Public Health Emergency

E-cigarette use will no longer permitted in indoor public spaces in Illinois beginning Monday, one of several public health-related laws that take effect Jan. 1.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 10 p.m. Wednesday throughout much of northern Illinois.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information after an abandoned vehicle related to a missing person’s investigation was found at about 6 p.m. Thursday in the Otter Creek Township area, near Streator.

Authorities are searching for a 45-year-old woman reported missing in Mazon.

We’d like to hear from our readers who are experiencing this storm. If it’s safe to do so, please send us your photos or videos of the weather or aftermath in your area. Your content may help others stay informed and stay safe.

A gas leak that resulted in the evacuation of residents and businesses Wednesday in Oglesby has been lifted, according to the city’s Assistant Fire Chief Steve Maltas.

A 15-year-old boy missing on Tuesday was found safe early Wednesday morning, according to a news release from the Spring Valley Police Department.

Update: The county remains under a wind advisory through 4 p.m. Wednesday and a severe thunderstorm watch through 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Downed power lines, trees and outbuildings were damaged near Amboy on Friday March 31, 2023 after a line of powerful storms hit the Sauk Valley. Another storm is forecast for Tuesday.

Anticipating disruptions because of a storm forecast for Tuesday, the Whiteside County Health Department changes this week's schedule.

Update: As of Sunday afternoon, most DeKalb County residents had power restored by ComEd crews after nearly 3,000 ComEd customers were without power over parts of the weekend following Friday’s severe weather.

A line of severe storms blasted through central and northern Illinois Friday, resulting in funnel clouds in Sherman to the south and Geneseo to the west, but La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties have been spared from the worst of it, so far.

As of 9:52 p.m. Friday, 3,452 ComEd customers in Kane County are without power, according to ComEd’s outage map, following a hazardous Friday that brought with it severe wind, storms and threats of tornadoes.

Severe weather in northern Illinois that included tornado warnings, hail and high winds has knocked out power to more than 64,000 ComEd customers, according to the company’s outage map.

Eastern McHenry County remains under a severe thunderstorm warning until 9 p.m. along with Lake, Will, DuPage and Cook counties, and a tornado watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. northeastern Illinois

Lee County closed its county offices at 1 p.m.

Watch on until 10 p.m.

Building's basement will be available for those who need a safe place to ride out severe weather

At 2:35 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 10 p.m. for most of northern Illinois and parts of Wisconsin

Disease investigators have linked the infections, including some found in blood, urine and lungs, to EzriCare Artificial Tears. Many of the patients said they had used the product, which is a lubricant used to treat irritation and dryness.

John P. Seputis, 71, was last seen on Jan. 8 in Woodstock. The Illinois State Police activated an endangered missing person alert for Seputis on Jan. 14.

La Salle residents who live in the areas affected by Wednesday’s chemical fire may need to wash their dogs after taking a walk, especially if they pick up any debris on their paws or coats.

La Salle residents are being asked to avoid touching a green substance covering homes and cars as a result of a fire at Carus Chemical on Wednesday.

Stacker compiled recommendations from the National Weather Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and other experts to put together this list of steps to take after a winter storm hits.

Snow began to fall just before 9 a.m. in DeKalb County, blanketing roads as residents prepare for blizzard-like conditions late Thursday and into Friday.

With winter weather approaching, those in need of warming centers around McHenry County can find them at these locations

A 13-year-old Dixon girl missing since Saturday was found Tuesday, police said in a news release issued around 3:30 p.m.

An individual at Sycamore High School has tested positive for monkeypox, according to Sycamore District 427 officials Wednesday, marking the county's third confirmed case. Here's what symptoms to watch for and how to get a test:

Mosquitoes collected in traps in Sandwich have tested positive for the West Nile virus, the DeKalb County Health Department announced Friday. Health officials offered tips to mitigate risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito:

Local health authorities said a bat bit a person in Sycamore on Saturday and and is now receiving rabies vaccine treatment.

Northern Illinois University officials confirmed Friday that the first DeKalb County case of monkeypox reported Thursday was in an NIU student who had not attended in-person classes, according to a statement from the university.

DeKalb County has confirmed its first identified case of monkeypox in a DeKalb County resident, according to a Thursday announcement from the DeKalb County Health Department. “The risk to DeKalb County residents remains very low,” health officials said.

UPDATE: A boil order issued Friday for Malta residents was lifted Saturday morning, according to an update from the Village of Malta.

Update: Tyler Elementary School families were emailed shortly after 5 p.m. Friday by school Principal Robyn Timmerman that all students arrived home safely as of 4:40 p.m. “At no time was a threat made towards the safety of our students,” Timmerman said.

A crisis team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents and school personnel will be available 10 a.m. to noon in Parkside Middle School Gymnasium for all Peru Elementary students, families and school personnel.

The Peru Elementary District will have crisis counselors available Friday morning to help with the needs of students, families and school personnel after two district students died in a car crash Tuesday on Interstate 80.

Will County deputies are searching for Nalaya S. Patterson-Dean.

The Illinois State Police said 56-year-old Camilla M. Huettl has a condition that places her in danger.

An outbreak of a highly contagious canine gastrointestinal virus is now tracking in Sycamore, as well as in DeKalb, according to local health officials, who are warning pet owners to take precautions for their pets’ safety.

Due to the storms, today’s digital e-edition newspapers are being updated and should be available later today.

Dangerous heat index values up to 110 degrees are expected today across northern Illinois

Tornado touchdown reported near Virgil in western Kane County. Elburn, Geneva, St. Charles, Campton Hills residents advised to seek shelter now as tornado warning extended to 7 p.m.

A health alert has been issued about a recent outbreak of E. coli that is possibly linked to Portillo’s in Glendale Heights, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health Friday.

An outbreak of a highly contagious canine gastrointestinal virus in DeKalb is forcing a local dog park to close and spurring health officials to ask pet owners to take precautions for their pets’ safety.