Illinois Quick Hits: One confirmed dead from Kankakee tornado

Illinois Quick Hits: One confirmed dead from Kankakee tornado

March 13, 2026/
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

U.S. economy added more than 500,000 jobs in 2025

U.S. economy added more than 500,000 jobs in 2025

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate of job growth has remained steady over the past...
Trump eyes striking Mexican cartels

Trump eyes striking Mexican cartels

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square President Donald Trump says he will be expanding the war on drugs in Latin America, striking targets south of the border. During an interview with...
Robots and AI dominate major trade show in Las Vegas

Robots and AI dominate major trade show in Las Vegas

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Make way for the robots. Artificial intelligence is front and center at the famed Consumer Electronics Show, which took over Las Vegas this week at...
Mike Tyson, Ric Flair accuse ex-CBD products partners of $50M+ fraud

Mike Tyson, Ric Flair accuse ex-CBD products partners of $50M+ fraud

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and WWE professional wrestler Ric Flair are leading a lawsuit they say is worth at least...
WATCH: Newsom says he's an alternate to White House 'chaos' in his final State of the State

WATCH: Newsom says he’s an alternate to White House ‘chaos’ in his final State of the State

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square In California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final State of the State address Thursday, the potential presidential candidate positioned himself as an alternative to what he described...
Foreign national charged with having gun near ICE agents in Chicago

Foreign national charged with having gun near ICE agents in Chicago

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Mexican national has been charged with illegally possessing and firing a loaded handgun in Chicago near...
Pritzker signs energy omnibus with new charge for ratepayers in 2030

Pritzker signs energy omnibus with new charge for ratepayers in 2030

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed sweeping energy legislation that will add a new line item to Illinois...
Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Primary election ballot certified The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the March 2026 primary ballot this week, removing several Republican...
Report details sexual abuse, falsified grant applications at Chicago Public Schools

Report details sexual abuse, falsified grant applications at Chicago Public Schools

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Board of Education’s Office of Inspector General has released a report detailing falsified federal grant...
Signature shortfalls knock multiple candidates off Illinois ballot

Signature shortfalls knock multiple candidates off Illinois ballot

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the March 2026 primary ballot this week, removing several...
IL state lawmaker pushes back as analysis finds municipalities lost $10.9B

IL state lawmaker pushes back as analysis finds municipalities lost $10.9B

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois Policy Institute analysis estimates local governments have lost $10.9 billion since 2012 due...
WATCH: Pritzker says receipts shown ‘all the time’ as audits show weaknesses

WATCH: Pritzker says receipts shown ‘all the time’ as audits show weaknesses

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker insists there’s not been any alleged fraud in Illinois that should cause the Trump...
IL lawmaker critical of ‘illegal orders’ video as Pentagon moves to punish senator

IL lawmaker critical of ‘illegal orders’ video as Pentagon moves to punish senator

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and Air Force veteran says U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s call for troops to...
Illinois quick hits: Tax receipts increase $1.5 billion year-over-year

Illinois quick hits: Tax receipts increase $1.5 billion year-over-year

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Tax receipts increase $1.5 billion year-over-year Citing a report by the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, the National Federation...
WATCH: HHS tells Pritzker ‘show receipts’ on welfare spending; Energy bill to be signed

WATCH: HHS tells Pritzker ‘show receipts’ on welfare spending; Energy bill to be signed

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 conversations about...