logo
ENFRع
#

Latest news with #GovAbbott

The Latest: Trump lands in Texas to survey flood damage
The Latest: Trump lands in Texas to survey flood damage

The Independent

time12-07-2025

  • Politics
  • The Independent

The Latest: Trump lands in Texas to survey flood damage

President Donald Trump has landed in Texas for a firsthand look at the devastation caused by catastrophic flooding that has killed at least 120 people, which the administration has characterized as a once-in-a-lifetime event. While the administration isn't backing away from its pledges to shutter the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return disaster response to the states as part of Trump's push to slash federal services, it has lessened its focus on the topic since the July 4 disaster, underscoring how tragedy can complicate political calculations. Ahead of his Texas visit, Trump approved a request from Gov. Abbott to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County, making eight additional counties eligible for financial assistance for recovery efforts. The president is expected to do an aerial tour of some of the hard-hit areas, a relatively common practice that allows presidents to visit disaster sites and hopefully ease logistical burdens for authorities on the ground. The White House also says he'll visit the state emergency operations center to meet with first responders and relatives of flood victims. Trump will also get a briefing from officials. Here's the latest: Judge orders halt to indiscriminate immigration stops in Los Angeles and six other counties Immigrant advocacy groups filed the lawsuit last week accusing Trump's administration of systematically targeting brown-skinned people in Southern California during its ongoing immigration crackdown. The plaintiffs include three detained immigrants and two U.S. citizens, one who was held despite showing agents his identification. The filing in U.S. District Court asked a judge to block the administration from using what they call unconstitutional tactics in immigration raids. Immigrant advocates accuse immigration officials of detaining someone based on their race, carrying out warrantless arrests and denying detainees access to legal counsel at a holding facility in downtown LA. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said in an email that 'any claims that individuals have been 'targeted' by law enforcement because of their skin color are disgusting and categorically FALSE.' ▶ Read more about the ruling Another Friday night purge for US Institute of Peace The institute's 300 employees began receiving notices Friday that they were being let go. It marked the second time the staff has been terminated as part of the Department of Government Efficiency-led cost cutting of the federal workforce. Nearly all the staff had received termination emails in what several called the 'Friday night massacre' March 28, two weeks after the administration fired USIP's existing leadership and installed its own. Federal District Judge Beryl A. Howell reversed those firings, as well as DOGE's takeover of the organization's headquarters. But a three-judge appeals court panel stayed the ruling in late June, saying the Trump administration's appeal would likely succeed on the merits. Although their terminations had been reversed, few employees had returned to work yet as those that did ran into the complexities of restarting operations after weeks of inactivity. Trump slams 'thugs' and 'slimeballs' assaulting ICE agents The president says he's ordered Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House border czar Tom Homan to direct Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to use 'whatever means is necessary' to arrest protesters who assault them in the future. Trump on social media said he had viewed footage of protesters 'throwing rocks and bricks' at ICE agents. The president's comments came the day after a tense confrontation between protesters and federal officials carrying out a raid at a Southern California cannabis farm. Four U.S. citizens were arrested for assaulting or resisting officers during the raid, federal immigration authorities said Friday. Authorities were also offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of one person suspected of firing a gun at federal agents during the incident. Senator who worked at State Department protests 'shameful' firings Sen. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, was among the dozens of protesters outside the State Department on Friday afternoon as staff walked off the job for the last time. 'I came out today to show solidarity with people who deserve better than how they've been treated,' Kim told The Associated Press in a phone interview. Kim, who worked as a civilian adviser at State in Afghanistan during the Obama administration, said it's shocking to watch what's happening in the building he 'aspired to be in' so many years ago. 'I was so proud of the work that I did and the public servants that I worked alongside,' he said. 'And it's just heartbreaking to stand outside these doors right now and see people coming out in tears, because all they wanted to do was serve this country.' Detainees report unsanitary conditions, inadequate medical care inside 'Alligator Alcatraz' Worms in the food. Toilets that don't flush. Days without a shower or prescription medicine. Those are only a few of the litany of poor living conditions described by people being held at a new immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. Attorneys, advocates, detainees and families are speaking out about the makeshift migrant detention center — dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz' by officials — that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration raced to build on an isolated airstrip surrounded by swampland. The center began accepting detainees on July 2. Government officials have adamantly disputed the described conditions, but have provided few details and denied access to the media. Trump and his allies have praised this detention center's harshness and remoteness as a national model for the deterrence needed to persuade immigrants to 'self-deport' from the United States. ▶ Read more about how lawyers and detainees have described 'Alligator Alcatraz' Trump administration sues California over egg prices The Trump administration is suing the state of California to block animal welfare laws that it says unconstitutionally helped send egg prices soaring. But a group that spearheaded the requirements pushed back, blaming bird flu for the hit to consumers' pocketbooks. