In the early hours of Independence Day, rain pelted sleeping communities in central Texas. No one knew yet how devastating the storm would become.

At least 80 people are believed dead in six counties across Texas after the deadly floods that struck the state on the 4th of July, according to the latest information from state officials.The majority of the deaths -- 68 in all,

The intense rainfall and flash floods are the deadliest weather disaster in the US since President Donald Trump's administration conducted mass staff cuts at two key weather and climate agencies : the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organisation (NOAA) and its subsidiary, the National Weather Service (NWS).

Plus, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts in Donald Trump's domestic policy bill have rural hospitals considering what services they might have to cut.

KERRVILLE, Texas — Several hundred people gathered for a worship ceremony at a high school stadium in Texas on Wednesday evening to remember the at least 120 people who died in the catastrophic flash floods over the July Fourth holiday, as well the many still missing.

A small Texas town that recorded no deaths in last weekend’s flood disaster had recently upgraded its emergency alert system — the kind of setup state, county and federal officials

"It's sadly common for people to abandon puppies near public areas where they hope someone might find them," the rescue told Newsweek.

Chris Hayes pushes back on right-wing claims that questions about the Texas flood response are "politicizing" the tragedy. "Policy is about risk and managing it and accountability. The government is there first and foremost to protect us.