Disaster Management
FEMA leader ousted, one day after publicly opposing agency’s elimination
Cam Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of the administrator at FEMA, was let go just one day after he testified before Congress about the size and scope of the federal agency.
FEMA set for elimination, Noem says, amid bipartisan House reform proposal
The disaster response and recovery agency has been repeatedly criticized by President Donald Trump.
Trump order put states at the forefront of cyber and natural disaster response
The executive order signed this week is part of a wider push to put the onus on states and localities to prepare for disasters, rather than the federal government.
Trump suggests eliminating FEMA while touring disaster site
It’s unclear what actions the president could take to reorganize the agency without congressional approval.
Federal agencies respond to LA fires amid budget crunch
Federal firefighters are deploying to urban neighborhoods while some support positions are not being filled.
As Trump mulls his FEMA pick, a political land mine awaits in Florida
The president-elect's eventual nominee to lead the emergency management agency will be caught between Florida's disaster relief and FEMA's funding problems.
FEMA chief calls passing over of Trump supporters isolated incident, requests wider probe
One FEMA supervisor has been fired for directing staff to skip Trump-supporting homes, but administrator says there is so far no evidence of a more widespread issue.
Biden administration launches emergency hiring efforts to support hurricane relief efforts
Federal agencies can quickly appoint new employees, who can serve up to two years.
Why FEMA’s disaster relief gets political − especially when hurricane season and election season collide
The balance of federal, state and local government authorities and responsibilities during a natural disaster can lead to a politicization of the response efforts, and this year is no different.
'It's heartbreaking:' Federal personnel resume full hurricane response efforts after threats force a partial pause
Misinformation has caused "real-world obstacles" for FEMA responders as the agency looks to protect its workforce.
OPM sets up leave transfer program for feds impacted by Milton
Federal workers will soon be able to donate unused leave to their colleagues who need time to recover after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida Wednesday.
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Federal personnel are facing threats during hurricane response, DHS chief warns
As misinformation swirls, posters online have vowed to send militias and 'shoot' federal workers responding to recent disasters.
FEMA vows readiness as it prepares responses to concurrent crises
The emergency management agency has all the staff it needs for Helene and Milton work, administrator says.
USPS employees in hurricane-ravaged areas deal with loss—and still make their deliveries
Postal workers are navigating downed power lines, fallen trees, sinkholes, and their own tragic circumstances as they carry mail for devastated communities.
Election-year politics color hurricane recovery efforts
A week after Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast, some elected officials have been reluctant to put on a united front.
‘All hands on deck:’ From Hawaii to Texas, FEMA employees pitch in on Helene response
FEMA personnel, even those not deployed, are working long hours to get supplies where they are needed.
How long will it take for Congress to act on emergency aid for Helene victims?
Some lawmakers are calling on Congress to return to D.C. to pass supplemental funding for Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts.
Federal agencies have deployed 3,600 employees in Helene response
Biden promises feds will stay as long as necessary, and FEMA says it may tap volunteers from other agencies to aid in response.
Maui wildfire recovery effectively paused without additional funds
Witnesses at a congressional hearing last week touted the federal government’s response to last year’s disaster but said long-term recovery is in jeopardy.
Biden’s FEMA director tried to fix the agency. Did she succeed?
Deanne Criswell discusses new reforms at FEMA, funding challenges and how the agency approaches emergency response.
