FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Disaster relief is needed now more than ever as natural disasters increase, but FEMA often denies requests, especially to marginalized communities.

The GAO identified 374 people who died and were listed on more than one application that received an award from the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance fund.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency may have been double-billed for the funerals of hundreds of people who died of COVID-19, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report Wednesday.

A federal appeals court has upheld President Joe Biden’s requirement that all federal employees be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Homeland security officials say they are planning for a possible increase in migration, as the Biden administration faces growing pressure to end pandemic border restrictions known as Title 42.

The affected areas, including the cities of Baton Rouge and Jackson, Mississippi, could see strong tornadoes, forecasters said.

The affected areas, including the cities of Baton Rouge and Jackson, Mississippi, could see strong tornadoes, forecasters said.

Southeastern states are in the pathway of a storm system that left widespread damage and some injuries in Texas.

The federal government has provided more than $2 billion to help cover funeral costs for more than 300,000 families of people who died from COVID-19.

President Joe Biden says “it’s time for Americans to get back to work” and he's announcing new efforts to allow people to return to normal activities safely after two years of pandemic disruptions.

The city of Dearborn Heights is continuing its efforts to mitigate flooding by demolishing flood-prone homes along the Ecorse creek corridor.

The city of Dearborn Heights is continuing its efforts to mitigate flooding by demolishing flood-prone homes along the Ecorse creek corridor.

The sheriff's office did not identify the victim or release any other information.

Greene went after Crenshaw after he said that FEMA could aid "some of these hospitals that are feeling a little bit overwhelmed" by the Omicron variant.

Hundreds of thousands eligible for up to $9,000 in help to bury or cremate those who died due to the pandemic.

A federal program reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19. But many eligible families have not applied for assistance.

Families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 can apply for reimbursement from the federal government for up to $9,000 to cover the cost of funeral expenses.

When Wanda Olson’s son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. Olson's daughter submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received a deposit by June and was able to reimburse her mother the $1,974. “Had this not been available, we would have been paying the money ourselves,” said Olson, 80, of Villa Rica, Georgia.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Jan. 7 on whether the Biden administration can order that workers at private companies and health care employees be vaccinated for COVID-19.

A revamped federal flood insurance program means higher rates for many homeowners — including in areas where coverage isn’t required because the government previously deemed them low or moderate risk.

MIDLAND, MI - Northwood University will receive a $3.4 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help rebuild six buildings damaged in the Edenville Dam collapse flooding from May 2020, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland). The collapse of the Edenville Dam after heavy rainfall led to the failure of the nearby Sanford Dam and temporarily displaced roughly 10,000 residents. The flooding was declared a state and federal disaster, causing more than $209 million in damages, including ruining Northwood’s basketball court and causing its football turf to float atop the water.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans (Archdiocese of New Orleans) has agreed to pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims for payment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the repair or replacement of certain facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The False Claims Act permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in any recovery. The False Claims Act lawsuit is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with assistance from FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel. Investigative support is being provided by DHS OIG, through its Major Fraud and Corruption Unit and New Orleans Resident Office. The claims alleged in the lawsuit, including those resolved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

The White House says President Joe Biden is extending the federal government’s 100% reimbursement of COVID-19 emergency response costs to states, tribes and territories through April 1, 2022.

FEMA says its new rates better reflect the risk from more intense and frequent rain and floods. The increase could make housing unaffordable for some in the most flood-prone areas.

NASA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are launching a free virtual information series about climate change's impact on Earth this month.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is changing flood risks based on climate change, which could lead to higher premiums.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is changing flood risks based on climate change, which could lead to higher premiums.

In the coming decades, rising sea levels due to climate change could dramatically impact the both the East and West Coasts. The Great Lakes region will also be greatly impacted by climate change. Ben Tracy reports.

Data: FEMA; Chart: Jared Whalen/AxiosSome regions of the U.S. are safer from climate-fueled extreme weather events than others, but no region will be untouched, especially as greenhouse gases keep building up in the atmosphere.The big picture: The map above shows major disasters declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the past two decades — a snapshot that ranges from hurricanes and severe storms to wildfires and drought.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic ins

U.S. officials are rolling out a new flood insurance program they say will more accurately calculate rates to reflect a home's risk.

