At least 24 people have died due to severe flooding in the Texas Hill Country, with at least 20 campers still missing. Texas officials are using many resources to search for missing people, and the state has declared a disaster in affected areas.
Key Facts
Severe flooding in Texas Hill Country has resulted in at least 24 deaths.
Twenty campers from a summer camp by the Guadalupe River are missing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that search and rescue missions are ongoing.
A disaster declaration has been made for several counties near San Antonio.
Over 500 responders and 14 helicopters are involved in rescue operations.
The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, caused by heavy rainfall.
Regions affected by the flood are without electricity and internet.
More heavy rain is expected, potentially worsening the situation.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain caused severe flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in south-central Texas, leading to the deaths of at least 13 people. More than 20 girls from a summer camp are missing after the floodwater hit with little warning. Emergency services are conducting search and rescue operations, and more rain is expected in the area.
Key Facts
Flash floods occurred in Kerr County, Texas, after heavy rain.
At least 13 people have died due to the flooding.
Over 20 girls from a summer camp are missing following the floods.
The flooding in Kerr County happened quickly, with no time for evacuation warnings.
Rainfall measured up to 300mm (1 foot) overnight, causing the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly.
More rain is expected, increasing the risk of further flooding in the region.
Emergency responders are using helicopters, drones, and ground teams in search operations.
Authorities advise against traveling to the affected areas due to safety concerns and impassable roads.
President Donald Trump signed a new tax and spending bill, which has faced criticism for making big cuts to social programs and increasing the national debt. The bill has caused disagreement among Trump’s party members and Democrats, yet it still passed. Some claim the bill will affect Republicans in future elections due to changes in healthcare and food assistance programs.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a major tax and spending bill.
The bill cuts funds for social welfare programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
The bill is expected to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt.
Inside Trump's party, a few Republicans opposed the bill, but it still passed.
All Democrats opposed the bill, calling it a betrayal of American citizens.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave a lengthy speech against the bill.
The bill passed before a July 4 deadline, marked by a White House celebration.
If Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming election, he could become New York City's first mayor of South Asian and Indian heritage. His campaign has faced criticism, especially from people who disagree with his views on human rights and his background as a Muslim. He will compete against current and potential candidates like Eric Adams and possibly Andrew Cuomo.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani could become the first South Asian and Indian-origin mayor of New York City.
He won the Democratic mayoral primary on June 24.
Mamdani has faced backlash, partly due to his Muslim identity.
Some criticism comes from supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mamdani is outspoken about human rights issues, which has drawn criticism from both local and international critics.
In November, he will compete against current mayor Eric Adams and potentially Andrew Cuomo.
Some attacks against Mamdani include accusations of being anti-Hindu and an "Islamist."
A new tax and spending bill supported by U.S. President Trump is set to increase funding for immigration enforcement, including deportations and detention centers. The bill allocates a large amount of money to expand immigration detention facilities, raising concerns about conditions and potential impacts on communities.
Key Facts
The bill is called the "One Big Beautiful Bill" by its supporters.
It aims to provide around $170 billion for immigration enforcement.
$45 billion of the bill's budget is for new immigration detention centers.
This expands detention center capacity from 56,000 to over 100,000 beds.
90% of these centers are run by private companies, which are expected to gain financially.
Concerns are raised about harsh conditions and lack of oversight in these centers.
The bill could potentially allow for longer detention of children and families.
Nearly $29.9 billion is set aside for ICE's deportation and enforcement operations, triple the previous budget.
The article discusses recent decisions made by the U.S. Supreme Court that might have significant impacts. These rulings could change different parts of daily life and law in the United States.
Key Facts
The article talks about rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court.
These decisions could affect various aspects of life and law in the U.S.
The article was covered by journalists from PBS News, including John Yang, Ali Schmitz, and Doug Adams.
John Yang is an anchor and correspondent who reports on national issues.
These rulings are from the latest term of the Supreme Court.
David Brooks, a columnist for the New York Times, and Jonathan Capehart, an associate editor for the Washington Post, talked with John Yang about recent political events. They focused on the effects of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, President Trump's influence in Washington, and the condition of American democracy.
Key Facts
David Brooks is a columnist for the New York Times.
