Heavy rains on July 4 in Central Texas led to severe flash floods, causing the deaths of over 50 people, mostly in Kerr County. State officials have confirmed the fatalities, and some schoolgirls are missing from a camp.
Key Facts
Flash floods happened in Central Texas on July 4 due to heavy rain.
Over 50 people have died because of the floods.
Kerr County is the area most affected by the floods.
The Kerr County sheriff provided updates on the situation.
Some schoolgirls are reported missing from a camp because of the floods.
Cherry farms in Washington are experiencing a shortage of workers due to stricter immigration rules. This is happening during the cherry harvest season, a time when they need more workers.
Key Facts
Cherry farms in Washington are having trouble finding enough workers.
The labor shortage is happening during the cherry harvest season.
Stricter federal immigration rules are contributing to the lack of workers.
Farmers are concerned about not having enough workers to harvest their crops.
Thousands of people gathered in Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. The event included prayers, dances, and speeches, with the Dalai Lama indicating plans for a successor to continue his spiritual role. Despite rain, the celebrations were attended by followers and notable guests like actor Richard Gere.
Key Facts
People gathered in Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.
The Dalai Lama appeared in traditional clothes, assisted by two monks.
Celebrations included traditional dances and religious chants.
Richard Gere, a Hollywood actor and long-time follower, attended and spoke during the event.
The Dalai Lama announced plans for a successor, adhering to Tibetan spiritual traditions.
Chinese authorities oppose the Dalai Lama's right to select his successor.
The Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of peace of mind and compassion.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Barack Obama sent birthday wishes.
On July 4, flash floods hit central Texas, causing the deaths of at least 51 people and leaving 27 children missing. Texans shared their experiences and concerns during the ongoing search and rescue operations.
Key Facts
Flash floods occurred in central Texas on July 4.
At least 51 people died due to the floods.
27 children are reported missing following the floods.
Texans are sharing their stories and reactions to the extreme weather.
The search and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
One woman mentioned that the area where she was swimming the day before is now destroyed.
Billionaire Elon Musk announced the creation of a new political group called the "America Party" to offer an alternative to the current two-party system in the United States. This move follows his criticism of a new budget law signed by President Donald Trump, which Musk believes will increase the national deficit and lead to financial trouble for the country.
Key Facts
Elon Musk started a new political group called the "America Party".
Musk wants to challenge the current two-party political system in the US.
Trump signed a budget law, which Musk criticizes for potentially increasing the national deficit by $3.4 trillion over ten years.
Musk conducted an online poll asking people if they wanted a new political party; it got over 1.2 million responses.
The relationship between Musk and Trump has worsened over disagreements about the budget law.
Musk previously supported Trump during the 2024 election but has since criticized the budget plan.
Musk suggests targeting specific vulnerable Senate and House seats to influence future elections.
The impact of the "America Party" on future elections, such as the 2026 mid-terms, is still uncertain.
A Lifetime ISA (LISA) is a savings account in the UK that helps people under 40 save for their first home or retirement by adding a 25% bonus to their savings. Some users, like Liam Roberts, have benefited from the scheme to buy homes, while others have faced challenges due to withdrawal penalties and a property price limit that hasn't changed since 2017.
Key Facts
Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) are for people under 40 to save money for a first home or retirement.
You can save up to £4,000 per year, and the government adds 25% to your savings.
Liam Roberts used his LISA to buy a home in Manchester and plans for retirement using another LISA.
There are limited providers for LISAs; most big banks do not offer them.
The Treasury Committee of MPs has noted that LISAs might need changes, as taxpayer money is involved.
Withdrawing money early from a LISA has a penalty, causing a potential loss of 6.25% of your savings.
The savings can only be used for homes costing up to £450,000, a limit unchanged since 2017.
Users like Holly and Daniel Slavin have experienced financial issues due to these penalties and limits.
