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.
Latest News Stories
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...
Frankfort Park District Utilizes Federal ARPA Funds for HVAC Upgrades
Article Summary: The Frankfort Park District is leveraging a Will County ARPA grant to fund major infrastructure needs, having already been reimbursed $72,500 for a new HVAC system at Founders...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for September 22, 2025
The Frankfort Village Board took a notably strict stance on zoning matters on Monday, September 22, 2025, denying two significant residential variance requests for a greenhouse and a pool that...
ICE arrests Iowa schools superintendent with criminal record, no work authorization
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Iowa's largest school district is holding an emergency meeting Saturday night after its superintendent was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Des Moines agents. ICE...
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....
Department of Energy returning $13B climate agenda funding to taxpayers
By Tate MillerThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Energy will be returning to American taxpayers $13 billion in “unobligated wasteful spending” that was originally intended for former President Joe...
Trump directs war secretary to send troops to Portland to protect ICE
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Troops will be sent in to protect immigration and customs enforcement facilities “under siege” in Portland, President Donald Trump said Saturday morning. The president cited...
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...
Trump says he won’t back down on Antifa terrorism designation
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump is moving quickly against an organization that he blames for destruction, looting and protests, another indication the president is acting faster during...
