December 1, 2025/
WATCH: Johnson responds to Trump; Migrant rental assistance urged; Credit card oversight
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest comments from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in response to President Donald Trump’s criticism of elected officials’ handling of public safety in Illinois.
Bishop also gives perspectives from both sides of the issue of immigration enforcement and rental assistance for noncitizen migrants that advocates say are too afraid to leave their homes.
Finally, Bishop shares comments from Illinois state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, about several pieces of legislation he filed to provide more oversight on local governments’ use of taxpayer funded credit cards and a prohibition of using taxpayer dollars for guaranteed income programs.
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
Casey Schedules Public Input on Comprehensive Plan Update
Casey residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the city's comprehensive plan update during a public meeting scheduled for April 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Economic Development...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Ordinance Changes Considered: Alderman Richardson reported a citizen inquiry about allowing chickens within city limits, with an ordinance committee meeting planned to discuss potential changes to current regulations. Emergency Sirens...
Casey-Westfield Board Approves $4.5 Million Bond Issue with Local Banks
The Casey-Westfield School Board unanimously approved a $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention, safety improvements, and building renovations during Monday's meeting, with financing arranged through three local banks at...
Legislative Concerns and Athletic Policy Changes Address School Operations
Casey-Westfield school officials are monitoring state legislative developments that could affect district operations, while also adapting to new athletic association policies for private school competition. Superintendent Mike Shackelford alerted board...
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS
Technology Infrastructure Critical: The 9-year-old junior/senior high server replacement was urgently needed due to memory loss, 95% capacity usage, and daily error codes threatening system failure. Local Banking Partnership: Three...
Casey Approves Historical Society Parade, Adds Employee Medical Benefits
The Casey City Council formally approved the Casey Historical Society Parade for May 10th and enhanced employee benefits by adding AirMedCare membership during Monday's meeting, while also advancing comprehensive planning...
Casey Advances Comprehensive Planning with Public Input Planned
Casey is moving forward with a comprehensive update to its long-range planning efforts, with public participation opportunities scheduled for April as the city works toward adopting a new comprehensive plan...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Summer Cleanup Scheduled: The annual city-wide cleanup will run June 7th through June 14th, with Utility Superintendent Biggs also announcing plans to advertise for summer help positions. Storm Response Active:...
Casey Police Face Staffing Changes as Officer Resigns, New Recruit Advances
The Casey Police Department is navigating personnel transitions after an officer submitted his resignation, while a new recruit continues progressing through the academy, Chief Adam Henderson reported during Monday's city...
Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey
Casey's economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city's growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday's council meeting. Daughhetee...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Founder's Day Parade Planned: A Founder's Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will...
Casey-Westfield Board Holds Hearing on $4.5 Million Safety Bond Issue
The Casey-Westfield School Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention and safety improvements, while also approving 4% administrative salary increases and addressing...
Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service
Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic, artistic, and community service activities, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Monroe Elementary students celebrated multiple milestones, including the 100th...