Monday, June 30, 2025

Today's Paper

World News

Drifting From the West’s Orbit, Russians Find a New Role Model in China

China has become trendy for Russians who once worshiped everything Western. Young people are learning Mandarin, and Chinese culture and goods have become ubiquitous in Moscow.

By Ivan Nechepurenko and Nanna Heitmann

image: Chiho, a restaurant chain in Moscow. Chinese restaurants have been sprouting in cities across Russia.

What to Know About the Dangerous Heat in Europe

Health warnings were issued to tens of millions of Europeans as temperatures climbed well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or more than 40 degrees Celsius.

By Amelia Nierenberg

image: Seeking refreshment in Paris on Sunday. Temperatures around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius, were expected across France for several days.

Cartel Fighters Make a Desperate Alliance That Could Transform Underworld

The Sinaloa Cartel, the world’s most-feared fentanyl trafficker, is reeling from an internal war and a U.S.-Mexican crackdown. Its fate could upend global criminal networks.

By Maria Abi-Habib, Paulina Villegas, Alan Feuer and Adriana Zehbrauskas

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The War Within the Sinaloa Cartel Explained

One of the world’s most powerful criminal syndicates is facing a government crackdown and internal war after the son of a drug lord betrayed his partner.

By Paulina Villegas

image: Offerings of flowers, candles, photos and dollar bills at a shrine to Jesús Malverde, a “narco-saint,” in Culiacán, Mexico, the stronghold of the Sinaloa cartel.

A Bitter Political Rivalry in Zambia Shows No Deference to Death

The burial site of Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s former president, has become the latest conflict in a relationship marred by hostility

By Zimasa Matiwane and Rabecca Lungu

image: A Mass for former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg on Wednesday. He has yet to be buried.

Taiwan’s President Takes on China, and His Opponents, in Speaking Tour

Lai Ching-te is ramping up his warnings about China’s threat to Taiwan. Critics say he is stoking divisions, and risking blowback from Beijing.

By Chris Buckley and Amy Chang Chien

image: President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan attending the coast guard annual drill in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in June.

As Trade Deadline Nears, Europe Preps for a Scant Outline of a Deal

President Trump’s administration once promised 90 deals in 90 days. When it comes to the European Union, it may be more of a framework.

By Jeanna Smialek

image: Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, which is pushing for a trade deal with the United States by July 9.

They Demanded Democracy. Years Later, They Are Still Paying the Price.

Thousands of young people lost careers, friends and dreams after taking part in mass antigovernment protests that erupted six years ago in Hong Kong.

By Tiffany May

image: Chan Chi Sum was 20 when he was arrested under the national security law because of his involvement in a student political group.

A Year After ‘Loveless Landslide,’ U.K. Leader Is Even Less Popular

With scores of Labour Party lawmakers in open revolt and voters signaling their distaste, some are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon caution and pivot left.

By Mark Landler

image: Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain in March.

Can Canada Offset Trump’s Tariff War With More Domestic Trade?

Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet his pledge to eliminate the country’s internal trade barriers by July 1. But economists say it’s not a substitute for lost U.S. trade.

By Ian Austen

image: Trucks moving along a highway in Chilliwack, British Columbia, in April. High transportation costs are one factor limiting trade within Canada.

The Sheikh Who Conquered Soccer and Coddles Warlords

The Emirati vice president is best known as the owner of Manchester City, a top English soccer team. Behind the scenes, he has been described as the “handler” guiding his country’s secret foreign wars.

By Declan Walsh and Tariq Panja

image: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates arriving at Doha International Airport in Qatar in October, in a photograph released by his country’s presidential court.

The Beatboxing, Dancing Nuns Expanding the Flock in Brazil

The Catholic Church’s effort to win young followers relies in part on influencers, D.J.s and two Brazilian nuns with plenty of rhythm.

By Jack Nicas and Victor Moriyama

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Refugees Worry: Is Nicaragua Assassinating Government Critics in Costa Rica?

