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

Trump makes history at Supreme Court amid landmark birthright citizenship challenge

Trump makes history at Supreme Court amid landmark birthright citizenship challenge

By Emily Rodriguez and Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump made history Wednesday by attending oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court over his executive order seeking to end...
New Hampshire school district sued over transgender policies

New Hampshire school district sued over transgender policies

By Chris WadeThe Center Square A New Hampshire school district is being investigated by the Trump administration over allegations that administrators are allowing biological men to use girls’ restrooms and...
Trump watches as high court hears challenge to his birthright citizenship order

Trump watches as high court hears challenge to his birthright citizenship order

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments, observing as the justices considered a challenge Wednesday to his...
Illinois Quick Hits: Prtizker says Trump order is unconstitutional

Illinois Quick Hits: Prtizker says Trump order is unconstitutional

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on Tuesday to address election integrity is...
U of I pressed on costly abandoned development project, stance on DEI directives

U of I pressed on costly abandoned development project, stance on DEI directives

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As many Illinois universities face multimillion dollar budget deficits, state senators were critical of spending by the...
Trump says Iran's new leader wants ceasefire

Trump says Iran’s new leader wants ceasefire

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump announced today that Iran's new leader has requested a ceasefire, marking a possible turning point in the ongoing conflict that has gripped...
‘Conversion therapy’ bans in IL, other states, in danger, after SCOTUS ruling

‘Conversion therapy’ bans in IL, other states, in danger, after SCOTUS ruling

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The days appear to be numbered for a Colorado state law banning so-called "conversion therapy," after the U.S. Supreme Court lopsidedly sided...
Peotone Blue Devil Baseball Graphic

Streator Erupts in Fourth Inning to Avenge Loss Against Peotone 6-3

The Streator varsity baseball team flipped the script on Peotone on Tuesday afternoon, securing a 6-3 conference road victory just one day after falling to the same opponent. Bolstered by...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

County Board Approves Peotone Solar Farm Amid Debates Over Union Labor and Tornado Safety

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: A 52-acre commercial solar energy facility in Peotone was approved by the Will County Board despite concerns raised by members...
Peotone softball blue devil graphic

Klawitter’s 15 Strikeouts Power Peotone Past Streator 4-3

The Peotone varsity softball team secured a tight 4-3 conference victory over Streator on Tuesday afternoon, relying on a dominant 15-strikeout performance from senior pitcher S. Klawitter and a crucial...
Illinois business leaders press lawmakers as child care costs face scrutiny

Illinois business leaders press lawmakers as child care costs face scrutiny

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois business leaders pressured Illinois lawmakers Tuesday to approve billions of dollars in taxpayer‑funded child care investments,...
Illinois Quick Hits: Vacant lots go on sale in Chicago

Illinois Quick Hits: Vacant lots go on sale in Chicago

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development say more than 600 vacant city...
State vs. local property tax debate rages in Illinois

State vs. local property tax debate rages in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says property taxes are a local issue, but a county treasurer’s report says hefty...
Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at...
Fewer businesses of Illinois' diversity-preferred group got state contracts last year

Fewer businesses of Illinois’ diversity-preferred group got state contracts last year

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - Fewer businesses that get diversity-related government priority in Illinois are getting contracts with the state, according to...