Illinois Quick Hits: FEMA says no to Illinois disaster declaration

Illinois Quick Hits: FEMA says no to Illinois disaster declaration

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state of Illinois’ appeal for a major disaster declaration following severe storms and flooding that affected Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry and Will counties in August.

In a letter dated Feb. 7, FEMA reaffirmed its initial decision that supplemental federal assistance was not warranted.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the agency’s decision was politically motivated.

ROAD RAGE SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED

Illinois State Police say they arrested a Chicago man for an alleged road rage shooting on Interstate 55. According to an ISP statement, Daniel Zaragoza, 22, fired at a vehicle on I-55 near Damen Avenue in Chicago last Friday morning.

The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Zaragoza was charged with felony aggravated battery with a firearm.

ROUTE 66 FUNDING

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is awarding nearly $4 million in grants to local tourism bureaus for Route 66 activities throughout Illinois.

The taxpayer-funded award comes as state officials and tourism partners celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the highway’s creation. DCEO’s Illinois Office of Tourism has invested $19 million in Route 66 projects since 2021.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Ad Hoc.8.12.25.3

Water Well, Waste Hauler Ordinances Updated by Will County Committee

Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to chapters governing water well permits and waste hauler reporting, forwarding them to the Executive Committee for consideration. Changes...
Beecher Graphic.3

Beecher to Draft Ordinances Regulating Scooters and Fishing in Village Ponds

Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board is moving to create new local laws governing the use of electric scooters and fishing in village-owned ponds. Citing safety concerns and resident inquiries,...
Beecher Graphic.4

Beecher’s National Night Out Draws Large Crowd to New Police Station

Article Summary: Beecher's National Night Out was a resounding success, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to the new Public Safety Facility for the first time. The August 5 event...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for July 28 & August 11, 2025

Over its last two meetings, the Beecher Village Board took significant steps on fiscal policy, new local regulations, and community appointments. On July 28, the board unanimously passed an ordinance...
beecher ilinois school board graphic.4

Finance Committee: Beecher Schools Project Balanced Budget, Earmark Funds for Major Projects

Article Summary: The Beecher School District 200-U Finance Committee reviewed a preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 budget that projects a narrow surplus, a significant turnaround from last year's initial deficit forecast....
WCO Finance Aug 5.1

Will County Health Department Seeks $1 Million to Avert ‘Drastic’ Service Cuts from Expiring Grants

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Health Department is requesting an additional $1 million in county funding for its 2026 budget to prevent the elimination of 11 critical staff positions, warning...
WCO Cap Imp 8.5.1

Will County’s “First-in-Nation” Veterans Center to House Workforce Services, Sparking Debate

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The new Will County Veteran's Assistance & Support Center will also become the home for the county's Workforce Services department, a move officials say will save approximately $250,000 in...
WCO Finance Aug 5.2

Improved Vendor Service Creates $1.2 Million Shortfall in Sheriff’s Medical Budget

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Sheriff’s Office is facing a more than $1.2 million shortfall in its budget for inmate medical services, a problem officials attribute to an ironic cause:...
WCO P&Z Aug 5.1

Will County Public Works Committee Unveils 25-Year Transportation Plan, Projects $258 Million Gap

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials have presented "Our Way Forward 2050," a new long-range transportation plan that provides a 25-year vision for infrastructure projects while forecasting a $258 million shortfall in...
WCO Public Safety.4

Will County Animal Protection Services Seeks New Facility Amid “Gaping Wound” of Space Crisis

Article Summary: Will County Animal Protection Services is seeking approval for a new facility, telling a county committee that its current building is critically inadequate for housing animals, leading to...
WCO Cap Imp 8.5.2

Board Confronts Animal Services Crowding, Explores Future Facility Options

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials are grappling with an ongoing animal housing crisis that has overwhelmed the county’s Animal Protective Services facility, prompting discussions about expansion, new construction, or even repurposing...
WCO Finance Aug 5.3

Will County Board Members Demand Transparency in Cannabis Tax Fund Allocation

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A debate over transparency and process erupted at the Will County Board’s Finance Committee meeting regarding the distribution of local cannabis tax revenue. Board members called for more...
WCO P&Z Aug 5.2

Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A Homer Glenn farm owner voiced strong opposition to the planned widening of 143rd Street during a county meeting, while committee members indicated a "tentative agreement" is in the...
WCO LEG 8.5.1

Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
WCO Public Safety.3

Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”

Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...