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
79° 70°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Northern Builders Development Brings Changes to Laraway and Gougar Roads in New Lenox
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved access permits for a new development by Northern Builders at the intersection of Laraway Road...
Manhattan 114 Approves Insurance Renewal Amidst Cost Increases
Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | Jan. 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan School District approved a renewal of its comprehensive insurance package despite a substantial increase in premiums. The...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for January 6, 2026
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss...
County Board Debates Legislative Agendas; State Agenda Passes, Federal Agenda Sent Back
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board engaged in a vigorous and at times confusing debate over its 2026 legislative priorities, ultimately passing...
District 210 Updates Online Course Policy and Increases Summer School Fees
Lincoln-Way 210 Board of Education Meeting | Jan. 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved an increase in summer school fees and clarified policies regarding online coursework for...
Corporal Ingram completes elite leadership training program
Corporal Kurtis Ingram has successfully completed the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety. The SPSC is an intensive 10-week program focused on...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for January 8, 2026
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, January 8, 2026, tackling a heavy agenda that included...
Automatic Sprinklers Contain Industrial Fire in New Lenox
Article Summary: New Lenox firefighters responded to a machinery fire at a facility on Berens Drive early Tuesday afternoon, where the building's fire suppression system prevented the blaze from spreading....
Blaze Destroys Building and Food Truck at Woldhuis Sunrise Nursery
By Andrea Arens A massive fire tore through Woldhuis Sunrise Nursery late Thursday morning, destroying one greenhouse building, a food truck, damaging another building and drawing firefighters from across the...
Manhattan PD Celebrates Officer Podkul’s 20th Anniversary
A familiar face in the Village is celebrating a major career milestone. The Manhattan Police Department recently recognized Officer Podkul for 20 years of dedicated service. Known for his work...
Manhattan Woman Killed, Students Uninjured in Head-On School Bus Crash
Article Summary: A 24-year-old Manhattan woman died Thursday morning after her vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Manhattan School District 114 bus. While the driver of...
Pritzker signs Clean Slate Act to automatically seal some criminal convictions
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to automate the state’s record-sealing process for individuals with certain criminal...
Freight Clusters Drive Push for Overhaul of Wilmington-Peotone Road; County Advances Broader 2050 Plan
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: Citing the emergence of "new freight clusters," Will County is seeking federal support for a massive study to redesign 22...
