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Flash floods in Texas killed dozens and left an unknown number of July Fourth visitors and campers missing, including many girls attending Camp Mystic. The devastation along the Guadalupe River, outside of San Antonio, has drawn a massive search effort as officials face questions over their preparedness and the speed of their initial actions. Here's what to know about the deadly flooding, the colossal weather system that drove it in and around Kerr County, Texas, and ongoing efforts to identify victims. Massive rain hit at just the wrong time, in a flood-prone place The floods grew to their worst at the midpoint of a long holiday weekend when many people were asleep. The Texas Hill Country in the central part of the state is naturally prone to flash flooding due to the dry dirt-packed areas where the soil lets rain skid along the surface of the landscape instead of soaking it up. Friday's flash floods started with a particularly bad storm that dropped most of its 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in the dark early morning hours. After a flood watch notice midday Thursday, the National Weather Service office issued an urgent warning around 4 a.m. that raised the potential of catastrophic damage and a severe threat to human life. By at least 5:20 a.m., some in the Kerrville City area say water levels were getting alarmingly high. The massive rain flowing down hills sent rushing water into the Guadalupe River, causing it to rise 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes. Death toll is expected to rise and the number of missing is uncertain At least 59 people in Kerr County, and eight elsewhere in central Texas were confirmed dead as of Sunday morning. In Kerr County, 38 of the victims dead were adults and 21 were children, including 16 girls recovered from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river. Eleven more girls were still unaccounted for. For past campers, the tragedy turned happy memories into grief. Beyond the Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, the number of missing from other nearby campgrounds and across the region had not been released. “We don’t even want to begin to estimate at this time,” Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said Saturday, citing the likely influx of visitors during the July Fourth holiday. Officials face scrutiny over flash flood warnings Survivors have described the floods as a “pitch black wall of death” and said they received no emergency warnings. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who lives along the Guadalupe River, said Saturday that “ nobody saw this coming.” Various officials have referred to it as a “100-year-flood,” meaning that the water levels were highly unlikely based on the historical record. And records behind those statistics don’t always account for human-caused climate change. Though it’s hard to connect specific storms to a warming planet so soon after they occur, meteorologists say that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture and allow severe storms to dump even more rain. Additionally, officials have come under scrutiny about why residents and youth summer camps along the river were not alerted sooner than 4 a.m. or told to evacuate. Officials noted that the public can grow weary from too many flooding alerts or forecasts that turn out to be minor. Kerr county officials said they had presented a proposal for a more robust flood warning system, similar to a tornado warning system, but that members of the public reeled at the cost. On Sunday, officials walked out of a news briefing after reporters asked them again about delays in alerts and evacuations. Monumental clearing and rebuilding effort The flash floods have erased campgrounds and torn homes from their foundations. "It’s going to be a long time before we’re ever able to clean it up, much less rebuild it," Kelly said Saturday after surveying the destruction from a helicopter. Other massive flooding events have driven residents and business owners to give up, including in areas struck last year by Hurricane Helene. AP photographers have captured the scale of the destruction, and one of Texas' largest rescue and recover efforts.

