August 7, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ ban on conversion therapy may be challenged in the near future. Last week, the U.S. Supreme...
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches

Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a 3% surcharge on income more than $1 million have less than a month to...
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Long‑delayed university repair funding is leaving campuses across the state with holes in their roofs, and in...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student's alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey City Council Approves $91,500 Investment for New Emergency Sirens

City of Casey City Council Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday authorized a major public safety upgrade, approving the purchase of new municipal...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Goble’s Dominant Relief Stint Sparks Casey-Westfield to 12-0 Shutout Win

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team utilized a dominant, combined one-hitter from its pitching staff to secure a 12-0 non-conference victory over Parke Heritage on Thursday afternoon. The hosts broke the...
Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Highly coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in the age of artificial intelligence, says a new report released Thursday from the Elon University Imagining the Digital...
U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Tensions are running high between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders, as grumblings grow over the U.S. withdrawing from the alliance. NATO’s relationship with the...
BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from the Department of Justice on Thursday, according to a post on social media. "Pam Bondi is...
States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is co-leading a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of some federal limits on toxic air pollution. The lawsuit...
Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of 'burdensome' mandates

Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of ‘burdensome’ mandates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report on energy affordability, burdensome mandates are making Illinois more expensive. The American...
Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the U.S. Supreme Court considers a high-stakes challenge to birthright citizenship, a constitutional law expert...
U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite repeated claims by Trump administration officials, Mexico is not delivering water as promised to South Texas in accordance with a long-standing treaty. In January,...
Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process

Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters say an Illinois House bill allowing county clerks to develop a will depository would streamline judicial...
Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry

Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A new quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey indicates the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and other geopolitical conflicts are negatively impacting and creating uncertainty for the...