This Morning’s Top Headlines – July 8 | Morning News NOW

Natural Disasters & Emergency Response - Texas is facing an unprecedented flood event with water levels reaching up to 30 feet in some areas, leading to over 100 reported deaths and dozens still missing [1][6][7] - The lack of siren systems in flash flood alley is under scrutiny, with state leaders advocating for change and increased funding for outdoor warning sirens [2][3][15] - Communities are rallying to provide support, with federal and state agencies, faith-based organizations, and volunteers from across the country offering aid to those affected [2][9][10] - Questions are being raised about why communities were not told to evacuate sooner, highlighting a need for earlier detection and improved alert systems [12][14][17] Weather & Climate - A flash flood warning remains in effect for parts of central Texas through Thursday, with the potential for more rain [3] - Millions are at risk for severe weather with temperatures soaring into the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37 degrees Celsius), and the heat index potentially reaching as high as 108 Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) in some areas [19] - 47 million Americans are under flood watches, with heavy downpours expected to lead to flash flooding in areas from New York City to Raleigh and Charlotte [24][25] International Affairs & Politics - Discussions are ongoing regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, with potential for a short-term agreement involving the release of hostages [29][30] - The plan to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza is facing widespread rejection, with concerns raised about ethnic cleansing [33][34] - The US position on a two-state solution remains, but disagreements persist regarding the future governance of Gaza [39][41] Financial Markets & Trade - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 400 points, approximately 1%, marking the worst day for the stock market since mid-June, after President Trump threatened trading partners with new tariffs [44][45][47] - President Trump announced several countries will face steep tariffs starting August 1st, later signing an executive order delaying Wednesday's deadline for countries to renegotiate tariff levels to August 1st [45][46] - The US dollar stumbled through June, declining 11% making it the worst first half of the year for the dollar since 1973 [53] Healthcare & Legal - Medical organizations are suing Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and the Department of Health and Human Services over recent COVID-19 vaccine changes, arguing that the administration is undermining vaccine confidence [56][57] - The lawsuit argues that the administration's policy of recommending that pregnant women and healthy children should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine poses an imminent threat to public health [57]