A second chance
The week's news at a glance.
Denver
Former FEMA chief Michael Brown, who resigned under harsh criticism of his handling of Hurricane Katrina, announced last week that he was forming a consulting firm to help homeowners and business leaders prepare for disasters. The devastation in New Orleans and other areas on the Gulf Coast “showed how bad disasters can be,” and “how important preparedness is,” Brown told the Denver Rocky Mountain News. Brown became the symbol of the federal government’s botched response to Katrina, with critics saying he was slow to recognize the scope of the catastrophe and send help. Brown said the criticism hurt, but he was ready to move on. “My wife, children, and my grandchild still love me,” he said. “My parents are still proud of me.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Peter Mandelson called Epstein his 'best pal' in birthday note
Speed Read The UK's ambassador to Washington described the late convicted paedophile as an 'intelligent, sharp-witted man'
-
A Spinal Tap reunion, Thomas Pynchon by way of Paul Thomas Anderson and a harrowing Stephen King adaptation in September movies
the week recommends This month's new releases include 'Spinal Tap II,' 'One Battle After Another' and 'The Long Walk'
-
'Vampire energy' could be causing your electric bill to rise
Under the Radar Wasted energy could account for up to 10% of home use