Newsflash

U.S.-China citizen pleads guilty to stealing U.S. missile blueprints

A California resident with ties to Chinese government recruitment programs has admitted to stealing highly sensitive U.S. military technology. Chenguang Gong, a 59-year-old dual citizen of the United States and China, pleaded guilty to stealing blueprints for advanced infrared sensors used in U.S. space-based missile detection systems and technologies designed to help fighter jets evade heat-seeking missiles. While employed as a manager at a Southern California defense contractor in 2023, Gong copied over 3,600 confidential files, including proprietary designs for missile detection systems, to personal storage devices. The stolen data, marked as "PROPRIETARY INFORMATION" and "EXPORT CONTROLLED," is estimated to be worth over $3.5 million. Gong had previously applied to Chinese government "Talent Programs," which aim to recruit experts in advanced technologies to support China’s economic and military goals. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced in September. 🚨🇺🇸🇨🇳

WHO says Israeli strikes hit staff housing, main warehouse in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported significant disruptions to its operations in Gaza following Israeli strikes on a staff housing facility and its main warehouse. The attacks, which occurred amidst intensified hostilities, resulted in severe damage and trauma for staff and their families. Several staff members were detained, with one still in custody. The staff residence in Deir al Balah was struck multiple times, causing a fire and significant destruction. Israeli forces entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate under active conflict conditions. Male staff and family members were reportedly handcuffed, stripped, and interrogated at gunpoint. The main warehouse, which stored critical medical supplies, was also destroyed and subsequently looted. The WHO condemned these actions, describing them as part of a pattern of systematic destruction of health facilities. With its primary warehouse nonfunctional and supplies depleted, the WHO's ability to support medical services in Gaza is severely compromised. The organization has called for a steady flow of aid and an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and damage to the health system. 🏨🏥💥

Russia launches deadly missile, drone attack at Ukraine

In a devastating overnight assault, Russia launched a massive barrage of 426 drones and 24 missiles at Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and injuring 15 others. The attack, which occurred just hours before French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's arrival in Kyiv, targeted civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, commercial properties, and a kindergarten in Kyiv. The city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported widespread damage across four districts, with residents seeking shelter in underground stations amid the chaos. In eastern Ukraine, Kharkiv also experienced multiple explosions, though details on the damage were initially unclear.

Meanwhile, Ukraine retaliated with drone attacks on major Moscow airports, causing significant disruption and stranding thousands of passengers. Russia's defense ministry claimed to have downed 117 drones, including 30 over the Moscow region, while civil aviation authorities imposed temporary flight restrictions. The attacks highlighted the ongoing tensions and the escalating conflict between the two nations.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's visit to Kyiv underscored international support for Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion. Barrot emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia, welcoming the EU's recent sanctions package aimed at raising the cost of the war. His itinerary included a visit to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, highlighting the ongoing threats to Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the broader European continent. The situation remains tense, with both sides continuing to engage in retaliatory strikes. The conflict has far-reaching implications, affecting not only the immediate regions but also the broader geopolitical landscape. 💥🛬️🇫🇷

Greece to create two national marine parks in Ionian and Aegean Seas, PM says

Greece is set to establish two new national marine parks, one in the Ionian Sea and another in the Southern Cyclades of the Aegean Sea, as part of a significant effort to preserve marine biodiversity and meet global conservation goals. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced this initiative, emphasizing the sea's profound connection to Greece's identity, history, and economy. The new parks, among the largest in the Mediterranean, will play a crucial role in Greece's ambition to protect 30% of its territorial waters by 2030, surpassing international targets.

The marine parks will serve as vast sanctuaries, protecting ecosystems and setting a high standard for marine conservation. A key aspect of this initiative is the prohibition of bottom trawling, a highly destructive fishing practice. The Greek government plans to engage with local communities, fishermen, scientists, and international partners to make these parks exemplary models of marine protection and education.

By leading this effort, Greece aims to become a prominent advocate for ocean conservation in Europe and worldwide, recognizing that safeguarding the ocean is essential for securing a sustainable future. 🌊🐠

Erdogan touts defense deals, reaffirms two-state stance on Cyprus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently highlighted significant strides in defense cooperation with European partners and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to a two-state solution for Cyprus. Speaking to reporters, Erdogan announced that Turkey is advancing a new aircraft carrier project in collaboration with Spain, with an expected completion time of two to three years. He noted that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has expressed support for the initiative.

