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.
Latest News Stories
ACA premiums projected to rise 26% in 2026, far above U.S. inflation
Milestone Moment: Moore hits 1,000th point in season opener
Michigan law firm sued over alleged racial bias in diversity scholarships
WATCH: Libertarian concerns persist as IL Sec of State announces IDs for Apple Wallet
Illinois quick hits: Pritzkers meets the Pope; Broadview to close street outside ICE facility
DHS launches new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud
‘Ghost projects’ haunt power grid planners and taxpayers
WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up
ICE, Border Patrol agents experience historic surge of vehicular attacks this year
Poll: Americans support eliminating Department of Education
Exclusive: Nonprofit leader urges fight against ‘woke capitalism’
As pennies disappear, businesses turn to hoarding, rounding
Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, ‘economic death spiral’