Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina resigns

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh’s prime minister has resigned and fled the country, after weeks of protests against a quota system for government jobs descended into violence and grew into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence and other buildings associated with her party and family on Monday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure threatens to create even more instability in the nation on India’s border that is already dealing with a series of crises, from high unemployment and corruption to climate change. After the embattled leader was seen on TV boarding a military helicopter with her sister, the country’s military chief sought to reassure a jittery nation that order would be restored.

North Korean leader marks the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has marked the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units as leader Kim Jong Un said his country should prepare for prolonged confrontation with the United States. State media said Monday the launchers were freshly produced by North Korea’s munitions factories and designed to fire “tactical” ballistic missiles, a term that describes systems capable of delivering lower-yield nuclear weapons. Kim made his comments at a ceremony in Pyongyang on Sunday where army-green launcher trucks lined a large street with seemingly thousands of spectators. Kim described his military buildup as a counter to the “outrageous” military cooperation between the United States and its regional allies.

UK prime minister talks of ‘standing army’ of police to deal with rioting across Britain

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says a “standing army” of specialist police will be set up to deal with rioting and the justice system will be ramped up to deal with hundreds of arrests after violent disorder rocked cities across the nation over the past week. Starmer has held an urgent meeting with ministers and top law enforcement officials as he seeks to end violence and attacks on immigrants, mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. Starmer has called such attacks far-right thuggery. Misinformation spread online has whipped up anger over a stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and many more wounded.

Colombia’s congress considers ban on Pablo Escobar souvenirs

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Souvenirs depicting the late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar could be banned in Colombia if legislators approve a bill introduced this week in the nation’s congress. The proposal is criticized by vendors who sell his merchandise to tourists from around the world, but backed by those who believe the country should shed its image of mafia bosses. The bill proposes fines of up to $150 for vendors who sell merchandise that depicts Escobar and other convicted criminals, and would also enable police to fine those who wear t-shirts, hats and other garments that “exalt” the infamous drug lord. Escobar ordered the murders of an estimated 4000 people in the 1980s and early 1990s, as he established the powerful Medellin cartel.