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 13
51°
Mostly Clear
Latest News Stories
Lincoln-Way 210 Advances Summer Site Improvements and Asbestos Abatement Projects
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved an asbestos abatement contract and initial site improvement bids to prepare for...
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill
By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at helping local governments manage retiree health care costs is drawing differing views...
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A few days after agreeing to let them proceed with their class action against one of America's most prominent charities under labor...
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet...
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ ban on conversion therapy may be challenged in the near future. Last week, the U.S. Supreme...
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a 3% surcharge on income more than $1 million have less than a month to...
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Long‑delayed university repair funding is leaving campuses across the state with holes in their roofs, and in...
Lincoln-Way Central Outlasts Plainfield Central 8-7 in Neutral-Site Matchup
The Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team edged out Plainfield Central for a narrow 8-7 victory in a neutral-site, non-conference matchup on Thursday. In what proved to be a high-scoring, back-and-forth...
Joliet West Edges Lincoln-Way Central 2-1 in Extra Innings
NEW LENOX, Ill. — In a tightly contested pitchers' duel that required extra innings to decide, the Joliet West varsity baseball team pushed across the go-ahead run in the top...
McLaughlin’s Homer, Massive Fifth Inning Power Lincoln-Way Central Past Providence Catholic 6-5
NEW LENOX, Ill. — A dramatic five-run explosion in the bottom of the fifth inning provided just enough cushion for the Lincoln-Way Central varsity softball team to survive a late...
JJC Board Prepares for 2028 Bond Expiration, Advances Grundy Campus Despite Objections
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: Joliet Junior College is laying the groundwork for a potential future referendum and advancing its Grundy County expansion...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
Will County Land Use Committee Splits Votes on Massive Earthrise Solar Projects Amid Intense Public Opposition
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Tuesday faced a marathon session dominated...
Will County Kicks Off Comprehensive Land Resource Management Plan Update with Focus on Proactive Zoning and Environmental Justice
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee held a special workshop to kick off...