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Rifle-toting NYC shooter Shane Tamura kills 4 —including NYPD officer — before turning gun on himself at Blackstone, NFL HQ

A 36-year-old married police officer and three other people were shot and killed by a crazed gunman who stormed a swanky Midtown skyscraper early Monday evening — sparking mayhem in Midtown — before turning the gun on himself, police said.

The 27-year-old maniac, identified as Las Vegas resident Shane Tamura, barged into the 44-story building — which houses Blackstone and the NFL headquarters — armed with a rifle and opened fire around 6:30 p.m. during the evening rush, cops and law enforcement sources told The Post.

Tamura, who authorities said had a “documented mental health history,” unleashed his rampage after setting foot in the lobby, first gunning down officer Didarul Islam, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a Monday evening press conference.

Tamura then fatally shot a woman who was hiding behind a pillar as he continued “spraying” the lobby of 345 Park Ave. with bullets, Tisch said.
The lone gunman didn’t stop there as he marched to the elevators and pumped a bullet into a security guard who took cover behind a desk, police said.

In a chilling moment of apparent mercy, the wacko spared the life of a woman who came face to face with the killer as she exited an elevator, according to Tisch.

Tamura then took the lift up to the 33rd floor, home to Rudin Management offices, where he “fired as he traveled,” striking and killing one person, before shooting himself in the chest.

Tamura was seen splayed out on the floor, apparently already dead, in a shocking photo obtained by The Post.

Another man was also shot in the lobby and survived his wounds.

A witness on the first floor recalled that “it sounded like a barrage of shots … Like an automatic weapon. Like a high-capacity weapon.”

“I was at work and this guy came in with an assault rifle and started shooting,” a man, who was gasping for air outside, told The Post shortly after the bullets started flying.

Tamura launched the mass shooting after driving across the country, police said.

He crossed into the Big Apple from New Jersey earlier Monday afternoon, then drove to 345 Park Ave., parking between 51st and 52nd streets, according to Tisch.

Chilling images showed the gunman calmly strolling across the building’s entry plaza with an assault rifle at his side before carrying out the carnage.

Trump Rips Republican Senator Over Proposed Congressional Stock Trade Ban

President Donald Trump tore into Republican Senator Josh Hawley on Wednesday after Hawley was the lone Republican to join Democrats in advancing legislation that would ban members of Congress from buying, selling or owning individual stocks.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump called Hawley, who represents Missouri, a "pawn" and a "second-tier Senator," adding that the GOP lawmaker is "playing right into the dirty hands of the Democrats."
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Congressional stock trading has drawn widespread scrutiny from the public over concerns that lawmakers with access to nonpublic information could benefit financially from their positions, creating potential conflicts of interest.

Calls for stricter regulation have been fueled by repeated reports of lawmakers trading stocks during sensitive periods, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and transparency advocates say a ban on congressional stock trading would restore public trust in Congress while ensuring lawmakers do not use their positions for personal gain.

What To Know

Hawley, who introduced the bill, defended his vote to his fellow Republicans on Wednesday, saying, "I practice what I preach. I don't have individual stocks, I don't trade in stocks. I'm not a billionaire, unlike others on this committee. And what I think is, the American people are sending us a clear message."

The final vote in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was 8-7, with Hawley and all the Democrats on the panel voting in favor. Every other Republican voted against it.

Trump on Wednesday accused Democrats of trying to "target" him with the proposal banning stock-trading, which is called the "HONEST Act."

The president's allegation came after Axios reported that Democrats on the Homeland Security panel had pushed Hawley to include language in the bill that would also impose some limits on the president and vice president, which the Missouri senator agreed to do to help shepherd the proposal through a committee vote.

Hawley's decision didn't land well with the White House, and the Office of Legislative Affairs immediately pushed back and started lobbying against the bill, according to Axios. Hawley denied reports of a White House pushback against the bill, but Trump unleashed on the senator shortly after it passed out of committee.

"The Democrats, because of our tremendous ACHIEVEMENTS and SUCCESS, have been trying to 'Target' Me for a long period of time, and they're using Josh Hawley, who I got elected TWICE, as a pawn to help them," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"I wonder why Hawley would pass a Bill that Nancy Pelosi is in absolute love with — He is playing right into the dirty hands of the Democrats," Trump said. "It's a great Bill for her, and her 'husband,' but so bad for our Country!"

California Representative Pelosi, to whom the ban would apply, along with every other member of Congress, applauded the bill's passage out of committee in a statement on Wednesday.

Nationwide Walmart Boycott Planned For August 1: What to Know

A nationwide boycott of Walmart, organized by The People's Union USA, is scheduled to begin August 1 and last throughout the month, with the group calling for Americans to halt spending at the retail giant.
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This latest announcement follows a series of consumer-led economic boycotts following the re-election of President Donald Trump in January.

These boycotts have been spearheaded by progressive groups who have expressed a number of concerns over issues including company tax avoidance and workers' rights, in addition to backlash over companies scaling back diversity hiring commitments.

What To Know

The People's Union USA, led by John Schwartz, known online as TheOneCalledJai is leading the boycott action.

The People's Union encourages consumers, where possible, to redirect purchases to small, independent businesses or to delay nonessential shopping for the duration of the boycott.

The mission statement from The People's Union USA states: "We are not a political party. We are not a protest. We are a movement of people, organizing to take back control of our economy, government and future of our country."

It's not the first time that The People's Union USA has specifically taken action against Walmart. In an April statement about a previous boycott, Schwartz told Newsweek, "We're boycotting Walmart because they've become the symbol of everything that's wrong with corporate power in this country... Our mission is simple, we want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax."

Unions and advocacy groups are encouraging individuals to vote with their money. Consumer boycotts can have a varied impact on companies.

A recent study has shown that there is a significant amount of support for consumer boycotts among Americans, particularly young Americans.

A survey from Lending Tree found that 31 percent of U.S. consumers say they have boycotted a business in the past, with Gen Zers being the most likely to participate in a boycott at 37 percent.

What People Are Saying

Walmart, in an April statement shared with Newsweek: "Serving communities is at the heart of Walmart's purpose to help people save money and live better. As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year, equal to 8 percent of our profit before tax, supporting local charities and causes such as disaster response, hunger relief, workforce development, and conservation.

"We remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day."

Ron DeSantis Says Trump Admin 'Considered' New Census Ahead of Schedule

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says the Trump administration "considered" ordering a new U.S. Census ahead of schedule, challenging long-standing norms on apportionment.

The next U.S. Census isn't officially scheduled until 2030.
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President Donald Trump has made immigration policy a centerpiece for his second term.

The outcome of an earlier census could reshape congressional representation and federal resource allocation for years to come.

The U.S. Constitution mandates a decennial census to count all residents, regardless of citizenship. This data is not only integral for congressional seat allocation but also federal funding distribution.

What to Know

"I know they've considered doing another census," DeSantis said Wednesday in Tampa, adding that if conducted, the count should exclude undocumented immigrants. He argued the 2020 census had swindled Florida out of a congressional seat by undercounting its population, saying, "We would love for them to redo the census for '26."

While district lines are typically redrawn following each decennial census, DeSantis pointed out there are no legal obstacles to mid-decade redistricting.

The governor's remarks reflect a broader Republican push—supported by Trump—to cobble new electoral maps in advance of the 2026 midterms.

An earlier census could allow Republican-led states to redraw congressional districts before the 2026 midterms, potentially shifting political power in their favor. It could also open the door to excluding undocumented immigrants from population counts—an approach that may reduce representation and federal funding for Democratic-leaning, immigrant-rich areas.

"How many seats would California lose if you only counted lawful people," DeSantis asked during the news conference. "They would lose a lot of seats, because they're a sanctuary state."

