Lightning strike blamed for wildfire that killed 2 people in New Mexico, damaged 1,400 structures

Inside an Atlanta art studio, artist Basil Watson is crafting a statue of Robert Smalls, a Civil War hero and former slave, to be placed at the South Carolina State House. This landmark statue, a first for honoring an individual African American on the Capitol grounds, symbolizes Smalls' journey from slavery to statesmanship and reflects a bipartisan effort to acknowledge African American history. Want More Context? 🔎

An air traffic controller at Ronald Reagan National Airport failed to warn an American Airlines jet of an approaching Army helicopter before their collision in January, resulting in 67 fatalities, as revealed during NTSB hearings. The controller, overwhelmed by traffic, did not communicate effectively, highlighting concerns over safety practices at the busy airport. Want More Context? 🔎

BBC reports from the scene of floods in Kerr CountyIn Kerr County, Texas, where catastrophic flooding over the 4 July weekend resulted in at least 135 deaths, top officials were criticized for being unprepared, with the emergency management coordinator and sheriff asleep during the disaster. No flood alerts were issued prior, and while Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged storm warnings, the true magnitude of the flooding was unknown. Want More Context? 🔎

President Trump announced new tariffs for over 60 U.S. trading partners, set to take effect next week, with rates up to 41% for Syria and 40% for Laos and Myanmar, while Canada's tariffs increase from 25% to 35%. Despite delays in trade agreements, Trump remains open to negotiations post-implementation, emphasizing the positive impact of his trade strategy on U.S. exports and economic growth. Want More Context? 🔎

A manhunt is ongoing in Tennessee for 29-year-old Austin Robert Drummond, named as the suspect in the murder of four individuals linked to an abandoned baby found on a lawn. Drummond faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, and is considered armed and dangerous; he is believed to be driving a 2016 Audi A3. Want More Context? 🔎

A 29-year-old man named Kevin Sinning drove a stolen golf cart onto a moving walkway at Buffalo Niagara International Airport while allegedly intoxicated, prompting viral video footage of the incident. Sinning was arrested after police observed his visible intoxication, and he faces multiple charges, including criminal mischief and grand larceny, with damage reported to the walkway. Want More Context? 🔎