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

Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Cetner Square) – Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court, effective...
Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois corn grower says the $12 billion taxpayer funded bridge payment the Trump administration announced will...
Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has a permanent rule in place for electronic mail processing, but...
WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares recent comments...
Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Child care funding unfozen Federal child care and welfare dollars for Illinois and four other states are unfrozen after a U.S....
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 2.00.22 PM

Council Approves Police Union Agreement; Officer Moved to Full-Time

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The City Council finalized a memorandum of agreement with the police union and officially elevated...
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report

Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A grassroots Chicago group is calling for a forensic audit of the city’s entire public school system...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for November 2025

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees met on Monday, November 10, 2025, to address infrastructure improvements, financial planning, and...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 2.00.15 PM

Casey Prepares for ‘America 250’ and Founders Day Parade

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: Local organizers presented ambitious plans for the upcoming Founders Day and America 250 celebrations, including...
Lake Land College.6

Foundation Announces Major Estate Gift; Board Accepts Workforce Grants

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Lake Land College Foundation received a significant estate gift to support Mattoon students, while the board accepted...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 1.59.59 PM

Council Updates Security Light Fees; Installation Cost Set at $350

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The City Council approved a new fee structure for private security lights installed on city...
Rotary Patty Richards

Patty Richards Guest Speaker at Rotary

Patty Richards (right) was the guest of Rotarian Marcy Mumford (left) at Tuesday’s weekly Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm, discussing the Quincentennial--250 years celebration. The local theme will incorporate...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 1.59.48 PM

Casey Council Bans New Private Water Wells City-Wide

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting the installation or use of...
lake land college.1

College Offers Temporary Kitchen Lease to Deb’s Catering Following Fire

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: To support a local business and community services after a fire, the board approved a temporary lease allowing...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Clark County Board for November 2025

Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 The Clark County Board met on Friday, November 21, 2025, to finalize the county's financial plans for the upcoming year. The primary...