Trump eyes dismantling FEMA during disaster tour
President Trump toured disaster zones in California and North Carolina and proposed direct federal aid to states, criticizing FEMA as slow and bureaucratic. He urged local waivers on permits to speed rebuilding while pressing for federal funds outside FEMA channels. The remarks came as Democratic leaders urged federal assistance in fire-ravaged California. The trip also featured the Senate confirming Pete Hegseth.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Los Angeles
Donald Trump
California
North Carolina
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Trump
FEMA
Washington
Hegseth confirmed as defense secretary amid controversy
In a dramatic late-night Senate vote Vice President Vance cast a tie breaking vote to confirm Hegseth despite questions about his qualifications and alleged conduct toward women. Trump praised the outcome as he left California after surveying fire damage and amid GOP dissent from McConnell Murkowski and Collins.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hegseth
Defense
Pentagon
U.S
Senate
Fox News
Donald Trump
JD Vance
Capitol
Trump
Air Force One
California
Mitch McConnell
Lisa Murkowski
Alaska
Susan Collins
Congress
White House
Israel Hamas to swap more hostages and prisoners
Israel and Hamas expect another exchange as part of the Gaza ceasefire, with four hostages to be freed for 200 prisoners. The swap follows last weekend's release of three hostages for 90 prisoners and could lead to wider movement in Gaza. Names of four Israeli soldiers and the Nasal Oz base details are noted among those captured in the Oct 7 attack. Israel plans to pull back from the Netzarim corridor, enabling displaced residents to return.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Deir Al-Balah
Gaza Strip
Israel
Hamas
Gaza
Karina Ariev
Daniella Gilboa
Naama Levy
Liri Albag
Agam Berger
Netzarim
Agencies Remove DEI Resources From Federal Websites
Washington AP Federal agencies have begun removing diversity, equity and inclusion resources from sites after President Trump's executive order. Training programs are being canceled and diversity offices shut, with DEI staff potentially placed on paid leave. OPM, State, and DHS pages now show 404 errors or archive notices explaining the change.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Donald Trump
Trump
DEI
Office of Personnel Management
State Department
Department of Homeland Security
Douglas County Public Safety Building project marks new era
Project leaders from JLEC and county offices outlined safety, inclusivity, and lasting impact as the Public Safety Building near completion. Officials emphasized first impressions, interagency collaboration, and a 50 year design aim, with an $819 million budget approved by the Douglas County Commission and a two and a half year timeline.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Simmons
Sheriff’s Office
Douglas County
JLEC
Shannon Reid
Reid
Journal-World
Public comment guidelines face changes after disruptive meetings
The proposed edits aim to clarify anti bullying rules for public commenters and outline consequences for noncompliance while allowing email submissions. Recent incidents include Justin Spiehs obscene language at a Lawrence school board meeting, prompting a recess and warnings from President Kelly Jones.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Justin Spiehs
Journal-World
Spiehs
Lawrence
Kelly Jones
Douglas County
Lawrence district reviews public input and enrollment shifts
The district summarized public engagement sessions held in November across middle schools and the Lawrence Public Library, with partners including the Lawrence Interfaith Alliance and local schools. Enrollment is projected to drop to about 9,400 by 2029 2030 and boundary changes may wait until 2026 2027. The agenda also covers solar installation at Sunflower Elementary, mower purchases, streaming policy tweaks, and two executive sessions on security and attorney client matters. Residents can comment in person or via Webex.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lawrence Public Library
Swift
Lawrence Interfaith Alliance
The
Chambers Governmental and External Affairs Committee
EU School of Education
Lawrence High
Free State
Lawrence Virtual School
1Th Street
Bob Billings
Cromwell Environmental Inc
DBA
Cromwell Solar
Sunflower Elementary
McDonald Drive
Also Mentioned on This Page
Pete Hegseth
Alex Brandon
Senate Armed Services Committee
Nahal Oz
McCabrin
District Court
Ockinga
J.E. Dunn
Lane
Cori Wallace
Journal- World
Wallace
City Commission
McConnell Machinery Co. Inc
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