WEATHER ALERT
Internal review warns FEMA ‘not ready’ for hurricane season as new Houston report shows residents aren’t prepared either
Read full article: Internal review warns FEMA ‘not ready’ for hurricane season as new Houston report shows residents aren’t prepared eitherAn internal review has revealed that FEMA is "not ready" for the upcoming hurricane season, citing issues such as poor coordination with states and paused critical training.
'Don't get in my way,' the new acting head of federal disaster agency warns in call with staff
Read full article: 'Don't get in my way,' the new acting head of federal disaster agency warns in call with staffThe new head of the federal agency tasked with responding to disasters across the country is warning staff not to try to impede upcoming changes.
FEMA's acting administrator is replaced a day after congressional testimony
Read full article: FEMA's acting administrator is replaced a day after congressional testimonyPresident Donald Trump's administration has replaced the acting administrator of the beleaguered Federal Emergency Management Agency even as its continuing existence remains up in the air.
Living through a 'low-attention disaster,' Mountain Fire survivors recover in LA's shadow
Read full article: Living through a 'low-attention disaster,' Mountain Fire survivors recover in LA's shadowNearly six months after the Mountain Fire displaced 750 people and destroyed 182 homes and other structures in Ventura County, survivors say recovery is more difficult without FEMA support and in the shadow of the LA fires.
FEMA denies Washington state disaster relief from bomb cyclone, governor says
Read full article: FEMA denies Washington state disaster relief from bomb cyclone, governor saysWashington Gov. Bob Ferguson says the Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state's request for emergency relief funds to help repair damage from a deadly bomb cyclone in November.
Trump administration cancels $188M in grants New York City was using to shelter migrants
Read full article: Trump administration cancels $188M in grants New York City was using to shelter migrantsThe Trump administration has canceled $188 million in federal grants meant to reimburse New York City for sheltering migrants, saying the money was being spent to support illegal immigration.
Trump administration ends key grant program that helps communities prepare for disasters
Read full article: Trump administration ends key grant program that helps communities prepare for disastersThe Trump administration is ending a key program used by communities to pay for projects designed to help them prepare for natural disasters like flooding and fires.
FEMA approves grant to assist in Pauline Road fire in San Jacinto, Montgomery Counties
Read full article: FEMA approves grant to assist in Pauline Road fire in San Jacinto, Montgomery CountiesGov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Pauline Road Fire in San Jacinto and Montgomery counties.
Judge declines to force FEMA to release funds to upgrade US emergency alert system
Read full article: Judge declines to force FEMA to release funds to upgrade US emergency alert systemA federal judge has refused to order the Trump administration to immediately reimburse dozens of public broadcasting stations for upgrades to the nation’s emergency alert system.
FEMA sued over hold on funds for upgrading nation's emergency alert system
Read full article: FEMA sued over hold on funds for upgrading nation's emergency alert systemThe federal government’s steward of funding for public broadcasting stations has sued the Trump administration over its pause in grant payments for upgrading the nation’s emergency alert system.
FEMA wants the names and addresses of migrants helped by Texas nonprofits and local governments that got federal grant money
Read full article: FEMA wants the names and addresses of migrants helped by Texas nonprofits and local governments that got federal grant moneyA letter sent this week claims the grant recipients, including many Texas cities and counties, may have illegally “induced” undocumented immigrants to enter the country.
FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violated
Read full article: FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violatedThe Trump administration has launched a review of organizations that provide temporary housing and other aid to migrants, suggesting they may have violated a law used to prosecute smugglers.
FEMA cancels classes at national fire training academy amid federal funding cuts
Read full article: FEMA cancels classes at national fire training academy amid federal funding cutsThe National Fire Academy, the country's preeminent federal fire training academy, has canceled classes effective immediately amid the ongoing flurry of funding freezes and staffing cuts by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promises help in her first visit to Puerto Rico
Read full article: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promises help in her first visit to Puerto RicoU.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has promised to help Puerto Rico in her first visit to the U.S. territory as it struggles to rebuild from catastrophic hurricanes amid chronic power outages.
Judge rejects NYC's request to order immediate return of $80 million from FEMA to shelter migrants
Read full article: Judge rejects NYC's request to order immediate return of $80 million from FEMA to shelter migrantsA Manhattan federal judge says the Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn't have to immediately return more than $80 million for sheltering migrants that it took away from New York City last month.
