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Australian Police Launch Massive Manhunt After Gunman Kills 2 Officers in Rural Town

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Canberra (BN24) – Australian police are conducting a large-scale manhunt after two officers were fatally shot and another wounded during a violent encounter in a rural town in Victoria state on Tuesday. Authorities say the gunman, described as heavily armed, fled on foot into nearby forest, sparking a massive search effort across a remote area northeast of Melbourne.

The shooting unfolded late Tuesday morning when 10 armed officers attempted to serve a search warrant at a property in Porepunkah, a small town of just over 1,000 residents located about 320 kilometers (200 miles) from Melbourne. According to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, the suspect immediately opened fire, killing a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable.

“These officers were met by the offender and murdered in cold blood,” Bush said during a news conference in Wangaratta.

A third officer was shot and rushed to surgery. Officials later confirmed his injuries were not life-threatening. The identities of the slain officers have not yet been released.

Bush declined to reveal the reason behind the search warrant and would not confirm the suspect’s name or possible motivations. Authorities are also searching for the man’s wife and two children, who remain unaccounted for.

As the manhunt intensified, police helicopters, drones, and K-9 units swept the rugged terrain surrounding the town. Officers urged residents to remain indoors and avoid the area. The local school, with just over 100 students, was placed on lockdown before children were later released to their families. Public facilities and the nearby airfield were also shut down as a precaution.

The killings sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community. Police Association Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt described the atmosphere in police stations across the state as one of “shocking and eerie dread.”

The last police officer to be killed on duty in Australia was in 2023 in South Australia. In 2022, two officers in Queensland were ambushed and killed by armed extremists who were later shot dead after a prolonged siege. Such incidents are rare in Australia, where strict gun laws were introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, which left 35 people dead and transformed the country’s firearms legislation.

Porepunkah, better known as a gateway to Victoria’s alpine region and its vineyards, has now become the center of one of the largest manhunts in recent years as police vow to bring the fugitive gunman to justice.

AP

Ugandan Opposition Slams U.S. Migrant Deportation Deal, Questions Museveni’s Motives

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KAMPALA, Uganda (BN24) — Uganda’s opposition leaders and rights advocates sharply criticized a newly revealed agreement with the United States to receive deported migrants, warning Tuesday that the deal lacks parliamentary oversight and risks serving the political interests of President Yoweri Museveni while straining Uganda’s already overburdened refugee system.

The agreement, which surfaced after U.S. officials detained high-profile human smuggling suspect Kilmar Abrego Garcia in Baltimore, has sparked a storm of controversy in Kampala. The Department of Homeland Security said Abrego Garcia is being “processed for removal to Uganda,” though he is a citizen of El Salvador, not Uganda or Africa.

Ibrahim Ssemujju, a veteran opposition lawmaker, accused Museveni of leveraging the arrangement to ease international pressure following U.S. sanctions on his government. “Museveni will be happy to transact with Washington,” Ssemujju said. “He will be asking, ‘When are you bringing them?’”

Ugandan officials have disclosed few details about the deal but signaled they prefer deportees of African origin and will not accept those with serious criminal convictions. Still, opposition leaders argue the policy undermines Uganda’s sovereignty. “The whole scheme stinks,” said Mathias Mpuuga, former opposition leader in Parliament. “How can Uganda accept deportees when we already struggle to support refugees fleeing regional conflicts? This is purely economic expediency for Museveni’s government.”

The secrecy surrounding negotiations has only heightened suspicion. Okello Oryem, Uganda’s deputy foreign minister, initially dismissed reports of the deal as “complete rubbish.” But his own permanent secretary later confirmed that Uganda agreed to accept individuals “reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin.” Critics claim Museveni personally oversaw the discussions.

Museveni, in power since 1986, has long portrayed himself as a reliable U.S. ally, particularly through his military’s counterterrorism deployments in Somalia against al-Shabab militants. But relations soured under the Biden administration over corruption, human rights abuses and anti-LGBTQ laws. Several of Museveni’s close allies, including parliamentary speaker Anita Among and multiple senior security officials, are under U.S. sanctions.

