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☆ Congress cut funds cities need to handle the migrant surge
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Congress last month approved the fiscal year 2024 funding level for FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program in the federal funding package, nearly six months into the fiscal year. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Democrat who represents San Antonio, said that immigration is a federal responsibility. “Funding from the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) has helped Catholic Charities and other groups in my city of San Antonio offer basic migrant services without straining local resources. “Due to the substantial demand that exceeds the limited SSP program funding authorized by Congress, not all requests can be fulfilled,” a DHS spokesperson told CNN. The Migrant Resource Center opened in July 2022 as a temporary place for migrants traveling through San Antonio.

Persons: of San Antonio doesn’t, Biden, Joaquin Castro, ”, of San Antonio, Antonio Fernandez, Fernandez, Greg Abbott, Mark Ritacco, John Giles, Giles, Ron Nirenberg, he’s, Joe Biden, Carlos Kosienski, Priscilla Alvarez Organizations: CNN, of San, Resource Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Democrat, “, Shelter, Services, Catholic Charities, Catholic, San, FEMA, GOP Texas Gov, Democratic, Republicans, Department of Homeland Security, Congress, National Association of Counties, US Customs, Protection, US, Mayors, Migrant Resource Center Locations: San Antonio, Washington, DC, Cities, Mexico, Atlanta ; Chicago ; New York City, Albuquerque , New Mexico, Laredo , Texas, Riverside County , California, Pima County , Arizona, Mesa , Arizona, Texas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is asking lawmakers for more than $23 billion in emergency funding to help the government respond to the tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters that have ripped through the U.S. this year. That request is part of a broader package being sent to Capitol Hill Wednesday that asks for additional investments in child care programs and broadband expansion. And that’s on top of the separate, nearly $106 billion request the Biden administration made last week for aid to Ukraine and Israel, as well as other national security priorities. About $2.8 billion is set aside for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to deal with housing needs arising from natural disasters, while another $2.8 billion is allocated for aid funneled through the Department of Agriculture to farmers and ranchers who have suffered from crop losses. The White House is also asking for money to repair damaged roads, help schools in disaster-hit areas and bolster loans for small businesses in such communities.

Persons: Biden, Joe Biden, ” Biden, Idalia Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S, Capitol Hill, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Department of Housing, Urban Development, Department of Agriculture Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Hawaii, Florida, California, Vermont, Fla

☆ Sam Bankman-Fried, Crypto’s Former Golden Boy, Goes on Trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

‘This Is Only a Test’: What to Expect From FEMA’s Nationwide Alert Today FEMA is testing today at 2:20 p.m. ET its ability to send emergency alerts to cellphones, TVs and radios on a nationwide scale. WSJ looks at why this alert is happening and explains how the technology of the alerts has evolved. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg News

Persons: Andrew Harrer Organizations: Nationwide Alert, FEMA, Bloomberg

☆ ‘This Is Only a Test’: What to Expect From FEMA’s Nationwide Alert Today
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Sam Bankman-Fried, Crypto’s Former Golden Boy, Goes on Trial FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is about to go on trial for fraud and conspiracy charges after the collapse of his crypto empire last year. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich breaks down what happened to FTX and what to look for as the trial unfolds. Photo Illustration: Annie Zhao

Persons: Sam Bankman, Crypto’s, WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich, Annie Zhao Organizations: Golden

☆ Fact Check-FEMA official was in Hawaii to attend conference ahead of August wildfires
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator mentioned by Joe Biden in a video was in Hawaii ahead of deadly wildfires on Aug. 8 to attend an annual agency conference, a FEMA official told Reuters. “Due to the fires on Maui, participants from FEMA, the Hawaii delegation and many other federal agencies left the meeting early to address statewide response efforts,” Edwards said. Fenton is currently the Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 9, which includes the Hawaiian Islands (here), (here). In the clip of Biden’s Aug. 30 remarks, the president refers to his appointment of Fenton to lead the Maui response and rebuilding efforts. FEMA administrator Bob Fenton’s presence in Hawaii before the 2023 wildfires is not evidence that the disaster was planned.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Bob Fenton “, Jeremy M, Edwards, Fenton, ” Edwards, Lemanu P.S, “, Bob Fenton, ” Fenton, Bob Fenton’s, Read Organizations: Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Reuters, Social, Facebook, Biden, Partnership, Regional, White, Guam Homeland Security, Civil Defense Locations: Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, “, Maui, American Samoa, United States, Guam