FEMA/File photoDEARBORN — Officials are warning that the Oct. 13 deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance for damage from the June 25-26 storms in Southeast Michigan is fast approaching. FEMA staff are available to assist via the FEMA Helpline or at one of the open disaster recovery centers in southeast Michigan. There are options for those who disagree with their FEMA assistance decision. Additionally, if someone doesn’t qualify for an SBA disaster loan, they may be referred back to FEMA for other types of grant assistance. For more information on the SBA loan process, please visit sba.gov/disaster, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Gretchen Whitmer’s request to expand a “major disaster declaration” to include homes in Macomb and Oakland counties that fell victim to heavy rainfall and flooding across Southeast Michigan in late June, Whitmer’s office announced Saturday. Those interested in applying can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or download the FEMA app. Those in the affected counties have already registered with FEMA since July 15 do not need to apply again, FEMA states. Individuals in Washtenaw and Wayne counties can already apply for help if they have uninsured or underinsured losses from the late June disaster, FEMA states. On July 15, President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration allowing individual assistance for Wayne and Washtenaw counties.

On Saturday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted her request to expand the Major Disaster Declaration to include households in Macomb and Oakland counties following heavy rainfall and flooding across southeast Michigan in late June. FEMA’s agreement to expand the disaster declaration follows a letter Whitmer sent to FEMA appealing a previous denial of assistance to the areas.

THE GROSSE POINTES — While approximately 20 homes in the Grosse Pointes are being added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's coastal flood plain map

FEMA is helping Louisiana with thousands in aid.

First responders in two West Michigan communities are receiving grants from the federal government. The Comstock Township Fire Department will get $34,871 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both grants are provided through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. The money is to help daily operations and safety protocols, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, announcing the grant funding. “Our first responders and firefighters across Southwest Michigan are real heroes — period,” Upton said in a statement.

Even as climate change heightens the risk, less than a fifth of U.S. homeowners have flood coverage.

CHICAGO, IL -- Saginaw County residents later this month can meet virtually with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives regarding new flood insurance data for communities vulnerable to rising waters. FEMA representatives from the agency’s Chicago office will host a virtual open house regarding recently-completed flood insurance studies -- specifically for Saginaw County -- on Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Officials say representatives at the virtual meeting will provide information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the process for floodplain mapping within Saginaw County. The preliminary floodplain mapping shared at the meeting will provide the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as flood protection regulations drafted by the National Flood Insurance Program, an initiative managed by FEMA. Online users can access those preliminary flood insurance rate maps at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Response to disasters such as Hurricane Ida falls primarily to state and local officials, but the federal government is playing an important support role.

Response to disasters such as Hurricane Ida falls primarily to state and local officials, but the federal government is playing an important support role.

Rescuers in boats, helicopters and high-water trucks have brought hundreds of people trapped by Hurricane Ida’s floodwaters to safety.

Federal officials say hundreds of emergency responders are in place in Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has power restoration experts and generators at the ready as Hurricane Ida bashes the region.

A round of federal funding earmarked for local fire departments will benefit a local city.

THE GROSSE POINTES — The Grosse Pointes are in the process of passing an updated Wayne County hazard mitigation plan, which makes each city eligible to receive

The city has announced they are nearing the final steps in demolishing another four homes in the flood zone and have applied for a grant for 16 more homes.

"No question that this is the most substantive change to the program going back to 1968," said FEMA's David Maurstad.

At 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the federal government will be testing two emergency alert systems on televisions, radios and certain cell phones across the country.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide emergency alert system test this week.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide emergency alert system test this week.

GROSSE POINTE PARK — Park city administrators held a second special council meeting Wednesday, Aug. 4, addressing the aftermath of flooding due to the June 25

A Federal Emergency Management Agency nationwide alert is set for later this month. FEMA will test its emergency alert system, or EAS, on Aug. 11 at 2:20 p.m. The test will include both EAS systems – radio and television – and the Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, for those who have opted in on their cell phones. The message will say:“THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. No action is required.”The alert is the sixth nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan are teaming up to make sure victims of the floods last month and in June know there’s help and how to get it.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will give residents step-by-step directions on how to apply for flood relief.