Rescue teams continued the desperate search for survivors across central Texas on Saturday, where catastrophic flash floods left at least 51 people dead, including 15 children, and 27 girls missing after a summer camp was overwhelmed by a wall of water. The disaster struck Kerr County early Friday, when the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes before dawn, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and entire camps. At least eight additional deaths were reported in nearby counties, with authorities warning the toll could rise. The missing girls were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the river, where most of the fatalities were recovered. Authorities have not yet confirmed the full number of people unaccounted for beyond those reported missing from the camp. Relentless rain continued to pound areas outside San Antonio on Saturday, with flash flood warnings and watches remaining in place. Search crews deployed helicopters, boats, and drones to locate survivors stranded in trees or isolated in flooded camps. Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed ongoing rescue efforts, declaring Sunday a day of prayer for the state. "I urge every Texan to join me in prayer — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” he said. Calls for Accountability Over Preparedness Questions have emerged over whether residents and campers received adequate warning, given the region’s long history of deadly floods. The Hill Country, dotted with century-old summer camps and riverside communities, was especially crowded for the July 4th holiday, complicating efforts to track the missing. Frantic search for missing campers underway after deadly Texas floods kill 24 “The camp was completely destroyed,” said 13-year-old Elinor Lester, one of hundreds of young campers at Camp Mystic. She described how a rope was tied across a bridge to help girls wade through rushing waters as helicopters airlifted people to safety. “It was really scary,” she said. Frantic families posted photos of missing loved ones online, including an 8-year-old girl from Alabama confirmed dead and the director of another nearby camp. Flash flood warnings were issued hours in advance by the National Weather Service and private forecaster AccuWeather, who said officials had enough time to evacuate at-risk areas like Camp Mystic. Some nearby camps, including Mo-Ranch Camp and Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, moved campers to higher ground after monitoring weather reports. Officials, however, insisted the intensity of the storm exceeded expectations. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes the devastated region, described the flood as a “once-in-a-century” event but acknowledged that questions over preparedness and accountability were inevitable. Rescue Efforts Face Harsh Conditions More than 850 people were rescued over the past 36 hours, with helicopters and drones searching every possible location, said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged full federal support, while Coast Guard aircraft assisted operations, even in darkness. A reunification center at an elementary school, which sheltered hundreds of evacuees, remained active, though progress finding the missing was limited. “We’ve had a little success, but not much,” said Ingram Independent School District Superintendent Bobby Templeton. Musk gets his Texas wish. SpaceX launch site is approved as the new city of Starbase Survivors Cling to Trees and Attics Residents described harrowing escapes. Erin Burgess clung to a tree with her teenage son as floodwaters engulfed her home, fearing for her boyfriend and dog, both later found alive. Barry Adelman and his family, including his 94-year-old grandmother, sought refuge in their attic as water filled their three-story house. “I was scared to death,” Adelman admitted. Locals know the area as "flash flood alley," where rain rushes down hills instead of soaking into the ground. Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is collecting donations, said, “It rushes down the hill.” Warnings and Missed Opportunities Officials had considered installing a flood warning system similar to tornado sirens about six years ago, but cost concerns shelved the plan, said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly. “We know the river rises, but nobody saw this coming,” Kelly added. Touring the devastated area by helicopter, Kelly described the heartbreak of seeing body bags and widespread destruction. "The rescue has gone as well as can be expected. It’s getting time now for recovery,” he said, warning that the process will be long and challenging. Source: Agency 

At least 24 people have died and dozens remain missing after devastating flash floods swept through Texas Hill Country, with an urgent search underway for more than 20 girls from a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. The disaster unfolded early Friday when nearly a foot of rain pounded the region, triggering sudden flooding that washed away homes, vehicles, and parts of the landscape. Authorities said hundreds have been rescued across Kerr County, including at least 167 airlifted by helicopter. Officials confirmed that between 23 and 25 of the missing are attendees of Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls. Families have flooded social media with pleas for information about their loved ones, as recovery teams continue their efforts. “The entire camp was wiped out,” said 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester. She described being awoken around 1:30 a.m. by the storm and later guided across a bridge, holding onto ropes for safety as water surged around them. The floodwaters rose rapidly, catching residents, officials, and campers off guard despite forecasts predicting heavy rain. Authorities admitted the storm's intensity far exceeded expectations, with rainfall totals equating to several months' worth in just hours. A river gauge near Hunt recorded the Guadalupe River rising 22 feet in just two hours before the gauge malfunctioned at 29.5 feet, according to meteorologist Bob Fogarty. "The water was moving so fast, people didn't realize the danger until it was too late," he said. At least 400 emergency responders, along with helicopters, drones, and specialized rescue teams, are scouring the flood-affected areas. Some people were rescued from treetops, officials said. Erin Burgess, a resident of Ingram, recounted how floodwaters invaded her home within minutes after 3:30 a.m. She and her son clung to a tree for nearly an hour before escaping. "My boyfriend and our dog were swept away, but thankfully, we found them," she said. Others were caught off guard by the disaster. Kerrville resident Matthew Stone said there were no emergency alerts before the floods hit. "We got no warnings, just a black wall of water," he recalled. At an emergency reunification center in Ingram, families anxiously waited for news. Some burst into tears as evacuees arrived, including a young girl from Camp Mystic sobbing in her mother's arms. Trump demands Fed's Chair Powell 'resign immediately' Many described terrifying escapes, including Barry Adelman, whose family — spanning four generations — took refuge in their attic as water levels climbed. "I had to tell my grandson everything would be okay, but I was terrified inside," Adelman said. Despite official statements defending preparations, some residents questioned why more proactive warnings were not issued. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged there is no countywide emergency warning system. "No one anticipated flooding of this scale," he insisted. The region, often called "flash flood alley," is notorious for such disasters due to the thin soil atop its hills, which causes rainwater to run off quickly, explained Austin Dickson, head of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The Guadalupe River, typically a scenic attraction drawing tourists and summer campers from across the U.S., turned deadly overnight. Centuries-old camps like Mystic are an integral part of the local economy and culture, now left reeling by the disaster. Efforts to locate the missing and assist survivors continue as the Hill Country grapples with one of the deadliest flood events in recent memory.

