Fears grow over death toll surge as 119 reported killed in Texas floods

Six firefighters were hurt—though thankfully not seriously—while battling a blaze in Jersey City that caused part of a three-story building to collapse. The injuries were minor, but the incident highlights the risks first responders face every day.

Editor’s Note: Fires like this are a stark reminder of how quickly routine calls can turn dangerous for firefighters. While no lives were lost, the partial collapse adds another layer of risk, and it’s a relief the injuries weren’t worse. For locals, it’s also a wake-up call about building safety in their community.

Senate Republicans are butting heads over a White House proposal to slash $9.4 billion from programs like USAID and public broadcasting. Some GOP lawmakers are pushing back, signaling potential roadblocks ahead as leadership scrambles to tweak the spending cuts package.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another budget squabble—it’s a test of Republican unity. If the party can’t agree on these cuts, it could weaken Trump’s leverage on spending and hint at bigger fractures within the GOP. Plus, programs on the chopping block (like public broadcasting) have vocal defenders, so this fight could spill into public view fast.

A group of volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse is on the ground in Texas, helping residents clean up after devastating floods wrecked their homes. Along with practical aid like supplies and labor, they’re also offering spiritual support, sharing messages of faith in Jesus. It’s a mix of hands-on recovery work and emotional uplift for those who’ve lost so much.

Editor’s Note: When natural disasters strike, the immediate focus is often on physical needs—shelter, food, repairs. But this story highlights how some groups address the less visible toll, blending material aid with personal comfort. For communities reeling from loss, that combination can be a lifeline. It’s also a reminder of how faith-based organizations play a key role in crisis response, whether or not you share their beliefs.

A federal judge has ruled that ex-Chicago alderman Carrie Austin, who was charged with bribery in 2021 for allegedly accepting home upgrades from contractors angling for city favors, isn’t mentally or physically capable of standing trial.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another corruption case—it’s a stark reminder of how deep-rooted Chicago’s pay-to-play culture can be. Austin’s unfitness for trial leaves unresolved questions about accountability, especially when powerful figures may evade consequences due to health issues. For a city already skeptical of its leaders, it’s another blow to public trust.

The UN is sounding the alarm about a potential crisis in global HIV programs if the U.S. doesn’t step up to replace critical funding. Without it, we could see over four million AIDS-related deaths and six million new HIV infections by the end of the decade.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s about lives. The U.S. has been a major funder of HIV prevention and treatment worldwide, and if that money dries up, progress made over decades could unravel fast. For millions relying on these programs, it’s a matter of survival.