Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

Spread the love

Cook County, Chicago declare flood disaster

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have issued respective disaster proclamations for flooding that took place July 25-28.

According to resident survey information, 111 residences were considered to be destroyed and 544 homes had major damage.

City and county agencies are working to determine if the jurisdictions could qualify for federal assistance.

Opt-out forms promoted

After Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation to implement universal mental health screenings in public schools, the Illinois Family Institute is encouraging parents to opt out of programs and agendas which they said could be harmful to children.

The group said Christian parents should be especially alert to the assessment of their children’s well-being through the lens of secular ideologies.

The institute offers links to various opt-out forms on its website.

State Fair begins

The Illinois State Fair is underway in Springfield.

Thursday’s events include harness racing, $3 carnival rides and the Twilight Parade at 5:30 p.m.

The fair runs through Aug. 17.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois lawmaker calls FDA hormone therapy reversal ‘overdue’

Illinois lawmaker calls FDA hormone therapy reversal ‘overdue’

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and practicing physician weighs said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
IL Rep on congressmen trading: 'We're not going to take a pile of money to hell'

IL Rep on congressmen trading: ‘We’re not going to take a pile of money to hell’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congresswoman says the public is right to be alarmed about elected officials enriching themselves through...
Illinois quick hits: Officer shot report numbers down; Thanksgiving meal costs down

Illinois quick hits: Officer shot report numbers down; Thanksgiving meal costs down

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Officer shot report numbers down The National Fraternal Order of Police reports, through Oct. 31, 285 police officers have been shot...
WATCH: Chicago activist testifies; Quinn’s millionaire surcharge; High SNAP error rate

WATCH: Chicago activist testifies; Quinn’s millionaire surcharge; High SNAP error rate

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from...
GE Appliances announces $150 million partnerships

GE Appliances announces $150 million partnerships

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - GE Appliances announced Thursday it is investing more than $150 million into contracts for suppliers in the...
Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 9.30.06 AM

Frankfort, Will County Partner on Wildlife Rabies Control

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee recommended approval of an intergovernmental agreement on Thursday, November 13, 2025, that allows...
Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 9.30.44 AM

Executive Committee Approves Appointments for Washington Township, Emergency Telephone Boards

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee on Thursday, November 13, 2025, recommended the approval of two key appointments, filling...
Manhattan School District 114 Logo Graphic

Manhattan D114 Schools Earn ‘Exemplary’ Status in State Report Card

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:Manhattan School District 114 received outstanding results on the 2025 Illinois School Report Card, with three of its four schools...

WATCH: Dems leave hearing before minority group’s testimony on Biden border policies

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A member of a minority grassroots Chicago organization testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary...
Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 9.29.37 AM

Will County Executive Committee Delays Vote on School Choice Referendum

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board’s Executive Committee on Thursday, November 13, 2025, postponed a decision on whether to place an...
Manhattan Township

Construction Business Permit on Sweedler Road Hits Snag Over Flood Plain Issues

Manhattan Township Meeting | September 9, 2025 Article Summary: A pre-application for a special use permit that would allow for a construction sales and service business on Sweedler Road in...
manhattan school district 114.3

Manhattan Parent Makes Emotional Plea for More Transparent School Threat Policies

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:A Manhattan School District 114 parent emotionally addressed the Board of Education, describing a threat made against her third-grade son...
Chicago council committee rejects mayor’s proposed tax hikes

Chicago council committee rejects mayor’s proposed tax hikes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council Committee on Finance has rejected a package of higher taxes proposed by Mayor...
Illinois quick hits: Elections board considers primary election petition objections

Illinois quick hits: Elections board considers primary election petition objections

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Elections board considers primary election petition objections Gov. J.B. Pritzker has one challenger in the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial primary. Former Chicago...
Feds: Illegal commercial drivers licenses issued in California

Feds: Illegal commercial drivers licenses issued in California

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A federal agency reported the California Department of Motor Vehicles illegally issued thousands of commercial drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants. According to the U.S. Department...