24 Dead in Texas Flooding Disaster; Dozens of Children Unaccounted For

Torrential rains unleashed flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday, killing at least 24 people as rescue teams scrambled to save dozens of victims trapped by high water or reported missing in the disaster, local officials said.

Among the missing were 23 to 25 people listed as unaccounted for at an all-girls Christian summer camp located on the banks of the rain-engorged Guadalupe, authorities said.

 At a news conference late on Friday, almost 18 hours after the July Fourth crisis began, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said search-and-rescue operations would press on through the night and into Saturday.

Abbott said resources devoted to the effort would be "limitless."

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One at the end of a day of public events, President Donald Trump said "we'll take care of them," when asked about federal aid for the disaster.

The US National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency for parts of Kerr County in south-central Texas Hill Country, about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of San Antonio, following thunderstorms that dumped as much as a foot of rain.

Dalton Rice, city manager for Kerrville, the county seat, told reporters the extreme flooding struck before dawn with little or no warning, precluding authorities from issuing advance evacuation orders as the Guadalupe swiftly rose above major flood stage.

"This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time that could not be predicted, even with radar," Rice said. "This happened within less than a two-hour span."

State emergency management officials had warned as early as Thursday that west and central Texas faced heavy rains and flash flood threats "over the next couple days," citing National Weather Service forecasts ahead of the holiday weekend.

But the weather forecasts in question "did not predict the amount of rain that we saw," W Nim Kidd, director of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, told a news conference on Friday night.

July Fourth fireworks displays ended up being cancelled in flood-stricken communities throughout the region, including Kerrville, where the waterfront site for Friday night's planned US Independence Day celebration was submerged by the rain-swollen river.

At Friday night's briefing, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 24 flood-related fatalities had been confirmed, up from 13 tallied earlier in the day.

One more person found dead in neighbouring Kendall County was not confirmed to be a flood-related casualty, Leitha said.

Prayers for the missing

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said on Friday afternoon that authorities were searching for 23 girls listed as missing from among more than 750 children at summer camp sites along the banks of the Guadalupe River when the area was inundated by floodwaters at around 4 am local time.

The missing campers had all been attending Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls.

"We're praying for all those missing to be found alive," Patrick said.

It was not clear whether anyone unaccounted for might have ended up among the deceased victims tallied countywide by the sheriff.

Otherwise, all other campers were safe, authorities said, with campers being evacuated throughout the day.

"Everybody is doing everything in their power to get these kids out," Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the top local elected official, had said at a news briefing on the disaster hours earlier.

Kelly said a number of scattered residential subdivisions, recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds were hit hard.

Pressed by reporters why more precautions were not taken with stormy weather in the forecast, Kelly insisted a disaster of such magnitude was unforeseen.

"We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States," Kelly said. "We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what's happened here. None whatsoever."

In an alert on Thursday, the Texas Division of Emergency Management said it had increased its readiness level and "activated additional state emergency response resources" as parts of west and central Texas braced "for continued heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats heading into the holiday weekend."

Lieutenant Governor Patrick said the Guadalupe River had risen 26 feet (8 m) in 45 minutes as heavy showers soaked the region.

As of Friday night, emergency personnel had rescued or evacuated 237 people, including 167 by helicopter.

With additional rain forecast in the region, Patrick warned that an ongoing threat for possible flash flooding extended from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours.

On Friday night, Governor Abbott signed a disaster declaration to hasten emergency assistance to Kerr and a cluster of additional counties hardest hit by the floods.

Personnel from the US Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency also were activated to assist local authorities in confronting the crisis, officials said.

Trump signs sweeping tax cuts into law, calling it a victory for Americans

US President Donald Trump signed into law a massive package of tax and spending cuts in a ceremony at the White House on Friday, one day after the Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly approved the signature legislation of Trump's second term.

The bill, which will fund Trump's immigration crackdown, make his 2017 tax cuts permanent, and is expected to knock millions of Americans off health insurance, was passed with a 218-214 vote after an emotional debate on the House floor.

