WATCH: Chicago reacts to Trump’s public safety push; AI in schools; rural health care
August 25, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop delves into the issue of President Donald Trump saying he will address public safety in cities like Chicago and the reaction from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Bishop talks live with Mark Hurley, a retired Air Force Colonel, about the use of artificial intelligence in schools with a new program called The Shepherd’s Code. They also discuss the president’s use of the National Guard for public safety.
Finally, Bishop gives both sides of the debate about recent federal legislation the president enacted to shore up waste, fraud and abuse in health care subsidies. Democrats say it will decimate rural hospitals. Vice President J.D. Vance says the focus is getting illegal aliens out of the country.
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.
Community Events
MondayDecember 8, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
FridayDecember 12, 2025
SaturdayDecember 13, 2025
MondayDecember 15, 2025
TuesdayDecember 16, 2025
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Gun ban cases and the Supreme Court; English and CDLs; Don Tracy eyes Senate
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the status...
Illinois quick hits: Madigan disbarred; taxpayers subsidize medical debt relief
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Madigan disbarred Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is no longer licensed to practice law in the Land of Lincoln. The...
Will County Executive Committee to Hash Out Budget Cuts Following Levy Reduction
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: Following a Finance Committee vote to reduce the proposed 2026 property tax levy increase, Will County Board leaders on...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Township for September 9, 2025
Manhattan Township Meeting | September 9, 2025 During its meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Manhattan Township Board scheduled a special meeting to establish rules for solar farm development,...
Inflation-adjusted teacher salaries drop despite record spending on public education
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new report says structural problems have led to record-high spending on public education in Illinois and...
Illinois quick hits: CDC’s autism and vaccines website criticized by IDPH
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square CDC's autism and vaccines website criticized The Illinois Department of Public Health is criticizing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...
IL GOP U.S. Senate candidate says state needs balanced representation
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite having to push through a potentially crowded primary field, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy says...
Wheat price drop brings notable Thanksgiving savings for Illinois families
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois families will see some relief at the Thanksgiving table this year, with the average cost...
Illinois lawmaker calls FDA hormone therapy reversal ‘overdue’
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and practicing physician weighs said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
IL Rep on congressmen trading: ‘We’re not going to take a pile of money to hell’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congresswoman says the public is right to be alarmed about elected officials enriching themselves through...
Illinois quick hits: Officer shot report numbers down; Thanksgiving meal costs down
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Officer shot report numbers down The National Fraternal Order of Police reports, through Oct. 31, 285 police officers have been shot...
WATCH: Chicago activist testifies; Quinn’s millionaire surcharge; High SNAP error rate
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from...
GE Appliances announces $150 million partnerships
By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - GE Appliances announced Thursday it is investing more than $150 million into contracts for suppliers in the...
Frankfort, Will County Partner on Wildlife Rabies Control
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee recommended approval of an intergovernmental agreement on Thursday, November 13, 2025, that allows...
Executive Committee Approves Appointments for Washington Township, Emergency Telephone Boards
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee on Thursday, November 13, 2025, recommended the approval of two key appointments, filling...