"For us, you know, we would stand to gain because we did not spend money ... to try to count illegals because I don't think that that's constitutionally proper," the Florida governor said.

DeSantis later added, "I do think the Trump administration is going to put in for a census that is not going to count foreign nationals, that it's just going to count U.S. citizens."

Navy F-35 Jet Crashes in California, Pilot Safely Ejects: What We Know

A naval F-35C jet went down in California on Wednesday near Naval Air Station Lemoore.

NAS Lemoore Public Affairs Officer Sarah Thrasher told Newsweek via email that the jet pilot "successfully ejected and is safe." The F-35C was attached to the VFA-125 "Rough Raiders," Thrasher notes.

She said the cause of the crash is under investigation and that no other personnel were affected.

This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.

Radioactive wasp nest found at American Cold War-era nuclear bomb site

Workers at a site in South Carolina that once made key parts for nuclear bombs in the U.S. have found a radioactive wasp nest but officials said there is no danger to anyone.

Employees who routinely check radiation levels at the Savannah River Site near Aiken found a wasp nest on July 3 on a post near tanks where liquid nuclear waste is stored, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The nest had a radiation level 10 times what is allowed by federal regulations, officials said.

The workers sprayed the nest with insect killer, removed it and disposed of it as radioactive waste. No wasps were found, officials said.

The report said there is no leak from the waste tanks, and the nest was likely radioactive through what it called “onsite legacy radioactive contamination” from the residual radioactivity left from when the site was fully operational.

The watchdog group Savannah River Site Watch said the report was at best incomplete since it doesn’t detail where the contamination came from, how the wasps might have encountered it and the possibility there could be another radioactive nest if there is a leak somewhere.

Knowing the type of wasp nest could also be critical — some wasps make nest out of dirt and others use different material which could pinpoint where the contamination came from, Tom Clements, executive director of the group, wrote in a text message.

“I’m as mad as a hornet that SRS didn’t explain where the radioactive waste came from or if there is some kind of leak from the waste tanks that the public should be aware of,” Clements said.

Trump announces South Korea trade deal with $350B US investment hours before tariff deadline

President Trump announced Wednesday evening that he had reached an agreement with South Korea that will include $350 billion in investment from Seoul and lock in a 15% tariff rate for the Asian nation.

“I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea,” Trump, 79, wrote on Truth Social.

The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President,” he added. “Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes.”

The full investment amount will be announced when South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visits the White House, which Trump said would happen “within the next two weeks.” 

South Korea will be also be “completely OPEN TO TRADE with the United States” and accept American products, including “Cars and Trucks, Agriculture, etc.,” the president added.

While South Korean imports to the US will be slapped with a 15% duty, Trump said the US “will not be charged a Tariff.”

South Korea faced 25% tariffs on its exports to the US as part of Trump’s “Liberation Day” package that was announced April 2, but later delayed for 90 days.

The president reupped his threat in a letter to Lee July 7 – one of several sent to world leaders threatening tariffs.

In the note, Trump warned that the major car and electronics-exporting nation would be hit with the levy in order to “eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with your Country.”

The president had set an Aug. 1 deadline for countries to agree to one-for-one trade deals with Washington or face potentially steep reciprocal tariffs.

Brown University strikes deal with Trump administration to restore half a billion dollars in federal funding

Brown University reached an agreement with the Trump administration Wednesday to restore $510 million in federal funds that were frozen amid a probe into possible civil rights violations at the Ivy League school.

As part of the deal, Brown University will contribute $50 million to “workforce development organizations” in the state; end programs that promote “race-based outcomes, quotas, diversity targets or similar efforts”; and maintain “women-only and men-only” facilities and sports teams on campus.

“The Trump Administration is successfully reversing the decades-long woke-capture of our nation’s higher education institutions,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.

“Because of the Trump Administration’s resolution agreement with Brown University, aspiring students will be judged solely on their merits, not their race or sex,” McMahon continued. “Brown has committed to proactive measures to protect Jewish students and combat Antisemitism on campus.”

“Women’s sports and intimate facilities will be protected for women and Title IX will be enforced as it was intended.”

Brown University President Christina Paxson noted that as part of the agreement, there is “no finding or admission of wrongdoing” on the part of the Rhode Island school.

“The University’s foremost priority throughout discussions with the government was remaining true to our academic mission, our core values and who we are as a community at Brown,” Paxson wrote in a letter to the university community announcing the agreement.

“This is reflected in key provisions of the resolution agreement preserving our academic independence, as well as a commitment to pay $50 million in grants over 10 years to workforce development organizations in Rhode Island, which is aligned with our service and community engagement mission,” she added.

Mystery orange shape spotted near Jeffrey Epstein’s jail cell night before his death: report

An orange shape was spotted on surveillance footage near Jeffrey Epstein’s prison cell on the final night of his life — and forensic experts are questioning the federal government’s explanation of the mysterious object.

The shadowy object, seen in video obtained and reviewed by CBS News, moves up the stairs to Epstein’s cell block at the Metropolitan Correctional Center around 10:40 p.m. the night before the 66-year-old convicted sex trafficker was found hanged.

Federal investigators previously concluded the pixelated blob was a corrections officer “carrying linen or inmate clothing,” but forensic experts who spoke to the network as part of an investigation into the jail video now suspect it may have actually been a jumpsuit clad inmate.

“Based on the limited video, it’s more likely a person in an [orange] uniform,” Conor McCourt, a retired NYPD sergeant and forensic video expert, told CBS.

Epstein was found dead in his cell on August 10, 2019 and an official autopsy, as well as a joint DOJ-FBI probe, found that the disgraced financier killed himself by hanging.

But the forensic experts who spoke to CBS News believe there are significant flaws in the Justice Department’s official review of the convicted sex trafficker’s death.

While the FBI claimed surveillance cameras would have captured anyone entering or exiting the area where the billionaire was held, footage released by the DOJ revealed that the staircase is almost entirely out of view, the outlet’s analysis found.

The entrance to Epstein’s cell is also outside the camera’s field of view.

FBI chief Kash Patel finds ‘burn bags’ of Trump-Russia documents in secret room

FBI Director Kash Patel discovered “burn bags” filled with thousands of documents dating back to the bureau’s Trump-Russia probe during the 2016 campaign, a source familiar with the findings told The Post Wednesday.

One of the documents, discovered in a purported secret room at the FBI’s DC headquarters, is a classified annex to the 2023 report by then-special counsel John Durham that scrutinized the original probe, code-named “Crossfire Hurricane.”

The 29-page appendix to the Durham report, which has never been publicly released, includes details of the intelligence he reviewed, according to Fox News Digital, which first reported on the discovery.

In official parlance, “burn bags” refer to containers that hold classified documents that are meant to be destroyed after a certain period of time.

It was not immediately clear whether the documents found by Patel had yet to reach their destroy date or were preserved due to an oversight by officials.
The annex will be declassified and turned over to Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) for eventual public release, a source confirmed to The Post.

Grassley’s office didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry about when the documents would be released.

Fox News Digital reported Tuesday that the annex includes information that foreign sources warned members of the US intelligence community that the FBI would help spread a narrative that the 2016 Trump campaign illegally colluded with the Kremlin to win the election — before the bureau launched “Crossfire Hurricane” in July 2016.

Those involved in examining the papers include Patel, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Attorney General Pam Bondi and acting National Security Agency Director William Hartman.

“I want everything to be shown,” President Trump told reporters Wednesday when asked about the news. “You know, as long as it’s fair and reasonable, I think it will be shown.”

The FBI investigation culminated in the release of special counsel Robert Mueller’s report in March 2019, which found that there were links between the Russians and Trump, but that there was no evidence that he “conspired” with the Kremlin.

