WATCH: Pritzker to sign exec. order to ‘pursue accountability’ amid federal deployments
October 23, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop starts the program with tragic news of former Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren dying in a helicopter crash.
Bishop also delves into the latest filings to the U.S. Supreme Court about the Trump administration’s use of the National Guard in Illinois, reaction to Wednesday’s immigration enforcement actions in Little Village and President Donald Trump saying he will make Chicago safe.
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.
Fri Jun 19
78° 59°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois GOP state reps call on Dems to stop taxing s’mores, other goods
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois House Republicans are calling on Democrats to oppose new tax proposals. State Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton,...
Illinois Quick Hits: Tangent to expand in Montgomery
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced on Wednesday that a...
Retail advocate: Swipe fees ruling is largest Main St. ‘relief package’ in Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A retail business advocate says a federal judge’s ruling to uphold the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act paves...
Smith & Wesson wins appeal chance in Highland Park lawsuits
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Gunmaker Smith & Wesson will get a chance to appeal a Lake County judge's decision clearing the way for the families of...
Illinois Republicans say federal student data probe may reach Illinois State after Tufts review
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The McLean County Republican Party says a newly announced federal investigation into Tufts University could have...
Violence Interrupters, local activists lead CTA safety push
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Violence Interrupters founder Tio Hardiman has joined with faith-based leaders and community activists across the city...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago man sentenced for sex trafficking
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago man has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for sex trafficking and kidnapping....
State of the College: JJC Announces Plans for New Campus in Grundy County
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: During his State of the College address, Joliet Junior College (JJC) President Dr. Clyne Namuo announced the...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for February 2, 2026
Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 2, 2026 The Frankfort Village Board met on Monday, February 2, 2026, to conduct routine business and approve several land use and financial items....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for February 3, 2026
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to approve various infrastructure investments and...
Chicago aldermen call out transportation dept. over Complete Streets, bike lanes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago alderman says the city’s Complete Streets program is a disaster that’s costing taxpayers hundreds of...
Health & Safety Committee: District 3 Board Member Pushes for Expanded Animal Control Services in Monee, Crete
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Board Member Daniel J. Butler (District 3) urged Animal Protection Services to establish intergovernmental agreements with...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for Jan. 6, 2026
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee met Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, to discuss the county's...
Legislative Committee: Lobbyists Report on Federal Shutdown and Legislative Outlook
Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: Federal lobbyists provided the Legislative Committee with an update on the partial government shutdown and the status of appropriations bills. While...
