President Donald Trump approved major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska, North Dakota and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe late Wednesday, while denying requests from Vermont, Illinois and Maryland and leaving other states still waiting for answers.

Trump’s latest disaster-aid decisions spark debate over FEMA’s criteria and political influence as several blue states face denied requests.

Gov. Tony Evers is declaring a state of emergency because of the effects of the federal government shutdown on the state's food assistance program.

There's no state-funded safety net for people affected by disaster events who don't receive FEMA aid. This bipartisan bill would fund one.