December 18, 2025/
WATCH: Pritzker reacts to Trump’s address; Immigration enforcement continues
(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.
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 17 at 2:14PM CDT until June 17 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
⚠️ Wind Advisory issued June 17 at 1:55AM CDT until June 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Today Jun 16
85° 66°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
New York Dems seek to withhold federal taxes over funding cuts
By Chris WadeThe Center Square A group of New York Democrats want the state to withhold federal income taxes in response to the Trump administration's "illegal" claw backs of funding....
Congressional Conflicts: Stock ban pits affluent, super rich
By Mark StricherzThe Center Square Washington has become synonymous with polarization between Republicans and Democrats.Yet, legislation that would bar elected officials from owning stocks reveals an additional fault line: supporters...
Supreme Court to consider drug user gun possession case
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear a case regarding whether regular drug users can possess firearms. The case, United States v. Hemani,...
Illinois quick hits: Davis Gates selected to lead IFT; new veterans facilities in Quincy
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Davis Gates selected to lead IFT Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates is now also the president of the Illinois...
Everyday Economics: Economic expansions rarely die of old age
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square A partial government shutdown has paused many federal data releases, but two key reports on housing and inflation are still on deck. The Bureau of...
Poll: Vance, Trump Jr. early favorites to win GOP nod for next president
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Vice President JD Vance is currently the strongest contender for the 2028 presidential election among Republican voters, according to a new poll. The Center Square...
D.C. leads thousands of ‘No Kings’ protests nationwide
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Thousands of people marched in Washington, D.C., on Saturday as part of the second “No Kings” Day, protesting President Donald Trump. Organizers of the event...
Experts weigh in on fight over Obamacare premium tax credit extension
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the battle over extending pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies raging in Congress, organizations across the political spectrum are highlighting the political pros and costly...
Republican support slipping ahead of midterm elections, poll shows
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square A new poll shows faint warning signs for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm election, with Independent voters currently favoring Democratic candidates by nine percentage...
Poll: Americans support Antifa terror designation
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square More American voters support President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Antifa a terror organization than those who don't, according to new polling. The Center Square...
Electronics retailer asks Supreme Court to quell tariff chaos
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A national electronics retailer asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday to quell the uncertainty around tariffs for businesses that must import products. Crutchfield, a...
Illinois lawmakers push Pritzker on federal school choice program
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers urge Gov. J.B. Pritzker to join a new federal school scholarship tax credit program,...
Trump commutes former NY Rep. Santos’ prison sentence
By Chris WadeThe Center Square President Donald Trump wielded his executive powers Friday to commute the prison sentence of former New York congressman George Santos, ordering his immediate release from...
