Hi, it's Jen. Before we get into today's show on FEMA, a quick update on the U.S. Israel War in Iran.

On Wednesday, Israel says it killed Iran's intelligence minister, Ismail Khadib. Iran's president

confirmed Khadip's assassination, saying it was, quote, cowardly. The killing follows the death of

Ali Larajani, Iran's top security official.

He died in an Israeli attack on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Israel is ramping up attacks in Beirut against the Tehran-backed militia group Hezbollah.

We'll have more for you during the Friday News Roundup,

and stay tuned to your local NPR station and NPR.org for the latest.

Thank you. PR station and NPR.org for the latest. This morning, a monster storm unleashing its purity overnight on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Helene, a catastrophic category four, showing no mercy, destroying property, flooding

hotel lobbies, businesses, and homes.

To the west now where the Gifford fire burning through the rugged back country of California's

Central Coast is now the state's largest wildfire of the year.

It reached so-called mega fire status.

In fact, it's one of 38 large fires burning right now across nine

states. Heavy snow pummeling parts of the Midwest. In Minnesota, this powerful storm system

leading to icy roads and reduced visibility. The state slammed with more than two feet.

Across Oklahoma's panhandle, an urgent rush to escape the flames as five fires have burned

more than 150,000 acres across the region. Wildfires, flooding, and hurricanes, just a few of the

weather disasters we grapple with every year throughout the U.S. As extreme weather events grow more

frequent and costly, the role of the federal emergency

management agency is more important than ever. Christyne Hone is out at the Department of Homeland Security,

...