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 9
88° 70°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Chicago school board raises property tax levy
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago school board raises property tax levy By a vote of 15 to 5, the Chicago Board of Education raised its...
Illinois lawmaker welcomes possible Marine deployment after Supreme Court ruling
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker praised as a “win” a U.S. Supreme Court ruling temporarily preventing President...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Village Board for December 22, 2025
Beecher Village Board Meeting | December 22, 2025 The Beecher Village Board met on Monday, December 22, 2025, for a regular meeting that featured significant personnel changes and the approval...
County Board Approves Women’s Residential Treatment Center in Joliet
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved zoning changes to allow the Existential Counselor Society to open a women’s residential treatment...
White business owners are biggest share of Illinois’ diversity-preferred contract group
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' initiative to boost the amount of state contract money it awards to businesses owned by racial...
Beecher Firefighters Log Over 9,700 Training Hours; New Truck Expected Soon
Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: Deputy Chief Mike Heusing reported substantial training numbers for the district's firefighters and provided a timeline for the delivery of...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for December 18, 2025
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 The Will County Board held its regular meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, focusing heavily on land use, transportation infrastructure, and public...
Village Clerk Janett McCawley Retires After 35 Years
Beecher Village Board Meeting | December 22, 2025 Article Summary: The Village Board honored Village Clerk and Office Manager Janett McCawley, who is retiring after more than three decades of...
Undersheriff Brian Conser Retires After 29 Years of Service
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board and Sheriff’s Office honored Undersheriff Brian Conser, who is retiring after nearly three decades of service....
Beecher Fire Trustees Approve 2025 Tax Levy and Authorize Roof Repairs
Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees passed ordinances for the 2025 tax levy and abatements while also taking...
County Approves Engineering for Peotone Road and Safety Upgrades
Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The County Board approved a Phase I engineering contract for improvements to Wilmington-Peotone Road and authorized an agreement for license...
Sprinkler System Helps Contain Christmas Eve Fire at Beecher Banquet Facility
BEECHER, Ill. — A commercial fire at a Beecher banquet facility was quickly brought under control on Christmas Eve, thanks in large part to a properly functioning automatic sprinkler system,...
John Galvin Sworn In as New Police Chief
Beecher Village Board Meeting | December 22, 2025 Article Summary: Former Country Club Hills Police Chief John Galvin was officially sworn in as the new Beecher Police Chief, succeeding Terry...
