Heavy rains in Texas have temporarily halted search efforts for flood victims along the Guadalupe River, where catastrophic flooding has already resulted in at least 132 confirmed deaths since the July Fourth holiday. Authorities are still seeking over 160 individuals reported missing in Kerr County, along with a further 10 in neighboring regions. Local officials in Kerrville, having faced scrutiny for their previous flood warnings, initiated door-to-door notifications and issued phone alerts after midnight on Sunday to inform residents about the renewed risks of flooding.
By Sunday afternoon, the Kerr County Sheriff's Office indicated that search operations could resume in certain parts of the county. However, over 100 miles north in San Saba County, floods caused damage to approximately 100 homes and destroyed extensive lengths of cattle fencing, according to Ashley Johnson, CEO of the Hill Country Community Action Association, a local nonprofit. Johnson expressed gratitude that the flooding occurred during daylight hours, aiding in preparedness.
In Washington, D.C., the attempted assassination of Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania campaign stop last year continues to raise significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Secret Service. The incident resulted in one death, two injuries, and a bullet grazing Trump's ear before the shooter, 20-year-old Michael Thomas Crooks, was killed by a counter sniper. The high-profile event prompted multiple investigations into the breakdowns in security, including the lack of guards on a nearby rooftop that had a clear line of sight to Trump.
Furthermore, Trump's upcoming meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte comes as the U.S. president announces plans to supply weaponry to NATO allies, which they can subsequently transfer to Ukraine. Trump indicated that ally nations would cover the full costs of the weapons, contrasting earlier campaign statements where he labeled the Ukraine support as wasteful expenditure. Prominent Republican leaders, including Senator Lindsey Graham, hinted that increased weapon supplies may soon flow to Ukraine as the conflict with Russia reaches a critical juncture.
In Lexington, Kentucky, a tragic shooting incident occurred at a church where two women lost their lives after a state trooper was shot during a traffic stop. Following the shooting, the suspect carjacked a vehicle and proceeded to the Richmond Road Baptist Church, where he opened fire. The police have confirmed that the shooter was killed at the scene, and preliminary details suggest he may have had connections to the church attendees.
Nursing homes in the U.S. face profound challenges amid Trump's immigration policies, which target one of their primary sources of labor. This sector has been struggling to find staff, and recent changes have compounded their difficulties by stripping legal status from foreign-born workers. For instance, Deke Cateau, who oversees several nursing homes in Atlanta, has warned that losing eight employees due to revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) could lead to staffing shortages that are hard to remedy. During the Biden administration, TPS was expanded to safeguard migrants from countries facing crises, but Trump’s policy changes are threatening this lifeline.
The political landscape in the U.S. is also shifting as Trump’s wide-reaching budget and policy package is set to influence the 2026 midterm elections. This legislation promises to play a crucial role in the battle for control of the House of Representatives, with Democrats needing to flip three seats to challenge the Republican majority. The major points of contention include tax cuts benefiting the wealthy and cuts to social safety nets, which are rallying points for Democrats seeking to regain power.
In international news, at least 59 Palestinians were killed in Gaza during Israeli airstrikes and amid ongoing conflict. Palestinian hospital officials reported that violence escalated as 31 individuals were shot when attempting to reach an aid distribution site, while further airstrikes resulted in additional casualties, including children. U.S. President Trump’s discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not led to a breakthrough in ceasefire talks following two days of negotiations.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away at the age of 82 in London while receiving medical treatment. Buhari's political career spanned decades, including a military rule and two terms as a democratically elected leader. Current President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to Buhari as a dedicated statesman and soldier, and he has sent the vice president to accompany the former leader's remains back to Nigeria.
Lastly, the debut of James Gunn's "Superman" film saw a strong opening weekend, grossing $122 million in North America. This marks a significant moment for DC Studios, which has struggled with recent film releases. With this opening, "Superman" is positioned as a fresh start for the franchise under new leadership, effectively revitalizing interest amid past disappointments and paving the way for future endeavors in DC's cinematic universe.
