The White House says the federal government has approved nearly $2 billion in assistance across six states to help people hit hard by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Vice President Kamala Harris will tour damage caused by Helene in Georgia and North Carolina, as the devastating and deadly storm has also roiled the political calendar just over a month from Election Day.

Dearborn Fire Department awarded more than $800,000 from FEMA.

FEMA is asking for input on its updated Flood Insurance Rate Map and Preliminary Flood Risk Information

FEMA is looking to hire Michigan residents in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Detroit to help with recovery from severe storms in August.

People living in Gibraltar are still dealing with the mess left behind by a string of violent storms last August.

Michigan renters impacted by severe storms in August have until April 8 to apply for FEMA assistance.

Financial assistance is now available to Metro Detroiters after a series of summertime storms caused serious flooding in the area last year.

The Emergency Alert System Test will be sent to all televisions, radios and cell phones.

Vermont has confirmed its first death related to the recent storms and historic flooding, a man who died as a result of a drowning accident in his home.

If you have to pay for a funeral and your loved one died of COVID, you might be able to get some financial help.

It happened over a year ago, but folks on Detroit’s east side still desperately need help cleaning out flooded basements.

During the 2020 election, Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist’s office collected more than 57,000 ballots. They did it safely and securely. But once the counting was done, the threats started, coming by the dozens.

FEMA has granted the Governor's request for a joint PDA with state and local officials to help expedite review of the damages and response costs. The PDA is the next step in the process of asking for federal assistance.

More than $44 million in federal funding has been made available to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for costs related to the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

A Detroit homeowner has experienced flooding at least four times since the summer, yet she continues to be denied Federal Funding.

Homeowners in Wayne County (outside of Detroit) hit by flooding this summer can apply for grants to help with recovery.

A movement is growing in Hamburg Township to protect homeowners from flooding damage.

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.

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.

A month after the historic flooding in Metro Detroit new FEMA centers have opened in Garden City, Detroit and Dearborn.

FEMA officials are going door-to-door in Detroit to make sure people can access the federal help they’re entitled to after severe flooding impacted the area.

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

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

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's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

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.

The aftermath and frustration from the recent storms affecting most of Detroit are still being felt by many, especially in District 7.

The Detroit Public Library will remain closed through Labor Day due to the impact of major flooding that struck the region last weekend.

It will be a busy week in Metro Detroit as FEMA officials are set to arrive in the area to assess flood damage on Thursday, June 8.

“He told his staff that he wanted the Emergency Order done for Detroit as fast as legally possible so we can get money into the hands of our residents for reimbursements as quickly as possible,” Duggan said.

The storms from last weekend damaged roads, vehicles, homes and left debris all over Metro Detroit.

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

Detroit mayor Mike Duggan discussed the city’s expanded efforts to pick up debris in front of homes and remove damaged items from flooded basements Thursday.

Vehicles lined up on Detroit’s east side Thursday for much-needed items to clean their homes after the most recent flood.

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.

If your basement floods like it or not you are in a race against time.

Following devastating flooding caused by heavy storms, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is holding a news conference Monday with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to update the public on the city’s response to the fallout.

Here are tonight's top stories.

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.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 11:

The funding reimburses MDHHS for costs dedicated to COVID-19 vaccine scheduling support services through contracts with Google and Michigan 211.

Here is ethnicity and age data from for the COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field in Detroit and other FEMA clinics in Michigan.

If you need a vaccine in Macomb County, try this.

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

A Florida state agency says dam safety experts consider the risk of a possible second breach in a leaking wastewater reservoir to be “unsubstantiated.”.

DETROIT – Ford Field has vaccinated more than 13,000 people since opening Wednesday. The 13,000 vaccinated is below FEMA’s goal of 6,000 vaccinations per day, but Ford Field reported that more than 14,000 appointments were made on the first day and the vaccine rollout is expected to remain steady. READ: Ford Field mass COVID vaccination site aims to administer 355,000 vaccines over next 2 monthsAd“I found out about the program from Meijer last week,” said Crystal Lewis, who received her first dose. AdRelated: Dozens show up to Ford Field without appointments hoping to receive vaccineHere’s how to registerYou can click here to register online. READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

Jennifer Lira, left, a childcare specialist in the Spring Branch Independent School District, receives a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination shot from nurse Carolyn Roy during a vaccination drive for education workers Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)Michigan has crossed another COVID-19 vaccination milestone: 30% of residents have received at least one vaccine dose. According to MDHHS data, as of Thursday, 30.3% of Michigan residents have received at least one dose, while 17.4% are fully vaccinated. AdOn Wednesday, the state reported 637,645 total cases and 15,935 deaths. AdMichigan has reported more than 3.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered, as of Thursday, with 30.3% of residents having received at least one dose.

