Biden admin’s FEMA ‘equity’ plan faces backlash amid historic hurricane damage
The Biden-Harris administration’s disaster relief agency is facing backlash after its unearthed emergency management blueprint went viral amid the destructive hurricane that recently ravaged the southern U.S.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website lists a set of three goals as part of their strategic plan to “address key challenges” in emergency management. The number one goal listed in the agency’s priorities is to “instill equity as a foundation of emergency management.”
The second goal is “Lead Whole of Community in Climate Resilience” and the third goal is “Promote & Sustain a Ready FEMA & Prepared Nation.”
According to FEMA’s plan, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion cannot be optional.”
HURRICANE HELENE WREAKS HAVOC ACROSS ASHEVILLE, NC; NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYED, 119 RESCUED
“This requires that FEMA’s leadership and workforce demonstrate an increased commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in delivering the agency’s mission. FEMA must draw upon its staff’s diversity and range of experiences to consistently inform programming, policy, and decision-making,” the FEMA plan continued. “Through investment in diversity and inclusion efforts – including Employee Resource Groups and multicultural training – FEMA can increase its employees’ involvement and participation in cultivating a culture of inclusion.”
After Hurricane Helene broke out, leaving over 100 dead across six states and millions without power, social media users began criticizing FEMA’s strategic plan in the midst of the damage.
“I’m sure people who’ve lost loved ones, lost their homes and now see their town underwater feel really great knowing that FEMA’s #1 goal is to be woke. Everything about their terrible response makes sense now. What an embarrassment,” conservative activist Robby Starbuck said in a post on X.
“Our government is broken,” wrote author and scientist Robert Malone, M.D., of the agency’s plan. “I heartily disagree – the first priority of FEMA should be emergency response management.”
“If FEMA response for #HurricaneHelene is slower, it could be attributed to the agency making equity a ‘foundation of emergency management,’” Gabriella Hoffman, an Independent Women’s Forum’s director, said on X. “Yikes.”
FEMA, however, denies that the agency’s strategic plan has interfered with hurricane disaster relief.
“That is a lie. We help all people regardless of background as fast as possible before, during and after disasters. That is our mission and that is our focus,” director of public affairs Jaclyn Rothenberg told Fox News Digital. “We care about people, all people. We take our responsibility very seriously to help all communities regardless of background, so that we understand where people are coming from and what their need is so we can provide life-saving and life-sustaining support.”
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“In case you’re wondering why the response to Hurricane Helene has been a disaster… Fema’s goal 1 is to instill equity as a foundation of emergency management. This is real,” Libs of TikTok, an influential conservative account known for reposting far-left content, said in a post.
“Other government agencies have declared DEI to be part of the scientific process, and therefore beyond the reach of elected officials,” Russ Greene, a senior fellow for economic progress at Stand Together Trust, wrote on X.
President Biden got defensive Monday during a press conference when he was pressed by a reporter on who was in command over the weekend to direct hurricane response since he was at his beach home in Delaware.
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“I was commanding it,” Biden declared from the doorway. “I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well. I command it. It’s called a telephone and all my security people.”
Biden turned again to leave as the reporter began to ask, “Is it not important for the country to see?”
The president left and the door closed mid-question.
At the start of his remarks, Biden assured that he and his team were “in constant contact with governors, mayors and local leaders” regarding Hurricane Helene.
Israeli officials reportedly frustrated after plans for terror hotbed leak to public
Ministers in Israel’s Political-Security Cabinet in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time agreed on an operational strategy for Israel’s “limited” invasion into Lebanon, but tensions were high after officials were reportedly frustrated that the news of the operation had been leaked hours before they even met.
An unnamed U.S. security official confirmed to Fox News and other outlets Monday morning that a “limited” invasion into Lebanon was imminent. And when questioned by reporters on it later, President Biden appeared to confirm the claims and said, “I’m more aware than you might know.”
But when asked if he was comfortable with the operational plans, he said, “I’m comfortable with them stopping. We should have a cease-fire now.”
ISRAEL LAUNCHES LIMITED GROUND OPERATIONS IN LEBANON AS WAR AGAINST HEZBOLLAH, TERRORIST GROUPS CONTINUE
Similarly, during a U.S. State Department briefing later in the day, spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, “They have been informing us about a number of operations.”
“They have, at this time, told us that those are limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border. But we’re in continuous conversations with them about it,” he added.
It is unclear if Miller was speaking about future operations or ongoing operations as reports surfaced earlier on Monday suggesting that Israeli special forces had been engaging in cross-border raids for months.
Fox News Digital could not confirm which Israeli ministers were frustrated and specifically who in the U.S. their ire was directed at.
But it wasn’t only U.S. officials the Israeli ministers were reportedly frustrated with, according to local media outlet YNET News.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were also a source of exasperation after a spokesperson for the IDF reportedly referenced the operation ahead of the minister’s debate, though local reporting appeared to have been updated following requests by IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, who called on outlets not to report on “rumors.”
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“In recent hours there have been many reports and rumors about IDF activity on the Lebanese border. We ask that no reports be circulated about the activities of the forces,” Hagari said on X ahead of the ministerial meeting.
