RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

AUSTIN, Texas – Unexpected legal issues may arise after a disaster that can leave individuals and families devastated. If you are facing legal issues resulting from the July storms and flooding in Central Texas, you can get free legal advice.

Flood survivors can also receive assistance from the Disaster Case Management program, where a case manager can help you access a broad range of resources and keep your recovery moving forward.

FEMA funds the disaster legal services program, managed by the State Bar of Texas. The bar’s toll-free hotline connects low-income, elderly and other vulnerable flood survivors with legal aid providers in their area. Survivors can get advice on how to replace lost documents. Lawyers can also answer insurance questions and advise about landlord-tenant issues, home repair contracts and contractors.

The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-504-7030. If there’s no answer, leave a message. People who qualify for assistance will be matched with Texas lawyers who can provide free, limited legal help. For more information, visit TexasBar.com

FEMA also funds the Disaster Case Management program, which provides help to eligible flood survivors from Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties. Voluntary, faith-based and community organizations may refer survivors to a case manager. That person becomes their single point of contact as they build and

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RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

The U.S. National Science Foundation announced over $2 million in planning grants to support the development of artificial intelligence-ready test beds — real-world environments that will accelerate the design, evaluation and deployment of AI technologies across sectors critical to America’s economy and prosperity.

The initiative is a joint effort led by the NSF directorates for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (NSF CISE) and Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP), implementing a priority issued in the White House’s recent AI Action Plan to invest in secure, real-world settings that allow researchers to prototype new AI systems and translate them to the market.

“The AI-ready test beds program is uniquely NSF,” said Ellen Zegura, NSF acting assistant director for CISE. “It leverages critical, existing test environments to drive AI progress. This initiative not only builds the foundation for new breakthroughs in AI research but also helps bridge the gap between research and applications by connecting researchers with real-world challenges and enabling them to explore how AI can be most effectively applied in practice.”

As AI systems become increasingly integrated into areas ranging from emergency response to wireless networks, evaluating their reliability and performance beyond controlled settings is essential to developing long-term, impactful solutions that benefit the nation. NSF’s test bed investments ensure that AI breakthroughs are tested for impact, scalability and built to serve the public

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RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Middle and Western Tennesseans impacted by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding may be eligible for FEMA assistance to repair or replace a vehicle. 

FEMA provides financial help after a disaster for eligible expenses not paid by insurance or other sources. This may include repair or replacement of a vehicle. The damage to your vehicle must have been caused by the disaster and it must no longer be operable or safe to drive. Cosmetic repairs will not be covered. Other requirements include:

Assistance is usually limited to one vehicle. If there is a second functional vehicle in your household, you must submit a statement indicating there is an essential need for both vehicles to maintain the household.Your vehicle must comply with state registration and insurance requirements.Your vehicle must be owned or leased (not a rental) by the applicant, co-applicant or household member.Your damaged vehicle must be an approved vehicle type, such as a car, truck, SUV or van.

The deadline to apply for assistance is Tuesday, Aug. 19.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA AssistanceASLSpanish

Video: Next Steps After

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RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

SANTA FE, New Mexico – After New Mexicans apply for disaster assistance, FEMA may call to schedule an inspection of the damaged home or to ask for more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers.

It is important to answer the call. A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, functional and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may cause a delay in FEMA’s review of a homeowner’s or renter’s application.

There is no charge for an inspection. The inspector will have a FEMA photo ID and your application number. FEMA representatives never ask for money. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a FEMA representative, but you aren’t sure, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the caller’s identity.

Residents of Lincoln County who suffered losses after the severe storms, flooding and landslides that began June 23 can apply for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Sept. 22, 2025.

To Apply for FEMA assistanceThe fastest way to apply is at DisasterAssistance.govIn-person assistance is available at the State Disaster Resource Center located at Eastern New Mexico University – Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345. The location is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.You can also use the

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