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 5
86° 65°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”
Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...
County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025
The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...
Key Stretch of Bell Road on Track for Thanksgiving Reopening, Committee Approves Additional Funds
ARTICLE SUMMARY Construction on Bell Road between 159th and 151st Streets is scheduled to have all lanes open by Thanksgiving, officials announced as the Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a...
Will County Leglislative Committee Opposes Federal Push for Heavier, Longer Trucks
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on national roadways. Will...
Will County Reports Progress in Opioid Fight, Highlights New FDA Labeling Rules
Article Summary: Will County is seeing a reduction in opioid overdose deaths and is expanding access to the reversal drug Narcan, health officials reported. The department also drew attention to...
In-House Staff Completes Major Renovations at Will County Adult Detention Facility
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Maintenance staff at the Will County Adult Detention Facility recently completed extensive renovations in-house, including a new control center and the full restoration of a 48-cell housing unit, saving...
Will County Advances Truck Repair Facility Plan on Manhattan Road Despite Resident Objections
Article Summary: A proposal to rezone nearly 14 acres on Manhattan Road for a truck repair facility advanced after receiving a recommendation for approval from the Will County Land Use...
PZC Grants Variance for Oversized Garage in Joliet Township, Reversing Staff Recommendation
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variance for a Joliet Township homeowner to build a garage addition that exceeds the county's size limits. The...
Will County Public Works Committee Approves Over $1.1 Million in New Agreements for 80th Avenue Project
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee authorized two agreements totaling over $1.1 million for the ongoing reconstruction and widening of 80th Avenue between 191st and 183rd Streets....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for August 5, 2025
The Will County Board’s Legislative Committee focused on shaping its advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels during its August 5 meeting. The primary discussion centered on crafting...