
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

WATCH: CA Dems announce congressional redistricting effort

Trump orders drug stockpile, increased manufacturing

WATCH: Map debate, case against Texas Democrats continues in Illinois

WATCH: Illinois GOP State Fair rally takes aim at Pritzker, ‘woke agenda’

Small business group: Pritzker-signed bills are wrong move

Grand Canyon fire now 54% contained; 144,432 acres burned

Report: Post-election audits in swing states insufficient

U.S. producer prices surge in July as tariffs increase costs

Colorado sued over social media warnings for minors

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 14th, 2025

Chicago’s commercial property taxes spike to twice national city average

Illinois quick hits: Court rejects lawsuit against Texas Democrats; no charges for police