Jonathan Capehart is an associate editor for the Washington Post.
They joined John Yang for a political discussion.
The focus was on the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.
They talked about President Trump's control in Washington.
The New England Aquarium in Boston has set up a special area for older penguins to help them with their aging needs. This new area considers the health challenges that aging penguins face, similar to how humans might experience aches as they grow older.
Key Facts
The New England Aquarium is located in Boston.
The aquarium has created a special area for older penguins.
This setup is described as the first of its kind.
Older penguins, like humans, can face aches and pains as they age.
Jared Bowen, a special correspondent from GBH Boston, reported on this development.
President Donald Trump used the term "Shylock" to describe certain bankers, saying he did not know it was considered anti-Semitic. The term comes from a character in a Shakespeare play and is viewed as a derogatory term for Jewish moneylenders. Trump's use of the term was criticized by the Anti-Defamation League, a group fighting anti-Semitism.
Key Facts
President Trump used the term "Shylock" to describe some bankers, unaware of its anti-Semitic connotation.
"Shylock" originates from a Jewish character in Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice".
The term is considered offensive and has a longstanding history as a slur against Jewish people.
The Anti-Defamation League criticized Trump's use of the term, calling it offensive and dangerous.
Trump was speaking in Iowa as part of his "America250" celebration series.
In his speech, Trump celebrated the passage of a budget mega-bill, which will continue his 2017 tax cuts.
Trump has previously faced accusations of anti-Semitism, including from past events and associations.
The controversy around Trump's language underscores ongoing concerns over anti-Semitic stereotypes.
Flash flooding in central Texas has led to several deaths and missing persons. Texas officials have issued disaster declarations and are urging residents to stay safe as more flooding may occur.
Key Facts
Flash flooding hit central Texas, causing several deaths and missing persons.
Disaster declarations are in place for Hill Country and Concho Valley regions.
The state is helping areas like Kerrville and Texas Hill Country with resources.
Rescues and evacuations have been happening since early morning.
Officials warn more flooding could occur, even if the rain seems light.
Residents are advised not to drive through flooded roads and to stay safe.
Kerr County reported a "catastrophic flooding event" with confirmed fatalities.
People near creeks and rivers are advised to move to higher ground.
Hamas has responded positively to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but more discussions are needed to finalize it. Israeli airstrikes continue, with many Palestinians killed while trying to access aid. U.S. President Donald Trump is actively pushing for a peace agreement, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss this with him soon.
Key Facts
Hamas has shown a positive response to a ceasefire proposal but needs further talks on how to implement it.
The proposal involves a 60-day ceasefire, initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza recently killed 15 Palestinians, with more casualties reported as people attempted to seek aid.
The U.N. recorded 613 Palestinian deaths in a month, mostly while trying to get aid.
Hamas wants Israeli troops to pull back to positions held before breaking the last ceasefire and seeks a continued aid flow.
The U.S. plans to work with all parties to try to end the war during the ceasefire.
Negotiations have been challenging due to differing demands from Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Reports indicate violence near aid distribution sites, where Palestinians have been killed on their way to get food.
The Trump administration is not releasing $715 million meant for adult education programs across the country. This creates uncertainty for programs that help over a million students each year.
Key Facts
The federal government is holding back $715 million for adult education.
This decision affects programs that serve more than one million adult students annually.
The withheld funds are meant for supporting educational opportunities for adults.
The uncertainty caused by this decision impacts the planning and operation of these programs.
Adult education programs provide services like GED preparation and English language learning.
President Trump plans to sign a major tax and spending bill into law after it narrowly passed Congress. The bill includes tax cuts, increased defense spending, and changes to immigration policies. While supporters believe it will boost the economy, there is concern over the bill's effects on national debt and its benefits mainly going to wealthier Americans.
Key Facts
President Trump will sign a new tax and spending bill into law.
The bill passed Congress with a narrow margin of 218 votes to 214.
It includes extending tax cuts that began in 2017.
There are significant cuts to Medicaid, which provides healthcare for low-income individuals.
The bill increases defense spending by $150 billion.
It reduces tax credits for clean energy initiatives set during the Biden administration.
The bill allocates $100 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Critics highlight that wealthier Americans will benefit more from the tax changes than those with lower incomes.
