FEMA hiring overhaul drives fears of agency dismantling
The decision to reshape the hiring process for the agency's disaster relief foot soldiers comes just months before hurricane season.
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The decision to reshape the hiring process for the agency's disaster relief foot soldiers comes just months before hurricane season.
The cancellation of courses at National Fire Academy comes as the federally funded institution was set to welcome a new set of fire safety officers for training next week.
The chief financial officer at FEMA was fired after Elon Musk alleged she illegally sent funds to New York City to book luxury hotels for migrants. However, in an interview with CBS Evening News co-anchor Maurice DuBois, Mary Comans says a member of DOGE directed her to make the payments. DuBois joins "America Decides" with the latest.
"They told me to do these actions, to make these payments, and then they fired me," said Mary Comans, who was FEMA's chief financial officer.
Former FEMA CFO Mary Comans, who was fired in February by the Trump administration for sending payments to New York City to cover hotels for migrants, says she was following DOGE's directions. Comans speaks out for the first time since her firing in an exclusive interview with "CBS Evening News" co-anchor Maurice DuBois.
A FEMA-funded buyout program only provides 75% of the funding for the city to buy affected properties at fair market value, while the remaining share is absorbed by sellers.
After meeting with the White House border czar on Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams says he agreed to allow ICE agents onto Rikers Island to find violent criminals.
People on both sides of the political aisle think the Federal Emergency Management Agency needs to change, but could President Trump's plan to address issues worsen things? Sophia Cai, White House reporter for Politico, and Fin Gómez, CBS News political reporter, join "America Decides" to discuss.
As President Trump visited Los Angeles and met victims who lost their homes in the area's historic wildfires, he suggested that the future of FEMA is uncertain. The damage caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires is now estimated at up to $275 billion. Elise Preston reports.
President Trump is traveling to natural disaster areas for his first official trip outside of Washington, D.C., since taking office earlier this week. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more on Trump's plans for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The president said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been too bureaucratic and slow in its response to disasters.
President Trump said Friday he was planning to sign an executive order that could lead to an overhaul, or elimination, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan examines what this could mean. She also discusses why Mr. Trump removed the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci.
President Trump spoke at a briefing in Los Angeles on Friday after touring wildfire damage. He pledged to surge federal resources to the Golden State to help with its recovery efforts.
President Trump suggested getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and letting individual states coordinate disaster responses. Former FEMA regional administrator Thomas Sivak joins "The Daily Report" to discuss its role after major disasters and if individual states can pick up the slack.
Firefighters are still working to contain blazes that have erupted in Southern California. Tom LoBianco, national politics reporter for 24sight News, and Maeve Reston, national political reporter for The Washington Post, join "America Decides" to discuss President Trump's visit to the state Friday to survey the destruction.
During week one of the new Trump administration, the president initiated a strict border crackdown, greenlit fossil fuel exploration and more. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez and Weijia Jiang join "America Decides" to recap the first days of Trump's return.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom greeted President Trump and first lady Melania Trump in Los Angeles on Friday for their tour of areas impacted by wildfires. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
FEMA and the Los Angeles Fire Department are ramping up efforts to counter false rumors and misinformation spreading online about the wildfires.
Face the Nation Moderator Margaret Brennan speaks with the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency about the devastating wildfires in Southern California.
Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners do not have home insurance. Several private insurers in California have either raised prices or completely removed their coverage in at-risk areas. Business Insider senior sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia joins "America Decides" to discuss if he will support the Republican's new spending deal.
Congressional leaders have unveiled a stopgap bill to keep the government funded through March 14, 2025. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the latest from Capitol Hill.
Increasingly intense wildfires have become more common in California, upending the lives of thousands. Many insurers are dwindling coverage options, leaving several homes in danger. Business Insider senior sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
The U.S. faced an unprecedented 179 disasters in 2024, according to FEMA, affecting millions of Americans and wiping out some towns. CBS News' Nicole Sganga spoke with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about these catastrophes and the dwindling funds to help those affected.
The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency testified before the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday about the agency's response to hurricanes Helene and Milton and its future funding. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
The Europeans also argue that the war in Ukraine is intertwined with the war in Iran due to the cooperation between Russia and Iran.
The Trump administration is awaiting Iran's formal response to its 15-point peace proposal, as Tehran continues blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
At this year's CPAC, many attendees toed a fine line between backing the war in Iran and worrying about how the conflict could expand.
U.S. Central Command said Saturday that more than 11,000 targets have been struck since Operation Epic Fury began on Feb. 28.
A global team of air force rescuers is on standby, ready to come to the aid of the Artemis II crew after their space launch.
The House passed a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security for 60 days — but it's still unclear how the shutdown will end as the Senate, which approved its own funding plan, is on recess.
Organizers estimated that at least 8 million people took part in more than 3,300 "No Kings" events worldwide.
Two sailboats that went missing carrying humanitarian aid from southern Mexico to Cuba landed in Havana on Saturday afternoon.
In 2021, Woods was seriously injured in a rollover crash in Rolling Hills Estates, a Los Angeles suburb.
After their kidnapping case drew national attention because they were accused of making it up, Denise Huskins Quinn and Aaron Quinn worked with law enforcement to help uncover additional crimes committed by their attacker – helping to bring justice to other victims and reclaiming their own story.
The price of ammonia and urea, two fertilizer ingredients seeing disruptions, are up around 20% and 50%, respectively, since the start of the Iran war.
Dr. Lee rose to fame after his testimony in Simpson's 1995 trial, in which he questioned the handling of blood evidence.
The school district said 25 students and five adults were on the bus headed out for a school field trip.
Organizers estimated that at least 8 million people took part in more than 3,300 "No Kings" events worldwide.
