US President Donald Trump took a gamble by inserting the US into the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, but it may have paid off - at least for now. Trump announced on Monday evening that the two countries had agreed to a ceasefire that he said could lead to a lasting peace. If the American president has in fact ended what he labelled the " 12 Day War ", it would make for a significant step back from the brink of a conflict that seemed on the verge of engulfing the region, along with pulling America further in after US airstrikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday. "Provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement, "we have no intention to continue our response afterwards." The Israeli government later said it agreed to the proposal after "achieving the objectives" of its attacks on Iran. The tw...

New York ( CNN ) — At a recent Juneteenth festival in Queens, New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani could hardly move a few feet without being swarmed by admirers seeking selfies. The 33-year-old democratic socialist has quickly become a rising star in New York City's mayoral race, captivating younger progressives through viral campaign videos and bold proposals aimed at systemic change. Mamdani’ s momentum stems largely from a growing progressive discontent with former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is attempting a political comeback via the same mayoral race. One viral campaign video features Mamdani breaking down the city’s ranked-choice voting system in both Hindi and Urdu, humorously comparing Cuomo to a Bollywood villain—a move that resonated deeply with multicultural voters and younger audiences. Now seen as Cuomo’s leading rival in Tuesday’s upcoming Democratic primary, Mamdani’s surge has sparked unease within the party’s establishment. Critics argue that his policie...

June 24, 2025 – A wave of speculation has been circulating online suggesting that McDonald ’s outlets are shut down amid a national boycott. The reality, however, is less dramatic—but significant. Starting June 24 through June 30 , The People’s Union USA, a grassroots advocacy group, is urging Americans to boycott McDonald’s as part of their ongoing "Economic Blackout Tour" to protest the chain’s alleged tax avoidance , suppression of worker rights , and lobbying against wage increases   Despite the social media frenzy, McDonald ’s restaurants remain open and operational today . No government decree or corporate edict closing the fast‑food giant has been issued; these are consumer‑driven actions, not official shutdowns. But the push for economic leverage comes amid other pressures. McDonald's has already seen first‑quarter revenue dip 3.5% year-over-year to nearly US $6 billion , with U.S. customer traffic down and global comparable sales declining. While a short‑term b...

  The Philadelphia Flyers announced today they have acquired center Trevor Zegras in exchange for forward Ryan Poehling , 2025 45th overall pick, and the Flyers 2026 fourth round pick according to General Manager Daniel Briere. The Philadelphia Flyers announced today they have acquired center  Trevor Zegras  in exchange for forward Ryan Poehling, 2025 45th overall pick, and the Flyers 2026 fourth round pick according to General Manager  Daniel Briere . Zegras , 24 (3/20/2001), was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2019, ninth overall, and has gone on to play the last five seasons (2020-25) with the Ducks. The 6-foot, 185-pounds centerman has recorded 67 goals, 119 assists, and 186 points in 268 career-games. Zegras was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2022 and had back-to-back 60+ point seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23. During the 2022-23 season, Zegras led the Ducks in points (65), goals (23), game-winning-goals (3), and overtime goals. This past season Zegras, put u...

  A storm has arrived.   The Oklahoma City Thunder   is the class of basketball. OKC completed one of the most sterling NBA seasons in history, winning the championship on Sunday night after overwhelming the Indiana Pacers, 103-91, in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. OKC won 68 regular season games—only six other teams have won as many, or more, in a season—before rattling off another 16 victories in the playoffs to finish the wire-to-wire job. The Thunder, who relocated from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008, won the franchise’s first title since moving south: the Seattle Supersonics won the 1979 NBA championship. Oklahoma City  blew a late lead in Game 1 of the Finals—allowing Indiana to steal a win on OKC’s home floor—making its championship quest that much more difficult. Indiana had pulled off improbable comebacks all playoffs long. But  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , the NBA regular season and Finals MVP who finished with 29 points in the Thunder’s Game...

  Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after suffering an injury during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Read more...

  The Rockets will reportedly give up Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and six future picks to acquire the two-time NBA Champion Durant. As summer approaches in the NBA , it’s always ‘sun’s out, guns out’. Oh well, for the Phoenix Suns, though, it’s Kevin Durant who’s out of the franchise now. Read more...

Israeli Forces Kill 23 Near Gaza Aid Site, Dozens More Injured Israeli forces have killed 23 Palestinians after opening fire on crowds gathered near an aid distribution site , according to witnesses and medics. Tanks and drones reportedly fired at thousands of people near a distribution center in central Gaza run by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ( GHF ) , the same sources said. IDF Response and GHF Denial The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops initially fired warning shots after people gathered nearby. An Israeli aircraft then struck " several suspects " who, according to the IDF, continued walking towards troops . The GHF denied that a shooting occurred near its sites. Ongoing Violence Since GHF Took Over Aid According to the Hamas-run health ministry , more than 400 Palestinians have been killed in similar incidents since late May . That is when GHF took over most aid distribution in Gaza, part of an Israeli effort to bypass the UN as ...

  Jon Jones has announced his retirement from the UFC , confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White. Following White's announcement, Jones issued a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude towards the UFC, his family, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his career. Jones, who made history as the youngest UFC champion, cited the highs and lows of his journey and mentioned his excitement for new opportunities outside the sport. Tom Aspinall has been named the new undisputed heavyweight champion in light of Jones's retirement, aiming for an active reign in the heavyweight division. By the Numbers Jon Jones retires at the age of 37 after a successful career. He last fought at UFC 309, defending his title against Stipe Miocic. Yes, But While Jones celebrates his career achievements, his abrupt retirement may leave many fans and fighters considering what could have been if he had fought Tom Aspinall, who has been waiting for a title shot. State of Play Tom Aspinall is now the undisp...

  US Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites; Tensions Escalate in Middle East President Donald Trump says U.S. forces have conducted " very successful " strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan . He also issued a stern warning against any retaliation, stating:    “Remember, there are many targets left.” Iran Responds with Missile Attack and Strong Warnings Iranian Foreign Minister called the U.S. attacks " outrageous ," describing them as strikes on Iran’s " peaceful nuclear installations " and warning they will have  " everlasting consequences ." His comments followed an Iranian missile attack on central and northern Israel , which wounded at least 20 people. Nuclear Watchdog Reports No Radiation Risk The International Nuclear Energy Watchdog stated that there have been no reports of increased off-site radiation levels following the U.S. strikes on the Iranian sites. Israel Supports U.S. Action Israeli Prime Mi...

  Netanyahu Praises Trump Following U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites Jerusalem , Sunday — As Benjamin Netanyahu stood at the podium in the Israeli prime minister's office this morning, he did not at first address the Israeli people in Hebrew, to update them on the latest, dramatic development in this, his latest war. Instead, he spoke in English, speaking directly to, and lavishing praise upon, U.S. President Donald Trump after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. If Netanyahu's tone was triumphant, and the smile barely suppressed, it is hardly surprising. He has spent most of his political career obsessed with the threat he believes Iran poses to Israel. Netanyahu has spent much of the last 15 years attempting to persuade his American allies that only military action (and only American munitions) could destroy Iran's nuclear weapons programme. While congratulating Trump for a bold decision that "will change history", Netanyahu can also congratulate ...