“Stick to the official reports only and do not spread irresponsible rumors,” he added.
However, following the meeting, the IDF released a statement confirming that the IDF had begun “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.”
“These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” the IDF added.
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Sources told Fox News earlier on Monday that the operation was set to be “limited” in scope and would be quicker than the 2006 operation Israel conducted in Lebanon, which lasted 34 days and saw some 1,191 deaths and 4,409 injured, a third of which were women and children. Israel also reported that 43 civilians were killed and 997 were injured.
Axios previously reported that Israel did not give the U.S. advance notice on the exploding beepers operation, reporting, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin as the pagers started to explode in Lebanon. Following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told reporters, “The United States was not involved in Israel’s operation,” noting there was “no advance warning” from the Israelis.
The State Department did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Trump sees Helene’s impact on the ground then launches massive effort to help victims
Former President Trump raised more than $1 million dollars on Monday to benefit victims in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.
A GoFundMe page was launched by the Trump campaign following the former president’s visit to battered Georgia where he toured hard-hit areas left in Helene’s wake.
“With so many across the Southeastern U.S. facing challenges after the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the aftermath firsthand,” the page states. “All donations will be directed to help those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will go a long way for your fellow Americans who are suffering.”
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Donors included former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who gave $500,000. Bass Pro Shop, known for its chain of wilderness-themed stores and wide array of hunting, fishing & outdoor gear, gave $100,000.
A donor by the name of Dana White, presumably the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship who is a close friend of Trump’s and spoke at this year’s Republican National Convention, also gave $100,000.
Hedge fund billionaire William Ackman also pledged $100,000. Other donors included Kid Rock, U.S. Sen. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wy., and personal injury attorney Dan Newlin.
BIDEN GETS DEFENSIVE WHEN PUSHED ON WHO’S COMMANDING’ HURRICANE HELENE RESPONSE
Trump paid a visit to Valdosta, Georgia on Monday where he criticized the federal response to the disaster.
“Our hearts are with you and we are going to be with you as long as you need it,” he said, flanked by a group of elected officials and Republican supporters.
President Biden criticized his predecessor for “lying” about federal contacts with Georgia officials during the response.
“I don’t know why he does this,” Biden said. “I don’t care about what he says about me, but I care what he what he communicates to people that are in need. He implies that we’re not doing everything possible. We are. We are.”
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On Monday, Biden said he would visit Asheville, North Carolina, to survey the damage from Helene.
The death toll from Helene has surpassed 100 people, as of Monday evening.
Reactions from the sports world pour in after news of MLB legend Pete Rose’s death
The death of MLB’s hit king Pete Rose has sent the sports world into mourning and remembrance, as the polarizing Cincinnati Reds legend had many taking to social media to share their thoughts and send their condolences.
Rose evokes a wide range of emotions when speaking to sports fans, as he was one of the greatest ballplayers to ever step foot on a diamond, consistently giving his all to help his team win.
On the other hand, Rose’s career has a giant cloud hanging over it after his gambling scandal led to a permanent ban from baseball, and he remained on that ban list until he died despite numerous reinstatement attempts.
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But ESPN personality Mike Greenberg didn’t want to think about the complexity of Rose’s career and stardom. Instead, he just wanted to remember the baseball player with his post on X.
“There has never been another player like Pete Rose in my lifetime,” Greenberg wrote. “This is the way I will remember him, playing the game harder than anyone else ever did.
PETE ROSE, MLB’S POLARIZING ALL-TIME HITS LEADER, DEAD AT 83
“Few athletes will leave behind more complicated legacies. Today isn’t the day for that. Today, let’s just say thanks to Charlie Hustle, for playing the way we always dreamt we would if given the chance. #RIP”
Alex Rodriguez, who had controversy himself during his MLB career, paid homage to Rose with a short clip during their time together on Fox Sports, where he broke down how he used to use his hands in his signature swing.
“Absolutely heartbroken to hear the devastating news about Pete Rose’s passing,” Rodriguez wrote above the clip. “He always brought a smile to my face when we worked together at Fox. He was true original and 1 of 1. Nobody loved baseball more than Pete and I’ll miss him terribly.”
Many more former MLB stars, like Wade Boggs, shared memories and photos with Rose.
“Words can’t describe how I feel right now my Idol and friend growing up wanting to be Pete Rose,” Boggs wrote. “You’ll be dearly missed my friend RIP my Brother.”
The Reds, the team he spent 19 of his 24 seasons playing for, and managed during and after his time as a player, posted for Rose.
MLB, despite the two parties’ differences, shared its statement on Rose.
“Major League Baseball extends its deepest condolences to Pete Rose’s family, his friends across the game, and the fans of his hometown of Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Montreal and beyond who admired his greatness, grit and determination on the field of play. May he rest in peace.”
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Many more thoughts and prayers for Rose’s family will continue to flood social media, as the game of baseball lost one of its greats.
Judge rules state’s six-week ‘heartbeat’ abortion law is ‘unconstitutional’
A judge in Fulton County, Georgia, has overturned the state’s “Heartbeat Law” on abortion, which made it illegal to terminate a pregnancy after six weeks.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney issued the order on Monday, saying abortions must be regulated the way they were before the “Heartbeat Law” went into effect, meaning abortions could be allowed until the 22-week mark.
