Illinois Governor Issues Disaster Proclamation for Cook County After Severe Flooding; FEMA Aid and Milwaukee Recovery Supported by $1 Million Tosa Foundation Grant

Severe storms in late July and continuing into August have caused widespread flooding and damage across the Chicago area and parts of Wisconsin. Chicago's Southwest Side and southwest suburbs experienced major flooding, prompting Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to issue a disaster proclamation for Cook County and other affected counties. Homeowners in Chicago are filing reports with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to seek financial aid for rebuilding. In Milwaukee, flooding at the Wisconsin State Fair Park and Hart Park has led to extensive damage, with the Tosa Foundation providing a $1 million grant for recovery efforts. FEMA, along with state and county officials, has been actively assessing flood damage in Milwaukee. Local initiatives, including a centralized GoFundMe hub, have been established to support flood relief. Authorities have also warned residents to be vigilant against potential scammers following FEMA's arrival in the area.