WATCH: Commission makes ICE accountability referral; Rep says Pritzker wrong on prices
December 19, 2025/
(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 Jun 9
88° 70°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Judge sets up high stakes baby formula NEC trial vs Mead Johnson
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge has potentially cleared the way for another trial against pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement maker Mead Johnson & Co. over...
Trade court to rule on tariff stay by next week
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Two small businesses that won a ruling against President Donald Trump's 10% tariff must continue paying it while courts decide whether to pause the decision...
FeaturingBeecher Village Board Adopts FY26/27 Budget Police Expansion and Drone Program
Village of Beecher Meeting | April 27, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board unanimously adopted its new fiscal year budget, which includes a roughly $300,000 increase driven by rising...
Johnson defends Trump ballroom as ‘a donation to the country’
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Despite public condemnation from Democrats, House Republicans are confident that the $1 billion earmark for security upgrades to President Donald Trump’s ballroom will remain in...
Vance cuts $1.3 billion in California Medicaid, pauses hospice care
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration will defer $1.3 billion in Medicaid funds to California, due to concerns over fraud, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday. Vance, alongside...
Groups urge House leaders to reject E15 expansion, calling it a hidden tax
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A coalition of conservative and free-market groups urged Congress to reject a bill that would permanently allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline nationwide. The coalition...
Illinois Quick Hits: Home insurance regulations approved by Illinois Senate
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A bill to regulate homeowners insurance rates will be up for consideration in the Illinois House after...
Beecher Rallies for Come-From-Behind Win Over Momence
BEECHER, IL – The Beecher varsity baseball team erased a deficit in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, exploding for nine runs in the sixth inning to secure an 11-6 conference victory over...
Beecher Cruises to 7-1 Victory Over Lincoln-Way Central
BEECHER, IL – The Beecher varsity softball team bounced back from their extra-innings battle the previous day with a decisive 7-1 win over Lincoln-Way Central on Tuesday. Beecher’s offense provided consistent...
Senate confirms Warsh on narrow partisan lines
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Senate, in a 54-45 vote, confirmed Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve on Wednesday. The Senate voted closely...
Illinois Senate passes bill to regulate auto insurance rates
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate has approved legislation to regulate auto insurance rates, but a former Illinois Department of...
Exclusive: GOP defends report, points to Walz administration failures on fraud
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The Republican-led Minnesota House fraud prevention and state oversight committee adopted its majority report on Wednesday, concluding a two-year review of alleged fraud across multiple...
Op-Ed: The FAA’s O’Hare decision is a win for travelers – and for competition
By Mario H. Lopez | Hispanic Leadership FundThe Center Square At Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, one of the nation's most critical travel hubs and a gateway for millions of passengers...
Bill to prevent fraud on elderly, disabled opposed by financial institutions
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Based on the multiple billions of dollars lost to scams and exploitation of elderly and disabled adults...
Legislative Committee Advances Resolution Opposing Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryThe Will County Legislative Committee unanimously approved a resolution formally opposing Senate Bill 3445 and House Bill 4402, citing...