☆ Number of billion-dollar weather disasters in US blows through annual record with four months left in the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Ella Nilsen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

This year’s billion-dollar disasters have caused 253 direct and indirect fatalities and have resulted in $57.6 billion in damage, NOAA data shows. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Ken Kruse looks out at floodwaters surrounding his apartment complex in Tarpon Springs, Florida, on August 30. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Florida's Fort Myers Beach is seen during high tide ahead of Hurricane Idalia on August 29. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images Shelves are left empty at a Target store in Gainesville, Florida, on August 29. Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11.

Persons: CNN — It’s, Idalia, Hilary, Rachel Cleetus, ” Cleetus, Cristobal Herrera, Shutterstock, Sean Rayford, Cheney Orr, Reuters Jewell Baggett, Ulashkevich, EFE, Thomas Simonetti, Jack Lemburg, Richard Burkhart, Douglas R, Clifford, Zuma Press Donnye Franklin, Joe Raedle, Rebecca Blackwell, Ron DeSantis, Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo, Ken Kruse, Hurricane Idalia, Eva Marie Uzcategui, Christian Monterrosa, Stephen M, Dowell, Reagan Ortagus, Tyler, Bob Self, NOAA Ana Iris Aguiar, Alexandre Meneghini, Marco Bello, Adrees Latif, Samson, Victor Cassano's, Chris O'Meara, Yamil Lage, Sharon Walsh, Doug Engle, Christine Willis, Andrew West, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Adam Smith, Michael, Laura, Ida, Ian, ” Smith, Deanne Criswell, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, Criswell, It’s, ” Criswell, Cleetus, ” Organizations: CNN, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Idalia, NOAA, Tropical, Union of Concerned, “, Tampa Bay Times, ZUMA Press, Reuters, Press, Washington Post, Angels Episcopal Church, Savannah Morning, USA, Network Rescue, Zuma Press, AP Florida Gov, Savannah, Bloomberg, Getty, Duke, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Times, Union, AP, Reuters Pike Electric, Southwest Airlines, Tampa International Airport, Reuters Home Depot, Reuters Fort Myers, Federal Emergency Management, FEMA, Senate, Ukraine, New York Times, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News Locations: United States, South, Midwest, California, Horseshoe Beach , Florida, Bend, Tampa, Horseshoe Beach, Perry , Florida, Keaton Beach , Florida, Madison , Florida, Steinhatchee , Florida, Samarra, St, Savannah , Georgia, Savannah, Steinhatchee, Crystal River , Florida, Perry, Crystal, Tarpon Springs , Florida, Mayo , Florida, Tarpon Springs, Myers, Hurricane, Gainesville , Florida, Sumterville , Florida, Johns County , Florida, Florida, NOAA, La Coloma, Cuba, Clearwater , Florida, Playa Majana, Suwannee , Florida, Batabanó, AFP, Guanimar, Ocala , Florida, USA, Reuters Fort Myers Beach, Gulf, Lahaina , Hawaii, Lahaina, Hawaii, Maui, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji

☆ Fact Check-Fake FEMA post on housing all Burning Man ‘survivors’ at on-site station
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has dismissed as fake a screenshot of a social media post purportedly from the agency’s X account urging Burning Man festival attendees to go to an on-site FEMA emergency station at the festival grounds and barring their family and friends. The image appears to show a post published by FEMA’s official account on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and reads: “All survivors of Burning Man will be housed at our Black Rock emergency station. A search through FEMA’s X account did not reveal the post (ghostarchive.org/archive/gjfWQ). No social media post about housing Burning Man “survivors” was published by FEMA. Read more about our work to fact-check social media posts (here).

