International migration drives state population increase
For the first time in a decade, Illinois’ population increased in the year ending July 1, 2024, ending a decade of decline. Numbers released by the U.S. Census show Illinois gained nearly 68,000. The increase was driven by international migration into Illinois. In the past year, total net international migration into Illinois was nearly 113,000. Illinois’ population is now estimated at 12.7 million.
Madigan’s defense to call witnesses
A second day of defense arguments are underway at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in Chicago. Madigan’s attorneys said they planned to call former Madigan chief counsel Dave Ellis, who is now an appellate judge for the First District Court in Illinois. They also plan to call former Madigan aide April Burgos and Union West developer Andrew Cretal. Madigan and McClain are charged with bribery, racketeering and official misconduct.
New law for police training
First responders will now be trained on how to access critical health data on someone’s cell phone in emergency situations. Beginning Jan. 1, a new law will require all EMS personnel, state police and police officers to be trained on a cellphone’s built-in medical identification information that is accessible without the owner’s passcode.
