As US considers joining operation against Iran, 'region reaching tension levels not seen in decades'

The death toll from Texas’ devastating July 4 flooding has climbed to 134, with 101 people still missing as search efforts continue. Authorities are struggling to account for all victims—some officials even report receiving death threats amid the chaos. A new flash flood watch has been issued, raising fears of further danger.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another weather update—it’s a grim reminder of how quickly disasters escalate, and how vulnerable communities can be even after the worst seems over. With rescue teams still searching and threats complicating recovery efforts, the human toll here goes beyond the numbers. The new flood watch adds another layer of anxiety for residents already reeling. Stories like this underscore why disaster response and climate resilience need to be front-page conversations, not just footnotes.

The New York Jets are going all-in to keep their young stars, locking down cornerback Sauce Gardner with a massive $120.4 million extension—making him the NFL’s highest-paid CB. This comes just a day after securing wide receiver Garrett Wilson with a $130 million deal. At 24, Gardner’s new contract keeps him with the Jets through 2030, signaling the team’s aggressive push to build around their core talent.

Editor’s Note: The Jets aren’t messing around. After years of struggles, they’re betting big on their young stars to turn the franchise around. Gardner is already one of the league’s best cornerbacks, and this deal—alongside Wilson’s—shows the Jets are serious about contending. For fans, it’s a rare dose of optimism: the front office is finally spending to keep homegrown talent, not just chasing quick fixes.

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino is back at work after threatening to quit over the Epstein case, while Trump doubles down on praising Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the matter—despite backlash from his MAGA base. Meanwhile, Trump took to Truth Social to accuse Democratic senator Adam Schiff of mortgage fraud, demanding he be "brought to justice."

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the ongoing turbulence in Trump’s orbit, where loyalty clashes with public scrutiny—especially around high-profile cases like Epstein’s. Trump’s attacks on Schiff also signal his continued use of social media to deflect and rally his base, keeping political tensions simmering. For readers, it’s another snapshot of how personal vendettas and internal drama shape the national conversation.

China's latest economic data shows what looks like decent growth on the surface, but there's a catch—those numbers are inflated by deflation (falling prices). While the GDP might appear to be climbing, the reality is that weak consumer demand and a struggling property market are dragging things down. It’s like a store bragging about selling more items while quietly slashing prices to make it happen.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a wonky stats problem—it’s a sign of deeper economic trouble. If prices keep dropping, businesses and workers could feel the squeeze, and global markets (which lean heavily on China’s growth) might get nervous. It’s a reminder that not all "growth" is good growth.

Former Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, who’s had his share of public clashes with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, surprisingly praised him during a recent interview on The Herd. Rodriguez credited Manfred with "saving" baseball and even argued he deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame—a notable shift from their past tensions.

Editor’s Note: A-Rod’s endorsement is a big deal because it signals a thaw in what’s been a frosty relationship. Given Rodriguez’s history with MLB (including his suspension under Manfred’s watch), his praise suggests the commissioner’s decisions—like rule changes to speed up games—might be winning over skeptics. For fans, it’s a reminder that even fierce critics can acknowledge progress.