WATCH: Chicago braces for federal law enforcement; Dabrowski on public safety, education
September 2, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop gets to the latest from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker about the prospect of increased federal immigration enforcement and the possible use of the National Guard.
Bishop also talks with Ted Dabrowski, a potential Republican gubernatorial candidate, about how the state of Illinois should be interacting with the Trump administration toward enhanced public safety and federal immigration enforcement. The two also discuss Illinois education funding and outcomes.
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
Attorneys general oppose pay cut for foreign farmworkers
By Dave Mason | The Center SquareThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a response from the U.S. Department of Labor....
WATCH: Pritzker signs vaccine law GOP doctor called ‘Trump Derangement’ bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to expand vaccine access in Illinois, but a Republican lawmaker and...
Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With the state now losing a resident to another state every nine minutes and more than...
Illinois quick hits: Biss criticizes university payout; more time in emergency rooms
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Biss criticizes university payout Evanston Mayor and former Democratic state lawmaker Daniel Biss says President Donald Trump’s administration “essentially blackmailed” Northwestern...
WATCH: Sanctuary bill soon law; Use of force case proceeds; CTU audits due Mon
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 airs concerns a...
Park District Board Approves New Management Job Descriptions
Manhattan Park Board Meeting | October 9, 2025 Article Summary:The Manhattan Park Board approved a series of new and updated job descriptions for five management-level positions, including a new Deputy...
CTU can’t sue group for campaigning in union elections
By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal appeals panel won’t let the Chicago Teachers Union sue a rival group over allegations it campaigned on behalf of CTU...
IL U.S. House candidate: drug screen expectant moms getting subsidies
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A doctor running for Congress in Illinois’ 5th Congressional District says the first step to improving the...
Illinois quick hits: Ameren requests rate hike; Pearl Harbor remembrance
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Ameren requests rate hike A year after receiving a $308.6 million electric rate hike, Ameren Illinois is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission for authority...
First Look at Lincoln-Way 210’s Proposed 2026-2027 School Calendar
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education reviewed a draft of the 2026-2027 school calendar, which proposes starting...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Township Board for October 2025
Manhattan Township Board Meeting | Oct. 14, 2025 The Manhattan Township Board met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to handle standard monthly business, approve minutes from four prior meetings, and...
Everyday Economics: A consumer slowdown, fraying margins, and a big test for the Fed
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Last week’s data told a clear story: the U.S. consumer is still standing, but looking increasingly tired – and businesses are starting to absorb more...
Manhattan Buried Under Nearly 12 Inches of Snow; Sub-Zero Temperatures Forecast for Friday
Article Summary: Manhattan residents are clearing driveways after a major winter storm dumped nearly a foot of snow over the weekend. The active weather pattern is set to continue, with...
