A devastating flash flood hit Camp Mystic in Texas, resulting in the deaths of 27 campers and counselors, including the camp's director. The camp, which has been a cherished summer destination since 1926, is known for its strong traditions and community ties. Rescue and recovery efforts along the Guadalupe River are ongoing.
Key Facts
A flash flood struck Camp Mystic in Texas, causing significant loss of life.
27 people, including campers, counselors, and the camp director, Richard 'Dick' Eastland, died in the flood.
Camp Mystic was established in 1926 and is a private Christian summer camp.
The camp had activities like horseback riding, canoe races, and archery for young girls.
Rescue and recovery operations are still taking place near the Guadalupe River.
Former camper Lauren Garcia shared personal reflections on the camp's strong community and traditions.
An expert from the Arab Gulf States Institute talked about ongoing ceasefire talks in Gaza and a new leader for Hamas. The discussion was featured on NPR's Morning Edition.
Key Facts
The discussion happened on NPR's Morning Edition.
Hussein Ibish, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, provided insights.
The topic focused on ceasefire talks in Gaza.
A new leader for Hamas in Gaza was also discussed.
Leila Fadel conducted the interview with Hussein Ibish.
California is close to approving a law that lets doctors secretly send abortion pills to patients, either within the state or elsewhere. This law aims to give doctors a sense of security when offering abortion services through virtual healthcare.
Key Facts
California is working on a law about mailing abortion medication.
The law allows doctors to anonymously send these medications.
It applies to patients inside California and those outside the state.
The goal is to support doctors in providing abortion services via telemedicine.
Telemedicine is a way of giving medical care using technology like phones or computers.
Heavy flooding in Texas has resulted in more than 50 deaths, primarily around Kerr County. Many people are still missing, including schoolgirls from a summer camp near the Guadalupe River. Emergency services and volunteers are working continuously to find missing people and help affected communities.
Key Facts
Over 50 people have died due to flooding in Texas, with most deaths in Kerr County.
The floods began around July 4, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
The Guadalupe River rose over 26 feet in less than an hour, catching many by surprise.
At least 68 confirmed deaths include 40 adults and 28 children.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that search operations are ongoing to find all missing people.
Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, was heavily impacted, with parts of it washed away.
Hundreds of state workers, along with the Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard, are involved in rescue efforts.
Families of missing persons continue to seek information and reunification.
There are many old, unused oil wells across the United States that have not been properly sealed. These wells, called orphan wells, can release harmful substances into the environment, including methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Experts are working to locate and properly close these wells to prevent pollution.
Key Facts
Orphan wells are old oil wells that have not been sealed properly and are no longer in use.
These wells can leak oil, natural gas (methane), and toxins into water and air.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that can worsen climate change.
It is estimated that there might be over a million undocumented orphan wells in the United States.
More than 100,000 orphan wells have been officially recorded.
Some wells were abandoned long ago before modern well-sealing methods were established.
Experts and organizations are starting efforts to locate and plug these wells to stop further environmental damage.
Some people believe that seed oils, a type of vegetable oil made from the seeds of plants, are bad for health and contribute to obesity. However, many health experts argue these claims are exaggerated and say seed oils can be a healthier choice than saturated fats, like those from animals. The debate includes concerns about the methods used to extract these oils and their potential impact on inflammation in the body.
Key Facts
Seed oils are made from the seeds of plants like canola, soybean, and safflower.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed these oils are linked to obesity.
Experts have found that replacing animal fats with plant oils can improve health.
Fast-food chain Steak 'n Shake decided to stop using seed oils for cooking fries.
Seed oil processing often involves chemicals like hexane, but experts say residues are too low to be harmful.
Organic seed oils are available without hexane processing but are more expensive.
Critics express concern that seed oils might promote inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection but can cause health issues if chronic.
President Trump plans to announce new tariffs on imports from other countries starting August 1. His administration will send out letters to inform these countries about the tariffs, which could lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers. Trump has promised deals to lower some tariffs, but so far only two have been reached, with the UK and Vietnam.
Key Facts
The U.S. will start imposing new tariffs on imported goods from August 1.
The tariffs are a response to other countries' trade barriers against U.S. exports.
Tariffs are taxes paid by U.S. companies on imports, often leading to higher prices for consumers.
An executive order in April 2025 imposed initial tariffs, which were then adjusted downwards temporarily.
Only two tariff agreements have been made so far, with the UK in June and Vietnam in July.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that more deals might be completed by Labor Day.
