanese Ministry of Finance stated that the intervention was intended to counter excessive volatility in the yen’s value, emphasising the willingness to take further action if necessary.
Tokyo’s intervention involved a potential sale of up to $58.97 billion in New York markets prior to the confirmed joint action with Washington. The Japanese Ministry of Finance stated it is maintaining close communication with the U.S. Treasury and is prepared for further interventions if necessary.
The Japanese Ministry of Finance confirmed that the joint yen-buying intervention with the US Treasury was aimed at countering excessive volatility, with a readiness to conduct further interventions if necessary. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Washington “will not hesitate to participate in further joint intervention” and reiterated calls for the Bank of Japan to implement higher interest rates.
What remains unclear — The specific amount Japan may engage in for further joint interventions with the US has not been disclosed.
Japan and US announce joint intervention to support yen amid decline
Economy|Business and EconomyJapan and US confirm rare joint intervention to prop up yen
US President Donald Trump says helping to bolster the Japanese currency is a sign of friendship.
Published On 3 Aug 20263 Aug 2026
Japan and the United States have confirmed a rare, coordinated yen-buying intervention to halt the Japanese currency’s slide to 40-year lows, with Tokyo signalling it is willing to take further action if needed.
The Japanese Ministry of Finance confirmed the joint intervention after a statement by US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that Washington was helping to prop up the yen as a sign of friendship and to support the global economy.
“They have a weakening yen, and they wanted a little bit of help. And we’re always there for Japan,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s query about why the US is helping to support the currency.
Analysts say the intervention underscores both countries’ resolve to prevent global spillovers from a sell-off in the yen and Japanese government bonds, including by adding pressure on already rising US Treasury yields.
The dollar fell 0.2 percent to 157.07 yen after Trump’s remarks, well off the 40-year high near 164 yen hit late last month, but it rose back to 157.70 yen after the Japanese Finance Ministry’s statement.
Japan has been struggling to curb a relentless drop in its currency that pushes up import prices and stokes broader inflation, hitting household wallets and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s approval ratings.
In its statement, Japan’s Finance Ministry said Friday’s yen-buying intervention with the US Treasury Department “countered excessive volatility and disorderly movements in the Japanese yen in recent months”.
“The Japanese Ministry of Finance remains attentive and in close communication with our counterparts at the U.S. Treasury,” it added. “We will not hesitate to conduct further joint intervention.”
The joint intervention is the first since a 2011 coordinated action to weaken the yen after the devastating earthquake in eastern Japan.
Tokyo may have sold as much as $58.97bn to buy yen when it intervened in New York markets on Thursday, Bank of Japan data indicated, before Friday’s confirmed joint intervention with Washington.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also confirmed Friday’s effort, noting on Sunday that Washington “will not hesitate to participate in further joint intervention”.
“We strongly support Japan’s decisive market and monetary steps to correct the substantial undervaluation of the yen,” Bessent said in a separate statement on X, repeating his calls for further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
In line with Bessent’s repeated calls for higher Japanese interest rates, the Bank of Japan on Friday offered its most explicit signal to date of an early rate hike, even as it kept monetary policy steady.
In a sign of broader policy coordination, South Korea also stepped in to buy its won currency on Thursday.
Japan intervened in April and May, buying yen, but the move triggered only a brief rebound. The Bank of Japan’s June rate hike to a 31-year high of 1 percent also gave the struggling currency little lasting boost.
B.C. wildfires increase, prompting evacuation orders for over 5,000 people
1:00 am
Get you up to speed: B.C. wildfires grow, put more than 5K under evacuation orders in past 24 hours
Approximately 130 wildfires are currently burning across British Columbia, with nearly half classified as out-of-control, according to BC Wildfire Service. The situation remains dynamic as authorities continue to monitor the fires.
BC Wildfire Service is actively monitoring the situation, with efforts concentrated on the 130 active wildfires across the province. Authorities have yet to provide an estimated timeline for when containment might be achieved for those fires currently deemed out-of-control.
The BC Wildfire Service has announced that resources are being mobilised to combat the ongoing wildfires, as approximately 130 are currently raging, with nearly half deemed out-of-control. The provincial government is expected to hold a news conference to outline further response measures and provide updates on fire management strategies.
What remains unclear — It is not known how many of the out-of-control wildfires may threaten populated areas.
B.C. wildfires increase, prompting evacuation orders for over 5,000 people
There are now approximately 130 wildfires burning in British Columbia, with BC Wildfire Service reporting almost half of those are considered out-of-control.
