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 18
75° 59°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
World leaders call for peace after U.S. strikes on Iran
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square World leaders including U.S. allies called for peace in the Middle East after the United States launched strikes into Iran on Saturday. French President Emmanuel...
Lawmakers vow war powers vote on Iran strikes
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers said they would force a Congressional vote on war with Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes in the country on Saturday. U.S....
U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its fleet, crew
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to break records. Through Force Design 2028, made possible through a surge of $25 billion in...
Black Chicagoans disproportionately face force by CPD
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – American Civil Liberties Union Director Alexandra Block argues a new study showing black city residents disproportionately...
Senate, House key leaders briefed ahead of strikes
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Gang of Eight was briefed ahead of the U.S.-Israeli joint strikes against Iran, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson. In a social media post...
Iran retaliates against American bases; State Department issues ‘shelter in place’
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. State Department is warning Americans across the Middle East to shelter in place until further notice, following U.S. strikes against Iran overnight, leading...
Bo and Luke Would be Proud: Track Jump Turns into Tavern Stop in Peotone
By Andrea Arens Somewhere, the Duke boys are slow-clapping. At approximately 2:29 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, a Peotone police officer patrolling near East North and Railroad Streets discovered what can...
Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: A request to rezone land for a "clean fill" operation in Joliet Township stalled in committee...
Physicians assistants leave for Iowa due to licensing wait times in Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers say physician assistants are leaving for Iowa because it takes so long to get licensed...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly structuring the city’s debt with a deal that...
Republican candidates for governor, U.S. Senate discuss energy, SCOTUS
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Candidates vying for the Republican nomination to take on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker lay out how they’d...
Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor signs Bears stadium bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears say they are grateful for the leadership shown by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun after...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 JOLIET, IL – The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with Acting Chairman John...