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California on Wednesday, challenges voter-approved regulations that all eggs sold in California come from cage-free hens. The Trump administration says the law imposes burdensome red tape on egg production and products across the country because of the state's outsize role in the national economy. Egg prices soared last year and earlier this year due in large part to bird flu, but prices have recently come down sharply. While the Trump administration claims credit for that, seasonal factors are also important. Avian influenza, which is spread by wild birds, tends to spike during the spring and fall migrations and drop in summer. ▶ Read more about the Trump administration's lawsuit Trump suggests reporter is 'evil' for asking about warnings going out in time A reporter asked the president what he'd say to those who questioned whether the warnings went out in time and whether lives could be saved. Trump first responded by saying that he thought 'everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances,' and that he admired the response. But then he criticized the reporter who posed the question, saying 'only a bad person would ask a question like that' and 'only a very evil person would ask a question like that.' Trump then took a question from a conservative outlet, Real America's Voice, who thanked the president and other representatives for their response. 'Well, that's a nice reporter. That's a nice question,' Trump said. Retired civil servants, ambassadors among those protesting firings outside State As more than 1,300 State Department employees received notices about their positions being abolished Friday, dozens of their former colleagues and even one former ambassador stood outside the Washington office to protest their dismissal. Robert Blake, who served as a U.S. ambassador under Bush and Obama administrations, said he came out to support his peers at a very 'unjust time' for foreign and civil servants. 'I have a lot of friends who served very loyally and with distinction and who are being fired for nothing to do with their performance,' Blake said. He added, 'I want to tell them there is life after the State Department but this is still a sad day.' Tom Countryman, who was organizing the rally outside State, told AP he knows all too well how his former colleagues feel Friday as he was among those fired from the State Department during Trump's first term in office. The only difference, he said, is that he was ready to retire in 2017. 'For people in the middle of their career, who still have the passion and the energy to serve this country, to be suddenly told they're no longer needed, is much more traumatic.' Melania Trump expresses her 'deepest sympathy' The first lady gave rare public remarks alongside the president. She said she received a special bracelet from the girls summer camp that was devastated in the deadly flooding. 'We are here to honor them,' she said. Melania also promised to return to support the camp. Trump takes stock of who is at his event in Texas As he often does, the president acknowledged public officials, running down a list of lawmakers and others. Among those present was Attorney General Ken Paxton, the controversial Republican who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn in next year's primary. 'Ken's around here someplace. Hi Ken,' Trump said. Paxton's wife, a state senator, announced Thursday that she was filing for divorce. The president also noted someone else in the audience. 'There's Dr. Phil,' Trump said. 'You're looking good Phil. This is a hell of a situation, isn't it, huh?' Trump says 'it's hard to believe the devastation' in Texas After touring flooded areas, the president began his remarks in Kerrville by expressing astonishment at the scale of the disaster. 'I've never seen anything like it,' he said. 'A little narrow river that becomes a monster.' Trump talked about the loss of life from the flooding, saying 'dozens and dozens of precious children taken from us.' Trump orders reversal of Chinese firm's 2020 purchase of US tech firm Trump ordered a reversal of China-based Suirui Group's February 2020 purchase of U.S. based Jupiter Systems, an audio visual equipment company. The company has 120 days to divest from Jupiter Systems, unless the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, also known as CFIUS, grants Suirui an extension. A Federal Register notice dated July 8 states that the deal risks U.S. national security. Suirui, a cloud communications supplier, must divest from Jupiter within 120 days, unless the company gets an extension by CFIUS. Representatives from Treasury, Jupiter Systems and the Chinese Embassy did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment on whether the firms have requested an extension of the 120 divestment period. A Treasury statement related to the divestment action states that the CFIUS process 'focuses exclusively on identifying and addressing national security concerns arising from a covered transaction on a case-by-case basis.' Trump tours flood-devastated Central Texas Near a firetruck parked next to uprooted trees, the first couple and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott could be seen peering at a map and received a briefing from emergency response officials. The president, in a suit and tie, donned a white USA ballcap against the heat. First lady Melania Trump was dressed down, in a khaki jacket, olive pants and Converse sneakers, as well as her own, dark ballcap. Later, the Trumps posed for pictures with police officers and officials wearing hardhats. State Department staffer says they were cut while already on administrative leave Jessica Bradley Rushing, who worked at the State Department office tasked with Afghan relocation efforts, told The Associated Press she was shocked Friday when she received a dismissal notice from the agency. Rushing had already signed a deferred resignation agreement with State in March that put her on administrative leave until end of September. She said in a phone interview with AP that she spent the entire morning getting updates from her colleagues still at State's Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) 'who were watching sort of this carnage take place within the office.' 'I never even anticipated that I could be at risk for that because I'm already on administrative leave and then I happened to open my email and see that I also got the 'RIF' notice,' Rushing said. Foreign service union blasts State Department cuts as 'untethered from merit or mission' The American Foreign Service Association, the union that represents U.S. diplomats, said it opposes the Trump administration's decision to cut 18% of its workforce Friday 'at a moment of great global instability.' 