WATCH: Pritzker on Kimmel suspension; SNAP error rate alarms; hemp regulations loom
September 18, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s comments in the aftermath of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night talk show being suspended by ABC, and some of the debate around the issue from affiliates and FCC officials.
Bishop also shares recent comments from Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, about the state’s SNAP error rate and how much that could cost Illinois taxpayers.
Finally, Bishop discusses the status of hemp regulations in the state of Illinois with a lack of action from the state legislature and Gov. J.B. Pritzker saying he may take executive action.
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.
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 1:06AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 12:31PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jul 18
80° 61°
Smoke
Latest News Stories
Iranian in Massachusetts convicted of violating US sanctions against Iran
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square An Iranian businessman has been convicted in federal court in Boston, Mass., after a 14-day jury trial for charges related to violating U.S. sanctions against...
U.S. ramps up strikes, pressure on Iran
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square U.S. strikes against Iran are ramping up after the Islamic Republic was targeted Wednesday following warnings from President Donald Trump that devastating strikes could be...
Blanche touts crime record, defends Epstein files handling
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, on Wednesday touted the U.S. Department of Justice’s record in reducing crime and defended his handling...
Report: ‘Climate risk scores’ featured on homebuying platforms devalue homes
By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square “Climate risk scores” featured on homebuying platforms such as Zillow and Realtor devalue houses without authority, the matter being further complicated by asset managers with...
Texas agency investigating birth tourism, ‘HavemybabyinTEXAS.com’
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is cracking down on birth tourism in response to a directive issued by Gov. Greg Abbott. “I am...
CNBC ranks 10 GOP-led states as worst to live in
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The national news outlet CNBC ranked 10 Republican-led states as the worst to live in its 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings. Officials from...
Medical watchdog reveals issues with recent medical student reports
By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square Medical watchdog Do No Harm released a report Tuesday that it says shows how the quality of medical students’ reports has deteriorated, becoming more “weak”...
Legislator seeks to exempt cap for Hollywood tax credits
By Robert MattesonThe Center Square Legislators fear California will become noncompetitive again in attracting major film and TV productions if changes aren’t made to the state budget. The $350 billion...
U.S. announces end to military operations in Iraq as conflict in Iran ramps up
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. is signaling a significant shift in the Middle East as President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with the Iraqi...
U.S. House votes to make daylight savings time permanent
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. House lawmakers voted 308 - 117 to pass a bill Tuesday making daylight savings time year-round, sending the legislation to the Senate. The Sunshine...
Congressional committee to hold hearing in Houston after ICE fatal shootings
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A congressional field hearing is scheduled for the end of the month in Texas to address the fatal shooting of a Mexican national by U.S....
Feds: Chicago is key in trade fraud fight
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Federal officials came to Illinois this week to announce the results of a major crackdown on trade...
Democrats tank advance of national defense bill in U.S. Senate
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. Senate Democrats blocked a critical Pentagon funding authorization bill from advancing Tuesday, a show of rebellion against the Trump administration resuming military hostilities in...
