Trump’s Controversial Post Draws National Concerns Over Rule of Law

A powerful storm brought catastrophic flash flooding to Kentucky and Tennessee over the weekend, resulting in at least eight confirmed fatalities, according to officials. In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear reported that over 1,000 water rescues were executed as a result of torrential rainfall that accumulated to more than 7 inches in some areas. The flooding led to a levee failure near Clarksville, Tennessee, with emergency services warning of dangerously high waters across both states. The National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings for parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina, prompting evacuations and widespread road closures. In response to the crisis, local governments and rescue teams mobilized to assist residents in need. “These are alarming scenes of flash flooding. We urge everyone to stay safe and heed warnings,” Clarksville officials stated in a released statement. As recovery efforts commence, the severe weather has left parts of the South and Eastern U.S. grappling with the aftermath of this dangerous storm system.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell highlighted a potential crisis in the mortgage market during his recent testimony to Congress, stating that escalating insurance costs could make obtaining a mortgage unattainable in certain regions of the U.S. in the coming decades. “If you fast-forward 10 or 15 years, there are going to be regions of the country where you can’t get a mortgage,” Powell warned, linking the issue to banks and insurers exiting high-risk areas due to climate change-related disasters. The situation is exacerbated by many insurers, like State Farm, canceling policies in vulnerable locations, leading prospective homebuyers to rely on state-sponsored insurers that often impose higher premiums and provide limited coverage. Powell stressed that mortgage lenders typically require homeowners insurance, making it increasingly difficult for buyers in high-risk areas. Although Powell noted that interest rate normalization could eventually assist buyers, he emphasized that a significant long-term issue remains: housing supply inadequacy. He pointed out, "There's a longer-term problem with housing affordability, and that’s going to be something that’s not within our authorities."

A 19-year-old woman and a two-year-old boy were found dead in an apartment in West Haven, Connecticut, Saturday night, both suffering from multiple stab wounds, according to the West Haven Police Department. Authorities responded to 911 calls reporting screams from the apartment at around 8:50 PM. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male who had jumped through a second-floor window with injuries; he was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Inside the apartment, police discovered the bodies of the woman and child. Their identities have not been disclosed. Police confirmed that a suspect is in custody and assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. The West Haven Police Detective Division is conducting an investigation in collaboration with the Milford State’s Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Further details regarding the incident have yet to be released as the investigation continues.