A severe flood in central Texas has killed at least 32 people, including 14 children. Officials are searching for survivors, with 27 children missing from a Christian youth camp. More rain and potential flooding are expected in the area.
Key Facts
A sudden flood occurred in central Texas, raising the Guadalupe River over 26 feet in less than an hour.
At least 32 people have died, including 14 children.
27 children are missing from a Christian summer camp near the river.
Around 850 people have been rescued so far.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a disaster declaration to enhance search efforts.
The search focuses on the Guadalupe River, particularly near a camp called Camp Mystic.
US President Donald Trump stated federal support is being provided, and the Coast Guard will assist.
More rain is forecasted, with up to 10 inches possible in some areas.
A house in Kerr County, Texas was severely damaged, being lifted from its foundation due to flash floods. At least 32 people have died, including 14 children, and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Key Facts
Flash flooding occurred in Kerr County, Texas.
A house was torn from its foundation because of the floods.
At least 32 people have lost their lives due to the flooding.
Among the deceased are 14 children.
Rescue operations are underway to aid those affected by the floods.
BBC correspondent Gary O'Donoghue reported from the scene.
Flash flooding in central Texas has killed 37 people, including 14 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated the search for people continues, with a request made for federal disaster assistance.
Key Facts
The flash floods in Texas resulted in 37 deaths.
Among the victims, 14 were children.
Governor Abbott and Secretary Noem held a press conference to discuss the situation.
Abbott requested federal disaster aid to help with relief efforts.
President Trump is committed to using federal resources for recovery operations.
27 children from a summer camp are missing.
Around 850 people were rescued from the flooded areas.
The floodwaters rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, causing significant damage.
An eight-year-old girl and the director of a girl's summer camp were among the victims of severe floods in Texas that resulted in at least 27 deaths. Many children are still missing from the camps located near the Guadalupe River as efforts continue to identify and locate those affected.
Key Facts
At least 27 people have died in Texas due to flash floods, including nine children.
Renee Smajstrla, an eight-year-old girl, was found dead at Camp Mystic.
Six adults and one child among the victims have not been identified.
Camp Mystic is a Christian summer camp for girls, and 27 children from the camp are still missing.
Jane Ragsdale, the director of Heart O' the Hills camp, has died.
Heart O' the Hills camp was not in session during the flood.
Authorities are focusing on finding missing people and preventing further damage along the Guadalupe River.
Floods in central Texas have left many campers from an all-girls summer camp unaccounted for, following severe storms that caused widespread damage. At Camp Mystic, 27 girls are still missing, while rescue teams work to find survivors. The floods have resulted in at least 37 deaths as rescue efforts continue.
Key Facts
Heavy rains in Texas caused severe flooding in the Guadalupe River area.
27 campers from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, are missing after the flood.
The storm resulted in at least 37 deaths, including 14 children.
Around 850 people have been rescued from the floodwaters so far.
The camp, established in 1926, is known for its long history and popularity.
Many families post photos on social media seeking information about missing children.
Camp Mystic was severely damaged, with buildings destroyed and debris scattered.
The National Weather Service had issued flood warnings before the storm hit.
Heavy floods hit Texas Hill Country, causing the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly and resulting in the death of at least 32 people. Rescue efforts are ongoing for missing individuals, including 27 girls from a summer camp. Officials activated emergency resources before the floods but say the extent of rainfall was unexpected.
Key Facts
Floods in Texas Hill Country began early Friday.
The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes.
14 children and 18 adults died due to the flooding.
27 girls from a local summer camp remain missing.
More than 850 people have been rescued; over 100 were airlifted.
Emergency resources were activated before the floods.
The amount of rain exceeded weather forecasts.
Some questions arose about the accuracy of weather warnings.
Cuts to HIV research funding in the United States may slow down advancements towards ending the HIV epidemic. This reduction in funds could impact the ongoing efforts to control and eventually stop the spread of HIV.
