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 10
82° 59°
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Prtizker says Trump order is unconstitutional
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on Tuesday to address election integrity is...
U of I pressed on costly abandoned development project, stance on DEI directives
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As many Illinois universities face multimillion dollar budget deficits, state senators were critical of spending by the...
Trump says Iran’s new leader wants ceasefire
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump announced today that Iran's new leader has requested a ceasefire, marking a possible turning point in the ongoing conflict that has gripped...
‘Conversion therapy’ bans in IL, other states, in danger, after SCOTUS ruling
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The days appear to be numbered for a Colorado state law banning so-called "conversion therapy," after the U.S. Supreme Court lopsidedly sided...
County Board Approves Peotone Solar Farm Amid Debates Over Union Labor and Tornado Safety
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: A 52-acre commercial solar energy facility in Peotone was approved by the Will County Board despite concerns raised by members...
Beecher Board Awards $1.1 Million in Contracts for Miller Street Water Main Replacement
Village of Beecher Board of Trustees Meeting | March 23, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has officially greenlit a massive summer infrastructure project, awarding nearly $1.1 million in...
Illinois business leaders press lawmakers as child care costs face scrutiny
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois business leaders pressured Illinois lawmakers Tuesday to approve billions of dollars in taxpayer‑funded child care investments,...
Illinois Quick Hits: Vacant lots go on sale in Chicago
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development say more than 600 vacant city...
State vs. local property tax debate rages in Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says property taxes are a local issue, but a county treasurer’s report says hefty...
Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at...
Fewer businesses of Illinois’ diversity-preferred group got state contracts last year
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - Fewer businesses that get diversity-related government priority in Illinois are getting contracts with the state, according to...
Beecher Rallies Past Gardner-South Wilmington 9-6 Behind Van Ness’s Relief Mastery
The Beecher varsity baseball team erased a four-run deficit to secure a thrilling 9-6 comeback victory over conference host Gardner-South Wilmington on Monday afternoon. Fueled by a spectacular, extended relief...
Washington Township Commits Remaining $56,617 in American Rescue Funds to HVAC Project
Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | February 2, 2026 Article Summary: To avoid losing expiring federal grant money, Washington Township will utilize its remaining Will County American Rescue Plan funds...
Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the...
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a cannabis company subjected female workers at...