In Brief

Nine kids among 27 dead in Texas floods

Austin: As many as 27 people, including nine children, have been confirmed dead after flash floods in central Texas, authorities said on Saturday, as rescuers continued a frantic search for survivors including dozens still missing from a girls’ summer camp.

3 mayors arrested in southern Turkiye

Istanbul: The mayors of three major cities — Adiyaman, Zeydan and Antalya — in southern Turkiye were arrested on Saturday, joining a growing list of opposition figures detained since the mayor of Istanbul was imprisoned in March.

EU to stockpile critical minerals

Brussels: The European Union plans to stockpile critical minerals as a precaution against potential supply disruptions due to geopolitical tension, the Financial Times reported, citing a draft by the European Commission. 

Pope acts against abuse by clergy

Vatican City: Pope Leo on Saturday appointed a French archbishop as the new leader of the Vatican's commission on clergy sexual abuse, in the pontiff’s first public move to confront the issue. Thibault Verny, 59, will be president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.