January 30, 2026/
WATCH: Commission meets as Chicago mayor seeks to prosecute ICE; SNAP changes Sunday
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square’s Greg Bishop shares some of the latest comments from Trump border czar Tom Homan about finding cooperation with local officials while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson looks for prosecutions of immigration enforcers. This as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Accountability Commission is set to meet.
Bishop also reviews some of the latest deadlines around work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and shares data on how much tax money goes to SNAP, and how much Illinois’ error rate has increased in the last 10 years.
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
78° 69°
Chance Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
Board Approves Over $74,000 in Facility Upgrades, Equipment
The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a series of proposals Monday totaling over $74,000 for concrete repairs, new kitchen equipment, and HVAC upgrades across multiple district buildings. The...
School District Buys Tractor to Curb Outsourcing Costs, Projects Future Savings
The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for...
Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums
The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...
Casey Proposes Electric Rate Hike to Stave Off Deficits; Gas Rates Next Under Review
Casey residents may soon see an increase in their electricity bills as the City Council considers raising rates for the first time in years to combat significant financial losses in...
Casey’s Proposed Budget Jumps 53% to $31 Million, Driven by Grant Opportunities
The Casey City Council has moved forward with a proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriations ordinance totaling over $31.1 million, a staggering 53.5% increase from the previous year. City officials, however,...
Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for July 21, 2025
Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief...
Patrick Randel Simpson
Patrick Randel Simpson Jr, 67, of Casey, Illinois, passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 25, 1957, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pat was the...
Roy Lee Hock
Roy Lee Hock, age 68, of Casey, IL, passed away at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Twin Lakes Extended Care Facility in Paris, IL. He was born...
Casey Rotary Club Meeting Held
The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary...
Council Increases Popcorn Festival Funding to $25,000 After Heated Budget Debate
Casey City Council approved a $25,000 donation to the annual Popcorn Festival Monday night after a lengthy and sometimes tense discussion about the city's financial priorities and the festival's growing...
Casey Moves Forward with Hotel Feasibility Study and TIF District Analysis
Casey City Council approved two economic development initiatives Monday night aimed at increasing tourism revenue and expanding development opportunities in the community. Council members unanimously approved a hotel feasibility study...
Casey City Council July 7 Meeting Briefs
Police Vehicle Purchase: Casey City Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe squad car for $54,864 from Mike Chevrolet. The vehicle was budgeted in last year's appropriations but...
Donna K. Wilson
Donna K. Wilson, age 82, of Martinsville, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Casey Health Care Center, Casey, IL. She was born on...