DETROIT – The mass vaccination site set up at Ford Field by FEMA has the capacity to vaccinate up to 6,000 people a day. On Thursday, there were no shows, meaning there was an excess of vaccine doses. FEMA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services put out the word that if you could get to Ford Field by 6 p.m., they would vaccinate you -- no age restrictions applied. READ: ‘I want to live’ -- Ford Field vaccine recipients share reasons for getting COVID shotPeople hustled to get there and a line of several hundred formed quickly. “A friend got a text that they were doing COVID vaccines at Ford Field and I was just up the street, " said Michael Cunningham.

DETROIT – Thousands of COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be distributed daily at Ford Field for the next several months. Wednesday marked the official launch of the FEMA mass vaccination site, where they are expecting to distributed 5,000 vaccines daily. READ: Big day for Metro Detroit -- Mass COVID vaccination site at Ford Field officially opensDetroit resident Deborah Brown said it was deeply personal for her to have received her first vaccination shot. I’ve lost friends due to COVID.”The stories of why people are coming to the Ford Field clinic are personal for everyone. READ: Ford Field mass COVID vaccination site aims to administer 355,000 vaccines over next 2 monthsAdHere’s how to registerYou can click here to register online.

DETROIT – Officials said Tuesday’s soft opening of the COVID-19 mass vaccination site at Ford Field was a success. With the site officially opening Wednesday, officials are getting ready for everybody, including those with disabilities or limited English. “We’ve been trying to be really thoughtful when it comes to language access, and people with disabilities making sure we have enough accessible vaccine pods for people with wheelchairs,” said Michigan Lt. Gov. Read: Ford Field COVID mass vaccination site prepared to open to thousandsAround 70 vaccination pods are set up and people who received the vaccine Tuesday said it was a very quick process. More: Registration for COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field now open -- How to registerRelated News

DETROIT – Local 4 is getting a look at how the plan to vaccinate Michigan residents at Ford Field is going. Michigan residents can register for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Ford Field in Detroit. READ: Ford Field mass COVID vaccination site aims to administer 355,000 vaccines over next 2 monthsGov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that the Ford Field clinic will administer more than 350,000 vaccine doses in the next two months. FEMA’s representative said the Ford Field site is deeply personal to him because family members of his struggled with COVID.

Michigan’s most populous county is getting an extra boost in federal funding for its COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Wednesday that $36 million ($36,088,864) in federal funding has been made available to Wayne County for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 27, 2020. The COVID-19 relief bill also includes about $65B in funding for states. AdRelated: Biden aims for quicker shots, ‘independence from this virus’According to data compiled by NAOC, Michigan will receive a total of $1,936,889,416. Here is a breakdown of estimated funding by Michigan county -- view here.

DETROIT – After a delay in allowing people to register for a COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field, health officials announced Monday afternoon that registration is now open. FEMA chose Ford Field in Detroit as one of 20 regional vaccination sites across the country. AdHow to register for a vaccineTo register for a vaccine at Ford Field, you can go online at clinic.meijer.com/register/CL2021, or text EndCOVID to 75049. Residents who don’t have access to the internet or need assistance can use the MDHHS COVID-19 Hotline to register. Free parking will be available at the vaccination site.

DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) has been named the medical director for a mass vaccination site at Detroit’s Ford Field. Officials said Henry Ford will “provide onsite expertise and oversight for the vaccine administrations and medical care as well support for the site’s operations.” Other support partners include FEMA, Wayne County, City of Detroit, Ford Field, the Detroit Lions and Meijer. The health system held a similar position at the TCF Center in 2020. “Henry Ford Health System is thrilled to serve as the health system partner for this mass vaccination effort, joining our local, state and federal partners to expand vaccination opportunities, especially in our underserved communities,” said Dr. Steven Rockoff, service chief of Emergency Medicine at Henry Ford Health System. It was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a vaccination site.

