CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release: On Sept. 15, FEMA approved Illinois' request for 19 counties to receive Public Assistance following the severe storms and flooding event on June 29 - July 2, 2023. With this addition, federal funding is now available to state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, debris removal and   more