Erdogan also reported progress in discussions with the UK and Germany regarding the acquisition of Eurofighter jets. Both nations have shown a constructive approach, indicating positive momentum in these defense talks. On the Cyprus issue, Erdogan maintained a firm stance, asserting that Turkey will not engage in talks with the southern part of the island, as it does not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He emphasized that the solution lies in a two-state agreement, with no room for compromise on this principle. Erdogan’s statements underscore Turkey’s strategic defense partnerships and its unwavering position on the Cyprus conflict. 🇹🇷🛩️

AFP warns Gaza journalists at risk of dying from starvation

Journalists in Gaza are facing dire conditions, with Agence France-Presse (AFP) and its journalists’ union urgently calling for their evacuation. These freelance reporters, who have been covering the region since international staff were withdrawn in early 2024, are at risk of starvation and exhaustion due to the ongoing Israeli military operations and worsening humanitarian conditions. The AFP journalists’ society (SDJ) has expressed grave concern, stating that without immediate intervention, these journalists may perish. One reporter, Bashar, has already reported severe malnutrition, while another warned that continued hardship could lead to widespread fatalities among journalists. AFP management has described the situation as "untenable" and is working to evacuate its remaining Gaza-based freelancers and their families, despite significant challenges posed by the blockade. The agency emphasizes the crucial role these journalists play in informing the global community but urges Israeli authorities to facilitate their immediate evacuation. This crisis marks the first time AFP has confronted the potential loss of a colleague to starvation. 📰😢

Greece rejects Turkey’s criticism over new marine parks, denies ‘grey zones’

Greece has firmly rejected Turkey’s criticism regarding the establishment of two new national marine parks in the Ionian Sea and southern Aegean. The Greek government, through spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, asserted that the decision is purely based on environmental considerations and will proceed as planned. In response to Turkey's claims that the parks could impact disputed areas in the Aegean Sea, Marinakis clarified that Greece does not recognize any "grey zones" in the region. He emphasized that Turkey's beliefs about such zones do not influence Greece's policy or the implementation of the marine parks. This stance underscores Greece's commitment to environmental conservation while maintaining its territorial integrity and sovereignty. 🌊🇬🇷🇹🇷

Will Austria ban flat-nosed dog breeds?

In Austria, a new expert commission is scrutinizing the practice of "Qualzucht," or torture breeding, which prioritizes certain aesthetic traits over animal health. This initiative, part of stricter animal welfare rules implemented in January 2025, targets breeding practices that cause lifelong suffering to pets. Flat-nosed, or brachycephalic, dog breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and some Boxers are a primary focus due to their breathing difficulties stemming from short skulls.

The Qualzuchtkommission, composed of veterinarians specializing in various fields, is tasked with evaluating breeding practices that cause significant stress to animals. The commission is currently reviewing submissions from breeding clubs and associations, which were required to detail their health-focused breeding programs by June 30. The quality of these submissions varies, and the review process is expected to take years.

The potential outcomes range from banning certain breeds to implementing re-breeding programs that gradually reduce problematic traits. Breeding associations, while cooperative, express concerns about the process, hoping that decisions will be based on scientific evidence rather than ideology. The commission's work could significantly impact the future of popular flat-nosed dog breeds in Austria, with the ultimate goal of enhancing animal welfare and health. 🐶🏠

Pentagon announces withdrawal of Marines from Los Angeles

The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of over 700 active-duty Marines from Los Angeles, citing improved security conditions following last month's unrest tied to federal immigration enforcement operations. The decision comes after the city experienced a wave of protests and violent clashes in response to immigration raids, leading to the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. The military presence was intended to restore order and uphold the rule of law, with Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell praising the Marines' rapid response and discipline.

The withdrawal follows the recent release of approximately 2,000 California National Guard troops from federal duty in Los Angeles, marking a gradual drawdown of the military deployment. The initial deployment was justified by reports of arson, attacks on federal officers, and the use of incendiary devices near government buildings. However, California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, opposed the deployment, arguing that it escalated tensions. The state filed a legal challenge, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the President likely acted within his statutory authority.

