Illinois quick hits: Harvey furloughs some employees; lead poisoning prevention continues

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Harvey furloughs some employees

The Chicago suburb of Harvey has furloughed 69 employees, including police and fire, after the city council voted to designate the city as financially distressed.

The Harvey Fire Department told NBC Chicago Monday night that at least one of its three fire stations will close temporarily as part of the furloughs.

City officials said 98 workers would continue working to maintain core operations.

Lead poisoning prevention continues

The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding parents and those who care for young children to be aware of risk factors for lead poisoning.

The agency says lead exposure is most commonly associated with paint in homes built before 1978, but lead may also be found in soil around some homes, as well as in lead pipes, or in certain toys or consumer products imported from overseas.

IDPH has expanded the state’s testing regimen for children as Illinois moves toward universal lead testing in 2026.

Youth alcohol awareness summit Wednesday

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s 2025 Virtual Youth Alcohol Awareness Summit is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The ICC says the goal is to provide valuable information and education to everyone, especially minors and young adults, about the risks associated with alcohol consumption.