White House hosts West African leaders to discuss trade and development

President Trump met with leaders from five African nations—Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—at the White House to discuss business opportunities, economic development, security, and infrastructure. Trump praised Africa’s natural resources and highlighted recent peace efforts on the continent. While the five countries are unlikely to face US tariffs, concerns remain over US trade policies and visa restrictions, which African officials criticize as harmful. The … Continue reading White House hosts West African leaders to discuss trade and development

Bondi tries to explain ‘missing minute’ in Epstein video

Pam Bondi defended the unexplained one-minute gap in surveillance footage from Jeffrey Epstein’s jail cell, saying it’s a routine daily reset at the Metropolitan Detention Center. The DOJ released the video to counter conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death, which was ruled a suicide. However, the missing minute fueled further speculation and backlash, especially among conservatives who criticized Bondi for failing to produce a promised “client … Continue reading Bondi tries to explain ‘missing minute’ in Epstein video

Missing paddleboarder found dead during search of Maine pond was killed, police say

Sunshine Stewart, a 48-year-old paddleboarder who went missing in Maine last week, was found dead on Crawford Pond. An autopsy ruled her death a homicide, though the cause has not been disclosed. Authorities continue to investigate and are asking for any witnesses who saw her paddleboarding Wednesday evening to come forward, CBS News has reported. The community is shaken by the news, and a GoFundMe … Continue reading Missing paddleboarder found dead during search of Maine pond was killed, police say

FBI launches probes into former FBI, CIA directors

Former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey are under criminal investigation for potential wrongdoing related to the Trump–Russia probe, including allegedly making false statements to Congress, according to DOJ sources. The probe stems from newly declassified reviews suggesting Brennan pushed to include the discredited Steele dossier in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment despite internal objections, while publicly testifying otherwise. Investigators are … Continue reading FBI launches probes into former FBI, CIA directors

3 dead, including 2 children, in New Mexico flooding

A man and two children were killed in record-breaking flash floods that hit Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Tuesday. Heavy rains over burn scars from last year’s wildfires caused the Rio Ruidoso to surge to 20 feet, breaking previous records. More than 65 people were rescued, with three hospitalized in stable condition. Around 35 to 50 homes were damaged or destroyed. Officials issued multiple alerts and … Continue reading 3 dead, including 2 children, in New Mexico flooding

Families and immigrant detainees allege ‘horrible’ conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Immigrant detainees in Florida’s Everglades detention facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” are alleging harsh conditions, including power outages, lack of water, limited food, poor sanitation, and mosquito infestations. Detainees say they can’t shower or access attorneys, and complain of spoiled food and freezing tents. The facility is state-run, not ICE-operated, NBC News has reported. Advocates and local officials are demanding oversight, with Miami-Dade’s mayor asking the … Continue reading Families and immigrant detainees allege ‘horrible’ conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Six rescued after attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthis on Red Sea vessel

Six crew members were rescued from the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C after it was attacked in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, killing at least four sailors with 15 still missing. The Houthis said they targeted the Greek-owned ship with drones and missiles in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The ship sank off Yemen’s Hodeidah port after sustaining heavy damage. The attack follows … Continue reading Six rescued after attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthis on Red Sea vessel

Ukraine detains Chinese spies tasked with stealing Neptune missile technology, SBU says

Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has detained two Chinese nationals in Kyiv for allegedly attempting to steal classified military technology related to the Neptune cruise missile system. The suspects, a former student and his father, are accused of trying to pass the information to Chinese intelligence. The younger man was caught during a document handover, and both face espionage charges, Kyiv Independent has reported. The incident … Continue reading Ukraine detains Chinese spies tasked with stealing Neptune missile technology, SBU says

French authorities raid far-right National Rally party HQ in campaign finance probe

