January 12, 2026/
WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares recent comments from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul about a lawsuit he’s joining with other states like New York and California challenging the Trump administration’s freezing of federal taxpayer funds for certain welfare programs.
Bishop also provides the latest debate surrounding the use of force amid public safety concerns around immigration enforcement with comments from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, President Donald Trump and more.
Finally, Bishop touches on the Federal Reserve chairman releasing a statement in response to a federal investigation into the central bank’s recent testimony to congress and renovations of the Fed’s Washington D.C. building.
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
63°
Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
ACA premiums projected to rise 26% in 2026, far above U.S. inflation
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Affordable Care Act health insurance premiums are expected to rise about 26% in 2026, the biggest increase in eight years and much higher than overall...
Milestone Moment: Moore hits 1,000th point in season opener
Senior Lucy Moore is recognized for reaching the 1,000-point career milestone during the Lady Warriors' 50-12 win over Villa Grove. Moore entered the season opener needing 22 points to hit...
Michigan law firm sued over alleged racial bias in diversity scholarships
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Two groups have sued a Michigan law firm for operating scholarships they allege are “racially discriminatory.” Do No Harm, a national anti-DEI policy advocacy group,...
WATCH: Libertarian concerns persist as IL Sec of State announces IDs for Apple Wallet
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Digital IDs have gone live in Illinois, but libertarians say the move makes it easier for governments...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzkers meets the Pope; Broadview to close street outside ICE facility
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzkers meets the Pope Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it was an honor for he and the first lady to meet with...
DHS launches new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched a new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud. It’s launched a new online tool through...
‘Ghost projects’ haunt power grid planners and taxpayers
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the country braces for a surge in electricity demand driven by large energy users like...
WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews actions taken...
ICE, Border Patrol agents experience historic surge of vehicular attacks this year
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A surge in targeted vehicular attacks against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers have occurred this year “driven by hateful rhetoric from...
Poll: Americans support eliminating Department of Education
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A new national poll reveals strong American voter support for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. The survey by the nonprofit Yes. Every Kid Foundation,...
Exclusive: Nonprofit leader urges fight against ‘woke capitalism’
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bill designed to protect the United States' court system from foreign influence is too broad, according to Trent England, director of the nonprofit Save...
As pennies disappear, businesses turn to hoarding, rounding
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans can continue to spend pennies, but few businesses are giving them back as the coin's 232-year run comes to an end. Some businesses have...
Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, ‘economic death spiral’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s allies have launched a seven-figure campaign to support his 2026 budget proposal, but...
Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge; digital state ID launched
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Former governor proposes millionaire's surcharge Former Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing for a state constitutional amendment requiring Illinois millionaires to pay...
