Illinois Quick Hits: 26 tornadoes confirmed in Illinois, NW Indiana last week
(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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Parental rights groups concerned over DEI in Denver teacher contract
Homeland Secretary: Pritzker, Johnson are protecting dangerous criminals
Reports: DOJ probing NY AG’s fraud case against Trump
Trump warns of ‘Great Depression’ if appeals court curbs tariff power
Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward
Abbott to call ‘special session after special session’ in response to AWOL Dems
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025
Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes
Meeting Summary: Manhattan Village Board for August 5, 2025
Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court
WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says
Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment
