Heat index approached 100
With dangerously high levels of heat forecast across the state of Illinois this week, including heat index forecasts approaching 100 degrees, the Illinois Department of Public Health is warning Illinoisans to take preventive actions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The department is urging Illinoisans to take precautions and protect themselves, their families and their pets from overheating and heat-related illnesses. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s in Illinois for several more days.
Chicago boy shot
Chicago’s top cop and the mayor expressed outrage after a 7-year-old boy was shot and killed Tuesday.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said the boy was shot in the chest by a stray bullet. Police said the child was walking out of his residence and was struck by random gunfire. Mayor Brandon Johnson said his administration is trying to address the root causes of this kind of violence.
Five tornadoes confirmed in central Illinois
The National Weather Service now says at least five tornadoes have been confirmed in central Illinois Thursday night.
The agency released its assessment of the damage after spending days in McLean and Ford counties determining what damage was caused by straight line winds and tornadoes. Three tornadoes touched down near Lexington, and two more near Anchor and Gibson City.