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(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump is to blame for the U.S. government's partial shutdown, but Vice President J.D. Vance has a different opinion. The governor took questions from reporters Wednesday after he hosted a panel discussion with Illinois Department of Public Health Director Sameer Vohra and doctors at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine. “The president of the United States decided to shut down the government because he's unwilling to sit down with Democrats to discuss things,” Pritzker said. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares the latest updates from Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over public safety and immigration enforcement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares information about two measures filed by statehouse Republicans, one to reverse the state's laws that prohibit state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement and another distancing protesters for police. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop airs the latest back and forth between President Donald Trump and Gov. J.B. Pritzker over public safety in Chicago and around immigration enforcement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares comments from Democratic leaders about the expectation that the Trump administration is requesting military troops for Chicago amid protests against immigration officials enforcing federal law. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop unpacks some of the latest in the developing situation of increased federal law enforcement in and around Chicago with the anticipation of more unfolding throughout the start of the week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor nearly seven years ago. That is a total increase of about 43%. Before Pritzker, the state's general fund spending was roughly flat or had modest increases, according to state data. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner was in office for part of that time. In the years of financial data reviewed by The Center Square, Democrats have been in control of the state legislature and most statewide offices. A notable exception was Rauner's single, four-year term as governor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop delves into recent analysis by The Center Square's investigative team about the increased state spending of tax dollars under the Pritzker administration and reaction from legislators on both sides of the aisle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares reaction from Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, to the budget executive order signed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop provides highlights from the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals oral arguments in the challenge to Illinois' gun ban that were heard Monday in court. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop previews some of what the expectations are from the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals oral arguments in the gun and magazine ban set for Monday afternoon in Chicago. He also shares voices from gun owners and gun rights advocates, including Dan Eldridge of Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois about an event scheduled after the oral arguments.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Freedom Caucus has filed articles of impeachment against Gov. J.B. Pritzker for what it says is his engaging in conduct that constitutes inciting violence. Part of the impeachment resolution in House Resolution 466 that the Illinois Freedom Caucus filed includes quotes from Pritzker's State of the State speech on Feb. 19 where he characterized the Trump administration as using an authoritarian playbook. “If you think I'm overreacting and sounding the alarm too soon, consider this: It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours and 40 minutes to dismantle a constitutional republic,” Pritzker said earlier this year. The resolution says Pritzker “has issued inflammatory statements that incite violence against elected officials, citizens, and persons located in the United States and has failed to uphold the constitutional requirement to faithfully execute the laws of the State of Illinois.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares the reaction from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office to the reports the governor took a picture with a "peacekeeper" who later was accused in a deadly smash-and-grab burglary. State Rep. La Shawn Ford reacts to the effectiveness of violence interruption grants. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's comments in the aftermath of Jimmy Kimmel's late night talk show being suspended by ABC, and some of the debate around the issue from affiliates and FCC officials. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop airs the latest comments about public safety from President Donald Trump, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others as Trump continues to say Chicago is next on his agenda to clean up crime and illegal immigration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop airs the latest on President Donald Trump's public safety push, saying he plans to go into Chicago with or without the support of the governor or mayor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares some recent political polling about the race for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor, which includes the most recent candidate to announce. Former WirePoints President Ted Dabrowski announced his bid for the GOP spot Friday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Popular political activist and Illinois native Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while at a public outdoor event in Utah. The news and video of the shooting spread online quickly. Kirk was speaking in front of at least hundreds of people at Utah Valley University for a “Prove Me Wrong” event. Video showed Kirk getting struck in the neck. President Donald Trump posted on X, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares the calls from Chicago Flips Red for the Trump administration to do more for public safety in Chicago as Gov. J.B. Pritzker says there is no emergency.

Greg Bishop shares some of the reaction from political leaders to the assassination of Turning Points USA founder Charlie Kirk, an Illinois native, and the accusations of which side of the political spectrum is ratcheting up their political rhetoric.

Greg Bishop delivers the latest back and forth between the Trump administration, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and residents of the city of Chicago concerning public safety and immigration enforcement.

Greg Bishop airs the latest in the ongoing debate and Trump administration actions concerning public safety and immigration enforcement as the Department of Homeland Security launches Operation Midway Blitz.

Greg Bishop shares some of the moments from Trump administration border czar Tom Homan who spoke to the State Freedom Caucus Network in Dallas, Texas Friday. Full Homan speech: https://youtu.be/KBNAX5Qa2Cw

In today's edition of Illinois in Focus , The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop unpacks the latest comments about public safety in Chicago from President Donald Trump, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus and more.

Greg Bishop delivers the latest comments from Gov. J.B. Pritzker who says the state of Illinois will immediately sue the Trump administration if they use the National Guard, which is speculated to happen as early as this weekend along with increased immigration enforcement.

Greg Bishop shares the latest developments on how the Trump administration will address public safety in Chicago and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's refusal to call President Donald Trump for assistance.