Then-Attorney General Bill Barr assigned Durham to investigate the origins of Crossfire Hurricane in October 2020, after congressional investigators discovered the FBI had lied in statements when obtaining warrants to surveil then-Trump adviser Carter Page.

Durham’s final report concluded “Crossfire Hurricane” was “seriously flawed” and had no basis in evidence.

Trump-Russia probe whistleblower ‘pressured’ by Obama intel officials to sign off of 2016 election report: ‘I need you to say you agree’

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a whistleblower’s account Wednesday detailing the pressure an Obama-era intelligence official applied on a subordinate to get them to sign off on an assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump.

“I was pressured to alter my views,” the senior intelligence analyst-turned-whistleblower claimed in documents Gabbard used as evidence in her bombshell report earlier this month, detailing the “treasonous conspiracy” Obama officials engaged in “to subvert President Trump’s 2016 victory.”

The analyst – who worked on a 2016 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) which determined “foreign adversaries did not use cyberattacks on election infrastructure to alter the US Presidential election outcome” – recalled that “my concurrence was sought to enable [redacted] to sway the views of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)” — so that DIA would sign off on a revised ICA. 

The new, 2017 ICA relied on the discredited Steele dossier and claimed the Kremlin orchestrated hackings of Democratic National Committee emails and intervened in the presidential contest in favor of Trump.

“There is reporting you are not allowed to see, if you saw it, you would agree,” the analyst recalled a supervisor telling them in early January 2017, when they asked to review the new reporting in the alternative assessment.

“Isn’t it possible Putin has something on Trump, to blackmail and coerce him?” the supervisor continued. ”You need to TRUST ME on this.”

When the whistleblower refused to sign off on the new assessment, the “visibly frustrated” supervisor stated: “I need you to say you agree with these judgements, so that DIA will go along with them!”

“I remember this conversation very clearly,” the whistleblower wrote in the account, “as it was a difficult situation and I listened, and chose my responses, with care.”

“I was aware that I was defying the [National Intelligence Office’s] direction to me (to misrepresent my views to DIA) based on a conscious decision to adhere to [Intelligence Community] standards, tradecraft, and ethics.”

The DIA did not end up joining the CIA, FBI, and National Security Agency (NSA) on the 2017 ICA.

The documents also show the whistleblower made repeated attempts to report concerns about the information used in the 2017 ICA to multiple government officials, including the inspector general for the intelligence community, former Special Counsel John Durham, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.),  to no avail.

NYC primary that included dead voters’ ballots is finally decided, but criminal probe swirls

A winner was finally certified in a hotly Brooklyn City Council primary marred by the revelation that ballots had been cast for dead voters — but a criminal investigation will continue.

The city Board of Elections certified George Sarantopoulos as the winner of a Republican Party primary over GOP chairman Richie Barsamian on Tuesday after an expose by The Post that showed accusations of voter fraud that included the revelation absentee ballots were cast for at least two dead voters.

A third voter said he hadn’t voted but received a “cure notice” that is sent to voters when their ballots contain errors such as a missing signature.
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office is now probing the claims, according to sources.

Elections officials uncovered two alleged incidents of voter fraud — the dead voters as well as 22 ballots that were discovered during the manual recount that could not be attributed to specific voters.

“In a small Republican primary, unlike a mayoral contest, there were multiple ballot irregularities — including two absentee ballots who were casting for people who are deceased, and obviously the one person who was a living voter who did not vote at all,” Sarantopoulous said.

“We can’t let this stand,” he added. “Democrats, Republicans and independents. We all need to know that we have a system we can trust. Period full stop.”

Barsamian, who has the power to appoint BOE workers as chair of borough’s Republican Party, did not respond to repeated requests for comment. 

Sarantopoulous ultimately beat Barsamian by a mere 16 votes to challenge Democratic nominee Kayla Santosuosso in November.

Notorious ax murderer who whacked his family released from prison early thanks to law backed by Gov. Tim Walz

An ax murderer jailed for life for hacking his parents and two younger siblings to death when he was a teen has just been released early thanks to a Minnesota law backed by Gov. Tim Walz.

David Brom, now 53, was cut loose from a state prison on authorized work release on Tuesday more than a decade earlier than he was initially meant to be freed, Fox9 reported.

The convicted killer, who was just 16 at the time of the infamous 1988 murders, was initially supposed to be locked up well into his 70s.

But he became eligible for release — earlier than expected — under a Minnesota law passed in 2023 that banned life sentences without parole for juveniles.

Gov. Walz, the failed Democratic vice presidential contender, backed the law and approved it after it was passed by the Dem-controlled state House and Senate.

Lawmakers with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party said that the law was changed to comply with a Supreme Court ruling that banned sentences of life without parole for juvenile offenders, according to KTTC-TV.

Brom served more than 35 years in prison after he was convicted of slashing his parents, Paulette and Bernard, sister Diane and brother Richard, to death in their Rochester home Feb. 18, 1988.

All four victims were discovered with multiple ax wounds to their heads and bodies.

Brom, who tried to argue he was mentally ill at the time, was ultimately found guilty by a jury.

US Sends Icebreaker to Arctic Amid China Rivalry

A Newsweek map shows that both the United States and China have deployed icebreakers to Arctic waters north of Alaska recently, as the two powers jostle for dominance in the region.

USCGC Healy—America's largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker—is conducting a mission to reinforce U.S. presence in the Arctic, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Regarding the deployment of the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long 2, the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek that China has always conducted normal maritime activities in accordance with international law.

Why It Matters

China has claimed the status of a "near-Arctic state" and a stakeholder in Arctic affairs. In recent years, the East Asian power has gradually expanded its Arctic presence, including deploying icebreakers and conducting scientific research with potential military applications.

Alarmed by China's activities in the Arctic—which include its cooperation with Russia—the Pentagon has updated its Arctic strategy, calling for a greater military presence, enhanced intelligence capabilities and closer cooperation with allies to address these challenges.

What To Know

Using open-source data, the Healy was tracked departing Dutch Harbor—a key fishing port on Alaska's Amaknak Island—on July 13. Four days later, it transited the Bering Strait, which separates Alaska from Russia's Far East, during its northbound voyage.

A Newsweek map shows that the Xue Long 2—China's first domestically built icebreaker—passed through the waterway a day after the Healy's transit.
As of July 26, both vessels were tracked underway in Arctic waters on the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)—an area of continental shelf extending beyond 230 miles from America's coastline, where the U.S. has exclusive rights to conserve and manage resources.

The Healy was also observed sailing in the Chukchi Sea—north of the Bering Strait—and the Bering Sea on July 5 and July 9, respectively, according to photos released by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The vessel departed its home port of Seattle, Washington, on June 19 to conduct what the U.S. Coast Guard described as "high-latitude science and research missions" in the Arctic.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard said the Healy recently began its annual Arctic deployment, aimed at conducting "vital research" on sea ice and ocean movement.

CANADA

Canada to Recognize Palestinian State as US Rejects the Move

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country will recognize a Palestinian state in September, but U.S. President Donald Trump does not intend to follow suit, with a White House official telling Newsweek: "As the President stated, he would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn't think they should be rewarded. So he is not going to do that. President Trump's focus is on getting people fed."

Why It Matters

Carney's announcement makes Canada the third G7 nation in recent days to say it plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in September. The leaders of France and the United Kingdom also made statements in the last week announcing their intent to recognize it.

Though these announcements are largely symbolic, they signify a broader shift in global sentiment regarding Israel's ongoing and devastating war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and renewed concerns in recent days of widespread starvation throughout the Israeli-controlled territory.

Human-rights groups around the globe, including Israel's B'Tselem, have accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that his forces are carrying out a "deliberate" strategy of starving the Gazan population. His government also rejects a two-state solution on nationalistic and security grounds.

