Hook News Brief | 07.07.25
78 dead, 41 missing in Texas floods; Officials warn more storms are expected
At least 78 people have been confirmed dead in central Texas and another 41 are still missing following flash floods on Friday.
68 of the fatalities, including 28 children, occurred in Kerr County. Officials say the death toll is certain to rise and have warned more storms are expected in the next 24-48 hours in the region.
“Tariffs go into effect August 1st”: US Commerce Secy
Shifting focus, the US is close to finalising several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9.
Though Howard Lutnick, US Commerce Secretary reiterated that the tariffs will go into effect August 1st.
Trump criticises Musk’s ‘America’ political party as "ridiculous"
Moving on, Trump has criticised former BFF and billionaire Elon Musk’s plans to form a new political party as "ridiculous". Trump added that “starting a third party just adds to confusion.”
Musk had announced on Saturday that he is establishing the "America Party" in response to Trump's tax-cut and spending bill, which Musk said would bankrupt the country.
Ceasefire talks end without a breakthrough; IDF slays top Hamas leader
Shifting focus to the latest from the Middle East - the latest round of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have ended without a breakthrough.
A BBC report states the session lasted for nearly three and a half hours, taking place in two separate buildings in Doha and was facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
According to Reuters, the Israeli delegation was not "sufficiently authorised" to reach an agreement with Hamas because it had "no real powers".
Talks are expected to resume on Monday even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to Washington to meet US President Trump.
Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces declared they killed the commander of Hamas' naval force - Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh - in northern Gaza in the strike on the popular al-Baqa seaside cafe which also saw dozens of civilians killed.
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