WATCH: Commission makes ICE accountability referral; Rep says Pritzker wrong on prices
December 19, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop provides moments and reaction from and around the first Illinois Accountability Commission hearing. Appointees of Gov. J.B. Pritzker heard testimony and public comment about the impact of federal immigration enforcement in a state with migrant sanctuary policies.
Bishop also shares more perspective from legislators on both sides of the aisle about prices and the policies that drive them, and the cost of energy with Illinois lawmakers discussing policies around planned coal and natural gas plant closures and the focus on alternatives like battery storage.
Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted.
Today Jun 13
70° 50°
Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
‘Ridiculous:’ Republicans reject Dems’ 10 demands for DHS reforms
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With a partial shutdown looming, U.S. lawmakers have eight days to broker a deal on the Department of Homeland Security’s annual budget. Progress, however, remains...
Legal scholars clash over climate lawsuits against energy companies
By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square A panel of legal scholars and lawyers argued Thursday over what a growing wave of climate lawsuits really represents: a legitimate use of courts to...
WATCH: Bessent spars with lawmakers over tariffs, Trump lawsuits
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers grilled Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Trump administration’s tariff policies and high profile lawsuits in the administration. Bessent, speaking before the Senate Banking,...
WATCH: Senate Dems: ‘We in Illinois need to tax’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Senate Democrats are pushing for higher taxes on digital advertising, billionaires and corporations. At the Illinois...
Illinois senator seeks immediate expulsions for student sexual assault
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator is renewing a push to change state law to require the immediate...
HBO Max Orders Cop Drama Pilot ‘American Blue’ to Film in Joliet
Article Summary: HBO Max has ordered a pilot for a new police drama titled "American Blue," with production scheduled to begin in Joliet and Chicago this April. Starring Milo Ventimiglia...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-sheriff employee ordered to repay $35,000
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A judge has ordered a former Cook County Sheriff’s office employee to pay more than $35,000 in...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Township Board for December 18, 2025
Monee Township Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 The Monee Township Board held a swift, 27-minute meeting on Thursday evening to close out the year's business. Led by Supervisor Donna...
Will County Public Works Advances $1.9 Million Improvement for Wilmington-Peotone Road
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has authorized a nearly $2 million contract for Phase I...
Monee’s Provision Market Brings Dignity to Food Assistance with ‘Client Choice’ Model
Article Summary: Provision Market in Monee is transforming the traditional food pantry experience by allowing neighbors to shop for their own groceries in a retail-style setting. The nonprofit emphasizes dignity...
Chicago’s $41 billion financial hole exposes city’s pension crisis
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago finished fiscal year 2024 with a $41.1 billion gap between the money it has available...
Will County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary:In a major overhaul of county transit, officials presented a quarterly report confirming that the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride...
Suspect Captured in Execution-Style Murder of Momence Bar Owner
Article Summary: Authorities have arrested a 47-year-old Indiana man in connection with the fatal shooting of Courtney Drysdale, the owner of a bar in rural Momence. The suspect was apprehended...