'In less than six months, the U.S. has shed at least 20 percent of its diplomatic workforce through shuttering of institutions and forced resignations,' the organization said in a statement. 'Losing more diplomatic expertise at this critical global moment is a catastrophic blow to our national interests. The group added that if the administration had issues with excess staffing, there were 'clear, institutional mechanisms' that could have resolved that issued. 'Instead, these layoffs are untethered from merit or mission. They target diplomats not for how they've served or the skills they have, but for where they happen to be assigned. That is not reform,' the statement continued. Trumps get ready to see flood damage by air Trump was wearing a suit without a tie as he boarded Marine One in Texas and prepared to do an aerial tour of the flooding devastation. Melania Trump was dressed down, wearing a khaki jacket, olive pants and Converse sneakers, as well as a ball cap. Trump lands in Texas Air Force One has touched down in San Antonio and will be traveling to Kerrville. Kerr County commissioner calls Trump's visit to the flooded communities a good thing 'He's here to pledge his federal support like he already has with FEMA. That's important as a leader to be where the point of friction is. That's what a leader does.' Jeff Holt said. Holt is also a member of the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department. If Trump asks him what they need for the future, Holt said he will tell the president '(phone) towers, then maybe a little better early warning system.' Holt noted the early warning system is a topic for the state Legislature in a special session that starts July 23. Secular group wants to stop settlement between IRS and church group in Johnson Amendment case Americans United for Separation of Church and State on Thursday filed documents to intervene in the settlement between the IRS and the National Religious Broadcasters. Earlier this week, the IRS and church groups submitted a joint filing in Texas federal court, agreeing the IRS wouldn't enforce the rarely used IRS rule, called the Johnson Amendment, against the plaintiffs. The Johnson Amendment is a 1954 amendment to the U.S. tax code that prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Americans United is requesting intervenor status in the case and is asking the court to reject the proposal because it would grant favor and privilege to religious organizations and treat them differently than secular nonprofits, violating the separation of church and state. 'The Trump administration's radical reinterpretation of the Johnson Amendment is a flagrant, self-serving attack on church-state separation that threatens our democracy by favoring houses of worship over other nonprofits and inserting them into partisan politics,' said AU President and CEO Rachel Laser. Democrats on House Oversight Committee seek documents, communications on Texas flooding response The lawmakers say they're requesting the information to better understand the federal response and prevent such disasters from happening again. The letters were spearheaded by the Oversight Committee's recently elected ranking member, Rep. Robert Garcia of California, as well as Reps. Greg Casar and Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who also sit on the committee. The group also says reported changes to agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is housed in the Department of Homeland Security, may have contributed to a lack of preparedness. 'We are deeply concerned not only that Secretary Noem may have effectively crippled the agency's ability to respond to this crisis, but also that she failed to personally act to ensure a timely response,' reads a letter sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Democrats also inquired about alleged failures in early warning systems across impacted areas in two separate letters to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Commerce Department's inspector general. White House invites Cornyn, Cruz and Hunt on Air Force One The lawmakers flying with the president en route to Kerrville, Texas, on Friday include the state's two senators and a House member who represents a district far from the flood damage site. On the presidential aircraft are Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as Rep. Wesley Hunt, who hails from a Houston-area district. Houston is about 250 miles east of Kerrville. Hunt, notably, is considering a run in the Texas Senate GOP primary against Cornyn, who's up for reelection next year. The House lawmaker who represents Kerrville is Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican. US is selling weapons to NATO allies to give to Ukraine, Trump says It comes as Ukraine struggles to fend off a recent escalation in Russia's drone and missile attacks. 'We're sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%,' Trump said in an interview with NBC late Thursday. 'So what we're doing is, the weapons that are going out are going to NATO, and then NATO is going to be giving those weapons (to Ukraine), and NATO is paying for those weapons.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that some of the U.S.-made weapons Ukraine is seeking are deployed with NATO allies in Europe. Those weapons could be transferred to Ukraine, with European countries buying replacements from the U.S., he said. 'It's a lot faster to move something, for example, from Germany to Ukraine than it is to order it from a (U.S.) factory and get it there,' Rubio told reporters during a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ▶ Read more about the war in Ukraine Trump backs Brazil's Bolsonaro Brazil's former leader, Jair Bolsonaro, is facing a criminal trial for trying to overturn his election defeat. Trump said earlier this week that Brazil should drop the case or face tariffs on its imports into the U.S. 'I know the honest ones, and I know the crooked ones,' Trump told reporters at the White House as he defended Bolsonaro. Trump added that 'he loved the people of Brazil.' Brazil's Lula says he has no reason to call Trump over tariff hike Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says he'll only call his American counterpart, President Trump, when they have a reason to speak. Trump promised Wednesday to hike import taxes of the South American nation by 50% on Aug. 1. 