FEMA

Super Typhoon Bavi caused significant damage to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Nearly 100 FEMA officials are assisting with recovery efforts, and the American Red Cross is providing support through volunteers and donations.

One year after deadly flooding in Williamson County, over $4.8 million in recovery assistance has been delivered through FEMA and local community programs to flood victims.

FEMA extended the deadline for housing aid to Eaton Fire survivors until July 9, 2027, following requests from Gov. Gavin Newsom, California’s congressional delegation, and local officials. The extension was approved June 24 to address ongoing obstacles faced by displaced homeowners.

North Carolina will receive $197 million in federal funds for recovery and mitigation projects following Hurricane Helene, as approved by FEMA. The funding includes support for debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and community assistance across multiple cities and state agencies.

Congressman Tim Moore announced over $4.7 million in federal funding from FEMA for Hurricane Helene recovery projects in North Carolina's 14th District. The funding will support debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and utility restoration in Morganton, Burke County, and Rutherford County.

Williamson County leaders and residents are evaluating a proposed sports complex featuring a 100,000-square-foot hockey facility, with supporters citing regional demand for ice rinks and opponents raising concerns about traffic and infrastructure. Project developers aim to address flood plain issues near the Harpeth River, requiring approval from agencies like FEMA.

The US is leading the response to a Venezuela earthquake with $300 million in humanitarian aid, following two massive quakes that killed over 1,700 people and left 50,000 missing. The Trump administration pledged $150 million within 24 hours and deployed four search-and-rescue teams and military personnel.

Firefighter salaries in the US vary significantly by state, with Washington and New York offering the highest median wages ($88,380) and Louisiana the lowest. The 90th percentile wage reaches $143,830 in California, while recent wildfires in Colorado and Utah highlight the risks and climate-driven challenges faced by firefighters.

A Trump administration appointee, Gregg Phillips, who claims to have teleported to a Waffle House, is on leave from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for personal reasons. FEMA confirmed that Phillips, who was leading a key disaster response office, is taking leave.

A top FEMA official, Gregg Phillips, who claimed to teleport to a Waffle House and promoted election conspiracy theories, was removed from his leadership role. The Department of Homeland Security stated his departure was for personal reasons, but sources indicated it was due to public image issues and conflicts within the agency.

FEMA has extended housing assistance for survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires, with homeowners receiving aid through July 9, 2027, and renters through October 9, 2026. The extension was approved following a request from California officials and announced by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Families in northern Michigan were told by FEMA they weren’t in flood zones, but historic spring floods caused by heavy rains and snowmelt devastated homes, exposing flaws in outdated flood mapping. FEMA’s maps, which focus on river overflows and exclude rainfall-driven flooding, left thousands without financial protection as climate change increases extreme weather risks.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is appealing FEMA's denial of federal disaster aid for Southwest Michigan after deadly tornadoes in March 2026. The denial applies to the Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs, which would have supported residents with uninsured losses and infrastructure recovery.

Sen. Ralph Hise discusses state budget efforts for Hurricane Helene relief, noting over 1,000 homes have been repaired or rebuilt, with more than 2,800 in process. State and federal funding totals exceed $13 billion, but additional federal support is sought for housing and infrastructure. Challenges include aligning state funds with FEMA guidelines to avoid reductions.

FEMA is providing $50 million for 25 hazard mitigation projects across seven Southeastern states to reduce damage from future disasters.

Michigan's rural areas, including Black Lake, faced historic floods exacerbated by outdated flood plain maps and lack of insurance. Residents were unaware of their flood risks as federal maps failed to account for heavy rainfall impacts, leading to widespread property damage and emergencies.

Federal disaster-preparedness program disruptions, including the cancellation and restoration of FEMA's BRIC program, could lead to higher home insurance costs. Insurance expert Leslie Kasperowicz warns that reduced disaster mitigation efforts and increased claims during hurricane and wildfire seasons may drive rate hikes, urging homeowners to secure coverage and mitigation discounts in advance.

Federal disaster program disruptions, including the canceled and restored FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, may lead to higher home insurance costs, according to Leslie Kasperowicz, editor-in-chief of Insurance.com. Insurance experts warn that reduced disaster preparedness and increased claims from severe weather could drive up rates, urging homeowners to secure coverage and mitigation discounts in advance.

Disruptions to federal disaster-preparedness programs, including the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, could lead to higher home insurance costs as insurers face increased risks from hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters. FEMA program funding cuts and court challenges may reduce damage-mitigation efforts, resulting in more severe claims and rate hikes, according to insurance expert Leslie Kasperowicz of Insurance.com.

Cameron Hamilton, President Trump's nominee for FEMA administrator, testified that he would ensure disaster recovery efforts are objective and fair. Senators, particularly Democrats, questioned whether Republican-led states receive disproportionate disaster funding, citing a Politico report showing 89% approval for GOP states versus 23% for Democratic states. Trump has advocated shifting disaster responsibilities to state governments.