WAYNE COUNTY — To address questions brought forward by victims of the June 25-26 flooding and basement backups, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence hosted a Federal

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell met with officials from FEMA and the U.S. SBA to host a virtual town hall for residents suffering from the June floods.

WAYNE COUNTY — President Joe Biden approved a Michigan disaster declaration for Wayne and Washtenaw counties Thursday, July 15, opening federal funds for home

For the people living in the city of Dearborn Heights, it feels like a wound is re-opened every time it rains.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Washtenaw County homeowners or renters who experienced damage from severe storms and flooding in late June can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the City of Ann Arbor announced on Friday. Heavy rainfall during the weekend of June 25-26 prompted Washtenaw County to declare a state of emergency after the rain overwhelmed the drainage and sewer systems in the county. At least another four to six homes required evacuation, David Halteman, director of emergency services for Washtenaw County previously told MLive. Even if they previously reported damages to local officials or spoke to a FEMA representative during preliminary damage assessments, residents must still register a claim through FEMA. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Washtenaw County residents asked to self-report flood damageFlooding prompts Washtenaw County to issue state of emergencyDebbie Dingell blasts ‘coldness’ of owners at flood-damaged Ypsilanti apartments

On Friday, the organization announced that those with uninsured or underinsured home damage can register for assistance

FEMA teams presumably got a warm welcome as they toured the area in preparation for deciding whether flooded Wayne County communities need a disaster

THE GROSSE POINTES — Qualifying a flooded man cave for federal relief isn't as straightforward as a bedroom or kitchen. "FEMA covers essential living space,"

On Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested that President Joe Biden declare a major disaster for the state of Michigan as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred in late June.

With residents in both cities still reeling from the damage caused by the recent storms, city leaders are trying to get help from the federal government.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are set to assess flood damage in Wayne County on Thursday, nearly two weeks after heavy rain caused serious flooding issues across the region.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are set to assess flood damage in Wayne County on Thursday, nearly two weeks after heavy rain caused serious flooding issues across the region.

Here are this morning's top stories.

The first steps to relief after last month’s flood are slated to begin in Wayne County on Thursday, July 8. Michigan State Police, Emergency Management...

FEMA now lets applicants for Covid funeral assistance receive funds even if the death certificate of a loved one doesn't cite the virus as a cause of death.

Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence took a tour Friday of the areas of Metro Detroit hit hardest by the floods.

California's 2020 wildfires set a record: the most acres burned in a year. But another record was set: The second half of the wildfire season had the lowest FEMA wildfire-aid approval rate.

An investigation into FEMA claims after 2020's historic wildfires in Oregon and California reveals wide fluctuations in approval rates and denials of people who met aid criteria.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) and review damages and response costs due to the heavy rainfall and flooding in Wayne County.

The people who need help the most after disasters are least able to get it from the federal government. Internal records show that FEMA knows it has a problem.

Whitmer said she’s been in touch with Federal Emergency Management Agency and members of Congress, but disaster relief may not come in time as rain is expected to return to Metro Detroit.

With the fire under some sense of control, rescuers were able to search the disaster site more effectively Saturday. Another body was found, bringing the death toll to five, with 156 unaccounted for.

President Joe Biden said he spoke with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday and promised federal help for Surfside, where 159 people are unaccounted for and four are confirmed dead after the 12-story Champlain Towers South oceanfront condo collapsed.

Nearly 100 people are still unaccounted for after the Florida condo collapsed in the wee hours of Thursday.

President Joe Biden says his administration needs to “bring every resource to bear” to deal with natural disasters as huge swaths of the country have endured a spurt of extreme weather just as the summer season is starting.

President Joe Biden says he's doubling U.S. emergency spending to help communities prepare for hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

Starting Monday, all Michigan residents are welcome to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated at the Michigan State University Pavilion clinic operated by the Ingham County Health Department in partnership with the college. The site is a drive-thru only clinic, and appointments are available as early as this week.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will begin offering financial support for COVID-19 related funeral expenses.