Some in Hurricane Helene-ravaged North Carolina embrace Trump's push to abolish FEMA
Read full article: Some in Hurricane Helene-ravaged North Carolina embrace Trump's push to abolish FEMAPresident Donald Trump's suggestion about “getting rid of” the nation's disaster relief agency doesn't sound like a bad idea for some residents of western North Carolina who are still navigating the long recovery process from Hurricane Helene.
FEMA yanks back $80 million that New York City meant to cover hotel costs for migrants
Read full article: FEMA yanks back $80 million that New York City meant to cover hotel costs for migrantsOfficials say the Federal Emergency Management Agency has yanked back more than $80 million from New York City.
4 FEMA employees are fired over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrants
Read full article: 4 FEMA employees are fired over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrantsThe Department of Homeland Security says four federal employees have been fired over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrants.
FEMA says it's halting payments for migrant housing in New York after Musk blasts money for hotels
Read full article: FEMA says it's halting payments for migrant housing in New York after Musk blasts money for hotelsThe acting head of the federal agency responsible for responding to disasters says he’s suspending payments sent to New York City to house migrants and that staff who made them will be held accountable.
FEMA faces shakeup under Trump while it wrestles with disasters on both coasts
Read full article: FEMA faces shakeup under Trump while it wrestles with disasters on both coastsPresident Donald Trump is preparing to reshape the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been on the frontlines of responding to disasters in California and North Carolina.
FEMA head sounds the alarm over disaster funding after double hurricanes
Read full article: FEMA head sounds the alarm over disaster funding after double hurricanesThe head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency says money available to help communities hit by disasters has shrunk after back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton.
FEMA administrator says she supports investigation of alleged Trump bias in relief efforts
Read full article: FEMA administrator says she supports investigation of alleged Trump bias in relief effortsThe head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency tells lawmakers she has encouraged the agency’s inspector general to review whether an employee was acting alone when directing workers helping hurricane victims to avoid homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump.
FEMA: Worker fired after directing workers to avoid helping hurricane survivors who supported Trump
Read full article: FEMA: Worker fired after directing workers to avoid helping hurricane survivors who supported TrumpThe leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency says a worker has been fired after she directed workers helping hurricane survivors to avoid homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump.
Russia amplified hurricane disinformation to drive Americans apart, researchers find
Read full article: Russia amplified hurricane disinformation to drive Americans apart, researchers findNew research shows Russia has worked to amplify false and misleading claims about the U.S. government's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton as part of the Kremlin's efforts to manipulate Americans before the Nov. 5 election.
Witnesses saw an armed group harassing Helene aid workers in a small Tennessee town, sheriff says
Read full article: Witnesses saw an armed group harassing Helene aid workers in a small Tennessee town, sheriff saysA sheriff says witnesses reported seeing a group of armed people harassing hurricane relief workers in a remote Tennessee community last weekend.
FEMA resumes door-to-door visits in North Carolina after threats tied to disinformation
Read full article: FEMA resumes door-to-door visits in North Carolina after threats tied to disinformationOfficials say federal disaster workers have resumed door-to-door visits as part of hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina.
This is FEMA's role in preparing for Hurricane Milton
Read full article: This is FEMA's role in preparing for Hurricane MiltonMilton is set to become the second hurricane to strike Florida in two weeks, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is once again positioning supplies and personnel where they’re needed and coordinating with state and local officials.
As FEMA prepares for Hurricane Milton, it battles rumors surrounding Helene recovery
Read full article: As FEMA prepares for Hurricane Milton, it battles rumors surrounding Helene recoveryThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has been fighting misinformation since Helene slammed into Florida nearly two weeks ago.
Harris calls Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading misinformation about Helene response
Read full article: Harris calls Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading misinformation about Helene responseVice President Kamala Harris is calling former President Donald Trump “incredibly irresponsible” for spreading falsehoods about the federal response to Hurricane Helene’s destruction.
FEMA administrator continues pushback against false claims as Helene death toll hits 230
Read full article: FEMA administrator continues pushback against false claims as Helene death toll hits 230The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is again forcefully pushing back against false claims and conspiracy theories about how her agency is responding to Hurricane Helene.
US disaster relief chief blasts false claims about Helene response as a 'truly dangerous narrative'
Read full article: US disaster relief chief blasts false claims about Helene response as a 'truly dangerous narrative'The U.S. government’s top disaster relief official says false claims and conspiracy theories about the federal response to Hurricane Helene, which are being spread most prominently by Donald Trump, are “demoralizing” aid workers and creating fear in people who need recovery assistance.
