(The Center Square) – The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from July 2-4.
The declaration for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties will allow homeowners, renters, businesses and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for low-interest loans to help with damages not covered by insurance.
Applicants can apply online or call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
FELON CONVICTED FOR UNLAWFUL REENTRY
A Mexican national with a sexual assault conviction has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for unlawfully entering the United States after previously being deported.
Prosecutors said Ramon Salgado Delgadillo, 38, was unlawfully present in the United States on Nov. 5, 2023, when he was found to be in Chicago.
Salgado-Delgadillo had been deported from the United States to Mexico eight months earlier after being convicted of a felony sexual assault offense in Cook County court, where he was sentenced to four years in state prison.
FUNERAL HOME PROBE CONTINUES AFTER 50+ BODIES FOUND
Cook County authorities are investigating after more than 50 bodies were found in various states of decomposition at a funeral home on Chicago’s Southeast Side.
A statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office said the medical examiner’s office is working to identify the remains and would notify families as quickly as possible.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said in a statement that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation handles the physical operations and professional credentials of funeral homes.
According to the statement, Mendoza’s office shut down the funeral home owners’ crematory in suburban Chicago Heights last year, but at-need funeral homes like South Chicago Chapel do not fall under the comptroller’s jurisdiction.
ILLINOIS, INDONESIA ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT
Illinois leaders and Indonesian officials have announced a memorandum of understanding focused on expanding trade, opening new markets for Illinois farmers, and strengthening cooperation across business, education, and workforce development.
Illinois Soybean Association Director of Market Development Todd Main said Indonesia is one of the most important soybean markets for Illinois producers.
CLASSIC CARS TO LEAD STATE FAIR TWILIGHT PARADE
The Illinois State Fair has announced that Route 66 will be the honorary grand marshal of the fair’s 2026 twilight parade Thursday, in honor of the mother road’s 100th anniversary.
Fair officials say classic cars will lead the parade, which is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and enter the fairgrounds through the main gate. Route 66 was established in 1926, beginning in downtown Chicago.