What to Know

"Canada will always steadfastly support Israel's existence as an independent state in the Middle East, living in peace and security," Carney said during a news conference on Wednesday. "Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state and one that recognizes Israel's inalienable right to security."

Carney said Canada's recognition of a Palestinian state will hinge on the Palestinian Authority "holding general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state."

The possibility of the condition being fulfilled remains unclear, as it's highly unlikely an election will take place in the besieged Gaza Strip next year.

Carney's announcement followed a similar one from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced on Tuesday that the U.K. will also recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets specific conditions related to its actions in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Trump told reporters that while he did "not mind [Starmer] taking a position" on Palestinian statehood, the U.S. was not in the U.K.'s camp and would not be following its lead.

More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state, including about a dozen European nations.

Netanyahu blasted Starmer on Tuesday over the U.K.'s decision, saying it "rewards Hamas' monstrous terrorism" and "punishes its victims."

The Israeli leader added: "Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you, too. It will not happen."

LATIN AMERICA & KEANU REEVES

Chile returns $125,000 in luxury watches stolen from Keanu Reeves by South America-based crime ring

Chilean authorities said Tuesday they turned six valuable watches stolen from Canadian actor Keanu Reeves — including an engraved Rolex worth at least $9,500 — over to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, months after recovering them in a police raid.

The FBI will arrange for their return to Reeves, best known for his roles in action franchises like “The Matrix” and “John Wick.” Chilean prosecutors told reporters that Reeves had identified the watches as those stolen from his Los Angeles home during a string of high-profile burglaries in December 2023.

The announcement was made as the Trump administration’s Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, arrived in the South American country for meetings with Chilean officials about transnational crime, among other issues.

Noem was also the victim of a robbery attributed to a Chilean national residing illegally in the U.S., when her purse was stolen last April at a Washington restaurant.

Reeves’ six watches are valued at a total of $125,000, said Marcelo Varas, a police officer from Chile’s robbery investigation squad.

The watches stolen from Reeves’ Hollywood Hills home turned up in Santiago, Chile’s capital, when police raided homes and uncovered stolen cars, iPhones, luxury watches and designer purses.

That operation coincided with another Chilean investigation, coordinated with the FBI, into a spate of burglaries by South America-based crime groups targeting multimillion-dollar homes in the U.S., many belonging to celebrities and professional athletes, such as Kansas City Chiefs football player Travis Kelce.

In April, police in Chile announced the arrest of 23 citizens over the string of break-ins.

Varas said authorities were still investigating any link between the theft of Reeves’ watches and the other high-profile burglaries.

Russian Earthquake & Tsunami + Volcano

Tsunami warnings fading after one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Here’s what to know

One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded sent a tsunami crashing into a Russian port and smaller waves barreling across the Pacific to the Americas and south to New Zealand.

The danger had largely passed more than a day after the 8.8 magnitude quake, which was centered off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East. No major damage was reported and tsunami warnings were canceled in most areas. Chile, however, raised its warning to the highest level early Wednesday for most of its lengthy Pacific coast and started evacuating hundreds of people.

Here’s what to know:

What a tsunami is

Tsunamis are waves triggered by earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions and submarine landslides. After an underwater earthquake, the shaking of the seafloor moves water. The energy from this transfers to waves.

Many people think of tsunamis as one wave. But they are typically multiple waves that rush ashore like a fast-rising tide.

“Tsunamis cross the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour — as fast as a jet airplane — in deep water,” said Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. “But when they get close to the shore, they slow down and start to pile up.”

It could take minutes for waves to hit land next to the site of a major quake. It could take hours for tsunamis to cross the Pacific Ocean. The speed of tsunami waves also depends on ocean depth. They travel faster over deep water and slow down in shallow water.

People were urged to stay away from coastlines until any wave surges passed in places as far away as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands.

Some tsunamis are small and don’t cause damage. Others can cause massive destruction. In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia caused waves that leveled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts along the Indian Ocean across Southeast and South Asia. Some 230,000 people died. A 9.1 magnitude quake and tsunami ravaged parts of Japan’s northeastern coast on March 11, 2011, killing about 20,000 people and triggering a nuclear meltdown.

The power of this quake

The 8.8-magnitude quake, which struck early Wednesday local time, was among the four strongest earthquakes this century, according to the USGS.

It was also the sixth-biggest quake ever recorded, said Simon Boxall, a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton’s Physical Oceanography Research Center.

The earthquake, which was followed by multiple aftershocks as strong as 6.9 magnitude, occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the ring of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where more than 80% of the world’s largest quakes occur. Several tectonic plates meet there. The ring gets its name from the volcanoes that surround it.

While not all earthquakes lead to tsunamis, this one generated a series of them spreading outward from the epicenter off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

“It’s a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash,’’ Boxall said. “And so that’s what’s happened in this case. And that’s why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It’s not huge. It’s not one that’s going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don’t move to high ground.’’

The effects of this earthquake so far

A tsunami height of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) was recorded in Kamchatka, while tsunami waves about 2 to 5 feet (0.61 to 1.52 meters) high reached San Francisco early Wednesday, officials said. Other areas have seen smaller waves.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said initial reports showed there had been no safety impact on nuclear power plants along Japan’s Pacific coast. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake’s epicenter, and officials declared a state of emergency in several areas. Several people were injured, but none gravely, and no major damage has been reported.

Additional aftershocks are possible. A tsunami advisory remained in effect for parts of the northern California coast.

Multiple Whales Washed Ashore by Tsunami in Japan

Whales have been seen washed ashore in Japan by tsunami waves, following a massive earthquake off the eastern coast of Russia.

A video shared on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, shows four whales beached on what was reported to be Hirasuna Beach in Chiba, on Wednesday.

Russia's Kuril Islands and Japan's northern island of Hokkaido have been hit by tsunami waves after the magnitude 8.8 undersea earthquake—which appeared to be one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded and the biggest since Japan's 2011 quake.

The Context

The earthquake, which sent shockwaves through the Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday morning, was initially measured at 8.0 by seismologists in Japan and the U.S., although, the U.S. Geological Survey later determined the quake was an 8.8, at a depth of 20.7 kilometers.

Russian authorities have now declared a state of emergency on the Kuril Islands after tsunami waves inundated the region.

What To Know

Likely as a result of the changes in water levels and currents near the coast following the earthquake, whales have been spotted washing up on a beach in Japan, with the footage broadcast live on local TV.

When tension between tectonic plates is released in the event of an earthquake, the reverberations through the ocean floor can displace large volumes of water, causing waves to build with much greater motion. The rapid change to the water's current can then drag sea life, such as whales, ashore.

The seismic activity prompted tsunami warnings and urgent evacuations along the Pacific Rim.

Around 2 million residents in over 220 coastal municipalities have been placed under evacuation advisories in Japan, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency announced, as tsunami waves as high as 1.3 meters hit the northern Iwate prefecture, the BBC reported.

There have also been reports of 16 other locations along the Pacific coast being affected by large waves according to News 18, from Hokkaido to areas just northeast of Tokyo.

California and Hawaii are also on high alert, with Hawaii Governor Josh Green saying large waves, some as high as 1.2 meters according to the BBC, having already struck land.

The Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru and the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador have also been issued with tsunami alerts.

Video Shows Russian Volcano Klyuchevskaya Sopka Erupting

The Klyuchevskoy Sopka volcano on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula erupted on Wednesday, sending dramatic plumes of ash and lava skyward.

The eruption followed a powerful earthquake off Russia's far eastern coast.

Timelapse video, above, shows the eruption.