“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.

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.

It marked the first annual contraction for the country’s economy since 1998, when it was in the midst of a crippling financial crisis. In comparison, the federal government previously said 38% of people would receive two doses by the end of June. Still, that’s 700,000 doses on hand, when the state is getting 200,000 doses this week, rising to 223,000 next week. AdBharat Biotech has already signed an agreement with Brazil to supply 20 million doses of the vaccine by September. ___COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s mask mandate will continue until a “critical mass” has been reached of people who have received the coronavirus vaccine, a spokesperson for Ohio Gov.

President Joe Biden talks with a volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)President Joe Biden delivered live remarks from a FEMA COVID-19 vaccination facility in Houston, Texas on Friday afternoon. See: Biden surveys Texas weather damage, thanks emergency workersPresident Biden’s visit to Texas is his first visit to a major disaster site since taking office. The state of Texas is currently recovering from a catastrophic blackout that left more than 4 million customers without electricity during a deadly winter storm, leaving many of them without heat for days in subfreezing temperatures. While in Texas, Biden has met with local leaders to discuss the ongoing recovery from last week’s winter storm, and is visiting a COVID-19 health center where vaccines are being distributed.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:Ford Field to be used as regional mass vaccination site, sources saySources have confirmed that Ford Field will be used as a regional mass vaccination site starting next month. Detroit police were quietly providing security outside of Ford Field on Monday while inside a team from FEMA got a close look.

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.

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.

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)WASHINGTON (AP) – Opening arguments in the Senate impeachment trial for Donald Trump on the charge of incitement of insurrection for the Capitol riot will begin the week of Feb. 8. READ: House votes to impeach President Trump for violent Capitol insurrectionSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the schedule Friday evening after reaching an agreement with Republicans, who had pushed to delay the trial to give Trump a chance to organize his legal team and prepare a defense. Trump will be the first former president to face an impeachment trial after leaving office. “We all want to put this awful chapter in our nation’s history behind us,” Schumer said about the deadly Capitol siege. And that is what this trial will provide.”

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during a briefing about the upcoming presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, at FEMA headquarters, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden has confidence in FBI Director Chris Wray and plans to keep him in the job, the White House press secretary said Thursday. FBI directors are given 10-year terms, meaning leadership of the bureau is generally unaffected by changes in presidential administrations. But Biden's spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, was notably noncommittal when asked at her first briefing Wednesday whether Biden had confidence in Wray. "I have not spoken with him about specifically FBI Director Wray in recent days," Psaki said.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)WASHINGTON – The FBI is tracking an “extensive amount of concerning online chatter,” including calls for armed protests leading up to next week's presidential inauguration, Director Chris Wray said Thursday. Wray said the FBI was receiving a “significant” amount of information that it was pushing out to other law enforcement agencies ahead of the inauguration. States nationwide have already been stepping up security in preparation for possible armed protests and violence this weekend, particularly at statehouses amid legislative sessions and inaugural ceremonies. An FBI bulletin earlier this week warned of potential armed protests in all 50 states. The vice president visited with guard troops keeping watch outside the Capitol, telling them he’s familiar with the National Guard because he used to be a governor.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – It’s been eight months since the devastating floods in Midland County. “She did find us for a reason, I believe,” Ashley Flood said. “And so, we actually, we definitely played our part, I think.”On a cold snowy winter day, The Flood family heard a cat outside meowing for hours. “It seemed well fed and its coat was rather clean,” Ashley Flood said. They took the cat to the Humane Society of Midland County and found out the cat was micochipped.

LANSING, Mich. – Labor Day Weekend on Sanford Lake is typically filled with boats and people having fun on the water. After May’s dam failures emptied the lake, many residents are left wondering how long it’ll take to come back. Residents are still hopeful things will return to normal. The state ordered Boyce Hydro -- the owners of the dams -- to make emergency repairs Tuesday, but since the company filed for bankruptcy, the state will likely be forced to foot the bill. Edenville faces Labor Day weekend without their beloved Wixom LakeYou can watch Tim Pamplin’s full stories above in the video players above.