'I sent a letter congratulating Trump for his victory. I don't have to speak to Trump, there's no reason. I thought I would meet Trump at the G7 meeting, but he had already left when we arrived. Whenever I need to speak to Trump, I have no problem calling him. As I have called (Bill) Clinton, (George W. Bush), (Barack) Obama and (Joe) Biden,' Lula said in an interview to TV Globo that aired Thursday night. 'Two presidents do not call each other to tell jokes. He could have called Brazil to speak about the measure he was going to take, but he didn't send any letter. He published it on his website, a total disrespect,' the Brazilian leader added. Trump says 'you'll be seeing things happen' on Russia The president acknowledged a strike on a Ukrainian hospital. He's expressed increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and he's promised a 'major statement' on Monday. Trump leaves the White House to visit Texas flood disaster The president told reporters 'it's a horrible thing' what happened in Texas with the recent deadly floods. He's heading to Kerrville, where the rising Guadalupe River killed at least 120 people. 'Nobody can even believe it,' he said. 'That much water, that fast.' Trump extends major disaster declaration to more Texas counties Ahead of his visit to flood-ravaged Central Texas, President Trump on Thursday approved a request from Gov. Abbott to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County to eight additional counties, making them eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild. 'I thank President Trump and his Administration for their swift and continued support,' Abbott said in statement Thursday. 'Texas will continue to deploy all available resources and support to help those impacted until the job is done.' More counties could be added to the disaster declaration as further information from the damage assessments becomes available, according to FEMA. Vought says administration 'on the verge' of fulfilling promises to defund NPR and PBS The White House budget chief said Republicans have been talking for years about eliminating federal money for public media, and now they have a chance to do exactly that. Congress is slated to vote on recissions, which would claw back $9 billion in funding. 'It's important that we finally take that opportunity to and not fall back on the tired old excuses,' Vought said. He plans to be on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to answer questions from lawmakers and he's confident the legislation will pass. Should the Fed stay independent? Vought won't say After his interview with CNBC, Vought spoke to reporters at the White House. He declined to say whether the Fed should continue to operate independently as it sets monetary policy, saying 'I think the question is immaterial.' He pivoted to criticizing the Fed's headquarters overhaul. 'I know you guys want to make it more of a metaphysical question,' Vought said, but insisted 'this is about the extent to which this building, this renovation project, is horrifying from a cost perspective.' Trump administration keeps pressure on the Federal Reserve Russell Vought, Trump's top budget adviser, bobbed and weaved through an interview with CNBC as the White House ratchets up the pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower rates. Vought said Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, who Trump wants to replace, has 'mismanaged the institution' and 'has been late at every turn' when it comes to setting monetary policy. CNBC's Joe Kernen asked if it was really the right time to lower interest rates, as the president has demanded. If the economy is as strong as Trump says, 'that's usually not a time where you need interest rate cuts.' Vought said inflation isn't a problem and 'we want to see the benefits of a growing economy flow to all Americans,' such as with cheaper mortgages. CNBC's Melissa Lee pressed Vought on whether the administration's concerns about the high cost of renovating the Fed's headquarters was part of a pressure campaign to achieve lower rates. 'This is about the extent to which this building is incredibly expensive and overrun,' Vought said. Trump's schedule, according to the White House Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to visit parts of Texas devastated by flooding before retiring to the Trump Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. 9:30 a.m. — Trump and the first lady will depart Washington for Kerrville, Texas 2:10 p.m. — Following their noon arrival, they will meet with first responders and local authorities 3:15 p.m. — The president and first lady will depart for Bedminster, New Jersey Trump to host the Philippine president this month to discuss trade and security in Asia President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s will visit the United States from July 20 to 22 but Philippine officials were still finalizing details of his meeting with Trump with the U.S. State Department, the Philippine government said. The allies have boosted mutual defense engagements, including large-scale combat exercises in the Philippines, to strengthen deterrence against China's increasingly aggressive actions in the region. Among the proposed topics for discussion is strengthening 'peace through deterrence,' Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez told The Associated Press by telephone. That echoed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 's remarks about the U.S. military's plan to ratchet up deterrence against China's increasingly assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea by intensifying security engagements with the Philippines and allied nations in the region. ▶ Read more about the Philippine president's planned visit The State Department is firing more than 1,300 employees The firings Friday are in line with a dramatic reorganization plan unveiled by the Trump administration earlier this year. The department is sending layoff notices to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the United States, said a senior State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters ahead of individual notices being emailed to affected employees. Foreign service officers affected will be placed immediately on administrative leave for 120 days, after which they'll formally lose their jobs, according to an internal notice obtained by The Associated Press. For most affected civil servants, the separation period is 60 days, it said. President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and their Republican allies have lauded the move as overdue and necessary to make the department leaner and more efficient. But the cuts have been roundly criticized by current and former diplomats who say they'll weaken U.S. influence and its ability to counter existing and emerging threats abroad. — Matthew Lee

