Illinois Quick Hits: At least 7 tornadoes hit Illinois last week
(The Center Square) – The National Weather Service says at least seven tornadoes impacted Illinois last Friday afternoon and evening.
The Stephenson County Sheriff’s office said the village of Lena suffered widespread damage, but there were no deaths or serious injuries reported.
The National Weather Service reported three tornadoes in Winnebago County as well as twisters in LaSalle, Livingston, Ford and Iroquois counties.
FIRM’S SPACE REDUCED BY CHICAGO LEASE EXTENSION
A Chicago consulting firm says its workforce is not affected by the company’s reduced square footage in downtown Chicago.
A spokesperson for Huron Consulting Group told The Center Square that the firm modified and extended its lease through 2037 to formalize adjustments made during the pandemic.
The spokesperson said the current agreement reflects a reduction in square footage, but the company has not occupied that square footage since 2020.
PENSION BUYOUT PROGRAM EXTENDED
A two-year extension of Illinois’ COLA pension buyout program is headed to the state Senate.
The voluntary program allows retirees in Illinois’ four statewide retirement systems to receive a lump-sum payment in exchange for forgoing future 3% compounded cost-of-living adjustments.
The House passed HB 5196 unanimously on Friday. Supporters say the buyouts have reduced Illinois’ pension liabilities by an estimated $2.6 billion.
MAN GETS 25 YEARS IN PRISON FOR PROVIDING MATERIAL SUPPORT TO ISIS
A Chicago man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS enemies and to recruit ISIS members.
Prosecutors said Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, an online organization that created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms.
Al Safoo, 41, has been in custody since his 2018 arrest in Chicago.
Latest News Stories
Major U.S. retailer reverses course on tariffs, says prices will go up
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
Soaring utility bills, solar federal tax credit cuts dominate Illinois energy debate
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs crypto regulations
Trucking industry leader: New law may drive business out of Illinois
Derailment disrupts train service for Chicago, New York, Washington, Miami
Democratic candidates focus on national politics in campaign for U.S. Senate
Chicago posts fewest homicides since 2016, arrests rate also declines