FEMA

Congressman Sam Graves of Tarkio is trying to pass a major overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including taking it out of the purview of the Department of Homeland Security.

Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley sent a letter to the federal agency about the reported delays of aid to victims of the May 16 tornado that ripped through St. Louis.

Along with calls for better disaster mitigation programs, the mayors announced a new federal data tool that will compile information on drought, flooding and river levels.

With their home and nonprofit damaged in May’s tornado, Urban Born founders say they need more from FEMA.

Staff at the centers can help residents with their disaster assistance applications, answer questions and upload required documents.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer’s office said FEMA is providing a lump sum and will cover 75% of eligible debris removal costs, with the state covering the remaining 25%.

The application deadline for tornado disaster aid in St. Louis has passed, but that doesn’t mean getting aid isn’t possible anymore. People whose original applications were denied can appeal their decision, and applying late is an option for some.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said the city was left to respond to the tornado alone because of “turmoil at the national level.”

The deadline to apply for FEMA funds for damage sustained in the May 16 tornado is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. St. Louisans can apply in person, online, by phone or on FEMA’s app.

A St. Louis couple is trying to pick up the pieces after the tornado turned their lives and their literacy nonprofit, Urban Born, upside down.