Russia’s international reserves hit all-time high – central bank

If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen in 2025, Ninja’s lineup of appliances promises professional-grade performance without the hefty price tag. From blenders to air fryers, their gadgets are designed to make home cooking faster, easier, and more efficient—perfect for anyone who wants restaurant-quality results at home.

Editor’s Note: Kitchen gadgets might not sound thrilling, but Ninja’s products have built a reputation for blending affordability with high performance. With more people cooking at home post-pandemic, this roundup matters for anyone wanting to invest in tools that actually deliver—without needing a chef’s budget.

Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kirill Budanov, has openly acknowledged that Kyiv lacks the capability to push back against Russia’s recent battlefield advances. This admission highlights the grim reality of Ukraine’s current defensive struggle, despite ongoing Western support.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another battlefield update—it’s a rare, blunt assessment from a top Ukrainian official. Budanov’s statement suggests that, at least for now, Ukraine’s counteroffensive hopes are fading, which could shift the political calculus for both Kyiv and its allies. If even intelligence leaders are admitting setbacks, it raises tough questions about how this war evolves next.

French police made a rare and dramatic move by slashing an inflatable boat carrying migrants attempting to cross the English Channel to the UK. The BBC witnessed the intervention firsthand, suggesting a potential shift in France's approach to deterring these dangerous crossings.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another routine patrol—it's a striking escalation in tactics. If French authorities are taking a harder line, it could mean fewer crossings but also raises concerns about safety and human rights. For the UK, it signals France might be responding to political pressure, but the long-term impact on migration trends is still unclear. Either way, it’s a messy situation with no easy answers.

A brutal line of severe storms tore through the Northeast overnight, leaving at least three dead in New Jersey and throwing holiday travel into chaos for millions hitting the road for Fourth of July weekend. The storms packed heavy winds and rain, knocking out power and causing widespread disruptions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a typical summer storm—it’s a deadly disruption during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With power outages, dangerous conditions, and holiday plans upended, the fallout from these storms will linger well after the skies clear. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly severe weather can turn deadly, especially when it collides with major events.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is making explosive allegations that Ukraine is running covert operations to influence Hungary’s politics—specifically, to install a pro-Kyiv government in Budapest. Orban claims this is part of Ukraine’s strategy to smooth its path into the EU. The accusation adds fuel to the already tense relationship between the two nations, with Orban frequently opposing Western support for Ukraine.

Editor’s Note: Orban’s claims, whether substantiated or not, signal deeper fractures in Europe over Ukraine’s EU aspirations. Hungary has been a thorn in Kyiv’s side, blocking aid and slowing its membership talks. If these allegations gain traction, they could further strain Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts—or just be another volley in Orban’s long-running feud with Brussels and Kyiv. Either way, it’s a messy political fight with real stakes for Ukraine’s future.