Hurricane Milton is growing stronger as it blows toward Florida's Tampa Bay region
Read full article: Hurricane Milton is growing stronger as it blows toward Florida's Tampa Bay regionThe National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Milton is intensifying and will likely be a major hurricane before it slams into the storm-ravaged Florida coast, most likely on Wednesday.
FEMA has faced criticism and praise during Helene. Here's what it does — and doesn't do
Read full article: FEMA has faced criticism and praise during Helene. Here's what it does — and doesn't doThe Federal Emergency Management Agency is tasked with helping states and communities hit by disasters like Hurricane Helene.
Mayorkas warns FEMA doesn't have enough funding to last through hurricane season
Read full article: Mayorkas warns FEMA doesn't have enough funding to last through hurricane seasonHomeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says the agency tasked with helping communities recover from Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters does not have enough money to make it through the hurricane season.
Trump slams US response to Helene. His own disaster-response record is marked by politics
Read full article: Trump slams US response to Helene. His own disaster-response record is marked by politicsFormer President Donald Trump is criticizing the Biden administration’s response to widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, even as his supporters call for cuts to federal agencies that warn of weather disasters and deliver relief to hard-hit communities.
Private power companies in Puerto Rico are under scrutiny as officials demand fewer outages
Read full article: Private power companies in Puerto Rico are under scrutiny as officials demand fewer outagesTwo private power companies in Puerto Rico have come under scrutiny while presenting plans to stabilize the island's crumbling electric grid as officials demanded immediate action to minimize chronic power outages.
Hawaii lawmakers say Congress should replenish disaster relief fund to help Maui
Read full article: Hawaii lawmakers say Congress should replenish disaster relief fund to help MauiHawaii's congressional representatives say the nation’s disaster relief fund needs to be replenished so the U.S. government can continue to help survivors of Maui’s deadly wildfires and other disasters around the country.
Conflicting federal policies may cost residents more on flood insurance, and leave them at risk
Read full article: Conflicting federal policies may cost residents more on flood insurance, and leave them at riskAn Associated Press review has found that thousands of people may be paying more for flood insurance or remain unaware of the dangers of dam failures because of conflicting federal policies.
Conflicting federal policies may cost residents more on flood insurance, and leave them at risk
Read full article: Conflicting federal policies may cost residents more on flood insurance, and leave them at riskAn Associated Press review has found that thousands of people may be paying more for flood insurance or remain unaware of the dangers of dam failures because of conflicting federal policies.
FEMA’s Disaster Fund has run out of money for 2nd year in a row🥴 Here’s who can still get help after Hurricane Beryl
Read full article: FEMA’s Disaster Fund has run out of money for 2nd year in a row🥴 Here’s who can still get help after Hurricane BerylThe Disaster Fund has been depleted again, delaying aid for Hurricane Beryl victims. #FEMAFunding #HurricaneBeryl #DisasterRelief
Still looking for that FEMA check after Hurricane Beryl? Here’s how to put pressure on your district’s elected officials
Read full article: Still looking for that FEMA check after Hurricane Beryl? Here’s how to put pressure on your district’s elected officialsYou can make your voice heard by reaching out to your local state representative with claims if you're still awaiting FEMA funds. #HurricaneBeryl #FEMA #HoustonStrong #DisasterRecovery
Be aware of scammers post-Hurricane Beryl. Here’s what you need to know
Read full article: Be aware of scammers post-Hurricane Beryl. Here’s what you need to knowHurricane Beryl has left a trail of devastation in Houston, with thousands still without power and widespread damage. As the community begins to rebuild, officials warn of rising scams targeting vulnerable residents. Tips from the Texas Department of Insurance and FEMA can help you avoid falling victim to fraud. #HurricaneBeryl #HoustonStrong #DisasterRecovery
Federal aid approved by FEMA to help 15 Texas counties for individual assistance program
Read full article: Federal aid approved by FEMA to help 15 Texas counties for individual assistance programActing Governor Dan Patrick announced Friday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Beryl to include 15 Texas counties he requested for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
FEMA is ready for an extreme hurricane and wildfire season, but money is a concern, Mayorkas says
Read full article: FEMA is ready for an extreme hurricane and wildfire season, but money is a concern, Mayorkas saysThe head of the Homeland Security Department says the agency tasked with responding to disasters across the country is prepared as it goes into what is expected to be an intense hurricane and wildfire season.
