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

Martinsville School Board Graphic.4

Martinsville School Board Bans Individual from District Events Following Special Hearing

Martinsville C.U.S.D. #C-3 Board of Education Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Martinsville Board of Education convened a special disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, ultimately voting to ban an...
Midterm elections poll shows tight congressional races

Midterm elections poll shows tight congressional races

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Eight months in advance, the midterm elections are looking tight. A new national survey shows that voters, despite some general dissatisfaction with the Republican trifecta’s...
Casey illinois library.1.logo graphic

Casey Township Library Pauses Architectural Services Amid $24,975 Expansion Payout

Casey Township Library Board Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board reviewed the financial status of its ongoing building expansion project, confirming that architectural firm...
Forbes: A record 989 billionaires are in the U.S., 88 are in Texas

Forbes: A record 989 billionaires are in the U.S., 88 are in Texas

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. has the most billionaires in the world – a record 989 with a combined fortune of $8.4 trillion. Eighty-eight of them are in...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Powers Past St. Thomas More 16-1 in Saturday Tournament Action

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team continued its dominant weekend run, overpowering St. Thomas More 16-1 during a home tournament matchup on Saturday. The Warriors utilized a relentless 14-hit offensive attack...
Advocates call for repeal of FACE Act over unequal enforcement concerns

Advocates call for repeal of FACE Act over unequal enforcement concerns

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square After anti-ICE protests erupted in Minnesota, legal advocates are calling for reversal of the FACE Act, a law that levies penalties for interference at abortion...
Trump's fall-back tariffs face court scrutiny, skeptical voters

Trump’s fall-back tariffs face court scrutiny, skeptical voters

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's new global import taxes are facing mounting backlash from price-conscious voters and legal challenges in a Manhattan trade court that could ultimately...
Illinois lawmakers want to end foreign language requirement in high schools

Illinois lawmakers want to end foreign language requirement in high schools

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker says removing the state’s two-year high school foreign language requirement would give students...
In a first, nine Texas Antifa members found guilty on federal terror charges

In a first, nine Texas Antifa members found guilty on federal terror charges

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In a historical first, nine people have been convicted by a federal jury on domestic terrorism charges connected to Antifa. The group was accused of...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Offense Explodes in Dominant 20-0 Shutout of St. Teresa

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team delivered a flawless all-around performance on Friday, erupting offensively to secure a decisive 20-0 non-conference victory over visiting St. Teresa in a four-inning, run-rule shortened...
Coalition sues Trump over college race data rule

Coalition sues Trump over college race data rule

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta and a coalition of states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new federal requirements that colleges report detailed...
Trump considering temporary U.S. energy shipping waivers

Trump considering temporary U.S. energy shipping waivers

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Friday he is considering a temporary suspension of shipping regulations that govern energy, agricultural and other cargoes moved between U.S. ports...
Nathan Wade says he stands behind Trump prosecution

Nathan Wade says he stands behind Trump prosecution

By Kim JarrettThe Center Square Former Fulton County Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade stood behind his prosecution of President Donald Trump and others during testimony before a Georgia Senate subcommittee on...
Judge permits cameras for next Tyler Robinson hearing

Judge permits cameras for next Tyler Robinson hearing

By Dave MasonThe Center Square A Utah County judge on Friday ruled cameras will be allowed in the courtroom at the April 17 hearing for Tyler James Robinson, the 22-year-old...
Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois faces second amendment lawsuit

Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois faces second amendment lawsuit

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Gun Owners Foundation and Gun Owners of America have filed suit in the Southern District of...