The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday opened applications for a major resilience grant program that the agency canceled last year, less than three weeks after a federal judge ordered FEMA to make the funding available.

FEMA will make $1 billion available for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which helps states, local governments, territories and tribes take on preparedness projects to harden against natural hazards like fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.

“When done correctly, mitigation activities save lives and reduce the cost of future disasters,” Karen S. Evans, FEMA’s acting leader, said in a statement announcing the resumption.

While the resumed funding restores access to badly needed assistance for some areas, FEMA imposed new rules that are in line with the Trump administration’s attempt to push more responsibility for disaster management on states.

The new rules, which include the cessation of funding for hazard mitigation planning and non-financial direct technical assistance, could impact smaller communities with fewer resources and expertise.

“The program now maximizes state and local responsibility for resilience and risk reduction rather than federal investing in a wide range of activities,” a FEMA statement said.

The Trump administration has slashed disaster preparedness dollars across multiple FEMA programs. It’s been one year since President Donald Trump approved any state or tribe’s request for hazard mitigation funding, a typical add on to major disaster declarations.

The funding announcement comes after FEMA under a previous acting leader, Cameron Hamilton, canceled the BRIC program last April, calling it “wasteful and ineffective.” That decision drew blowback from Republican and Democratic lawmakers as roughly $3.6 billion was halted for what amounted to several years’ worth of projects to protect infrastructure, communities and homes across the U.S.

A federal judge last December ruled that FEMA could not eliminate BRIC and ordered FEMA to reverse course after a coalition of 22 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the cancellation. After the agency failed to release funding, U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns again ordered FEMA this month to take steps toward restoring the program.

Last week, FEMA announced it would resume program support for BRIC awards when the DHS shutdown ended, saying that it had finished evaluating the program that was originally signed into law during Trump’s first term. Under former President Joe Biden, BRIC became too bureaucratic and “focused on ‘climate change’ initiatives,” FEMA said in a statement.

States will have 120 days to apply for the new funding opportunity, which covers fiscal years 2024 and 2025, since FEMA rescinded last year’s opportunity. Meanwhile, it’s still unclear how quickly they can expect resumption of the grants they were already awarded.

“Communities across the country rely on BRIC funding to prepare for ever-increasing and severe natural disasters,” Rep. Rick Larsen, Democrat from Washington and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member, said in a statement Wednesday. BRIC’s cancellation held up construction of a flood wall in his district, Larsen said. “Slowing states’ ability to prepare for disasters was shortsighted, and communities like Aberdeen paid the price.”

Former FEMA officials, lawmakers and disaster survivors have expressed cautious hope that newly sworn in Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin could bring more stability to the agency after Kristi Noem’s tumultuous tenure. Mullin endorsed FEMA’s mission at his Senate confirmation hearing last week and said he backed efforts to make FEMA more effective, speed up payments to state and local jurisdictions and better serve rural communities.

In the last decade, there have been almost as many weather- and climate-related disasters causing $1 billion in damages or more as there were in the 35 years preceding that, according to a Climate Central database.

Multiple studies have shown that preemptive investments in disaster readiness can yield significant savings. A 2024 study funded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found every $1 invested in disaster preparation saved $13 in economic impact, damage and cleanup costs.

Another person added: “I’m a 43-year-old woman… Previously, my skin was always dehydrated, no matter how frequently I used hydrating masks. Right now, my skin resembles its condition when I was in my 30s”

Collagen supplements have experienced a massive surge in popularity as increasing numbers of people seek ‘beauty from within’ solutions to support their skin, hair and general wellbeing. One particular product currently generating buzz online is a collagen powder that some customers claim has made such a remarkable difference to their complexion that they’ve been complimented on appearing years younger.

The product creating the stir is the Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder (unflavoured) 567g, currently priced at £31.18 when shoppers use the code ‘UKCOL15‘ at checkout. This works out at roughly 50p per daily serving.

The reduction forms part of a broader offer from wellness retailer iHerb, which is providing 15 percent off its entire collagen range for UK shoppers until 31 March. And the product has reportedly worked so well for one 60-year-old customer she has been left elated by compliments.

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The shopper reported being told she possessed ‘the skin of a 20-year-old’ after adding the supplement to her daily regime. She commented: “Searched out adding collagen to my life about four months ago – lots were good and pricey. Read the reviews and ordered – started in early March, turning 60 had me eager to find something.

