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.
Latest News Stories
Illinois patient relies on ACA tax credits, experts warn they drive higher premiums
By Catrina BarkerThe Center Square President Donald Trump signed a House-passed short-term spending bill late Wednesday, ending the shutdown and keeping the government open through January, notably without the Affordable...
Trump rolls back tariffs on over 200 foods in sharp reversal
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Responding to Americans' frustrations over high grocery prices, President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday exempting more than 200 food products from tariffs. "Certain...
Trump says $2,000 tariff rebate checks won’t come before Christmas
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans won't get a $2,000 rebate check from the federal government before Christmas. President Donald Trump said Friday that the proposed checks will not be...
Chicago mayor threatens layoffs, property tax hikes if council rejects head tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is threatening service cuts, layoffs and property tax hikes if aldermen reject his...
Goldwater Institute sues Arizona attorney general for records
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A lawsuit has been filed against Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. Phoenix-based Goldwater Institute brought the lawsuit. Attorneys want Mayes to release alleged price-fixing complaint...
Illinois quick hits: Four officers injured during ICE protest
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Four officers injured during ICE protest Four state and local law enforcement officers were injured and 21 people were arrested Friday...
California asks court to end federalization of National Guard
By Dave MasonThe Center Square California officials Friday renewed their motion for a judge to end the federalized deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. Attorney General Rob Bonta...
Manhattan D114 Projects Flat Tax Rate Despite Higher Levy Request, Plans Abatement
Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:Manhattan School District 114 officials presented the tentative 2025 tax levy, which includes a higher request to capture value from...
ICE, Florida officers arrest 230, including 150 sex offenders
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers arrested 230 foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally, many with extensive criminal histories....
With shutdown over, fight over Obamacare reform is on
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the record-long government shutdown finally over, Republicans are ramping up conversations about how to reform Obamacare and address the rising cost of insurance premiums....
Feds launch initiative to conduct welfare checks on unaccompanied minors
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has launched an initiative with state and local law enforcement 287(g) partners to locate roughly 450,000 “unaccompanied alien children” (UACs)...
Will County Committee Denies Appeal for Crete Township ‘Tiny Home’ Permit
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday upheld the denial of a temporary use...
Judge: Biden-era decree deal requires release of 600+ from ICE detention
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Chicago federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden has ruled potentially hundreds of illegal immigrants must be released from federal...
Poll: Majority believe free speech in U.S. headed in wrong direction
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square An overwhelming majority of Americans believe freedom of speech is headed in the wrong direction, according to a new poll. The Foundation for Individual Rights...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago treasurer to boycott U.S. securities to protest against Trump; Governor marks opening of new union training center; Illinois farms expected to lose $67.2 million a year
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Treasurer to boycott U.S. Treasury securities to protest against Trump Chicago’s finances may take another hit after City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin...