WATCH: GOP governor candidates forum highlights; Pritzker talks taxes increase, Bears
January 20, 2026/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square’s Greg Bishop provides highlights from Monday evening’s Illinois State Rifle Association Republican gubernatorial candidates forum at GAT Guns in East Dundee. The entire forum can be viewed here.
Bishop also airs some of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s news conference after signing the Clean Slate Act into law where the governor talked about criminal justice reform, taxing millionaires and the ongoing question of where the Chicago Bears will land a new stadium deal.
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 18
76° 59°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Iran War Powers resolution fails in House
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Congressional efforts to halt the U.S. military’s operations in Iran have now failed twice, with the U.S. House tanking a War Powers Resolution only a...
Chicago police monitor Iran-U.S. conflict; public advised to be aware
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Police say they are monitoring the U.S. conflict in Iran. Residents and visitors observed a significant...
Illinois secretary of state wants nearly 2% budget increase
By Sean Reed | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants nearly 2% more in taxpayer funds for his upcoming...
Illinois Quick Hits: Suspect arrested in connection with East St. Louis killing
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Illinois State Police special agents arrested a man accused of...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for February 10, 2026
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 The Will County Landfill Committee met on Tuesday to address legal preparations for the upcoming landfill expansion and operational needs at...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for February 19, 2026
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, was marked by significant zoning decisions, including the unanimous rejection of...
Board Approves Joliet Township Clean Fill Facility Despite Environmental Objections
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a map amendment and special use permit for a Clean Construction and Demolition Debris (CCDD) facility...
Will County Board Unanimously Rejects Controversial Solar Farm in Troy Township
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously rejected a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility near Shorewood following strong opposition...
Oil cos. ask to pause Chicago climate ‘deception’ suit til SCOTUS weighs in
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying the U.S. Supreme Court will decide soon if the lawsuit is even allowed, a group of oil and gas companies have...
Illinois quick hits: Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges;
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges Former Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus is facing federal charges for allegedly embezzling more...
Lawmaker proposes property tax credits as housing debate continues
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As state and local officials sound off on housing proposals at the Illinois Capitol, a state senator...
Illinois municipalities push for local fuel tax as gas prices rise
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some Illinois municipal leaders are pushing for the ability to impose local fuel taxes at a time...
Illinois lawmaker supports EPA rollback; AG opposes
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is praising the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump for repealing the...