Analysts say the deportee agreement could signal a recalibration in Uganda’s ties with Washington. “For Museveni, this deal is attractive for political and perhaps economic reasons,” said Marlon Agaba, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda. “It eases pressure at home, potentially opens trade channels, and aligns with the Trump administration’s emphasis on transactional deal-making. Any strongman would welcome that.”

Opposition lawmakers insist Parliament must approve such a pact. “The matter should be handled by Parliament,” Ssemujju said. “Without authorization, it is flawed and illegitimate.”

The U.S. has previously deported groups of migrants to African nations willing to cooperate with Washington. In July, five men with criminal records were sent to Eswatini, eight to South Sudan, and Rwanda announced it would accept up to 250 deportees. Critics say Uganda’s participation further highlights the transactional nature of its diplomacy under Museveni.

As the controversy unfolds, ordinary Ugandans remain in the dark about what their government is receiving in return. For many, the deal represents yet another instance of Museveni tightening control while using foreign policy as a tool for political survival.

AP

Towering Dust Storm Sweeps Through Phoenix, Leaving Thousands Without Power and Flights Delayed

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PHOENIX (BN24) — A massive wall of dust, known as a haboob, swept across metro Phoenix late Monday, darkening skies, halting traffic, knocking out power to thousands, and disrupting flights at one of the busiest airports in the United States.

The storm, fueled by powerful winds ahead of heavy rain, rolled into Arizona City about 60 miles (95 kilometers) southeast of Phoenix before engulfing the greater metro area. Drivers were forced to pull over as visibility dropped to near zero.

“I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside,” said Bernae Boykin Hitesman, who was driving home with her 9- and 11-year-old children when the dust storm overtook her vehicle. She said she could taste the grit in the air and felt her car rattle under the force of the winds. “I was nervous. My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them.”

The storm lasted about 15 minutes in some areas but left widespread impacts. At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where more than 1,200 flights operate daily, heavy wind and rain following the dust storm caused delays and damage to a terminal roof. “Crews have been identifying leaks and attempting to clean up water where it has collected in passenger areas,” said Heather Shelbrack, the airport’s deputy aviation director for public relations.

According to PowerOutage.us, more than 15,000 residents across Arizona lost electricity, most of them in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix and its suburbs.

Residents described both the beauty and the disruption of the storm. Richard Filley, a retired university professor in Gilbert, said fine dust seeped into his home, coating surfaces despite closed windows and doors. “The windstorm part of it, I’m glad it’s gone,” Filley said. “You look at the photos of haboobs and they are a spectacular natural phenomenon. They are kind of beautiful in their own way.”

The National Weather Service said Phoenix has experienced a drier-than-average monsoon season, with rainfall uneven across the state. “That’s typical for a monsoon, very hit and miss,” said Mark O’Malley, a meteorologist with the NWS in Phoenix. He added that the forecast calls for a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday before conditions are expected to dry out.

Haboobs, which occur when thunderstorm outflows push walls of dust across flat, arid landscapes, are common in Arizona during the summer monsoon season. The storms can rise thousands of feet high and stretch for miles, often reducing visibility to near zero in a matter of minutes.

Despite their frequency, Monday’s storm was particularly disruptive because of its size and timing, sweeping through Phoenix just as many residents were driving home during the evening rush hour.

Hundreds Arrested at Notting Hill Carnival as Police Report Stabbings and Weapons Offenses

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LONDON (BN24) — More than 400 people were arrested during this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, police said Tuesday, after two festivalgoers were stabbed and dozens were detained for carrying weapons into Europe’s largest street celebration.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 423 arrests were made over the two-day festival, which ran from Sunday through the August bank holiday Monday. While the arrests included a range of drug and weapons offenses, officers noted that the overall number of serious violent incidents was lower than in previous years.

Authorities said the first stabbing occurred on Powis Terrace and the second on Oxford Gardens. Neither victim sustained life-threatening injuries, police added.