Joyce Turner defrauded the government of over $82,000 through a scheme targeting FEMA funds for Eaton Fire victims and COVID unemployment benefits. She pleaded guilty in September 2025 to fraud charges related to major disaster benefits and mail fraud.

Activity continues at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention facility in Florida's Everglades after detainees were moved for hurricane safety, with vehicles and supplies still entering the site. Environmental groups criticize the facility's operation on public land, while Florida taxpayers have spent $1.2 million daily, with $58.2 million already reimbursed by FEMA.

FEMA nominee Cameron Hamilton testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, addressing concerns about potential bias in disaster funding allocations to GOP states. Democrats cited a report showing 89% of disaster funding requests approved for Republican-controlled states versus 23% for Democratic states, while Trump has pushed to reduce federal disaster response roles.

Cameron Hamilton, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead FEMA, pledged to assess disaster aid requests 'fairly and reasonably' during Senate hearings. Hamilton previously served as FEMA's temporary head in 2025 before being fired for defending the agency's existence. His nomination follows the administration's shift away from dismantling FEMA, an agency criticized by the president.

FEMA announced an additional $34 million in funding for Tennessee to support recovery efforts from 2024’s Hurricane Helene and the January 2026 winter storm. The funds will cover debris removal, utility repairs, and infrastructure restoration across multiple projects and organizations.

Residents of Detroit's Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood protested a plan to close canals by organizing a flotilla, citing concerns over property values, local businesses, and community vulnerability to flooding. The city's $20 million HUD-funded project aims to address flooding and remove the area from floodplain designation, but opponents argue it would harm their way of life and propose alternative shoreline improvements instead.

A proposed FEMA overhaul by a Trump-appointed panel could restrict access to disaster aid for survivors, according to analysts. The overhaul is expected to transfer responsibilities to state and local agencies during hurricane season.

FEMA staffing losses following a tumultuous year raise concerns about its ability to respond to the upcoming hurricane season. The Trump administration has abandoned extreme proposals like eliminating FEMA or reducing its staff by 50 percent.

Florida has received $1.5 billion in FEMA reimbursements for hurricane recovery projects, including debris removal, power restoration, and infrastructure repairs. The funds will support over 500 projects across the state, with specific allocations to Sarasota County, Tallahassee, Dunedin, Brevard County, and Madeira Beach.

FEMA has obligated over $36 million in disaster assistance to Tennesseans affected by Winter Storm Fern, which caused widespread power outages and tree damage in January 2026. The aid includes $7.9 million for housing and $28.6 million for other needs, following a disaster declaration approved by President Donald Trump on April 11.

Most of California's $2.5 billion wildfire relief package remains unused 16 months after its announcement, with funds primarily allocated to state agencies, firefighting departments, and law enforcement for tasks like road closures and security. Records show $14 million was also used for unrelated immigration enforcement demonstrations, and victims report limited awareness of the fund.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins next Monday, and FEMA's acting administrator, Bob Fenton, asserts the agency is prepared, stating it's 'in our DNA.' The statement comes as CBS News correspondent Nicole Sganga discusses preparedness with Fenton.

FEMA's top official Bob Fenton claims the agency is prepared for hurricane season despite ongoing challenges from months of shutdown disruptions, delayed grants, and a depleted Disaster Relief Fund.

Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost observed signs that the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center is closing, with detainees being relocated and staff and offices being emptied. The facility, which cost an estimated $1 billion, was intended to be temporary and is expected to shut down by June, though officials deny formal communications about the closure. Florida awaits a $608 million reimbursement from FEMA.

Fifteen years after a deadly tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, nearly 100,000 volunteers helped rebuild the town, and a lasting spirit of community service persists. Researchers note that catastrophes can foster unexpected compassion.

Cameron Hamilton has been nominated to lead FEMA again after being removed by the Trump administration in the past. He briefly led the agency in 2025 and told Congress it should continue to exist. Hamilton's re-nomination comes as a surprise given his previous removal.

Disgraced former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been cut off from doing business with the federal government after being charged with stealing $5 million in COVID-19 FEMA funds. She resigned from Congress in late April and is still running to regain her congressional seat. The Department of Homeland Security has suspended her, temporarily barring her from receiving contracts, grants or other federal funds.

Three House representatives resigned amid ethics scandals: Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) over sexual harassment/assault allegations, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) after a House Ethics Committee investigation into $5 million in alleged FEMA fraud. The House recently set a precedent by expelling George Santos (R-N.Y.) before his criminal trial, influencing current cases.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat indicted for embezzling $5 million from FEMA, resigned hours before the House Ethics Committee recommended her expulsion. Recent cases show a pattern of lawmakers like Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigning to avoid official expulsion over misconduct, allowing the Ethics Committee to lose jurisdiction and evade public disgrace.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, resigned from Congress ahead of a House ethics hearing. She was indicted for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA funds for her campaign and has denied any wrongdoing.