Greg Bishop unpacks the latest comments about public safety in Chicago from President Donald Trump, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus and more.

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.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he has not received communication from the federal government about potential troop deployments to Illinois, after President Donald Trump offered choice words for the governor. The president deployed troops to combat crime in Washington, D.C. earlier this month and suggested last week that Chicago could be next. When asked Wednesday about reports that federal agencies might use Naval Station Great Lakes for staging, the governor said he had received no calls from the White House or anyone from the federal government who might be in charge of troop movement.

Greg Bishop gets to the latest in gun ban litigation with plaintiffs challenging Cook County's ban asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case. This comes as the statewide ban a district judge found unconstitutional is cued up for appeals' court arguments next month.

Greg Bishop discusses the latest comments from President Donald Trump, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and others to the issue around public safety in Chicago.

Greg Bishop shares some of the debate around President Donald Trump's executive order ending federal tax funds for cashless bail policies like Illinois' and the push back from proponents of the state's Pretrial Fairness Act.

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.

The Center Square team reviews just some of the 271 bills Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker acted upon in the last week, including measures impacting the courts, schools, digital currency regulation and more. Of all that, the governor vetoed two of them setting up possible action during veto session scheduled in October.

Greg Bishop talks live with state Rep. Jed Davis about his continued concerns about the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' use of interns. He says he's seeking legislative solutions but worries the issue could get buried heading into an election year.

Greg Bishop shares comments from Democrats and Republicans vying for their party's nomination for U.S. Senate, and what they see as the crucial issues will turn out voters to the primary polls.

(The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of Lincoln serving as the blueprint. Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association brunch Wednesday morning before hosting Governor's Day on the Lawn at the Illinois State Fair in the afternoon. Pritzker said Democrats will win in 2026, and the rest of the country will live out what Illinois is experiencing. “And what I'll say to those who are wondering what's next for the Democratic Party is this: She's alive and well and stronger than ever, living right here in the great state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.

Greg Bishop talks with gun rights advocate Todd Vandermyde about the latest filing from the state defending Illinois' gun ban in the federal appeals court. Read the filing here: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pdf_3b203fae-9997-44ca-83ef-61e6ff877717.html

Greg Bishop shares highlights from Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair where Democrats rallied the party faithful. There were also questions about congressional maps and energy prices.

Greg Bishop shares comments from Tuesday's bill signing ceremony where Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Sonya Massey's law and the issue of how to address police accountability.

Greg Bishop delves into the back and forth between President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over public safety, presidential politics and no-cash bail.

Greg Bishop reviews the latest comments in the ongoing debate around drawing new congressional maps with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on the national stage while state Sen. Jil Tracy files a lawsuit in Illinois on behalf of the Texas House to honor Lone Star State warrants for absent Democrats hiding out in the Land of Lincoln.

(The Center Square) – As the FBI gets involved in locating Texas Democrats hiding out in states like Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says they are welcome, but the Democratic governor insists the absconding legislators aren't breaking any federal law. At the request of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the FBI on Thursday agreed to assist with locating Texas Democrats who fled the state to prevent the Texas House from reaching a quorum to change congressional district maps.

Greg Bishop covers the latest in the fight over redistricting with an Illinois state senator joining Texas House Republicans to have warrants from the Lone Star State to be recognized in Illinois and Gov. J.B. Pritzker responding to the FBI getting involved.

Greg Bishop continues his coverage on the ongoing debate around redistricting congressional districts with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's latest comments and reaction from Republican state Rep. Ryan Spain.

Greg Bishop reviews the escalating rhetoric over plans to redistrict Texas as Democrats flee to states like Illinois. Comments from across the political spectrum include President Donald Trump, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois state rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville.

Greg Bishop continues coverage of the ongoing debate about state's political boundaries with Illinois hosting Texas Democrats avoiding votes on new maps for The Lone Star State. Illinois Congressmen Mike Quigley and Darin LaHood shared their thoughts at an unrelated event in Chicago Monday.

Greg Bishop gets live reaction from state Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur, to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker hosting Texas Democrats fleeing the state to avoid voting for modified electoral maps.

(The Center Square) – Outmigration has taken a major toll on the Illinois economy, according to a new report by Unleash Prosperity. Using data from the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Census Bureau, analysts found that Illinois lost 881,012 residents from 2012 to 2022. Economist Stephen Moore said only New York and California suffered more domestic outmigration than the Land of Lincoln. “This is the sad story, same thing. New York and California and Illinois are just being bled to death,” Moore said.

Greg Bishop reviews continued concerns Illinois Statehouse Republicans have with the Pritzker administration's management of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Greg Bishop continues coverage of how the Trump administration's changes to SNAP could impact Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Republicans want to take food benefits away to give tax breaks to the wealthy. Republican state Sen. Andrew Chesney says Republicans are just looking for accountability of how tax dollars are spent.