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
Board Updates Grocery Tax Ordinance per State Request
Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025 Article Summary: To comply with requirements from the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Beecher Village Board amended its Municipal Grocery Retailers'...
Will County Executive Committee Rejects School Choice Advisory Referendum
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee voted against advancing a resolution that would have placed an advisory referendum...
Township Freezes Town Levy, Road District Seeks Increase for Fleet Updates
Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees approved a plan to keep the 2025 Town Levy flat by reallocating funds...
‘Welcome Move’: 815 Mulch-It Granted More Time to Relocate in Homer Glen
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee granted a second extension to a landscape and lawn...
Principal Addresses “High” Ability Grouping Label and Placement Concerns
Beecher Board of Education Curriculum Committee Meeting | Dec. 2025 Article Summary: Beecher elementary administrators addressed parental concerns regarding a "5H" label appearing in PowerSchool, clarifying that it indicated a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for December 2, 2025
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | December 2, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Works and Transportation Committee met on December 2, 2025, to address infrastructure contracts,...
Land Use & Development Committee forwards Women’s Residential Recovery Center
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee unanimously recommended approval for a new women-specific residential rehabilitation...
Village Secures Three-Year Fireworks Agreement
Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has secured its Fourth of July fireworks displays through 2028 after approving a multi-year contract...
Will County Board Members Question Fairness of New Transit Tax Structure
Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: Will County Board members expressed concerns regarding the funding mechanisms and governance structure of the incoming Northern Illinois...
Washington Township Board Opposes New Solar Farm Proposals
Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees on Monday formally voiced its opposition to two proposed solar farm projects located...
Congress drags on full year funding bills, risking second govt shutdown
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Despite only having until the end of January to pass the remaining nine annual government funding bills, Congress has so far made minimal progress. The...
Exclusive: First Nation reservation grappling with transnational crime
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A First Nation reservation located in upstate New York and extends into Canada says it is grappling with transnational and illegal border crosser crime. One...
Illinois legalizes physician-assisted suicide; critics warn of moral, safety risks
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950, prompting strong backlash from medical, disability, religious and...
