A devastating flash flood in the Texas Hill Country claimed the lives of at least 37 people, including 14 children, and left many more missing, especially from a girls’ camp. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, washing away homes and vehicles after heavy rainfall. Search and rescue efforts were underway using helicopters, boats, and drones, as authorities grappled with the scope of the disaster and the potential for more flooding. Investigations were launched into whether proper warnings were given. The National Weather Service had issued warnings, but the intensity of the downpour caught many off guard.
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President Zelenskyy characterized his recent phone conversation with former US President Donald Trump as the most productive in their history of communication. During the discussion, they focused on air defense, with Zelenskyy expressing gratitude for potential assistance, particularly the Patriot air defense system. Zelenskyy noted that other significant topics were addressed, and these matters would be further elaborated on by both countries’ teams in upcoming meetings.
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The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in a quarter-century, surpassing the 2019 record with at least 1,277 confirmed cases in 2025. A major outbreak in West Texas, linked to low vaccination rates, has been a primary driver, with additional cases connected to the outbreak appearing across the country. The highly contagious nature of measles, coupled with declining vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy, has resulted in multiple deaths and outbreaks in various states, threatening the nation’s measles elimination status. Experts suggest the actual number of cases is likely significantly underreported, further escalating the public health concern.
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Texas officials are criticizing the National Weather Service (NWS) for its failure to accurately forecast the catastrophic flooding that has resulted in numerous deaths. The NWS faced staffing shortages following cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite these challenges, the original forecast underestimated the rainfall, leading to heavy flooding along the Guadalupe River. This has led to significant loss of life and the current president has also noted the impact of the event.
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Following Russia’s largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine, President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with his call with Vladimir Putin, hinting at potential sanctions. The overnight attack prompted condemnation from the UN Secretary General and resulted in extensive damage across Ukraine. While Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed bolstering Ukraine’s defenses, including possible Patriot missile systems, talks for a ceasefire remain stalled despite prisoner exchanges. Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified its retaliatory strikes, and the European Union is considering stepping up aid deliveries.
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The former color commentator for a Russian MMA organization recalls a time when hosting an event in Moscow’s Red Square was considered, highlighting the political entanglement within the sport. Now, former President Donald Trump plans to host a UFC event at the White House to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday, solidifying his relationship with the UFC and its CEO Dana White. This partnership has allowed Trump to cultivate an image of strength and masculinity, drawing parallels to fascist Italy’s use of sports and spectacle to project power and nationalism. This signals a shift in American politics, blending entertainment and confrontational tactics, potentially reflecting authoritarian characteristics within the current administration.
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Former Vice President Kamala Harris’s Fourth of July message sparked outrage within MAGA circles. Her post, featuring a photo with her husband, included reflections on the current difficulties, love for the country, and a commitment to fight for its ideals. Critics, including prominent figures, expressed concerns about the message’s tone, timing, and its potential implications. The reaction highlighted existing tensions and differing viewpoints within the political landscape.
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After 25 years, Microsoft has closed its operations in Pakistan, citing a global restructuring towards a cloud-based, partner-led model. While no formal announcement was made, the decision is attributed to Pakistan’s economic instability and evolving political climate. Although existing services and customer agreements will be unaffected, the tech giant will continue serving Pakistani customers through regional offices and authorized resellers. This move raises concerns about the impact on Pakistan’s digital advancement, particularly given Microsoft’s past contributions to the country’s technological development and digital initiatives.
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Following the establishment of a controversial detention center in Florida, several food truck companies faced significant online backlash after being filmed at the facility. Social media posts, including a viral TikTok, called for boycotts of Kona Ice, Churro Mania, Elote Lovers, and Ms. Cheezious due to their catering services. In response, the companies issued statements clarifying their involvement, with some emphasizing they were contracted to serve construction crews or did not support the facility’s purpose. The backlash highlighted the public’s negative perception of the detention center and prompted the businesses to reassess their booking practices and clarify their positions on the matter.
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The author questions why the press continues to interview figures like Lindsey Graham, who abandoned his initial criticism of Trump to become an ardent supporter. The article draws parallels to historical contexts, suggesting that interviewing such figures is akin to giving a platform to those who undermine democratic values. The author argues that satirical news outlets and late-night talk show hosts are now more effectively exposing the truth about current political events than traditional media. The piece concludes that while some journalists and publications are holding Trump’s allies accountable, the mainstream press often struggles to do the same.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Stop Interviewing Lindsey Graham: The Media’s Problem and Trump’s Sycophant
The author questions why the press continues to interview figures like Lindsey Graham, who abandoned his initial criticism of Trump to become an ardent supporter. The article draws parallels to historical contexts, suggesting that interviewing such figures is akin to giving a platform to those who undermine democratic values. The author argues that satirical news outlets and late-night talk show hosts are now more effectively exposing the truth about current political events than traditional media. The piece concludes that while some journalists and publications are holding Trump’s allies accountable, the mainstream press often struggles to do the same.
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