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UPDATE: Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office released a statement amid reports of significant tornado damage.
“The Sheriff’s Office continues to work with emergency personnel from agencies across Kankakee County regarding this afternoon/evening’s storms. There was, at least, one confirmed tornado that touched down south of Kankakee, near the Kankakee Fairgrounds. The tornado appears to have continued northeast, where it eventually crossed the Kankakee River into Aroma Park, where extensive damage is being reported,” the office said.
“Sheriff’s deputies and other emergency personnel continue to check for injuries and assess the damage. Currently, no injuries are yet to have been reported.”
Also Read: Lake Village tornado damage: ‘Terrifying’ videos of twister’s aftermath near Roselawn; possible casualties
UPDATE: Videos showing significant damage in Kankakee County after a large tornado tore through the area have surfaced online. The footage shows damaged homes, downed trees, and debris scattered across neighborhoods.
ORIGINAL STORY: A large tornado was spotted near Aroma Park in Kankakee County, Illinois, on Tuesday. Videos showing the twister on the ground have surfaced across social media. Radar indicated the storm was moving toward Hopkins Park and Sun River Terrace. Reports circulating on social media also suggested the dangerous storm was producing large hail, with some stones reportedly reaching the size of apples.
Also Read: Wheatfield, Indiana, tornado: Visuals show massive twister as sirens blare in Crown Point
The tornado sighting came as a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for nearby Putnam and Bureau counties.
According to the latest alert from the National Weather Service (NWS), “At 6:42 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Dover, or near Princeton, moving northeast at 45 mph. This is a destructive storm for Princeton Illinois and Interstate 80 in Bureau County.”
Locations impacted include Princeton, Hennepin, Spring Valley, DePue, Ladd, Wyanet, Sheffield, Tiskilwa, La Moille, Dalzell, Buda, Bureau Junction, Ohio, Cherry, Neponset, Malden, Manlius, Seatonville, Arlington, and Dover.
The warning also covers parts of the following highways:
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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Heidi Johnson Obituary (1965 – 2025) – Princeton, IL – News Tribune  Legacy
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Princeton Logan eighth graders Hawk Amy (left) and Eric Giaquinto captured IESA State wrestling championships Saturday at DeKalb. Amy won the 126-pounds title with Giaquinto winning the 155-pounds title. (Photo provided by Princeton wrestling)
The future of Princeton wrestling is looking bright.
A pair of Princeton Logan Junior High School eighth-grade wrestlers – Hawk Amy and Eric Giaquinto – captured IESA Class A state championships on Saturday at the Convocation Center on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
They were both excited to win together.
“Winning the state tournament with one of my best friends was amazing. We have worked hard together for a long time, and to be able to win it with him is something I will never forget,” Amy said. “I would like to thank all of my coaches for believing in me, especially my dad, who has been with me my whole journey. And seeing all of my closest friends cheering for me and Eric in the stands was pretty cool.”
Giaquinto said it was a moment he will never forget.
“Winning state in wrestling was one of the most exciting moments of my life. After months of hard practices, tough matches, and pushing through exhaustion, all the work finally paid off,” he said. “When the referee raised my hand, I felt an incredible rush of pride and happiness. Knowing that I had reached my goal and represented my team and school at the highest level made the victory even more meaningful.”
Amy won the 126-pound division, defeating Jax Alderin of Rockridge by technical fall at 3:16. He gave up only two points in four matches, opening with a fall in 47 seconds over Luke Henson before defeating Anthony Feole of Fairview Heights Grant by fall in 57 seconds and Alex Thompson of Rock Island Jordan Catholic by fall at 3:26.
Giaquinto landed the gold at 155 pounds by fall at 1:37 over Clayton Bush of Camp Point Central. He allowed just one point on the way to the title with a 13-0 major decision over Brantley Crumley of Petersburg PORTA, a fall at 0:46 over Manuel Rodriquez of Beardstown and a fall at 2:56 over Zyler Pozos of Forrest Prairie Central in the semifinals.
PHS coach Steve Amy was proud of his future Tigers.
“Those two have worked really hard for a long time to get where they are at,” said. Steve Amy, a two-time IKWF State champion at Rockridge. “I’m proud of what they have accomplished and can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
Four years ago, Casey Etheridge (first) and Augustus Swanson (third) medaled together for Logan and went on to capture IHSA State runner-up finishes for PHS this year.
Kevin has been sports editor of the BCR since 1986, covering Bureau County and IL Valley Sports. Was previously sports editor of the St. Louis Daily News and a regular contributor for the St. Louis Cardinals Magazine. He is a member of the IBCA and Illinois Valley Hall of Fames. He is one of 4 sportswriters from his tiny hometown Atlanta, IL

