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

Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center 'taxed out of business'

Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Sunset Lanes in Pekin is set to close later this month as the bowling center’s owner says it is being “taxed...
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor Tom Tiffany said that he will “end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin” if he becomes governor. Tiffany was...
Screenshot 2026-03-29 at 4.44.29 PM

Public Works Secures $58,900 Valve Trailer, Seeks Federal Grants for Infrastructure

Village of Manhattan Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board authorized the purchase of a specialized $58,900 trailer to modernize water valve maintenance, while Public Works announced...
Screenshot 2026-05-05 at 1.39.16 PM

JJC Trustee Alleges Board Exclusion, Discriminatory Policies During Tense Meeting

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: Deep divisions on the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees spilled into public view as Trustee Maureen Broderick...
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.3

County Board Members Pitch “Granny Flats,” Hobby Farm Zoning, and Farmland Mitigation in LRMP Brainstorm

Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: During a brainstorming workshop for the county's new Land Resource Management Plan, Will County Board...
Screenshot 2026-03-29 at 4.21.41 PM

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 for March 25, 2026

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | March 25, 2026 The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education held a special meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to address time-sensitive capital...
Hyundai Translead

Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement for $345 Million Hyundai Translead Project

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board has authorized an agreement of intent to abate taxes for a massive $345 million manufacturing project...
lincoln way school district 210 logo.2

Lincoln-Way 210 Advances Summer Site Improvements and Asbestos Abatement Projects

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved an asbestos abatement contract and initial site improvement bids to prepare for...
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at helping local governments manage retiree health care costs is drawing differing views...
Screenshot 2026-03-29 at 4.21.41 PM

Manhattan District 114 Board Abates $252,430 from 2025 Bond and Interest Levy

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | March 25, 2026 Article Summary: Utilizing finalized property value estimates from the county, the Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education approved a levy abatement...
Screenshot 2026-03-29 at 4.44.29 PM

Manhattan Approves Estimated $1.1 Million Resurfacing Project for Leighlinbridge Subdivision

Village of Manhattan Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Manhattan approved a state resolution to secure Motor Fuel Tax funding for a major road resurfacing project targeting...
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A few days after agreeing to let them proceed with their class action against one of America's most prominent charities under labor...
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet...