FEMA

• FEMA denied Gov. Andy Beshear's request for individual assistance in Butler, Franklin, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence and Whitley counties. • Simpson and Woodford counties were also denied public assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied individual and public assistance for some Kentucky counties impacted by the deadly and destructive flooding that pummeled Kentucky in February. In an April 22 letter, FEMA officials said individual assistance would not be provided for residents in Butler, Franklin, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence and Whitley counties.

The Department of Homeland Security determined that Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) programs that go to “sanctuary jurisdictions” would be subject to a review and potential “termination.” Just because a program goes to such a jurisdiction does not necessarily mean grants will be ended. Instead, a decision will be made based on the grant’s purpose, benefits and risks and “the context of which organization is receiving the award.” The list of grants that could be cut includes a $1.9 billion dollar program to help high-risk urban areas prevent and prepare for...

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s vow to “eliminate” FEMA is raising alarms from experts on disaster assistance, who say it could leave vulnerable communities at risk. Noem this week said she was planning to eliminate the agency but did not elaborate on what that meant. Spokespeople for FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the disaster relief agency, did not respond to questions about whether FEMA’s services would be cut entirely or reshuffled elsewhere. President Trump has also said he would consider “getting rid of FEMA.” Carrie Speranza,...

Echoing a similar push from the state last month, several area lawmakers have called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reverse its policy against soil testing after the wildfires, arguing that such testing is vital for public health. But FEMA is standing pat on the agency’s refusal to test the soil. In a letter to FEMA’s acting administrator Cameron Hamilton, dated Wednesday, March 26, the lawmakers voiced “serious concern” over the agency’s decision to not conduct soil sampling in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn zones as part of...

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she planned to “eliminate” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during a televised cabinet meeting on Monday. While giving a status report on border security, Noem added, “and we’re going to eliminate FEMA.” She did not elaborate. “That’s great, great job,” President Trump said — appearing to respond to her broader status update. Her comment comes after Trump has been highly critical of the emergency management agency, having suggested in the past that he would consider cutting it. “I’ll also be signing an executive...

People are seen outside a wildfire shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center on January 21, 2025, where FEMA disaster assistance is available. A previously undisclosed FEMA review could block disaster assistance to millions of undocumented people and deter legal immigrants from seeking help in extreme weather CLIMATEWIRE | The Trump administration is reviewing “all disaster relief programs that may indirectly or incidentally aid illegal aliens,” according to an internal memo that raises the prospect of shutting off government aid to millions of people during extreme weather events.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s advisory council on FEMA’s future wants to hear from the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux. There could be many reasons. As the frequent target of hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, Louisiana has been working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 30 years to provide recovery and mitigation funds for individuals and local governments, Thibodeaux said.