Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois gains population for third straight year
January 27, 2026/
(The Center Square) – According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois’ population has risen for the third straight year.
Data released on Tuesday showed Illinois with an estimated 12,719,141 people on July 1, 2025, up from 12,703,033 the previous year.
The state’s number is 16,108 higher than a year ago but 76,207 lower than it was in 2020.
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION SENTENCE
A Park Forest man has been sentenced to 48 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
Prosecutors say Tercalo E. Thomas, 35, enticed, persuaded and used a prepubescent minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct.
Thomas allegedly recorded the conduct and trafficked the images as barter to collect more than 1,500 images of child sex abuse.
JUDICIAL AGENDA
The Illinois Judicial Conference has unveiled its 2026-2028 strategic agenda for the state’s judicial branch.
Chief Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. said the agenda focuses on removing barriers that prevent litigants from fully participating in the legal system.
The IJC consists of 15 judges and 14 non-judges with the chief justice serving as chair.
Today Jun 9
89° 69°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
State Update: County Officials Raise Alarms Over Pritzker’s ADU Zoning Push and Data Center Tax Breaks
Legislative Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: During a state legislative update, Will County Board members expressed deep concerns over Governor J.B. Pritzker's continued push to mandate Accessory Dwelling Units...
Committee Approves $317K Guardrail Maintenance Contract Amid Discussion on Installation Dangers
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County officials approved an annual guardrail maintenance contract Tuesday while addressing national concerns over improperly installed...
Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee unanimously approved ordinances expanding the Diamond Enterprise Zone to include the Village of Braceville. The...
Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington
Legislative Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County's federal lobbyists briefed the Legislative Committee on a turbulent week in Washington, D.C., highlighting the passage of a major bipartisan...
Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales
Will County Finance Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: A routine review of the county’s year-end corporate fund revealed that revenues exceeded budgeted expectations by millions, largely driven by...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee for March 3, 2026
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, March 3, advancing millions of dollars in...
Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a slate of extensions for seven previously authorized...
Monee Explores Federal and Regional Grants to Improve Village Walkability
Monee Village Board of Trustees Meeting | February 25, 2026 Article Summary: Monee officials recently met with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning to identify long-term funding sources for expanding...
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | March 10, 2026 Article Summary: A Will County Board committee paused the advancement of major updates to the county's liquor, video...
Monee Approves Over $950,000 in Contractor Payouts for Road and Sidewalk Projects
Monee Village Board of Trustees Meeting | February 25, 2026 Article Summary: The Monee Village Board approved major payouts for the ongoing Industrial Drive reconstruction and the 2025 sidewalk improvement...
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Reversing a deadlocked Planning and Zoning Commission, the Will County Land Use and Development Committee unanimously approved...
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Public Works and Transportation Committee authorized a slate of professional services and construction agreements Tuesday to...
Monee Trustees Push to Rezone Commercial Properties to Alleviate Red Tape for Homeowners
Monee Village Board of Trustees Meeting | February 25, 2026 Article Summary: Trustee Heidi Gonzalez voiced frustration over the village's zoning map, arguing that residential homes stuck in commercial zones...
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee on Tuesday advanced a nearly $1.6 million contract to...
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Legislative Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting a state legislative push to increase the Local Health Protection Grant by $10...