Story perspectives

Midwest Tornadoes Kill 11 Amid FEMA Response Failures

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Deadly tornadoes in the Midwest and Plains killed at least 11 people.
A FEMA tornado-tracking tool was unavailable after its contract expired in February, hindering rapid area identification.
FEMA's outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem's strict spending approvals have delayed renewal of this contract.
Insiders report FEMA operations have been scaled back, leaving staff idle during critical disaster response.
Noem's tenure ends soon, and Senator Markwayne Mullin is nominated to replace her.

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Story summary

Deadly tornadoes in the Midwest and Plains killed at least 11 people.
A FEMA tornado-tracking tool was unavailable after its contract expired in February, hindering rapid area identification.
FEMA's outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem's strict spending approvals have delayed renewal of this contract.
Insiders report FEMA operations have been scaled back, leaving staff idle during critical disaster response.
Noem's tenure ends soon, and Senator Markwayne Mullin is nominated to replace her.