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Top News Highlights
In response to the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, Texas, President Trump is scheduled to visit today. The disaster has tragically claimed the lives of at least 120 individuals, with over 170 still missing. During his visit, Trump plans to engage with first responders, receive reports from local officials, and participate in a discussion to address the crisis. Additionally, he will meet with families directly impacted by the flash floods.
Vehicles sit submerged as a search and rescue worker looks through debris from the early July flash flooding in Hunt, Texas.
Jim Vondruska/Getty Images
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Jim Vondruska/Getty Images
- 🎧 NPR’s Frank Morris reports that many flood victims are preoccupied with more immediate concerns than Trump’s visit. Nonetheless, Andi Fell, a local resident, expressed gratitude for the support from Trump, various organizations, and the governor. “I feel like, from what I see, just being here, they’ve done an excellent job with response and help,” Fell said. There are, however, some complaints, which Morris notes are not uncommon after disasters.
- ➡️ Flash floods can occur with little warning, posing significant danger. Safety tips from experts are available to help you stay safe.
- ➡️ Texas is considering the installation of more flood warning sirens. Learn about the potential challenges and their intended function.
An employee at the Department of Government Efficiency accessed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s payment system. This system manages billions of dollars, including government payments and loans for farmers and ranchers, a demographic considered a key part of Trump’s base. John Wick, the employee, has the ability to view and modify the system’s contents.
- 🎧 Jenna McLaughlin of NPR reports that a USDA insider informed her about Wick’s access to the Farm Service Agency system. This system functions like a bank within the USDA, providing loans for disaster relief. Wick can access all personal and financial data, modify entries, and cancel loans. A memo had previously announced a review of a significant portion of farmer loans by the Department of Government Efficiency. Zach Ducheneaux, a South Dakota rancher, expressed concerns about the uncertainty and potential disruption to farming caused by inexperienced oversight, possibly affecting small farms.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has declared his willingness to impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. This comes as a reaction to Trump’s threat to enact a 50% tax on Brazilian imports, effective August 1. Trump communicated this via a social media letter, criticizing the legal proceedings against Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly attempting to overturn election results in 2022. Trump has called for the case to be dropped, describing Bolsonaro as “a highly respected leader throughout the world.”
In-Depth Analysis
U.S. children born through the end of 2028 will be eligible for “Trump Accounts” that are seeded by $1,000 in federal funds. The money will then grow until the year the kids turn 18 — and families can add up to $5,000 each year.
Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images
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Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images
In a notable initiative, the U.S. government is launching a program to provide $1,000 “Trump Accounts” for children born in the U.S. This initiative, stemming from President Trump’s legislative agenda, aims to create funds that will mature as the children reach adulthood. These accounts, funded by federal investments, are intended to accrue value over time, further supplemented by annual contributions from families. Here is a detailed look at the program:
- 👶 Children eligible for these accounts must be born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, and are required to be U.S. citizens with a Social Security number.
- 👶 Contributions up to $5,000 annually can be made by families, relatives, or even employers, with specific rules governing employer contributions.
- 👶 The funds must be placed in eligible investments such as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds mimicking indexes like the S&P 500.
- 👶 Assuming the initial $1,000 government contribution and no additional contributions, the account could yield just under $4,000 after 18 years at an 8% return rate. With maximum contributions, the account could appreciate to over $190,000.
Weekend Recommendations
SOPHIE
Courtesy of MSMSMSM
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Courtesy of MSMSMSM
Here’s what NPR is exploring this weekend:
🍿 Movies: The latest Superman film takes flight in theaters today. A MartĂnez of Morning Edition spoke with James Gunn, the creative mind behind DC Comics’ cinematic reimagining, about his vision for the movie.
đź“ş TV: Netflix’s new rom-com series Too Much follows a woman in her 30s as she relocates to London after a breakup, navigating her way through a high-stakes Christmas ad campaign and a complicated romantic entanglement.
đź“š Books: This week’s new book selections include a Gary Shteyngart novel, a nonfiction account of a shipwreck, and a memoir by a wrongfully incarcerated man released after 28 years in prison.
🎵 Music: Celebrating a decade since SOPHIE’s debut album, PRODUCT, World Cafe curated a playlist of proto-hyperpop tracks for your enjoyment.
🎮 Gaming: On the hunt for a summer video game? Industry experts share their top picks from indie developers with Morning Edition.
âť“ Quiz: I managed to get just one question right. Can you achieve a perfect score? Plus, the Life Kit guide offers tips for avoiding mosquito bites.
Essentials Before You Head Out
The Italian candy company Ferrero plans to buy the American cereal maker Kellogg for $3.1 billion, the companies announced Thursday. The deal would unite the makers of household brands including Nutella and Frosted Flakes.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images (left photo) and Justin Sullivan/Getty Images (right photo)
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Brandon Bell/Getty Images (left photo) and Justin Sullivan/Getty Images (right photo)
- Italian confectionery leader Ferrero has announced its acquisition of American cereal producer Kellogg in a $3.1 billion agreement.
- TikTok users and researchers have identified a new form of deception: deepfake videos that mimic real creators with altered voices. Learn more about this phenomenon.
- Elon Musk recently prevailed in a dispute with neighbors in Texas, as the West Lake Hills City Council approved his fencing and gates, provided they comply with local ordinances. (via KUT News)
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
