Illinois in Focus: Candidate urges civil debate around ICE; state spends 43% more; mandatory voting
September 25, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski, state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, and Vice President J.D. Vance about public safety around immigration enforcement.
Bishop also delves into recent analysis by The Center Square’s investigative team about the increased state spending of tax dollars under the Pritzker administration and reaction from legislators on both sides of the aisle.
Finally, Bishop shares debate from an Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee about the ideas around mandatory voting and consolidating local elections.
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
74° 56°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Glock: Judge’s OK of Chicago’s anti-gun lawsuit questionable, at best
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Firearms maker Glock is asking for permission to appeal a Cook County judge's ruling allowing the city of Chicago to continue its...
Illinois quick hits: DHS responds to migrant release order
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS responds to migrant release order The U.S. Department of Homeland security issued a statement after a federal judge in Chicago...
Pritzker disagrees with Durbin on vote to end shutdown
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is disappointed that Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin voted in favor of...
Pritzker open to conversation with Trump on alderman’s immigration proposal
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A letter from a Chicago alderman to President Donald Trump could lead to conversation with Illinois Gov....
Expert: Illinois’ outdated tax law leaves homeowners, taxpayers on the hook
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois remains the only state that hasn’t reformed its property tax sale system after the U.S....
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz nabs nine drunk drivers; Madigan prosecutor to depart
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Midway Blitz nabs nine drunk drivers The Department of Homeland Security has released the names of nine foreign nationals arrested during...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort School District 157-C for September 2025
Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | September 2025 The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education unanimously approved its fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday, projecting a healthy surplus in...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District for September 2025
Frankfort Fire Protection District Meeting | September 2025 The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously passed a significant update to its fire prevention codes on Tuesday, specifically addressing...
Lawmakers divided after federal complaint targets student mental health screening law
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are responding after America First Legal (AFL) filed a federal complaint urging the U.S....
Normal, IL fire and EMS challenges highlight need for statewide task force
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A planned relocation of Normal’s Fire Station 2 sparks statewide concern over slow emergency response times,...
Analysis: Chicago among worst cities to drive in
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (THE Center Square) – Republican Illinois state Sen. Steve McClure is speeding up the pace in his quest to make...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for November 2025
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | November 2025 The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday approved a landmark agreement to consolidate the Central Will...
Will County Committee Members Debate Future Capital Priorities, Clash on Borrowing
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: After learning Will County could borrow over $100 million for new projects, members of the Capital Improvements...