Latest news with #TexasStrong
USA Today
17-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
‘Texas strong': Rockets, Spurs, Mavs team up to support flood relief efforts
In a showing of unity, the Mavericks, Rockets, and San Spurs are teaming up to support those affected by recent flooding in Central Texas. All proceeds from T-shirt sales will benefit relief efforts. In a showing of unity, the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs are teaming up to support those affected by the recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country. A limited-edition 'Texas Strong' T-shirt is being worn by all three teams during warmups at the NBA's ongoing 2025 summer league in Las Vegas. The idea, according to the teams and the league, is to symbolize 'the strength, solidarity, and compassion shown across the Lone Star State.' The design features a bold 'Texas Strong' script set within a rope outline of the state — a heartfelt nod to Camp Mystic's iconic logo — to emphasize Texas pride and resilience. Below, the team logos of the Mavs, Rockets, and Spurs stand united, with a heart at the state's center to represent hope and healing. According to the league, 100% of proceeds will benefit the Texas Sport for Healing Fund, which is providing critical support to Central Texas communities recovering from the floods. The shirt can be purchased from More: Rockets join NBA entities in donating over $2 million to Texas flood relief efforts
15-07-2025
- Sport
Texas softball team from flood-stricken Kerrville honored at Oklahoma City tournament
A youth softball team from Kerrville, Texas, demonstrated remarkable determination by competing in a national tournament just days after their hometown was devastated by catastrophic flooding. David Muir, 'World News Tonight' anchor and managing editor, shares how the Texas Voodoo girls softball team made the seven-hour journey to Oklahoma City for the USA National Gold tournament, despite their community being one of the hardest hit by the July 4 floods that claimed at least 132 lives and left 101 people missing. "We were determined to go because even through all the hardships we still wanted to represent the hill county community," said first baseman Macy Cobb. For right fielder Bailey King, the tournament provided a brief break from the tragedy back home. "It helped take our minds off the devastation floods happening in our hometown," she explained. The devastating floods, which began early on Independence Day, hit Kerr County particularly hard, with officials reporting at least 106 deaths, including 36 children. Despite the unprecedented tragedy, the team united in their decision to compete. "Even with all the heartbreak and devastation, we wanted to show that we could do it," said shortstop Caydence Barbo. The team's journey caught the attention of USA Softball of Texas, which honored them with special "Kerrville Strong, Texas Strong" shirts. The organization praised the team's "incredible determination and perseverance," noting that their "grit and heart reflect the true spirit of Texas softball." Though the team faced close losses in their games - 3-1 and 3-2 - their presence at the tournament represented more than just athletic competition. "Our community has come together and we have been supported in so many ways," said Kylie Traub, who plays pitcher and second base. Catcher and utility player Callie Phillips captured the team's spirit of resilience: "Even though we have suffered an immeasurable amount of pain and tragedy, we will stay strong and rise above all of this." The tournament, held at Devon Park - a venue that hosts the Women's College World Series and will soon host Olympic events - provided these young athletes with a memorable experience during an incredibly challenging time for their community. The team took to social media and noted that the support from both Oklahoma City and their hometown has been "nothing short of amazing," as their community continues the difficult process of recovery and healing.
Business Upturn
12-07-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Dr. Anosh Ahmed Foundation Announces Aid for Texas Flood Victims Through America First Foundation
Chicago, IL, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to the recent floods impacting communities across Texas, Dr. Anosh Ahmed, physician and founder of the Anosh Supports America First Foundation, has announced a relief initiative aimed at assisting affected families. The initiative will include direct financial assistance, support for grieving families, and home reconstruction efforts for uninsured residents Standing with Texas As rising waters displace thousands across the state, Dr. Anosh Ahmed has activated his foundation's emergency response team to work with local authorities and communities hardest hit by the disaster. His support will focus on: Direct financial assistance to families who have lost loved ones to families who have lost loved ones Shelter and essential supplies for displaced residents for displaced residents Home rebuilding assistance for uninsured families for uninsured families Collaboration with churches, community organizations, and first responders to ensure effective outreach 'When Americans suffer, we don't wait — we act,' said Dr. Anosh Ahmed. 'This is not just about recovery. It's about restoring dignity and security for our fellow citizens.' America First in Action Founded earlier this year, the Anosh Supports America First Foundation was created to uphold and support the pillars of American strength — the military, law enforcement including members of Department of Justice and ex-FBI agents and their families, first responders, and patriotic communities. Dr. Anosh Ahmed's latest move expands that mission into disaster relief, reinforcing his belief that helping those in need is one of the most American acts of all. 'Being a proud Republican and believer in America First means stepping up when our people need help — not just with words, but with real action,' he added. Rebuilding Lives, Not Just Structures Dr. Anosh Ahmed's Texas relief plan includes long-term support beyond the initial recovery. His foundation will: Fund home reconstruction for uninsured families Provide mental health and grief counseling resources Support first responders and veterans affected by the disaster Launch community rebuilding initiatives focused on resilience and preparedness A special 'Texas Strong: America First Gala' will be hosted by the foundation in Dallas to raise additional funds and awareness. Supporting Those Who Serve Dr. Ahmed emphasized that veterans, police officers, and military families will be given priority in the foundation's housing and aid programs. His long-standing appreciation for America's protectors is at the heart of every initiative he undertakes. 'Our heroes in uniform deserve more than just our thanks—they deserve action. This relief effort will ensure they are not left behind,' Dr. Anosh Ahmed stated. About Dr. Anosh Ahmed Dr. Anosh Ahmed is a physician, entrepreneur, and Republican philanthropist dedicated to the principles of service, patriotism, and community. Through his Anosh Supports America First Foundation , he works to uplift those who serve and strengthen American communities in times of need. #anoshAhmed #dranoshahmed #anoshahmedMD #dranoshahmedchicago #anoshahmedofficial #anoshIncfoundation #anoshahmedleadership #anoshahmedbook Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