Trump's approach focuses on bilateral (country-to-country) deals rather than multilateral (involving multiple countries) deals.
The U.S. tariff on Vietnamese goods is set at 20%.
Floods in Texas have resulted in 82 deaths, with over 41 people still reported missing. Efforts to find the missing continue, as authorities face questions about the lack of evacuation in certain areas.
Key Facts
Floods in Texas have killed 82 people.
At least 41 people are still missing in the state.
The floods primarily affected areas around the Guadalupe River, which overflowed due to heavy rain.
Kerr County was hit hard, with 68 bodies found, including 28 children from a summer camp.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that search efforts are ongoing.
President Donald Trump expressed condolences and plans to visit the affected area.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing resources for relief efforts.
Officials are facing questions about the preparedness and response to the floods, especially in Kerr County.
The U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, initially set by former President Trump, have created challenges for Indian exporters. Aditya Garodia from the Corona Steel Industry reports that these tariffs have caused order cancellations and payment delays, affecting business operations.
Key Facts
Aditya Garodia exports over 100 steel-related items from his factory in West Bengal, India.
The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum starting in 2018, which later doubled to 50%.
About 30% of Garodia's orders were canceled due to increased tariffs.
India's exports of iron, steel, and aluminum products to the U.S. were valued at $4.56 billion last year.
The U.S. increased tariffs on derivatives (finished products) by 25% from February 10, 2025.
The total value of U.S. steel imports rose from $98.6 billion in 2018 to $114 billion in 2024.
Indian foundries, which produce and shape metal, face a 26% tariff on goods exported to the U.S.
India has about 5,000 foundries, with a significant portion exporting globally, including $1.2 billion to the U.S.
Former US President Donald Trump announced an extra 10% tariff on countries supporting the Brics alliance if their actions go against US interests. He shared this message on a social media platform, emphasizing no exceptions to this rule.
Key Facts
Trump plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on nations supporting the Brics alliance against US interests.
He made this statement on his Truth Social platform.
The Brics alliance includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recently added members like Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Brics represents over half of the world's population.
Trump has previously criticized Brics for challenging US and Western European influence.
Brics leaders are meeting in Rio de Janeiro, discussing reforms to global financial institutions.
At least 78 people have died, and 41 are missing after flash floods hit central Texas, particularly affecting a girls' camp in Kerr County. Search efforts continue, but more rain is expected, making rescue operations difficult. Local and federal aid is in motion, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and President Trump commenting on the situation.
Key Facts
The floods occurred in central Texas, with Kerr County experiencing significant impact.
Sixty-eight fatalities, including 28 children, were reported in Kerr County.
Ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are missing.
The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, rising 26 feet in 45 minutes.
Authorities expect the death toll to rise.
Rescue efforts are hampered by difficult weather and dangerous conditions.
President Trump declared a major disaster for Kerr County.
Local residents are actively participating in relief efforts.
Delegations from Israel and Hamas are holding indirect ceasefire talks in Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to Washington to discuss the situation with U.S. President Donald Trump. Both sides have conditions for a ceasefire, and mediators from Qatar and Egypt are working to find common ground.
Key Facts
Israel and Hamas began indirect ceasefire talks in Qatar.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is meeting with U.S. President Trump in Washington.
Israel aims to release hostages, weaken Hamas, and eliminate threats from Gaza.
Hamas wants all hostilities to end and Israeli troop withdrawal as part of the deal.
Qatari and Egyptian mediators are involved in the ceasefire discussions.
Israel resumed its military operations against Hamas and imposed a blockade on Gaza.
The blockade was partially lifted a few weeks ago to allow some aid into Gaza.
The Israeli military reported striking 130 Hamas targets recently.
Over 57,000 people have died in Gaza since October 2023 due to the conflict.
Texas officials are working to find survivors after severe flash floods caused many deaths and missing people, including children. They have managed to rescue over 850 individuals, but search efforts continue with more than 1,000 people involved. Authorities are urging residents to stay safe and avoid flooded areas, as more rain is expected.
Key Facts
A severe flash flood in Central Texas caused the deaths of at least 78 people, with many still missing.
In Kerr County alone, 68 people died, including 40 adults and 28 children.
Over 850 people have been rescued, many by helicopters.
More than 1,000 people are helping with search-and-rescue operations across several counties.
Authorities are searching for missing girls and a counselor from a summer camp near the Guadalupe River.
Officials warn residents to avoid using drones in search areas, as they interfere with rescue operations.
Flash flood warnings are in effect due to more expected rain, urging people to be cautious and avoid driving on flooded roads.
