WATCH: Pritzker says Trump’s first year a failure; Raoul discusses prosecuting fraud
January 21, 2026/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square’s Greg Bishop discusses some of the highlights President Donald Trump provided from his first year in office of his second non-consecutive term. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Trump’s first year has been a “failure,” while Republicans in Illinois say Pritzker’s policy are not making the state safe or affordable.
Bishop also delves into the start of an investigation into overpayments in the state’s child care funding operations, with reaction from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul saying fraud should be prosecuted.
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.
Today Jun 7
81° 70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
IL congressman’s retirement announcement sparks calls for election fixes
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Common Cause Illinois is urging lawmakers to close what it calls an “anti-democratic” loophole after Rep....
WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker ‘fat slob;’ Talk of reviving progressive tax criticized
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 highlights from...
Illinois quick hits: Man arrested for threating legislator; vigilance urged during shopping season
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Man arrested for threating legislator Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation special agents have arrested a Chicago man on charges...
County Takes Over “Central Will” Dial-A-Ride in Major Consolidation
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to absorb the "Central Will" Dial-A-Ride system into the county-wide "Access Will County"...
Manhattan Officials Praise IDOT’s ‘Swift Action’ on Route 52, Discuss Further Safety Measures
Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen thanked the Illinois Department of Transportation for its quick response in adding safety measures at the Route...
Manhattan Park Board Rejects Site Plan Proposal, Halts Planning Over Cost Dispute
Manhattan Park Board Meeting | October 9, 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan Park Board unanimously rejected a proposal for an architectural concept site plan from Arete Design Studio, effectively pausing...
Board Denies Appeal for “Tiny Home” RV Living in Crete
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board voted 19-2 to uphold a denial of a temporary use permit for a recreational vehicle (RV) being...
Jackson Township Board Notified of Proposal for 800-Acre Data Center
Jackson Township Board Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: During the monthly report, township officials announced the receipt of a public notice regarding a massive proposal to construct a data center...
JJC Board Censures Trustee Broderick Twice, Denies Request to Restore Good Standing
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:In a series of contentious votes, the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees censured Trustee Maureen Broderick for two separate alleged...
Will County Board Compromises on Mental Health Levy, Approves $10 Million After Debate
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, approved a $10 million tax levy for the Community Mental Health...
Green Garden’s Wildflower Farm Granted Second Extension for Rural Events Permit
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Bengston Land Management, LLC, operators of The Wildflower Farm in Green Garden Township, received a second 180-day extension from the...
Will County Board Rejects Proposed Tax Hike, Approves 0% Levy Increase in Contentious Vote
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: In a significant move providing relief to taxpayers, the Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, voted to approve...
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening Project
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a $10.4 million contract with P.T. Ferro Construction Co. for a major roadway widening...
Regional Office of Education Highlights School Safety, New Learning Programs in Update
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Will County Regional Superintendent Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff updated the County Board on key initiatives, including the installation of shooter-resistant window...
New Lenox Solar Farm Proposal Advances with Conditions, Following Village and Forest Preserve Input
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a 62.7-acre commercial solar energy facility in...