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
Federal judge tosses government lawsuits against Comey and James
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square A federal judge ruled against the administration twice Monday, throwing out its cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia...
Duffy, FAA say Thanksgiving holiday air travel should operate smoothly
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As the Thanksgiving holiday travel rush begins, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is assuring air travelers that they likely will not face the mass delays and...
Bills would end income tax on military’s pay and retirement
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Arizona, has introduced bills to end the federal income tax on military pay and veterans’ retirement benefits. Hamadeh said he promised...
Mosley: Report arrives at a turning point in gender ‘medical scandal’
By Alan WootenThe Center Square In a room with a licensed doctor seeing a teenager or preteen and their parents, it is the child with mental health assessment minimized or...
Republican majority in U.S. House wobbles with MTG resignation
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The early resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., raises the stakes for U.S. House Republicans in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections – a fact...
Report: Michigan wasted millions on deceased Medicaid enrollees
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan made $39.9 million in Medicaid payments to deceased enrollees over a two-year period a decade ago, with a total of $249 million spent across...
Another cause of Thanksgiving/Black Friday stress? Lawsuits
By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Though generally seen as a two-day holiday for eating and spending, Thanksgiving and Black Friday also present increased risks for lawsuits alleging...
State law helps Cook County expand immigrant legal defense fund
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Legislation from the Illinois General Assembly has opened the door for Cook County to fund immigrants’ legal...
Illinois quick hits: Trump reacts to Chicago violence; Pritzker increases weight limit for certain vehicles
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Trump reacts to Chicago violence Weekend violence in Chicago’s Loop has drawn the attention of President Donald Trump. A teenager was...
WATCH: Chicago violence and no cash bail; Governor candidate Dabrowski profile
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 the reaction...
Manhattan Greenlights 41-Lot Butternut Ridge South, Advances Wastewater Plant Expansion
Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Manhattan Village Board approved two major infrastructure projects, giving final plat approval for the 41-lot Butternut Ridge South subdivision and...
New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility spanning approximately 63 acres in...
JJC Receives Clean Audit, Reports $21.6 Million Increase in Net Position
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:Joliet Junior College received a "clean unmodified audit opinion" for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the highest level of...
