## Panic among Moscow’s Elite As Putin Moves to Seize Tycoon’s Empire

Authored by kyivinsider.com

The move marks a sharp escalation in the Kremlin’s efforts to extract wealth from within its own elite as the financial toll of the war in Ukraine deepens.

Strukov, whose fortune is estimated at over $3.5 billion, is the founder of Yuzhuralzoloto—a gold empire built over decades with strong ties to the Kremlin.

But on July 5, his private jet was grounded by Russian authorities as it prepared to leave for Turkey.

Putin’s response is to tap into the fortunes of Russia’s oligarchs—those he once empowered—as a new source of funding.

In recent months, several high-profile business figures have been hit with sudden legal trouble, “unexpected” deaths, or state-backed asset takeovers.

But the message to Russia’s business elite has already been delivered: no one is too rich, too loyal, or too connected to be safe.

As the Kremlin scrambles to sustain a war it cannot afford, billionaires may find themselves transformed overnight—from oligarchs into targets. »

### Gaza militia head Abu Shabab in exclusive interview says Hamas is 'vile and despicable' and nearing its end

Authored by ynetnews.com

We are a big family and everyone supports me and my actions," said Yasser Abu Shabab in his first interview for an Israeli media outlet.

A Bedouin from the Tarabin tribe, Abu Shabab, organized armed groups to fight Hamas in Gaza, reportedly with weapons provided by Israel .

Abu Shabab was living in Sinai and only returned to the Gaza Strip a couple of months before the October 7 massacre. »

### Romero Games now ‘completely closed’ following Microsoft cuts, it’s claimed

Authored by videogameschronicle.com

Romero Games, the Ireland-based studio founded by celebrated designers John and Brenda Romero, has now completely closed following this week’s Microsoft cuts, it’s claimed.

Now, one employee has claimed the studio has been closed entirely, with all of its over 100 staff members losing their jobs.

Romero Games is the latest casualty in a week that has seen mass job losses at Microsoft and high-profile cancellations across Xbox. »

### AI-Generated Band Already Boast Over 500,000 Monthly Spotify Listeners

Authored by consequence.net

Psych-rock band The Velvet Sundown have garnered over 500,000 monthly Spotify listeners and released two full-length records in a single month, with a third on the way this July.

While it’s possible that The Velvet Sundown’s more than half a million monthly listeners could be bots, their most popular song on Spotify, “Dust on the Wind,” is closing in on 500,000 streams as of publishing.

The Velvet Sundown’s music isn’t restricted to Spotify, appearing on other streaming platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer. »

### Heroic rescues amid Texas' devastating flash floods

Authored by nj1015.com

A New Jersey native is being called "an American hero" for rescuing nearly 200 people out of flood waters in Texas.

"United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer and petty officer Scott [Ruskan] directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas," Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem said Saturday on X.

"We are very proud of our nephew Scott Ruskan, helping to rescue 165 people in the Texas floods as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. »

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