U.S. and South Korean forces ended Ulchi Freedom Shield six days early, and North Korea fired about 10 short-range missiles the next day. The early finish was described as conciliatory, while Kim Yo Jong called the drills provocative but indicated talks could remain possible.

Russia fired Bastion missiles near disputed Etorofu during Pacific Fleet drills involving a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and 60 ships. Japan criticized increased Russian military activity around the Four Northern Islands after Putin’s Etorofu visit prompted Tokyo to summon ambassadors.

A Hong Kong court convicted activists who organized annual Tiananmen vigils that previously drew large crowds. The convictions highlight tensions over pro-democracy protests and risks for organizers after Beijing tightened control and outlawed dissent.

Prince Harry and Meghan have returned to the U.K. from California, drawing renewed media and public attention. Their return raises questions about security, formal roles, and effects on the monarchy and official royal family.

Swiss tourist Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, received one year in prison for insulting Bali’s Nyepi under Indonesia’s new criminal code. A judge said his posts violated stay-home restrictions, offended Balinese people, hurt their faith, and provoked outrage.

Bodies of two Belgian mountaineers missing since 1992 were recovered from Switzerland’s Trift Glacier and identified through DNA testing. The discovery shows how retreating Swiss glaciers are revealing remains from decades-old disappearances.

Ukraine says it struck a major oil refinery in Russia’s Urals region. The attack targets infrastructure supporting Russian fuel production and oil exports.

Governor Kathy Hochul backs a one-year data center moratorium while presenting New York’s approach as pro-business and attentive to workers and the environment. The stance separates Hochul from progressives as affordability and AI concerns shape New York’s policy debate and election issues.

Giorgia Meloni discussed her leadership and political stance in a rare New York Times interview. She leads what will become Italy’s longest-lasting postwar government and remains central to national politics.