“Love that I add it to my morning green tea latte and not a hint of taste. Didn’t expect to find quick results, but running my fingers on my legs had me surprised that it felt like glass! My hair has been behaving better and looks thicker, one of my main reasons.

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The iHerb products are easy to incorporate into everyday routines, including putting it in one’s tea, coffee, or soups.

“Last week at an Estate sale, talking with the woman who said I had ‘the skin of a 20-year-old’ when she found out my age! Love it! Do yourself the favour and order the larger size as the first few orders, I kept running out – it’s only a 28-day supply. Love, love it!”

The Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder (unflavoured), available in various container sizes, is formulated as a convenient daily supplement that blends seamlessly into beverages or meals. The tasteless powder dissolves easily into coffee, tea, smoothies or even soups, allowing users to incorporate collagen into their existing routine without altering the flavour of their food or drinks.

Numerous customers report adding a scoop to their morning coffee or latte as part of their daily wellness regime. The formula includes five collagen types – I, II, III, V and X – alongside 18 amino acids, formulated to support skin, hair, nails, joints and connective tissue.

These collagen types come from a mixture of ingredients including grass-fed bovine collagen, organic chicken bone broth, organic beef bone broth, wild-caught fish collagen and eggshell collagen, forming a multi-source supplement designed to ‘promote overall wellbeing’, according to the brand. Each container holds 567g of powder, intended to last approximately two months with daily use, reports the Daily Record.

The supplement is also non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, and is manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities. With zero carbohydrates and a neutral taste, it can be added to various drinks and recipes without altering flavour. Alternatively, chocolate and chocolate mocha varieties are also available.

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For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, Holland and Barrett offers Bovine Collagen 3,000mg 180 Tablets for £16.49, reduced from £32.99, on their website. This product contains vitamin C, which the site says helps contribute to collagen production.

LookFantastic also stocks the Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Powder 270g for £78 on their website. This powdered food supplement is powered by natural marine collagen, according to its description, and contains ‘collagen peptides, derived from fish skin’.

The iHerb collagen powder has received glowing reviews on the website, with one customer commenting: “Since I have been using this product, many of my friends and colleagues have been saying ‘What on earth did you do over Christmas – you look amazing!’”

Another user commented: “I’ve been using the Codeage product for almost a month, around three weeks now. I’m a 43-year-old woman, and before trying this product, I did extensive research. When I saw that it could help improve sleep, I didn’t hesitate to order two bottles immediately.”

“Over the past three weeks,” she continued, “the quality of my deep sleep has improved significantly, and I no longer wake up feeling groggy during the day. It seems that better sleep has also greatly improved my skin quality. Previously, my skin was always dehydrated, no matter how frequently I used hydrating masks. This feels like a systemic improvement. Right now, my skin resembles its condition when I was in my 30s, which is an unexpected benefit.”

However, some customers were slightly less impressed. One awarded the product four stars and noted: “I’m 61-years-old and I use it because I think it’s an essential ingredient for anti-aging. I don’t mind the taste at all because I shake it with water and soy milk.

“I take it every night with other supplements. I’ve been taking it for a long time, so I haven’t seen any dramatic changes, but my face and heels don’t feel dry. I’ll be buying it again soon. The container is big and takes up a lot of space, so I wish it came in a bag.”

Despite this, the majority of reviewers were satisfied, including one who shared: “I’ve been using this collagen for years. Occasionally I stop to give my body a breather, but I get the feeling that at my age I need to continue to gain the added benefit.”

Former Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene lashed out at President Donald Trump after a Democrat won a closely-watched Florida statehouse race.

Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Jon Maples in a special election Tuesday for Florida’s House District 87, which includes the president’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The seat was previously held by a Republican who won the district by a wide margin in 2024.

Reacting to Gregory’s victory, Greene called out Trump and suggested the Republican Party would see additional losses in future elections this year and in 2028.

“Turning your back on your campaign promises, and many disgusting behaviors like calling one of your top allies ‘traitor’ for releasing the Epstein files and refusing to go along with MIGA, apparently has consequences,” she wrote on X Wednesday morning. “26 is gone but keep putting Americans last and 28 will be too.”

Trump has repeatedly called Greene a “traitor” ever since their public falling out last year over a number of issues, including the release of the so-called Epstein files. The feud culminated in Greene resigning from Congress.