Russia's Klyuchevskoy Volcano Erupts: What to Know

The Klyuchevskoy eruption occurred just hours after a huge 8.8 magnitude earthquake early Wednesday triggered a tsunami that sent waves across the Pacific, prompting evacuations and emergency declarations from Russia to Hawaii and alerts as far south as New Zealand.

The quake is tied for the sixth strongest ever recorded and was upgraded from an initial 8.0 reading.

Later Wednesday, lava began flowing from what is the largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere. The Russian Academy of Sciences' United Geophysical Service said in a post on Telegram: "A descent of burning hot lava is observed on the western slope. Powerful glow above the volcano, explosions."

The eruption prompted Russian officials to issue aviation alerts and monitor volcanic activity closely. Located on the seismically volatile Pacific "Ring of Fire," Klyuchevskoy is one of the most active volcanoes in the region, and its recent eruption is believed to have been triggered by seismic shifts caused by the nearby earthquake.

Was There Any Damage in Russia Following Volcano's Eruption?

The eruption of the Klyuchevskoy Volcano led to localized damage on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. Although the most dangerous lava flows remained confined to unpopulated areas, the event compounded challenges already underway due to the massive earthquake.

Reports indicate that buildings, including schools and public infrastructure, experienced minor to moderate damage, and power outages were recorded in several areas.

Residents also faced thick ashfall, which impaired air quality and visibility. Aviation officials issued a red alert for passing aircraft due to the height of the ash plume, which reached several kilometers into the atmosphere.

While no immediate fatalities were reported, emergency teams were deployed to assess potential risks to local communities and critical infrastructure.

UKRAINE WAR

Russia Faces Losing Its Only Aircraft Carrier

Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, is likely to be sold or scrapped, marking the end of a vessel that was once a symbol of Moscow's naval ambition.

The fate of the 40-year-old flagship of the Russian Navy had hung in the balance following years of repairs, having been out of service since 2017, and maintenance work suspended.

However, Andrei Kostin, the chairman of Russia's state shipbuilding corporation (USC), told the newspaper Kommersant that "there is no point repairing it anymore."

Yörük Işık, head of the Bosphorus Observer consultancy in Istanbul, told Newsweek on Monday that such a move meant "a loss of prestige" for Russia's Navy.
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The Admiral Kuznetsov was launched in 1985, and while it had seen action in Moscow's military campaign in Syria, it has been out of service for eight years.

Years of maintenance delays and increasing costs have raised questions about its technical effectiveness in modern warfare. But its scrapping will be seen as a sign of a diminishing Russian naval capability, especially as Ukrainian drones have chased most of its Black Sea Fleet away from its main base in Crimea.

What To Know

The newspaper Izvestia reported earlier in July that the refit of the vessel had been suspended, and Kostin was asked about its fate on the sidelines of a flag-raising ceremony for a new nuclear submarine in northwestern Russia.

Kostin confirmed the reports, telling Kommersant that there was no point in repairing it and that it will either be sold or disposed of, although no final decision had been taken.

The 1000-foot-long Admiral Kuznetsov was the last heavy aircraft carrier built in the Soviet Union and was designed to combine aviation capabilities with strike capabilities.

After the Soviet Union collapsed, the ship was transferred to Russia's Northern Fleet and was used in Russia's intervention in the Syrian civil war.

It displaced 59,000 tons, had a range of 8,400 nautical miles and could carry a crew of 2,600 and hold 26 fixed-wing aircraft and 24 helicopters.

But the carrier has faced technical problems, and The National Interest included it in a list of the world's worst aircraft carriers.

A refit was scheduled to be completed by 2022 at the Zvyozdochka shipyard in the Barents Sea port city of Murmansk, but the project has been beset by problems and spiraling costs.

In 2018, the floating dry dock where the ship was being repaired sank. The following year, a fire during welding work killed two people, and another fire broke out in 2022.

The estimated cost of repairs has ballooned from 20 billion rubles ($256.4 million) in 2017 to 60 billion rubles ($769.2 million) the following year, and the timeline has been revised from 2022 to 2024, with no plans for its return yet.

Işık, from the Bosphorus Observer, told Newsweek that, given it had been out of service for years, the exit of the vessel did not change much strategically but dealt a significant psychological blow to Russia's status as a naval power.

Ukraine's "ingenious and out-of-the-box thinking" in striking Russia's Black Sea vessels has shown how naval war is changing, he said.

"To extend power in far corners of the world, you need such vessels and Russia giving up the only such vessel it has like this means a loss of prestige," he added.

Russia kills 21 civilians in Ukraine as the Kremlin remains defiant over Trump threats

Russian glide bombs and missiles struck a Ukrainian prison and a medical facility overnight, killing at least 21 people, officials said Tuesday, as Russia kept up its bombardment of civilian areas despite US President Donald Trump’s threat to soon punish Russia with sanctions and tariffs unless it stops.

A Russian airstrike on a prison in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 17 inmates and wounded more than 80 others, officials said.

In the Dnipro region, authorities reported at least four people were killed and eight injured.

Trump said Monday he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 to 12 days to stop the killing in Ukraine after three years of war, moving up a 50-day deadline he had given the Russian leader two weeks ago. The move meant Trump wants peace efforts to make progress by Aug. 7-9.

Trump has repeatedly rebuked Putin for talking about ending the war but continuing to bombard Ukrainian civilians. But the Kremlin hasn’t changed its tactics.
“I’m disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said during a visit to Scotland.

The Kremlin pushed back, however, with a top Putin lieutenant warned Trump against “playing the ultimatum game with Russia.”

“Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran,” former president Dmitry Medvedev, who is deputy head of the country’s Security Council, wrote on social platform X.
“Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,” Medvedev said.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor, the Kremlin has warned Kyiv’s Western backers that their involvement could end up broadening the war to NATO countries.

“Kremlin officials continue to frame Russia as in direct geopolitical confrontation with the West in order to generate domestic support for the war in Ukraine and future Russian aggression against NATO,” the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said late Monday.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles along with 37 Shahed-type strike drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. They say 32 Shahed drones were intercepted or neutralized by Ukrainian air defenses.

The Russian attack close to midnight Monday hit the Bilenkivska Correctional Facility with four guided aerial bombs, according to the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine.

At least 42 inmates were hospitalized with serious injuries, while another 40 people, including one staff member, sustained various injuries.

Putin Ally Responds to Lindsey Graham Over Trump's Ukraine Peace Talks Demands

A key all of Russian President Vladimir Putin ally has dismissed a call by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham for Russia to get "to the peace table" and negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

The rejection by Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president and prime minister, of the call by the Republican from South Carolina, came as President Donald Trump spoke of his disappointment with Putin and announced that he would bring forward a deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Why It Matters

The comments by Medvedev, who is known as a hawk on Ukraine and close to Putin, will further dim hopes for compromise on a settlement to end the Ukraine war.

Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin as Russian forces pound Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles and push on with ground offensives while the White House is trying to broker peace.

Trump, speaking to reporters in Scotland on Monday, said he would reduce a 50-day deadline he had given Putin for a ceasefire in Ukraine to "a lesser number," adding that he was "very disappointed" with the Russian president.

On July 14, Trump gave the Russian leader a September 2 deadline to end hostilities, or face secondary sanctions which could deliver a blow to Moscow's key energy exports.

What to Know

Graham issued his call for Russia to get serious about peace talks in a post on the X social media platform.

"To those in Russia who believe that President Trump is not serious about ending the bloodbath between Russia and Ukraine: You and your customers will soon be sadly mistaken. You will also soon see that Joe Biden is no longer president," Graham said, adding: "Get to the peace table."

Medvedev responded by reiterating the Russian demand that its aims must be met before there can be any chance of peace.

"It's not for you or Trump to dictate when to 'get at the peace table'. Negotiations will end when all the objectives of our military operation have been achieved. Work on America first, gramps!" he said.

