Illinois Quick Hits: FEMA says no to Illinois disaster declaration
(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.
Latest News Stories
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for February 11, 2026
Elsies Place Grand Opening
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Superintendent Warns of State Funding Gaps Despite Balanced Budget
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Board Approves New Early Childhood Curriculum and Technology Upgrades
Beecher Schools Review Test Data; ELA Scores Excel While Math Strategies Adjusted