The Trump administration is pressing countries to make new trade deals by a Wednesday deadline, with plans to send letters warning of higher tariffs starting August 1. So far, only the United Kingdom and Vietnam have announced deals. The U.S. aims to apply maximum pressure to negotiate, with the possibility of extending deadlines if countries negotiate in good faith.
Key Facts
The U.S. plans to warn countries about increased tariffs set for August 1.
Trump administration aims to quickly secure new trade deals by a Wednesday deadline.
Only the United Kingdom and Vietnam have announced new trade deals so far.
Donald Trump might extend negotiation deadlines if countries show they are negotiating in good faith.
New tariffs could include increased rates on steel, aluminum, and autos.
Proposed changes affect countries with trade surpluses with the U.S. and could result in trade wars.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned that more deals are close to being finalized but gave no specific details.
Heavy rain caused severe flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, resulting in at least 78 deaths, primarily in Kerr County. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood warnings, but many were still caught off-guard by the storm's intensity, leading to disagreements between the NWS and Texas officials about the accuracy of the forecasts.
Key Facts
Flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas led to at least 78 deaths.
Most fatalities occurred in Kerr County, with 68 deaths reported.
Texas officials and the National Weather Service disagree on the accuracy of the storm forecasts.
The NWS issued flood watches and flash flood warnings on Thursday, before the flooding.
The Guadalupe River’s water level rose by 26 feet in 45 minutes.
Search and rescue operations were needed to save hundreds of stranded people.
The NWS stated that predicting precise rainfall locations is challenging.
A flash flood emergency was declared for parts of Kerr County early Friday morning.
Heavy flash floods in Texas have led to at least 70 confirmed deaths. Eleven girls from a Christian summer camp are still missing as officials continue their search efforts.
Key Facts
Flash floods in Texas have caused significant damage and loss of life.
The death toll has reached at least 70 people.
Eleven girls from a Christian summer camp are reported missing.
Rescue teams are actively looking for survivors.
The likelihood of finding survivors decreases as more time passes.
Each year, almost 31 million people in the U.S. experience tick bites. Diseases caused by ticks, such as Lyme disease, are increasing due to factors like climate change and more human activity in forest areas.
Key Facts
About 31 million people in the U.S. are bitten by ticks every year.
Tick-related illnesses, like Lyme disease, are becoming more common.
Experts link the rise in tick-related diseases to climate change.
Human expansion into forested areas contributes to more tick bites.
An increasing deer population also plays a role in the spread of ticks.
Dr. Andrew Handel is a pediatric infectious diseases specialist who discusses avoiding ticks.
A Domino's Pizza in Utah exploded after a car crashed into it, causing a gas line to break and a large fire to start. Over 60 firefighters helped to put out the fire, and three people were taken to the hospital. No deaths have been reported.
Key Facts
A car crash caused an explosion at a Domino's Pizza in Utah, USA.
The crash happened when a car ran off the road and hit the building.
The impact ruptured a gas line, which led to a big fire.
More than 60 firefighters worked on stopping the fire.
Three people went to the hospital due to the incident.
A timelapse video shows the Llano River in Texas flooding rapidly on July 4 due to heavy rain. The flooding in the Hill Country area resulted in at least 67 deaths, with 59 in Kerr County, including missing campers.
Key Facts
A video captured the Llano River flooding quickly in Llano County, Texas, on July 4.
Authorities blocked a low water crossing at the river in Kingsland just before it flooded.
The flood happened in the Hill Country area of Texas.
The flooding has caused at least 67 deaths overall.
In Kerr County, 59 people have died, including 38 adults and 21 children.
Eleven campers from Camp Mystic are missing.
The low water crossing, known locally as "the slab," is a popular swimming spot.
The video was recorded by Robert Ivey using a security camera.
The article discusses the regional differences in the United States regarding what people call a soft drink: soda, pop, or coke. It explains the historical origins of these terms and how carbonated drinks evolved from health drinks in the early 1800s.
Key Facts
In the Midwest, people often call soft drinks "pop."
In the Northeast and Far West, these drinks are usually called "soda."
In the South, "coke" is a common term for any soft drink, not just Coca-Cola.
The process of carbonating water began in the late 1700s.
Soda water was first marketed as a health drink in the early 1800s.
Pharmacists used to sell flavored versions of soda water as remedies in the mid-1800s.
The term "soda" likely comes from "sodium," once thought to have health benefits.
Seltzer, a term for fizzy water, initially referred to a specific mineral water from Germany.
