October 8, 2025/

WATCH: Bondi, Durbin clash over Guard; Pritzker says he’s not a ‘conspiracy theory guy’

Spread the love

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares some of the verbal clash between Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi during a Judiciary Committee hearing over the issue of justification for the use of the National Guard in Chicago.

Bishop also shares some of the local officials’ executive actions taken this week in the face of disruptive protesters in Broadview and police responding to federal agents calls for help in Chicago.

Finally, Bishop highlights comments Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker made about the use of the National Guard in Illinois, the status of the state’s lawsuit against the Trump administration, and Pritzker’s claim that President Donald Trump is aiming to interfere with the 2026 election.

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Trump threatens 25% tariff on EU cars and trucks

Trump threatens 25% tariff on EU cars and trucks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on European Union cars and trucks to 25%, accusing the EU of violating a trade agreement the bloc...
Trump ends tariffs on Scotch whisky after King Charles visit

Trump ends tariffs on Scotch whisky after King Charles visit

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said he will remove the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imports and lift restrictions on the barrel trade between Scotland and Kentucky,...
Civil rights complaints filed over race-based healthcare scholarships

Civil rights complaints filed over race-based healthcare scholarships

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A nonprofit advocacy group has filed federal civil rights complaints against two healthcare systems, alleging their scholarship programs unlawfully exclude applicants based on race. Do...
Candidates clamor for Carter's open seat

Candidates clamor for Carter’s open seat

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter's decision to run for U.S. Senate has attracted 14 candidates for his 1st Congressional District post. Carter, a Republican, has served...
Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds 'persistent structural imbalance' in Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds ‘persistent structural imbalance’ in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Civic Federation report has identified a persistent structural imbalance in the Illinois budget, with expenditures...
U.S. House OKs Fetterman bill allowing SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken

U.S. House OKs Fetterman bill allowing SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken

By John ColeThe Center Square A bill that would allow recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to buy hot rotisserie chicken is one step closer to becoming...
Gas hits $6 a gallon in California; Southwest see increases

Gas hits $6 a gallon in California; Southwest see increases

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square California Thursday officially exceeded an average gas price of $6 a gallon for the first time since the start of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran....
Teacher unions spent over $1B on political causes since 2015

Teacher unions spent over $1B on political causes since 2015

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square National teachers unions have spent over $1 billion on political activity and advocacy since 2015, according to a new report by Defending Education. Both reports,...
Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters

Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinoisans may soon be required to register their e-bikes, motorized scooters and other various modes of transport...
Pritzker’s commission report pushes for local investigations of federal 'brutality'

Pritzker’s commission report pushes for local investigations of federal ‘brutality’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Accountability Commission has released its report on alleged abuses by federal immigration law...
Illinois mulls change allowing pension investment in anti-Israel companies

Illinois mulls change allowing pension investment in anti-Israel companies

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Multiple speakers shared personal stories Thursday from the conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinians in an effort...
Gun rights advocate questions Illinois ballistic imaging plan

Gun rights advocate questions Illinois ballistic imaging plan

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A newly introduced measure in the Illinois General Assembly aimed at expanding ballistic imaging technology is...
Beasley Allen booted from looming talc trial in Chicago

Beasley Allen booted from looming talc trial in Chicago

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Judges in Miami and Chicago have revoked permission that allowed the firm Beasley Allen to pursue talc lawsuits because it collaborated with...
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again

Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – AAA says the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has jumped 14 cents in one...
Illinois pauses redistricting effort after Supreme Court ruling

Illinois pauses redistricting effort after Supreme Court ruling

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois has paused a legislative redistricting effort after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday, but Gov....