(SPRINGFIELD) According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population in Illinois has risen for the third straight year. Data released yesterday showed Illinois with an estimated 12,719,141 people on July 1st, 2025, up 16,108 from the year before in 2024. While higher since 2022, the current population is still over 76,000 people lower than in 2020.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Judicial Conference has unveiled its 2026 to 2028 strategic agenda for the state’s judicial branch. Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. Says the agenda focuses on removing barriers that prevent litigants from fully participating in the legal system. The Judicial Conference consists of 15 judges and 14 non-judges with the Chief Justice serving as Chair.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced this week that it has awarded more than $17 million in state taxpayer funds to 39 recipients for the expansion of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Beginning five years ago in 2021, the program’s goals included increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs in the construction and building trades throughout the state of Illinois and beyond.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is holding an online auction of unclaimed property, running now through this coming Sunday, February 1st. Available items include a 1918 Centennial Lincoln half dollar, vintage comic books, and collectible cards featuring sports Hall of Famers like Lou Brock, Ryne Sandberg, Marshall Faulk, and Michael Jordan. A total of 150 lots will be auctioned from an online catalog. Go to the illinoistreasurer.gov website for details.