Judge rules Trump plan to halve FEMA workforce unlawful

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ruled Sept. 12 the Trump administration acted unlawfully in ordering cuts to halve FEMA's workforce. She found it failed to provide a 'reasoned' explanation for restricting contract renewals for temporary reservists. Federal law bars DHS from substantially reducing FEMA's functions. FEMA had projected 11,383 staff, about half its prior level.