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 12
87° 61°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
FBI: ‘Potential’ Halloween terror plot foiled; multiple subjects arrested in Michigan
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The FBI says it thwarted a possible terror attack, arresting several individuals in Michigan, according to Director Kash Patel. “This morning the FBI thwarted a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Park District for September 9, 2025
Frankfort Park District Meeting | September, 2025 The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners learned on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, that the grand opening of the new Fort Frankfort playground...
WATCH: Trick or treat: IL legislators pass tax increase, decoupling bill early Friday
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are waking up Halloween morning to tax increases after the conclusion of fall veto session...
Noem refuses Pritzker enforcement pause request, IL passes sanctuary enhancement
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Both the executive and legislative branches of Illinois government have made attempts to address federal immigration enforcement...
WATCH: Energy bill opponents say increases IL electric bills by $8 billion passes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers have passed wide-ranging energy legislation, but opponents say it will lead to higher electricity bills....
WA Dems blame GOP for government shutdown; 1 million in state could lose SNAP benefits
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer say it’s not Democrats, but Republicans, who are responsible for keeping the federal...
Officials react to allegations of civilians impersonating ICE
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square One San Diego County supervisor is concerned about civilians posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using fake ICE clothing and tactical gear and...
Illinois quick hits: IL taxpayers have highest pension debt obligations in U.S.
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Report: Illinois taxpayers have highest pension debt obligations in U.S. According to a new Reason Foundation report reviewing over 300 public...
WATCH: Bonta visits food bank amid lawsuit over CalFresh
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday he is continuing to push for federal emergency contingency funding to restore millions of Californians’ food benefits as...
IL taxpayers to pay $20M for food banks as SNAP funding lapses start Saturday
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are going to cover $20 million in food subsidies to food banks across the state....
Poll: 7 in 10 of Americans are against mail-order abortion without a doctor visit
By Tate MillerThe Center Square A national poll shows that seven in 10 “likely voters” think a doctor visit for an abortion pill prescription should be required and many are...
Trump’s plan to re-start nuclear weapons testing faces criticism
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's plan to restart testing of nuclear weapons drew concern from some foreign nations, disarmament groups and Democrats. Trump broke with decades of...
Illinois quick hits: Corrections director appointment approved; Clean Slate Act passes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Corrections director appointment approved After more than two years of being appointed, Latoya Hughes was approved by the Illinois Senate to...
