Reuters World News: Texas Floods, Trump-Musk Rivalry, Netanyahu's Washington Visit, and Ukraine Landmines

Devastating Texas Floods

• 🚨 Search and rescue teams are working around the clock in central Texas following devastating flash floods.
• 💔 Dozens have died, including at least 28 children, with campers and counselors still missing from Camp Mystic.
• 🇺🇸 FEMA has been activated and deployed resources after President Trump issued a major disaster declaration.
• 🔍 Officials will scrutinize the circumstances of the flooding and the adequacy of warning systems once the immediate crisis is managed.

Elon Musk's 'America Party' and Trump's Reaction

• 🚀 Elon Musk announced plans to start a third party, the "America Party," aiming to disrupt the 2026 midterms.
• 🗣️ President Trump dismissed Musk's initiative as "ridiculous," stating third parties have never worked.
• 💰 Musk claims his move is a response to Trump's tax cut and spending bill, which he believes will bankrupt the US.

Netanyahu's Washington Visit and Gaza Ceasefire Talks

• 🇮🇱 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, expressing confidence that talks with President Trump will advance a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal.
• 🤝 Trump has predicted an agreement could be reached this week, with Hamas responding positively to proposals.
• ⚖️ Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from both the public, who largely support a ceasefire, and hard-right coalition members pushing for the war's complete objectives.
• 🌍 There is anticipation for a potential expansion of the Abraham Accords during Netanyahu's visit, including normalization with countries where Israel does not currently have diplomatic relations.

Ukraine Withdraws from Landmine Treaty

• 🇺🇦 Ukraine has withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines.
• 📈 Military analysts suggest this move could slow Russia's advance into Ukraine.
• ⚠️ The US has already provided anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, and this withdrawal should make it easier for Ukraine to purchase and manufacture them.
• 💔 A Ukrainian serviceman, Alexi, who lost his leg to a landmine, supports the decision, feeling Ukraine should not fight with limitations while Russia disregards conventions.
• 🚫 Russia is not a signatory to the convention and has been widely documented using anti-personnel mines throughout the war.

Other News

• 🍄 Erin Patterson was convicted in Australia for murdering three relatives with poisonous mushrooms and attempting to murder a fourth.
• 🌍 The BRICS group is meeting in Brazil, with Trump threatening additional tariffs on countries aligning with its "anti-American policies."