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
Lincoln-Way High Schools Maintain Top State Rankings; EL Progress Jumps
Undersheriff Brian Conser Retires After 29 Years of Service
Frankfort Swears In New Officer, Congratulates Retiring 26-Year Veteran
District 161 to Overhaul Food Service with New Management Contract
County Approves Engineering for Peotone Road and Safety Upgrades
Frankfort Library Board Accepts Audit Showing $498,000 Increase in Net Position
Lincoln-Way Board Approves $731,000 Freshman Laptop Purchase
Monee Solar Farm Projects Granted Extensions
Frankfort Man Arrested in Gas Station Robbery Found Hiding in McDonald’s Restroom
Village Awards $399,763 Bid for Nebraska Street Pond Dredging
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for December 11, 2025
New Lenox Homeowner Granted Variance for 4,000-Square-Foot Accessory Space