Global Protests Meet Government Scrutiny; Ukraine and Russia Swap Prisoners; China Crosses Defense Line

Good Morning,

President Trump has authorized deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles, a federal intervention that California Governor Gavin Newsom has called unlawful. Meanwhile, Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, enforcing the longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory. From Kenya to Eastern Europe, civil unrest and international conflicts continue to dominate headlines, with police using tear gas against protesters mourning a blogger's death in custody, while Ukraine and Russia engage in complex prisoner exchanges. The world also sees significant law enforcement actions against organized crime with new US sanctions targeting the Sinaloa Cartel, and growing Pacific tensions as Chinese military assets breach key defense perimeters.

Top Stories

• Live updates on the LA protests: Trump authorizes the deployment of additional 2,000 National Guard members - Associated Press

• Gaza-bound activist boat carrying Greta Thunberg towed to Israel - BBC

• Police tear gas activists protesting the death in police custody of a Kenyan blogger - Washington Post

• Ukraine, Russia begin complex POW Exchange - DW

• US imposes sanctions on Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel - Reuters

• Chinese Aircraft Carrier Breaches Pacific Island Defense Line - Newsweek

United States

• Live updates on the LA protests: Trump authorizes the deployment of additional 2,000 National Guard members - Associated Press

• Trump says border czar should arrest California Governor Newsom - Reuters

• Supreme Court just gave DOGE access to Social Security data. Here’s what personal information is at stake - CNBC

• California Gov. Gavin Newsom is floating a federal tax boycott. Here's what to know - CBS

• 6 people killed after small plane crashes off San Diego coast - Los Angeles Times

Africa

• Tunisians launch 'symbolic' Gaza-bound mass land convoy - Times of Israel

• Ivory Coast former minister Billon seeks to lead opposition in October vote - Reuters

• Bitcoin is introduced into Africa’s largest slum, with risks and rewards - Killeen Daily Herald

• Police tear gas activists protesting the death in police custody of a Kenyan blogger - Washington Post

• Raising school fees torments many Africans. Some expect the Catholic Church to do more to help - Associated Press

Middle East

• Iran to present counterproposal for nuclear deal to US via Oman - Al Jazeera

• Gaza-bound activist boat carrying Greta Thunberg towed to Israel - BBC

• They Went to Syria to Fight With Rebels. Now Some Are Joining the New Army - New York Times

• 'Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Thunberg': Trump fires back at reporter - Jerusalem Post

• IAEA chief relays Iran warning against Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities - Reuters

Indo-Pacific

• BTS’ RM and V Discharged From South Korean Military After Completing Mandatory Service - Rolling Stone

• Chinese Aircraft Carrier Breaches Pacific Island Defense Line - Newsweek

• Australia's Business Activity Stalls Amid Consumer Caution - Investing.com

• Canada launches mission to combat illegal fishing and protect marine ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific - News Wire

• Chinese man living illegally in US pleads guilty to exporting arms to North Korea - SCMP

Europe 

• Ukraine, Russia begin complex POW Exchange - DW

• Low turnout causes Italy's referendum on citizenship and job protections to fail - NPR

• Public disorder breaks out in Northern Ireland town Ballymena after alleged sexual assault - The Guardian

• Dozens evacuated in Switzerland's Valais canton as heavy rain unleashes mudslide - Euro News

• Spain’s Top Prosecutor Faces Trial Over Leak Accusation - Financial Times

Latin America

• UnitedHealth weighs bids for Latin America operations - Fierce Healthcare

• Colombian Presidential hopeful shot at Bogotá rally - NPR

• Supreme Court Toss­es Suit by Mex­i­co Tar­get­ing Amer­i­can Firearms Companies - Texas Attorney General

• US imposes sanctions on Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel - Reuters

• Mexican police kill 4 gunmen, cross into Guatemala in dramatic border shootout - Associated Press

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