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.

Community Events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Will-County-Legislative-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County Seeks Asian Carp Provision in Federal Legislative Agenda

Will County Board member Julie Berkowicz is pushing to add specific language addressing Asian carp invasion to the county's federal legislative agenda, citing the ongoing threat to local waterways as...
MH VB 7-1

Manhattan awards $1.9M contract for Eastern Avenue rebuild

The Village of Manhattan Board approved a $1.94 million contract with PT Ferrell Construction for the reconstruction of Eastern Avenue from North Street to Smith Road during their July 1...
Will-County-Legislative-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

State Legislative Session Update: Transit, Energy Bills Stall Despite Democratic Control

Illinois lawmakers failed to advance major transit funding and comprehensive energy legislation during the recently concluded spring session, leaving key issues unresolved despite Democratic supermajorities in both chambers, according to...
Will-County-Capital-Improvements-IT-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County’s Major Capital Projects Hit Key Milestones, VAC Buildout on “Aggressive Schedule”

Will County is making significant headway on several major capital improvement projects, with the new Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) & Support Center in Joliet on an “aggressive schedule” for a...
Will-County-Public-Works-Transportation-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County Board Approves 2026-2031 Transportation Plan Despite Project Opposition

Will County board members approved a contested five-year transportation improvement plan Tuesday after heated debate over a controversial Homer Glen road project that has drawn sustained community opposition. The Will...
Will-County-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Meeting-July-1-2025

Contentious I-3 Rezoning for DuPage Township Storage Yard Narrowly Advances

A proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural to the county's most intensive industrial classification narrowly earned a recommendation for approval from the Will County Planning...
MH VB 7-1

Manhattan modernizes investment policies, check-signing procedures

The Manhattan Village Board approved three separate ordinances and resolutions Tuesday night to update the village's financial management policies and bring them in line with current best practices. The board...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Legislative Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs

Federal Budget Impact: Will County could face significant funding challenges if federal budget reconciliation measures reduce Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The county health department and social services rely heavily on...
Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County Moves Forward with $200.8 Million Bond Refinancing Plan

Will County Finance Committee members on July 1 approved moving forward with a comprehensive bond refinancing ordinance that could save taxpayers more than $716,000 over the life of the bonds...
Will-County-Public-Works-Transportation-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Program Sees Record Growth, Eyes Expansion

Will County's dial-a-ride transportation service for seniors and disabled residents reached record ridership levels while officials plan major expansion to cover all county townships. The Access Will County program served...
Will-County-Capital-Improvements-IT-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County to Launch New Public Meeting Agenda System in August Amidst Data Conversion Concerns

Will County is set to launch its new public meeting agenda and records software, Granicus “OneMeeting,” in August, but the transition will see over a decade of historical records converted...
Will-County-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Meeting-July-1-2025

Green Garden Township Poised for First Major Subdivision in Years After Rezoning

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a rezoning that could pave the way for the first major residential subdivision in Green Garden Township in nearly two decades....
MH VB 7-1

Village approves street lighting, water line extensions

Manhattan trustees approved two infrastructure improvements during Tuesday's meeting, including new street lighting installation and a water main extension to serve the historic Round Barn renovation project. The board authorized...
Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County RNG Facility Shows Strong Performance Despite Solar Challenges

Will County's Renewable Natural Gas facility is exceeding production targets while officials explore options to reduce substantial electricity costs that currently impact profitability. Project manager Greg Komperda told Finance Committee...
Meeting Briefs

PZC Briefs: Solar Farm in Crete, Post-Fire Permit for Troy Business, and More

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission handled several other cases during its July 1 meeting, including a new solar farm, a temporary permit for a fire-damaged business, and routine...