WATCH: Pritzker to sign exec. order to ‘pursue accountability’ amid federal deployments
October 23, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop starts the program with tragic news of former Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren dying in a helicopter crash.
Bishop also delves into the latest filings to the U.S. Supreme Court about the Trump administration’s use of the National Guard in Illinois, reaction to Wednesday’s immigration enforcement actions in Little Village and President Donald Trump saying he will make Chicago safe.
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
Trump moves ahead with tariff plans after Supreme Court ruling
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled his tariffs illegal, President Donald Trump vowed to rebuild the protectionist measures and restore some of the highest import...
Illinois racial wealth gap among largest in country
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois ranked the eighth-worst state in the country for its racial wealth gap, Democratic State...
Judge: Right to sue under IL biometrics law too important to end suit vs Meta
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, can't use its user agreement to escape yet another potentially massive payout from a...
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive...
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: A Manhattan Township homeowner received unanimous approval for three variances to expand a pole barn, despite county...
Chicago could owe $100M+ in refunds for excessive city tickets
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The city of Chicago could be on the hook for more than $160 million in refunds to thousands of vehicle owners slammed...
Illinois quick hits: Indiana House approves Bears stadium bill; Business, labor groups file petition to stop natural gas phaseout; Chicago woman gets 2 years for PPP fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Indiana House approves Bears stadium bill The Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation to establish a Northwest Indiana stadium authority for...
Community violence intervention advocates tout crime reduction, taxpayer funding
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With more than $100 million of assistance from state taxpayers, community violence intervention advocates are touting lower...
Pritzker’s social media fee plan faces cost, legality questions
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An internet freedom advocate says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed social media platform fee will raise costs for...
Chicago tourism rises; visitors ignore Trump’s condemnation
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson is proud to call Chicago an outlier when...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting A Chicago man is facing aggravated firearm charges after an alleged road-rage shooting on...
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500...