After a Nicaraguan human rights activist who had fled to Costa Rica was killed, concern has grown that the Ortega government may be targeting its enemies abroad.

By Frances Robles

image: Family members at the funeral of a retired Nicaraguan Army major, Roberto Samcam Ruiz, in San José, Costa Rica, where he was living before being killed this month.

Russian Barrage of Drones and Missiles Hits Beyond Usual Ukraine Targets

The overnight attack was one of the largest on Ukraine and included strikes in the western part of the country, which is hit less often.

By Constant Méheut

image: Civilians taking shelter inside a subway station during strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday.

‘False Hopes’ Dashed in Norway as Thousands Mistakenly Told of Lottery Wins

A state-owned gambling company apologized after telling players they had won “erroneously high prizes.” It blamed the error on a faulty currency conversion.

By Amelia Nierenberg

image: Tickets on sale in Düsseldorf, Germany, last year. EuroJackpot is a Europewide lottery.

From Iran-Israel Strikes to Russia’s War: How Conflicts Reshape Air Travel

Whether caused by a long war or brief skirmish, the closing of skies to air travel is having big effects on cost, convenience and safety.

By Anupreeta Das and Niraj Chokshi

image: A jet preparing to land at Mumbai’s airport. India’s air traffic was disrupted this spring after a brief clash with Pakistan prompted each country to close their airspace to the other’s planes.

Why Is Trump Returning MS-13 Leaders to El Salvador? 5 Takeaways From the Times Investigation.

The agreement with Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, is undermining a long-running federal investigation into the gang, according to people familiar with the inquiry.

By The New York Times

image: President Trump hosted Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, at the White House in April.

Monday Briefing

The future of Iran’s nuclear program.

By Natasha Frost

image: A guard outside the entrance to Evin Prison in Tehran in 2022.

Canada Will Scrap Tax That Prompted Trump to Suspend Trade Talks

The government said on Sunday night that it would cancel its tax on American technology companies, handing a victory to the Trump administration.

By Matina Stevis-Gridneff

image: Prime Minister Mark Carney with President Trump at the Group of 7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, earlier this month.

Monday Briefing: The Toll of an Attack on an Iranian Prison

Plus, correcting Captain Nemo.

By Justin Porter

image: A guard outside the entrance to Evin Prison in Tehran in 2022.

Israel’s Attack on Evin Prison Killed 71, Iranian State Media Report

The notorious detention facility in Tehran, where dissidents and political prisoners are held, came under attack on June 23.

By Vivian Yee and Sanam Mahoozi

image: The ruins of an office building at Evin Prison in Tehran on Sunday, several days after it was hit by an Israeli strike.

Starmer and Glastonbury Condemn Band’s Chant Against Israel’s Military

The band Bob Vylan led a crowd in a chant of “Death, death to the I.D.F.” while performing at Glastonbury, Britain’s biggest music festival.

By Ali Watkins and Alex Marshall

image: Bobby Vylan of the band Bob Vylan crowdsurfing during the Glastonbury music festival on Saturday.

Surprise Tax in G.O.P. Bill Could Cripple Wind and Solar Power

Wind and solar companies were already bracing for Congress to end federal subsidies. But the Senate bill goes even further and penalizes those industries.

By Brad Plumer

image: The repeal of federal subsidies alone could cause wind and solar installations to plummet by as much as 72 percent over the next decade, according to the Rhodium Group, a research firm.

Europe Endures Relentless Heat Wave

Extreme heat has gripped countries including France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, with record temperatures, health alerts and wildfires.

By Nazaneen Ghaffar

image: Enduring the heat as Pope Leo XIV spoke in the Vatican on Sunday.

Why Was the Italian Football Championship Played in Toledo?

Amateur football players from Ancona and Florence drew a crowd in Ohio on Saturday.