Officials said Friday, March 26, 2021, that the vaccine sites have provided nearly a half-million doses so far. The two sites in Oakland and Los Angeles opened in February for an eight-week pilot program that concludes on April 11. AdOfficials in the county and city of Los Angeles are in discussions about maintaining the site in some fashion, said Dr. Paul Simon, the chief science officer for Los Angeles County. “California’s commitment to equity is much more than just two vaccination sites," she said. It was updated on March 27, 2021 to correct that vaccination sites will close April 11, not April 15.

As part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.

FILE - In this Aug. 23, 2019 file photo, immigrants seeking asylum walk at the ICE South Texas Family Residential Center, in Dilley, Texas. The number of children crossing by themselves, mostly from Central America, appears to be surging in particular in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. AdThe total of 561 unaccompanied minors from Monday offers a snapshot of how quickly conditions have changed along the border. “They’re all coming across the border, they’re coming fast, and they’re wearing Biden T-shirts,” said the Oklahoma Republican. The Biden administration last week ended a Trump policy that made relatives reluctant to contact HHS to retrieve children for fear of being deported themselves.

FILE - In this Monday, March 1, 2021 file photo, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington. The Biden administration is turning to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help managing and caring for record numbers of unaccompanied immigrant children who are streaming into the U.S. from Mexico. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says FEMA will support a government-wide effort over the next three months, Saturday, March 13, 2021. – The Biden administration is turning to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help managing and caring for record numbers of unaccompanied immigrant children who are streaming into the United States by illegally crossing the border with Mexico. During an record influx of unaccompanied minors in 2014, the Obama administration also turned to FEMA for help coordinating the governmentwide response.

“I’m pleased to announce the addition of a new FEMA-supported site in Detroit,” said White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients. “This site, located at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, has the ability to administer 6,000 shots per day.”UPDATE March 15: You can now register to get vaccinated against COVID at Ford FieldREAD: FEMA to convert Ford Field into regional mass vaccination siteIt was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and were planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a massive vaccination site. “Protect lives and move Michigan and Detroit forward.”The way forward, she said, is the the vaccination site at Ford Field. I am thrilled that the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act will deliver resources -- that I secured -- directly to the federal vaccination program at Ford Field. Having this new mass vaccination site operated by FEMA will be a significant step forward for our city and our region toward that goal.

Here’s what is coming up on Local 4 News at 5:Ford Field to become one of 20 regional mass COVID vaccination centers across the countryThe Joe Biden Administration officially announced Friday morning it will be working with state officials to build a new major Community Vaccination Center (CVC) in Detroit. With the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ford Field will become the new home of a regional mass vaccination site.

DETROIT – The Joe Biden Administration officially announced Friday morning it will be working with state officials to build a new major Community Vaccination Center (CVC) in Detroit. With the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ford Field will become the new home of a regional mass vaccination site. UPDATE March 15: You can now register to get vaccinated against COVID at Ford FieldRELATED: Here is Michigan’s updated COVID-19 vaccination schedule: Who is eligible and whenAccording to the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the CVC at Ford Field will be administering 6,000 shots daily. AdIt was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and were planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a massive vaccination site. AdFord Field’s use as a CVC will be a large part of Metro Detroit’s vaccination process.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan announced Friday that all residents age 16 and up will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 5, nearly a month before the May 1 date pledged by President Joe Biden. Two days later, March 24, a federally selected regional mass vaccination site will open at Detroit's Ford Field to administer an additional 6,000 doses a day for two months. “The safe COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect you, your family and others from the virus," Gov. “It will help the country get back to normal and help the economy.”AdMichigan was the third state to announce broad eligibility this week. It may take “several weeks” beyond April 5 for everyone who wants the vaccine to get an appointment, according to the state health department.

DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. FEMA to convert Ford Field into regional mass vaccination siteWith the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ford Field will become the new home of a regional mass vaccination site.

DETROIT – Sources have confirmed that Ford Field will be used as a regional mass vaccination site starting next month. Sources in Wayne County said that FEMA has not yet defined what “regional” means. Detroit police were quietly providing security outside of Ford Field on Monday while inside a team from FEMA got a close look. FEMA wants Ford Field up and running for vaccinations by mid-March. AdWayne County Commissioner Ray Basham said FEMA is aware of how Michigan county health departments, city health departments and health systems are competing for doses.

