DisasterRelief
History shows why FEMA is essential in disasters, and how losing independent agency status hurt its ability to function
History shows why FEMA is essential in disasters, and how losing independent agency status hurt its ability to function FEMA’s independent agency status was lost in the early 2000s, leading to complaints about delays caused by bureaucracy and red tape. The Trump administration is cutting jobs at FEMA and talking about dismantling the agency, which […]
📰 News
The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help
The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help Rural areas are disproportionately affected by disasters, with older adults being particularly vulnerable due to higher rates of chronic health problems and limited access to healthcare. The aging population in rural America […]
🏥 Health
Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience
Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience The Trump administration has rolled back rules on fairness, community input, and resilience for low-income homeowners affected by disasters, potentially leaving them with less help from the government. The changes include eliminating […]
📰 News
Hurricane season is here, but FEMA’s policy change could leave low-income areas less protected
Hurricane season is here, but FEMA’s policy change could leave low-income areas less protected FEMA’s new policy change for 2025 removes any mention of equity, income, or social vulnerability from its Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide, which could leave low-income areas less protected during hurricanes. The Trump administration’s guidance change aims to make it quicker […]
📰 News
Widespread power outage hits Spain and neighboring countries France and Portugal
Widespread power outage hits Spain and neighboring countries France and Portugal A widespread power outage has hit Spain, affecting homes, businesses, and transportation infrastructure, including Madrid’s underground rail system. The cause of the outage is currently unknown, but Red Eléctrica, Spain’s national electricity system operator, is working to restore power in affected regions. Portugal and […]
📰 News
Myanmar military’s ‘ceasefire’ follows a pattern of ruling generals exploiting disasters to shore up control
Myanmar military’s ‘ceasefire’ follows a pattern of ruling generals exploiting disasters to shore up control Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, called for elections on March 27, 2025 – a day before an earthquake devastated the country. STR/AFP via Getty Images After a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28. 2025, the country’s military […]
🏛️ Politics
Planned blackouts are becoming more common − and not having cash on hand could cost you
Planned blackouts are becoming more common − and not having cash on hand could cost you Are you prepared for when the power goes out? To prevent massive wildfires in drought-prone, high-wind areas, electrical companies have begun preemptively shutting off electricity. These planned shutdowns are called public safety power shutoffs, abbreviated to PSPS, and they’re […]
📰 News
Defending humanitarian aid in terms of national security obscures its real purpose
Defending humanitarian aid in terms of national security obscures its real purpose A woman scoops up portions of wheat to be allocated to each waiting family after it was distributed in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia in 2021. AP Photo/Ben Curtis More than 305 million people require lifesaving humanitarian aid today. Most of them […]
📰 News