WATCH: Pritzker expects feds soon; appeals court affirms transit concealed carry ban
September 4, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest developments on how the Trump administration will address public safety in Chicago and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s refusal to call President Donald Trump for assistance.
Bishop also shares a conversation with David Sigale, an attorney for plaintiffs suing the state for prohibiting concealed carry on mass transit after the federal appeals court upheld the law and reversed a lower court’s decision the law was unconstitutional. Sigale says they’re reviewing their options.
Watch the full program below. 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 20
85° 61°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Federal regulators narrow scope of endangered species rule
By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The Interior and Commerce departments finalized a rule Friday changing enforcement of the Endangered Species Act to allow habitat damage if animals are not directly...
12 states sue to stop Warner Bros.-Paramount merger
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading 12 states suing to block the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. The lawsuit was filed...
Election 2026: Cooper poll lead tightened to 4 points
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Republican Michael Whatley’s latest ad campaign paints Democrat Roy Cooper in the same light as other national figures in his party just as a new...
Environmental, tax issues weighed on $4M state-funded park
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Plans for a state-developed park just blocks from the State Capitol and in front of the Governor’s...
Illinois Quick Hits: State rep files Bears/megaprojects bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, has filed the latest piece of legislation aimed at keeping the Chicago...
Report: Felon detained in Pritzker’s backyard
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report, a 10-time convicted felon on pretrial release was arrested in Gov. J.B....
Gordie Howe International Bridge to open July 27 after U.S.-Canada deal
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan and Canada have reached an agreement to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit and Windsor, later this month. The July 27 opening...
Arizona Republican candidates battle to take on Gov. Hobbs
By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs awaits to see who her opponent will be in November, but polls say it's likely to be U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs....
Campaign finance analyst says indictment highlights gaps in oversight
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The federal indictment of Illinois state Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron...
Assaults against ICE officers up 1,300%, vehicle attacks up 3,200%
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are up 1,300% since the second Trump administration began compared to the Biden administration era. Increases in...
ICE deports criminal illegal immigrant despite Minnesota pardon
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported a criminal illegal immigrant despite an effort by the Minnesota Board of Pardons to prevent his removal. U.S. Department...
Advocates call for Kagan investigation on climate change bias
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Advocates are calling on the U.S. Senate Monday to investigate conflicts of interest from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan. The advocates argued Kagan was...
Report: Block clubs save tax dollars despite government hurdles
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois policy analyst says Chicago block clubs have connected thousands of people to jobs, but city...
