WATCH: Pritzker encourages protests; Vaccine law signed; Chicago priorities criticized
December 3, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the continued debate around federal immigration enforcement and the state’s migrant sanctuary policies with Gov. J.B. Pritzker encouraging protests against ICE.
Bishop also shares highlights in the debate around vaccine policy in the state of Illinois with a new bill being signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that a Republican legislators who is also a doctor called a “Trump Derangement Syndrome” bill.
Finally, Bishop shares moments from Tuesday’s news conference held by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson where the mayor talked about potential tax increases, government spending and public safety. Members of Chicago Flips Red remain critical of the Johnson administration and Democrats at City Hall.
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
Lincoln-Way Board Approves Tutoring Service for Hospitalized Students
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 has entered into an agreement with LearnWell to provide tutoring services for students who are...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District for October 2025
Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | October 2025 The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, October 20, 2025, approved the final major contract for its new fire...
Facing appeals loss, activists withdraw suit that had frozen ICE
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square After winning a court order essentially forbidding federal immigration agents from responding with force against so-called “protestors” interfering with ICE operations and...
Abbott asks Treasury Department to suspend Islam group’s tax-exempt status
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took more action Tuesday against the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Abbott on Tuesday requested the Treasury Department investigate CAIR for...
Controversial Vietnamese film being considered for Oscars
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A controversial Vietnamese film that depicts a long Vietnam War battle is under consideration for an Oscar nomination, according to California Assemblymember Tri Ta, R-Westminster....
IL, Chicago, suburbs to get up to $280M in Monsanto PCB deal
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois' state government, as well as Chicago and nine North Shore suburbs, could be in line for as much as $280 million...
Survey: Teachers concerned about AI’s impact on students
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square K-12 educators say students are turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support, and many are concerned that current safeguards are insufficient, according to a new...
Los Angeles County board votes to ban masks for ICE officers
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Los Angeles County moved closer Tuesday to join the state of California in banning masks for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. But even as...
Illinois quick hits: Son of ‘El Chapo’ guilty; still above $3 a gallon
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Son of 'El Chapo' guilty A notorious gang leader’s son has been convicted on federal drug charges. Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s...
WATCH: Chicago mayor, ‘responsible stewards’ defend taxes, opponents say they’ve failed
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to make Chicago the safest and most affordable big city in...
WATCH: Pritzker encourages protests as feds challenge use of force lawsuit
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the use of force challenge against the Trump administration’s enforcement of immigration law continues, Gov. J.B....
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...