FEMA CFO fired over payments to NYC for migrants says she had DOGE sign-off
"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.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Ex-FEMA official says "I was fired illegally"
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.
Homeowner affected by landslide says buyout program is "not a good deal"
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.
Adams meets with Trump border czar, agrees to let ICE onto Rikers Island
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.
What can Trump realistically do about FEMA?
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.
Trump during L.A. visit: "You don't need FEMA"
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.
Trump targets FEMA amid wildfires
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.
Trump floats "getting rid of FEMA" as he visits North Carolina and California
The president said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been too bureaucratic and slow in its response to disasters.
Trump considering major changes at FEMA
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.
Trump speaks after touring L.A. fire damage
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.
Former FEMA regional administrator on Trump
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.
Trump threatens to withhold wildfire aid
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.
Key takeaways from Trump's first week back
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.
Newsom greets Trump in Los Angeles
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.
As L.A. fires burn, officials fight false rumors and misinformation
FEMA and the Los Angeles Fire Department are ramping up efforts to counter false rumors and misinformation spreading online about the wildfires.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, January 12
Face the Nation Moderator Margaret Brennan speaks with the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency about the devastating wildfires in Southern California.
Thousands without home insurance in L.A.
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.
Rep. McCormick a "hard no" on spending bill
Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia joins "America Decides" to discuss if he will support the Republican's new spending deal.
Government funding bill unveiled
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.
Insurers pull back wildfire coverage
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.
FEMA administrator on dwindling funds
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.
FEMA boss testifies on hurricane response
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.
FEMA employee fired for telling workers to ignore homes of Trump supporters
The agency did not say where the situation happened, but Gov. Ron DeSantis said it occurred in Florida, calling it "targeted discrimination."
The Climate Election: How climate will impact your bills, health and more
The next president could have a big impact on climate change policies. Here are 11 ways the issue could impact your health, bills, natural disaster recovery and more.
The Climate Election: Disaster recovery
Hurricane Helene is one of the deadliest hurricanes to make landfall in the mainland U.S. For many places across Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas, recovery could take months or even years — and the next president will play a vital role in what that process looks like when they take office in three months. Here's what to know about Project 2025, former President Donald Trump's and Vice President Kamala Harris' stances on extreme weather, disaster recovery, and the root of the increasing frequency and power of storms — climate change.
Trump says Hamas must disarm very soon or "there will be hell to pay"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced President Trump will receive the Israel Prize for his work on peace negotiations.
Viral video prompts fraud probe at Minnesota day care centers
While many of the Minnesota day care centers in the video were cited and fined for safety violations, investigators previously found no evidence of fraud.
"Bomb cyclone" hits Midwest, takes aim at East Coast. Maps show forecast.
A powerful winter storm system moving across the northern United States could become a "bomb cyclone" over the Northeast region.
U.S. military conducts 30th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 2
The U.S. military has hit at least 30 alleged drug vessels in the region since early September, killing 107 people.
Homeland Security agents in Minneapolis investigating "rampant fraud"
Homeland Security agents are in Minneapolis on Monday "conducting a massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud," Secretary Kristi Noem said.
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
Transcript from closed hearing for Charlie Kirk murder suspect released
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings.
National Guard deploying to New Orleans as city marks 1 year since terror attack
The Guard members will stay through Carnival season, when residents and tourists descend on the Big Easy to partake in costumed celebrations and massive parades before ending with Mardi Gras.
George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
U.S.
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National Guard deploying to New Orleans as city marks 1 year since terror attack
The Guard members will stay through Carnival season, when residents and tourists descend on the Big Easy to partake in costumed celebrations and massive parades before ending with Mardi Gras.
Transcript from closed hearing for Charlie Kirk murder suspect released
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings.
Photos show motorcycle collection tied to Olympian-turned-alleged-drug-kingpin
Authorities in Mexico have seized a large collection of motorcycles believed to be owned by Ryan Wedding, the former Olympian wanted for allegedly running a major drug trafficking operation.
Viral video prompts fraud probe at Minnesota day care centers
While many of the Minnesota day care centers in the video were cited and fined for safety violations, investigators previously found no evidence of fraud.