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Business Standard
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Trump visits Texas flood area, defends officials amid questions on response
President Donald Trump on Friday toured the devastation from catastrophic flooding in Texas and lauded state and local officials, even amid mounting criticism that they may have failed to warn residents quickly enough that a deadly wall of water was coming their way. Trump has repeatedly promised to do away with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of his larger pledges to dramatically shrink the size of government, and he's fond of decrying officials in Democrat-run states hit by past natural disasters and tragedy. But the president struck a far more somber and sympathetic tone while visiting America's largest Republican state highlighting the heartbreak of what happened while effusively praising elected officials and first responders alike. The search for the missing continues. The people that are doing it are unbelievable, Trump, seated with officials around a table with emblazoned with a black-and-white Texas Strong banner, said at a makeshift emergency operations center inside an expo hall in Kerrville. He later added, You couldn't get better people, and they're doing the job like I don't think anybody else could, frankly." Since the July 4 disaster, which killed at least 120 people and left more than 170 missing, the president has been conspicuously silent on his past promises to shutter FEMA and return disaster response to the states. Instead, he's focused on the once-in-a-lifetime nature of what occurred in central Texas' Hill Country and its human toll. We just visited with incredible families. They've been devastated, the president said of a closed-door meeting he and first lady Melania Trump had with the relatives of some of those killed or missing. Trump's shift in focus underscores how tragedy can complicate political calculations, even though he has made slashing the federal workforce a centerpiece of his administration's opening months. He spent a lot of time Friday discussing the victims from Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp where at least 27 people were killed. They were there because they loved God. And, as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven, Trump said. The first lady described meeting beautiful young ladies from the area who she said gave her a special bracelet from the camp in honor of all the little girls that lost their lives. "We are here to honor them, she said, promising to return to support the camp in the future. Before arriving for his tour, Trump approved Texas' request to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County to eight additional counties, making them eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild. All across the country Americans' hearts are shattered. I had to be here as president," he said. "All the beautiful souls, and we're filled with grief and devastation. This, the loss of life. And unfortunately, they're still looking. Trump also tried to steer away from partisanship, even saying at one point, I don't want to say politics while still bragging about reducing the cost of eggs around the country. He also still insisted his administration is doing everything it can to help Texas and we've got some good people running FEMA. That is nonetheless a far cry from his call mere weeks ago to begin phasing out FEMA. At the White House, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, similarly dodged questions Friday about FEMA's future. He said that the agency has billions of dollars in reserves to continue to pay for necessary expenses and that the president has promised Texas, Anything it needs, it will get. We also want FEMA to be reformed, Vought said. The president is going to continue to be asking tough questions of all of us agencies, no different than any other opportunity to have better government. On the ground in devastated communities, meanwhile, some state and local officials have faced questions about how well they were prepared and how quickly they acted including if warning systems might have given more people time to evacuate. Asked about such concerns during his appearance at the operations center in Kerrville, Trump called a reporter evil and said he thought everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances. I admire you, and I consider you heroes, Trump said of the officials around him. He also praised a long list of Texas Republicans and had especially kind words for Rep. Chip Roy, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas. A staunch conservative, Roy initially opposed Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending package but ultimately supported it. He's not easy, but he's good, Trump said of Roy. The congressman, for his part, bristled at questions about authorities' flood response, calling the question about inadequate flood warnings ridiculous." The visit began with Air Force One landing in San Antonio and Trump deplaning in a suit while the first lady wore more casual clothing though both wore ball caps against the heat. The Trumps then boarded a helicopter to Kerrville and saw the flooding aftermath from the air, before meeting with victims' families and first responders. Roads in the center of town were shut down, and people lined the streets, some wearing Trump hats and T-shirts and waving American flags. Green ribbons recognizing the lives lost at Camp Mystic were tied around trees, poles and along bridges, and marquees featured slogans such as Hill Country Strong and Thank you first responders. Trump won Kerr County with 77 per cent of the vote last year. Harris Currie, a rancher from Utopia, Texas, near Kerrville, said the flood devastation can be fully understood only by seeing it first-hand. Pictures do not do it justice, Currie said. Asked what officials on the ground needed most urgently from federal sources, Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt, who also is a volunteer firefighter, stressed the need for repairs to nonworking phone towers and maybe a little better early warning system. Trump himself has suggested that a warning system should be established, though few details have been offered on what that might eventually entail. Friday's visit was far different from the other times the first couple visited natural disaster sites, during Trump's first weekend back in the White House in January. They toured North Carolina to scope out damage from Hurricane Helene and saw the aftermath of wildfires in Los Angeles, and the president sharply criticized the administration of his predecessor, President Joe Biden, and officials from deep-blue California. We'll be helping you from Washington, D.C., like no other president would," Trump said Friday. The state of Texas, No. 1 they do it right and they've done it right for a long time. And it's a very special place to me.