At Least 173 People Remain Missing After Texas Floods
At Least 173 People Remain Missing After Texas Floods

New York Times

time09-07-2025

  • Politics
  • New York Times

At Least 173 People Remain Missing After Texas Floods

Search crews spread through the Texas Hill County on Wednesday morning with a grim mission, seeking signs of the scores of people missing from devastating floods that struck the region nearly a week ago, killing at least 111. Gov. Greg Abbott revealed late Tuesday that at least 173 people remained missing — the first time state officials have identified just how widespread the human toll might eventually be. Those unaccounted for include 161 people in Kerr County, where the worst of the flooding occurred and where searchers have not found any survivors since Friday. It's unclear how the list of the missing was assembled, and state officials did not answer inquiries about it on Tuesday night. Even so, the figure cited by the governor, which far outstripped the number of missing people that local officials had previously acknowledged, suggested that the death toll could more than double. 'The primary job right now continues to be locating everybody who was affected by this flood,' Mr. Abbott said at a news conference, later adding: 'We will not stop until we identify, recover every single body.' The death toll included at least 30 children, making the floods among the deadliest U.S. disasters for children in several decades. The young victims include many from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, where 27 campers and staff members were killed. The bodies of five campers and a 19-year-old counselor had not yet been recovered as of Tuesday evening. As the extent of the floods' devastation became clearer, Republican officials have continued to deflect responsibility for the disaster, while questions have grown about the role of federal forecaster vacancies and a lack of state and local spending on flood control and warning systems. Asked about investigations into who bore responsibility, Mr. Abbott called that the 'word choice of losers' and compared disaster response to football: 'The losing teams are the ones that try to point out who's to blame,' he said, while champions respond, 'We got this.' At least 87 of the people who died in the floods were in Kerr County. Seven died in Travis County, eight in Kendall County, five in Burnet County, three in Williamson County and one in Tom Green County. Those lost include a beloved teacher, child and adult campers, camp directors and a counselor.

BLOG: Search efforts continue in Central Texas after 'catastrophic' flash flooding
BLOG: Search efforts continue in Central Texas after 'catastrophic' flash flooding

Yahoo

time08-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Yahoo

BLOG: Search efforts continue in Central Texas after 'catastrophic' flash flooding

