The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate from 1% to 1.25%, the highest level since 1995. The move comes as Japan faces inflation pressures, a weak yen, rising energy costs and a shrinking workforce.
News Mash
A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed Thursday in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, after the pilot ejected safely and was hospitalized in stable condition. Officials ordered evacuations within a mile of the site because of a hazardous chemical spill.
The Trump administration has approved a proposed sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, sending the deal to Congress for review. Lawmakers have raised concerns about Israel’s military edge and possible exposure of U.S. stealth technology to China.
Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, has been charged with murder after prosecutors said she drove under the influence, ran a red light and crashed into a Los Angeles Metro bus, killing two passengers. A news helicopter covering the bus crash later went down nearby, killing two crew members and a pedestrian.
Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, alleges in a forthcoming memoir that King Charles made dismissive and elated-sounding remarks after Diana’s death. Buckingham Palace challenged the reliability of the claims, saying grief can affect judgment and memory.
Researchers have described Leopardus tilcayo, a small spotted wild cat from Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests, as a new species. Scientists say its population is unknown and its habitat faces mounting threats.
Anthony James Kazmierczak was sentenced to 14 months in prison for spraying apple cider vinegar at Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall. Prosecutors said he planned the assault, and the judge called it an attack inconsistent with democratic society.
Pennsylvania is seeking emergency CDC assistance for a widening measles outbreak but says it may withdraw the request unless federal officials recognize four state-reported measles-associated deaths. The dispute comes as the state reports 731 cases across 38 counties and 141 hospitalizations.