When asked about her post, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told The Independent that Greene “quit on her constituents and the America First movement in the middle of her term.”

“President Trump is fighting every single day to Make America Great Again – we don’t have time for quitters,” Ingle added.

Greene shared another post Wednesday afternoon highlighting how Democrats have flipped several state legislature seats in special elections over the past year.

“I’d also like to remind everyone that when I led the party on the campaign trail fighting for America First in ‘22 and ‘24, all the GOP did was win win win,” she wrote. “But after Trump called me a traitor and said he would destroy me for releasing the Epstein files, I refuse to fight for Trump and the Republican Party that defends the Epstein class, wages pointless foreign wars, and pursues America LAST.”

Greene isn’t the only one who sees Gregory’s victory as a sign of what may come in future elections.

“If Democrats can win in Trump’s own backyard, we can win anywhere,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said Tuesday in a statement. “From now until November, Democrats are all gas and no brakes as we compete across every corner of Florida and the nation.”

The DNC also called Gregory’s win an “earth-shattering victory for Florida Democrats,” given that the president won the district by a healthy margin in 2024.

Gregory, a first-time lawmaker with a public health background, told CNN she focused her campaign on every-day issues, rather than the president.

“I think my opponent put it front and center, and I focused on the issues that matter most to Florida families,” she said Tuesday. “Everyone is feeling the affordability crisis and the last thing that Florida families needed when they’re struggling is $4 gas.”

METHOD

Leave the gin, limoncello, lemon juice and zest in a small bowl for a couple of hours, to flavour the booze.

Make the custard so it has time to cool. Bring the milk, cream, vanilla pod and seeds to a gentle simmer in a heavy-bottomed pan.Meanwhile, beat the yolks, sugar and cornflour together.

Discard the vanilla pod from the hot milk, then pour it slowly on to the yolk and sugar mixture, stirring constantly.

Pour the custard back into a clean pan over a medium-low heat. Stirring, heat until it coats the back of a wooden spoon (you need it to be pretty thick for trifle, and it will thicken as it cools).

Pour into a jug, put cling film on the surface and allow to cool.

In a pan, bring the lemon juice and sugar for the berries slowly to the boil, stirring to help the sugar dissolve. Bubble for a couple of minutes until syrupy.

Add the blueberries and cook very briefly, until they start to stain the syrup. They should soften but still keep their shape. Set aside to cool.

Mix the gin, limoncello and sugar together for the sponge. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Cut the sponge into slices. Spread each one with lemon curd. Line the bottom of a glass bowl with the cake then pour over the gin and limoncello mixture that you’ve just made, soaking the cake.

Spoon the fruit and its juice over the cake – leaving enough aside to spoon over the top later – then pour the cooled custard on top. Cover with cling film and chill for a few hours to set.

Make the syllabub. Beat the cream slowly with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. When it is just holding its shape, add the sugar and slowly trickle in the lemon-infused booze, beating until the syllabub is in thick folds.

Spoon over the trifle, cover and chill.

Drizzle over the rest of the berries and their juice before serving.

Fans have their own theories about who he really is

The latest season of the popular Marvel sequel series Daredevil Born Again has unveiled a cryptic new antagonist.

Although the show premiered last year, it rapidly gained popularity among fans and critics alike, successfully continuing where the Netflix adaptation of the comic book character concluded. It also signified that the character was now officially incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Its debut season achieved an impressive 87% on the website Rotten Tomatoes and the opening episode of the second season is currently streaming on Disney+.

With episodes being released weekly, viewers will witness Mayor Wilson Fisk trample New York City in his pursuit of public enemy number one, the Hell’s Kitchen vigilante known as Daredevil. However, beneath the horned mask, Matt Murdock will attempt to retaliate from the shadows to dismantle the Kingpin’s corrupt empire and restore his home. Resist. Rebel. Rebuild.

The series sees the majority of the original cast return, including Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio reprising their roles as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk respectively. Also making a comeback are Wilson Bethel as Bullseye and Deborah Ann Woll as Karen, reports the Mirror.

However, one newcomer to the show has already made a significant impact just one episode in. That is the currently enigmatic Mr Charles, portrayed by Matthew Lillard. Lillard is renowned for his previous roles in the Scream franchise, Five Nights At Freddy’s, the Scooby Doo live-action films and Prime Video series Cross.