Trump's pledge this month of "severe" secondary tariffs on Russia if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire was criticized as too lenient, in effect giving Moscow a seven-week window to continue with its battlefield efforts to capture Porkrovsk in the Donetsk region and strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure.

The Trump deadline raises the prospect of 100 percent tariffs on countries trading with Russia, which, if implemented, could impact the purchase of fossil fuels by China and India, which have ramped up their trade with Russia since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Top Zelensky official praises Trump for giving Putin 10 days to end Ukraine invasion: ‘When America is serious, Russia backs down’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s right-hand man lauded President Trump Tuesday for shortening the time frame for Russia to show willingness to make peace with Kyiv — saying it will let Vladimir Putin know that Washington is “serious” about ending the war in Ukraine.

“When the US leads, the free world follows. When America is serious, Russia backs down,” said Andriy Yermak — who runs the Ukrainian office of the president and seen as the equivalent to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. “We have seen that before, and we are starting to see it again.”

Trump, 79, told reporters aboard Air Force One Tuesday that Russia now has just 10 days — until Aug. 8 — to avoid economic sanctions aimed at stopping the flow of cash funding Moscow’s more than 41-month-old invasion.

The US president originally gave Putin 50 days from July 14 to stop his brutal assault on Kyiv — but so far, the Kremlin tyrant has shown no inclination to do so, slamming Ukraine nightly with deadly bombings and drone strikes on civilians.

Should that continue, Trump has promised to levy 100% tariffs on any country that buys Russian oil — either directly or indirectly — punishing those providing Moscow with its main source of income to power its war machine.

Moscow has occasionally feigned interest in a negotiated settlement, most recently holding lower-level meetings with Ukrainian officials in Turkey last week.

Putin has repeatedly refused to meet with Zelensky, who showed up in Turkey earlier this summer after Trump urged the two belligerents to hold direct talks, only to be stood up.

At last week’s meeting, according to Yermak, Moscow’s reps kept the discussions to prisoner of war exchanges and did not entertain talk of a cease-fire.

“It is necessary to act,” Yermak told The Post in an exclusive interview. “I believe in America. I believe in President Trump.”

Ukrainian air force officer accused of leaking location of NATO F-16 jets to Russia

A Ukrainian air force officer was arrested and charged with spying for Russia by leaking the locations of Kyiv’s prized F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, officials said.

The officer, who was only identified as a flight instructor who held the rank of major, stands accused of providing Russia with intel and suggesting the tactics used to attack an airbase housing the NATO-provided jets, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said in a statement.

“In particular, the enemy’s priority targets were airfields where F-16s, Mirage 2000s and Su-24s were based,” it said.

“In addition, to ensure the success of the enemy strike, the defendant prepared and handed over to the occupiers an analytical report on the necessary, in his opinion, tactics for delivering combined strikes,” the SBU added.

“This was to allow the Russians to strike, ‘bypassing’ the defense of the relevant military facilities.”

The US-made F-16s arrived in Ukraine late last year to bolster Kyiv’s air force and defenses against Russia’s escalating bombardments.

The warplanes serve as a key tool for Ukraine and are used alongside the French Mirage 2000 jets and the older, Soviet-manufactured Su-24s.

The NATO-provided jets are prime targets for Moscow, with its drones and missiles regularly aimed at airfields and military bases where the Kremlin believes the jets may be stationed.

Along with helping Russia carry out the attack, the SBU also accused the suspect of passing data on Ukrainian air force personnel and combat tactics to the Kremlin.

The arrest of the air force officer comes after the SBU detained two Chinese nationals earlier this month on suspicion of spying on Ukraine’s Neptune anti-ship missile program.

The intelligence breaches are not only limited to Ukraine, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealing Tuesday that 32 suspects were arrested for allegedly spying for Russia.

“At the moment, 32 people who are suspected of collaborating with Russian special services who ordered sabotage or contract beatings have been detained,” Tusk said, according to Polish outlets.

Russian Spy Plane Detected off Coast of US Ally [Japan]

Japan scrambled fighter jets Tuesday after a Russian surveillance plane deemed to pose a "risk of airspace violation," Japan's defense ministry said.

Why It Matters

Japan, which hosts over 52,000 American troops across more than 100 bases, is also a key part of the so-called First Island Chain—a line of allied and partner nations the Pentagon hopes to leverage in the event of a conflict with adversaries such as China.

Japanese defense officials have repeatedly expressed concern about Chinese and Russian military coordination and encroachment, including disputed Tokyo-controlled territories such as far-north Rebun Island.
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The Russian aircraft, an Ilyushin Il-38 maritime patrol plane, was detected over the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, according to a statement from Japan's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Central Air Command dispatched fighter jets to intercept the plane.

A flight path map released by officials showed the Il-38 taking a circuitous route along Japan's west coast within its air defense identification zone (ADIZ)—a pattern typical of aircraft conducting intelligence-gathering missions off Japan.

An ADIZ is an area where claimant states require foreign aircraft to identify themselves.

The Cold War-era Il-38 is Russia's counterpart to the U.S. P-3 Orion spy plane. While the four-engine turboprop is designed for anti-submarine warfare, it can also be used for search-and-rescue and mine-laying operations.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, the Joint Staff reported that a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Dakai-class submarine rescue ship was tracked sailing through the Tsushima Strait, about 200 miles west of Japan's southwestern Goto Islands.

It was the first time that class of ship had been observed in the area, according to the statement.

CHINA

China and Russia Challenge US Military Supremacy With Major Joint Exercise

China and Russia will carry out joint naval exercises in the Pacific next week, the Chinese defense ministry said Wednesday, as the quasi-alliance continues to mature.

Why It Matters

The neighbors have moved to strengthen security ties in recent years through bilateral and multilateral exercises spanning naval and air patrols and computer simulations. Over half of their 113 combined drills since 2003 have taken place in the past six years, according to analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies' China Power Project.

This cooperation is especially concentrated in the Pacific. While Beijing and Moscow lack a formal treaty, they are aligned on challenging long-standing U.S. military dominance and seek to establish their own spheres of influence, analysts say.
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Newsweek reached out to the Russian defense ministry by email with a request for comment outside of office hours.

What to Know
The People's Liberation Army Navy will join Russia's Pacific Fleet for drills in the Sea of Japan, in the waters and airspace near the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, China's defense ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said during Wednesday's regular news conference.

The exercises, which will also include land-based training and collectively dubbed Maritime Interaction 2025, begin August 1, according to a Pacific Fleet statement shared by Russian state media. Both sides stressed that the drills are not directed at any third party.

Naval forces will train in anti-submarine warfare, air defense and search-and-rescue operations, and will conduct "joint gun" exercises, according to a Russian statement.

Participating Russian ships will be led by the large anti-submarine warfare ship Admiral Tributs, with the Type 052 guided-missile destroyer Shaoxing leading the Chinese contingent. Diesel-electric submarines and naval aircraft from both countries will also take part.

Following the exercises, the two sides will deploy to an unspecified part of the Pacific Ocean for their sixth joint maritime patrol, Zhang told reporters.

China Reveals Major Boost to Aircraft-Carrier Force

Chinese media reported that the number of fighter pilots recruited for the country's aircraft-carrier fleet hit a record high this year, as part of the East Asian power's rapid naval buildup.
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China operates the world's largest navy by hull count, with over 370 ships and submarines in service, including two aircraft carriers. In June, both aircraft carriers were simultaneously deployed to the broader Western Pacific, demonstrating the country's growing naval power.

While the United States continues to possess the world's largest aircraft carrier fleet—with 11 operational vessels—the Chinese navy is set to commission its third and most-advanced aircraft carrier, with reported plans to build the nation's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

What To Know

China Central Television reported on Friday that the People's Liberation Army Navy—the official name of the Chinese navy—has recently concluded its pilot recruitment for the year.

