WATCH: Child care funding freeze; Trump rebuts Jan. 6 testimony from Kinzinger, Pelosi

WATCH: Child care funding freeze; Trump rebuts Jan. 6 testimony from Kinzinger, Pelosi

January 7, 2026/
Spread the love

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop airs highlights from a Democrat-led committee in the U.S. Congress about the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and President Donald Trump’s reaction to some of the criticism.

Bishop also talks live with Lawrence Ligas, a Jan. 6 criminal defendant from Illinois who is now suing the federal government over his prosecution. He says he was unjustly prosecuted with excessive force.

Finally, Bishop delves into the news that the Trump administration is freezing $10 billion in federal funds to five different states including approximately $1 billion to Illinois as concerns continue about potential fraud in the welfare system stemming from findings in Minnesota.

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Pipeline expansion touted as key to U.S. energy dominance

Pipeline expansion touted as key to U.S. energy dominance

By Lauren JessopThe Center Square Pipeline expansion across the Appalachian Basin holds the key to solving the nation’s energy crisis, according to industry experts, though state policies and regulatory hurdles...
WCO 2025-09-27 at 9.05.04 AM

County Board Abates Over $25 Million in Property Taxes for Bond Payments

Article Summary: Will County property taxpayers will be spared over $25 million in taxes for the 2026 payment year after the County Board voted to abate taxes for six separate...
Illinois quick hits: EV rebate applications opens Oct. 28; Chicago speed camera tickets spike

Illinois quick hits: EV rebate applications opens Oct. 28; Chicago speed camera tickets spike

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square EV rebate applications opens Oct. 28 The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced that dates for the next EV Rebate Program application...
WATCH: Pritzker expects troops soon, protesters with guns charged; Darren Bailey reacts

WATCH: Pritzker expects troops soon, protesters with guns charged; Darren Bailey reacts

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 comments from...
Screenshot

Lincoln-Way 210 Prepares for “Retirement Wave” with Focus on Recruitment

Article Summary: Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is bracing for a significant number of retirements, with 47 teachers expected to leave over the next four years, representing nearly a quarter of...
Report says Arizona school superintendents pad their pay

Report says Arizona school superintendents pad their pay

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Arizona school superintendents are inflating taxpayer costs with salaries, lavish benefits and secretive compensation packages, a new report reveals. A Goldwater Institute report, “The Hidden...
Trump administration takes Nevada off sanctuary state list

Trump administration takes Nevada off sanctuary state list

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square After Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's agreement to full federal cooperation on immigration enforcement, Nevada becomes the first state removed from the Trump administration's sanctuary jurisdiction...
Candidates favor Medi-Cal for illegal immigrants

Candidates favor Medi-Cal for illegal immigrants

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democratic gubernatorial candidates during a forum Sunday favored continuing Medi-Cal benefits for illegal immigrants in California despite the $12.1 billion price tag for taxpayers. And...
DOE to invest $625 million to keep coal plants running

DOE to invest $625 million to keep coal plants running

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Energy said Monday it will spend $625 million on upgrades designed to keep coal plants online. It’s part of an effort...
Arizona congressman proposes coin to honor Charlie Kirk

Arizona congressman proposes coin to honor Charlie Kirk

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Arizona, has introduced a bill creating a commemorative coin honoring Charlie Kirk. A native of Illinois, Kirk had a home in...
Experts launch task force to combat U.S. literacy decline

Experts launch task force to combat U.S. literacy decline

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The World Literacy Summit hosted 80 education officials to confront the rapid decline of reading proficiency across the United States. The World Literacy Foundation, which...

WATCH: Trump, Netanyahu inch closer to peace plan for Gaza

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square There was a glimmer of optimism in Washington on Monday as President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to iron out a potential...

WATCH: No deal in talks to avoid shutdown as parties blame each other

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The top four congressional leaders made little headway on a government funding compromise in a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, increasing the likelihood of...
WATCH: Pritzker says 100 military troops expected in Chicago, doesn’t have details

WATCH: Pritzker says 100 military troops expected in Chicago, doesn’t have details

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – One-hundred military troops are being requested for Illinois by the Trump administration, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker,...
DEA surge against cartel turns up fentanyl, millions in cash, guns

DEA surge against cartel turns up fentanyl, millions in cash, guns

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Monday it seized fentanyl, fake pills, millions in cash, 244 guns, and made 670 arrests during a week-long surge...