disaster relief

Trump's decision opens up individual aid for people affected by the deadly tornado that devastated parts of the St. Louis region.

Tornadoes are more likely to destroy property in counties with more Black residents than any other area, which exacerbates racial segregation and poverty, according to a recent journal article.

Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said he will push to make sure President Donald Trump approves Gov. Mike Kehoe's request for tornado relief funds.

New Madrid, Missouri, was terrorized by its fault line in the early 19th century, and earthquakes are still the region's claim to fame. But these days, earthquake insurance is prohibitively expensive.

If President Trump approves the disaster declaration, individuals could receive housing, transportation and health care-related aid.

FEMA has recently denied Arkansas, West Virginia and Washington's requests for disaster declarations. But Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe says he feels "really good" about receiving federal help with tornado cleanup.

"It literally had looked like a bomb had just went off," one volunteer said of the tornado's damage in north St. Louis. "Blocks and blocks of homes that are just gone."

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said earlier this month that economic aid payments Congress approved late last year are on the way. But with days left before the deadline, some farmers are anxiously waiting.

The one-time payments could offer short-term support as many farmers grapple with less income and extreme weather.

People in Gaza are faced with a mounting humanitarian crisis. Heart to Heart International, a Lenexa-based nonprofit, is sending aid packages to the region, but it's difficult to get relief to those in need because of bureaucratic hurdles and safety risks.

Since deploying to Maui, Hawaii, Kansas City-based Operation BBQ Relief has served more than 20,500 free, hot meals to relief workers, first responders and survivors impacted by the island's deadly wildfires.

The approval comes just under two weeks after historic flash flooding hit the St. Louis area, damaging more than 750 homes and over 130 businesses.