Illinois Quick Hits: 26 tornadoes confirmed in Illinois, NW Indiana last week

Illinois Quick Hits: 26 tornadoes confirmed in Illinois, NW Indiana last week

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 17 tornadoes in its Chicago area of responsibility Thursday and nine tornadoes across central Illinois last Wednesday and Thursday.

EF-3 tornadoes were confirmed in Streator, Illinois, Washburn, Illinois and Kouts, Indiana. EF-2 twisters occurred from Hickory Hills to Chicago Midway Airport and from Merrillville to Hobart, Indiana.

Preliminary NWS reports also confirmed straight-line wind damage, isolated large hail and flooding.

No deaths associated with the storms were reported in Illinois.

CASINO EXTENSION APPROVED

The Illinois Gaming Board has approved measures to allow the extension of gambling operations at the Chicago and Waukegan temporary casinos while permanent facilities are under construction.

The extensions allow Bally’s to operate at its temporary location for an additional 12 months until Sept. 9, 2027 and FHR-Illinois American Place to operate for an additional 18 months until Feb. 17, 2029.

CHICAGO SPENDS MILLIONS FOR 44 “AFFORDABLE” HOMES

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has broken ground on an affordable housing project that uses tax-increment financing, bond funds and city-provided land.

Sponsored by Corinth Temple Church of God in partnership with United for Better Living, the $32 million, 44-home development is supported by up to $9.5 million in TIF funds, $9.75 million in housing and economic development bond funds and about $14.76 million in tax-exempt bond volume cap.

The Johnson administration granted two parcels previously owned by the city to United for Better Living.

FREE FISHING DAYS OFFERED

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is inviting families to participate in free fishing days from Friday through June 22.

Anglers can fish on these days without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp.

The state charges $15 for resident fishing licenses. Fees for other licenses can be found on IDNR’s fishing licenses website.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Will County Board Graphic.04

Infighting and Calls for Resignation Disrupt Will County Board Meeting

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Calls for the resignation of a Will County Board member over a recent misdemeanor conviction derailed the end of the...
Peotone softball blue devil graphic

S. Klawitter’s 15 Strikeouts Power Peotone Past Prairie Central 6-2

Senior pitcher S. Klawitter delivered a masterful 15-strikeout performance in the circle to lead the Peotone varsity softball team to a 6-2 non-conference road victory over Prairie Central on Thursday...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Will County Land Use Committee Splits Votes on Massive Earthrise Solar Projects Amid Intense Public Opposition

Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Tuesday faced a marathon session dominated...
Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Highly coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in the age of artificial intelligence, says a new report released Thursday from the Elon University Imagining the Digital...
Green Garden Township Supervisor Dean Christofilos address the Will County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on March 30. Photo by Andrea Arens.

Will County P&Z Recommends Denial of 6,000-Acre “Pride of the Prairie” Solar Project After Contentious Hearing

By Andrea Arens JOLIET — After more than eight hours of testimony and public comment spanning two nights, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4–2 to recommend denial...
U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Tensions are running high between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders, as grumblings grow over the U.S. withdrawing from the alliance. NATO’s relationship with the...
BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from the Department of Justice on Thursday, according to a post on social media. "Pam Bondi is...
States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is co-leading a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of some federal limits on toxic air pollution. The lawsuit...
Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of 'burdensome' mandates

Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of ‘burdensome’ mandates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report on energy affordability, burdensome mandates are making Illinois more expensive. The American...
Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the U.S. Supreme Court considers a high-stakes challenge to birthright citizenship, a constitutional law expert...
U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite repeated claims by Trump administration officials, Mexico is not delivering water as promised to South Texas in accordance with a long-standing treaty. In January,...
Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process

Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters say an Illinois House bill allowing county clerks to develop a will depository would streamline judicial...
Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry

Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A new quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey indicates the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and other geopolitical conflicts are negatively impacting and creating uncertainty for the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker pushes for E15

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker pushes for E15

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is asking leaders of the U.S. House on Environment and Public Works Committee...
Trump addresses nation on Iran strikes; signals conflict nearing end

Trump addresses nation on Iran strikes; signals conflict nearing end

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Just over a month after Operation Epic Fury began, President Donald Trump Wednesday proclaimed U.S. strikes on Iran are nearing completion, while telling allies to...