By Victor Mather and Maddie McGarvey

image: Firenze Guelphi playing against Ancona Dolphins in Toledo on Saturday. Guelphi won, 49-19.

Israel’s Military Appears Poised to Expand Into Gaza City Amid Cease-Fire Calls

President Trump urged Israel and Hamas to “make the deal,” but it was unclear if any significant progress has been made toward an agreement.

By Isabel Kershner

image: Damage from Israeli strikes in central Gaza City on Friday.

After War With Israel and U.S., Iran Rests on a Knife Edge

The Islamic Republic limps on after the 12-day conflict. Where will the nation go from here?

By Roger Cohen

image: In Tehran on Tuesday, the morning of a cease-fire with Israel.

For South Koreans,‘Squid Game’ Was More Than Just Entertainment

The Netflix hit has left a lasting legacy as a major cultural export, but also one that exposed some unsettling aspects of Korean society.

By Jin Yu Young

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How Europe Got Tough on Migration

The European Union has not gone as far as President Trump in cracking down on immigration, but its shift is already profound.

By Emma Bubola and Jeanna Smialek

image: An anti-immigration protest in May in Warsaw. A harder line on migration is being embraced across the political spectrum in much of the European Union.

French Police Officers Who Beat a Black Man on Camera to Stand Trial

The brutal beating in 2020 of Michel Zecler, a well-known music producer, sent shock waves through France.

By Ségolène Le Stradic

image: Michel Zecler in his studio in Paris in 2020.

Iran Holds State Funeral for Military Commanders and Nuclear Scientists

A procession of marchers honored prominent figures killed during the 12-day war with Israel.

By Neil MacFarquhar and Sanam Mahoozi

image: Mourners on Saturday in Tehran during a funeral procession for some of those killed in the recent war with Israel.

At Bezos’ Venetian Wedding: Buzz, Bling and Backlash

The over-the-top party in the photogenic Italian city mixed Hollywood, Silicon Valley and political overtones.

By Emma Bubola

image: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice on Thursday.

Thai Protesters Vent Their Exasperation With the Prime Minister

The political turmoil set off by a leaked phone conversation shows no sign of easing, in a country where demonstrations have helped oust governments before.

By Kittiphum Sringammuang, Muktita Suhartono and Sui-Lee Wee

image: Anti-government protesters rallying on Saturday in Bangkok to demand the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Better Half

The midpoint of the year is an opportune moment to look back at where we’ve been, and set our sights for where we want to go.

By Melissa Kirsch

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A Celebration of Canada and a Protest Against Musk and Trump

A small apartment building in Ottawa is using Canadian flags to send a message about Canada’s sovereignty.

By Ian Austen

image: Neighbors of a Tesla dealership in Ottawa have sent a message to Washington with flags.

After Israeli Attacks, Iran Hunts Enemies From Within

Iranian authorities are sweeping up hundreds of people deemed suspected spies or infiltrators. Some worry the campaign could become a broader crackdown on political opponents and minorities.

By Erika Solomon and Sanam Mahoozi

image: Iranians gathered on Sunday to protest the American attack on nuclear sites in the country.

Takeaways From a Times Investigation of the Pope’s Legacy on Sex Abuse

As a bishop in Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s handling of two abuse cases was a study in contrasts, siding strongly with victims in one and accused of failing them in the other.

By Julie Turkewitz, Simon Romero, Mitra Taj, Elisabetta Povoledo and Tomás Munita

image: Mass outside the cathedral in Chiclayo, Peru, last month after the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Golden Arches in a War Zone: McDonald’s Thrives in Ukraine

The American fast-food giant plans to open about 10 new restaurants in Ukraine this year, a testament to the country’s rebounding economy and its enduring love of Big Macs.

By Constant Méheut and Daria Mitiuk

image: A recently opened McDonald’s in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. McDonald’s has finally reached Ukraine’s remote, alpine region of Transcarpathia, and the locals couldn’t be happier.