But who exactly is his character Mr Charles? Does he feature in the original Marvel comics? Here’s everything you need to know. Be aware of some mild spoilers for Daredevil Born Again season 2, episode 1.

Who is Mr Charles?

In the series, we’re introduced to Mr Charles as he observes events in New York on the television from Washington. Daredevil has just sunk the North Star ship which was covertly smuggling weapons for Wilson Fisk and his associates. It turns out, Mr Charles is a go-between for these associates.

Consequently, he receives a phone call and agrees that he needs to handle the situation personally. He arrives at Fisk’s office on his own terms, seemingly one of the very few individuals unafraid of the Kingpin. In a reference that may have eluded the average viewer, the name Miss de Fontaine is mentioned and confirmed to be Mr Charles’ superior.

This implies he works for Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , Black Widow , Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , and Thunderbolts. So this Mr Charles is employed by the CIA but is aiding de Fontaine with illicit operations.

However, some fans speculate that this name could be a pseudonym for the character’s true identity. According to Screen Rant, there is a character named Mr Charles in Marvel lore but he only appeared in one issue, outside any main storyline or continuity. The issue was published in 2013 and he was a Roxxon Corporation employee who was responsible for illegal oil drillings in the ocean.

Fans will simply have to be patient as the series unfolds to discover who Mr Charles truly is and what his real intentions are. There’s always the possibility that he is an original character, crafted specifically for the show.

Daredevil Born Again is streaming on Disney+.

Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, said the US has continued to “decimate” Iran and that Operation Epic Fury has been a “resounding military triumph” during a press briefing today

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Donald Trump is “ready to unleash hell” on Iran should the nation fail to comply with his demands, the president’s press secretary has declared.

Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, addressed reporters at a briefing this afternoon – claiming the US continues to “decimate” Iran and describing Operation Epic Fury as a “resounding military triumph” amongst other statements, reports the Daily Star.

Significantly, she cautioned that the hawkish president was “ready to unleash hell” on Iran despite America’s stated desire for “peace”. Leavitt warned: “President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”

Regarding the Iranians, Leavitt stated: “Their last miscalculation cost them their senior leadership, their navy, their air force and their air defence system. Any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime refused to understand.”

She went on to say Trump “will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before”, should they resist his terms.

Karoline Leavitt confirmed “talks continue” between the US and Iran, dismissing suggestions they’ve reached an impasse. However, she indicated she wouldn’t delve into the “nitty gritty” of the negotiations.

She then predictably criticised media coverage of “speculative plans”, acknowledging that while “there are elements of truth” in a reported 15-point plan drawn up by the US to conclude the conflict – not every detail published by journalists has been “entirely factual”. Iran has labelled the US demands as “excessive” and stated that it would conclude the war “when it decides to”, as reported by state media.

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She also declined to comment on whether Trump would deploy “boots on the ground” if the proposed talks with Iran were unsuccessful.

Leavitt addressed reporters, stating: “Look, that’s a hypothetical question – it’s also a decision that will have to be made by the commander in chief, and I’m not going to get ahead of him.”

This follows Trump’s recent approval of over 1,000 additional troops being dispatched to the Middle East yesterday, from the 82nd airborne assault unit, despite his increasing rhetoric about potential peace.

Danny Tomlin, 40, was the leader of the drugs enterprise, involving the sale of cocaine and cannabis in south Wales and south-west England.

A major cocaine and cannabis drugs enterprise operated out of a garden centre. Members of an organised crime group made trips across south Wales and into England in order to make deliveries.

Danny Tomlin, 40, was the leader of the organised crime group (OCG) which was based at Kitts Green Nursery in Gloucestershire. Most of the group’s activity took place between Newport and Swansea, with frequent deliveries made on almost a daily basis during the enterprise.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard Tomlin was the leading member of this group who directed the supply of cannabis and cocaine and the operation of cannabis factories in Pontllanfraith, near Blackwood, and Trebanog, near Porth. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

Tomlin’s mother-in-law was the owner of Kitts Green Nursery where the operation was based.

Louis Maxwell, 39, was a close associate of Tomlin, and was involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Christopher Preston, 68, played a significant part in the enterprise by carrying out frequent deliveries of drugs.

Ashley Coughlan, 42, served as the driver for Maxwell on two occasions, while Ryan Battersby, 36, was also involved in the delivery of cocaine and cannabis.

