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

August 7, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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

National security group urges Congress to investigate Airwallex ties to CCP

National security group urges Congress to investigate Airwallex ties to CCP

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A national security group wants Congress to investigate Airwallex over its ties to China. State Armor Chief Executive Officer Michael Lucci sent a letter to...
Open primary system debated as Californians go to polls

Open primary system debated as Californians go to polls

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Supporters of California’s top-two open primary system are defending it amid challenges and criticism as voters go to the polls Tuesday in the Golden State's...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs two bills

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs two bills

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed two new laws into effect. House Bill 4154 changes pharmacy licensure provisions...
Elon Poll says 2 in 3 proud to be American and Signers would be disappointed

Elon Poll says 2 in 3 proud to be American and Signers would be disappointed

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Sampling 1,000 adults nationwide ahead of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, a poll released Tuesday finds 68% are proud to be American and 69%...
U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida request to sue over immigrant CDLs

U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida request to sue over immigrant CDLs

By Michael Carroll | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court last week swatted away a request from Florida to sue the states of California and Washington over allegations...
Screenshot 2026-05-23 at 7.23.02 PM

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for May 21, 2026

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | May 21, 2026 The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education held its regular meeting Thursday, May 21, 2026, at...
Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’

Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Federal law blocks the state of Illinois from prohibiting both banks from outside Illinois and payment card servicers, like Visa and Mastercard,...
Canadians, Brits stress U.S., Texas are key to shipbuilding

Canadians, Brits stress U.S., Texas are key to shipbuilding

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Canadian and British shipbuilding entrepreneurs on Monday explained why the U.S. and Texas are critical to national defense. The leaders of Davie Defense, Gulf Copper...
Tariff litigation expands as federal court weighs next move

Tariff litigation expands as federal court weighs next move

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Two new businesses have sued to block President Donald Trump's 10% tariffs, even as a federal appeals court considers whether to lift an injunction already...
Democrats dissatisfied by DOJ's pause on 'anti-weaponization fund'

Democrats dissatisfied by DOJ’s pause on ‘anti-weaponization fund’

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice is temporarily backing down from its plan to launch a $1.77 billion “anti-weaponization fund” after a federal judge issued a...
Hegseth calls allied defense 'bad deal for taxpayers' in budget push

Hegseth calls allied defense ‘bad deal for taxpayers’ in budget push

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Pentagon wants the largest nominal military budget in American history despite failing eight consecutive financial audits and continuing to face longstanding financial management challenges....
Pritzker touts state spending to cover federal cuts in passed budget

Pritzker touts state spending to cover federal cuts in passed budget

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Just hours after the state’s General Assembly wrapped its spring session, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker appeared along...
I-95 quintuple fatal: Federal agency subpoenas state of New York

I-95 quintuple fatal: Federal agency subpoenas state of New York

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Failure to willingly cooperate by the state of New York has led to a subpoena for documents related to Jing Dong. The U.S Department of...
Illinois lawmakers give raises to diversity commissioners they criticized

Illinois lawmakers give raises to diversity commissioners they criticized

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- State lawmakers failed to reform the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion this legislative session despite bipartisan...
Report: Credit card debt projected to decrease $61B

Report: Credit card debt projected to decrease $61B

By Christine JohnsonThe Center Square It is predicted that there will be a $61 billion decrease in credit card debt based on new data set to be released on Friday...