Register now! If you want your storm debris picked up in Montgomery County you have one last chance
Read full article: Register now! If you want your storm debris picked up in Montgomery County you have one last chanceMontgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has provided resources to help support resident who were impacted by severe storms last month.
Q&A: FEMA answers questions on disaster declaration, federal funding, and new programs for Houston area after storms
Read full article: Q&A: FEMA answers questions on disaster declaration, federal funding, and new programs for Houston area after storms'Do I have to pay for things upfront? How long will a reimbursement take?' 'Why did I get denied for FEMA benefits?' 'Does FEMA check immigration status?' KPRC 2 asked FEMA all these questions and more to get the answers you need following the recent storms in our area.
How to navigate FEMA during this year’s hurricane season
Read full article: How to navigate FEMA during this year’s hurricane seasonThe upcoming hurricane season is anticipated to be “above-average,” potentially causing those in its path to suffer from property damages. Here is how federal assistance may help you in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
FEMA centers open for Houston area storm victims | What they do and don’t offer
Read full article: FEMA centers open for Houston area storm victims | What they do and don’t offerFEMA opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Houston and Coldspring on Friday, May 24 for in-person assistance to help people affected the the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and derecho winds that began April 26, 2024.
Head of FEMA tours deadly storm damage in Houston area as more residents get power back
Read full article: Head of FEMA tours deadly storm damage in Houston area as more residents get power backThe head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has toured the Houston area to assess the damage from last week’s deadly storms.
FEMA takes new approach to assess storm damages after East Texas floods
Read full article: FEMA takes new approach to assess storm damages after East Texas floodsAs communities in East Texas begin the process of rebuilding after a week of storms and flooding, FEMA is trying a new approach to make the process more efficient.
FEMA administrator surveys Oklahoma tornado damage with the state's governor and US senator.
Read full article: FEMA administrator surveys Oklahoma tornado damage with the state's governor and US senator.Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell says “our heart aches for the loss of life” in tornadoes that left four dead and about 100 injured in Oklahoma.
California may have to pay $300M for COVID-19 homeless hotel program after FEMA caps reimbursement
Read full article: California may have to pay $300M for COVID-19 homeless hotel program after FEMA caps reimbursementCalifornia cities and counties still don’t know how much they’ll have to pay for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pandemic program to house homeless people in hotel rooms.
Houston Ethnic Media collaborates with FEMA for roundtable discussion about #WinterReady preparedness
Read full article: Houston Ethnic Media collaborates with FEMA for roundtable discussion about #WinterReady preparednessDozens of journalists representing diverse media outlets gathered at the Southwest News Group in Houston last month for a roundtable discussion hosted by Houston Ethnic Media.
Recovering from natural disasters is slow and bureaucratic. New FEMA rules aim to cut the red tape
Read full article: Recovering from natural disasters is slow and bureaucratic. New FEMA rules aim to cut the red tapeThe federal agency in charge of emergency management is changing its program that helps those who survive wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
FEMA launches #WinterReady campaign to help most vulnerable be prepared during freezing temps
Read full article: FEMA launches #WinterReady campaign to help most vulnerable be prepared during freezing tempsThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has launched a #WinterReady campaign to help those be prepared ahead of freezing temperatures -- especially people with disabilities and older adults who are often left without assistance.
Hawaii governor wants 3,000 vacation rentals converted to housing for Maui wildfire survivors
Read full article: Hawaii governor wants 3,000 vacation rentals converted to housing for Maui wildfire survivorsHawaii Gov. Josh Green says he he wants 3,000 condos and homes normally rented to Maui tourists converted to long-term housing for displaced wildfire survivors who are still living in hotels.
White House wants more than $23 billion from Congress to respond to natural disasters
Read full article: White House wants more than $23 billion from Congress to respond to natural disastersThe White House is asking lawmakers for more than $23 billion in emergency funding to help the government respond to the natural disasters that have ripped through the U.S. this year.
Evacuees live nomadic life after Maui wildfire as housing shortage intensifies and tourists return
Read full article: Evacuees live nomadic life after Maui wildfire as housing shortage intensifies and tourists returnThousands of people displaced by the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century are facing uncertainty as they try to find housing in an expensive housing market that’s also in high demand as a vacation spot.
