January 16, 2026/
WATCH: Ives investigates tax dollars for NGOs; Republicans say Pritzker raising energy prices
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square’s Greg Bishop talks live with Jeanne Ives from Breakthrough Ideas about her investigations into state spending on non-government organizations, how to shore up the state’s budget and more.
Bishop also shares recent comments from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican state senators about the status of Illinois energy policy and what is driving up rates for energy consumers.
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.
Latest News Stories
New health sharing program has seen 236% growth rate, with high hopes for 2026
By Tate MillerThe Center Square Health sharing service America’s HealthShare has experienced a 236% growth rate since it began last year, with expectations for more growth as Americans grow tired...
Lawmaker, physician: Politicians are micromanaging medical education
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new proposal, Senate Bill 3325, would allow health care professionals to count menopause education toward...
FBI probes Michigan synagogue attack as targeted violence, antisemitism
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square An armed attacker rammed a vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and school Thursday before being shot and killed by the temple’s security staff in what...
Iran to see ‘highest volume of strikes’ yet on Friday
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Friday’s strikes on Iran will exceed Tuesday’s, which were at that point in Operation Epic Fury, “the most intense day of strikes” thus far. “Today...
Illinois Quick Hits: One confirmed dead from Kankakee tornado
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Kankakee County authorities have confirmed the death of one individual who was inside a storm-damaged home in...
Four service members killed in KC-135 crash
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Four of six crew members have been confirmed dead as a result of Thursday’s crash of an American refueling tanker. The details that have been...
U.S. military jet goes down over Iraq; incident not attributed to hostile fire
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. Air Force refueling jet involved in Operation Epic Fury has gone down over Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command. The KC-135 was flying...
Casey-Westfield Explodes for 12 Runs in Third Inning, Downs Neoga 17-5
The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team capitalized on a barrage of Neoga fielding errors, erupting for a massive 12-run third inning to secure a 17-5 non-conference road victory on Thursday. Casey-Westfield...
Pritzker: ‘God was looking out for people’ in storm-damaged Kankakee County
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says God was looking out for people in Kankakee County this week. The governor...
Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A correctional officer is charged with six counts of sexual misconduct and one count of official misconduct...
Costco faces lawsuit as consumers seek refunds from invalid tariffs
By Brett Rowland | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A member is suing warehouse retailer Costco to recoup his tariff costs, the latest sign that refunding...
Insurer won’t back Gori defense vs asbestos lawsuit fraud claims
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Gori Law Firm, America's most prolific filer of asbestos lawsuits, is facing a lawsuit accusing it of racketeering and fraud, and...
With teachers union support, committee approves charter school mandates
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker’s union-backed proposal to place new mandates on charter schools in the state is generating...