Trump Tours Texas Flood Sites Amid Criticism
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — President Donald Trump visited Texas on Friday to assess the damage caused by catastrophic flooding. During his tour, he praised the efforts of state and local officials while facing increasing scrutiny over the preparedness and timely warnings provided to residents before the flood struck. The flood caused considerable devastation, prompting questions about the efficiency of the emergency response.
Despite his previous criticisms aimed at Democratic leaders following natural disasters, Trump adopted a more solemn and sympathetic tone in Texas, emphasizing the human cost and suffering caused by the flooding. “The search for the missing continues,” he remarked during his visit to a makeshift emergency operations center. “You couldn’t get better people, and they’re doing the job like I don’t think anybody else could, frankly,” he added while seated with various officials.
U.S. Arms Sales to NATO Allies for Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a recent interview, Trump announced that the U.S. is selling weapons to NATO allies in Europe to subsequently supply Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia. “We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%,” Trump stated, emphasizing that this arrangement hastens the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, particularly in light of Russia’s increased drone and missile attacks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the strategy, explaining how European countries can quickly transfer U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine instead of waiting for new orders from American manufacturers. Ukraine has been in dire need of military hardware, such as Patriot air defense systems, as the conflict with Russia continues into its third year.
Deportation Initiatives to African Nations Under Trump
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration has made strides in deporting third-country nationals to African nations, with South Sudan accepting eight deportees. Rwanda is also in discussions to accept similar deportations, while Nigeria has resisted such pressures. These efforts aim to combat rising migration levels by sending individuals to countries where they lack ties, raising concerns among human rights advocates over potential violations and safety issues.
Following a summit involving five West African leaders at the White House, the administration’s new approach to the continent became apparent, reflecting a more transactional U.S. foreign policy.
Court Overturns Plea Deal for 9/11 Mastermind
WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided federal appeals court declared void a plea agreement that would have allowed Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the September 11 attacks, to plead guilty and avoid the death penalty. This decision revives the lengthy legal proceedings against him and his co-defendants, which have been marked by persistent challenges over two decades since the attacks.
The discarded deal would have seen Mohammed and his partners receive life sentences without parole. Mohammed is alleged to have orchestrated the horrific plot that resulted in thousands of casualties across the United States.
State Department Layoffs Under Trump Administration
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration executed a significant reorganization at the State Department, resulting in over 1,300 layoffs, including both civil servants and foreign service officers. The drastic cuts have raised alarms about America's global presence and effectiveness in addressing international crises.
Protests erupted outside the State Department as former employees mourned the loss and criticized the treatment of dedicated public servants. One retired officer emphasized the commitment of foreign service members as akin to the military’s service to the nation.
Boeing Settles Lawsuit over Ethiopian 737 Max Crash
CHICAGO (AP) — Boeing reached a settlement with Paul Njoroge, a Canadian citizen whose family died in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in 2019. The settlement prevents the trial that was scheduled to start next week. Njoroge lost his wife and three children in the tragedy, which killed all 157 people aboard the flight.
Njoroge has been grappling with profound grief and emotional distress since the accident. Although the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the case underscores the ongoing implications of the crash and Boeing's accountability in the matter.
Justice Department's Epstein Investigation Causes Controversy
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department faces criticism from far-right individuals and Trump’s supporters following its decision to withhold documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This development has sparked tensions between Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino during a recent meeting, highlighting fractures within the administration regarding transparency in high-profile cases.
Trump supporters expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to release expected documents, fueling conspiracies regarding potential cover-ups. The situation reflects ongoing challenges in managing public expectations and maintaining confidence in federal agencies.
Brutal Crime in Pennsylvania Leads to Life Sentence
PENNSYLVANIA (AP) — Justin D. Mohn was convicted and sentenced to life without parole for murdering his father. The heinous crime involved shooting and beheading his father and posting the aftermath on social media. The prosecutor labeled Mohn’s actions an “unimaginable, unfathomable crime,” highlighting the chilling nature of the act.
Vermont Faces Recurring Flooding Issues
SUTTON, Vt. (AP) — Another round of heavy rain struck rural Vermont, resulting in significant flash flooding. The downpour, totaling up to 5 inches in a short time frame, left nearly 20 homes isolated and caused widespread damage to roads. This incident marks the third consecutive summer of severe flooding in the area, prompting local officials to express frustration over ongoing recovery efforts.
‘El Chapo’ Son Enters Guilty Plea
CHICAGO (AP) — Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a son of the infamous drug lord ‘El Chapo,’ pleaded guilty to various drug trafficking charges in the U.S. This marks the first conviction of one of El Chapo’s sons, involving serious charges related to the Sinaloa cartel’s operations. As part of a plea deal, Guzman Lopez acknowledged his significant role in the trafficking and production of illicit drugs. Specific terms of the deal were not publicly detailed.