“This year we have proactively targeted those who have attempted to come to Carnival to cause harm to others,” said Matt Ward, the Met’s policing commander for the event. “We have used live facial recognition, knife arches and our stop and search powers to identify and arrest more than 400 suspects. These arrests have prevented some of the serious violence we have seen at previous Carnivals.”

Police deployed advanced Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology throughout the weekend, which contributed to 52 arrests. On Sunday, 200 people were detained, including 149 at the festival itself and 51 on the way to the event. On Monday, 223 more were arrested, with 177 detained at the Carnival and 46 on approach.

Officers recorded a variety of offenses, including 70 cases of cannabis possession, 32 involving Class A drugs, and 46 for carrying offensive weapons. Police also cited 44 counts of drug supply.

Despite the arrests, officials and community leaders stressed that the event — which drew more than a million attendees — remained a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and heritage.

The Notting Hill Carnival is widely recognized as one of the largest street parties in the world, featuring parades, floats, and dancers in elaborate costumes representing Caribbean, African, and Brazilian traditions.

Local leaders praised the festival’s cultural impact. Tom Bennett, mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, called the event one of London’s greatest traditions. “It’s one of the greatest street parties in the world,” Bennett said. “Carnival celebrates not only Caribbean culture through music, dancing, and costumes, but also everything the Caribbean community has contributed to this borough and to the country.”

Festivalgoers expressed enthusiasm for the event’s joyful atmosphere. Maria James, 34, described it as “a piece of the Caribbean right here in London.” James Lewis, 41, who traveled from Birmingham, added: “It’s amazing to see so many cultures coming together.”

Ward said police cooperation with organizers and community members played a key role in reducing violence compared with previous years. “All of this joint effort has helped make this year’s Carnival a safer event for all,” he said.

Trump Says He Is Removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a move that marks an unprecedented escalation of his clash with the U.S. central bank and sets the stage for a potential legal showdown that could reach the Supreme Court.

In a letter posted to his Truth Social account, Trump cited his constitutional authority and provisions of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 in dismissing Cook. “You are hereby removed from your position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, effective immediately,” the president wrote.

The decision injects uncertainty into the Federal Reserve’s independence. Under the Federal Reserve Act, presidents can only remove governors “for cause,” a term traditionally interpreted as severe misconduct or inability to serve. Legal experts say Trump’s unilateral firing will almost certainly be challenged in court, raising questions about executive power and the limits of presidential authority over the Fed.

Cook, a Biden appointee who joined the board in 2022, has been accused by the Trump administration of mortgage fraud. The allegations surfaced after Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte — a vocal critic of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell — publicly claimed on Aug. 20 that Cook declared two different properties as her primary residence at the same time. Pulte referred the matter to the Justice Department, which has launched an inquiry led by U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, according to reporting from POLITICO.

Trump seized on the accusations, demanding Cook’s resignation in a series of social media posts. “Cook must resign, now!!!” he wrote after Pulte’s claims became public. Cook rejected the pressure, stating she had “no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet.”

Two days later, Trump vowed to remove her if she did not resign. “What she did was bad,” the president told reporters on Aug. 22. His order to terminate her tenure now sets in motion a constitutional test that could alter the balance between the White House and the central bank.

If courts uphold the dismissal, Trump will gain the ability to nominate Cook’s replacement, further reshaping the Fed’s seven-member board, where governors serve 14-year terms. Two of the current governors, Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, were appointed by Trump. Another vacancy opened earlier this year when Adriana Kugler resigned abruptly, and Trump has already nominated Stephen Miran, chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, to fill the seat.

The removal of Cook intensifies concerns about the central bank’s independence, which has already come under heavy strain during Trump’s presidency. He has repeatedly criticized Powell and the Fed for not lowering short-term interest rates, even threatening to fire Powell before his term as chair ends next year.

At the Fed’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Aug. 22, Powell signaled that conditions “may warrant” rate cuts in the months ahead but stressed that the central bank would proceed “carefully.”

