US shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon

US military fighter aircraft shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon as it floated off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, drawing to a close a dramatic saga that drew a spotlight on worsening Sino-US relations.

"We successfully took it down, and I want to compliment our aviators who did it," President Joe Biden said.

The shootdown came shortly after the US Government ordered a halt to flights around the South Carolina coast due to what it said at the time was an undisclosed "national security effort."

Washington has called the balloon a "clear violation" of US sovereignty.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin first announced the shootdown, saying the balloon was being used by China "in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States."

Biden on Saturday said he told the Pentagon on Wednesday to shoot down the Chinese spy balloon as soon as possible.

A Reuters photographer who witnessed the shootdown said a stream came from a jet and hit the balloon, but there was no explosion. It then began to fall, the photographer said.

Military leaders earlier this week had recommended against shooting down the balloon when it was over Montana due to the risk of falling debris, officials said.

China expressed regret that an "airship" used for civilian meteorological and other scientific purposes had strayed into US airspace.

China's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the flight of the "airship" over the United States was a force majeure accident, and accused US politicians and media of taking advantage of the situation to discredit Beijing.

(Excerpt from Reuters) during a four-year period of hyperinflation, it became almost worthless.

While the government says that the yearly inflation rate dropped from 686% in 2021 to 234% in 2022, it remains one of the highest in the world.

Unsurprisingly, those who can try to get hold of more stable foreign currencies instead. But strict foreign currency controls put in place by former President Hugo Chávez meant that until recently they were beyond the reach of most Venezuelans.

A loosening of the currency controls in 2019 by Nicolás Maduro, Chávez's successor in office, has led to what some call a de-facto dollarisation.

But this has created a two-tier society in which the minority of Venezuelans who are paid their salaries in dollars, or who receive remittances from relatives abroad, can afford luxuries which those paid in bolivars can only dream of.

The minimum wage for workers in the public sector - Venezuela's largest em- ployer - is 130 bolivars per month (about $6; £4.85), which means that Aray's sorbets are only affordable to a select few.

Nevertheless, the government has been boasting about the economic growth the country is experiencing.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Teenage girl dies in Swan River shark attack in Perth

A16-year-old girl has died after being attacked by a shark while swimming in a river in Western Australia.

She was pronounced dead after being pulled from the Swan River, in the Perth suburb of Fremantle, on Saturday.

It is believed the girl, from Perth, was riding jet skis with friends on the river when the incident happened.

Insp Paul Robinson, from Western Australia Police, said it was possible the girl had jumped in the water to swim with dolphins seen nearby.

He described the incident as "very, very traumatic" and the family of the girl was "absolutely devastated by the news".

People have been urged to take "additional caution" and to abide by any beach closures.

Fisheries experts say it is unusual to find sharks in that part of the river, Robinson said.

This is believed to be the first fatal shark attack in the Swan River since a 13-yearold boy was killed in January 1923.

Australia typically records about 20 shark attacks each year, with most in New South Wales and Western Australia.

There were two fatal shark attacks in 2021, and seven in 2020.

Historically, dying from a shark bite is not common. In more than a century of records, Australia's shark attack mortality rate is 0.9less than one person per year.

(BBC News)

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

CANCER

Challenge yourself, socialize and do something entertaining. A positive outlook will pay off. Don’t let anyone pressure you into something you don’t want or can’t afford.

Don’t take on a project that doesn’t suit you. Put your effort into something that makes you feel passionate. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, follow your heart and do your own thing.

Digest what’s happening around you. Discuss your thoughts and intentions with someone who encourages progress but helps you keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.

Hit the reset button and fix what you don’t like. Make simple decisions, be direct and stay within budget. A lifestyle adjustment will be a game changer. Relax with a loved one.

Money matters will require attention. Address shared expenses or ventures that aren’t reaching your desired goals and cut your losses. New opportunities are heading your way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Chase your dream. A change will encourage you to use your skills as you intend instead of how someone else wants. A social event will put things in perspective and help build your confidence.

Set a budget and you’re your cash. If you want something new, try honing a skill that can lead to a higher income. Sign up for a course or team up with someone who can help you.

Make a difference by reaching out to community members for help. Present an innovative plan, and you’ll drum up interest. Don’t let a loved one entice you into buying something you don’t want.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Observe what others do and say, but don’t bend to someone’s emotional whims. Take pride in what you do and believe in your ability. Home investments will pay off.

Don’t let what others do disrupt your day. Continue with your plans and clear space at home for projects you want to pursue. Avoid a social event if it poses a health risk.

AQUARIUS

Keep busy, contain your emotions, listen attentively and be the one to make a difference. Improving your space to fit your family’s needs will help create a satisfying day.

PISCES

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

If you distort a situation, you will look bad when the truth is made public. Face facts and deal with mistakes openly to avoid setbacks. An old friend will shine a light on your situation.