Israel conducts overnight strikes in Gaza, resulting in eight fatalities
11:41 pm
Get you up to speed: Gaza: overnight Israeli strikes kill at least 8
Israel conducted overnight strikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals, including a husband and wife, an elderly man, and a child. Earlier strikes on Saturday had already killed at least seven people and caused damage to medical supplies at a hospital.
The Israeli military conducted multiple strikes in Gaza over a two-day period, resulting in a total of at least 15 fatalities. Investigations into the impact of these strikes on medical facilities are ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm the extent of the damage.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have drawn condemnation from various humanitarian organisations, citing increasing civilian casualties and damage to healthcare facilities. Following the latest developments, international observers have called for immediate talks to reach a ceasefire agreement.
What remains unclear — The exact number of people still unaccounted for following the recent strikes in Gaza remains undisclosed.
Israel conducts overnight strikes in Gaza, resulting in eight fatalities
Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur hospitalised after Toledo car crash
11:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur hospitalized following car accident in Toledo, police say
Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur was hospitalised following a car crash on Sunday in Toledo, where she was a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a hit-skip incident. Two individuals, including Kaptur, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Toledo police confirmed that their investigation into the hit-skip crash is ongoing, with accident investigators having responded to the scene. Authorities have not disclosed any further details about the other driver involved in the incident.
Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur received bipartisan support following her hospitalisation after a car crash, with Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde and GOP Sen. Jon Husted offering well-wishes for her recovery. Toledo police have confirmed that their investigation into the hit-and-run incident is ongoing, as authorities seek to identify and apprehend the driver who fled the scene.
What remains unclear — Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the driver who fled the scene following the crash.
Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur hospitalised after Toledo car crash
Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur was hospitalized after she was involved in a car crash on Sunday in Toledo, according to police and her office.
Toledo police said officers responded to the area of Detroit Avenue and Central Avenue “for a hit-skip crash” just before 11 a.m. local time. Two people, including Kaptur, were taken to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening, police said.
Kaptur’s office said the congresswoman was a passenger and she was on her way to a church service when her vehicle was hit.
“She is active, alert, and being treated for non-life threatening injuries,” the Democrat’s office said in a statement to WTX US News. “She expressed her deep gratitude to the hundreds of constituents who have reached out and looks forward to returning to a full schedule soon.”
A witness told WTX affiliate WTOL 11 that the other driver was picked up by another vehicle and fled the scene shortly after the crash.
Authorities have not released other details of the incident, with police saying that the investigation is in its early stages.
“Toledo Police Accident Investigators have responded to the scene, and the investigation remains active and ongoing,” Toledo police said in a statement.
Kaptur, 80, is the longest-serving woman in the House of Representatives and in Congress overall. She has held her seat in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District since 1983.
The congresswoman received bipartisan well-wishes from several members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, including from the chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Kathleen Clyde, and GOP Sen. Jon Husted.
“Sending love and well wishes for a speedy recovery to Rep. @Marcy_Kaptur and am grateful to the first responders who helped all those involved today get the care that they needed and who serve our communities every day,” Clyde said in a post on social media.
Husted said he and his wife are praying for Kaptur’s speedy and full recovery, adding, “We hope the person responsible for this reckless act is apprehended quickly and held accountable.”
British pilot survives helicopter crash that killed two in Greece wildfire
10:00 pm
Get you up to speed: British pilot survives fireball helicopter crash which killed two above Greece wildfire | News World
Two people were killed when one helicopter collided with another while battling wildfires in the Psatha region, Gulf of Corinth, west of Athens. A British pilot and a Greek crew member survived and were taken to hospital, while a search is ongoing for another helicopter that does not appear to have a functioning radio.
A search is underway for a missing helicopter in a ravine, with reports indicating it may not have a functioning radio. Weather conditions, including strong winds, have significantly hampered firefighting efforts across the region.
The Greek government is conducting a search for one helicopter that has reportedly lost communication amid ongoing wildfires in the region. Climate crisis and civil protection minister Evangelos Tournas has warned that “very strong to gale-force winds” are complicating firefighting efforts, with multiple European nations experiencing similar wildfire challenges.
What remains unclear — It is unknown whether additional casualties or injuries may be reported from the crash site.
British pilot survives helicopter crash that killed two in Greece wildfire
Two people have been killed after a helicopter was captured on camera exploding into flames after it hit another above raging Greek wildfires.