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Search and rescue efforts continue Sunday after destructive flash flooding in Central Texas. At least 82 people are confirmed dead in the state, and dozens others are still missing. Here are the top headlines: At least 82 flood-related deaths have been confirmed across Texas after 'catastrophic' flash flooding: 68 in Kerr County, six in Travis County, three in Burnet County, two in Kendall County, two in Williamson County and one in Tom Green County. Six deaths have been confirmed and 11-13 people are missing in Travis County, according to County Judge Andy Brown. Three deaths have also been confirmed in Burnet County. Crews there are currently searching for five others, including Marble Falls Area VFD Chief Michael Phillips, who was swept away in flood waters. Two deaths have been confirmed in Williamson County and one person remains missing there. More than 100 people have been displaced in the county. At least 68 people are confirmed dead in Kerr County, including 28 children. Another 11 people are still missing. Families have identified some of the victims from Camp Mystic. A boil water notice has been issued for some neighborhoods in Georgetown due to a water main break. A watercraft ban is in effect on all City of Austin waterways until noon Monday, including Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin. More than 100 low water crossings remain closed across the area, including FM 1431 near Lago Vista, where the road was partially washed out. Gov. Abbott called the damage 'nothing more than extraordinary devastation.' He said crews will be 'relentless in going after every single person that has been a victim in this event,' adding that operations are continuing day and night. Why were flash floods across Central Texas so catastrophic? Read Meteorologist Freddy Vela's weather blog post. Saturday's live blog: Updates as Flash Flood Emergencies continued. 7:30 p.m.: A second death has been confirmed in Williamson County, and one person remains missing there. County officials identified one of the victims at Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, from the Liberty Hill area. 6:27 p.m.: Another death has now been confirmed in Travis County, bringing the total to six. At least 81 deaths have now been reported statewide. 6:04 p.m.: Photos from KXAN's Sam Stark show the extent of the damage on FM 1431 at Cow Creek, west of Lago Vista: 5:30 p.m.: The Flood Watch for most of the area has been extended until 10 p.m. 5:28 p.m.: Here's the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team: 5:25 p.m.: The Texas Military Department says more than 520 people have been successfully rescued from flooding across the state. UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were used in 361 air evacuations, while 159 ground rescues were reported. 5:20 p.m.: KXAN's Brianna Hollis reports live from Kerr County: 4:39 p.m.: The Flash Flood Warning in northwestern Lampasas County has been canceled. 4:19 p.m.: Here's the full press conference with Kerr County leaders: 4:04 p.m.: Here's the full press conference with state leaders, including Gov. Abbott: 4:01 p.m.: A new Flash Flood Warning has been issued for central Kerr County until 7:30 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is 'considerable.' 3:53 p.m.: Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said, 'There will be a full review of this so we can make sure we focus on future preparedness,' when asked about sirens and alerts. 3:52 p.m.: Kerr County Sheriff Leitha said 'all campers are out and safe.' 3:49 p.m.: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said H-E-B is setting up a mobile kitchen in Ingram. Kerrville has also set up a partnership with the local Salvation Army. 3:48 p.m.: 'Our entire focus is on the search and reunification efforts for those that remain unaccounted for,' Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said. 'Nothing is more important than bringing comfort and clarity to those that are grieving.' 3:45 p.m.: The death toll in Kerr County has increased to 68, including 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Ten Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. Crews are still trying to identify some of the victims, including 18 adults and 10 children. 3:43 p.m.: Here's a look at where Flash Flood Warnings are currently in effect: 3:30 p.m.: A fifth weather-related death has been confirmed in Travis County. Judge Andy Brown told KXAN's Grace Reader the death was a car crash on Old San Antonio Road in southern Travis County that was 'weather-related.' The four other previously-reported deaths were flood-related. 3:22 p.m.: 'We need to evaluate what [the camps] know, how they respond, what they need,' Gov. Abbott said in response to a question from KXAN's Kelly Wiley about the lack of sirens at camps along the Guadalupe River. Abbott also said disaster response will be something addressed in an upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature. 3:17 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for southwestern Gillespie and eastern Kerr counties until 6:30 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is 'considerable.' 3:11 p.m.: Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said crews are evacuating parts of the river in Kerr County because there are 'unconfirmed reports' of a 'wall of water' moving down the river after additional rainfall. DPS personnel are in aircraft trying to locate the wall of water. 3:09 p.m.: More than 350,000 acre feet of water have been added to the Highland Lakes, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. 3:08 p.m.: The Flash Flood Warning in northwestern Lampasas County has been extended until 4:45 p.m. 3:05 p.m.: Federal agents from the DEA, FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are currently embedded with search crews in Kerr County, Martin said. 3:04 p.m.: Victim Services personnel are in Kerr County working with families, but also with search crews, Texas DPS Director Freeman Martin said. 3:03 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for eastern Burnet, northwestern Travis and western Williamson counties until 6 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is 'considerable.' 