Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and her ministers are pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

US: Widemouth 2 Fire Burns 84,000 Acres and Remains Uncontained

The lightning-caused Widemouth 2 Fire in Millard County, Utah, grew to more than 84,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4, prompting evacuation orders for Fillmore, Kanosh, and Meadow as crews worked to protect structures and infrastructure.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

ECB keeps key rate intact

ECB keeps key rate intact

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde holds a press conference in Frankfurt on July 23, 2026, following the ECB's Governing Council meeting at which the benchmark deposit rate was kept unchanged at 2.25 percent.

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 2.9%

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 2.9%

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 2.900 percent on the afternoon of July 9, 2026, for the first time since November 1996 amid concerns about inflation in Japan fueled by heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

US: Over 150 Structures Destroyed as Aspen Acres Fire Rages Across Southern Colorado

The Aspen Acres Fire burned more than 28,000 acres across Custer and Pueblo counties in southern Colorado as of Tuesday, June 30, with zero percent containment. Authorities confirmed that around 155 structures were destroyed and one firefighter was injured, with mandatory evacuations in place for the towns of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel.

US: Over 150 Structures Destroyed as Aspen Acres Fire Rages Across Southern Colorado 2

The Aspen Acres Fire burned more than 28,000 acres across Custer and Pueblo counties in southern Colorado as of Tuesday, June 30, with zero percent containment. Authorities confirmed that around 155 structures were destroyed and one firefighter was injured, with mandatory evacuations in place for the towns of Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel.

US: Gold Mountain Fire Continues to Rage in Ouray County With No Containment

The Gold Mountain fire in Ouray County, Colorado grew to 12,376 acres as of Tuesday, June 30, with zero percent containment. Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency. Ouray County officials ordered more mandatory evacuations and part of U.S. 550 remained closed.

US: Gold Mountain Fire Prompts Evacuations and Disaster Declaration Near Ouray, Colorado 4

A wildfire northeast of Ouray, Colorado grew to 7,103 acres as of Monday, June 29, with zero percent containment, prompting Governor Jared Polis to declare a disaster emergency and triggering evacuations in several communities. Highway 550 was closed, and the Ouray County Sheriff ordered the immediate evacuation of all hikers and campers in the Cow Creek area on Forest Service land.

US: Gold Mountain Fire Prompts Evacuations and Disaster Declaration Near Ouray, Colorado 3

A wildfire northeast of Ouray, Colorado grew to 7,103 acres as of Monday, June 29, with zero percent containment, prompting Governor Jared Polis to declare a disaster emergency and triggering evacuations in several communities. Highway 550 was closed, and the Ouray County Sheriff ordered the immediate evacuation of all hikers and campers in the Cow Creek area on Forest Service land.

US: Pocket Fire Surges Near Sedona, Arizona

The Pocket Fire, burning just seven miles north of Sedona, Arizona, grew to 6,016 acres with zero percent containment as of June 28, more than doubling in size overnight due to windy conditions.

US: Deer Canyon Fire Threatens Structures and Prompts Evacuations in New Mexico

The Deer Canyon Fire broke out Saturday afternoon, June 20, in a subdivision south of Mountainair in Torrance County, New Mexico, threatening structures and prompting evacuations. The blaze grew to an estimated 117 acres with zero percent containment as of Sunday.

[Breaking News]BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

TOKYO, Japan, June 16 Kyodo - Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent. (Kyodo)

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day monetary policy meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for medical treatment, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day monetary policy meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for medical treatment, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ headquarters

BOJ headquarters

The Bank of Japan headquarters is pictured in Tokyo on June 16, 2026. The central bank decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent at a two-day policy meeting that ended that day.

BOJ headquarters

BOJ headquarters

The Bank of Japan headquarters is pictured in Tokyo on June 16, 2026. The central bank decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent at a two-day policy meeting that ended that day.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day monetary policy meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day monetary policy meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde holds a press conference in Frankfurt on June 11, 2026, after the ECB raised its benchmark deposit rate from 2 percent to 2.25 percent at a Governing Council meeting, the first rate hike in two years and nine months.

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde holds a press conference in Frankfurt on June 11, 2026, after the ECB raised its benchmark deposit rate from 2 percent to 2.25 percent at a Governing Council meeting, the first rate hike in two years and nine months.

Key Japan bond yield hits 29-year high

Key Japan bond yield hits 29-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo on May 15, 2026, shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond rising to 2.730 percent, the highest level since May 1997.

Key bond yield hits 29-year high

Key bond yield hits 29-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo on the morning of May 15, 2026, shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.700 percent, the highest level since May 1997.

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo on the morning of May 12, 2026, shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.545 percent, its highest level since February 1999.

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo on the morning of May 12, 2026, shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.545 percent, its highest level since February 1999.

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo on the morning of May 12, 2026, shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.545 percent, its highest level since February 1999.