Georgia execution paused over questions about clemency process
Stacey Humphreys, 52, was convicted of malice murder and other crimes in the 2003 shooting deaths of Cyndi Williams, 33, and Lori Brown, 21, in Cobb County, northwest of Atlanta.
MoneyWatch
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Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
These 9 states are cutting income taxes in 2026. See where.
Income tax cuts are taking effect in multiple U.S. states on Jan. 1, 2026, a new analysis says.
OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Bank of America CEO warns market "will punish people" without independent Fed
Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan stated last week that, as President Trump seeks a new chair of the Federal Reserve, maintaining the banking system's independence is paramount.
Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
Politics
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New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Viral video prompts fraud probe at Minnesota day care centers
While many of the Minnesota day care centers in the video were cited and fined for safety violations, investigators previously found no evidence of fraud.
U.S. military conducts 30th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 2
The U.S. military has hit at least 30 alleged drug vessels in the region since early September, killing 107 people.
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
Trump claims progress toward peace, but Russia signals more war ahead
Hours after Trump declares Russia and Ukraine "closer than ever" to peace, Moscow claims a failed drone strike will alter its negotiating position.
HealthWatch
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New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
World
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George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Japan's prime minister moves into "haunted" official residence
Japanese premiere Sanae Takaichi has moved into the prime minister's official residence, where ghosts of Japanese soldiers from a century ago are reputed to reside.
U.S. military conducts 30th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 2
The U.S. military has hit at least 30 alleged drug vessels in the region since early September, killing 107 people.
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
Trump claims progress toward peace, but Russia signals more war ahead
Hours after Trump declares Russia and Ukraine "closer than ever" to peace, Moscow claims a failed drone strike will alter its negotiating position.
Entertainment
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George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Actor accusing Tyler Perry exchanged texts with him years after alleged assault
Actor Mario Rodriguez alleged in the lawsuit filed last week in California that Tyler Perry sexually assaulted him during encounters between 2014 and 2019.
French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
MetroCard art: Swiping beauty from the mundane
On December 31, New York City will officially retire the transit system's MetroCard, that ubiquitous piece of plastic used to gain entrance onto subways and buses. But there is beauty in using MetroCards as the raw materials for art, as Thomas McKean has found in his collages and miniature sculptures depicting portraits of city life. Serena Altschul reports.
Technology
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OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
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.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Transcript from closed hearing for Charlie Kirk murder suspect released
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings.
Photos show motorcycle collection tied to Olympian-turned-alleged-drug-kingpin
Authorities in Mexico have seized a large collection of motorcycles believed to be owned by Ryan Wedding, the former Olympian wanted for allegedly running a major drug trafficking operation.
North Texas man charged with trying to provide material support to ISIS, officials say
The 21-year-old Midlothian man was arrested after bringing bomb-making components to a meeting with an undercover officer, the feds say.
Victim in Christmas shooting in Southfield never called 911, police say
Police investigating the Christmas Day deaths of two people at an apartment complex say neither the victim nor her friend ever called 911, despite a history of domestic violence in the victim's relationship.
DOJ: D.C. pipe bomb suspect confessed
The Virginia man accused of placing pipe bombs outside the DNC and RNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots has confessed, according to a new court filing. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Shaq helps tall police recruit after failed exam
After completing the police academy earlier this year, 7-foot-3 Jordan Wilmore fell short of passing the state exam by one point. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal learned about his story and offered his support. Jericka Duncan reports.
Young Americans weigh climate fears
Some young adults say their considering climate change and the future when deciding whether or not to have children. David Schechter reports.
Hero who disarmed Bondi Beach gunman speaks out
It's been two weeks since gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, killing 15 people and wounding 40 others. Amid the tragedy, an act of heroism stands out -- shopkeeper Ahmed al Ahmed tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen. Anna Coren has an exclusive interview.
Viral video prompts Minnesota day care probes
As Homeland Security agents were in Minnesota conducting what DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called a "massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud," many of their targets came not from tips from the FBI, but from a video posted on social media over the weekend. CBS Minnesota's Jonah Kaplan reports.
Bystander recounts deadly helicopter crash
Two pilots have died of their injuries after their helicopters crashed over New Jersey. CBS Philadelphia reporter Ray Strickland spoke to a woman who says she comforted one of the pilots after the chopper crashed outside her home.