Hard-hitting Hall of Fame outfielder Dave Parker dies at 74

In a major escalation, Russia pounded Ukraine with its biggest aerial bombardment since the full-scale war began nearly two years ago. Ukrainian officials reported waves of missiles and drones hitting multiple cities overnight, marking a grim new intensity in the conflict.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another attack—it signals a dangerous shift in Russia’s tactics. More strikes, more destruction, and likely more civilian suffering. For Ukraine, it’s a brutal test of their air defenses and resilience. For the world, it’s a reminder that this war is far from over, and the stakes keep rising.

A group of humanoid robots recently attempted to play soccer in Beijing, and let's just say it wasn't exactly a masterclass in athleticism. The bots wobbled, tripped, and even face-planted their way through a 3v3 match that resembled a chaotic kids' game more than a pro-level showdown. But here's the twist: despite the clumsy performance, this was actually a big step forward for AI-powered robots learning to move and interact in the real world.

Editor’s Note: Sure, it's easy to laugh at robots falling over, but this event highlights how far we've come in teaching machines to handle unpredictable, real-world environments. Soccer—with its quick decisions, balance challenges, and teamwork—is a brutally hard test for AI. The fact that these robots could even attempt it (however awkwardly) shows progress toward more adaptable, "embodied" AI that could one day assist in everything from disaster response to household chores. It's a reminder that breakthroughs often start with a few stumbles—literally.

Iran's judiciary claims that at least 71 people died in an Israeli strike on Evin prison, a facility infamous for holding political dissidents. The attack, if confirmed, marks a significant escalation in the shadow conflict between the two nations, though Israel hasn't officially commented.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another geopolitical flare-up—Evin prison is a symbol of Iran's repression, and an attack there could ripple far beyond the immediate casualties. If Israel is behind it, it signals a bold, risky move that could provoke retaliation and further destabilize an already volatile region. For families of prisoners and activists, it’s a horrifying twist in an already grim situation.

Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa isn’t backing down, even as progressive Zohran Mamdani gains momentum in the primary race. In a fiery radio interview, Sliwa blamed Mayor Eric Adams for Mamdani’s rise and dismissed calls for opponents to consolidate against him, declaring, "I’m not going anywhere."

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Sliwa’s stubbornness—it’s a sign of deeper fractures in NYC’s political landscape. With progressives like Mamdani gaining ground, Sliwa’s refusal to step aside could split the opposition vote, making it harder to challenge the left’s influence. For voters, it’s another messy chapter in the city’s ongoing political tug-of-war.

Confusion is swirling around who's actually calling the shots at the CDC right now. While RFK Jr technically has direct control over the agency (yes, that RFK Jr), Senate testimony in May suggested someone else might be pulling the strings behind the scenes. The situation gets even messier because there's no confirmed or acting CDC director at the moment – meaning vaccine recommendations and other critical public health decisions could hinge on this unclear power dynamic.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just bureaucratic drama – when leadership at a major health agency is ambiguous, it can shake public trust and slow down urgent decisions. The CDC guides everything from outbreak responses to vaccine policies, so not knowing who's in charge (or why) leaves everyone guessing about how key health protections will be handled.