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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 15 at 3:11PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 15 at 3:10PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Mon Jun 15
74° 52°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Diaz Tosses Complete Game, TF South Runs Past Peotone 5-1
A dominant pitching performance by senior Richard Diaz and a hyper-aggressive approach on the basepaths propelled the Thornton Fractional South varsity baseball team to a 5-1 non-conference victory over visiting...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for March 3, 2026
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | March 2026 The Will County Capital Improvements and IT Committee met on Tuesday to address the county's physical and digital infrastructure. The meeting...
Chicago can’t ditch airlines’ suit vs ‘disruptive’ paid sick leave rules
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying it appears likely the city's sick leave ordinance would disrupt airlines' ability to function, a federal judge has rejected Chicago City...
$4.4B budget request for new Illinois early childhood agency draws scrutiny
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An agency focused on early childhood education created by state lawmakers in 2024 has made its first...
Lawmaker, officer warns Elgin officer firing could chill free speech
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and law enforcement officer is sharply criticizing the city of Elgin’s decision to...
Illinois quick hits: Coalition calls for more action on data centers
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Coalition calls for more action on data centers The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition says more action is needed from the Illinois...
IL House GOP asks “Have you had enough yet” following student’s murder
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After the alleged murder of a Loyola University student by a migrant who was in the country...
Gas spike continues for Illinoisans; state leaders offer no plan to help yet
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As fuel prices continue rising, government leaders in Illinois have responded to growing concern over the impact...
Updated: St. John Woman Charged with Nine Counts of Murder in Crete Township Triple Homicide
Article Summary: Jenna Strouble, 30, of St. John, Indiana, has been charged with nine counts of first-degree murder following the shooting deaths of her former partner, Jacob Lambert, and his...
Illinois lagging the nation for entrepreneurship, economic growth
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Policy Institute’s Josh Bandoch says he could have easily predicted the state would rank as...
Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa PA license wait times half of Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing says the state’s average wait time for new physician...
Bishop McNamara Offense Overpowers Peotone Baseball in 17-2 Non-Conference Tilt
Despite grabbing an early lead in the first inning, the Peotone varsity baseball team fell victim to a relentless offensive attack and a combined one-hitter from Bishop McNamara, dropping Monday’s...
Will County Previews ‘GuideWill’ Comprehensive Resource Management Plan
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: Will County's Land Use Department unveiled the branding, interactive tools, and initial timeline for its updated Resource Management...