French authorities raided the far-right National Rally (RN) headquarters in Paris as part of an investigation into alleged illegal campaign financing between 2020 and 2024, including possible money laundering and forged documents. RN president Jordan Bardella called it a “harassment campaign” and an attack on democracy. No charges have been filed yet, Euro News has reported. The raid follows recent convictions of RN leader Marine … Continue reading French authorities raid far-right National Rally party HQ in campaign finance probe

Russia launches largest drone attack on Ukraine as Kyiv pushes US for air defense aid

Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war on Ukraine overnight, using 741 drones and 13 missiles, according to President Zelenskyy. Ukraine’s air force said it shot down most of the drones and several missiles, but impacts were recorded in multiple regions. Zelenskyy called it the biggest single-day aerial attack so far, criticizing Moscow for rejecting peace efforts. Poland raised its air defense alert … Continue reading Russia launches largest drone attack on Ukraine as Kyiv pushes US for air defense aid

Canadian soldiers charged over plot to seize part of Quebec

Two active members of Canada’s armed forces are among four people charged in an alleged plot to form an anti-government militia and seize land in Quebec. Police say the group conducted military-style training, used prohibited weapons and explosives, and planned to create a violent anti-government “community.” Three suspects face terrorism-related charges, while all four face weapons charges. The RCMP began investigating in March 2023, seizing … Continue reading Canadian soldiers charged over plot to seize part of Quebec

Hubble and Webb Teamed Up to Reveal the Hidden Faces of a Star-forming Region

On July 7, 2025, NASA released striking new images from the Hubble and Webb space telescopes showing two star clusters, NGC 460 and NGC 456, in the Small Magellanic Cloud—a nearby dwarf galaxy. By combining Hubble’s visible-light and Webb’s infrared views, scientists gained unprecedented insight into star birth and evolution in conditions resembling the early universe. The images reveal detailed gas, dust, and stellar structures, … Continue reading Hubble and Webb Teamed Up to Reveal the Hidden Faces of a Star-forming Region

Germany accuses China of laser targeting aircraft in EU mission

Germany has accused the Chinese military of targeting one of its aircraft with a laser during an EU mission over the Red Sea. The incident, which forced the German plane to abort its mission and land safely in Djibouti, occurred during Operation Aspides, a defensive EU effort against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest, calling the laser targeting unacceptable … Continue reading Germany accuses China of laser targeting aircraft in EU mission

Exxon Mobil warns lower oil, gas prices could cut profit by over $1B

Exxon Mobil warned that lower oil and gas prices could reduce its second-quarter earnings by about $1.5 billion compared to the previous quarter. Brent crude prices fell 11% and U.S. natural gas prices dropped 9% in Q2 due to increased OPEC+ supply. Exxon is expected to report adjusted earnings of $1.53 per share for the quarter when it releases full results on August 1, the … Continue reading Exxon Mobil warns lower oil, gas prices could cut profit by over $1B

Samsung expects second-quarter profits to more than halve as it struggles to capture AI demand

Samsung Electronics forecast a 56% drop in second-quarter profits, projecting an operating profit of 4.6 trillion won, far below analyst expectations. The decline is attributed to inventory adjustments, U.S. restrictions on advanced AI chips for China, and lagging behind rivals like SK Hynix in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips critical for AI. Samsung is still working to get its latest HBM chips certified by Nvidia, the … Continue reading Samsung expects second-quarter profits to more than halve as it struggles to capture AI demand

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner tapped to lead Hershey

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner has been named the new chief executive of The Hershey Company, effective August 18, succeeding Michele Buck, who is retiring after nearly 20 years with Hershey. Tanner, who joined Wendy’s in 2024 after a long career at PepsiCo, will return to the consumer packaged goods sector. Hershey praised Tanner’s extensive experience in snacks, beverages, M&A, and innovation. Michele Buck will stay … Continue reading Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner tapped to lead Hershey

