WATCH: Pritzker reacts to Trump’s address; Immigration enforcement continues
December 18, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from Wednesday evening primetime address to the nation from President Donald Trump and Gov. J.B. Pritzker‘s reaction.
Bishop also jumps into the latest 24 hours of continued immigration enforcement in the Chicagoland area, including an interaction between immigration enforcement official Gregory Bovino and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss. This comes as the Illinois Accountability Commission prepares to meet today to provide an avenue for people to provide testimony about the impacts immigration enforcement.
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 Jun 9
88° 70°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
IL biometric privacy suits say tech companies used broadcasters’ work to train AI
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square CHICAGO — Some of America's biggest tech companies have been hit with class action lawsuits under Illinois' stringent biometrics privacy law, accusing...
Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows 8% of Cook County offenders on electronic monitoring AWOL
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A report from a Cook County judge revealed that 8% of people participating in the electronic monitoring...
Fed funding of pediatrics group questioned over its gender ideology stance
By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square Parental rights group the American Parents Coalition is urging Congress to review federal funding of the American Academy of Pediatrics, alleging that the organization prioritizes...
Trump’s ‘historic’ visit to China yields some economic, less geopolitical fruits
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump returned Friday from his first diplomatic visit to China since 2017, heralding the ‘historic’ nature of the trip. Former President Joe Biden...
GOP congressional candidate calls single-stream recycling a ‘sham’
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Republican congressional candidate Angel Oakley says much of the material Americans place in recycling bins ultimately...
Minnesota GOP calls for removal of Rep. Gomez after ‘sickening’ exchange
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota House Republican leaders are calling for the removal of Rep. Aisha Gomez after a verbal altercation with Rep. Elliott Engen on the House floor...
Census: Majority of fastest growing cities in U.S. are in Texas
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Eight of the 15 fastest growing cities in the U.S. were reported in Texas, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data. Fort Worth also...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee for May 5, 2026
Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee addressed a diverse agenda during its May 5,...
Will County Legislative Committee: Pushes Forward with Ban on Cryptocurrency Kiosks
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryThe Will County Legislative Committee approved a resolution supporting the drafting and enactment of a county-wide ordinance to ban...
Michigan House Republicans demand Benson release SPLC records
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan House Republicans passed a resolution calling on Michigan Secretary of State and Democrat gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson to release records tied to her past...
Lone Tennessee U.S. House Democrat, Cohen, says he’s done
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Rep. Steve Cohen, Tennessee’s lone Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, said Friday morning he will not seek reelection in the newly drawn 9th...
Illinois Quick Hits: Madigan: ‘Accept the federal scholarship tax credit’
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan – from federal prison over corruption charges – penned an op-ed...
Beecher Officials Lobby Springfield Legislators Against Governor’s “Build” Proposal
Village of Beecher Meeting | April 27, 2026 Article Summary: Village representatives traveled to Springfield to push back against proposed State legislation that would strip local municipalities of planning and...
Will County Health Department Warns of Potential Federal Funding Cuts and Rising Healthcare Costs for FY2027
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryThe Will County Health Department presented its preliminary FY2027 budget outlook to the Finance Committee, warning of a looming...
