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 quick hits: Ag incentives announced; Cook County announces increased budget
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ag incentives announced The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have announced $67 million in funding to...
Divided Will County Board Authorizes Condemnation for 143rd Street Widening
Article Summary: Following intense debate and emotional public testimony, the Will County Board narrowly approved a resolution to begin condemnation proceedings for the controversial widening of 143rd Street in Homer...
Former board member expressed concerns about indicted DeKalb superintendent
By Kim Jarrett | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former DeKalb County School Board member told The Center Square in 2023 she had concerns about...
Fiscal Fallout: Illinois has among highest-paid state employees
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The average wages for Illinois state employees are among the highest in the nation and belie the...
Will County Committee Approves Preliminary $161.6M Tax Levy on Split Vote Amid Heated Debate Over Spending
Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday narrowly approved a preliminary $161.6 million property tax levy for 2025, which projects...
Will County Eyes Major Overhaul to Consolidate Scattered Government Offices
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County officials are formally debating a new facilities master plan to address aging buildings and dozens...
Illinois legislator urges school discipline to focus on behavior, not race
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – McLean County Unit 5 submits a new discipline plan under state law after racial disparities are...
WATCH: Trump appeals Guard TRO as DHS looks to ‘double down’ law enforcement in Chicago
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 reviews the latest...
Illinois quick hits: Trump appeals judge’s Guard order; ICE fence ordered down in Broadview
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Trump appeals judge's Guard order The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge’s temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction blocking the...
Trump administration appeals Illinois TRO blocking National Guard deployment
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Trump administration is appealing a federal judge’s temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction blocking the administration’s...
Sheriff’s Office Reports Crime Down 10%, Cites Body Cam Footage as Main Challenge of Safety Act
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff's Office reported a nearly 10% overall drop in crime compared to the same...
Will County Considers Moving Land Use Public Hearings Away from Full Board Meetings
Will County Executive Committee Meeting October 9, 2025 Article Summary: A proposal to move the final public hearing for zoning and land use cases from the full Will County Board...
Federal judge grants Illinois restraining order against Trump for Guard deployment
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal judge has granted the state of Illinois’ request for a temporary restraining order to prevent...
WATCH: Noem says DHS ‘doubling down’ in Chicago
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is getting more property in Chicago for federal law enforcement efforts,...
Illinois quick hits: Trump deploys Illinois Nartional Guard; Madigan to report to prison
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Trump deploys Illinois Nartional Guard President Donald Trump will federalize 300 Illinois National Guard troops, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement Saturday. 'Pritzker...