At least 24 people have died in sudden floods caused by heavy rain in south-central Texas. Over 300 millimeters of rain led the Guadalupe River to overflow, triggering flash floods, especially in Kerr County near San Antonio. Authorities say 25 children remain missing from a summer camp of over 700 attendees, though they may still be alive but unreachable. The weather service warns of more rain and flood risks in the next 48 hours across western and central Texas regions.

President Donald Trump is set to restart negotiations with China over purchasing TikTok’s U.S. operations. He may speak directly with President Xi Jinping or his representatives early this week. Trump emphasized the deal is nearing finalization but still requires China’s approval. The September 17 deadline remains, following a series of executive orders banning the app over security concerns. Talks had previously stalled after Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods. A successful deal could mark a major strategic win amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions.

President Donald Trump has signed letters to impose new tariffs on 12 countries, with details on affected goods and rates to be revealed on July 7. Trump hinted some tariffs could reach up to 70%, effective from August 1. Negotiations with countries like Japan and the EU failed, prompting this decisive move. The 90-day suspension period for higher tariffs ends July 9. These letters carry significant economic and diplomatic implications, with global responses now under watch.

Zohran Mamdani’s primary victory in the New York City mayoral race has sparked both celebration and outrage. As the first South Asian, Muslim, and Indian-origin candidate likely to become mayor, his stance on human rights and criticism of Prime Minister Modi has angered Hindu nationalist groups and some in the Indian diaspora. Accusations of anti-Hindu bias and links to “anti-India” organizations have emerged. Yet, Mamdani remains firm, symbolizing resistance against religious intolerance and rising global Islamophobia.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they publicly criticized the Trump administration’s environmental policies using official job titles. A letter titled “Declaration of Dissent,” signed by EPA staff and recently dismissed workers, accused the administration of weakening regulations and suppressing science to favor polluters. The EPA stated that using government titles in protest misled the public and violated agency policy. An investigation is underway, and the agency is also undergoing structural changes, including canceling research grants.

Donald Trump has alleged that Iran is denying access to nuclear inspectors and has not agreed to halt uranium enrichment. Speaking on Friday, he expressed concern that Iran may be continuing its nuclear program covertly at undisclosed locations. Trump confirmed that he will raise this issue with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in their upcoming White House meeting. Iran had earlier suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached as early as next week, following positive signals from Hamas. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that Hamas has responded constructively to a U.S.-brokered proposal and has shared its stance with mediators Qatar and Egypt. Trump also mentioned that Israel has agreed in principle to the proposed 60-day ceasefire plan.

A drive-by shooting outside a lounge in downtown Chicago has left four people dead and 14 injured. The attack occurred in the River North area during a private event hosted by rapper Melo Buckzz. Victims, mostly aged 21 to 32, include both men and women. At least three are critically injured. Police recovered two types of shell casings, suggesting multiple shooters. No arrests have been made, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage. The lounge will remain closed during the investigation.

Within hours of the Trump-Putin phone call, Russia launched one of its most severe assaults on Kyiv, Ukraine, using a combination of drones and missiles. Of 539 drones launched, 476 were intercepted, but the attack left one dead and 23 injured. The city was engulfed in smoke, fire, and widespread damage. Local authorities described it as one of the most intense attacks in the past three years. Public anger rose over the Trump administration’s continued halt on military aid. The strike also worsened air pollution, prompting health warnings across Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin postponed his departure from a conference on Thursday to take a scheduled call with U.S. President Donald Trump—their sixth public conversation since Trump’s second term began. Apologizing to the attendees, Putin joked, “Trump might get angry if I keep him waiting.” The call occurred amid growing geopolitical tensions, as U.S. military aid to Ukraine was paused and Russia intensified its military operations. Reports also suggest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to join the conversation.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was asked to leave the Oval Office during a high-level defense meeting led by former President Donald Trump, according to NBC News. Lacking proper security clearance, his presence reportedly raised concern among officials. However, Daily Mail reports that Zuckerberg voluntarily stepped out at the President’s request and later held a separate meeting with Trump. While Zuckerberg’s political stance has shifted over time, he was seen as supportive of Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign and attended the 2025 inauguration.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on a network smuggling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi exports, allegedly operated by Iraqi-British citizen Salim Ahmed Said. His companies reportedly used forged documents to sell the oil to Western buyers, evading sanctions. Several vessels involved in the scheme were also sanctioned. Additionally, the U.S. targeted senior officials linked to Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial institution controlled by Lebanon's Hezbollah. The sanctions freeze U.S.-based assets and bar any transactions with the designated individuals and entities.

Tesla’s sales fell 13.5% in Q2 2024 compared to the same period last year, marking two consecutive quarters of decline. The company delivered 384,122 vehicles and produced slightly fewer cars than the previous year. Tesla’s stock price dropped nearly 26% this year, its worst among major tech stocks. Increased competition from affordable Chinese EVs and political backlash against CEO Elon Musk, including protests and strained ties with Donald Trump, are impacting the company’s sales and reputation.

In a powerful open letter published by Reuters, eleven imprisoned Russian political activists have appealed to world leaders to stand with those persecuted for their beliefs. They claim over 10,000 Russians and Ukrainian civilians are currently jailed for opposing the government or supporting democracy.

The letter condemns Russia's repressive legal system, citing over 100 oppressive laws passed between 2012 and 2022. It calls for the unconditional release of ill prisoners and demands an immediate exchange of prisoners of war and civilians caught in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Though Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is reportedly eyeing the post of UN Secretary-General, his candidacy is under scrutiny due to perceived bias and controversial actions. Grossi’s reports on Iran’s nuclear program have allegedly been influenced by Western political agendas, casting doubt on his neutrality.

Critics point out that in 2023–24, unverified claims about high-enriched uranium particles in Iran were politically weaponized, leading to Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. These events have prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. With growing distrust among developing countries—including China, Russia, and India—Grossi’s aspirations face serious hurdles.