The Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) presented the County’s first environmental justice (EJ) policy framework to the Cook County Board of Commissioners this week. The framework affirms the County’s commitment to ensure environmental justice initiatives are prioritized in the projects and programs that the County initiates.
COOK COUNTY, IL—The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved planning, design and construction contracts today to continue the pipeline of transportation-related projects for the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). These vital projects advance multi-modal projects throughout Cook County to improve state of good repair, operations, safety and support the regional economy.
Bellwood| $410,000
COOK COUNTY, IL—Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced a call for applications today for the County’s Department of Transportation and Highway’s (DoTH) Invest in Cook grant program to assist communities with transportation infrastructure improvements.
Cook County’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ponni Arunkumar has been appointed as vice president of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) for 2026.
The appointment is a recognition of Dr. Arunkumar’s leadership at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO). Dr. Arunkumar oversaw MEO operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She has played an instrumental role in implementing new policies and procedures and shaping the culture of the office while upgrading operations and technology.
Medical Examiner’s Office Releases Preliminary 2025 Data
Public urged to review pet vaccination and exposure risks
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) has confirmed a rare case of rabies in a dog within the City of Chicago. This is the first rabies-positive dog identified in Cook County since before 1964 and the first in Illinois since 1994. The dog, vaccinated earlier this year, was surrendered to a local rescue and euthanized for behavioral reasons before testing positive for rabies. The source of rabies is currently unknown and under investigation.
The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved planning, design and construction contracts today to continue the pipeline of transportation-related projects for the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). These vital projects advance multimodal projects throughout Cook County to improve state of good repair, operations, safety and support the regional economy.
Cook County officials today announced the completion of a comprehensive courthouse wireless connectivity project that concluded in November, significantly improving Wi-Fi signal strength and reliability across courthouse facilities countywide.
As part of the project, crews installed approximately 1,000 wireless access points to eliminate dead zones and strengthen wireless coverage throughout court buildings.
Cook County will experience extreme cold weather for several days starting Friday evening. The National Weather Service has advised that wind chills will make it feel as cold as -20°F over the weekend.
Cook County is opening warming centers in the north, west and south suburbs to help residents combat extreme weather conditions. The warming centers will be open 24 hours. The centers will open at 8:30 a.m. Friday and run continuously until 4:30 p.m. Monday, December 15.
