WATCH: State police prepares ICE protest zones; energy policy debate continues
October 3, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest updates from Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over public safety and immigration enforcement.
Bishop also reviews moments from an Illinois Senate hearing about new energy policies legislators could take up later this month for fall veto session. Legislators and stakeholders discussed energy demand and cost amid a focus on renewables as energy prices continue to be higher than this time last year.
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.
Latest News Stories
Lincoln-Way 210 Board Approves $172.7 Million Budget with Planned Deficit for Bus Purchases
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes a planned operating deficit of $814,000 to accommodate the purchase of...
Lawmakers push for transit reform, funding despite delayed fiscal cliff
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers say they hope to pass transit legislation during the fall veto session next month, even...
Miller files ‘parental rights’ constitutional amendment, blasts Illinois’ policies
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller says parental rights are being diminished and it’s time they speak up....
Will County to Pay Enbridge $82,000 to Relocate Pipeline Equipment for Exchange Street Improvements
Article Summary: Will County will reimburse Enbridge Energy for costs associated with relocating its pipeline facilities to make way for roadway improvements on Exchange Street in the Monee and Crete...
Laraway Road Widening Project in New Lenox and Frankfort Gets Additional $468,000 for Redesign
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a supplemental agreement worth $468,374 for additional design and engineering work on the major Laraway Road expansion project. The funds are needed for...
“Federal Policy Uncertainty” Blamed for Delay of Peotone Solar Farm; County Grants Second Extension
Article Summary: The Will County Board has granted a second permit extension for a solar farm in Peotone Township after the developer, Trajectory Energy Partners, cited "ongoing uncertainty regarding federal...
Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved first-time permit extensions for five commercial solar projects across Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships, all of which were recently sold to larger energy...
Will County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township
Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a special use permit for The Second Story Foundation to operate a long-term residential recovery program for men on a 68-acre horse...
Champaign stabbing raises concerns over Illinois mental-health law
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state lawmaker who also serves as a police officer says the recent stabbing of non-police...
Illinois quick hits: DHS apprehends ICE protester with firearm; bill allows campaign funds for security
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS apprehends ICE protester with firearm The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says more than 200 rioters blocked access to a...
Lawmaker responds to IL’s push for adult COVID shots against CDC guidance
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois health officials recommend all adults get the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, defying recent U.S. Centers...
Grocery tax stalls in Chicago council, measure approved in Bloomington
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Bloomington has joined hundreds of Illinois municipalities by reinstating a one-percent grocery tax that will soon be...
Illinois quick hits: Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence; ‘peacekeeper’ arrested for battery
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty to being illegally present in the United States after...
