Texas floods death toll climbs to more than 100
The death toll from flash floods that struck central Texas on Friday has now climbed to more than 100 people and an unknown number of others are missing, BBC reported.
Search and rescue teams are wading through mud-piled riverbanks as more rain and thunderstorms threaten the region, but hope was fading of finding any more survivors four days after the catastrophe.
Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls' summer camp, confirmed at least 27 girls and staff were among the dead. Ten girls and a camp counsellor are still missing.
The White House meanwhile rejected suggestions that budget cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS) could have inhibited the disaster response, according to BBC.
Russian minister sacked by Putin found dead
Russia's Investigative Committee says former Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit has been found dead, apparently with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, BBC reported.
He was dismissed earlier on Monday by President Vladimir Putin.
No reason for Starovoit's dismissal was given and deputy transport minister Andrei Nikitin was announced as his replacement shortly after.
The Investigative Committee said it was working to establish the circumstances of the incident, according to BBC.
Trump upbeat on Gaza ceasefire talks as he hosts Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump has said he thinks talks to end the war in Gaza have been "going along very well", as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington DC, BBC reported.
Trump also expressed confidence that Hamas was willing to end the 21-month conflict. "They want to meet and they want to have that ceasefire," he said in unexpected remarks to reporters at the White House.
The meeting came after the latest rounds of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar ended without a breakthrough, though negotiations were expected to continue this week, according to BBC.
Trump announces 25% tariffs on imports from Japan, South Korea
US President Donald Trump announced Monday that 25% tariffs will be imposed on imports from Japan and South Korea starting August 1.
In letters posted on Truth Social and addressed to the leaders of both nations, Trump stated that the tariffs are designed to address trade imbalances and will be distinct from existing sector-specific tariffs. He warned that any retaliatory actions will be countered with equivalent US tariff increases, Xinhua reported.
Trump stated that companies from Japan or South Korea may avoid the tariffs by shifting manufacturing to the United States, offering expedited clearances for such moves.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that an executive order will extend the current pause on reciprocal tariffs until August 1. She added that similar notices would be sent to around a dozen other countries, according to Xinhua.