"I've never seen people so happy in our country because of that, because so many different groups of people are being taken care of: the military, civilians of all types, jobs of all types," Trump said at the ceremony, thanking House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for leading the bill through the two houses of Congress.

"So you have the biggest tax cut, the biggest spending cut, the largest border security investment in American history," Trump said.

Trump scheduled the ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House for the July 4 Independence Day holiday, replete with a flyover by stealth bombers and fighter jets like those that took part in the recent US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. Hundreds of Trump supporters attended, including White House aides, members of Congress, and military families.

The bill's passage amounts to a big win for Trump and his Republican allies, who have argued it will boost economic growth, while largely dismissing a nonpartisan analysis predicting it will add more than $3 trillion to the nation's $36.2 trillion debt.

While some lawmakers in Trump's party expressed concerns over the bill's price tag and its impact on healthcare programs, in the end, just two of the House's 220 Republicans voted against it, joining all 212 Democrats in opposition.

The tense standoff over the bill included a record-long floor speech by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who spoke for eight hours and 46 minutes, blasting the bill as a giveaway to the wealthy that would strip low-income Americans of federally-backed health insurance and food aid benefits.

Robots to Outnumber Human Workers in Amazon Warehouses Soon

Amazon is rapidly approaching a milestone where robots will outnumber human workers across its global warehouse network — a first in the company’s history.

Recent updates reveal that Amazon now operates over one million robots within its fulfilment centres worldwide — a dramatic leap from just 200,000 in 2020.

While Amazon does not disclose the exact number of warehouse workers, they make up a significant portion of its 1.56 million total employees, a figure that has remained relatively flat in recent years.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the rise in automation is contributing to a noticeable drop in the number of employees per facility, now at its lowest point in 16 years.

Amazon maintains that its robots are meant to "work alongside employees", easing the burden of physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting and walking long distances, often over 16 kilometres per shift.

The integration of automation, the company says, is allowing workers to transition into more technical roles, including robot maintenance and system monitoring.

Despite these reassurances, concerns persist over the long-term impact on employment.

The company has retrained over 700,000 workers since 2019, aiming to pivot its workforce toward engineering and logistics support as more tasks are taken over by machines.

Amazon claims that the rise of automation has led to a 30% increase in reliability and demand for skilled jobs in its more tech-heavy facilities.

A 2023 analysis revealed that Amazon now ships 3,870 packages per employee annually — a sharp contrast to 175 packages per employee back in 2015, underscoring the dramatic boost in efficiency driven by automation.

At the same time, broader labour market research has flagged a steep decline in entry-level job postings, as AI systems like ChatGPT increasingly take over routine tasks.

An Amazon spokesperson emphasised the evolution of its operations network, saying, “This transformation is not just about growth, but about managing a diverse range of facilities to better serve our customers.”

As the age of warehouse automation accelerates, Amazon’s shift could signal a broader global trend in logistics and manufacturing — one where machines steadily redefine the future of work.

Russia becomes first nation to acknowledge Taliban rule

Russia has officially recognised the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so since the group returned to power in 2021.

Russia said on Thursday that it wants to strengthen ties with Kabul, especially in security, trade, and fighting terrorism.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects to develop ties and would continue to support Kabul in security, counter-terrorism and combating drug crime.

It also saw significant trade and economic opportunities, especially in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure.

"We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields," the ministry said.

The Taliban called the step “courageous” and hopes it will encourage other countries to follow.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said in a statement: "We value this courageous step taken by Russia, and, God willing, it will serve as an example for others as well."

No other country has formally recognised the Taliban government that seized power in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

However, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have all designated ambassadors to Kabul, in a step towards recognition.

The Russian move represents a major milestone for the Taliban administration as it seeks to ease its international isolation.

It is likely to be closely watched by Washington, which has frozen billions in Afghanistan's central bank assets and enforced sanctions on some senior leaders in the Taliban that contributed to Afghanistan's banking sector being largely cut off from the international financial system.

