Leaders of the European Union and Japan have launched an alliance aimed at boosting economic cooperation, defending free trade and countering unfair trade practices as the two sides face growing challenges from the United States and China.

Japan's trade agreement with the U.S. could serve as the benchmark for many other deals currently being negotiated with Washington, and the global economy could just about support the 15% level agreed overnight,

Trade pact would lower tariffs on car imports from Japan to 15% from 25%, spurring hope that other countries could get similar deals

Plus, legal advocates and family members of detainees call for the closing of Florida's Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention center, alleging inhumane conditions.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has again denied reports that he plans to resign after his party's historic election defeat