Cook County residents get $200 million in federal flood relief for summer rainstorms
Some residents hardest hit by flooding say the FEMA grants aren’t enough to cover their damages. The deadline to apply is now Oct. 30.
Amy Qin
Data Reporter
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New census data finds 1 in every 5 Chicagoans identifies as Mexican
Mexican Independence Day celebrations offer a glimpse of the size and growth of the community in the Chicago area.
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Dying and disabled Illinois prisoners kept behind bars, despite new medical release law
Lawmakers said hundreds would be released thanks to the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act. But so far, just 52 have gotten out.
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Researchers say tens of thousands in Cook County have a high risk of flooding
According to the First Street Foundation, 172,000 properties in Cook County — including 79,000 in Chicago — have a high risk of flooding.
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Record rainfall in July leads to record complaints of flooded basements in Chicago
In the weeks after a massive rainstorm at the start of July, WBEZ has found that Chicagoans filed a record number of basement flooding reports with the city’s 311 service.
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A record number of Chicagoans reported flooded basements in July
Heavy storms in July have left thousands of Chicagoans with flooded basements, waterlogged furniture and mounting costs for repair.
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Chicago recorded its worst-ever fine particle air pollution this week
EPA sensors in city, suburbs showed highest readings ever during Canadian wildfires
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Cook County evictions reach their highest monthly total in more than four years
Millions of dollars in rental assistance has helped prevent thousands of evictions, but a mounting housing affordability crisis remains.
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What’s wrong with Chicago’s 311 shelter call records?
More people are calling the city’s 311 hotline for help finding shelter. But flaws in the data make it difficult to evaluate how many people get help and what happens to those who don’t.
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There’s a surge in calls for shelter. Chicago’s 311 help line can’t keep up.
The influx of asylum-seekers is putting additional strain on a system that is under-resourced and unreliable, WBEZ analysis shows.