The intake includes high school graduates, students from naval aviation schools, and recent bachelor's and master's degree graduates from both military and civilian universities, the report said. It described the recruitment sources as "increasingly diverse and optimized."

The report said that both the number of candidates meeting the standards for carrier-based fighter pilots and the proportion of qualified applicants have reached record levels.

While the report did not provide exact figures, it added that "tens of thousands of young students" across China had "enthusiastically" signed up for naval pilot recruitment, significantly expanding the recruitment and selection base compared to previous years.

Citing a military expert, Chinese state media Global Times said that the recruitment performance aligned with the development of the country's carrier-based aircraft, referring to the increasing variety and number of planes designed to operate from aircraft carriers.

Last November, the Chinese military officially unveiled two carrier-based fighter jets—the J-15T and the J-15D. Unlike the original J-15 variant, the T model is capable of taking off from all three Chinese aircraft carriers, which use two different aircraft launching systems.

Meanwhile, the D variant of the J-15 family is designed to conduct electronic warfare missions, matching its U.S. counterpart—the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.

The Chinese military is also developing a stealth carrier-based fighter aircraft as one of the variants of the J-35 family, alongside the J-35A, which is designed for the nation's air force.

Chinese Special Forces Train With New Ally in Europe

Photos released on Tuesday show China and Serbia—Beijing's new "friend" in Europe—conducting joint military exercises between their special forces in the East Asian country.

The event, code-named Peace Guardian 2025, took place in Hebei Province, near China's capital city, in the second half of July, the Chinese military previously announced.

Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email.

Why It Matters

China, a quasi-ally of Russia, has maintained close ties with Serbia, with the Balkan nation's leader, President Aleksandar Vučić, describing Beijing as his country's "most precious friend" during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow in May.

While Serbia adopts a policy of military neutrality, refraining from joining collective defense organizations, it focuses on developing cooperation with individual partners, having acquired Chinese weapons, including drones and surface-to-air missile systems.

The deepening ties between China and Serbia have raised concerns in the European Union about Belgrade's path toward European integration. Serbia has been a candidate country for EU membership since 2012 and is obliged to align its foreign policy with that of the EU.

What To Know

According to the Serbian Defense Ministry, the country's 72nd Special Operations Brigade conducted joint training with a Chinese military special operations unit from July 19 to 28.

Officially released photos show participating soldiers engaged in a range of activities during Peace Guardian 2025, including shooting drills, indoor and outdoor maneuvers, and the use of unmanned ground and aerial vehicles at an undisclosed location in Hebei Province.

"During the ten-day training, mixed combat teams carried out tactical tasks in urban and rural areas with support from unmanned platforms," the Serbian Defense Ministry said, adding that the event focused on the use of drones in the execution of special forces tasks.

The joint training served as an opportunity to exchange experiences, compare knowledge, and improve skills in tactics, techniques, and procedures, according to Belgrade, which said the Chinese side "showed an exceptional level of organization and professionalism."

The Serbian Foreign Ministry said the joint military activity boosted military cooperation and enhanced coordination in conducting missions alongside foreign militaries and in international environments, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on Wednesday.

Vuk Vuksanovic, a researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that Serbia's cooperation with China aligns with Belgrade's foreign policy, which aims to maximize its independence by partnering with various global actors.

MIDDLE EAST

Iran Reacts to Trump's 'Stupid' Comment

Iran's foreign minister said his country will never submit to the language of threat and intimidation after President Donald Trump ridiculed its continued pursuit of uranium enrichment following U.S. airstrikes on key nuclear sites in June.

"Our enrichment facilities are severely damaged, but our DETERMINATION IS NOT," Abbas Araghchi said in a statement published on X, formerly Twitter.

Trump has described Tehran's talk of renewing its nuclear enrichment program as "stupid."
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Araghchi's remarks come as Tehran has doubled down on uranium enrichment—despite U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities—reviving a central flash point in decades of U.S.-Iran tensions.

Iran is in discussions with the U.K., France and Germany—collectively known as the E3—hoping to avoid triggering a "snapback" mechanism that would reimpose U.N. sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear accord. The "snapback" of sanctions would isolate Iran further, risk collapse of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and possibly accelerate regional instability.

What To Know

"No one in their right mind would abandon the fruits of tremendous investment in homegrown and peaceful technology which is saving lives—and simply because [bullying] foreigners demand it," Araghchi said in a statement published on X.

Emphasizing that nuclear enrichment is vital for Iran, Araghchi said that over a million Iranians rely on medical radioisotopes produced by the Tehran Research Reactor—which requires 20 percent enriched uranium originally supplied by the United States.

Regarding the U.S. and its allies' concerns about Iran's nuclear enrichment program being diverted from the peaceful purposes Iran claims to pursue, Araghchi said that only "a negotiated solution" may succeed.

On June 22, U.S. strikes hit Iran's nuclear sites after a 12-day Israeli offensive. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on the American air base at Al-Udeid in Qatar, calling it a direct response to U.S. aggression.

Iran Says US Plotted to Overthrow Government

Iran's top spy agency on Monday accused the United States and Israel of plotting to install a puppet government in Tehran led by the exiled son of the last Iranian monarch.

The alleged operation in June, which coincided with Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear enrichment sites, was part of "a premeditated and multifaceted war," Iran's Intelligence Ministry said, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
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Tehran is intensifying efforts to root out alleged espionage following its two-week missile war with Israel. It said the conflict was publicly centered on Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, with a parallel objective of regime destabilization in line with longstanding U.S. and Israeli interests.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated sharply despite the ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. Iran claimed political and symbolic success by surviving the Israeli attack, while the Israeli and U.S. militaries said their bombing campaign dealt significant damage Iran's strategic infrastructure, setting back its nuclear ambitions for years.

What To Know

The Iranian Intelligence Ministry said the United States and Israel attempted to deploy armed security forces to Tehran as part of the "regime-change scheme" to put in power Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran's last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

A CIA-backed coup in 1953 had restored the pro-Western shah, only for the 1979 Islamic Revolution to topple the monarchy and usher in the current theocracy. Mohammed Reza Pahlavi fled the country that year, while U.S.-based Reza Pahlavi has long pushed for non-violent regime change, but has limited support inside Iran.

"The U.S. and the Zionist regime plotted to install a puppet exile government headed by the disgraced Pahlavi heir, coordinating closely with known Zionist operatives," Iran's spy agency said.

The ministry said it seized arms including rocket launchers, explosives and U.S.-made weaponry in its border areas, and alleged that Israel had coordinated with separatist groups, including ISIS elements, to spark internal unrest.

Tehran said it arrested dozens of people accused of participating in the plot, "disguised as civil or religious groups," seeming confirming the wider security crackdown on alleged Mossad agents following the 12-day conflict, in which Israel attacked nuclear and military sites across the country and killed top Iranian commanders and scientists.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei avoided assassination by relocating to a fortified underground bunker during the Israeli strikes. Israeli defense chief Israel Katz publicly acknowledged that Israel had intended to kill Khamenei.

Israeli media said this week that Iranian authorities arrested at least 35 Jews suspected of spying, including two Americans.

Free Speech Sees Rare Win in Iran

ran's government has abruptly withdrawn a proposed internet censorship bill following growing political pressure and public opposition.

The legislation—introduced in the aftermath of a 12-day war with Israel—sought to impose sweeping penalties for online activity deemed false or harmful, alarming human rights advocates and reformist leaders who warned that it threatened civil liberties, contradicted campaign promises and risked institutionalizing censorship.
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The legislation's introduction and swift rejection highlight growing tension within Iran over the balance between national security and civil rights—particularly in the digital realm. While officials said the bill targeted fake news, its vague provisions triggered fears of expanded repression in a country already ranked among the most restrictive in the world for internet freedom.