Key Facts
The US government has reduced funding for HIV research.
These cuts may affect progress in fighting the HIV epidemic in the country.
The previous administration under President Trump made the decision to reduce funding.
Research projects aimed at ending the HIV epidemic might face delays or setbacks.
HIV research funding helps develop treatments and prevention methods.
The news was discussed on the radio program "All Things Considered."
On Saturday, flash floods caused the deaths of at least 32 people in Texas, with many still missing. The Carolinas are getting ready for Tropical Storm Chantal, and a big wildfire is burning in Southern California due to dry conditions. Elon Musk announced that he has started a new political party in the U.S.
Key Facts
Flash floods in Texas resulted in at least 32 deaths and many people are still missing.
The Carolinas are preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Chantal.
Southern California is dealing with a large wildfire fueled by very dry conditions.
Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political party in the United States.
This week, four North Korean individuals were charged with trying to get jobs at a U.S. company to steal close to $1 million in cryptocurrency. They allegedly used fake identities and documents to gain access to the company.
Key Facts
Four North Korean nationals were charged by federal prosecutors.
They planned to work remotely for a U.S. company.
Their goal was to steal about $1 million worth of cryptocurrency.
They used fake IDs and fake credentials to get into the company.
This action represents a new type of threat coming from North Korea.
The aim was to infiltrate American businesses for financial gain.
President Donald Trump visited Iowa to begin the countdown to the United States' 250th Independence Day, which will be next year. The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress is examining 250 years of U.S. innovation as part of the celebrations.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump visited Iowa on Thursday.
He started the countdown to the 250th Independence Day of the United States.
The U.S. will celebrate its 250th Independence Day next year.
The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress is involved in the celebrations.
The center is nonpartisan, meaning it does not support any political party.
It is looking into 250 years of innovation in the United States.
President Trump faced criticism from Jewish groups for using the term "Shylocks" during a speech in Iowa to describe some bankers. Trump stated he did not realize the term was offensive, as it references a Jewish character in Shakespeare's play known for being a ruthless moneylender. Jewish organizations and others, including a congressman, condemned the remark as antisemitic.
Key Facts
President Trump used the term "Shylocks" at a rally in Iowa, referring to certain bankers.
"Shylock" is a character from Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," known for being a greedy Jewish moneylender.
The Anti-Defamation League criticized the use of the term, calling it "very troubling."
Trump claimed he was unaware that "Shylock" is considered antisemitic.
Congressman Daniel Goldman labeled Trump's comment as "blatant and vile antisemitism."
The term has been previously used by Joe Biden in 2014, who later acknowledged it as inappropriate.
Some Jewish groups assert that Trump has used antisemitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories in the past.
Trump's administration has initiated efforts against antisemitism, including actions on college campuses and dealing with pro-Palestinian activists.
Thrift stores are becoming more popular as people look for ways to save money or make money by reselling items. The secondhand clothing market is expected to grow much faster than the overall clothing market.
Key Facts
Thrift stores allow people to buy used items, often at lower prices than new items.
Rising living costs are making thrifting a more attractive option for many shoppers.
Some people earn money by buying and reselling clothes from thrift stores.
The secondhand clothing market is expected to grow about three times faster than the entire clothing market.
The article includes input from thrift shoppers and an interview with Manish Chandra, the CEO of Poshmark, a company involved in the secondhand clothing industry.
People in Gaza face serious dangers when they try to get food, including military attacks, big crowds, and theft. An NPR journalist shared his personal experience of these risks while trying to reach a food distribution site in Gaza.
Key Facts
An NPR journalist in Gaza described his experiences while trying to obtain food.
The food was being given out by private American contractors at a site in Gaza.
People seeking food had to deal with military fire from Israeli forces.
Large crowds of people were struggling to get their share of the rations.
There were incidents of theft by individuals wearing masks.
The situation highlights the challenges and risks involved in getting food in Gaza.
