As President Donald Trump threatens to send the National Guard to Chicago to combat crime, homelessness and immigration, West Side residents have a different ask of the federal government — flood relief.

“We need the National Guard to come clean out the basements and to bring money to restore people to a healthy environment,” State Rep. La Shawn Ford said at a news conference in Austin Tuesday.

The West Side has been hit hard by flooding in recent years, with summer storms bringing water to basements in and around the Austin neighborhood. With the flooding comes damage and mold to the homes, and residents say they haven’t been given enough help. Some residents have been hospitalized from mold exposure, and some have even died, said Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), who added her own home has flood

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