The Pentagon has not specified a timeline for the complete withdrawal of remaining forces. The decision reflects a recognition of stabilizing conditions in Los Angeles, although the city's recovery from the recent unrest is ongoing. The military's presence was a contentious issue, with local officials and federal authorities holding differing views on its necessity and impact. The gradual withdrawal of troops signals a return to normalcy, albeit with lingering concerns about the effectiveness and appropriateness of the federal response to the crisis. 🇺🇸🏛️

Poland deserves “appreciation and support” for protecting EU from illegal migration, says Germany

Poland's efforts to combat illegal migration along its border with Belarus have garnered praise from Germany's interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, who visited the fortified frontier. Dobrindt commended Poland's actions and called for increased EU financial support and recognition for Warsaw's role in safeguarding the bloc's external borders. Poland has invested heavily in securing its border, deploying troops and border guards, and preventing nearly 98% of attempted crossings. The country has also introduced temporary controls on its borders with Germany and Lithuania to curb irregular migration, a move supported by Berlin. The EU has allocated funds to bolster border security in Eastern Europe, with Poland set to receive a significant portion. Despite criticism from right-wing opposition parties, Poland maintains that its measures are crucial for protecting the EU's external borders and preserving the Schengen zone's freedom of movement. 🇵🇱🇩🇪🌍

More job cuts are ahead for UN organisations in Geneva

The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and significant funding cuts to other UN agencies and NGOs under President Donald Trump have triggered a severe crisis in Geneva, a hub for international organizations. The city has already seen a 43% drop in UN hiring, particularly for long-term, full-time positions, and this is just the beginning of the expected job losses. The UN AIDS program, Gavi, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) are all facing substantial staff reductions, with some agencies losing up to 40% of their workforce. 😔

The UN is grappling with an existential crisis, with humanitarian agencies already laying off thousands of staff and cutting programs in some of the world's most fragile settings. To mitigate the impact, Geneva's parliament has passed a resolution to safeguard UN and NGO agencies, and the cantonal parliament has approved emergency aid of 10 million francs for NGOs. At the federal level, the Swiss government has committed 269 million francs to help Geneva withstand the funding crisis, acknowledging the challenges posed by reduced contributions from member states. The city and canton are determined to retain their status as a global hub for international organizations despite the significant funding cuts.

Athens hits back at Tripoli sea claims

Greece is preparing a robust counterargument to recent diplomatic notes from Libya's Tripoli-based government, which challenge established maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean. These notes, submitted to the United Nations, are seen by Athens as a strategic maneuver orchestrated by Turkey to expand its influence in the region. The notes follow the controversial 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime agreement, which Greece and the European Union have consistently rejected as invalid.

The Greek Foreign Ministry is crafting a detailed response, complete with cartographic evidence, to refute Libya’s claims about its sea zones. This response will affirm Greece’s maritime boundaries as recognized under international law, including agreements with Italy and Egypt, and will denounce the Libya-Turkey deal as legally baseless. Greece will also point out inconsistencies between Libya’s UN claims and existing agreements or international court rulings.

The recent diplomatic tensions escalated after Greece submitted a maritime spatial plan to the EU and launched an international tender for hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete. Libya and Turkey swiftly protested these actions, with Libya’s National Oil Company granting Turkey’s TPAO energy firm permits for offshore exploration in contested waters. Greece is now engaging with eastern Libyan actors, including House of Representatives Speaker Aguila Saleh, to prevent the eastern faction from endorsing the Turkey-Libya pact. The Greek government has secured EU support, with the European Council reaffirming that the bloc does not recognize the legal validity of the Turkish-Libyan deal. 🌊🇬🇷🇹🇷

Turkey says Greece’s new marine parks have no legal bearing on Aegean disputes

Turkey has strongly criticized Greece’s recent establishment of two new national marine parks, one in the Ionian Sea and another in the Southern Cyclades in the Aegean. The Turkish Foreign Ministry asserted that these marine parks hold no legal significance regarding the ongoing sovereignty disputes between the two countries, particularly concerning geographical formations whose sovereignty has not been definitively transferred to Greece through international treaties. Turkey urged Greece to avoid unilateral actions in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas like the Aegean and Mediterranean, emphasizing that international maritime law encourages cooperation among coastal states, including on environmental matters.