President Donald Trump signed his new package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law on Friday during a Fourth of July picnic at the White House, marking a major legislative victory he hopes will define his second-term legacy. The multitrillion-dollar legislation, which extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and imposes significant reductions to social programs, was signed in front of Republican lawmakers, Cabinet members, and supporters on the White House driveway. House Speaker Mike Johnson presented Trump with the gavel used during the bill’s final passage, which Trump banged down after signing the measure. The president had set the national holiday as his deadline for Congress to deliver the bill, which passed with near-unanimous Republican support. Fighter jets and stealth bombers flew overhead as part of the Independence Day celebrations. “America's winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump told the crowd, referring to last month's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear program. “Promises made, promises kept, and we've kept them.” The South Lawn was decorated in red, white, and blue, with music from the US Marine Band and pop hits from Chaka Khan and Huey Lewis adding Trump’s signature style to the festivities. Trump spoke for 22 minutes before signing the bill, highlighting what he described as a string of recent victories, including the Iran campaign and favorable US Supreme Court rulings. Later, Trump and First Lady Melania appeared on the Truman Balcony to watch fireworks, waving to the crowd as chants of “USA, USA” echoed across the lawn. They danced to “Y.M.C.A.” before departing for New Jersey. The legislation fulfills several of Trump’s key campaign pledges, including eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security income. Trump called it his “highest-profile win yet” and said, “Our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically.” However, the bill has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, labor leaders, and advocacy groups, who argue it benefits the wealthy at the expense of working families. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement, “Today, Donald Trump signed into law the worst job-killing bill in American history. It will rip health care from 17 million workers to pay for massive tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, amounting to the country’s largest money grab from the working class to the ultra-rich.” Trump demands Fed's Chair Powell 'resign immediately' The legislation slashes Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion and significantly increases immigration enforcement. The Congressional Budget Office projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the new law and estimates it will add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. The bill passed the House on Thursday with only two Republican defections and no Democratic support. In the Senate, it cleared by a single vote, with North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis announcing he would not seek re-election after opposing the bill. Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. The package reverses major policies from the Obama and Biden administrations, including the rollback of Medicaid expansion and the elimination of tax credits for renewable energy initiatives. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin described the bill as “devastating,” saying it “sealed the fate of the Republican Party, cementing them as the party for billionaires and special interests — not working families.” He predicted the GOP would lose its congressional majority, calling the bill “a full betrayal of the American people.” Trump, however, defended the legislation, saying Democrats oppose it because of their “hatred” for him or the country. “Their standard line is to say Republican legislation is dangerous or everybody's going to die,” Trump said. “We can't let them get away with it. It's actually just the opposite, everybody's going to live.” Trump warned supporters to dismiss Democratic criticism, saying, “If you see anything negative put out by Democrats, it's all a con job.” The bill is expected to be a major issue in next year’s midterm elections, with Democrats planning rallies, voter drives, and other campaigns to highlight the cuts to social programs. Although Trump claimed the package is “very popular,” recent polling suggests mixed public opinion. A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found support for elements like eliminating taxes on tips and increasing the child tax credit, but majorities opposed cutting food assistance and spending $45 billion on migrant detention centers.  Additionally, around 60% of respondents called the projected $3 trillion increase to the national debt “unacceptable.”

President Donald Trump has said he was unaware that the term “shylock,” which he used during a recent speech in Iowa, is considered antisemitic. Speaking to reporters early Friday after returning from the Iowa event, Trump said, “I’ve never heard it that way” and “never heard that” the term is seen as an offensive stereotype about Jews. The word “shylock” originates from the character of a Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, who is depicted as a villain demanding a pound of flesh from a debtor. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization working to combat antisemitism, condemned the use of the term. In a statement, the ADL said the word “evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump’s use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.” Trump is not the first political figure to face criticism over the use of the word. In 2014, Democrat Joe Biden, then serving as vice president, acknowledged making a “poor choice” of words after he used the term while speaking to a legal aid group. Although Trump’s administration has claimed that cracking down on antisemitism is a priority — including screening for antisemitic activity in immigration processes and criticizing Harvard University for allegedly tolerating antisemitism — Trump has previously faced accusations of promoting stereotypes about Jewish people. In 2015, while speaking to the Republican Jewish Coalition, Trump told the audience, “you want to control your politicians,” and suggested they use money to exert influence. Trump also drew widespread criticism before launching his 2024 presidential campaign for hosting a Holocaust-denying white nationalist at his Florida club. Trump demands Fed's Chair Powell 'resign immediately' Last year, he faced backlash for repeatedly suggesting that Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats are disloyal, citing Democratic leaders' criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics argued that Trump’s remarks reinforced antisemitic tropes about Jews having divided loyalties. During his Thursday night speech in Iowa, Trump used the controversial term while discussing the passage of his signature legislation. “No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people,” Trump said. When asked by a reporter about the antisemitic association of the term and his intention, Trump responded, “No, I’ve never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody that’s a money lender at high rates. I’ve never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. I’ve never heard that.” The Anti-Defamation League, in its statement, added, “Trump’s use of the word underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.”