Trump’s move to oust Cook represents the boldest challenge yet to the Fed’s autonomy, with profound implications for the U.S. economy and the separation of powers.

Trump Threatens New Tariffs on China Over Magnet Dispute

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose new tariffs on China over its control of magnets, escalating trade tensions even as a 90-day pause on tariff increases remains in place ahead of negotiations between the world’s two largest economies.

Speaking to reporters, Trump warned that Beijing must increase shipments of magnets to the United States or face steep penalties. “We have to charge them 200 percent tariff or something,” he said.

The remarks highlight the growing importance of rare earth elements, especially magnets, which are essential for manufacturing semiconductor chips and other high-tech products. China dominates the global magnet market, accounting for about 90 percent of supply.

In April, Beijing expanded its export restriction list to include several rare earth items and magnets, a move widely seen as retaliation for Washington’s earlier tariff hikes. The restrictions have heightened global concerns over supply chains tied to critical technologies, including smartphones and advanced electronics.

The dispute comes as the U.S. deepens its involvement in the semiconductor industry. Earlier this month, Washington announced it had secured a 10 percent stake in Intel, one of the world’s leading chipmakers reliant on rare earth inputs.

Despite tensions, Chinese exports of rare earth minerals rose sharply in July, with customs data showing imports of rare earth ore increasing by more than 4,700 tons compared to the previous month.

Trump’s latest comments mark a sharp shift after earlier signs of easing tensions. Just weeks ago, he signed an executive order extending a 90-day freeze on tariff increases to allow more time for talks. Without the extension, tariffs on Chinese goods would have surged to 145 percent. In May, both sides agreed to a 30 percent U.S. tariff rate, scaling down from 125 percent to 10 percent as part of temporary measures.

The looming standoff over magnets underscores the fragility of trade relations, with both Washington and Beijing signaling readiness to harden their positions despite ongoing negotiations.

Families Reunited as Venezuela Frees Prisoners After Bloody Election Crackdown

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CARACAS, Venezuela (BN24) — Venezuelan opposition leaders said Sunday that the government of President Nicolás Maduro released 13 people detained in a sweeping crackdown following last year’s disputed presidential elections, though authorities have yet to confirm the move.

Henrique Capriles, a prominent opposition leader, celebrated the releases on social media, calling the decision “a step forward for those behind bars.” Capriles said eight people were freed outright, while another five were granted house arrest.

“Today, several families have been reunited with their loved ones. We know that many remain, and we will not forget them; we continue fighting for them all,” Capriles wrote in a message posted to X, sharing a video of one of the detainees embracing relatives.

The development comes more than a year after Venezuela was rocked by turmoil in the wake of the July presidential elections. Electoral officials declared Maduro the victor but refused to release key voting records known as actas, fueling widespread accusations of fraud. International governments and opposition leaders rejected the results, triggering weeks of violent unrest that left 28 people dead, 220 injured, and at least 2,000 detained, according to official tallies.

The Caracas-based Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners said the 13 releases resulted from pressure applied by victims’ families, civic groups, and international organizations. The group noted that detainees endured “physical and psychological deterioration,” with many returning home bearing “open wounds.” It added that roughly 1,000 people remain in custody for political reasons, though other human rights groups estimate a somewhat lower figure.

Maduro’s government has consistently denied holding political prisoners, asserting instead that those detained are involved in alleged plots to destabilize the country.

The reported releases come just weeks after a controversial international exchange. In late July, Maduro’s government freed 10 jailed Americans as part of a deal with the United States and El Salvador, which had detained some 200 Venezuelans in prison conditions meant for gang members. Following that deal, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said additional Venezuelan political detainees had also been released.

Trump Declares War on Flag Burning With New Executive Order

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing federal prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against individuals who burn American flags during protests, reigniting a decades-long constitutional debate over freedom of expression.