“The authors of our Constitutions, state and federal, entrusted to future generations a charter protecting the right of all persons to enjoy liberty as we learn its meaning,” McBurney wrote in his final order. “A review of our higher courts’ interpretations of ‘liberty’ demonstrates that liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices.
“That power is not, however, unlimited,” the judge added. “When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then – and only then – may society intervene.”
GEORGIA SUPREME COURT REJECTS CHALLENGE TO ABORTION LAW
McBurney continued, saying a law that prevents abortions after six weeks was inconsistent with those rights as well as the proper balance that a viability rule establishes between a woman’s rights and society’s interests in protecting and caring for unborn infants.
He then declared the “Life Act” as “unconstitutional.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, signed the “Heartbeat” abortion bill, also known as the Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act,” into law in 2019. The law made abortions after the six-week mark illegal.
GEORGIA GOV. BRIAN KEMP SIGNS CONTROVERSIAL ‘HEARTBEAT’ BILL INTO LAW
There were exceptions written into the law, including rape and incest, as long as a police report was filed. Another exception to the law allowed for abortions after six weeks if the mother’s life was at risk or if a serious medical condition rendered a fetus inviable.
The law signed by Kemp was blocked by a federal judge in October 2019 — before it went into effect — and ruled it violated the right to abortion established by Roe. v. Wade in 1973.
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, which cleared the way for Georgia’s law on abortion to go into effect.
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McBurney, in November 2022, ruled the law was “unequivocally unconstitutional” because it was enacted in 2019 when Roe v. Wade allowed abortions after six weeks.
But in October 2023, the Georgia Supreme Court rejected the ruling in a 6-1 decision, saying McBurney was wrong.
“When the United States Supreme Court overrules its own precedent interpreting the United States Constitution, we are then obligated to apply the Court’s new interpretation of the Constitution’s meaning on matters of federal constitutional law,” Justice Verda Colvin wrote for the majority.
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McBurney’s ruling on Monday stated that the state, county, municipal and other local authorities are “enjoined” from seeking to enforce the six-week abortion law.
Biden secretary ‘not been very focused’ on potential strike despite massive implications
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Monday that she “hasn’t been particularly involved” on the potential strike of port workers that has some experts worried that it could cost the U.S. economy billions every day.
“This is the first time since the 1970s that you would see strikes all up and down, not only the East Coast, but the Gulf ports,” CNBC host Becky Quick said. “What would this mean for commerce in this country? What would this mean for businesses if we go into this strike? And what do you know about it?”
“I would say, look, it’s not a secret that this would be, depending on how long it lasts, could be incredibly disruptive to commerce,” Raimondo, who appeared as a surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, responded.
She added that she hopes the parties come together to an agreement because if not, the effects on the economy could be “very disruptive.”
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Quick followed up by asking what the effects would be if the strike lasted longer than a week.
“I have not been very focused on that. I would refer you to the White House or the transportation secretary,” Raimondo responded.
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When Quick pressed again on the possible effects of the strike, Raimondo dodged and said she didn’t want to violate the Hatch Act because she was there in her personal capacity.
“I haven’t been particularly involved,” she added.
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Unionized dockworkers in the International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents 45,000 members at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, may go on strike beginning Oct. 1 if an agreement isn’t reached by the end of Monday.
The strike by workers at ports from Texas to Maine will reportedly impact U.S. farmers already dealing with an economic downward spiral. An analysis by J.P. Morgan estimated a strike would cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion per day.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Commerce Department for comment and did not immediately receive a response.
49ers star running back’s injury report leaves fans stunned — worse than initially thought
Things are even more bleak for San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that McCaffrey is dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both of his legs — not just one, per ESPN.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that Shanahan said he’s “experienced bilateral achilles tendinitis for some time, but that the condition is more concentrated in one leg than the other.”
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NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported this news on Sunday on the “49ers Talk Podcast.”
As Schefter points out, this throws an even bigger wrench in the 49ers’ plans to have McCaffrey play this year, as it was always expected to be just one Achilles tendinitis issue.
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Now, it’s unclear if McCaffrey has actually been dealing with both of his legs affected by the ailment all offseason, or if this is a new injury that occurred in recent weeks.
Either way, it’s not a place the dynamic running back wants to be as the 49ers chase redemption after losing in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
The 49ers have said they have no intentions to rush McCaffrey back this year, especially with his backup, Jordan Mason, performing very well since taking over the starting role.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan did mention that it’s the 49ers’ plan to have McCaffrey begin physical therapy this week, and they hope to increase his workload until he is ready to be activated off the Injured Reserve.
This came after McCaffrey went to Germany to see an Achilles specialist for his injury. That brought about more doubt, and now there is this report about a second injury.
So, 49ers fans, and McCaffrey fantasy team owners, are not getting the positive developments they want to hear when reports about him come up.
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Mason has been producing behind the line McCaffrey usually thrives with, as he has the second-most rushing yards in the league with 447 through four games.