WATCH: Chicago mayor warns of budget ‘chaos,’ end-of-life options bill on gov’s desk
December 11, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop provides highlights from Wednesday’s Chicago City Council meeting where residents shared their criticism of the mayor and alderman. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson later provided updates on budget negotiations as the end-of-month deadline approaches.
Bishop also discusses the debate around a measure on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk about “end-of-life” options for terminally ill patients that opponents say has “grave” consequences. The measure was approved by the Illinois Senate in the final hours of fall veto session, early Halloween morning.
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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 21 at 3:59AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 20
72° 58°
Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Indiana House approves Bears stadium bill; Business, labor groups file petition to stop natural gas phaseout; Chicago woman gets 2 years for PPP fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Indiana House approves Bears stadium bill The Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation to establish a Northwest Indiana stadium authority for...
Community violence intervention advocates tout crime reduction, taxpayer funding
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With more than $100 million of assistance from state taxpayers, community violence intervention advocates are touting lower...
Pritzker’s social media fee plan faces cost, legality questions
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An internet freedom advocate says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed social media platform fee will raise costs for...
Chicago tourism rises; visitors ignore Trump’s condemnation
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson is proud to call Chicago an outlier when...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting A Chicago man is facing aggravated firearm charges after an alleged road-rage shooting on...
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500...
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use Committee approved special use permits for two businesses in Frankfort and...
Foxx to face questions about murder conviction review ‘investigations’
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Former Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx should need to answer questions under oath about her decision to direct her deputies to...
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm...
207U Committee Reviews Budget Adjustments, Facility Planning and Operations Issues
By Andrea Arens Peotone CUSD 207U board members spent more than an hour discussing budget projections, long-term facility planning, salt procurement and a land ownership question during a recent Committee...
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted to increase tuition by $2 per...
207U Board Outlines Long-Term Planning Timeline, Reviews Academic and District Updates
Peotone CUSD 207U board members emphasized long-term planning and reviewed academic progress and district initiatives during their Feb. 18 board meeting. In discussing facility planning, board members clarified that current...
207U Board Tables Activity Bus Lease After Cost, Timing Concerns
By Andrea Arens The Peotone CUSD 207U Board of Education voted Wednesday, Feb. 18 to table approval of a new activity bus lease after a lengthy discussion about cost, contract...
Peotone 207U Reviews Long-Range Facilities Options; Costs Range from $63M to $142M
By Andrea Arens The Peotone Community Unit School District 207U Board of Education received a comprehensive feasibility study presentation Wednesday, Feb. 18, from architecture and engineering firm Wight & Company,...