March 13, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: One confirmed dead from Kankakee tornado

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Kankakee County authorities have confirmed the death of one individual who was inside a storm-damaged home in Aroma Park.

The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post that the county coroner confirmed the death after sheriff’s deputies were notified late Thursday afternoon.

Government officials said at least 30 homes were destroyed by severe storms and tornadoes Tuesday.

BOBCAT HARVEST

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says 627 bobcats were harvested by hunters and trappers during the state’s 2025-2026 bobcat season.

Jefferson County reported 33 bobcats, followed by Macoupin County with 28.

IDNR issued 2,000 permits for the 2025 season out of 9,700 bobcat lottery applicants.

UI COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER NAMED

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has named a YouTube host to be the school’s 2026 commencement speaker.

“Hot Ones” host Sean Evans graduated from U of I in 2008.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled to be at Gies Memorial Stadium on May 16.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Florida sues California, Washington for licensing immigrants

Florida sues California, Washington for licensing immigrants

By David BeasleyThe Center Square The state of Florida has filed a complaint with the U.S. Supreme Court against the states of California and Washington, sayinga damage has been caused...
DOJ brings first ever Antifa terrorism charges in Texas ICE attack

DOJ brings first ever Antifa terrorism charges in Texas ICE attack

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following the designation of Antifa by President Donald Trump as a domestic terror organization, the FBI announced that terrorism charges have been brought against suspects...
Many agree with McMahon that government shutdown proves DoEd is unnecessary

Many agree with McMahon that government shutdown proves DoEd is unnecessary

By Tate MillerThe Center Square U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s statement that the now more than two-week long government shutdown reveals the U.S. Department of Education is unnecessary –...
Colorado aids federal workers as shutdown hits week three

Colorado aids federal workers as shutdown hits week three

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado is taking steps to assist its over 50,000 federal employees as the government shutdown enters its third week. While not all of those employees...
Democrats tank bipartisan bill to fund DOD in midst of government shutdown

Democrats tank bipartisan bill to fund DOD in midst of government shutdown

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square In an act of defiance, Democratic senators blocked the House-passed full-year funding bill for the Department of Defense from advancing Thursday. The procedural vote on...
U.S. Chamber of Commerce sues Trump over H-1B visa fee

U.S. Chamber of Commerce sues Trump over H-1B visa fee

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of the world's largest business federations, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday over its proposed $100,000...
Senate Republicans offer govt funding olive branch; Democrats refuse it

Senate Republicans offer govt funding olive branch; Democrats refuse it

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Senate Democrats blocked Republicans’ bill to reopen the government for the tenth time Thursday – even after Republican leaders agreed to hold a vote on...
Trump, Putin agree to meet in Hungary to discuss peace

Trump, Putin agree to meet in Hungary to discuss peace

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following a “lengthy” phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two have agreed to meet to try to end the...

WATCH: Pritzker says he’s lucky winning $1.4M gambling; GOP say he’s out of touch

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’s a lucky man after reporting $1.4 million in gambling winnings from...
Report: Sharp decline in trans-identifying youth between 2023 and 2025

Report: Sharp decline in trans-identifying youth between 2023 and 2025

By Tate MillerThe Center Square A sharp decline in Gen Z Americans identifying as transgender and queer has occurred, from 6.8% identifying as a gender other than male or female...
Judge blocks USDA from demanding SNAP info from Illinois, other states

Judge blocks USDA from demanding SNAP info from Illinois, other states

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois leads a 21-state coalition blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture from demanding sensitive Supplemental Nutrition...
KaylaClark

Clark Secures Fourth Career All-Conference Honor at LIC Meet

Featured photo caption: Casey-Westfield senior Kayla Clark runs at the LaVern Gibson course during Tuesday's LIC Championship meet. Her 8th-place finish secured her fourth consecutive selection to the Little Illini...
'Moral disaster': Wisconsin leaders want answers on teacher assault probe

‘Moral disaster’: Wisconsin leaders want answers on teacher assault probe

By Jon StyfThe Center Square The leaders of Wisconsin’s Senate Committee on Education are demanding answers from the state’s Department of Public Instruction following a report showing that 200 investigations...
Stellantis announces $13B investment in U.S.

Stellantis announces $13B investment in U.S.

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Stallantis NV has announced a massive manufacturing investment in the U.S., specifically in four Midwestern states. The automaker, which manufactures more than a dozen brands...
Kellen Sullivan powers his way into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown in overtime, giving Casey-Westfield the crucial 21-20 lead. —photo by Terri Cox

Warriors Clinch OT Thriller with Goal-Line Stand to Remain Undefeated

Featured photo caption: Kellen Sullivan powers his way into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown in overtime, giving Casey-Westfield the crucial 21-20 lead. —photo by Terri Cox MT. CARMEL,...