BREAKING NEWS
FEMA abruptly disbands youth advisory council, but students say their climate advocacy won't stop
Read full article: FEMA abruptly disbands youth advisory council, but students say their climate advocacy won't stopAshton Dolce joined the Youth Preparedness Council at the nation's disaster relief agency to advocate for issues such as protection from extreme heat.
Federal judge rules Trump administration cannot reallocate billions meant for disaster mitigation
Read full article: Federal judge rules Trump administration cannot reallocate billions meant for disaster mitigationA federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from reallocating more than $4 billion meant to help communities protect against natural disasters.
FEMA chief rejects criticism, calls Texas floods response 'a model' for dealing with disaster
Read full article: FEMA chief rejects criticism, calls Texas floods response 'a model' for dealing with disasterThe acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is pushing back on criticisms of the federal response to the central Texas floods that killed at least 136 people.
20 states sue FEMA for canceling grant program that guards against natural disasters
Read full article: 20 states sue FEMA for canceling grant program that guards against natural disastersTwenty Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency over the cancellation of a disaster mitigation grant program.
FEMA removed dozens of Camp Mystic buildings from 100-year flood map before expansion, records show
Read full article: FEMA removed dozens of Camp Mystic buildings from 100-year flood map before expansion, records showFederal regulators repeatedly granted appeals to remove Camp Mysticโs buildings from their 100-year flood map, as the camp operated and expanded in a dangerous flood plain in the years before rushing waters swept away children and counselors.
What flood insurance does and does not cover
Read full article: What flood insurance does and does not coverThough natural disasters cycle across seasons and regions in the U.S., itโs often a shocking discovery for property owners how expansive and expensive flood and water damage can be when a major storm devastates their homes, businesses and communities.
Texas flooding, and politics around it, underscore the challenges Trump faces in replacing FEMA
Read full article: Texas flooding, and politics around it, underscore the challenges Trump faces in replacing FEMAJust weeks ago, President Donald Trump said he wanted to begin โphasing outโ the Federal Emergency Management Agency after this hurricane season to โwean off of FEMAโ and โbring it down to the state level.โ.
Trump avoids talk of scrapping FEMA after more than 100 killed in Texas flash flood
Read full article: Trump avoids talk of scrapping FEMA after more than 100 killed in Texas flash floodPresident Donald Trump has avoided talk of scrapping the federal disaster response agency after the catastrophic flash flood in Texas that killed more than 100 people, including children at an all-girls camp.
Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 82 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missing
Read full article: Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 82 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missingThe death toll from flash floods that raged through central Texas has risen to 82 after searchers found more bodies.
Trump's plan to begin 'phasing out' FEMA after hurricane season burdens states, experts warn
Read full article: Trump's plan to begin 'phasing out' FEMA after hurricane season burdens states, experts warnPresident Donald Trumpโs plan to begin โphasing outโ the federal agency that responds to disasters after the 2025 hurricane season is likely to put more responsibilities on states to provide services following increasingly frequent and expensive climate disasters, experts say.
Aid groups weigh how much more they can help if FEMA reduces its disaster response
Read full article: Aid groups weigh how much more they can help if FEMA reduces its disaster responseWith concern and confusion over how the federal government will respond to disasters this summer, aid groups are readying to expand the ways they help communities after hurricanes, fires and other storms.
Turmoil, worry swirl over cuts to key federal agencies as hurricane season begins
Read full article: Turmoil, worry swirl over cuts to key federal agencies as hurricane season beginsAs hurricane season begins, experts in storms and disasters are worried about massive cuts to the federal system that forecasts, tracks and responds to the storms.
Ahead of potentially active storm season, DeSantis says Florida is ready with or without FEMA
Read full article: Ahead of potentially active storm season, DeSantis says Florida is ready with or without FEMAWith another potentially active Atlantic hurricane season on the horizon, Florida is preparing for the possibility that the federal government will not respond like it has in the past.
Trump administration releases people to shelters it threatened to prosecute for aiding migrants
Read full article: Trump administration releases people to shelters it threatened to prosecute for aiding migrantsThe Trump administration has been releasing people charged with being in the country illegally to nongovernmental shelters along the U.S. border with Mexico after telling those organizations that providing migrants with temporary housing and other aid may violate a law used to prosecute smugglers.
