August 7, 2025/
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

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

Clark County Fair
Clark County Fair
18 Aug 25
Country Farm Antiques Show
Country Farm Antiques Show
23 Aug 25
Back to School Block Party
Back to School Block Party
23 Aug 25
Back to School Block Party
Back to School Block Party
23 Aug 25
Absent Ground @ Casey Popcorn Festival
Absent Ground @ Casey Popcorn Festival
29 Aug 25
All 90s Trivia at Casey Popcorn Festival
All 90s Trivia at Casey Popcorn Festival
30 Aug 25
Casey Popcorn Festival Jeep Showdown
Casey Popcorn Festival Jeep Showdown
30 Aug 25
Tyler Farr at Casey Popcorn Festival
Tyler Farr at Casey Popcorn Festival
31 Aug 25
Emo Night LIVE w/ All American Throwbacks
Emo Night LIVE w/ All American Throwbacks
31 Aug 25
Colton Dixon at Popcorn Festival
Colton Dixon at Popcorn Festival
1 Sep 25
01 Sep
Casey City Council Board Meeting
1 Sep 25
Bird of the Fall - winging it
Bird of the Fall - winging it
6 Sep 25

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