Daily News Brief

Joseph Lestrange, a former DHS official, explains that transnational gangs recruit straw buyers with clean records to purchase firearms legally, as seen in the case of Joly Germine of the 400 Mawozo gang, who orchestrated gun buys from jail to enhance his power in Haiti. Funded by kidnappings, Germine's operation involved sending $37,500 to the U.S. for gun purchases, leading to his extradition and guilty plea in 2024. Want More Context? 🔎

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has publicly opposed the scheduled India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, citing recent terrorist incidents as a key reason. His remarks come amidst heightened political tensions and military operations, questioning the appropriateness of hosting such a match while Operation Sindoor is ongoing, while Sourav Ganguly advocates for the continuation of sports despite the situation. Want More Context? 🔎

Roy Arbon, a 75-year-old former Erebus disaster recovery worker, went missing after leaving his Rūnanga home on July 23. His phone's last location, transmitted on July 24 at 2:39 PM, indicated he was in a clearing, but aerial footage taken shortly after showed no signs of him, and his phone has since been inactive. Want More Context? 🔎

President Donald Trump indicated he may skip the G20 summit in South Africa in November, planning to send a representative instead due to his disapproval of the country's policies, including its land policy and a case accusing Israel of genocide. Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa have escalated over various issues, including Trump's executive order to reduce financial assistance and strained diplomatic relations over South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment policies. Want More Context? 🔎

Audio recordings released by ABC News reveal the chaos faced by Texas residents during the July 4 flooding, with desperate calls for help from individuals trapped in trees and homes. The flooding led to over 130 fatalities, with confusion over evacuation orders and emergency responses highlighted in the 911 dispatch communications, reflecting challenges in coordination among agencies. Want More Context? 🔎

Jamie Lee Curtis criticized Hollywood's obsession with plastic surgery, claiming it disfigures generations of women and is exacerbated by AI and social media filters. She expressed her views through a photo shoot with oversized wax lips, emphasized her past experiences with cosmetic procedures, and declared herself "pro-aging," while maintaining that she respects individual choices regarding appearance. Want More Context? 🔎