Overview

• At least 120 people have died and more than 160 remain missing after July 4 flash floods along the Guadalupe River, with recovery and search operations ongoing in Kerr County.
• New Department of Homeland Security rules requiring Secretary Noem’s approval for FEMA expenses over $100,000 delayed search-and-rescue deployment by 72 hours, according to agency officials.
• Kerr County and the city of Kerrville rejected plans for a flood-alert system due to cost concerns and bureaucratic disagreements, leaving no local early warning sirens.
• Critics blame Secretary Noem’s calls to abolish FEMA and President Trump’s budget cuts to the National Weather Service and NOAA for weakening disaster preparedness.
• President Trump and First Lady Melania are visiting the flood zone today, spotlighting federal aid delays and raising questions about the government’s role in climate-driven extreme weather.