WATCH: Pritzker’s office ‘troubled’ by ‘peacekeeper’ photo; 2 years of cashless bail
September 19, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the reaction from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office to the reports the governor took a picture with a “peacekeeper” who later was accused in a deadly smash-and-grab burglary. State Rep. La Shawn Ford reacts to the effectiveness of violence interruption grants.
Bishop also shares comments from both sides about the two year anniversary of the state ending cash bail and the prospects of federal tax dollars being withheld from Illinois for having ended money bond.
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
Newsom responds to Bondi’s letter on sanctuary policies
By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include additional comments from the U.S. Department of Justice. After California received a...
U.S., NATO military officials discuss Ukraine security guarantees
By Caroline BodaThe Center Square U.S. military leaders met with NATO defense chiefs on Wednesday to iron out details of security protections for Ukraine as part of a potential peace...
Illinois quick hits: Governor bans school fines; Target fires hundreds over fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Governor bans school fines Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that bans schools from issuing fines or citations to students for...
Industry advocates: More state regulation will drive insurance rates higher
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Insurance industry leaders are advising Illinois lawmakers that state regulation of rates will lead to higher costs...
Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Bill sponsors and public interest groups have been quick to respond to a lawsuit filed last week against Colorado, challenging a new law that would...
From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite many arguing the border crisis is over because illegal entries at the southwest border have dropped to their lowest level in recorded history, border-related...
Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is cracking down on noncitizens receiving Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services....
Federal government spending big on healthcare plans that aren’t being used
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A new report raises concerns about taxpayer waste in federal healthcare programs, as studies show billions of dollars in subsidies and benefits may not be...
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In return for soaring state spending on education, Illinois taxpayers are getting chronic absenteeism, poor academic proficiency...
Crypto companies ask Trump to block bank data fees
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Crypto and fintech leaders want President Donald Trump to stop banks from imposing new charges on customer data access, warning that such fees could curb...
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is reviewing damage from the...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for August 14, 2025
The Will County Board Executive Committee received a comprehensive update on the county's expenditure of $134 million in federal ARPA pandemic relief funds, learning that 61% of the total has...
Peotone Schools Face ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Board Considers School Closures and New Construction
Committee of the Whole Article Summary: Facing a severe financial crisis and a rapidly approaching deadline from a major road project, the Peotone School District 207-U board is now seriously...