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 18
77° 59°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone School Board for November 17, 2025
Peotone School Board Meeting | November 17, 2025 The Peotone School District 207-U Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, was dominated by public criticism over the district's...
Mass shooting at Stockton results in four killed, 11 injured
By Dave MasonThe Center Square The search continued Monday for the suspect or suspects in a Northern California mass shooting that killed three children and one adult. Authorities said 11...
Bill on Pritzker’s desk enhances Illinois’ migrant sanctuary policies
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker can now enact a measure enhancing the state’s migrant sanctuary policies that Republicans warn...
Legislator critical of criminal justice policies amid Chicago robberies
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Steve McClure is pointing fingers at some of what he sees as being...
Six Texas Republicans leaving Congress, finishing out term next year
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square So far, six Texas Republicans are among the growing number of members of Congress who’ve announced they’re retiring, finishing out their term next year. While...
WATCH: Johnson responds to Trump; Migrant rental assistance urged; Credit card oversight
The Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest comments from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson...
Illinois quick hits: Cyber Monday security tips; expecting mother discharge legislation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cyber Monday security tips Government agencies are advising shoppers to shop safely on Cyber Monday. The Illinois Department of Revenue encourages...
First Look at Lincoln-Way 210’s Proposed 2026-2027 School Calendar
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education reviewed a draft of the 2026-2027 school calendar, which proposes starting...
Everyday Economics: A consumer slowdown, fraying margins, and a big test for the Fed
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Last week’s data told a clear story: the U.S. consumer is still standing, but looking increasingly tired – and businesses are starting to absorb more...
Green Garden Township Buried Under 12.5 Inches of Snow; Sub-Zero Cold Snap Approaching Friday
Article Summary: Green Garden Township residents are digging out from a major winter storm that dropped more than a foot of snow over the weekend. The active weather pattern is...
Watchdog: Donations to liberal causes will continue despite Arabella’s rebrand
By Tate MillerThe Center Square A network that pours funding into American liberal ballot issue campaigns initiated a rebrand the same day its tax filings were released, with a watchdog...
All Peotone Schools Earn ‘Commendable’ Rating on State Report Card
Peotone School Board Meeting | November 17, 2025 Article Summary:All four main schools in Peotone School District 207-U have received a "Commendable" rating on the 2025 Illinois School Report Card,...
Frankfort Turns to County for Wildlife & Dangerous Animal Control
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Frankfort has entered into a two-year agreement with Will County Animal Protection Services to handle calls regarding bats...
Illinois rejects federal ‘no tax on tips’ rule, keeps state tax on tipped income
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois is not adopting the new federal “no tax on tips” provision, meaning tipped workers in...
JJC Foundation Director Kristin Mulvey to Retire After 25 Years of Transformative Leadership
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:Kristin Mulvey, the longtime Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and the JJC Foundation, was honored by the Board of Trustees as...