Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins
August 7, 2025/
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
MondayDecember 8, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #1)12:30 amPajama Storytime with Santa (Session #2)1:00 amSensory-Friendly Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #3)3:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime4:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime10:00 pmHigh School: Winter Reindeer Decoration10:15 pm(Gr. 3rd-5th) Bluestem Book Club - "Nell of Gumbling"
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
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