The Turkish government warned that attempts to use environmental protection as a means to resolve sovereignty disputes would be ineffective, especially concerning islands, islets, and rocky formations with contested legal statuses. Turkey announced plans to unveil its own marine conservation initiatives in the near future. Greece has yet to respond to Turkey’s statements. 🌊🏝️

Italian festival cancels concert by pro-Putin conductor Gergiev

An Italian music festival has canceled a scheduled concert by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev due to widespread backlash from Ukrainian and Russian activists. Gergiev, a close ally and vocal supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has not performed in Europe since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The concert, set to take place at Italy's Royal Palace of Caserta, sparked intense debate and condemnation from Ukrainian officials and Russian opposition figures.

The festival organizers announced the cancellation, citing the need to uphold the values of the free world and avoid turning the event into a propaganda platform. The decision was praised by the team of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who celebrated the move as a stand against Putin's allies. However, Russia's ambassador to Italy criticized the cancellation, accusing Western politicians of suppressing Russian culture.

Gergiev, known for his support of Putin's policies, including the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Georgia, has maintained a low profile since the Ukraine invasion. Despite his controversial stance, he remains a prominent figure in Russian classical music, having conducted notable concerts in support of Kremlin policies. The cancellation highlights the ongoing divide within Russia's cultural community, with some figures aligning with the Kremlin while others denounce the military offensive.

Taliban to send envoys to Germany to work on deportations

Germany has resumed deportations to Afghanistan, with a recent flight marking the second such expulsion since the process was reinstated last year. While Germany does not recognize the Taliban authorities, it maintains "technical contacts" to facilitate these deportations, with Qatar acting as an intermediary. In exchange for allowing the latest flight, the Taliban demanded the inclusion of two Afghan representatives in Germany's missions, a request that has been agreed upon. These envoys, vetted for extremist ties, will work at the Afghan embassy in Berlin and the consulate in Bonn.

The resumption of deportations follows a pause initiated after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, during which Germany closed its embassy in Kabul. The current administration, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has prioritized a stricter immigration policy, with systematic expulsions of convicted criminals being a key focus. Despite the sensitive nature of the deportations, the German government has committed to continuing this policy, with further flights planned in the near future. 🛬️🇩🇪🇦🇫

Russian-built Indian warship leaves Finnish waters

The Indian warship INS Tamal, a 125-meter-long, 3,900-tonne frigate, recently navigated through the Baltic Sea, drawing attention from the Finnish Navy and regional allies. The vessel, commissioned from Russia's Yantar shipyard, entered the Gulf of Finland last Friday, proceeded to the Gulf of Bothnia, and then turned south, passing through Finnish and Swedish territorial waters under the principle of "innocent passage." By Monday morning, INS Tamal was in international waters north of Sweden's Gotland island.

The Finnish Navy, in coordination with Baltic Sea allies, monitored the ship's movements, as they do with other vessels in the region. There is no suspicion of illegal activity, and the ship's route is presumed to be part of a planned journey to demonstrate its capabilities. The INS Tamal is heavily armed, featuring an array of missiles, guns, and anti-submarine weapons, and is the last warship India has acquired from a foreign source, with Russia having delivered 51 ships over six decades. The Indian Embassy in Helsinki did not provide comment on the vessel's activities. 🇮🇳🛳️

Trump administration releases 230,000 pages of MLK assassination files

The Trump administration has released over 230,000 pages of documents related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the most extensive public disclosure of federal records on the case to date. This release, coordinated by the National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and involving the Justice Department, FBI, CIA, and the National Archives, was mandated by President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14176. Unlike many JFK files, these MLK documents had never been digitized, making this release particularly significant.

The newly available records include FBI investigative files, internal memos, and correspondence related to James Earl Ray, the man convicted of assassinating Dr. King. Additionally, the release features CIA intelligence gathered during the international search for Ray, foreign law enforcement records, and internal government communications from multiple agencies involved in the investigation. These documents are now accessible to the public with minimal redactions for privacy reasons and can be found online at archives.gov/mlk.

