WATCH: Ives investigates tax dollars for NGOs; Republicans say Pritzker raising energy prices
January 16, 2026/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square’s Greg Bishop talks live with Jeanne Ives from Breakthrough Ideas about her investigations into state spending on non-government organizations, how to shore up the state’s budget and more.
Bishop also shares recent comments from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican state senators about the status of Illinois energy policy and what is driving up rates for energy consumers.
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.
Sun Jun 7
81° 70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
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...
WATCH: Sanctuary bill soon law; Use of force case proceeds; CTU audits due Mon
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 airs concerns a...