That blaring noise you heard? It was a test of the federal government's emergency alert system
Read full article: That blaring noise you heard? It was a test of the federal government's emergency alert systemIf your cellphone was on at 2:20 p.m. Eastern time you should have heard a loud noise and seen a message flash across your screen.
Biden says Norfolk Southern must be held accountable for Ohio derailment but won't declare disaster
Read full article: Biden says Norfolk Southern must be held accountable for Ohio derailment but won't declare disasterPresident Joe Biden ordered federal agencies to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for its February derailment in eastern Ohio and appoint a FEMA official to oversee East Palestine's recovery, but he stopped short of declaring a disaster.
Still reeling from flooding, some in Vermont say something better must come out of losing everything
Read full article: Still reeling from flooding, some in Vermont say something better must come out of losing everythingSome Vermont residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed during severe flooding in July still face housing shortages.
Biden wants an extra $4 billion for disaster relief, bringing the total request to $16 billion
Read full article: Biden wants an extra $4 billion for disaster relief, bringing the total request to $16 billionThe White House will seek another $4 billion to address natural disasters as part of its supplemental funding request, bringing the total to $16 billion.
FEMA has paid out more than $5.6 million to Maui survivors, a figure expected to grow significantly
Read full article: FEMA has paid out more than $5.6 million to Maui survivors, a figure expected to grow significantlyThe Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday it has approved more than $5.6 million in assistance to nearly 2,000 households in Maui so far as the federal government tries to help survivors of the devastating wildfires.
Maui residents fill philanthropic gaps while aid makes the long journey to the fire-stricken island
Read full article: Maui residents fill philanthropic gaps while aid makes the long journey to the fire-stricken islandNonprofits and volunteers in Maui have cobbled together countless improvised and urgent solutions since the deadliest wildfire in over a century hit their community.
In soaked California, few homeowners have flood insurance
Read full article: In soaked California, few homeowners have flood insuranceAs California begins to dry out from its recent deluges, one stark reality is coming into focus: Only 230,000 homes and other buildings are insured against flooding in a state with about 39 million residents.
FEMA fires group for nonsensical Alaska Native translations
Read full article: FEMA fires group for nonsensical Alaska Native translationsGovernment officials say documents aimed at helping Alaska Natives apply for aid following typhoon damage last fall featured nonsensical phrases instead of useful instructions.
Watch live: Latest coverage of Hurricane Ian and its impacts
Read full article: Watch live: Latest coverage of Hurricane Ian and its impactsPresident Joe Biden says the entire United States "hurts" along with the people of Florida after Hurricane Ian flooded communities across the state, knocked out power and raised fear of a "substantial loss of life.”.
FEMA declares new strategy to engage Native American tribes
Read full article: FEMA declares new strategy to engage Native American tribesThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has developed a new strategy to better engage with hundreds of Native American tribes facing climate change-related disasters.
Once dead, twice billed: GAO questions COVID funeral awards
Read full article: Once dead, twice billed: GAO questions COVID funeral awardsThe Federal Emergency Management Agency may have been double-billed for the funerals of hundreds of people who died of COVID-19, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report Wednesday.
Biden outlines COVID plans, says it’s time to return to work
Read full article: Biden outlines COVID plans, says it’s time to return to workPresident Joe Biden says “it’s time for Americans to get back to work” and he's announcing new efforts to allow people to return to normal activities safely after two years of pandemic disruptions.
EXPLAINER: What next as high court wades into COVID mandate?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: What next as high court wades into COVID mandate?The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Jan. 7 on whether the Biden administration can order that workers at private companies and health care employees be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Flood insurance costs rise in areas once deemed lower risk
Read full article: Flood insurance costs rise in areas once deemed lower riskA revamped federal flood insurance program means higher rates for many homeowners — including in areas where coverage isn’t required because the government previously deemed them low or moderate risk.
Biden to continue FEMA virus aid for states until April 1
Read full article: Biden to continue FEMA virus aid for states until April 1The White House says President Joe Biden is extending the federal government’s 100% reimbursement of COVID-19 emergency response costs to states, tribes and territories through April 1, 2022.
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Biden to 'bring every resource' to manage busy storm season
Read full article: Biden to 'bring every resource' to manage busy storm seasonPresident Joe Biden says his administration needs to “bring every resource to bear” to deal with natural disasters as huge swaths of the country have endured a spurt of extreme weather just as the summer season is starting.