Persons: ”, Read Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, FEMA’s, Twitter, Facebook, Reuters

☆ Fact Check-FEMA official Erik Hooks was not arrested after Maui fires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Real Raw News website published an article on Aug. 22 with the headline: “Military Arrests FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks” (ghostarchive.org/archive/tvDZT). One example of the headline shared online had over 1.6 million views on TikTok at the time of writing (ghostarchive.org/archive/l11wt). A FEMA spokesperson said in an email that there is “obviously no truth” to the claims. Reuters has previously addressed claims by Real Raw News about arrests of high-profile officials and politicians (here), (here). The claim that FEMA official Erik Hooks was arrested stems from a website that describes itself as satirical.

Persons: Erik Hooks, Erik Hooks ”, Hooks, “, Joe Biden, Read Organizations: U.S . Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, U.S, Real Raw, Reuters, Department of Defense, Real Raw News Locations: Maui, TikTok

☆ Personal emergency kits are a growing market in an uncertain world
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-26 | by ( Eva Rothenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Ripple effects from international incidents also affect the US emergency kit market. “More people are thinking about (emergency preparedness) and those that always have been are spending more.”Federal data backs it up. Many experts say while buying emergency kits might be helpful, the most important preparedness actions will not hurt your wallet. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty ImagesCrager warns people who choose to purchase extensive disaster kits should not be lulled into a false sense of security. It’s one of the most important steps we can take.”For more information on FEMA disaster preparedness recommendations, visit www.ready.gov.

Persons: ”, Trevyn Reese, Reese, Hilary, Bryan Woolston, Joel Stuart, “, Christian Schauf, Stuart, Lea Crager, FEMA’s, you’re, Patrick T, Fallon, ” Schauf, ‘, Jeff Schlegelmilch Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ready, Hardware, Walmart, Tropical, Reuters Sirius Survival, Supply, Amazon, Sirius, Norfolk Southern, Federal, Preparedness Survey, FEMA, Getty, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University Locations: New York, California, Cathedral City , California, Hawaii, Norfolk, East Palestine , Ohio, North Korea, United States, Russia, Ukraine, Lahaina , Hawaii, AFP, www.ready.gov

☆ Fact Check-Claim about US Marines attacking FEMA convoy stems from hoax website
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A convoy carrying members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) involved in response and recovery efforts amidst wildfires in Maui, Hawaii was not “neutralized” by a platoon of U.S. Marines, a spokesperson for FEMA has said. On its “About Us” page, Real Raw News states that the website contains “humor, parody, and satire” (archive.li/eJT7b). Yet, screenshots of the article on social media duped people into thinking it is real. Reuters Fact Check has previously addressed information published by the site that similarly duped people online (here), (here). A FEMA spokesperson said its members were not attacked by U.S. Marines in Hawaii in August 2023.

Persons: ”, Read Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, . Marines, Raw, Marine, Reserve, Raw News, Department of Defense, Reuters, U.S, Marines Locations: Maui, Hawaii, Lahaina

☆ FEMA Outlines Maui Wildfire Support as Victims Critique Government Response
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Eileen Sullivan | More About Eileen Sullivan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“We understand that connectivity is still scarce in some areas,” Deanne Criswell, the FEMA administrator and one of about 300 agency employees on the ground in Hawaii, told reporters on Monday. There are questions about whether wildfire warnings were loud enough and early enough and whether government officials were adequately prepared to deal with the fires. FEMA is typically the first agency to face intense scrutiny after disasters. It is most often associated with its role responding to hurricanes, particularly because of its history of bungled reactions to previous disasters. While the federal agency plays a critical role in disaster response, it is not meant to be the first on the scene.

