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/
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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.

Events

19 Nov
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library District
19 Nov 25
21 Nov
Library Board of Trustees
21 Nov 25
26 Nov
Early Closing
26 Nov 25
27 Nov
Building Closed for Thanksgiving Day
27 Nov 25
12 Dec
Library Board of Trustees
12 Dec 25
24 Dec
Building Closed for Christmas Eve
24 Dec 25
25 Dec
Building Closed for Christmas Day
25 Dec 25
31 Dec
Building Closed for New Year's Eve
31 Dec 25
01 Jan
Building Closed for New Year's Day
1 Jan 26
21 Jan
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library District
21 Jan 26

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