The state of Michigan will receive federal help distributing coronavirus vaccines. Sen. Gary Peters knows vaccine distribution in Michigan has been a challenge. Peters is the chair of the Homeland Security committee over FEMA and now FEMA strike teams are coming in to assist the state. AdAny area having trouble getting vaccine doses into residents will now get help from FEMA. Peters said he has met with President Joe Biden and is pushing for the state to receive more doses.

Members of the National Guard help motorists check in at a federally-run COVID-19 vaccination site set up on the campus of California State University of Los Angeles in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. FEMA opened its first COVID-19 inoculation sites in Los Angeles and Oakland, part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to get shots into arms more quickly and reach minority communities hit hard by the outbreak. In snowy Chicago, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said more than a hundred city vaccine sites didn’t get shipments Tuesday because of the extreme weather, leading to many cancellations. The Los Angeles site is “proximate to a community that has been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic,” Gov. “The effort here is to address that issue forthrightly.”The Biden administration plans to establish 100 federally assisted vaccination sites nationwide in cooperation with state authorities.

DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Mayor Mike Duggan joins Biden Administration to talk about COVID stimulus planThe Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan will be discussed at the bi-partisan meeting Friday of governors and mayors, the White House said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has told Detroit it will be reimbursed about $18 million to cover the city’s coronavirus-related costs including money spent on administering vaccines.

DETROIT – The state of Michigan is receiving $8.3 million in federal funding for COVID-19 vaccination distribution efforts. AdWhitmer says 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine administeredLast week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed that more than 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the state. By the end of Wednesday, the state had administered exactly 1,076,545 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the governor. Earlier in the week, Whitmer said she was working with the federal government to “help us get the supply we need to reach our goal and return to the normalcy we all crave.”AdRead more here.

Plastic surgeon Daniel Suver receives the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine from Andrea Castelblanco during a vaccine clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is averaging about 60 new COVID-19 cases a day, said Dr. Janet Johnston, the epidemiologist for the Anchorage Health Department. More than 90 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be produced in Japan. Ad___SACRAMENTO -- California reported its second-highest number of COVID-19 deaths — while the rates of new coronavirus infections and hospitalizations continue to drop. ___ALBANY, N.Y. — New York may have undercounted COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents by thousands.

State health officials Monday reported fewer than 13,000 people were being treated for the virus in Texas hospitals, marking the seventh consecutive day of declining patient loads. Some hospitals and clinics have reported having to cancel immunization appointments because they didn’t have enough vaccine doses to distribute. A little more than half of Ochsner employees have yet to get the vaccine, officials said at a news conference Monday. Tessa Walker Linderman, co-lead of Alaska’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, told reporters the state expects to learn soon what its vaccine allocation will be for February. Health officials are also worried about variants that were first reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

President Joe Biden speaks about the coronavirus in the State Dinning Room of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington. “We need to ask average Americans to do their part," said Jeff Zients, the White House official directing the national response. Biden officials say they're hampered by lack of cooperation from the Trump administration during the transition. As part of his COVID-19 strategy, Biden will order the establishment of a COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force to ensure that minority and underserved communities are not left out of the government's response. Below is Biden’s “National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness” plan, announced on Jan. 21.

New York officials are pushing for more COVID-19 vaccine doses as the effort to speed up inoculations collides with a lack of vaccine. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday that the city will run out of first doses of COVID-19 vaccine sometime Thursday without fresh supplies. The U.S. mask order for travel being implemented by Biden will apply to airports and planes, ships, intercity buses, trains and public transportation. As part of his COVID-19 strategy, Biden will order the establishment of a COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force to ensure that minority and underserved communities are not left out of the government's response. Biden is ordering FEMA to reimburse states for the full cost of using their National Guards to set up vaccination centers.

President Joe Biden speaks about the coronavirus in the State Dinning Room of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington. “We didn’t get into this mess overnight, and it will take months to turn this around,” Biden said at the White House. Asked about that at the White House on Thursday, Biden told a reporter: “When I announced it, you all said it’s not possible. But administration officials stressed that reopening schools safely depends on increased testing. “We do not have nearly enough testing capacity in this country,” said White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients.