Trump Administration denies Cook County federal storm aid
Illinois Democrats blame politics for the FEMA denial as the White House rejects the charge. Gov. JB Pritzker said the state will file an appeal.
Latest
Cook County commits $8 million to clear debris from August storms
Cook County will spend $8 million to help 12 municipalities clear storm debris, with a focus on the south suburbs hit by the Aug. 11 storms.
Residents, not insurance, might be footing the bill for storm recovery
Whether because of claim denials or delays from the volume of work the storms brought, residents all around Cook County still struggle to get reimbursed by their insurance companies.
Citizen Grit wins $10,000 disaster response grant from INN and Google News Initiative
Citizen Grit received its first grant, a $10,000 award from the Institute for Nonprofit News and the Google News Initiative, to support storm coverage in South Cook County.
Weeks later, the storm isn't over for these Southland families
An Olympia Fields mother raced to charge her toddler's ventilator. A Lansing retiree fought mold on a fixed income. Weeks after the August tornadoes, Southland families say recovery costs keep outpacing help.
Transportation overhaul taking shape with toll increase, new board appointees
Toll hike part of deal with labor leaders to boost public transportation funding in Chicago
Red Cross holds Glenwood aid event Friday
The Red Cross Illinois region will be hosting a community disaster relief event from 12 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21 at the Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood at 801 E. Glenwood Dyer Road.
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Storms are over. Here's how Cook County homeowners and renters can get insurance, food, utility and other help
The power's back. Here's what Cook County homeowners and renters need to know now: insurance, food, utility bills and rebuilding after this summer's storms.
Pritzker signs disaster proclamation to aid Illinois communities in storm cleanup efforts
Pritzker signs disaster proclamation to aid Illinois communities in storm cleanup efforts. The relief will be available to 15 counties after recent severe and record-breaking storms.
Another Tornado Hits South Suburbs. Here's Where to Get Help
A second tornado hit Homewood, Flossmoor and Glenwood. Here's who to call for tree removal, electric repairs, food replacement and shelter.
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Use Citizen Grit's search tool to find basic information about your town hall in Cook County.
Jobs
South Suburban's Career Discovery Day is back — here's what job seekers, employers need to know
The third annual Hire Southland Career Discovery and Workforce Development Day returns to South Suburban College on Aug. 29 — and it's free.
Food
More families are turning to this food pantry. Here's how it serves them with dignity
Bloom Township Food Pantry serves 1,000-1,200 households a month after new SNAP work rules cut benefits for thousands of Illinoisans.
Food pantries and clothes closets: Add your listing free
Citizen Grit is building Cook County's first online and printable food pantry directory — organized by suburb, free to access and designed to reach people who need it most. If you operate a food pantry, kitchen, mobile distribution, micro-pantry, mutual aid food program or clothes closet in Cook
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You know things the headlines miss. Tell us what's happening in your world — your costs, your community, your concerns. We want to know your story and the ones of people you care about. Have a question? A problem? A tip? Let us know. We're listening. Tell
Food
Where to find food, utility and other help in Cook County
More than 1.4 million county residents struggle to put food on the table, figures from the Greater Chicago Food Depository show. That's more than a quarter of the population. But help is available from agencies and neighborhood groups. Here are ways to find assistance if you need it.
Budget
Your budget is groaning. By how much?
Do you know exactly how much you're paying for essentials across Cook County? Put your cost knowledge to the test with our new quiz.
News
We're here. And so is your story.
Citizen Grit covers what's close to home in Cook County — your costs, your health, your housing, your neighborhood, your life. We tell the stories that make hardworking people smarter, healthier and heard. No spin. No agenda. Nothing to prove and no one to please.