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.
Latest News Stories
White House govt funding request for 2027 cuts $73 billion
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The White House proposes a dramatic increase in defense spending in fiscal 2027 while significantly reducing spending in other departments, according to its budget submission...
Dems sue over Trump’s executive order on mail-in ballots
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democratic officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia announced Friday they're suing to block President Donald Trump’s recent executive order regulating mail-in and...
GAO again warns Congress about nation’s ‘unsustainable fiscal path’
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A federal watchdog warned Congress on Friday about the nation's mounting fiscal dangers, urging lawmakers to address what it called an "unsustainable fiscal path." The...
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a 3% surcharge on income more than $1 million have less than a month to...
U.S. fighter jet shot down over Iran; frantic search and rescue underway
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. fighter jet has been shot down over southern Iran, as a search and rescue mission is underway, according to multiple reports. Reports indicate...
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Long‑delayed university repair funding is leaving campuses across the state with holes in their roofs, and in...
Trump seeks 44% increase to boost military budget to $1.5 trillion
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a budget that calls for a 44% increase in military spending, aiming to bolster the nation's defenses, but the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
U.S. adds 178k jobs in ‘strong’ March report amid Iran conflict
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. economy added 178,000 jobs in March, exceeding expectations, after one month of conflict between the United States and Iran. The unemployment rate dropped...
Will County Kicks Off Comprehensive Land Resource Management Plan Update with Focus on Proactive Zoning and Environmental Justice
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee held a special workshop to kick off...
Infighting and Calls for Resignation Disrupt Will County Board Meeting
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Calls for the resignation of a Will County Board member over a recent misdemeanor conviction derailed the end of the...
Lincoln-Way 210 Awards $1.98 Million Contract for Network Cabling Upgrades
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved a $1.98 million contract with CDW/Greatline Solutions to upgrade aging wired infrastructure...
Will County Land Use Committee Splits Votes on Massive Earthrise Solar Projects Amid Intense Public Opposition
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Tuesday faced a marathon session dominated...
Groups react to HHS, EPA flagging microplastics for further study
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The Environmental Protection Agency designated microplastics and pharmaceuticals as priority contaminant groups Thursday. The decision prompted diverse reactions from affected industries, health, and environmental advocacy...