## Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says city has fewest homicides in 50 years

Authored by foxbaltimore.com

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced Tuesday that the city has endured the fewest homicides in 50 years so far in 2025.

Through June, Baltimore has had 68 recorded homicides, which is the fewest in 50 years, Scott said.

For comparison, the city had 88 homicides in the first six months of 2024.

Scott said historic reductions in violent crime have led to a 22.7% decrease in homicides and a 19.6% decline in non-fatal shootings.

Additionally, compared to 2024, auto thefts are down 34%, robberies are down 22%, arson is down 10%, and carjackings are down 15%.

"Our continued progress is the direct result of the comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategy that we have implemented in partnership with residents," said Mayor Scott, via a press release.

68 lives lost to violence is 68 too many. »

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

Authored by kyivinsider.com

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.

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. »

### US man arrested while filming Home Depot Ice raid sues government for $1m

Authored by theguardian.com

A US citizen is seeking $1m in recompense from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies after being arrested by officials last month when filming an immigration raid at a Home Depot store.

Ice raids and arrests outside Home Depot outlets last month led to massive demonstrations in Los Angeles in particular.

In a statement to NBC, a department spokesperson said that “Garcia assaulted and verbally harassed a federal agent and that he was subdued and arrested for the alleged assault”. »

### 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. »

## In pictures

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