3:03 p.m.: About 230 Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are currently assigned to Kerr County, according to Freeman Martin, director of Texas DPS. Among those are 18 tactical marine units with boats. 2:57 p.m.: Gov. Abbott said several governors have reached out to his office to offer support, including the governors of Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. 2:55 p.m.: Gov. Abbott said crews are starting to work on the debris removal process. 2:53 p.m.: Gov. Abbott said at least 41 people are currently missing across Texas. 'We will maintain our ongoing search throughout the entire river system to find anyone who may be missing,' Abbott said. 2:38 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for northwestern San Saba County until 5:45 p.m. The National Weather Service says the damage threat is 'considerable.' 2:30 p.m.: KXAN has created an interactive map showing where deaths have been confirmed across Texas. 2:06 p.m.: The Lower Colorado River Authority is reminding people to stay off the Highland Lakes over the next few days because of flood debris, fast-moving currents and potentially-high bacteria levels. Lake Buchanan has risen more than 7′ and is expected to rise another 5-6′. Lake Travis has risen more than 18′ and is expected to rise another 2-3′ No floodgate operations are underway at this time, but the LCRA said that could change later in the day. 1:55 p.m.: Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz also released statements: 'The Kerrville community has endured unimaginable devastation, and I thank President Trump for swiftly approving this disaster declaration to ensure every available resource is being utilized in rescue and recovery efforts. Being a Texan doesn't just describe where you're from, it describes who your family is, and even in the darkest times, Texans come together to serve one another in a powerful way. As a lifelong Texan and a father of two, my heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, and I encourage all Texans and Americans to pray for our state and for the safe return of those who are still missing,' Cornyn said. 'The flooding we are seeing in Central Texas is absolutely devastating. Heidi and I send our heartfelt condolences to all those who have been directly impacted by this natural disaster. We thank President Trump for quickly approving Governor Abbott's disaster declaration, and Secretary Noem for being on the ground and sending additional personnel to support Texans. We urge everyone to heed the warnings from local officials and stay out of harm's way. We are immensely grateful to the first responders—both in Texas and from across the country—who are risking their own safety to rescue those in need. As Texans, we must remain united in spirit and grit, and support our neighbors as we always do best,' Cruz said. 1:36 p.m. Gov. Abbott released a statement after President Trump earlier approved a disaster declaration: 'President Trump stands strong with Texas in our time of need, and I thank him for swiftly approving Texas' disaster declaration request. This federal support will ensure local officials, emergency management personnel and first responders have the critical resources they need to help Texans rebuild and recover from these devastating floods. Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss. We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward.' 1:05 p.m.: Five people remain missing in Burnet County, Chief Deputy Alan Trevino with the Burnet County Sheriff's Office said. Four of those are in the Marble Falls area, while one is in the Hamilton Creek area in Burnet. Marble Falls Area VFD Chief Michael Phillips remains missing at this time. Three deaths have been confirmed in the county. Trevino identified one of them as Preston Prince, whose car washed off the road at SH 281 and Park Road 4. His vehicle was later recovered about 100 yards from the road. Officials have not released the identities of the other victims. A total of 63 people were rescued across the county, some from trees and rooftops. Crews used helicopters and boats in rescue operations. The county is now moving into a recovery phase. 12:59 p.m.: UFCU says all Greater Austin area branches will accept flood-related relief supplies Monday. The following items are most needed: Food and water: non-perishable food items, including canned goods, energy bars and dried fruit. First Aid & Hygiene: first-aid kits, medications, hand sanitizer, soap, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene items. Baby Supplies: baby food, formula, bottles, diapers and wipes. Pet Supplies: food water, bowls, leashes. Clothing & Bedding: clean socks, underwear and changes of clothes. Lighting & Communications: flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radios. Cleaning Supplies: mops, rags, buckets, cleaning solutions and garbage bags. Other: manual can openers, face masks and plastic tarps. 12:51 p.m.: Former President George W. Bush released a statement on the flooding: 'On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know. We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.' 12:31 p.m.: Families have identified some of the victims of the flood at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. Austinite Michael McCown posted on Instagram that his daughter, Linnie, did not survive the flood at Mystic Camp. The family of camper Lila Bonner also confirmed to KXAN that she was among those killed in the flooding. 12:20 p.m.: This map shows where flood-related fatalities have been confirmed in Texas: 12:07 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for northwestern Lampasas County until 3:15 p.m. 12:05 p.m.: Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. to provide the latest information on the state's response to the flooding. 11:57 a.m.: An additional death has been confirmed in Kendall County, bringing the statewide total to at least 71. 