Briefly

UNITED STATES

1 killed, 1 injured in New York stabbing

One person was killed and another injured in a stabbing by a woman armed with knives near Times Square in New York City on Monday afternoon, authorities said. Police confirmed the suspect was shot and killed by police after she refused to put the knives down. "One of the victims has passed away," New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at a news briefing. The suspect, who appeared to be emotionally disturbed, threatened people with two long knives before stabbing the victims, a witness told police. Jessica Tisch, police commissioner of New York City, called the incident "a random and unprovoked attack".

Ruling removes last hurdle to ballroom plan

US President Donald Trump hailed a Supreme Court ruling on his White House ballroom on Monday, saying it removed all further threats to the project which would now be completed by mid-2028. "I am pleased to report that the United States Supreme Court has just ruled in favor of the Ballroom/Military Complex being built without any further contingency, doubt, or threat," Trump said on Truth Social.

NORWAY

New king takes oath before parliament

Norway's King Haakon VIII took an oath before parliament on Tuesday, the first major institutional step of his reign, though his wife, still convalescing after a lung transplant, was unable to attend. Dressed in a ceremonial uniform, the 53-year-old Haakon, who became king after his father King Harald V died on Friday morning aged 89, swore to abide by the Scandinavian country's constitution, under which the royals have a primarily symbolic function.

UNITED KINGDOM

Ex-PM Starmer to quit parliament

Britain's former prime minister Keir Starmer, who stepped down as leader this summer after a tumultuous two years in power, announced on Tuesday he would quit parliament to focus on "international affairs". In a statement on social media, Starmer said it was the "right time" to resign as the MP for the Holborn and St Pancras seat in London after 11 years, triggering a by-election.

NEW ZEALAND

Thousands of public servants to go on strike

Nearly 10,000 New Zealand public servants will strike for several hours on Sept 9 after talks over pay and working conditions failed to produce an agreement, their union said on Tuesday. The planned strike action adds pressure on the government ahead of a national election on Nov 7, with opinion polls indicating a closely contested race.

XINHUA-AGENCIES