Michigan submitted an application for federal funding that would provide an additional $300 per week to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding on Tuesday, according to a release. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. The additional benefits will be added automatically for all claimants who are eligible to receive at least $100 in weekly unemployment benefit payments. This includes claimants receiving any type of regular unemployment insurance benefits as well as those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.

Michigan has submitted an application for federal funding that would provide an additional $300 per week to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. UPDATE: FEMA approves Michigan for additional $300 in weekly unemployment paymentsThe additional $600 payments included in the first federal relief bill ended on July 31. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding on Tuesday, according to a release. The UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday a new initiative that will provide free face masks to vulnerable populations amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Vulnerable populations may have difficulties buying masks and our schools need face coverings to keep students, staff and community members safe. Face masks have been scientifically proven to significantly reduce a persons chance of spreading COVID-19, officials say. (MDHHS)Michiganders in need can obtain a free face mask a distribution location near them. Whitmer and other Michigan officials have been pushing for residents to wear face coverings amid the pandemic through the Mask Up Michigan initiative.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. More than $2.6 million in federal disaster aid has been made available to support the continuing of COVID-19 operations in Washtenaw County. The grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agencys Public Assistance program. This funding allowed Washtenaw County to meet the critical sheltering and medical needs of their community during the ongoing response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Like what youre reading? FEMA provides a 75% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses, which totals to $2,649,104.05 for the Washtenaw County project. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division in a release.

Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday afternoon President Donald Trump declared a major disaster area for mid-Michigan counties affected by widespread and severe flooding and dam failures in May. “Seeing the people and businesses of these communities pull together to help one another after this 500-year flooding event continues to inspire me,” Whitmer said. She later expanded her declaration to include Iosco County. Persistent steady rain resulted in excessive two-day rainfall totals reaching record levels at some locations. MORE: ‘Looked like Niagra Falls’ -- Dam that created Wixom Lake gives way, flooding mid-Michigan communitiesMultiple residents impacted by the flood have taken part of two federal class-action lawsuits filed against the dam owners.

President Donald Trump, who was in Michigan to visit a Ford production plant, signed an emergency declaration authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. In Midland, 61 people spent Wednesday night and Thursday morning in temporary shelters, according to city spokeswoman Selina Tisdale. That number — mostly the elderly and families — dwindled throughout Thursday as floodwaters receded and some residents were able to return home, she said. Much of the area remained underwater, including in Midland, the headquarters of Dow Chemical Co. And floodwaters continued to threaten downstream communities. “And my hat’s off to Midland.”Other area residents returned to their homes to find heavy damage.

Gretchen Whitmer has formally requested a federal disaster declaration to open aid to assist in responding to historic flooding in Midland County. “Over the past two days, a major rainfall event in mid-Michigan led to the failure of two dams and severe flooding in affected areas. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as water surged into their streets, homes, and businesses in the county of Midland,” said Gov. The governor then called on President Trump to declare an emergency for Midland County on an expedited basis. More: Tittibiwassee River crests at 35 feet, could still be days before waters recedeOn May 19, Governor Whitmer declared a State of Emergency in Midland County.

DETROIT President Trump has approved a request for federal aid in response to historic flooding in Midland County. Whitmer sent a letter to President Trump late Wednesday, requesting the declaration. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding. The governor then called on President Trump to declare an emergency for Midland County on an expedited basis. More: Tittibiwassee River crests at 35 feet, could still be days before waters recedeOn May 19, Governor Whitmer declared a State of Emergency in Midland County.

"Our goal is always to be the last to close, first to open," Waffle House public relations director Pat Warner told CNN. The hungry history of the Waffle House IndexFormer FEMA administrator Craig Fugate told CNN the Waffle House Index was born out of coincidence, hunger and necessity. The further south they drove, the more open Waffle House locations they found while other businesses were dark. So they codified it--and the Waffle House Index was invented. Waffle House plans to roll with Dorian's punchesTo determine whether shops should fire up the waffle irons or not is tricky.

Fire departments from California are being deployed by FEMA to help with Hurricane Dorian-related rescues in Charlotte, N.C. Distributed by LAKANA. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.