Complex history

Russia has been gradually building relations with the Taliban, which President Vladimir Putin said last year was now an ally in fighting terrorism.

Since 2022, Afghanistan has imported gas, oil and wheat from Russia.

The Taliban was outlawed by Russia as a terrorist movement in 2003, but the ban was lifted in April this year.

Russia sees a need to work with Kabul as it faces a major security threat from Islamist militant groups based in a string of countries from Afghanistan to the Middle East.

In March 2024, gunmen killed 149 people at a concert hall outside Moscow in an attack claimed by Islamic State.

US officials said they had intelligence indicating it was the Afghan branch of the group, Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), that was responsible.

The Taliban says it is working to wipe out the presence of Islamic State in Afghanistan.

Western diplomats say the Taliban's path towards wider international recognition is blocked until it changes course on women's rights.

The Taliban has closed high schools and universities to girls and women and placed restrictions on their movement without a male guardian.

It says it respects women's rights in line with its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Russia has a complex and bloodstained history in Afghanistan. Soviet troops invaded the country in December 1979 to prop up a Communist government, but became bogged down in a long war against mujahideen fighters armed by the United States.

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev pulled his army out in 1989, by which time some 15,000 Soviet soldiers had been killed.

Dalian: A City of Romance

I am in Dalian a stunning coastal gem in northeast China and yet it feels as if I’ve never left home. There's something about this city that wraps around you like a familiar blanket. As a Pakistani journalist, I’ve roamed from the bustling streets of Islamabad to the vibrant avenues of Lahore, but Dalian stands in a league of its own where tradition, emotion, and elegance walk hand in hand.

One evening, I found myself strolling through the famous Russian-style street not my first stop, but certainly one that left a lasting impression. Beneath the soft glow of lanterns and the crisp night air, I had a moment of quiet reflection: I should have come here years ago. The street was alive with charm the scent of pastries, the echoes of laughter, and shops adorned with sweets and souvenirs. I bought chocolates and gifts, but what truly enriched my night was an impromptu conversation with a group of elderly locals. Their silver hair may have marked their age, but their laughter revealed young hearts. A spirited Chinese boy stepped in as our interpreter a perfect example of how kindness often speaks louder than language.

Dalian’s uniqueness lies in its soul. It is where East meets West not in conflict, but in perfect rhythm. As I wandered through the city, I couldn’t help but marvel at its colorful murals and artistic expressions fruits painted with joy, inspiring words etched on street walls. Dalian wears its culture on its sleeve, and it wears it proudly.

I was especially touched when I saw children pouring out of a recreational center, giggling beside their mothers. Their carefree joy tugged at my heartstrings. For a fleeting moment, I saw myself as a child again, my mother’s hand in mine, her smile just as warm. That scene was not just touching; it was a beautiful déjà vu that reminded me how some emotions are universal, no matter where you are in the world.

As the Head of the Investigation Cell at a leading Pakistani news channel and a frequent expert on national television, I have long believed that journalism is more than chasing headlines, it’s about uncovering the heartbeat of humanity. Dalian gave me just that. It was not just a city to visit, but a story to absorb. I came here with curiosity; I leave with insight. When you travel with an open heart and a thinking mind, every city becomes a classroom and Dalian taught me more than I expected.

Dalian is a modern marvel, but it hasn’t thrown the baby out with the bathwater. While it boasts skyscrapers, organized transport, and high-end commercial districts, it still holds on to the threads of tradition, family, and cultural identity. It’s not every day you find a city that keeps its feet on the ground while reaching for the stars.

It was a rainy night in Dalian,soft, rhythmic showers gently touched the streets, adding a poetic calm to the city's vibrant charm. I learned that the people of Dalian consider rain a symbol of fortune, and in that moment, I felt truly fortunate. Standing beneath a glowing street lamp, with the city shimmering in the drizzle, I made a video call to my three year old daughter Syeda Fatima Rohina Zainbi. She is not just my daughter; she is my love, my life, and my anchor. Despite her young age, she carries the grace and understanding of someone far beyond her years. As I turned the camera to show her the illuminated streets, the colors, and the joyful faces of Dalian, her laughter lit up my world. She asked questions, smiled at strangers, and soaked in the beauty of a city she had never stepped foot in yet it felt like she was right beside me. That moment turned into something magical: a father sharing a distant wonderland with his little girl, across time zones and borders. Dalian gave me a memory that I will cherish forever because I experienced it through the eyes of my daughter, my heart.