Bradley Williams, 38, was involved in the distribution of drugs on behalf of the group, as was David Gorman, 41.

Kory Preece, 25, was a significant distributor of cannabis for the group, and was aware of the scale of the operation.

Jack Griffin, 21, was also involved in the conspiracy, after Preston drove to his address to collect a laundry bag containing drugs.

Detailing specific dates of the conspiracy, prosecutor Roger Griffiths said Maxwell, who was driven by Coughlan on two occasions, made trips to the nursery before making trips to Bridgewater, Swansea, Caldicot, Abertillery and Dowlais.

On March 6, Maxwell was arrested on the M4 near Caldicot, and in his vehicle were two boxes containing half a kilo of cocaine each and a separate parcel containing a kilo of cannabis.

Members of the group were seen driving to Preece’s address in Caldicot where deliveries of cannabis were made.

Preston carried out a number of journeys on behalf of the group, making collections from the nursery in Gloucestershire to Dowlais to meet Griffin, to Swansea, to Abertillery, Blackwood, Newport, Caldicot.

On June 5, Bradley Williams met with Preston in Abertillery and was seen to take a laundry bag into a lane, which he placed between two bins. He was arrested towards the rear of the lane.

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On June 18, police searched Preston’s home, where a quantity of herbal cannabis was found and notebooks showing tick lists.

Battersby made trips to the nursery to make collections and made trips to Swansea, as well as meeting up with Preston in Newport.

Gorman was seen attending the nursery and was also seen by police travelling to Newport and Swansea with Tomlin.

The defendant’s house was raided by police and 1.8kg of cocaine was recovered from his bedroom.

Griffin was visited by Preston at his home in Newport, where he was seen to hand over a laundry bag to his co-conspirator.

In the middle of June onwards, police had a listening device in Tomlin’s vehicle.

They heard discussion about police raiding the cannabis factory in Pontllanfraith and gardening. He talked about the arrests of Williams and Maxwell and spoke about someone in Swansea owing him a “large bill”.

Tomlin was later heard speaking about Preston’s arrest, plans to grow more cannabis and the debts he was owed.

The cannabis factories in Pontllanfraith and Trebanog were later raided by police. They were found to contain almost 400 plants with a combined potential yield between 10kg and 31kg.

Tomlin, of Valley Road, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and conspiracy to produce cannabis. He has a previous conviction for conspiracy to supply cocaine and received a jail sentence of eight years.

The defendant was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months imprisonment.

Maxwell, of HMP Parc, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has 20 previous convictions, including an offence of conspiracy to supply cocaine and received a jail sentence of 32 months.

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Coughlan, of Caerleon Road, Newport, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has no previous convictions.

The defendant was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment.

Preece, of Mabey Drive, Chepstow, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has no previous convictions.

He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 180 hours unpaid work

Battersby, of Buttermere Way, Newport, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has previous convictions for conspiracy to murder, possession with intent to supply cannabis, battery, and harassment.

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Preston, of Lawnside, Forest Green, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has no relevant previous convictions.

He was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Gorman, of Manor Lane, Charfield, South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has one unrelated conviction.

He was sentenced to four years and four months imprisonment.

Griffin, of Westfield Way, Newport, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has no previous convictions.

He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, which result in him being released from custody.

Williams, of Higher Meadow, Llanrhidian, Swansea, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has previous convictions for assault, breach of orders and conspiracy to supply cocaine, for which he received a six year jail sentence.

He was sentenced to five years and nine months imprisonment.

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The couple, who married in 2017, have faced a series of public challenges throughout their relationship, including past allegations of infidelity, which Osborne has previously addressed. In 2020, he said he had “made mistakes” and acknowledged behaviour he “shouldn’t have done”.

Reform Wales is projected to take 30 seat, according to a recent poll, as leader Dan Thomas tips the party to bring ‘common sense’ and a ‘fresh start’

Reform Wales has published its full list of candidates for the upcoming Senedd election. The party, led by Dan Thomas, is on track for a strong surge in seats in May. Polls show it could become the second largest party after Plaid, with Labour’s vote projected to collapse.

The election will take place in May and will be totally different to any previous devolved election. There are new constituencies and a new voting system. Instead of the current mix of constituency and regional seats, there will 16 constituencies which will each elect six Senedd members.

Each party can field up to eight candidates. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here