A drive-by shooting in Chicago has left four people dead and 14 others hospitalized, with at least three in critical condition, police confirmed Thursday. The incident took place late Wednesday night in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, known for its busy nightlife, restaurants, and bars. According to reports, the shooting occurred outside a restaurant and lounge where an album release party for a rapper had been held. Police said someone opened fire on a crowd gathered outside, after which the vehicle sped away. No arrests have been made so far. “When I arrived last night it was absolute chaos — people screaming, blood on the streets, individuals lying on the ground,” said Chicago pastor Donovan Price, who provides support during community crises. He described the scene as the worst he has witnessed, with people desperately trying to locate their loved ones and belongings dropped in the panic. 2 dead and at least 3 injured in Las Vegas gym shooting, police say Preliminary police reports state that 13 women and five men, aged between 21 and 32, were shot. Among the deceased are two men and two women. The injured were taken to multiple hospitals. Nine victims, including the two women who died, were transported to Northwestern Hospital, while five others, including the two men who died, were taken to John H. Stroger Hospital. Footage showed distressed people gathered outside hospitals and a heavy police presence at the scene.  Source: Agency  

US President Donald Trump has demanded Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell "resign immediately." In a post on his social platform Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump linked to an article about comments from Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who called on Congress to investigate Powell over his alleged political bias and deception of the Senate. Paramount to pay $16m in settlement with Trump over '60 Minutes' interview According to Xinhua, Trump has previously threatened to remove Powell from his position before his term expires next year, repeatedly lambasting the Fed chair for not cutting interest rates.

The escalating war of words between billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump over tax breaks and government spending cuts has intensified, with Musk hinting at launching a new political party and Trump lashing out at the Tesla CEO over electric vehicle subsidies. The primary flashpoint in their clash is the President's sweeping tax and spending bill. Musk has sharply criticized the legislation, which Republican senators are currently scrambling to push through, warning that it would harm jobs and stifle emerging industries. Musk, who also heads SpaceX, took to X on Saturday, describing the bill as “political suicide for the Republican Party.” As the Senate endured a marathon overnight session stretching into Tuesday, Musk ramped up his rhetoric, pledging to campaign against lawmakers who back the legislation. “Every member of Congress who ran on cutting government spending and then turned around to vote for the biggest debt increase in U.S. history should hang their heads in shame,” Musk posted on X. “They will lose their primary next year if it’s the last thing I do on this Earth.” The post attracted significant attention, garnering 26 million views. Just hours later, Musk went a step further, declaring his intention to establish a new political movement if the bill becomes law. Trump orders review to toughen US policy on Cuba “If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be launched the next day,” Musk wrote. “Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so the people finally have a real VOICE.” His statement about forming the America Party quickly went viral, amassing 32 million views on X. Meanwhile, Trump, via his social platform Truth Social, directed his criticism at Musk’s reliance on electric vehicle mandates and subsidies. Trump emphasized that he has always opposed forcing people to adopt electric vehicles. “Elon probably receives more subsidies than any person in history by a huge margin, and without those subsidies, he’d likely have to pack up Tesla and head back to South Africa,” Trump wrote. The President further argued that eliminating such subsidies could lead to major national savings. “No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric vehicle production — our country could save a FORTUNE,” Trump added. “Maybe DOGE should take a long, hard look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!” Later, speaking to reporters from the White House lawn before departing for Florida, Trump suggested Musk’s aggressive stance stems from concerns over losing EV subsidies. “He’s very upset. You know, he could lose a lot more than that, I can tell you that right now,” Trump remarked. “Elon can lose a lot more than that.” Senate votes on amendments to Trump’s big bill ahead of July 4 deadline The President also issued a veiled warning to Musk, referencing the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which Musk once led. “DOGE could be the monster that turns around and eats Elon,” Trump warned.  