Grants from the Department of Justice are at risk of being canceled, which could affect programs that support crime survivors across the U.S. This funding change is being considered by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice provides grants to programs that help crime survivors.
These programs are in danger due to possible cancellations of grants.
The Trump administration is considering these funding cuts.
The decision could impact services provided to people who have experienced crimes.
The report was shared on the program "All Things Considered."
Heavy rain led to flash flooding in Texas, causing deaths and leaving some people missing. Rescue teams used boats to help people in flooded areas, while officials struggled with warnings due to a lack of advance notice.
Key Facts
Heavy rain in Kerr County, Texas, caused the Guadalupe River to flood, resulting in multiple deaths.
Search teams used boats to rescue people from fast-moving floodwaters in riverfront areas.
Officials reported that they conducted numerous water rescues and some people were still missing.
A flood warning affected at least 30,000 people in the area.
The river gauge in Hunt recorded a rapid rise in water levels before failing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state sent resources to help affected communities.
In New Jersey, severe weather caused at least three deaths, including two men who died when a tree fell on their car.
Power outages and damage were reported in southern New England due to storms.
Former President Donald Trump announced plans to hold a UFC fight on the White House grounds to celebrate America's 250th birthday in 2026. The fight is part of a series of events planned to mark the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Key Facts
Donald Trump announced a UFC fight will take place on the White House grounds in 2026.
The UFC fight is part of the celebrations for America's 250th birthday.
Trump made the announcement during a speech in Des Moines, Iowa.
Up to 25,000 people are expected to attend the event.
UFC president Dana White is involved in organizing the event.
Trump has a history of supporting UFC events and is friends with Dana White.
The White House press secretary confirmed that Trump is serious about this plan.
The celebrations will include events in national parks and historic sites across the U.S.
The New York Times reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump considered expanding a travel ban to include up to 36 more countries, mainly in Africa. The ban already restricted entry from 12 nations and limited travel visas from others. This move aligns with Trump's push to reduce immigration during his presidency.
Key Facts
President Trump considered adding up to 36 countries to the U.S. travel ban list.
Many of these additional countries are in Africa, including Zimbabwe.
Previously, Trump banned entry from 12 countries, 7 of which are African.
The existing bans prevent people from these countries from permanently moving to the U.S. or obtaining tourist or student visas.
This aligns with Trump's campaign promises to limit immigration.
Nearly half of surveyed Africans have considered emigrating, mainly for better jobs.
From 2000 to 2019, the number of African immigrants in the U.S. increased by 246%.
African-born people now make up 42% of the U.S.'s foreign-born Black population.
Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate passed a tax and spending bill backed by President Donald Trump. The bill includes tax cuts, defense spending, and funding for immigration enforcement. It also involves reductions in government aid programs like Medicaid and food assistance to help balance costs.
Key Facts
The tax and spending bill is around 900 pages and includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.
The bill makes existing tax rates from Trump's first term permanent and introduces new tax deductions.
There is an increase in child tax credit, but not all families will receive the full amount.
Funding is allocated for defense and immigration, including the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
To help pay for the changes, the bill cuts Medicaid and food assistance programs.
New work requirements will be required for some who receive Medicaid and food aid.
The bill outlines funding for military projects and aims to increase security measures.
Passage involved a close vote, with the Senate requiring a tiebreaker cast by Vice President JD Vance.
World stock markets mostly fell on Friday, with European stocks dropping and mixed results in Asia. Despite this, U.S. stocks continued to rise, reaching record levels as President Trump's tariff decisions loomed.
Key Facts
European stock markets saw declines, including Germany's DAX dropping by 0.8% and France's CAC 40 falling by 1.1%.
Britain’s FTSE 100 index decreased by 0.4%.
U.S. stock futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones were both down by 0.5%.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index managed a slight 0.1% increase, while South Korea’s KOSPI index fell by 2%.
China's Shanghai Composite index gained 0.3%, but Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index lost 0.6%.
The U.S. job market showed strong results, pushing the S&P 500 to a new high for the fourth time in five days.
President Trump's proposed import taxes are on pause but may start soon unless new deals are made.
The price of U.S. crude oil fell to $66.55 per barrel, and Brent crude dropped to $68.27.