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Hail covers a driveway on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Princeton. (Scott Anderson)
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning Tuesday night for parts of southwestern Bureau County and southeastern Henry County.
At 6:38 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located just north of Kewanee and moving northeast at 40 mph. NWS Quad Cities issued the warning until 7:15 p.m, according to the weather service.
Forecasters warned the storm could produce a tornado and hail up to baseball size. Communities in the path included Sheffield, Buda and Neponset.
The storm is expected to impact areas near Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park and a stretch of Interstate 80 between mile markers 39 and 45.
Residents in the warned area are urged to take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
Bill Freskos is a multimedia journalist based in the Illinois Valley. He covers hard news, local government, sports, business enterprise, and politics while contributing to Shaw Local Radio stations for Shaw Media across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties.

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The single-family residence located at 400 8th Street in Mendota was sold on April 27, for $125,000, or $66 per square foot.
Got a news tip? Email ntnewsroom@shawmedia.com
Copyright © 2026 Shaw Local News Network
Copyright © 2026 Shaw Local News Network

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Heidi Johnson Obituary (1965 – 2025) – Princeton, IL – News Tribune  Legacy obituary
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Eight Princeton Students Score National Merit $2500 Scholarships  TAPinto
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Thursday’s severe weather threat in northern Illinois (National Weather Service National Weather Service)
A tornado watch issued for much of northern Illinois Thursday afternoon has been extended until 11 p.m.
A tornado warning for northeastern McHenry County was also issued until 8:15 p.m., with a system moving east into Lake County.
The National Weather Service issued the watch for over three dozen northern Illinois counties around 1:45 p.m. Thursday. The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Counties under the watch include Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Whiteside.
The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday, effective until 8 p.m. for southeastern Ogle County, northern DeKalb County, northeastern Kane County, northeastern McHenry County and southern Boone County.
Around 7 p.m., a severe thunderstorm line was located from near Belvidere and Kirkland to 7 miles north of Malta near Hiillcrest to Rochelle, moving northeast at 60 mph.
Strong to potentially dangerous storms are expected to impact a broad stretch of northern Illinois on Thursday, including DeKalb, Sterling, Dixon, Rock Falls, and Princeton, with forecasters warning of fast-moving storms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging winds.
The National Weather Service has placed much of the area under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the day. While rain fell on Thursday morning, the greatest concern arrives later in the afternoon and early evening.
The National Weather Service says two windows for severe weather are possible. The first, from about noon to 4 p.m., could bring isolated severe storms if they become rooted in warmer air moving north. The more significant threat is expected between 4 and 9 p.m., when conditions may support supercells capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes.
Areas along and west of Interstate 39, including Lee, Ogle, and Bureau counties, face a heightened tornado risk during that evening window.
Storms will be moving very quickly, at speeds up to 60 mph, which will significantly reduce warning times. Residents are urged to have a plan in place and be ready to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued.
Outside of thunderstorms, strong southerly winds will develop during the afternoon. Gusts of 45 to 50 mph are expected across much of the region, with a wind advisory in effect through early evening. These winds alone could knock down tree limbs, blow around unsecured objects, and lead to isolated power outages.
Heavy rainfall is also a concern. Several rounds of storms over the next 48 hours could bring widespread totals of 1 to 4 inches or more, with localized higher amounts possible. While widespread flooding is not expected on Thursday, ponding on roads and minor flooding in low-lying areas could occur.
Additional chances for severe weather continue Friday and possibly Saturday before a cooler, quieter pattern settles into the region early next week.
John Sahly is the Managing editor for the Shaw Local News Network. He has been with Shaw Media since 2008, previously serving as digital editor, and the Daily Chronicle sports editor and sports reporter.

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