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American College Student Missing in Japan Believed to Have Left Intentionally, Police Say

American College Student Missing in Japan Believed to Have Left Intentionally, Police Say

James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old American college student, has been missing in Kyoto, Japan, since May 29. Investigators believe it is highly probable that he left his family intentionally, though they remain concerned for his safety. Higginbotham, a junior at Auburn University, was traveling with his family in Japan when he decided to explore Kyoto alone. His disappearance has sparked a search involving local police, civilian volunteers, and the FBI. Despite the lack of evidence suggesting a crime, authorities are treating the case as a missing persons investigation. The search is complicated by Higginbotham's unfamiliarity with the area and a recent typhoon that brought heavy rains to the region.
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Parents of Missing Auburn Student in Japan Release Search Map to Aid Rescue Efforts

Parents of Missing Auburn Student in Japan Release Search Map to Aid Rescue Efforts

The parents of James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student, have released a search map to assist in locating their son, who went missing in Japan. Weston was last seen in Kyoto on May 29, and his disappearance has prompted a search effort involving local police and volunteers. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, shared a map on Facebook indicating areas already searched by authorities and called for experienced hikers to explore beyond these zones. Despite being an experienced navigator and athlete, Weston has not been heard from since the evening of his disappearance. The family has reported that he had limited cash and a partially charged phone at the time. A recent typhoon has complicated search efforts, bringing heavy rain and flood warnings to the area.
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President Trump Rebuilds Tariff Strategy Using Section 301 of Trade Act

President Trump Rebuilds Tariff Strategy Using Section 301 of Trade Act

President Trump is pursuing a new wave of tariffs through Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting 60 countries over forced labor concerns. The proposed tariffs range from 10% to 12.5%, affecting major trading partners like China, Brazil, Japan, and India. This approach follows legal setbacks, including a Supreme Court ruling against using emergency powers for tariffs. The tariffs are in a public comment period until July 6, with hearings scheduled for July 7. The administration aims to address forced labor issues and create a fair competitive environment for American workers.
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US will stick to tariff caps in deals with EU, Japan and others, US trade chief says

US will stick to tariff caps in deals with EU, Japan and others, US trade chief says

By Leigh Thomas PARIS, June 4 (Reuters) - The United States will respect the tariff caps in trade deals struck with the European Union, Japan and others and planned new U.S. tariffs over forced labour provide the legal basis to do so, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Thursday.
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Alabama Student Missing in Japan Sparks Extensive Search Effort

Alabama Student Missing in Japan Sparks Extensive Search Effort

James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old student from Auburn University, went missing during a family vacation in Japan. The family, from Birmingham, Alabama, was celebrating the high school graduation of Weston's younger brother. Weston, an experienced traveler and environmental engineering student, was last seen heading towards a hiking trail in Kyoto's Yamashina area. His disappearance has prompted a large-scale search involving Japanese police, civilian volunteers, and the FBI. The search is complicated by the region's mountainous terrain and recent typhoon conditions. Despite the challenges, the family remains hopeful for Weston's safe return.
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Search Intensifies for Missing American Tourist in Japan Amid Family Concerns

Search Intensifies for Missing American Tourist in Japan Amid Family Concerns

A 20-year-old American tourist, James 'Weston' Higginbotham, has gone missing in Japan, prompting a frantic search by local authorities and his family. Weston, an experienced traveler from Alabama, was on a family vacation when he decided to explore Kyoto alone. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, became concerned when his phone's location services were turned off. The family had been in Japan for a week, and tensions arose over travel plans, leading Weston to seek some time alone. The situation has escalated as efforts to locate him continue, with the family and local authorities working together to find any leads on his whereabouts.
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Search Intensifies for Missing American Tourist in Japan Amid Family Vacation

Search Intensifies for Missing American Tourist in Japan Amid Family Vacation

A search is underway for James 'Weston' Higginbotham, a 20-year-old American tourist from Alabama, who went missing during a family vacation in Japan. Weston, an experienced traveler and passionate naturalist, was last seen boarding a train alone in Kyoto. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, became concerned when his phone's location services were turned off. The family had been in Japan for a week, and Weston decided to explore Kyoto independently after a disagreement with his mother over her use of ChatGPT for navigation. The family was visiting a nearby temple when Weston went missing.
AP News AP News
US says it plans extra tariffs of 10% or more for most trading partners after forced labor probe

US says it plans extra tariffs of 10% or more for most trading partners after forced labor probe

The U.S. Trade Representative has announced the Trump administration is proposing tariffs of 10% or more for dozens of major trading partners following a probe into alleged forced labor
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Oil Tankers Use Shadow Fleet Tactics to Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict

Oil Tankers Use Shadow Fleet Tactics to Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict

A significant number of oil tankers are employing shadow fleet tactics to navigate the Strait of Hormuz undetected, according to maritime data company Kpler. Between March 1 and May 19, 895 ships crossed the strait, with 358 of them going 'dark' by switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection. This tactic, initially used by Iran's shadow fleet to transport sanctioned oil, has gained traction as the conflict in Iran continues. The number of tankers going dark increased from 37% in the first month of the war to 65% in May. The tactic complicates the estimation of actual ship crossings, with analysts suggesting 7 to 10 vessels transit daily. Some nations, including Japan, have made deals with Iran for safe passage, while others face interception risks from the U.S. blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
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Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labor Concerns

Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labor Concerns

Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labor Concerns
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Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Countries Citing Forced Labor Concerns

Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Countries Citing Forced Labor Concerns

Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on 60 Countries Citing Forced Labor Concerns
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U.S. Proposes Tariffs on 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Trade Practices

U.S. Proposes Tariffs on 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Trade Practices

The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 economies, citing their failure to ban goods made with forced labor. The proposed tariffs, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, include a 10% duty for economies with partial prohibitions and 12.5% for others. The action targets major trading partners, including China, the EU, and Japan, and aims to address the competitive disadvantage faced by American workers. Public comments are due by July 6, with hearings scheduled for July 7.