At least 79 people have died in central Texas due to flash floods in Texas Hill Country, with a significant number of fatalities in Kerr County. Among the deceased are 38 adults and 21 children, with 18 adults and four children yet to be identified. A dozen individuals, including campers from Camp Mystic, remain missing. Search and rescue operations continue, with over 160 air rescues conducted. (Story URL)

President Trump revealed plans for an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight to take place on the White House grounds next year as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. During a speech in Des Moines, Trump mentioned that UFC president Dana White will organize the event, expecting a crowd of up to 25,000 people. (Story URL)

The Education Department has unexpectedly halted the distribution of nearly $7 billion in funding for key school programs, affecting millions of children and working families. The blocked funds, already approved by Congress, supported various grant programs such as after-school and summer learning, English language learning, and teacher professional development. (Story URL)

Elon Musk announced the formation of his new America Party due to his disgust with the passage of President Trump’s massive spending bill, with plans to focus on a few key Senate and House seats in the 2026 mid-term elections. Musk emphasized the party’s independence from Democrats and Republicans, intending to engage in legislative discussions with both. (Story URL)

The owners of an escaped pet lion that attacked a woman and her two children in Pakistan have been arrested. In Turkey, a lion escaped from a theme park and attacked a man, who fought it off before it was shot dead by authorities. (The Guardian)