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 17
71° 54°
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Advisory Committee Debates Rigor of Online Summer School Options
Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The District 210 Advisory Committee reported on discussions regarding the potential expansion of online summer school offerings,...
Group Presents Allegations of 2024 Voter Roll Errors to County Board
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a resolution calling for the review of election systems and integrity, following public comments alleging inaccuracies...
Will County Board Advised on Strict “Judicial” Role Ahead of Landfill Expansion Application
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: During a detailed legal briefing on Tuesday, the Will County Landfill Committee received strict instructions regarding their conduct during...
Ad-Hoc Committee: Bath House Regulations Updated; Removes 60-Day Licensing Window
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to the regulations governing bath houses and...
Land Use Committee Rejects Shorewood Solar Farm Despite 25-Year Lease Offer
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted against recommending a controversial solar farm proposal...
Trustees Renew Federal Lobbyist Contract Following $800,000 Funding Win
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The JJC Board voted to renew its contract for federal lobbyist services on Wednesday. Administration and supporting...
Executive Committee Advances $28.7 Million BNSF Bridge Project for Lorenzo Road
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Executive Committee approved an agreement with BNSF Railway to construct a grade separation bridge on Lorenzo Road in...
Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: A request to rezone land for a "clean fill" operation in Joliet Township stalled in committee...
Contracts Approved for New West Principal and District Technology Director
Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board appointed Dr. Jennifer Killeen as the new Principal of Lincoln-Way West High School and Kyle...
ALEC urges states to adopt ‘light-touch’ AI regulation
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The American Legislative Exchange Council called on state legislatures to embrace limited tax regulation and greater investment in artificial intelligence to facilitate effective government processes....
Los Angeles school district puts superintendent on paid leave
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Alberto Carvalho, the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, was placed on paid administrative leave by the Board of Education late Friday afternoon pending an...
Physicians assistants leave for Iowa due to licensing wait times in Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers say physician assistants are leaving for Iowa because it takes so long to get licensed...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly structuring the city’s debt with a deal that...
