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

Bipartisan lawmakers reintroduce DACA protections

Bipartisan lawmakers reintroduce DACA protections

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers has introduced legislation designed to prevent more than 250,000 people brought to the United States as children, or “Dreamers,”...
Routh guilty on all charges in plot to kill Trump

Routh guilty on all charges in plot to kill Trump

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Ryan Routh was found guilty of all charges in a plot to kill Donald Trump by a federal jury that needed little time to reach...
Trump, Zelenskyy meet as Russia accused of violating NATO nations' air space

Trump, Zelenskyy meet as Russia accused of violating NATO nations’ air space

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square In the wake of repeated drone incursions into European airspace, President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while attending the 80th U.N. General...
WATCH: IL governor on photo with wanted suspect: 'No way to vet everybody'

WATCH: IL governor on photo with wanted suspect: ‘No way to vet everybody’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is defending the use of taxpayer dollars for community violence intervention, even after he...

Illinois quick hits: Constitutional amendment would guarantee parental rights

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Constitutional amendment would guarantee parental rights Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller has filed a constitutional amendment to what her office says would permanently establish...
Oversight committee expands probe on 'politically motivated' debanking

Oversight committee expands probe on ‘politically motivated’ debanking

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As part of the investigation into possible “politically motivated discrimination” by the financial system during the Biden administration, the House Oversight Committee is expanding its...
'Brutal slog:' Government shutdown looms as bipartisan negotiations derail

‘Brutal slog:’ Government shutdown looms as bipartisan negotiations derail

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Government funding negotiations came to a standstill Tuesday after President Donald Trump cancelled talks with Democratic congressional leaders, saying no meeting “could possibly be productive”...

WATCH: Republican leader: says Pritzker budget cut EO a ploy for IL tax increases

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker blames President Donald Trump for ordering Illinois state agencies to find 4% budget cuts....
Nebraska attorney general sues Lorex over Chinese surveillance concerns

Nebraska attorney general sues Lorex over Chinese surveillance concerns

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit Tuesday against home security camera company Lorex. He says the company misled consumers about the safety of...
Colorado pushes ahead on clean energy as EV funding returns

Colorado pushes ahead on clean energy as EV funding returns

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado is once again set to receive $57 million in federal monies as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant program. This comes after...
Trump lectures UN, Western Europe for policy failures

Trump lectures UN, Western Europe for policy failures

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square In a fiery address to the U.N. General Assembly at its 80th session in New York City, President Donald Trump outlined his position and priorities...
Arizonans vote on successor to U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva

Arizonans vote on successor to U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square Arizonans cast ballots Tuesday in a special election to select the next representative for the state’s 7th Congressional District. This seat opened after U.S. Rep....
Google says Biden admin 'pressed' it to censor some COVID-19 content

Google says Biden admin ‘pressed’ it to censor some COVID-19 content

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Senior Biden administration officials pressured Google to remove COVID-19-related content that did not violate YouTube’s policies but the administration considered alarming, new information reveals. Following...
Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois’ gun ban now in the hands of a three judge panel of the federal appeals...
Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois agencies must now post monthly reports on how taxpayer dollars are invested, a move supporters...