As health officials in Chicago warn of an increase in reported leptospirosis cases with at least one confirmed death, the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control reminds residents to keep their pets safe from this infection.  

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both people and pets. The infection is transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed between animals and humans. 

Two years ago, Illinois was the first state to end the use of money bond as a condition of pretrial release, and we are the only state to have ended money bond completely. With the Pretrial Fairness Act, we replaced a flawed and unjust system with a thoughtfully designed pretrial system that is more fair, safe and effective. 

Cook County is reminding residents to stay safe and plan ahead as multiple large-scale events take place across Chicago and suburban Cook County this weekend and into next week.

Events include:

COOK COUNTY, IL — From Oct. 6–10, 2025, Cook County will join communities nationwide in celebrating Digital Inclusion Week, a week dedicated to expanding digital access, literacy and opportunity. As part of the celebration, Cook County Digital Equity will host Access Amplified, its inaugural learning symposium, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, bringing together more than 200 participants to explore strategies for bridging the digital divide. 

CHICAGO — Cook County today announced the launch of its new Digital Equity website, digitalequity.cookcountyil.gov, a central hub that connects residents and partners to resources and initiatives that exp

Residents should also be aware of fraud and scams and are encouraged to watch for and report any suspicious activity

COOK COUNTY, IL — The Cook County Small Business Source announced today that over 30 referral partners have joined the program for 2025, including seven first-time partners.  

Thousands of residents impacted by severe weather event 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a disaster proclamation today for Cook County in response to storms that hit the region on August 16 through August 19, 2025. Cook County experienced significant rainfall over several days, leading to severe flooding in residential areas. Parts of the City of Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and Mount Prospect were among the hardest-hit Cook County municipalities. 

First clinic will be held on Saturday, August 30 

The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) is reviewing damage from the severe storms and flash flooding event that occurred between Aug. 16 and Aug. 19, 2025. EMRS asks residents who were impacted by these storms and flooding to submit an initial damage assessment by Friday, Aug.