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 5
87° 67°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
‘All hands on deck:’ Burrow says AWOL Democrats being pursued to be arrested
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Speaker Dustin Burrows gaveled in the Texas House Friday and no quorum was reached after the fifth day. One hundred state representatives are needed for...
Dems say EPA cancelling $7B community solar grants ‘illegal,’ but ignore law
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will claw back $7 billion in already earmarked funds from the Solar for All community grants and then...
Attorney argues IL should honor TX warrants for absconding Dems
By Greg BishopThe Center Square An Illinois state senator acting as local counsel for the Texas Republicans wanting to have that state’s warrants for absconding Democrats recognized by Illinois says...
WATCH: Legislators urge return to capitol to deal with increasing Illinois energy costs
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Republicans are demanding that state legislators return to the capitol to deal with soaring energy prices....
Parental rights groups concerned over DEI in Denver teacher contract
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As Denver Public Schools move forward with finalizing a new teacher contract, parental rights groups are raising concerns about inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion...
Homeland Secretary: Pritzker, Johnson are protecting dangerous criminals
By Jim TalamontiThe Center Square U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested criminals who would still be on the streets...
Reports: DOJ probing NY AG’s fraud case against Trump
By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of an investigation into whether she violated President Donald Trump's civil rights...
Trump warns of ‘Great Depression’ if appeals court curbs tariff power
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Friday that if an appeals court curbs his tariff authority, America could sink into a "Great Depression." The U.S. Court of...
Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS announces new facility U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has returned to Illinois to discuss expanding detention facilities for what...
Abbott to call ‘special session after special session’ in response to AWOL Dems
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed what many in Austin speculated: he will call special session after special session until bills are passed. Abbott called the current...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025
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 covers the latest...
Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois now being home to the highest property tax rates in the country, state Rep....
Meeting Summary: Manhattan Village Board for August 5, 2025
The Manhattan Village Board approved a major road resurfacing contract, implemented a local grocery tax to replace state funds, and hired a new full-time accountant during its meeting on Tuesday,...
