New audio from 2024 fundraisers reveals Donald Trump claimed he warned Russia and China with bombing threats. He said he told Putin, “If you go into Ukraine, I’ll bomb Moscow.” Trump also claimed he told Xi Jinping the US would bomb Beijing if China attacked Taiwan. He said both leaders thought he was “crazy,” but backed off. Trump also talked about deporting student protesters and said “welfare people” always vote Democrat. He urged rich donors to give more, bragging that one gave $25 million. The Trump campaign has not commented on the leaked tapes. (PC: CNN)

6 crew members were rescued after the cargo ship Eternity C was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. 3 sailors were killed, and 19 are still missing. The ship was hit by missiles and an unmanned boat. The Houthis said the ship was heading to Israel and claimed the attack was in support of Gaza. The damaged ship later sank near Hodeidah. This marks a fresh wave of Houthi attacks after months of calm. The U.S. and EU blame the Houthis, calling it a threat to global trade and maritime safety. The ship carried a crew of 25.

At the Southport attack inquiry, a mother recalled seeing CCTV footage of her seven-year-old daughter, referred to as C1, being dragged back inside by attacker Axel Rudakubana after initially escaping. “That is how she became known in this nightmare — the girl that was dragged back in,” she said. Rudakubana stabbed the child 33 times, including 20 times after pulling her back. The mother said no adults helped during either attack. The July 2024 stabbing spree killed three girls. The inquiry is investigating if authorities could have prevented the tragedy, given Rudakubana’s past with police and anti-extremism programmes. (PC: PA)

A new promotional video shared on Taliban-linked platforms invites American tourists to explore Afghanistan, marking a strategic attempt to rebrand the nation four years post‑Kabul's fall . Local officials aim to boost tourism as a means to stimulate economic recovery and reshape Afghanistan’s global image. Despite ongoing security concerns—highlighted by US advisories against travel —the initiative aligns with a rise in visitors, as tour operators report a cautious yet growing interest. The campaign underscores Taliban ambitions to engage economically and culturally with international audiences, while the true safety implications remain uncertain.  

Ukraine faced its largest air attack yet, with 728 drones and 13 missiles hitting cities overnight. President Zelensky called it a “telling attack” as peace talks fail. US President Donald Trump criticised Russia’s Vladimir Putin, saying, “He wants to keep killing people.” Trump reversed a recent pause on US military aid, now promising Patriot missiles to Ukraine. The city of Lutsk, near Poland, was badly hit. Russia claimed a Ukrainian drone killed three in Kursk. Ceasefire talks are stalled. Trump is also considering strong sanctions. European leaders, meeting in Rome, promised more help. Germany will send Ukraine air defences soon. (PC: DSNS Ukraine)

Over 100 people died in Central Texas after deadly floods on July 4. A report says key weather offices were understaffed due to cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is backed by Elon Musk. Offices in San Angelo, Austin, and Houston lacked leadership just before the disaster. Camp Mystic lost 27 campers and staff. Critics say the staff shortage slowed emergency response. While the National Weather Service claims warnings were timely, experts say missing roles hurt coordination. The staff cuts were part of President Trump’s plan to shrink federal jobs. Questions are now being raised about DOGE’s impact. (PC: Getty Images via AFP)

Senior Iranian adviser Javad Larijani ominously stated on state TV that former U.S. President Donald Trump “can no longer sunbathe in Mar‑a‑Lago,” warning that “a small drone might hit him in the navel” while he relaxes at his Florida estate . The comment escalates the ongoing tension following fatwas labeling Trump a “muharib” under Shia law and calls for his killing . This warning comes amid reports of Iran raising a $40 million bounty through “Blood Pact” to target those it deems enemies of Supreme Leader Khamenei . U.S. officials have previously thwarted several Iran-linked assassination plots against Trump and other top figures. (PC: Reuters)

Starting in 2026, the US will charge a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visas. This includes student, tourist, work, and exchange visas. The fee, part of a new law signed by President Trump, acts like a security deposit. It may be refunded if visitors leave the US on time or get permanent residency. Extra charges like the $24 I-94 fee and $13 ESTA fee will also apply. The fees will change every year based on inflation. Critics say the new costs may stop genuine visitors, especially from developing countries, and affect cultural exchange and education. (PC: India Today)

At least 3 people, including 2 children, died in flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico, after 8.8cm of rain caused the Ruidoso River to surge to historic levels. Search and rescue teams conducted over 50 swift water rescues, while damage assessment continues. Emergency crews remain active, with a hotline for missing persons. The floods follow deadly flooding in Texas, where 111 people have died and 161 remain missing, especially in Kerr County. Burn scars from wildfires in 2024 increased the flood risk in Ruidoso, where residents were previously evacuated due to massive fires that destroyed thousands of hectares of land.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Taliban Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhunzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani for alleged gender-based persecution in Afghanistan. Judges said the Taliban severely deprived women and girls of education, freedom of movement, expression, and other rights since seizing power on August 15, 2021. The court also cited persecution based on gender identity. The Taliban dismissed the charges as “baseless rhetoric” and rejected ICC jurisdiction. Rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch welcomed the move, calling it a crucial step toward accountability for widespread, systematic abuses against Afghan women and LGBTQ+ communities. (PC: Al Jazeera)