The King family, granted early access to the files, expressed their personal grief and requested empathy and respect from those engaging with the released documents. This disclosure follows the March 2025 release of the remaining JFK assassination files under the same executive order, with President Trump emphasizing the importance of a complete and unredacted accounting for all three cases—JFK, RFK, and MLK. The release aims to provide transparency and potentially shed new light on one of America’s most pivotal historical events. 📜🔍

Summer travel: One Swiss airport experiences massive delays

Frequent and significant flight delays plague EuroAirport, with average wait times ranging from 20 to 30 minutes and some flights departing over an hour late. The primary cause of these disruptions is the chronic understaffing of the airport's air traffic control tower, a responsibility managed by the French Civil Aviation Authority. Recent reorganizations by the French authority have increased the number of flights requiring monitoring, exacerbating the staffing shortage. Training new air traffic controllers takes approximately two years, ensuring that the situation will remain tense for an extended period.

While EuroAirport grapples with these issues, other major Swiss airports have faced temporary disruptions due to French air traffic control strikes in early July. Geneva experienced significant delays during this period, but the situation has since stabilized. Zurich, Switzerland's largest and busiest airport, also felt the impact of the strikes, particularly for flights traversing French airspace. However, delays in Zurich have since returned to typical summer levels, indicating a normalization of operations. 🛬️🕒

EXPLAINED: Fresh corruption scandal hits Spain's opposition party

Spain's political landscape is once again rocked by major corruption scandals, this time implicating both the ruling left-wing government and the opposition right-wing Partido Popular (PP). The ongoing allegations surrounding Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's inner circle, including his wife, brother, attorney general, and former aides, have left his government on shaky ground. However, the PP's recent entanglement in a significant corruption network has shifted the political dynamics, providing Sánchez with a much-needed reprieve.

Cristóbal Montoro, a former Finance Minister under the right-wing Rajoy government, has been charged with creating a network of influence and accepting kickbacks from gas companies that hired his law firm. Montoro and over 20 other accused individuals, including senior treasury officials, allegedly received at least €11 million from energy companies in exchange for favorable government policies. The scandal involves Montoro's law firm, Equipo Económico, which allegedly influenced ministerial appointments and legislative reforms to benefit its clients.

The investigation has revealed that Montoro's firm charged commissions to electricity and renewable energy companies to influence government decisions. Former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was reportedly aware of Montoro's alleged dealings but did not take action. The scandal has undermined the PP's political momentum, allowing Sánchez and the left to accuse the right of hypocrisy and corruption. This development gives Sánchez some breathing room as he works to secure support for his government's full second term, which is not scheduled for elections until 2027.

However, the simultaneous corruption allegations against Spain's two major parties fuel political disenchantment among voters and may boost the far-right Vox party, which is already gaining traction in the polls. The scandals highlight the deep-seated corruption issues within Spain's political system, further eroding public trust in traditional parties. 🇪🇸💸

Poland sees EU’s biggest rise in youth unemployment

Poland has experienced the most significant increase in youth unemployment among European Union countries over the past year, with the rate rising from 10.6% to 13.5% between May 2024 and May 2025. Despite this sharp increase, Poland's youth unemployment rate remains below the EU average of 14.8%. The country's overall unemployment rate is among the lowest in the EU, with a slight increase from a historic low of 2.6% in January to 3.3% in May.

Several factors contribute to the rise in youth unemployment, including an economic slowdown, increased automation, and a mismatch between employer expectations and young workers' skills. Experts note that many entry-level positions are being replaced by AI tools, and the education system often fails to equip students with practical skills necessary for today's job market. Additionally, young Polish workers face growing competition from immigrants, as Poland has seen record levels of immigration in recent years.

The recent presidential election saw high turnout among young voters, with many supporting far-right and left-wing candidates who focused on economic and social issues relevant to youth. This shift indicates a growing disillusionment with mainstream politics among Poland's youngest voters. To address these challenges, Poland must prioritize integrating AI tools into its workforce and bridging the skills gap between education and industry demands. 📉🏢