Good evening. Here’s the latest at the end of Monday.
Texas floods killed at least 95 peopleSearch-and-rescue teams combed through debris-ridden parts of central Texas today to find remaining survivors of Friday’s catastrophic flash floods. The death toll from the surging waters reached 95 this afternoon, including at least 27 campers and staff members from Camp Mystic, the all-girls Christian summer camp. Ten campers and one counselor remain missing. Several of my colleagues are on the ground in the region. Follow here for their updates. More than 850 people have been rescued by emergency responders. Many of the stories have been astonishing: A Coast Guard swimmer saved 165 people at the summer camp; a 22-year-old woman was rescued after being swept 20 miles downriver and clinging to a tree overnight; and a young girl was found after floating on a mattress for hours. But the mayor of Kerrville, Texas — one of the hardest hit areas — warned residents to expect a “rough week” as chances faded of finding anyone alive. Some of the attention has turned to the decision by local officials to reject the idea of building a flood warning system. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of Texas said flood-warning sirens along the Guadalupe River might have saved lives, and needed to be in place by next summer. Kerr County officials had considered installing them in the past but balked at the price tag. For more on the floods:
Trump revived his tariff threats against close U.S. alliesPresident Trump sent nearly identical letters to the leaders of Japan and South Korea, in which he threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on their exports to the U.S. unless the countries agreed to a trade deal before Aug. 1. The president also sent similar letters to smaller trading partners, threatening 40 percent tariffs on goods from Myanmar and Laos, 30 percent on South Africa’s exports and 25 percent for Malaysian items. Trump’s aides said that he would extend the timeline for dozens of other countries to agree to deals or face tariffs, moving back a deadline that was originally set for July 9. So far, the U.S. has reached only two preliminary trade deals, with Britain and Vietnam. Here’s a full list of the president’s tariff threats. In other Trump administration news:
Trump and Netanyahu are about to meet in WashingtonSoon after this newsletter hits your inbox, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to arrive at the White House for a dinner meeting with Trump. Here’s what’s at stake. For the Israeli leader, the occasion will serve as a kind of victory lap after the joint Israeli-U.S. assault last month on Iran’s nuclear facilities. For Trump, it could be another opportunity for him to push for a truce to end the fighting in Gaza. Our reporters in Jerusalem explained where the cease-fire negotiations stand now.
Medical societies sued Kennedy over new vaccine adviceSix leading medical organizations filed a lawsuit today against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services. The groups accused Kennedy of harming the public by ending the government’s recommendation that healthy children and pregnant women receive Covid vaccines. Kennedy’s decision, experts argued, broke with years of evidence showing that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness, miscarriage and stillbirth if they contract Covid. In related news, Kennedy has used peer pressure to persuade food makers to remove synthetic dyes. The candy industry is holding out. More top news
The world has changed. ‘The gang’ hasn’t.This week, when “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” returns for its 17th season, it will extend its lead as the longest-running live-action sitcom ever to appear on television. Second place isn’t even close. For our magazine, M.H. Miller looked back at what made a show about malignant narcissists so appealing 20 years ago, and what has kept viewers coming back after so much of the culture has changed.
Menopause misconceptions are everywhereThere are countless stereotypes about life during menopause: Inescapable hot flashes, hormonal chaos, sexless partnerships. They are deeply ingrained in society but are often inaccurate. Maggie Astor, a Times health reporter, talked to experts about the 10 menopause myths that bother them the most, such as the idea that women just need to tough it out.
Dinner table topics
Cook: This peaches and cream dish is simple and perfect for summer. Serve: Tired of Negronis? Try a Sharona. Watch: A new documentary explores the life of Jim Thorpe, the “first celebrity athlete.” Read: “Awakened” is one of this month’s best new horror novels. Plan: Here’s how to share a vacation house with friends and avoid a fallout. Rest: We asked experts for tips to help you get some sleep. Test yourse |