The withdrawal of the bill offers a rare glimpse of public and political influence on policy in Iran, but its initial introduction raises deeper questions about whether the government is willing to deliver on promises of reform.

What To Know

The bill's rapid withdrawal marks a politically sensitive moment for President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose Cabinet introduced the measure despite his campaign promises of dialogue and openness.

The proposal drew backlash from allies and critics alike, raising doubts about his commitment to civil liberties and the reformist agenda he championed.

Formally titled Combating the Dissemination of False Content in Cyberspace, the bill was submitted to parliament on July 20 and called for prison terms, fines and social media bans for users accused of spreading false or harmful information.

Penalties would have increased for repeat offenses, fake accounts or posts made during "crisis or wartime." Critics warned that vague terms—such as "distorted, misleading, and harmful to public perception"—gave authorities broad discretion and opened the door to politically motivated enforcement.

Iran-Backed Fighters Parade Hostages as Trump Faces New Crisis

The Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis have issued stern warnings to vessels defying their Red Sea blockade against Israel, confirming in a video Monday that they were holding several crew members of a cargo ship hostage.

The crew of the Eternity C, one of two commercial vessels sank earlier in July, included mainly Filipinos, according to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which said 16 were missing after the attack and called for the immediate release of the "kidnapped" seafarers.
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The attack on the Eternity C, in the same week the Houthis attacked the Magic Seas, signaled a show of force by the Iran-backed militant group, which is disrupting a key global trade route despite a heavy campaign of U.S. airstrikes in March ordered by President Donald Trump.

Trump said the group would be "annihilated" and promised to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The U.S. is also imposing sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's proxy influence in the region.

A renewed blockade of the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait by the Houthis may once again threaten international shipping in general and U.S. economic interests in particular, forcing Trump's hand in the long-restive region.
What To Know
In the six-minute video released by the Houthis, a distorted voice asked a crew member if he knew the ship was headed to Israel. The crew responded that they were assigned to load fertilizer there for delivery to China.

Marc Jayson, the ship's third officer, said the captain had informed the crew they were headed to the Israeli port of Eilat from Somalia. "We asked if there was any bonus for sailing to a high-risk area," he said, adding they received no further details before the attack.

Another crew member said the captain had ordered all satellite communications turned off as the ship approached Eilat—a claim the Houthis used to justify their attack against all commercial vessels stopping at Israeli ports. .

Filipino Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said an initial investigation found the ship had violated maritime safety protocols by crossing the Red Sea twice—via Egypt, Somalia, and Jeddah—despite a DMW ban on Filipino seafarers boarding vessels transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to the official Philippine News Agency on July 10.

In November 2023, the Houthis seized the Galaxy Leader while it was sailing from Turkey to India, detaining its multinational crew, including more than a dozen Filipino seafarers, before being released in January 2025.

Arab World Tells Hamas to End Gaza Rule, Lay Down Weapons

The Arab world has condemned Hamas, telling the group to end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt joined 14 other countries in signing a declaration at a U.N. conference that condemned the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and gave "unwavering support" to a two-state solution.

"In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority," the declaration said. "In line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State."

Why It Matters

The declaration marks the first condemnation of Hamas by Arab nations.

Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 that killed about 1,200, mainly Israeli civilians. Militants took about 250 people hostage, around 50 of whom are still being held.

The declaration also condemns Israel's attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, citing Israel's "siege and starvation, which have produced a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis."

Israel's offensive against Hamas has killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants.

What to Know

The "New York Declaration" has laid out a phased strategy to resolve the nearly eight-decade-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza.

The plan envisions the creation of an independent, demilitarized Palestine, coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.

The declaration called for all hostages to be released: "Only by ending the war in Gaza, releasing all hostages, ending occupation, rejecting violence and terror, realizing an independent, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian State, ending the occupation of all Arab territories and providing solid security guarantees for Israel and Palestine, can normal relations and coexistence among the region's peoples and States be achieved."

The declaration comes amid reports of widespread starvation and famine in Gaza, fueling global outrage over Israeli policies that have limited food access to Palestinians. Israel has denied these allegations and says it has begun a series of measures to address the humanitarian crisis.

Israel suggests it could annex parts of Gaza if Hamas rejects cease-fire deal: ‘Most painful thing for our enemy’

Israel could announce a plan to annex parts of the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to accept a cease-fire deal, according to a cabinet minister.

Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin accused Hamas of trying to drag out the peace talks to gain leverage over Israel, with the official claiming an ultimatum was necessary to threaten the terror group into taking the negotiations seriously.

“The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands,” he told the local KAN public broadcaster.

He said that the plan is a “significant pressure tool” to tell Hamas that, “the moment they play games with us they will lose land that they will never get back.”

Israel and the US pulled their negotiation teams from Qatar last week after accusing Hamas of showing “a lack of desire to reach a cease-fire.”

The terror group, which still holds 20 living hostages in the Gaza Strip, has maintained that it will not agree to any deal that does not ensure a permanent end to the war, a condition Israel has slammed as a non-starter as its leaders vowed to keep the fight going until Hamas is eradicated.

Since the war began following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, members of Israel’s far-right coalition have called for the full annexation of the Gaza Strip, a proposal slammed by most of the international community.

Elkin’s warning comes just a day after the UK presented its own ultimatum to Israel, calling on the Jewish state to end the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza or else Britain would join France and formally recognize a Palestinian state before the UN in September.

Israel has repeatedly rejected any and all proposals for a two-state solution, saying any such outcome would reward Hamas.

President Trump used the same language on Tuesday following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ultimatum, warning that the US would not follow suit.

The president, however, joined international calls to address the widespread starvation in Gaza, telling reporters that the US and other nations would “get a lot of money to the area so they can get some food.”

With malnutrition deaths spiking in July, Israel has accused Hamas of using the crisis to drum up support to end the war and force the Jewish state to make concessions.

Israel has since enacted temporary pauses in the fighting to allow more aid to enter Gaza, but dozens of deaths are still being reported after airstrikes hit locations where the stops were ordered.

New York Times stunningly rolls back claims about viral photo of starving Gaza boy

The New York Times appended a story it published last week containing a shocking image of a child purportedly suffering from starvation in Gaza with an editor’s note Tuesday.

The note informs readers that Mohammed Zakaria al Mutawaq — the Gazan boy “diagnosed with severe malnutrition” and pictured in the article — also suffers from “pre-existing health problems.”

“We recently ran a story about Gaza’s most vulnerable civilians, including Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq, who is about 18 months old and suffers from severe malnutrition,” a spokesperson for the outlet said in a statement. 

“We have since learned new information, including from the hospital that treated him and his medical records, and have updated our story to add context about his pre-existing health problems,” the spokesperson continued.

“This additional detail gives readers a greater understanding of his situation.”

The stark images of little Mohammed — shown with a gaunt face and his spine protruding from his back as his mother held him — went viral last week, with many using him as the poster child for starvation in the Palestinian enclave amid Israel’s war against Hamas.

Days after the New York Times published images of Mohammed, pro-Israel group HonestReporting noted on July 27 that the boy’s older brother, Joud, is standing in the background, appearing in far better condition.

Mohammed’s mother has also indicated that her son suffers from a “muscle disorder” for which he receives specialized nutrition and physical therapy.
She noted, in a CNN segment last week, that her son was “happy” and able to “sit upright.”

The Times note did not elaborate on the pre-existing health problems from which Mohammed suffers. However, pro-Israel journalist David Collier reported last week that the young boy has “cerebral palsy, hypoxemia, and was born with a serious genetic disorder,” citing a May 2025 medical report from Gaza.