WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker ‘fat slob;’ Talk of reviving progressive tax criticized
November 26, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from President Donald Trump’s White House turkey pardoning ceremony where he criticized Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for not cooperating with the Trump administration’s public safety push in Chicago.
Bishop also provides criticism from a group of manufacturers to the talk of reviving the progressive income tax amendment for the Illinois Constitution that voters rejected in 2020. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he prefers a progressive income tax. Technology & Manufacturing Association says legislators have already done enough damage.
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 1, 2025
TuesdayDecember 2, 2025
WednesdayDecember 3, 2025
ThursdayDecember 4, 2025
FridayDecember 5, 2025
MondayDecember 8, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
Latest News Stories
U.S. military strikes another suspected drug boat near Venezuela
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A U.S. military strike on a suspected drug boat off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday killed six suspected traffickers, the latest in recent weeks...
WATCH: Frustration mounts with Dept. of Corrections ‘unseriousness,’ ‘timeliness problem’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections has begun scanning prison inmates’ mail, but lawmakers are not happy with...
Illinois audit commission members worried about ‘ghost’ health care networks
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Concerns about ghost medical insurance networks and zombie state boards and commissions were raised during a review...
Exclusive: District to repay $3 million to property owners
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The National Taxpayers Union Foundation recently secured a major legal victory in Colorado that will result in $3 million in taxpayer reimbursements for certain property...
WATCH: CCTV footage captures attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor
By Christen SmithThe Center Square The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office released more than five minutes of CCTV footage that captured Cody Balmer setting fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro's official...
Most Americans say U.S. heading in the wrong direction, poll finds
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A new poll shows about 55% of registered voters think the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, including 74% of Latino voters, a key...
Balmer pleads guilty to attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor
By Christen SmithThe Center Square The man accused of firebombing the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion in Harrisburg pleaded guilty to attempted murder, aggravated arson and terrorism on Tuesday. Cody Balmer also...
Cook County officials warn property tax reform could hurt homeowners
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are clashing over a Cook County property tax relief plan that restricts the types...
Maine Gov. Janet Mills officially launches U.S. Senate bid
By Chris WadeThe Center Square Maine Gov. Janet Mills formally announced Tuesday that she will seek the Democratic Party's nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in next year's...
Illinois quick hits: Poll finds mixed reviews for Trump; posthumous medal for Kirk; transit fare increase proposed
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Poll finds mixed reviews for Trump President Donald Trump’s economic policies are getting mixed reviews from voters. The Center Square Voters'...
AARP under fire after $9 billion payment from UnitedHealthcare revealed
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square AARP is facing new scrutiny after disclosures showed it will receive $9 billion from UnitedHealthcare under a restructured deal to market AARP-branded Medicare Advantage plans....
WATCH: Trump: Pritzker should ‘beg;’ Veto Session begins as Madigan reports to prison
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 comments from...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025
The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop...
Will County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include...