FEMA's acting chief says agency will shift more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states
Read full article: FEMA's acting chief says agency will shift more disaster recovery responsibilities to the statesFEMA acting chief David Richardson has laid out the agency's intent for this upcoming hurricane season, cementing plans to push more responsibility to the states for disaster response and recovery while continuing federal support โwhen deemed necessary.โ.
'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.
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 nationโs 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 governmentโs steward of funding for public broadcasting stations has sued the Trump administration over its pause in grant payments for upgrading the nationโs emergency alert system.
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.
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 โgetting rid ofโ 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 heโs 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 agencyโs 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 theyโre 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 โincredibly irresponsibleโ for spreading falsehoods about the federal response to Hurricane Heleneโs 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. governmentโs 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 โdemoralizingโ 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 โ and doesn't do
Read full article: FEMA has faced criticism and praise during Helene. Here's what it does โ 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 administrationโs 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 nationโs disaster relief fund needs to be replenished so the U.S. government can continue to help survivors of Mauiโs 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.
Multiple Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia counties eligible for federal assistance after Debby
Read full article: Multiple Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia counties eligible for federal assistance after DebbyMultiple counties in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are eligible for federal assistance after Tropical Storm Debby.
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.
Tallahassee mayor says cost from May 10 tornadoes now tops $50 million as city seeks federal aid
Read full article: Tallahassee mayor says cost from May 10 tornadoes now tops $50 million as city seeks federal aidTallahassee Mayor John Dailey says recovery from a May 10 tornado outbreak has cost Floridaโs capital city $50 million so far.
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 weekโs deadly storms.
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 โour heart aches for the loss of lifeโ 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 donโt know how much theyโll have to pay for Gov. Gavin Newsomโs pandemic program to house homeless people in hotel rooms.
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.
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.
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 thatโs 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 continue holding 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.
President Biden declares 3 Georgia counties are eligible for disaster aid after Hurricane Idalia
Read full article: President Biden declares 3 Georgia counties are eligible for disaster aid after Hurricane IdaliaPresident Joe Biden is approving a disaster declaration for three Georgia counties following Hurricane Idaliaโs sprint across the state.
Things to know about aid, lawsuits and tourism nearly a month after fire leveled a Hawaii community
Read full article: Things to know about aid, lawsuits and tourism nearly a month after fire leveled a Hawaii communityIt's been nearly a month since the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century killed at least 115 people in Hawaii.
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 translator for botching Alaska Native languages
Read full article: FEMA fires translator for botching Alaska Native languagesGovernment officials say documents aimed at helping Alaska Natives apply for aid following typhoon damage last fall featured nonsensical phrases instead of useful instructions.
FEMA to open Disaster Recovery Center at Flagler County Fairgrounds
Read full article: FEMA to open Disaster Recovery Center at Flagler County FairgroundsThe Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center on Saturday at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, the Flagler County Emergency Management said Friday.
Be alert: How to avoid scams, fraud after Ianโs devastation
Read full article: Be alert: How to avoid scams, fraud after Ianโs devastationThe Federal Emergency Management Agency is advising Hurricane Ian survivors to be aware of potential scams and attempts of fraud during a time of vulnerability.
Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia now eligible for FEMA aid after Ian. Will you be applying?
Read full article: Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia now eligible for FEMA aid after Ian. Will you be applying?Individuals and households in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs.
IRS issues tax relief for Floridians following Hurricane Ianโs devastation
Read full article: IRS issues tax relief for Floridians following Hurricane Ianโs devastationThe Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday that taxpayers affected by Hurricane Ian are eligible to receive tax relief following the recent disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Biden: 'Our country hurts' after Hurricane Ian slams Florida
Read full article: Biden: 'Our country hurts' after Hurricane Ian slams FloridaPresident 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.โ.
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 โitโs time for Americans to get back to workโ 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 โ including in areas where coverage isnโt 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 governmentโs 100% reimbursement of COVID-19 emergency response costs to states, tribes and territories through April 1, 2022.