December 19, 2025/
WATCH: Commission makes ICE accountability referral; Rep says Pritzker wrong on prices
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop provides moments and reaction from and around the first Illinois Accountability Commission hearing. Appointees of Gov. J.B. Pritzker heard testimony and public comment about the impact of federal immigration enforcement in a state with migrant sanctuary policies.
Bishop also shares more perspective from legislators on both sides of the aisle about prices and the policies that drive them, and the cost of energy with Illinois lawmakers discussing policies around planned coal and natural gas plant closures and the focus on alternatives like battery storage.
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 Jul 24
69°
Mostly Cloudy then Patchy Fog
Latest News Stories
From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite many arguing the border crisis is over because illegal entries at the southwest border have dropped to their lowest level in recorded history, border-related...
Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is cracking down on noncitizens receiving Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services....
“Candy Canes on Main” Gets Green Light for Parade, Donation
Editor's Note: Casey Local incorrectly reported that council members approved a Beer Garden. However, the Beer Garden was only discussed and was not approved for Candy Canes on Main. Article...
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In return for soaring state spending on education, Illinois taxpayers are getting chronic absenteeism, poor academic proficiency...
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is reviewing damage from the...
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation...
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...
Casey Joins Land Bank, Secures EPA Grant for Sewer Planning
Article Summary: The City of Casey has taken two major steps to address housing and infrastructure challenges, officially joining the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority and securing a state grant...
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Rose G. (Crandall) Penrod
Rose G. (Crandall) Penrod, 105, of Casey, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:53 p.m. at Heartland Manor & Rehabilitation in Casey. She was born on October...
Casey Targets Two Dilapidated Properties for Remediation
Article Summary: The Casey City Council has authorized legal action against two properties deemed "dangerous and unsafe," signaling a continued focus on addressing blight. The council approved separate resolutions for...
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois. Former Illinois GOP Chairman...
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois student leaders serving on state higher education boards will now receive $500-per-semester scholarships under a...
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Work begins on $1.5 billion O'Hare expansion A new round of construction has begun at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airline...
