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 14
75° 54°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Arizona congressman proposes coin to honor Charlie Kirk
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Arizona, has introduced a bill creating a commemorative coin honoring Charlie Kirk. A native of Illinois, Kirk had a home in...
Experts launch task force to combat U.S. literacy decline
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The World Literacy Summit hosted 80 education officials to confront the rapid decline of reading proficiency across the United States. The World Literacy Foundation, which...
WATCH: Trump, Netanyahu inch closer to peace plan for Gaza
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square There was a glimmer of optimism in Washington on Monday as President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to iron out a potential...
WATCH: No deal in talks to avoid shutdown as parties blame each other
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The top four congressional leaders made little headway on a government funding compromise in a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, increasing the likelihood of...
WATCH: Pritzker says 100 military troops expected in Chicago, doesn’t have details
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – One-hundred military troops are being requested for Illinois by the Trump administration, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker,...
DEA surge against cartel turns up fentanyl, millions in cash, guns
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Monday it seized fentanyl, fake pills, millions in cash, 244 guns, and made 670 arrests during a week-long surge...
Illinois quick hits: Woman charged in Metro East murder; taxpayer funded homeowner relief fund announced
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Woman charged in Metro East murder A Belleville woman is under arrested in connection with a homicide in East St. Louis,...
WATCH: Former state lawmakers endorse, donors support GOP candidate Dabrowski
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains unchallenged in the 2026 Democratic Party primary, Republican candidates for governor are...
Louisiana native awaits Senate confrmation
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Louisiana native David LaCerte, an official in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, is still awaiting a confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate.LaCertie was nominated...
Portland protests Trump’s plan to send federal troops to protect ICE facilities
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square Several hundred Portland, Ore., residents took to the streets Sunday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump's order to deploy federal troops to the city to...
With potential mass transit service cuts looming, IL legislators seek reforms
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers may be put on the hook to pay for a more than three-quarters of...
Trump asks Supreme Court to review birthright citizenship case again
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider legal challenges on an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship. The administration asked...
Trump’s limited drug tariffs might not bring back U.S. manufacturing
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's 100% tariffs on imported medicines include a carveout for generic drugs, which could limit the move's effectiveness. Monica Gorman served as special...