The two helicopters were involved in efforts to tackle fires that were spreading in the Psatha region, on the Gulf of Corinth west of Athens.
Footage shows the moment one of the helicopters clips the rotary blade of another below sending it into a death spiral.
A British pilot and a Greek crew member survived the crash, and have been taken to hospital.
The two people killed were a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer.
Local news site in.gr said an injured crew member from one of the vehicles had been in communication with officials.
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A search is taking place in a ravine for the other, which does not appear to have a functioning radio.
On Friday, 300 people were evacuated by sea from Porto Germeno – a popular resort a short distance north from Psatha – due to wildfires.
Local resident Minas Tzortzanis said: ‘A pristine forest, a paradise, was surrendered to the hands of the fire.
‘There are no words to explain what has happened. Destruction. Total destruction.’
Firefighters tackling the wildfire near Porto Germeno (Picture: AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)
Weather conditions have played an additional role in complicating the firefighting efforts.
Climate crisis and civil protection minister Evangelos Tournas said: ‘The very strong to gale-force winds continue to create exceptionally difficult conditions.’
The turbulence has meant some aircraft are struggling to collect water and get close enough to the scene to drop it.
Today’s incident in Greece took place as several European countries face challenges from wildfires during an extremely hot and dry summer.
In France and Spain, around a third of a million people had to evacuate their homes due to rapidly spreading fires.
Others were forced to take shelter as ash and toxic smoke poisoned the sky, with enormous thunderstorms called pyrocumulonimbus clouds formed as a result.
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Greek police charge Afghan national with murder of British woman
9:00 pm
Greek police charge Afghan national with murder of British woman
Suspect Charged
A 26-year-old Afghan national has been charged with homicide, robbery, and weapons offences in connection with the murder of a British national found in a suitcase in Athens.
A 26-year-old Afghan national has been charged with homicide, robbery, and weapons offences in connection with the murder of a British national found in a suitcase in Athens.
Investigative Depth
The case reflects the coordination between Greek authorities and international agencies, notably the UK’s National Crime Agency, highlighting effective transnational cooperation in complex criminal investigations.
The case reflects the coordination between Greek authorities and international agencies, notably the UK’s National Crime Agency, highlighting effective transnational cooperation in complex criminal investigations.
Official Statement
“We are committed to bringing justice for Elisabeth-Jane Ross and will ensure thorough cooperation with all authorities involved in the investigation,” said a spokesperson from the Greek police.
“We are committed to bringing justice for Elisabeth-Jane Ross and will ensure thorough cooperation with all authorities involved in the investigation,” said a spokesperson from the Greek police.
Afghan arrested over murder of 38-year-old Briton found in suitcase in Greece
Published on
Greek police have solved the murder of a 38-year-old British national whose body was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens’ Kypseli district in July.
A 26-year-old Afghan national has been identified and charged with homicide, robbery, and weapons offences. The suspect is reported to have confessed to some of his actions to Greek authorities.
After the woman’s body was found, the case was taken over by the Department of Crimes against Life and Personal Freedom, part of the Sub-Directorate for the Investigation of Crimes against Life and Property within the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE).
In the initial phase of the investigation, specialist officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations conducted an on-site examination and biological testing of the body.
Despite the advanced state of decomposition and difficult environmental conditions, they were able to recover usable fingerprints from the victim.
A request for information was sent through the Interpol Division of the Directorate of International Police Cooperation at the Hellenic Police Headquarters.
In response, US authorities confirmed that the fingerprints belonged to a 38-year-old British national.
Investigators established that the victim, identified in media reports as Elisabeth-Jane Ross from Scotland, had come to Greece on June 26 and resided at a friend’s home in the Piraeus area until July 10, when she left for an unknown location within the wider Attica region.
Through the ensuing investigation — drawing on collected evidence and digital analysis of video footage — the Department of Crimes against Life and Personal Freedom confirmed the involvement of the 26-year-old suspect.
He was brought in for questioning on Thursday at the headquarters of the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, where, according to police, he admitted to his actions.
Investigators determined that the suspect had placed the victim’s body in a suitcase and transported it to the abandoned site.
In the days that followed, he used the victim’s bank cards to withdraw cash. A search of his home turned up a replica pistol and a knife, both of which were seized, leading to an additional charge of weapons violations.
Police noted that the investigation involved cooperation with a liaison officer from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), as well as with Police Scotland.
The suspect has been brought before the relevant prosecutor’s office.
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