Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois gains population for third straight year
(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.
Latest News Stories
Will County Community Mental Health Board Faces $5 Million Shortfall in 2026 Grant Requests
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for March 5, 2026
U.S. military jet goes down over Iraq; incident not attributed to hostile fire
WATCH: Dell Federal Symposium on AI improving work efficiency
NIH plots investments in women’s health
Pritzker: ‘God was looking out for people’ in storm-damaged Kankakee County
Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct
24 AGs question funding of orgs refusing to remove climate agenda from judges manuals
Costco faces lawsuit as consumers seek refunds from invalid tariffs
Insurer won’t back Gori defense vs asbestos lawsuit fraud claims
With teachers union support, committee approves charter school mandates
Allstate can’t delete class action over alleged secret app tracking
Chicago voters view housing affordability as bigger issue than crime
New Illinois gun bill aims at glock switches; critics say it misses the real problem