The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review incidents of flag burning and determine whether individuals can be prosecuted under existing statutes, such as disturbing the peace or environmental violations. By doing so, Trump is attempting to circumvent the landmark 1989 Supreme Court ruling in Texas v. Johnson, where the court ruled 5-4 that flag burning constitutes protected political expression under the First Amendment. That decision struck down laws banning flag desecration in 48 states.

“All over the country they’re burning flags,” Trump said from the Oval Office as he signed the order. “All over the world they burn the American flag, and as you know, through a very sad court — I guess it was a 5-4 decision — they called it freedom of speech.”

Although Trump asserted during the signing that flag burning should be punished with a one-year jail term, the order itself does not specify criminal penalties. Instead, it emphasizes exploring possible legal avenues for prosecution.

Trump has repeatedly pushed to criminalize flag desecration. In 2016, he posted on social media that “nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag — if they do, there must be consequences — perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail.”

Public opinion on the issue has shifted over time. A 2020 YouGov poll showed nearly half of Americans supported making flag destruction illegal, while one-third believed it should remain protected speech. A follow-up survey in September 2023 found 59% of Americans now consider burning the U.S. flag during protests to be “always unacceptable.”

The executive order is expected to face swift legal challenges, with constitutional scholars noting that any attempt to criminalize flag burning would likely collide with the Supreme Court’s standing precedent.

Armed Robbers Storm Mpumalanga Church, Rob Congregants During Sunday Service in South Africa

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MKHUHLU, South Africa (BN24) — Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for three armed suspects who stormed a church during a Sunday service in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta, robbing congregants at gunpoint and fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the gunmen entered the church while a service was underway on the morning of August 24. Witnesses say the suspects fired shots inside the building before ordering worshippers to lie face down.

Armed with firearms, the men allegedly demanded cellphones, cash, and car keys from churchgoers. They then escaped in a white Volkswagen Polo taken from one of the victims. No injuries were reported, though authorities recovered several spent cartridges from the church floor.

“The suspects, armed with firearms, instructed everyone to lie down. They then robbed the congregants of their cellphones, cash, and car keys,” said Ndubane. “At this stage, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues.”

The brazen attack has prompted outrage from law enforcement. Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the robbery, calling it a troubling sign of rising violent crime in spaces traditionally considered safe.

“It is deeply concerning that criminals now boldly target places of worship, which should be sanctuaries of peace and safety,” Mkhwanazi said.

Police have issued a public appeal for assistance in tracking down the perpetrators. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko at 082 922 9902, the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, or submit tips via the MySAPS App. Authorities emphasized that all information will be handled confidentially and callers may remain anonymous.

Police Investigate Broad-Daylight Robbery Caught on Camera at Mahikeng Intersection in South Africa

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MAHIKENG, South Africa (BN24) — North West police have launched an investigation into a brazen armed robbery in broad daylight after video footage of the incident surfaced on social media, showing two suspects holding a motorist at gunpoint at a busy intersection.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, August 21, at the intersection of Bray Road and Unit 13 in Mahikeng. The video, which has since gone viral, shows two men confronting the driver of a white Toyota Fortuner, demanding cash while threatening him with firearms.

Authorities confirmed that a substantial amount of money was stolen during the robbery, which unfolded in full view of passing traffic. The footage, captured by a bystander, has sparked outrage and concern about the increasing boldness of armed criminals operating in public spaces.

Acting North West police commissioner Major-General Patrick Asaneng condemned the crime and called on the public to assist law enforcement in tracking down the suspects. He said the widely circulated video makes it likely that someone may have valuable information.

“Please assist the police and do not allow these dangerous rascals to escape arrest. Keeping quiet will only benefit and embolden armed criminals, who must be stopped before they injure or kill innocent people,” Asaneng said.

He further stated that investigators believe the robbery may have been premeditated, given how targeted and coordinated the suspects appeared. Police have pledged to protect the identities of informants and treat all tip-offs confidentially. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Ompolokile Letebele at 082 416 3749 or Detective Sergeant Pitso Kgetsana at 079 897 1858. Tip-offs can also be submitted anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App

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