Bank of America has reached a $72.5 million settlement in a lawsuit that alleges the financial giant helped facilitate the sex trafficking operation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
More than 7 million student loan borrowers who've been enrolled in a Biden-era repayment plan will receive notices with instructions to seek a new plan to repay their debt.
The Department of Homeland Security said TSA agents should begin receiving pay as early as Monday, March 30.
About 1 in 4 Americans are using AI chatbots to prepare their tax returns, but experts warn the tools can produce outdated or inaccurate guidance.
As the war with Iran continues, CBS News is tracking gas and oil prices. Find out how much more it costs to fill up your tank or heat your house.
The Europeans also argue that the war in Ukraine is intertwined with the war in Iran due to the cooperation between Russia and Iran.
At this year's CPAC, many attendees toed a fine line between backing the war in Iran and worrying about how the conflict could expand.
As the U.S.-Iran war nears the one-month mark, the fragile global oil market has emerged as a key weapon in Iran's arsenal — and some shipping and insurance experts don't expect the situation to return to normal until the conflict winds down.
More than 7 million student loan borrowers who've been enrolled in a Biden-era repayment plan will receive notices with instructions to seek a new plan to repay their debt.
The U.S. has used close to 1,000 Tomahawk missiles since June 2025 and has been procuring them at a rate of about 90 per year.
David Lyon is one of the rising number of young adults to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health and interim leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told staff a permanent CDC director could be nominated soon. "I know that it has been such a difficult year," he said.
Federal health officials posted a warning about misleading statements by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong about his company's bladder cancer drug Anktiva.
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
The Europeans also argue that the war in Ukraine is intertwined with the war in Iran due to the cooperation between Russia and Iran.
An election earlier this month was the country's first since youth-led protests against corruption and poor governance.
U.S. Central Command said Saturday that more than 11,000 targets have been struck since Operation Epic Fury began on Feb. 28.
Six weeks after Ilia Malinin missed the Olympic podium, the "quad god" reeled off huge jumps and a backflip to retain his world figure skating championship title.
The incident occurred in the middle of the night, while the office was closed. No employees were injured, according to the bank.
Tony Award-winner Brandon Uranowitz sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his journey to landing his latest role in "Ragtime" at Lincoln Center.
Bob Crawford, the bassist for The Avett Brothers, shares with "CBS Saturday Morning" why he believes John Quincy Adams is an underrated American hero amid the release of his new book "America's Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick."
Grammy-nominated Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett's latest studio album "Creatures of Habit" takes inspiration from recent life changes, including her move to Los Angeles. Here is Courtney Barnett with "Mantis."
Grammy-nominated Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett's latest studio album "Creatures of Habit" takes inspiration from recent life changes, including her move to Los Angeles. Here is Courtney Barnett with "Stay In Your Lane."
Grammy-nominated Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett's latest studio album "Creatures of Habit" takes inspiration from recent life changes, including her move to Los Angeles. Here is Courtney Barnett with "One Thing At A Time."
A judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon's attempt to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
A mother and daughter in Kentucky have turned down a $26 million offer for their land. The offer came from an unnamed tech company wanting to build a data center. CBS News' Jared Ochacher spoke with the family.
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
As AI use rises, many see it decreasing the number of jobs available.
New research from the Society of Human Resource Management shows which regions and jobs are most at risk from artificial intelligence. Johnny Taylor, president and CEO of SHRM, joins CBS News to discuss the findings.
Arctic sea ice levels are crucial to Earth's climate because, without the ice reflecting sunlight, more heat energy goes into the oceans.
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
The staff at a Florida sea turtle hospital is monitoring some animals they've rehabilitated from space -- especially amputees, such as one they named Amelie, who's back at sea.
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
A couple is attacked as they slept. They later team up with law enforcement and get their assailant to confess to more crimes. "48 Hours" correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
After their kidnapping case drew national attention because they were accused of making it up, Denise Huskins Quinn and Aaron Quinn worked with law enforcement to help uncover additional crimes committed by their attacker – helping to bring justice to other victims and reclaiming their own story.
The incident occurred in the middle of the night, while the office was closed. No employees were injured, according to the bank.
Tiger Woods was released from the Martin County jail in Florida following his DUI arrest after a rollover crash on Friday.
The Colombian navy said it also seized thousands of gallons of smuggled fuel, preventing "the strengthening of illicit economies."
The 322-foot rocket set to launch Artemis II stood ready on the pad at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday. It will be the first crewed moonshot in over a half-century. Mark Strassmann is there.
A global team of air force rescuers is on standby, ready to come to the aid of the Artemis II crew after their space launch.
While final preparations are underway for the Artemis II launch, "CBS Saturday Morning" takes a peek behind-the-scenes at the plans being made for if the crew needs to be rescued.
NASA's Artemis II crew arrived in Florida on Friday, signaling final preparations are underway for the first crewed Moon mission since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
Four NASA astronauts are gearing up for a historic mission to return humans to deep space for the first time in over 50 years. The crew touched down at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday for final preparations ahead of next week's planned Artemis II launch. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
A couple is attacked as they slept. They later team up with law enforcement and get their assailant to confess to more crimes. "48 Hours" correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
Protesters around the U.S. and the world gathered for the third "No Kings" installment to protest President Trump and his administration.
American homes and businesses are feeling the ripple effects of the war in Iran. Gas prices are averaging $3.97 a gallon nationwide, up about one dollar in a month, and the largest four-year increase in 30 years. Lana Zak reports from Iowa.
In Altadena, California, Rene Amy is walking the empty lots of the Eaton Fire burn scar, scattering poppy seeds. He hopes for growth in a community with so much loss. Joy Benedict has the story.
The 322-foot rocket set to launch Artemis II stood ready on the pad at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday. It will be the first crewed moonshot in over a half-century. Mark Strassmann is there.