Texas Flood Tragedy: Community in Shock
At least 82 people have tragically died in central Texas due to severe flash floods last week, with the county reporting 68 fatalities, including 28 children, primarily from youth camps along the Guadalupe River. The disaster unfolded rapidly after nearly 12 inches of rain fell in a short period. Local officials now face difficult questions about the lack of evacuation warnings for those most affected. Many residents are still grappling with the devastation.
Witness Accounts from the Ground
NPR’s Greg Allen spoke to locals in Kerrville, who described horrific scenes of cars in trees and debris scattered everywhere. Wendy Barker, a resident of Hunt, expressed her frustration, stating that despite hearing the rain overnight, she received no emergency alerts on her phone. The National Weather Service issued warnings about potential flooding, but many feel they were left in the dark about the immediacy of the threat.
Recovery Efforts Underway
As the community begins recovery, photos and videos of the flood’s impact are circulating, revealing the widespread destruction. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and officials promise that inquiries into the lack of timely warnings will follow.
Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Meanwhile, in international news, President Trump is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hoping to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza. This meeting comes after both countries joined forces to address nuclear threats from Iran. Mediation efforts are taking place in Qatar, with both Israeli and Hamas delegations reportedly on different floors of the same hotel, indicating intense negotiations.
Economic Impacts of Tariff Changes
On the economic front, the White House has announced that new tariffs set to take effect soon have caused significant reactions in the stock market. In April, a 10% tariff was imposed on nearly all items imported into the U.S., leading to some market instability. Unfortunately, while the administration hopes for swift negotiations to stabilize trade relations, an increase in tariffs is possible for those nations that don’t comply.
Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later Trends
In financial news, FICO plans to factor in buy-now, pay-later loans in evaluating credit scores. These loans, popular among younger consumers, allow for payments to be spread over time. A recent FICO study showed that while this could help credit scores for many, misuse, such as missed payments, can negatively impact them significantly. About 85% of consumers in the study experienced minimal changes, within a 10-point range.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
In health and wellness, continuous glucose monitors are gaining traction even among those without diabetes. This FDA-approved tech helps individuals track their blood sugar in real-time, revealing patterns that may lead to fatigue or overeating. To stabilize blood sugar, experts suggest increasing protein and fiber intake, spreading carb consumption throughout the day, and changing the order of food consumed during meals.
Global Developments
In other news, North Korea has recently opened a significant resort on its eastern coast, an ambitious project that includes around 400 buildings, aimed at attracting more tourism. Meanwhile, in Australia, a jury found Erin Patterson guilty of murder after three guests died from consuming toxic mushrooms during a dinner at her home.
As we navigate through these events, the resilience of communities in facing crises becomes even more evident, and ongoing discussions about health, economics, and international diplomacy remain crucial.
For more detailed insights on the ongoing recovery efforts and the latest economic changes, you can follow trusted news sources like NPR.