As SNAP benefits expire amid a government shutdown, mayors and governors across the US are stepping in to cover the shortfall, with the Trump administration refusing to release contingency funds, risking food insecurity for millions of vulnerable Americans.
The memorandum outlines federal efforts to combat violent crime in Memphis, Tennessee, including establishing a Memphis Safe Task Force with multiple agencies, coordinating law enforcement actions, and mobilizing the National Guard to restore public safety and order in the city.
Several state governors accuse the Trump administration of delaying or denying federal disaster aid, with some states struggling to receive timely support for natural disasters, raising concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of federal disaster declarations.
A manhunt is ongoing for Travis Decker, accused of killing his three young daughters near a Washington campground, with authorities considering him potentially anywhere in the U.S. Decker, who is homeless and armed with military training, is wanted for multiple charges including murder and kidnapping, as the community and law enforcement work together to locate him and bring justice for the victims.
Nearly 200,000 Americans are without power after deadly tornadoes and thunderstorms ravaged multiple states, killing at least 23 people and injuring hundreds. The severe weather caused extensive damage, particularly in Kentucky, Texas, and Oklahoma, and led to a state of emergency in Kentucky. President Biden has offered federal assistance to affected states, while forecasters warn of continued severe weather and potential flash flooding.
Wildfires in northern Texas Panhandle, including the largest in state history, have burned over 1,900 square miles, prompting evacuations and federal assistance. Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the blazes, with warnings of elevated fire risk due to wind. Humanitarian organizations are aiding victims who have lost homes and livelihoods, with donations critical for displaced families. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the need to prepare for increasing effects of extreme weather caused by climate change.
President Biden's visit to East Palestine, Ohio, over a year after a toxic train derailment has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some found the visit performative and disappointing, others expressed optimism after meeting with Biden and discussing the ongoing struggles the city is facing. The residents have detailed key recommendations for federal assistance, including healthcare and long-term health monitoring, and believe they will receive some form of federal assistance. The White House asserts that Biden wanted to visit when the "time was right" and continues to emphasize the provision of federal assistance.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson avoided directly answering whether he would raise taxes to address the city's migrant crisis during an interview, emphasizing the need for federal assistance and highlighting his administration's investments in addressing homelessness and mental health without raising property taxes. The bussing of migrants to major cities like Chicago has led to Democratic leaders acknowledging the overwhelming impact of the migrant crisis on their cities and criticizing President Biden's response.
The expiration of a $24 billion federal Covid-19 pandemic support program is causing child care providers across the US to rethink their operations, leading to the closure of many centers and leaving families scrambling for alternate arrangements. More than 70,000 child care programs are projected to close, and about 3.2 million children could lose their spots. The federal investment from the American Rescue Plan Act helped keep child care programs open, retain workers, and provide support for children and families. However, without additional federal assistance, child care providers are struggling to sustain their operations, leading to potential closures and limited access to affordable child care. Efforts are being made to extend federal assistance and enhance tax credits to make child care more affordable, but securing additional funding through Congress may be challenging.
The White House explained that President Joe Biden didn't hear the question when he responded with "no comment" about the rising death toll from the Maui wildfires, which has been heavily criticized by Republicans. The president had already spoken about the wildfires and was in daily contact with senior staff, FEMA, and state officials. Biden's response was seen as insensitive and ran counter to his reputation as an empathizer-in-chief. The Biden administration has since made efforts to detail the federal government's response to the wildfires, including approving over $10 million in federal assistance and deploying over 1,000 federal personnel to assist residents.
President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for the State of Illinois, providing federal assistance to areas affected by severe storms and flooding. The declaration makes federal funding available for individuals in Cook County, including grants for housing and repairs, low-cost loans for property losses, and other recovery programs. Hazard mitigation measures in Cook County will also receive federal funding on a cost-sharing basis. Andrew D. Friend of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations, and additional counties and forms of assistance may be designated after damage assessments are completed. Residents and business owners can apply for assistance through various channels provided by FEMA.
Governor Green requests federal assistance from The White House to provide major disaster relief for Maui, including funding for small businesses, temporary housing, home repairs, debris removal, and emergency protective measures. He urges residents with rentals to accommodate those affected by the fires and announces administrative leave for non-essential workers.
The NFL has called for federal assistance to combat the "illicit sports betting market" and protect the integrity of the game. In response to a congresswoman's inquiry about gambling policies, the NFL outlined its efforts to uphold game integrity and expressed concern about the underground betting market. The league believes that additional attention and resources are needed to address the threat posed by bookmakers operating outside the regulated environment. The NFL has suspended several players for violating its gambling policy since the Supreme Court's decision to allow legal betting. Collegiate sports have also seen an increase in betting controversies, prompting calls for action to safeguard competition integrity.
President Biden has approved a disaster declaration for the State of New York, providing federal assistance to aid in the recovery efforts following severe storms and flooding that occurred in July. The declaration allows for federal funding to support emergency work, facility repairs, and hazard mitigation measures in several affected counties. Further assessments are ongoing, and additional areas may receive assistance as needed.
Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Jim McGovern, are seeking low-interest loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help local farmers whose crops, including corn, butternut squash, and kale, were destroyed by floodwaters. The politicians plan to speak with President Joe Biden to declare these family farms federal disaster areas and provide immediate assistance to farmers who are facing financial challenges due to the crop losses.