Russia and Ukraine engaged in extensive aerial attacks, with both nations deploying over 100 drones
Russia and Ukraine engaged in extensive aerial attacks, with both nations deploying over 100 drones across their territories. This escalation occurred shortly after President Vladimir Putin expressed conditional support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire during discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. While Ukraine has endorsed the truce proposal, skepticism remains regarding Russia’s commitment to the agreement. — In the Gaza Strip, Hamas announced it will release an American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four others only if Israel implements a ceasefire agreement. The proposed deal requires Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, withdraw from a strategic corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, and agree to further prisoner exchanges. This development follows Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in nine fatalities, including three journalists, raising concerns about the fragility of the current ceasefire. — Pakistan’s military has accused India of sponsoring insurgents following a deadly train hijacking in Balochistan province that left 26 passengers dead. The unprecedented attack by the Baloch Liberation Army involved the ambush and hijacking of a train carrying approximately 400 passengers, leading to a prolonged standoff with security forces. India has denied these allegations, and the incident has drawn international condemnation, highlighting ongoing regional tensions. — A massive storm system has swept across the United States, triggering numerous tornadoes and wildfires, resulting in at least 17 fatalities. Missouri was particularly affected, with tornadoes causing significant destruction and loss of life. States of emergency have been declared in Arkansas and Georgia as the severe weather continues to move eastward, prompting widespread evacuations and power outages. — The U.S. government is preparing to deport approximately 300 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador. This arrangement involves the U.S. paying El Salvador $6 million to imprison these individuals for one year, marking a notable instance of the Central American country accepting migrants from the United States. — The Voice of America (VOA) has terminated contracts with major wire services, including The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse. Kari Lake, appointed by President Trump to manage VOA, stated that this move aims to save $53 million, asserting that with a nearly billion-dollar budget, VOA should produce news internally. This decision reflects the administration’s efforts to assert greater control over the government-funded news organization.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has halted the execution of David Leonard Wood
The United Kingdom has expelled a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse in response to Moscow’s earlier expulsion of two British embassy staff. The UK Foreign Office summoned Russian Ambassador Andrei Kelin to convey this decision, citing an “increasingly aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment” against British diplomats. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK will not tolerate the Kremlin’s intimidation or threats to its security. This diplomatic exchange follows heightened tensions since the 2018 poisoning incident in Salisbury and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared that any Israeli vessel in regional waters is now a target, citing Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza. This warning threatens key maritime routes and could disrupt aid shipments to conflict zones. The Houthis previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels between November 2023 and January 2025, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The U.S. military remains vigilant, with the USS Harry S. Truman currently patrolling the Red Sea. — The International Monetary Fund has approved a $1.2 billion disbursement to Egypt after completing its fourth review of the country’s economic reform program. Additionally, Egypt will access $1.3 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Despite these financial aids, Egyptians face rising inflation, with recent hikes in fuel prices and a devaluation of the Egyptian pound. The government announced an increase in the minimum monthly wage for public sector workers, effective from July, to alleviate economic pressures. — The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has halted the execution of David Leonard Wood, who has spent over 30 years on death row for the killings of six young women near El Paso. Wood, scheduled for execution this week, maintains his innocence and claims intellectual disability, rendering him ineligible for execution. This stay follows previous pauses in his execution and ongoing debates over DNA evidence. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recently declined his bid for commutation, leaving unresolved questions about Wood’s role in the crimes. — The Trump administration has resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after a temporary suspension intended to pressure Kyiv into peace talks with Russia. Following discussions in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine expressed willingness for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia’s agreement. The U.S. plans to present this proposal to the Kremlin, which has traditionally sought more permanent solutions without compromise. The conflict continues to impose heavy casualties and material losses on both sides. — A woman who accused former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson of raping her in a limousine in 1991 has dropped her lawsuit. Tyson’s attorney confirmed the plaintiff’s voluntary discontinuation of the case, which was filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. The plaintiff’s attorneys expressed disappointment over procedural grounds leading to the dismissal but maintained support for their client’s account. Tyson, who denied the allegations, previously served three years in prison for a 1992 rape conviction.
