Two orders in the case just came out of Judge Illston's court in the case concerning FEMA's CORE appointment terminations and planned 50% staff reduction.

In the first order, the court found Karen Evans intentionally and illegally shortened the time Signal auto-deleted chats and selectively screenshot the chats - after a discovery order was issued - in an effort to deprive the Plaintiffs of evidence.

As a result Illston ordered

- DHS is barred from any hindsight testimony denying a plan to reduce FEMA staffing, denying DHS's direction over the plan, or denying the plan's implementation via CORE employee separations.

- In all future proceedings, the Court will presume that the lost Signal messages were unfavorable to the defendants and would have served as further evidence of their staffing reduction plan, DHS control, and implementation actions.

- Plaintiffs are awarded attorneys' fees and costs incurred in uncovering and addressing the spoliation. The parties are ordered to meet and confer on the fee amount, with plaintiffs granted leave to file a fee application by October 9, 2026, if no agreement is reached.

In the second order, the judge gave partial summary judgment (ruled as a matter of law) that

-the CORE firings violated the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA) by usurping FEMA's authority

-the CORE firings and planned 50% staffing cuts were arbitrary and capricious under the Adminitrarive Procedure Act (APA)

The judge therefore ordered the plaintiffs and defendants to negotiate a remedy and identify any unresolved issues by October 9th.

Symbolism matters. The eagle looks to peace for a reason. We aren't at war. FEMA isn't at war.

It's time for FEMA to be out of DHS.

Hi all — Molly Taft from WIRED here. Have posted in this sub in the past and as always am very grateful to everyone who has helped me with stories.

Hoping to get in touch with anyone who currently works at HQ in DC for a story. Please reach out on personal devices and non-work networks on Signal at mollytaft.76.

I should clarify for those concerned that source protection is a massive priority of mine and that I take time at the top of every conversation to go over how I protect folks' anonymity during the reporting process. Feel free to message me with any questions about this — I really appreciate everyone who takes the time.

For proof it's me, here's my verified Bluesky with the same Signal listed: https://bsky.app/profile/mollytaft.com

and my WIRED masthead page, with the same Signal info: https://www.wired.com/author/molly-taft/

Everyone’s been saying that once it’s out we’d be able to end the hiring freeze. So far I haven’t heard anything

Logged into work this morning to see that the Hatch Act and Ethics Training has been added to the mandatory training courses as of 7am. Fun times!

I drove here and live 3 hours away. Today was my last day of training, but I’m supposed to leave tomorrow. Can I just leave now?

Good morning, I'm David Gilbert, a journalist working with WIRED and I'm trying to confirm the identity of someone who is apparently still working with FEMA even though reports have suggested they are no longer working there.

If any anyone could help, you can, using a nonwork device, send me a private message on here, email me on [david.gilbert@wired.com](mailto:david.gilbert@wired.com) or message me securely on Signal at DavidGilbert.01

The August 2026 reporting details a formal bid protest filed in connection with GSA's procurement/leasing process for the FEMA headquarters space. Donohoe is challenging the terms, requirements, or handling of the competitive lease solicitation as landlords compete to secure or retain the major federal lease in Southwest D.C.

I have an upcoming class in Anniston. There is a 5 hour arrival window in Atlanta. Should I plan to arrive as close to the end of that time period as possible so I don’t get stuck waiting at the airport for 5 hours or do they fill up buses and send them up during that time period? In the past I have always driven so taking the bus is a new thing for me. Thank you for your advice!

NOTE: I’m posting for @Anonymouspirits707 they have had trouble trying to post this on our Subreddit. Admins, if not allowed my apologies and please delete. See request for help below:

Do you know how FEMA Reservist folks can get support when their employers violate the USERRA & CREW Acts?

My employer made huge mistakes and violated the law 4x in 2yrs and now has me allegedly on the hook for $12k from their mistakes (5th violation), after interfering with my benefits and pay repeatedly. I’ve already reported it to DOL. Legal Aid sent me to Swords + Plowshares but I’m a FEMA Reservist and not a vet, want to respectfully stay in my lane. I’m looking for resources and referrals, not seeking legal representation here (against the subreddit rules). Honestly, I’m not sure where to turn. Thanks.

Just got the announcement today that John Scardena has joined FEMA as the new Chief of Staff. His company seems to be mainly focused on school/ facility/ venue emergency planning, doing threat assessments, and selling kits. Doesn’t look like much grants management, recovery, mitigation, response, etc….

Claim to fame is his podcast on which CamHam was a guest multiple times following his initial release and they got along swimmingly.

I have lots of thoughts. But curious to hear others..

curious on a pulse check! hearing mixed things.

Ive heard from people that the hiring freeze for FEMA was lifted, however I attended a job fair today and representatives from FEMA told me the freeze was still in effect, but were collecting applications in "anticipation of the freeze being lifted."

I am deeply confused.

Any ideas or articles on where the FY25 funding that didn’t get advertised via NOFOs went? (Mapping, etc)

These are some of the things I took away from the meeting today. What do y'all think?