Persons: Deanne Criswell, Andrew, Hurricane, Hurricane Maria Organizations: FEMA, Hurricane, Defense Department Locations: Hawaii, Lahaina, Florida, Orleans, Puerto Rico

☆ Extreme heat is the deadliest natural disaster. FEMA can’t treat it like one
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Ella Nilsen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Extreme heat is far deadlier than other natural disasters, killing on average more than twice as many people each year as hurricanes and tornadoes combined, according to data tracked by the National Weather Service. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego recently told Biden the city’s extreme heat is a “long-term emergency.” But it can’t get FEMA federal assistance unless Congress amends the Stafford Act – something some Western lawmakers are pushing for. “Just because we don’t necessarily have the authorities right now in the Stafford Act, that doesn’t mean we’re sitting idly by,” Criswell said. “Right now, FEMA doesn’t treat extreme heat in the same way as it does other disasters because it can’t,” Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, told CNN. “Adding it to that official list from Congress would clarify FEMA’s role in addressing heat,” Keith said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kate Gallego, Biden, Ladd Keith, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, ” Juanita Constible, Gallego, Stafford, “, ” Gallego, –, Ruben Gallego, hasn’t, ” Keith, Keith, Constible, ” Constible, there’s, ” Organizations: CNN, National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Phoenix, University of Arizona, “, Washington Post, Natural Resources Defense Council, Democratic Rep, Rep, Department of Labor Locations: Stafford, Chicago, Pacific, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Arizona, Maricopa County, Phoenix, San Antonio

☆ What is flood insurance, and why do you need it?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Eva Rothenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

But only four property owners in the entire town have active flood insurance policies. In the United States, FEMA has traditionally provided all flood insurance plans through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). According to the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group, Florida, Louisiana and Texas account for 40% of all flood insurance policies nationwide. The origin of this exclusion can be traced to the 1968 National Flood Insurance Act, which established the NFIP. For example, in Miami, flood insurance can sometimes rival the amount that people pay for homeowners insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Persons: Kathy Hochul, ”, David Maurstad, it’s, Laura Lightbody, John Minchillo, Michael Barry, Barry, ’ ”, Lightbody, ” Lightbody, it’ll Organizations: CNN, Gov, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, National Flood Insurance, Flood, Insurance Information Institute, Pew, Trusts, Insurance, Institute’s, Flood Insurance Locations: Highlands , New York, ”, West, United States, America, Miami, Florida , Louisiana, Texas, Highland Falls, N.Y, New, Hudson

☆ Racial Disparities are worsening disaster recovery for people of color. With climate change, things could get worse
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Lauren Lee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Rolling Fork, Mississippi suffered massive damage from a powerful tornado on March 24. Racial disparities existed in Rolling Fork for decades. She started I-DIEM after spending over 14 years in disaster management. Shirley Stamps stands in the rubble of her home in the aftermath of the Rolling Fork tornado. And increasingly, non-profits are doing things differently to address racial disparities in disaster management.

☆ ‘I just want a home to go back to’: Months after a historic flood, relief remains elusive for some in Kentucky
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

Reducing the red tapeIn the weeks and months after the flood, FEMA received more than 16,700 applications for disaster assistance. More than 60% of Kentucky flood victims who applied for assistance have been approved, it said. To assist with the process of getting aid, FEMA said its specialists have contacted Kentucky flood survivors directly, requesting any missing information and scheduling inspections. Beshear’s office also sent $500 grants to residents who qualified for FEMA assistance. The checks were a part of more than $12.2 million donated to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.

While going through a costly divorce earlier this year, Cavanaugh's flood insurance coverage lapsed. Many people in the small coastal community, which faces the Gulf of Mexico southwest of Fort Myers, did not have flood insurance coverage. It appears that, despite an increased occurrence of devastating flood events, a declining percentage of people nationwide have flood insurance policies. Chuck Larsen / SantivaChronicle.com via APOne significant issue is that many homeowners assume a typical homeowner's insurance policy covers floods. The average cost of flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program is $995 a year, according to Forbes Advisor analysis.

President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Puerto Rico as it reels from Hurricane Fiona, Gov. The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deanne Criswell, began touring affected communities in Puerto Rico on Tuesday, conducting initial damage assessments to support the governor's request. A man on Tuesday collects donated water bottles for drinking after Hurricane Fiona damaged water supplies in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Hurricane Fiona is the first major hurricane to directly hit Puerto Rico since it was ravaged by Hurricane Maria five years ago. "With regard to Hurricane Maria, the people of Puerto Rico, we believe, were treated in a manner inconsistent with the mandate toward equality, fairness and impartiality," Yaki said.

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