White House’s John Kirby on U.S. response to Middle East conflict

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? 🔎

The US Senate confirmed Emil Bove, former defense lawyer for President Trump, to a lifetime position on the federal appeals court with a 50-49 vote, despite opposition from Democrats and two Republican senators. Bove, criticized for his loyalty to Trump and alleged misconduct, will oversee cases in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, amidst calls from former justice department employees and judges to withdraw his nomination. Want More Context? 🔎

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting tsunami alerts in Japan, Hawaii, and parts of Alaska. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 19.3 kilometers, caused damage and evacuations in nearby Russian regions and led to warnings of potential tsunami waves up to 3 meters affecting several coastal areas across the Pacific. Want More Context? 🔎

Earthquake 'the strongest in decades', says Russian officialAn 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck 78 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at a depth of 18 kilometers, generating a 3-4 meter tsunami in Kamchatka. While there were no reported injuries, a kindergarten was damaged, and local officials described it as the strongest tremor in decades. Want More Context? 🔎

The Senate confirmed Emil Bove, President Trump's former defense lawyer, to a lifetime position on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit with a narrow 50-49 vote, despite allegations of unethical conduct, including suggestions to ignore court orders. Critics, including former Justice Department officials and whistleblowers, have urged rejection, citing concerns about his judicial fitness and past actions during the Trump administration. Want More Context? 🔎

Millions in the US are under heat advisories as a severe heatwave affects 168 million people, particularly in the mid-west, south-east, and north-east. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the dangers of extreme heat, urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, while authorities set up cooling centers and extended pool hours amid record temperatures. Want More Context? 🔎