Illinois news in brief: Chicago police review Illinois Accountability Commission report; Granite City man sentenced for transporting minor in sex assault case; Report finds Illinois’ AI careers rank 34th in nation

July 20, 2026/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Chicago police review Illinois Accountability Commission report

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is encouraging people whose experiences are described in the Illinois Accountability Commission’s report on Operation Midway Blitz to provide information to the Chicago Police Department. A statement from Johnson’s office said police are reviewing the commission report’s findings. The statement was released two days after interim police superintendent Fred Waller took over for Larry Snelling, who retired last Wednesday.

Granite City man sentenced for transporting minor in sex assault case

A Granite City man has been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison after he admitted to driving a minor across state lines and committing criminal sexual assault. According to court documents, Jeremy Wallace, 39, admitted he drove to Missouri to pick up the 16-year-old victim in April 2022. Wallace is also facing criminal sexual assault and firearms charges in Madison County.

Report finds Illinois’ AI careers rank 34th in nation

Illinois sits 34th in a ranking of the best U.S. states for technology workers. Revid AI compared all 50 states using five factors and found that Washington ranked first with a tech career index score of 85.9, far greater than second-place Virginia’s score of 65.3. The top Midwest states were Missouri at #13 and Iowa at #16.

Latest News Stories

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The Will County Landfill Committee on Thursday heard a detailed technical update on the ongoing investigation for the county landfill expansion, confirming that the complex project remains on schedule. Consultants...

Water Well, Waste Hauler Ordinances Updated by Will County Committee

Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to chapters governing water well permits and waste hauler reporting, forwarding them to the Executive Committee for consideration. Changes...

Beecher to Draft Ordinances Regulating Scooters and Fishing in Village Ponds

Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board is moving to create new local laws governing the use of electric scooters and fishing in village-owned ponds. Citing safety concerns and resident inquiries,...

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Finance Committee: Beecher Schools Project Balanced Budget, Earmark Funds for Major Projects

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Will County Health Department Seeks $1 Million to Avert ‘Drastic’ Service Cuts from Expiring Grants

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Health Department is requesting an additional $1 million in county funding for its 2026 budget to prevent the elimination of 11 critical staff positions, warning...

Will County’s “First-in-Nation” Veterans Center to House Workforce Services, Sparking Debate

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The new Will County Veteran's Assistance & Support Center will also become the home for the county's Workforce Services department, a move officials say will save approximately $250,000 in...

Improved Vendor Service Creates $1.2 Million Shortfall in Sheriff’s Medical Budget

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Will County Animal Protection Services Seeks New Facility Amid “Gaping Wound” of Space Crisis

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Will County Board Members Demand Transparency in Cannabis Tax Fund Allocation

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