President Donald Trump has directed his top Cabinet officials to review current U.S. policy on Cuba and propose ways to strengthen sanctions within the next 30 days. In a memorandum issued Monday, Trump instructed officials to focus the review on Cuba’s treatment of dissidents, policies targeting opposition voices, and measures to curb financial transactions that “disproportionately benefit the Cuban government, military, intelligence, or security agencies at the expense of the Cuban people.” One significant proposal under consideration is to shut down all US tourism to the island and limit educational tours to groups that are organized and operated solely by American citizens. The move follows Trump’s repeated pledges to roll back the easing of sanctions and other penalties on Cuba introduced under former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. In his final days in office, Biden had lifted the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. According to a fact sheet, Trump’s memorandum “supports the economic embargo of Cuba and opposes calls in the United Nations and other international forums for its termination.” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez swiftly condemned the move, calling it an act of aggression. “The Presidential Memorandum vs #Cuba released today by the US government strengthens the aggression & economic blockade that punishes the whole Cuban people and is the main obstacle to our development,” Rodríguez wrote on X. “It’s a criminal behavior that violates the #HumanRights of an entire nation.” Trump halts trade talks with Canada over digital tax on tech firms The Trump administration has already imposed stricter travel restrictions on Cuba, placing the country among seven nations facing heightened limitations on visitors. It has also revoked temporary legal protections for about 300,000 Cubans, which had shielded them from deportation. Additionally, the administration has announced visa restrictions on Cuban and foreign officials involved in Cuba’s medical missions, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio has labeled “forced labor.” In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio accused the US of trying to discredit the medical missions and criticized the reversal of policies that previously welcomed Cuban migrants. Rubio, whose family emigrated from Cuba in the 1950s before Fidel Castro’s communist revolution, has long advocated for tough US sanctions on the island nation. Source: AP

The US Senate on Monday launched an intense push to finalize President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax breaks and spending cuts package, with Republicans facing internal divisions and protests ahead of Trump’s July 4 deadline to pass the bill. Dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the 940-page legislation has become the central priority for both the White House and Republican-controlled Congress, though many proposed amendments—mostly from Democrats—are expected to fail in what’s called a vote-a-rama session, as reported by AP. After a weekend of delays, senators gathered Monday for what is likely to be a marathon of votes and negotiations. Behind the scenes, lawmakers relaxed with card games, cigars, and pizza while waiting for progress on the bill, which includes significant tax breaks, spending cuts, and an increase to the debt ceiling by \$5 trillion. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there is still hope to wrap up votes by midnight, though late Monday that timeline was uncertain. “It’s time to vote,” Thune later declared on the Senate floor, pushing back against Democratic criticism that the package harms working families, noting similar welfare reforms were enacted under former President Bill Clinton. Musk, protests and political fallout Amid the legislative scramble, billionaire Elon Musk fiercely criticized Republicans for backing the bill, calling the GOP the “PORKY PIG PARTY!!” and pledging to help primary members who support it. Musk confirmed on X his support for Rep. Thomas Massie, who voted against the measure, even as Trump allies prepared a super PAC to target Massie in upcoming elections. Musk had previously donated \$250 million to Trump’s campaign but recently said he would spend “a lot less” on politics. Meanwhile, protests erupted at the Capitol. Police arrested 38 people from the group Repairers of the Breach, who were charged with crowding and obstructing. Some GOP senators remained cautious about criticizing Musk. “We should be thankful for the work that he did,” Sen. Jim Justice said, while acknowledging Musk’s “real ego.” Trump to visit new Florida immigration detention facility Democrats target GOP bill, Trump’s crypto interests Democrats introduced amendments to block tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and rural hospitals, though Republicans rejected most measures. Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski broke ranks on amendments to protect rural hospitals and food stamp programs. Another Democratic amendment aimed to ban Trump and his family from profiting off cryptocurrency ventures, but Republicans dismissed the proposal. GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis argued such measures would stifle innovation. Trump’s cabinet, immigration and foreign policy moves President Trump directed his cabinet to review US sanctions on Cuba, with a focus on tightening restrictions within 30 days, particularly on remittances and tourism. Trump also plans to visit a new migrant detention center in Florida’s Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Rep. Byron Donalds. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the facility is ready for operation and is effectively escape-proof due to the surrounding wetlands and wildlife. Separately, Trump signed off on a \$510 million arms sale to Israel, including 7,000 bomb guidance kits, reaffirming US support for Israeli defense. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House next week as part of ongoing talks about a ceasefire in Gaza. Further legal, economic and political developments The Trump administration is also facing legal battles over its use of the Alien Enemies Act against Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. The case is pending before the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and may reach the Supreme Court. In domestic policy, Trump is preparing to impose new tariff rates on several countries, including Japan, after the July 9 expiration of a tariff pause. The Senate is expected to continue the amendment process late into the night, with final votes on the bill possible before July 4, fulfilling Trump’s self-imposed deadline.