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

Pritzker acts upon 269 bills, vetoes 2, signs 'lawsuit inferno' measure

Pritzker acts upon 269 bills, vetoes 2, signs ‘lawsuit inferno’ measure

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In a Friday announcement of the status of 269 bills, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation which...
Report: average American to receive $3,752 tax cut in 2026 due to OBBBA

Report: average American to receive $3,752 tax cut in 2026 due to OBBBA

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The White House is touting a new economic analysis that estimates taxpayers will see an average $3,752 tax cut in 2026, due to provisions in...
Republican, Dem work to prevent deportation of entrepreneur

Republican, Dem work to prevent deportation of entrepreneur

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square It is not every day that people on opposite sides of the political spectrum join forces, but that is exactly what Lisa Everett and Brent...
Nevada superintendent says ICE won't enter schools

Nevada superintendent says ICE won’t enter schools

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square The superintendent of the nation's fifth-biggest school district said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreed to not conduct raids or arrests in schools in Las...
Ad Hoc.8.12.25.3

Will County Updates Solid Waste Ordinance, Increases Fines and Reporting to Landfill Committee

Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced an updated solid waste ordinance that doubles the maximum fine for violations and requires the county auditor's annual report to...
Ad Hoc.8.12.25.2

Citing Liability Concerns, Will County Committee Postpones Vote on Septic System Ordinance

Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee postponed a vote on updating its sewer and sewage disposal ordinance after a member raised significant concerns about the county's liability...
Ad Hoc.8.12.25.1

Will County Moves to Repeal Obsolete 1972 Fire Hydrant Ordinance

Article Summary: An ordinance from 1972 regulating the placement and specifications of fire hydrants in Will County is set to be repealed after the Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved its...
MAHA-style bill would close food additive safety loophole

MAHA-style bill would close food additive safety loophole

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With deregulation-focused Republicans in Congress reluctant to fulfill the industry-wary goals of the Make America Healthy Again initiative, some Democrats are taking up the torch....
Committee of teh Whole 8.12.25

Will County Board Gets Back to Basics with Robert’s Rules of Order Training

Article Summary: The Will County Board Committee of the Whole received a detailed training session on Robert's Rules of Order from parliamentary expert Matthew Prochaska to clarify procedures for conducting...
Exec Cmte 8.14.25.1

Executive Committee Approves Amended Houbolt Bridge Agreement to Settle Litigation

Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee has approved an amendment to the Houbolt Road Toll Bridge agreement, formalizing a settlement between the bridge operators and the City of Joliet....
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Committee of the Whole for August 12, 2025

The Will County Board’s Committee of the Whole dedicated its August 12 meeting to an in-depth training session on Robert’s Rules of Order, aiming to foster more efficient and orderly...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for August 12, 2025

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced several updated chapters of the county’s public works code during its August 12 meeting, addressing topics from solid waste to waste hauler...
Legislators criticize Illinois’ utility policies as ‘unsustainable’

Legislators criticize Illinois’ utility policies as ‘unsustainable’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s law banning utility shutoffs during extreme heat and cold is sparking concerns over rising...
D.C. attorney general sues Trump administration, claiming 'unlawful' takeover

D.C. attorney general sues Trump administration, claiming ‘unlawful’ takeover

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Days after President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day” by federalizing the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploying hundreds of National Guard members to curb...
What’s on the table for Trump’s meeting with Putin?

What’s on the table for Trump’s meeting with Putin?

By Caroline BodaThe Center Square President Donald Trump is flying to Alaska on Friday for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss terms for a ceasefire in...