New book exposes Jill Biden’s power grab amid husband’s political demise

A new book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, describes First Lady Jill Biden’s growing influence as President Joe Biden’s political fortunes declined. The authors say Jill Biden emerged as a powerful, protective figure who encouraged Biden to stay in the 2024 race even after a disastrous debate against Donald Trump raised concerns about his age and cognitive fitness. Her … Continue reading New book exposes Jill Biden’s power grab amid husband’s political demise

Japan calls Trump’s latest tariff salvo ‘regrettable’

President Donald Trump’s recent letters announcing steep new U.S. tariffs on imports from over a dozen countries, including allies, have prompted “shock” and “regret” abroad while leaving room for further negotiations. Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Africa all expressed disappointment at the new tariffs—ranging from 20% to 36%—but signaled they would continue talks with the U.S. to try to reduce them before the … Continue reading Japan calls Trump’s latest tariff salvo ‘regrettable’

UN adopts resolution on Afghanistan’s Taliban rule over US objections

The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution Monday urging Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to end their escalating oppression of women and girls and to eliminate all terrorist groups. Despite U.S. and Israeli opposition, the resolution passed 116–2 with 12 abstentions. It also calls for economic recovery and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan. The measure is nonbinding but signals global condemnation of the Taliban’s harsh policies since 2021, … Continue reading UN adopts resolution on Afghanistan’s Taliban rule over US objections

French president greeted by King Charles as state visit begins

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte began a three-day state visit to the UK, greeted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Windsor. It is the first French presidential state visit to Britain since 2008 and the first by an EU leader since Brexit. The visit aims to strengthen UK–France ties, with talks expected on migration, defence, security, and economic growth. Macron … Continue reading French president greeted by King Charles as state visit begins

Rubio impostor using AI voice to call high-level officials

An imposter used AI-generated audio to mimic Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s voice and contacted senior U.S. officials and foreign ministers through Signal, according to a State Department cable. At least five people, including three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor, and a member of Congress, received fake voicemails or texts from the impersonator, who also created a fake Signal account using Rubio’s name. The scheme … Continue reading Rubio impostor using AI voice to call high-level officials

Fugitive dad, Travis Decker, accused of killing 3 daughters possibly spotted in Idaho forest

Travis Decker, the Washington state man wanted for killing his three young daughters, may have been spotted over the weekend in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, authorities said. A family reported seeing someone matching his description near Bear Creek, about 100 miles east of Boise. Decker has been missing since June 2, when the bodies of his daughters—ages 5, 8, and 9—were found at a Washington … Continue reading Fugitive dad, Travis Decker, accused of killing 3 daughters possibly spotted in Idaho forest

Texas floods death toll climbs to more than 100

More than 100 people have died and many remain missing after devastating flash floods hit central Texas on July 4. Rescue teams continue searching through mud-covered riverbanks as further storms threaten the region. Among the dead are at least 27 girls and staff from Camp Mystic, with 11 others from the camp still missing. Kerr County was especially hard-hit, with 84 confirmed deaths. The White … Continue reading Texas floods death toll climbs to more than 100

10 held in Texas detention center shooting that was ‘planned ambush’

Ten people have been arrested on attempted murder charges after a planned ambush outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where a police officer was shot in the neck on July 4. According to the U.S. attorney, the suspects, dressed in black military-style gear, set off fireworks and vandalized property to lure Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel outside before opening fire. Officers recovered weapons, … Continue reading 10 held in Texas detention center shooting that was ‘planned ambush’

Judge says case against Milwaukee judge who helped undocumented man evade arrest to continue

A federal magistrate judge in Wisconsin has recommended against dismissing the criminal case against Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of helping an undocumented man evade immigration arrest. Dugan, 65, faces charges of concealing a person sought by immigration authorities and obstructing removal proceedings. Her lawyers argued she has judicial immunity, but the magistrate ruled that immunity does not extend to criminal charges, especially … Continue reading Judge says case against Milwaukee judge who helped undocumented man evade arrest to continue