WATCH: Pritzker alleges Trump election interference; tells disgruntled residents to move
August 29, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares where there appears to be common ground between the Trump administration and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on public safety as both say there needs to be more law enforcement officers. But Pritzker alleged without evidence that President Donald Trump’s push for using the National Guard for public safety is an attempt to interfere with the 2026 election.
Bishop also shares comments Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker made about sentiments across the state to split the state in two. He said if people don’t want to make the state better, they can move. New Illinois Chairman G.H. Merritt reacts and said the governor doesn’t understand what’s behind the movement, saying he won’t listen and doesn’t care.
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.
Today Jun 3
86° 65°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Trump, Xi meeting to be packed with slew of hot topics
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square After postponing a scheduled trip to China from March to May due to the U.S. strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump is set to visit...
Manhattan District 114 Reviews Major Board Policy Overhaul
Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education Meeting | April 29, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education conducted a first reading of a comprehensive overhaul...
Green Garden Solar Farm Approved in Split Vote; Battery Storage Component Rejected
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a new 4.98-megawatt solar facility in Green...
Lockport Tops Lincoln-Way West in Tight Conference Battle
The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team faced a difficult road test on Friday, falling to Lockport in a competitive 4-2 conference matchup. The game began with a flurry of activity...
Lincoln-Way East Outlasts Lincoln-Way West in 10-6 Conference Victory
Lincoln-Way East used a balanced and relentless offensive attack to secure a 10-6 victory over Lincoln-Way West in a high-scoring conference matchup on Friday. The game was a back-and-forth battle...
Bill to expel students over sexual assault progresses in Springfield
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A measure that would place new rules on Illinois schools requiring a full-year expulsion of a student...
Viral goose egg case fuels debate over abortion
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A viral incident involving a suburban Chicago woman accused of taking protected goose eggs is drawing...
Another U.S.-Canada border bust: Gun smuggling operation
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A gun smuggling operation run by Canadian, Pakistani and Jordanian citizens has been thwarted at the U.S.-Canada border, authorities said. While illegal border crosser crime...
More than 200 children rescued, 350 child sex offenders arrested in one month
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square More than 200 children were rescued and more than 350 child sex offenders arrested in one month in the latest Department of Justice targeted enforcement...
Trump budget targets ‘valley of death’ with new military contractor accountability model
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Trump administration's $1.5 trillion military budget request would rewrite how the Pentagon buys weapons – forcing contractors to fund their own factory expansions and...
Nonprofit flies troops home for milestones they can’t afford to miss
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square For junior enlisted military members earning about $30,000 a year, the cost of a round-trip ticket home can be the difference between witnessing a family...
Report: 2025 third most violent year on record for American Jews
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Last year was the third most violent year on record for American Jews, according to an analysis by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Although antisemitic incidents...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for April 15, 2026
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | April 15, 2026 The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees held a strictly ceremonial meeting on Wednesday evening after failing to...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board for March 11, 2026
Jackson Township Board Meeting | March 11, 2026 The Jackson Township Board held a brief, 22-minute regular monthly meeting on Wednesday evening to process municipal expenditures, authorize administrative agendas, and...
International human smuggling ring exploiting Canadian visa system thwarted by US
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Another international human smuggling ring exploiting lax Canadian border security and visa processes has been thwarted by U.S. officials. Mexican smuggling at the U.S.-Canada border...