This journey is part of a broader international media tour organized by the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission (GNFCC) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The initiative brings together journalists from different corners of the world not just to see, but to understand. Through this experience, I realized that diplomacy isn’t just made in boardrooms; it’s made on park benches, across dinner tables, and in shared laughter.

Yes, Dalian is truly a city of romance, not just the romance of love, but of life. And I was fortunate enough to witness it with my own eyes and feel it in my heart.

Iran faces two-year delay in Nuclear Programme: Pentagon

The Pentagon announced that recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites have likely delayed Iran’s nuclear programme by up to two years. The strikes, conducted on June 22, hit three critical nuclear facilities in Iran.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that internal assessments estimate a significant setback to Iran’s capabilities.

“We have degraded their programme by one to two years — at least.

Intelligence assessments within the Department of Defense suggest the impact is closer to a full two-year delay,” Parnell said, although he did not provide specific evidence to support the estimate.

The operation involved U.S. military bombers deploying more than a dozen 30,000-pound (13,600-kg) bunker-buster bombs, along with over two dozen Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, aimed precisely at Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

While earlier reports had offered a more cautious outlook on the strikes' effectiveness, the Pentagon now believes the mission likely achieved its intended goals.

The evolving US intelligence about the impact of the strikes is being closely watched, after President Donald Trump said almost immediately after they took place that Iran's programme had been obliterated, language echoed by Parnell at Wednesday's briefing.

Such conclusions often take the US intelligence community weeks or more to determine.

"All of the intelligence that we've seen (has) led us to believe that Iran's – those facilities especially, have been completely obliterated," Parnell said.

Over the weekend, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said that Iran could be producing enriched uranium in a few months, raising doubts about how effective US strikes to destroy Tehran's nuclear programme have been.

Several experts have also cautioned that Iran likely moved a stockpile of near weapons-grade highly enriched uranium out of the deeply buried Fordow site before the strikes and could be hiding it.

But US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week he was unaware of intelligence suggesting Iran had moved its highly enriched uranium to shield it from US strikes.

A preliminary assessment last week from the Defense Intelligence Agency suggested that the strikes may have only set back Iran's nuclear programme by months.

But Trump administration officials said that assessment was low confidence and had been overtaken by intelligence showing Iran's nuclear programme was severely damaged.

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the strikes on the Fordow nuclear site caused severe damage.

"No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordow. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged," Araqchi said in the interview broadcast by CBS News on Tuesday.

Iran president mandates end of cooperation with IAEA over political resolution

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has given a final approval to a law to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following its politically-motivated resolution which paved the way for US-Israeli acts of aggression against the country.

Pezeshkian on Wednesday officially communicated the law mandating the government to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, approved during the public session of Iran’s parliament on June 25.

According to the resolution, IAEA inspectors will not be permitted to enter Iran unless the security of the country's nuclear facilities and that of peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed, which is subject to the approval of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Iran is also considering an entry ban on the IAEA chief, Rafael Grossi, who has come under fire for his politically-motivated reports against Iran.

The IAEA Board of Governors used his report in its latest session to pass an anti-Iran resolution which became an excuse for the Israeli regime to launch its aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In an unprovoked act of aggression on June 13, Israel targeted Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists who had previously been placed on sanctions lists based on IAEA reports as well as civilians.

On June 22, the US bombed Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites in violation of the United Nations Charter, international law and the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Grossi failed to condemn the aggressions, drawing criticisms from Iranian officials.

In a letter to Grossi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Mohammad Eslami, addressed the issue of the IAEA’s lack of action over the Israeli aggression against the country, including attacks on its nuclear sites.