Trump Bolsters Defense; Sudanese Military Claims Khartoum; China Surveils Hong Kong

Good Morning,

President Trump has unveiled ambitious plans for a new missile defense system dubbed the "Golden Dome," signaling a potential shift in America's defensive posture amid growing tensions with several nations. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to deteriorate as military forces claim control over the Greater Khartoum region, raising urgent questions about civilian safety and regional stability. The situation in Syria appears increasingly precarious, with Senator Rubio warning that the nation stands on the brink of renewed civil conflict that could further destabilize the Middle East. In East Asia, Hong Kong authorities are implementing new surveillance measures with drone patrols set to begin in urban centers, further extending state monitoring capabilities in a move that has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates.

Top Stories

• Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile defense shield - ABC News

• Sudan’s military says it took full control of Greater Khartoum region that includes the capital - AP

• Rubio warns Syria could be weeks away from 'full-scale civil war' - BBC 

• Police to launch drone patrols in Hong Kong urban areas on Friday - SCMP

• Mexico City mayor's personal secretary and adviser shot dead in the street by gunmen on motorcycle - CBS

• Poland’s elections will decide the future of its democracy - Brookings 

United States

• US trade panel's vote paves way for stiff tariffs on many solar imports - Reuters

• Global Economic Officials Gather Amid Headwinds From Trump’s Trade War - New York Times

• Justice Department investigates Chicago’s hiring practices after mayor touts Black hires - AP

• Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile defense shield - ABC News

• Majority of US companies say they have to raise prices due to Trump tariffs - The Guardian

• These Are the Lawsuits Against Trump's Executive Orders - U.S. News

Africa

• Sudan’s military says it took full control of Greater Khartoum region that includes the capital - AP

• Tanzania deports foreign activists supporting detained opposition leader - Reuters

• South Africa challenges US persecution claims ahead of talks with Trump - France24

• Migrants may have been deported to South Sudan despite court orders, lawyer says - Washington Post

• Dutch Museum Removes 'Priceless' Benin Bronzes For Return To Nigeria - Barron’s

Middle East

• Rubio warns Syria could be weeks away from 'full-scale civil war' - BBC 

• New intelligence suggests Israel is preparing possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, US officials say - CNN

• Israel says aid trucks entered Gaza, UN sees no sign of distribution - France24

• Iran faces U.S. without Plan B as nuclear red lines collide - Reuters

• ‘Indefensible’: UK freezes trade talks with Israel amid global outrage over Gaza war - Times of Israel

Indo-Pacific

• China Accuses US of Undermining Trade Talks With Warnings Against Huawei Chips - Bloomberg

• Australia's Liberal-National coalition splits after election thrashing - BBC

• Police to launch drone patrols in Hong Kong urban areas on Friday - SCMP

• Pacific must not become a ‘military zone’ amid rise of China, New Zealand’s deputy PM warns - The Guardian

• Japanese farm minister resigns following gaffe over rice - Reuters

Europe

• UK government suspends free trade talks with Israel over Gaza war - Al Jazeera 

• Polish stocks enjoy big rally as investors seek havens from trade war - Financial Times

• Three pupils injured in Finnish school attack, police say - Reuters

• Poland’s elections will decide the future of its democracy - Brookings 

• Brussels looking to beef up the EU's collective defence clause - Euro News

Latin America

• Mexico City mayor's personal secretary and adviser shot dead in the street by gunmen on motorcycle - CBS

• Schumer ripped for placing blame on Trump, DOGE for deadly Mexican Navy crash in NYC - Fox

• Evo Morales out of Bolivian presidential race as candidate deadline expires - Reuters

• Dominican Republic expels hundreds of pregnant women to Haiti, UN says - France24

• US sends 68 migrants back to Honduras and Colombia in first voluntary deportation - AP

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