September 2, 2025/
WATCH: Chicago braces for federal law enforcement; Dabrowski on public safety, education
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop gets to the latest from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker about the prospect of increased federal immigration enforcement and the possible use of the National Guard.
Bishop also talks with Ted Dabrowski, a potential Republican gubernatorial candidate, about how the state of Illinois should be interacting with the Trump administration toward enhanced public safety and federal immigration enforcement. The two also discuss Illinois education funding and outcomes.
Watch the full program below. 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.
Events
Latest News Stories
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation...
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...
Casey Joins Land Bank, Secures EPA Grant for Sewer Planning
Article Summary: The City of Casey has taken two major steps to address housing and infrastructure challenges, officially joining the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority and securing a state grant...
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Rose G. (Crandall) Penrod
Rose G. (Crandall) Penrod, 105, of Casey, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:53 p.m. at Heartland Manor & Rehabilitation in Casey. She was born on October...
Casey Targets Two Dilapidated Properties for Remediation
Article Summary: The Casey City Council has authorized legal action against two properties deemed "dangerous and unsafe," signaling a continued focus on addressing blight. The council approved separate resolutions for...
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois. Former Illinois GOP Chairman...
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois student leaders serving on state higher education boards will now receive $500-per-semester scholarships under a...
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Work begins on $1.5 billion O'Hare expansion A new round of construction has begun at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airline...
Newsom files FOIA request on border patrol’s appearance
By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office is submitting a Freedom of Information Act request for details regarding the Trump administration’s decision to send U.S. Customs and...
Soaring utility bills, solar federal tax credit cuts dominate Illinois energy debate
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Energy prices and clean energy policy took center stage during a senate energy and public utilities...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs crypto regulations
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker signs crypto regulations Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed two laws to regulate cryptocurrency. Senate Bill 1797 requires cryptocurrency companies to...
Trucking industry leader: New law may drive business out of Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A trucking industry leader says more businesses may leave Illinois after the signing of Senate Bill 328....
