 
 Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins
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.
Latest News Stories
 
 Government shutdown halts visa, permanent resident approvals
 
 Frankfort Approves Plan for 43-Home First Phase of Stalled Country Crossing Subdivision
 
 Ads roll on, money pours in, and SCORE Act waits
 
 Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates
 
 Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for October 16, 2025
 
 Student Initiative Leads to Lunch Program Overhaul at Summit Hill
 
 Frankfort Park District Awaits State Agreement on DCEO Grant Amid Public Interest
 
 Universities respond to new federal Grad PLUS loan caps
 
 Report shows California leads in debt among all 50 states
 
 High superintendent pay fuels debate over Illinois school consolidation
 
 Illinois quick hits: Chicago expressway projects ends; Spooky graveyards
 
 Trump plans to tell Congress about new drug war, won’t seek permission
 
  
 