11:54 a.m.: President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration in Texas in response to the flooding. The action makes federal funding available to affected people in Kerr County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loss. Claims can be filed by registering online at calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA app. 11:39 a.m.: Here's the full press conference from Williamson County officials: 11:34 a.m.: KXAN's Grace Reader spoke with a woman who was swept away in the floods in Leander with her daughter and dad. The three clung to a tree for about two hours before being rescued. 11:28 a.m.: Burnet County crews found the body of a missing person from the Park Road 4 and US 281 area. Three people have been killed in the county, with six others still missing. 'There are no more search operations in that area,' the sheriff's office said. 11:27 a.m.: Here's the full press conference from Kerr County officials: 11:25 a.m.: Here's the full press conference from Travis County officials: 11:20 a.m.: Austin Wildlife Rescue told KXAN's Kevin Baskar they received about 50 animals. 'While wildlife is adapted to handle life out in the wild, unprecedented or unusual weather impacts our native wildlife very much,' Executive Director Jules Maron said. 'Right now is baby season for many of our wild neighbors. Wildlife that makes their nests on the ground or in dens is heavily impacted by storms.' Maron said they have received baby skunks, rabbits, a killdeer and a blue jay, as well as a baby fox that was found washed out of a storm drain. X-rays confirmed the fox had a fractured femur, which will require orthopedic surgery last week. 11:15 a.m.: Here are the highest 72-hour rainfall totals in each county as of 9 a.m., from the National Weather Service: Bastrop County: 4.51″ in Rocky Hill Blanco County: 6.85″ about 4 miles south of Spicewood Burnet County: 20.92″ about 8 miles south-southwest of Bertram Caldwell County: 4.77″ about 4.3 miles east-northeast of Lockhart Fayette County: 3.97″ about 5.6 miles south of Smithville Gillespie County: 7.28″ about 8.6 miles southeast of Harper Hays County: 5.99″ in Dripping Springs Lee County: 2.84″ about 3 miles west-southwest of Giddings Llano County: 9.62″ about 14 miles west-northwest of Llano Travis County: 18.5″ about 14 miles east-southeast of Marble Falls Williamson County: 20.55″ in Liberty Hill 11:09 a.m.: Judge Snell said 29 roads remain closed across Williamson County at this time. 11:06 a.m.: One death has been confirmed in Williamson County, Deputies found a body trapped under a partially-submerged vehicle near County Road 284, Sheriff Lindemann said. 11:04 a.m.: Williamson County Sheriff Matt Lindemann said the county had sent water rescue crews to Kerr County, but had to recall them due to flash flooding in Williamson County. 11:02 a.m.: Williamson County Judge Steven Snell said two people are still missing in their county. Ten rescues on Saturday helped save 27 people from rising floodwater. 11:00 a.m.: The Texas Division of Emergency Management is asking anyone with damage to please report it on their website: 10:58 a.m.: Judge Andy Brown said about 50 people were rescued overall, including by boat. 10:53 a.m.: Travis County Judge Andy Brown said 11-13 people possibly remain missing in the county, but the number is unconfirmed. 10:51 a.m.: Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said 25 people were rescued during the flooding in Travis County, four of which were taken to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. ATCEMS deployed two boat teams and others assets around the county, as well as sending some assets to Kerr County and Burnet County to help there. 10:47 a.m.: Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez said the county's 911 call center experienced a surge in calls early Saturday morning. By 1 a.m., TCSO had received 49 flood-related calls. That spiked to 112 by 3 a.m. 10:45 a.m.: Photos from KXAN's Grace Reader show the extent of damage in Leander. 10:36 a.m.: Travis County experienced 'an extremely deadly and destructive flood event' over the past 48 hours, County Judge Andy Brown said. 10:18 a.m.: Kerr County officials have set up a phone line for volunteers and those wanting to make donations: 830-465-4794. 10:12 a.m.: Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirms 59 people have been killed in the county, including 21 children. Eleven Camp Mystic campers and one camp counselor remain unaccounted for. 10:00 am.: As of now, there are still 128 low water crossings closed across Central Texas, according to 9:30 a.m.: Burnet County Sheriff's Office says there are seven people still missing in the county, including Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips. Three people are confirmed dead in Burnet County. 8:32 a.m.: KXAN's Grace Reader said Travis County Fire Rescue would focus on the Sandy Creek area and would be 'primarily looking for human remains.' As of the latest update, the death count in Travis County remains at four. 8:24 a.m.: ATXfloods: River Hills Road near Cuernavaca Drive in west Austin has been reopened. 8:00 a.m.: KXAN's Dylan McKim and Barrett Tryon reported live from scenes in Central Texas to provide details about flood impacts and responses. Use the video player below to listen. 7:41 a.m.: Williamson County Office of Emergency Management: A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday night for Williamson County. 6:25 a.m.: 5:47 a.m.: Burnet County Captain Mike Sorenson: 'We now have three confirmed dead and no word on the fire chief yet. We are resuming the search today for the chief. The army will assist in search and recovery today.' 5:07 a.m.: NWS: 'Isolated showers continue across portions of the Hill Country & U.S. 90 corridor west of San Antonio. Moderate to brief heavy rainfall is occurring with some of these showers. Isolated showers will continue through the morning hours across this region. A Flood Watch is in effect.' 2:40 a.m.: NWS: 'Isolated showers are developing across portions of the Hill Country. Moderate to brief heavy rainfall is occurring with some of these showers. Shower activity may increase through the remainder of the overnight hours across this region. A Flood Watch is in effect.' 1:36 a.m.: NWS: 'Showers are re-developing southeast of Fredericksburg and are producing moderate rainfall of 1/2 to 1 inch. This activity is drifting slowly southwest.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store