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.
Fri Jun 19
77° 58°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Congressional Conflicts: Curb on lawmakers’ stock trades draws fire for being weak
By Mark StricherzThe Center Square A limited ban on stock trading by Congress might get a vote next year after a 2012 law did not do enough to stem the...
Wyoming’s year in review: Education savings, contentious spending
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Wyoming lawmakers passed legislation to expand education savings accounts and property tax protections in 2025. However, the legislature remained divided on substantial spending increases to...
Frankfort Man Arrested in Gas Station Robbery Found Hiding in McDonald’s Restroom
Article Summary: Sufyan Farhan, 27, was arrested on December 21 following an armed robbery at a Frankfort Circle K. Deputies located the suspect hiding in a nearby McDonald's restroom after...
U.S. House advances GOP-backed energy reliability bill
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Legislation looking to lower energy prices nationally successfully passed the U.S. House on a slightly bipartisan vote. H.R. 3628, titled the “State Planning for Reliability...
Illinois’ safe gun storage law goes into effect Jan. 1
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Components of Illinois Safe Gun Storage Act go into effect Jan. 1. Supporters of Senate Bill 8,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for December 11, 2025
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, December 11, 2025, tackling a diverse agenda that included...
New Lenox Homeowner Granted Variance for 4,000-Square-Foot Accessory Space
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | December 16, 2025 Article Summary: A New Lenox homeowner received approval to build a large pole barn that exceeds the county's size limits...
District Weighs $4.8 Million Debt Reduction Scenarios as Facility Issues Persist
Peotone CUSD 207-U Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: Peotone school officials are evaluating whether to abate or defease $4.8 million in unused bond funds following the cancellation of...
County Expands Paratransit Services, Board Members Question Long-Term Funding
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with Pace to expand paratransit services county-wide for seniors and residents with...
California attorney general joins coalition to protect trans youth in sports
By Esther Wickham | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined 12 Democratic attorneys general on Tuesday, submitting an amicus brief opposing...
Supreme Court blocks National Guard deployment to Chicago
By Brett Rowland | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump can't use National Guard troops in Chicago...
Chicago mayor refuses to sign or veto budget at ‘not a campaign event’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Chicago budget is set to take effect, even though the city’s mayor refused to sign...
Illinois quick hits: DOJ sues over sanctuary expansion law
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DOJ sues over sanctuary expansion law The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and...
