All articles tagged with #federal response
Bird flu outbreaks have surged in the US, with over 3.5 million poultry killed in the past month, amid a scaled-back federal response that hampers surveillance and research, raising concerns about potential human infections and broader public health risks.
The First Lady emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness during National Preparedness Month, highlighting recent natural disasters, criticizing previous government responses, and outlining efforts to improve federal emergency response and support for communities.
President Trump visited flood-affected Kerrville, Texas, defending the federal government's swift response and aid efforts following deadly July Fourth floods, amid ongoing scrutiny of FEMA's handling and potential restructuring, with local leaders praising the response and legislative efforts underway to improve disaster preparedness.
Protests erupted in Los Angeles following immigration raids, leading to clashes with law enforcement, deployment of National Guard and Marines, and significant disruptions, including freeway blockages and property damage, with mixed reactions from officials and the public.
The California National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles amid protests and clashes related to immigration enforcement, with the Trump administration activating nearly 2,000 troops without local approval, leading to political tensions and violent confrontations. Local officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the move as unnecessary and provocative, while protests continued peacefully in some areas despite violent incidents and law enforcement responses.
Federal authorities have downplayed the impact of bird flu outbreaks on dairy farms, but recent evidence suggests that the virus is spreading among cows and from cows to poultry. The U.S.D.A. has not publicly shared information about bird flu infections in asymptomatic cattle, and testing for H5N1 infection has been limited. Scientists fault the federal response for not actively monitoring infections in pigs and not sharing enough genetic information about the virus, raising concerns about the safety of the nation's milk and food supply.
President Joe Biden is set to visit Baltimore following the Key Bridge collapse, with plans to meet state and local officials and assess federal response efforts. The Biden administration has approved $60 million in immediate aid and pledged to cover the full cost of rebuilding. The U.S. Coast Guard has opened a temporary channel for essential vessels, while the Small Business Administration has established centers to assist businesses affected by the bridge collapse. Engineers are working to remove debris, and efforts are underway to reopen the Port of Baltimore.
Senior national security officials in the Biden administration grappled with simulated scenarios testing federal response to election-related chaos, including a deepfake video and potential violence at polling stations, highlighting the limits of federal power to address such threats. The officials favored a muted public response, emphasizing the role of state and local governments in countering disinformation and leading public messaging. With concerns about foreign interference and the use of AI-generated fakes in elections, federal agencies are working to ensure the integrity and security of the 2024 elections, while also navigating the delicate balance of addressing threats without inadvertently amplifying them.
President Joe Biden is set to visit fire-ravaged Maui on Monday to witness the devastation caused by the deadliest American wildfire in over 100 years. His initial response to the Maui wildfires drew criticism, but he has since signed an emergency declaration and remained in regular contact with state officials. During his visit, Biden plans to speak with state officials, emergency responders, and survivors, and will assign a senior FEMA official to coordinate long-term federal response efforts. The president aims to reassure residents that the federal government will support their recovery and help them rebuild according to their vision.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Maui to meet with survivors, first responders, and officials in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. The Biden-Harris Administration has deployed over 1,000 federal personnel to assist with response efforts, including search and rescue teams. They have approved over $8 million in assistance, provided meals, water, and shelter supplies, and are working with various federal departments and agencies to assess ongoing needs. The administration encourages impacted individuals to register for federal assistance and has opened a Disaster Recovery Center. The Department of Defense, Coast Guard, EPA, DOE, HHS, SBA, USDA, HUD, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are among the agencies providing support. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force is also working to incorporate museums and cultural heritage sites into recovery planning.
US President Joe Biden has pledged to visit Hawaii soon in response to criticism over his handling of the deadly wildfires on the island. Nearly 100 people have been confirmed dead, and residents have complained about the slow federal government response. Biden stated that he didn't want to disrupt ongoing recovery efforts but assured that all available federal assets, including the military and Coast Guard, would be used for recovery. The US Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans, and FEMA has approved one-time payments of $700 per household. However, frustration remains among residents over the scale and speed of the recovery efforts, with some criticizing the government's handling of the situation.
President Joe Biden is set to address the devastating Maui wildfires during a speech in Milwaukee, as the White House defends and explains the federal government's response to the disaster. The administration has been in regular contact with Hawaii Governor Josh Green and is providing support through various agencies, including FEMA, the US Coast Guard, US Navy, US Army, Small Business Administration, US Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, US Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Defense. Former President Barack Obama has also asked for contributions to help wildfire victims in Maui.
As the death toll from the wildfires in Maui rises, there is criticism of the federal government's response, but one local argues that it is unfair because the site is considered a crime scene and due diligence needs to be done before federal agencies can intervene. Logistical challenges, including the remote location of Hawaii, also contribute to the delay in FEMA's response.
Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Gov. Maura Healey have called on state residents to open their homes and offer housing to migrants as the state faces a shortage of shelters. Healey declared a state of emergency due to the increasing number of families and pregnant individuals, many of whom are newly arriving migrants and refugees, without safe shelter. The state is currently providing emergency housing to nearly 5,600 families or over 20,000 people. The officials attribute the migrant crisis to federal immigration policies, lack of affordable housing, and the end of COVID-era programs. They hope the emergency declaration will lead to more federal funding and expedite work permits for immigrants.
A bridge collapse in Montana caused several freight train cars carrying hazardous materials to crash into the Yellowstone River. It is unclear if any of the materials leaked. Multiple local and federal agencies responded to the incident, and initial air and water tests did not find any evidence of leaks. The river has been closed, and residents have been advised to follow instructions from local authorities. There were no reported injuries.