Trump approves disaster requests for South Dakota, at least 6 other states

UNDATED-AP- President Donald Trump has approved major disaster declarations for seven states. That word comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which says Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota and Washington will get federal support for recovery needs. About 15 other states and tribes are waiting for answers on their requests. The announcement comes a few weeks into Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s tenure. Mullin is aiming to speed up disaster response before the Atlantic hurricane season. The ongoing Homeland Security shutdown could affect FEMA’s work. Its Disaster Relief Fund is running low and Trump hasn’t approved hazard mitigation requests for more than a year.