Bodies of schoolchildren found after bus swept away by South Africa floods

Texas has quietly pulled the plug on new funding for its border wall project, with lawmakers approving a budget that leaves out further financial support. This marks a notable shift in the state’s aggressive approach to border security under Governor Greg Abbott.

Editor’s Note: While this doesn’t mean the wall construction is completely dead (existing funds might still be used), it signals a slowdown—or at least a pause—in Texas’s high-profile push to fortify the border. The move could reflect shifting political priorities, budget constraints, or even behind-the-scenes debates about the wall’s effectiveness. For now, it’s a development worth watching, especially as immigration remains a hot-button issue ahead of the 2024 elections.

The UK government is expected to announce yet another delay for the HS2 high-speed rail line, pushing its opening beyond 2033—far later than originally planned. The BBC reports this will be confirmed in an upcoming review, adding to years of setbacks and rising costs for the controversial infrastructure project.

Editor’s Note: HS2 was supposed to be a game-changer for UK transport, linking major cities and boosting economic growth. But constant delays and budget blowouts have turned it into a symbol of mismanagement. For commuters and businesses counting on faster connections, this is another frustrating setback—and taxpayers might wonder if the project will ever deliver on its promises.

The judge in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking case called out inconsistencies around a potential media leak, suggesting someone isn't telling the truth. Meanwhile, jurors were shown graphic video evidence of alleged drug-fueled parties central to the case—a surreal moment as they watched in silence with headphones on.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just tabloid fodder—it’s a high-stakes legal battle with serious accusations. The judge’s frustration over leaks hints at a messy process behind the scenes, while the explicit footage shown to jurors underscores how dark the allegations are. For Diddy, this could be career-defining, and for the public, it’s a stark look at how power and accountability collide in celebrity cases.

Tensions between Israel and Iran are escalating rapidly, with both sides exchanging attacks well into Monday. Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in with a stark warning, urging Tehran to "immediately evacuate"—a dramatic statement that underscores how volatile the situation has become.

A new study from the University of British Columbia reveals that wildfires don’t just scorch landscapes—they can also mess with water quality in ways we’re only starting to understand. When rain hits burned areas, it washes carbon from the charred remains into waterways, and that carbon might eventually find its way back into the atmosphere, potentially fueling a vicious cycle.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires are already devastating, but this research shows their ripple effects go beyond immediate destruction. If burned carbon is re-entering the air through water systems, it could mean wildfires are even worse for the climate than we thought. For communities dealing with both fire risks and water safety, this adds another layer of urgency to prevention and recovery efforts.