New evidence suggests Russian military involvement in the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, which crashed on December 25, 2024. An Azerbaijani news outlet, Minval, published an anonymous letter and audio recordings claiming to prove a Russian air defense officer authorized the missile strike due to poor communication equipment. The letter details the unit’s actions, including the firing of two missiles, one of which allegedly downed the aircraft. These new findings coincide with escalating tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, following a previous acknowledgement of the tragedy by the Russian President who referred to the crash as a “tragic incident” but stopped short of admitting responsibility.
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According to ranked choice voting results released Tuesday, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. Mamdani secured 56% of the vote in the final round, with a total of 545,334 votes. Cuomo’s campaign responded, downplaying the results while also hinting at a possible independent run in the general election. Meanwhile, Trump labeled Mamdani a “communist” and threatened arrest, emphasizing the political battle ahead as Mamdani prepares to face Mayor Eric Adams, independent candidate Jim Walden, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election.
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Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, has voiced support for terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling their actions as a “legitimate struggle” and vowing continued support for the Kashmiri people. Munir’s remarks, made at a Pakistan Naval Academy passing out parade, also criticized India for acts of “unprovoked aggression.” He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. Munir emphasized that a resolution to the Kashmir dispute is essential for regional peace, and Pakistan will continue to offer political, diplomatic, and moral support to the region.
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In the wake of Lucy Letby’s conviction for murdering and attempting to murder infants, three former senior leaders at the Countess of Chester Hospital have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. The arrests, which occurred on Monday, are part of an investigation into the hospital’s leadership and decision-making during the period when Letby’s crimes occurred. The investigation, separate from Letby’s convictions, focuses on whether the actions or inactions of individuals contributed to the deaths and collapses of babies. Although no set timescales have been set for the corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter elements of the investigation, inquiries are ongoing and further updates will be available.
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The Senate has approved the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping legislative package that will likely impact healthcare, taxes, and social services. The bill, which passed in a tie-breaking vote by Vice President J.D. Vance, faced opposition from several Republican senators who cited concerns over the bill’s impact on the national debt and its betrayal of the promises Donald Trump made. President Trump celebrated the bill’s passage on Truth Social, calling on the House of Representatives to pass it before the Fourth of July. The bill is now being sent back to the House of Representatives where it will be voted on with amendments, and then sent to President Trump for signing.
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In June 2025, Ukraine significantly increased its electricity exports by 150%, reaching over 237,000 megawatt-hours, returning to levels seen before Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure. This surge marks the first time since October 2023 that Ukraine has exported more electricity than it imported, with Hungary being the primary recipient. Despite this progress, Russian attacks continue to target Ukrainian energy facilities, as exemplified by the recent strike in Kherson Oblast, highlighting ongoing challenges in the face of conflict.
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Boston Police Sergeant Paul Downey, 58, is on leave while facing charges of child rape and electronic enticement of a child, following allegations of meeting a 14-year-old boy on a dating app and paying for sex. Court documents detail Downey’s alleged actions, including paying for sex and committing rape in a parking lot. Downey, who pleaded not guilty, was ordered to be held overnight and is expected back in court on Tuesday. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox stated that Downey has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.
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The opening of a controversial immigrant detention center in Florida, informally dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” drew the attention of President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who joined state officials for the event. The facility, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has faced significant opposition from Democrats and environmental groups due to humanitarian and environmental concerns. The facility is designed to deter undocumented immigrants through harsh conditions and is located in an area prone to hurricanes. The project, expedited through emergency powers, aims to house up to 3,000 individuals and has generated national media attention, while environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the facility’s impact on the Everglades ecosystem.
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The Senate successfully passed President Trump’s megabill after extensive negotiations and a lengthy amendment process, culminating in a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance. Despite Republican defections from Senators Tillis, Paul, and Collins, the bill narrowly passed the upper chamber. However, the legislation faces an uncertain future in the House, where it must overcome significant GOP opposition and address substantial Senate amendments. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will significantly increase the federal deficit over the next decade.
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Following the Senate’s passage of President Trump’s bill, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the bill, specifically citing Senator JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote as a betrayal of working families, while also highlighting concerns of Medicaid cuts. The bill, which adds to the national debt according to the Congressional Budget Office, faced opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, with Lisa Murkowski ultimately supporting the bill after negotiations. Despite these concerns, House Majority Leader Mike Johnson aims to pass the bill in the House before Trump’s July 4 deadline.
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John Q. Hosedrinker