Illinoisans continue to leave the Land of Lincoln.

According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, from July 2020 to July 2021, there were 113,776 fewer people in Illinois. Only the District of Columbia and New York had a greater percent decline in population.

The source of a loud noise heard by residents throughout central Illinois on Tuesday morning was the result of a fighter jet traveling in the airspace over the region.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency said it was alerted about 11:20 a.m. about “a large noise and shaking” in the area.

A controversial holiday display from The Satanic Temple will be installed Monday in the rotunda of Illinois’ state Capitol.

The display, an art installation celebrating the satanic holiday of Sol Invictus, is scheduled to go up near other religious art in the Springfield building at 1 p.m.

With a budget of around $300 million, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol plans a multi-stage, multi-year plan to renovate the north wing of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.

The plan briefed to The Center Square and other members of the media Tuesday includes a new entrance on the north end of the Capitol building. The area will be Americans with Disabilities Act accessible and have enhanced flow to screen visitors, including when busloads of people can arrive.

The minimum wage in Illinois will be raised to $12 an hour starting Jan. 1, 2022.

The $1 increase will apply to every hour worked in the New Year and is part of legislation signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2019 to establish a statewide $15 minimum wage by 2025