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 Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
Lincoln-Way Board Ratifies Three-Year Support Staff Contract with Significant Hourly Raises
Manhattan Township Weighs Hall Rental Fee Increase to Cover Professional Cleaning Costs
Jackson Township Prepares for Property Viability Pole Relocation, Addresses Northpoint Traffic Control
Manhattan School District Explores Alternative Transportation Amid Lincoln-Way Bus Challenges
Manhattan Ranked 6th Safest City in Illinois; Police Chief Warns of Traffic Accidents
Manhattan Township Assessor Initiates $13,500 Software Upgrade Amid Office Transition
Manhattan and New Lenox Renew Boundary Agreement Through 2046
Manhattan Board Approves Route 52 Safety Study and Multi-Use Path Engineering
State of the College: Local Legislators Bolster Student Support Services
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026
State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026
Fairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Prioritizes Infrastructure and Beautification Following Demographic Shift
