'Natural disasters don't happen only in the movies'

The exterior of the FEMA headquarters is seen in Washington, D.C.

FEMA 'plays a vital role in coordinating the continuity of the federal government'

(Image credit: Nathan Posner / Anadolu via Getty Images)

published 14 May 2025

'FEMA prepares for disasters worse than hurricanes'

Eric S. Edelman and Franklin C. Miller at The Wall Street Journal

FEMA "does more than write checks after hurricanes hit," say Eric S. Edelman and Franklin C. Miller. It "plays a vital role in coordinating the continuity of the federal government and its operations in the event of a nationwide emergency." The White House "should consider the consequences for national security before rushing ahead with a plan to close FEMA." Terrorism "remains a real threat, as does a catastrophic cyberattack." In "many ways today's challenges are more daunting."

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California has "long had a love-hate relationship with Big Oil," say Erika D. Smith and Liam Denning. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) shows "evidence of rising tension between the state's net-zero objectives and the economic woes of working-class Californians." The "question is whether the state is at a tipping point where opposition to climate policies erodes Democrats' electoral prospects." The "unpalatable concessions, such as capacity payments to keep refiners open or even changes to EV targets, may ultimately enter the discourse."

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When the BBC announced that it was "launching a digital class in which an AI-resurrected Christie would offer lessons in writing, it was difficult not to be outraged," says Mary McNamara. Here was a "woman who was on record" about "how much she loathed having to talk." There is "no getting away from the fact that this is a two-and-a-half-hour lecture, delivered by a woman" who, with the "exception of a very few hand gestures, never moves."

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.