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 3
87° 66°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Library’s ‘Studio’ Draws Record Crowds with New Tech and Creative Programs
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Public Library’s creative hub, The Studio, is experiencing a surge in popularity, shattering attendance records and successfully launching new technology-driven programs, according to a...
D122 to Spend $24,950 on Professional Enrollment Forecast
New Lenox School District 122 will hire an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive, 10-year enrollment forecast at an estimated cost of $24,950. The Board of Education approved an agreement...
Frankfort Library Secures $83K Grant for Reading Room, Financial Report Shows Strong Position
FRANKFORT, IL – The Frankfort Public Library is poised to begin its next major renovation after the State Library confirmed it has qualified for a matching grant of up to...
Frankfort Library Considers Limiting Digital Access on Educator Cards to Manage Costs
FRANKFORT, IL – The Frankfort Public Library is exploring a change to its digital lending policies for local educators to manage the rising costs and high demand for popular streaming...
Newly Appointed Trustee Brooks Stenoish Takes Oath, Finalizing Frankfort Library Board
FRANKFORT, IL – The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees is now at its full seven-member strength after newly appointed trustee Brooks Stenoish was officially sworn in at Thursday...
Meeting Summary: Frankfort Public Library District for June 26, 2025
The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday. The board swore in its newest member, reviewed a strong year-end financial report, and approved...
JJC Trustees Approve Contentious FY26 Budget After Heated Debate, Failed Postponement
The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a $322.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026, but not before a tense debate that saw a motion to postpone...
Lincoln Way District 210 Approves $2.1 Million Budget Amendment, Maintains Strong Financial Position
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members unanimously approved an amended fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday night that increases the district's operating surplus to $2.1 million while maintaining...
JJC’s ‘12x12x12’ Initiative Boosts College Credits, Increases Matriculation Rate
Joliet Junior College’s ambitious "12x12x12" initiative is yielding significant results, leading to more high school students earning college credits and a greater percentage of them choosing to attend JJC after...
District 210 Approves Administrative Restructuring, Staff Salary Increases
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members approved administrative restructuring and salary increases for non-union clerical support staff during closed session actions Thursday night. The board unanimously approved...
JJC Board Meeting Highlights Tensions Over Legal Bills, Trustee Conduct
An otherwise routine vote to approve monthly bill payments ignited a tense exchange at the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, revealing ongoing friction over redacted legal invoices,...
Students, Trustees Emphasize Importance of Inclusivity and Flag Raisings at JJC
From a recent graduate’s public plea to trustee remarks on federal policies, the theme of student belonging and inclusivity was a prominent thread at the Joliet Junior College Board of...
L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs
Special Education District Update: The fence installation around the playground at Lincoln Way Area Special Education District 843 has been completed except for one gate section that will allow equipment...
