Illinois

Central Illinois congressman enraged after fed agent kills Minneapolis protester

Published

5 months ago

January 25, 2026

Central Illinois congressman enraged after fed agent kills Minneapolis protester

(25News Now and AP) – Illinois Democrats, including a congressman representing parts of Central Illinois, expressed their fury Saturday after a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis shot and killed a man.

The lawmakers said they support cutting off funding for U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

“What happened this morning was murder, and I demand that it be called that,” said U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Moline) in a 1:23 video he posted on his Facebook page.

“Every elected leader, Democrats and Republicans, I am waiting to hear meaningful words from every one of you,” said Sorensen. It is also essential that the senate push back on this blatant assault on the Constitution and the rights of Americans.“

Sorensen said the Trump administration, Homeland Security and ICE are “absolutely out of control.”

“It’s more about being on the right side of history that it is being in any political party,” said Sorensen. I will continue to use my power to force the administration to abide by the Constitution and its laws.”

25News has reached out to the other congressman representing Central Illinois, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) for comment.

Illinois’ two Democratic senators indicated Saturday they favor cutting off funding for DHS and ICE.

“I will not vote to fund the illegal DHS and ICE operations that terrorize Chicago, Minneapolis, and many other communities,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). “The deaths of innocent Americans and the detaining of thousands of innocent people are a national disgrace.”

Durbin also said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem refuses to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee “to account for her stewardship over this reign of terror.”

“I will not reward her arrogance and lawlessness with my vote,” Durbin said.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also released a statement Saturday, calling for Congress to abolish ICE.

“Stop the funding, stop the occupations, stop the killings,” said Duckworth. “I am asking my fellow Republican and Democratic governors across the nation to have a unified response. We must all stand against the lawlessness being inflicted in our states.”

The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Minneapolis area since the Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was killed when an ICE officer fired into her vehicle. Saturday’s shooting unfolded just over a mile away from where Good was shot.

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Illinois

Severe storms cause major damage to homes, schools and trees in central Illinois; thousands without power – IPM Newsroom

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Press Room

Severe storms cause major damage to homes, schools and trees in central Illinois; thousands without power – IPM Newsroom

Updated Friday, June 12, 2026 at 12:00 a.m.

Heavy storms caused major damage to at least two school buildings in Vermilion County last night.

Joel Bird is the Director of the Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency. He said the damage is widespread.

“Danville has several homes with trees that have fallen near the garage or the home,” said Bird.

Mark Denman Elementary School in Danville lost its roof and that wasn’t all.

“Up in Hoopeston, there’s several spots where a tornado went through on the South side… some damage at the high school, east of town at the local bridge,” said Bird.

The Nutrien Plant also took a direct hit. Bird said as of late Thursday night, there are no reports of injuries or deaths.

The sounds of chainsaws will fill the air in many Champaign County communities on Friday.

Kandy Powell was at home around 7:30 Thursday night when a storm blew through east Urbana.

“But then the winds got really strong. And as you looked out the window you can see that the trees were kind of bowing down a little bit. And from there we heard a very large snap,” said Powell.

The large branch of one tree fell onto her driveway just missing the house. A branch from another tall, mature tree fell, blocking her street. Powell did not lose power, but thousands of people in Champaign-Urbana had a long wait to get the lights back on overnight.

Tree branch lying on East Washington Street in Urbana after severe storms on June 11, 2026. (IPM News)

Updated Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.

There are multiple reports of damage after severe storms passed through Champaign and Vermilion Counties on Thursday night. The National Weather Service issued Tornado Warning for Champaign County at 7:28 p.m.

As of 8:42 p.m., Ameren reports more than 78,000 customers have lost power. Thousands of homes and businesses in the Springfield, Champaign-Urbana and Danville areas do not have electricity. To report a downed power line, call 800.755.5000.

power outage map — Ameren Outage map at 8:42 p.m. on June 11, 2026

Below are some pictures of storm damage. This story will be updated through the evening.

large tree branch lying across driveway

Large tree branch lying across driveway in Urbana after storms on June 11, 2026.

tree damage — Tree damage in Champaign after storms on June 11, 2026. (IPM News)

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Illinois

‘Best Coffee Shop In Illinois,’ Social Butterfly’s 1-Year Anniversary Offers Joliet Block Party Festival

Published

14 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Press Room

‘Best Coffee Shop In Illinois,’ Social Butterfly’s 1-Year Anniversary Offers Joliet Block Party Festival

What are the most popular drinks on the menu?

“Any cold brews and cold foam combination,” Bosi explained. “And our sourdough sandwiches sell like crazy. When we first opened, we did not open with a focus on food.”

Since adding seven sourdough sandwiches to the regular menu, the most popular selections include the Golden Hour, Fresco Italiano, Sunrise Sausage, Garden Glow and the Spicy Social.

The address for Social Butterfly Coffee is 310 N. Ottawa St., now known as the 3TEN Building. Back in 2018, the Old Steelworkers Union Hall property was purchased and remodeled by Joliet businessman Cesar Cardenas, who now serves on the Joliet City Council.

The inside of Social Butterfly Coffee can accommodate around 75 people. There is plenty of seating, sofas, tables and chairs for people to relax, either by themselves or to strike up a conversation with someone else.

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Illinois

Thousands lose power during overnight severe weather

Published

1 day ago

June 11, 2026

Press Room

Thousands lose power during overnight severe weather

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Thousands of people lost power late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning as severe storms moved across Central Illinois.

At 12:30 Thursday morning, PowerOutage.com reported the following counties with outages in Central Illinois.

Sangamon County – 12,500
Menard County – 2,500
Piatt County – 1,200
Macon County – 1,100
Cass County – 700
Vermilion County – 600
Piatt County – 300

Strong storms produced several tornado warnings Wednesday night and early Thursday. As of midnight, there have been no confirmed tornadoes but some severe storms were producing high winds and heavy rains. NWS Lincoln received reports of spotted tornados, but any surveys wouldn’t start until daylight Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln was getting reports of downed trees in several counties.

The EMA Director in Sangamon County reported trees down along several streets. Public Works crews were being called in to remove them from the road. Drivers should use caution if driving at night as down trees may be hard to see.

The Macon County EMA reported downed trees in Maroa, Argenta, and Orena. There were no reported injuries from the storms in that county.

Viewer pictures to WAND News showed trees and power lines down along Taintor Road in Springfield near Turasky Meats.

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