January 21, 2026/
WATCH: Pritzker says Trump’s first year a failure; Raoul discusses prosecuting fraud
(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.
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 20 at 1:45AM CDT until June 22 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Today Jun 19
82° 63°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Mass shooting at Stockton results in four killed, 11 injured
By Dave MasonThe Center Square The search continued Monday for the suspect or suspects in a Northern California mass shooting that killed three children and one adult. Authorities said 11...
Bill on Pritzker’s desk enhances Illinois’ migrant sanctuary policies
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker can now enact a measure enhancing the state’s migrant sanctuary policies that Republicans warn...
Warriors hold off host Pirates to reach title game
Feature photo caption: Leighton Jones attacks the lane against the Cumberland defense on Tuesday night. Jones finished with 10 points and four rebounds, and he sealed the win by scoring...
Legislator critical of criminal justice policies amid Chicago robberies
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Steve McClure is pointing fingers at some of what he sees as being...
Six Texas Republicans leaving Congress, finishing out terms next year
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square So far, six Texas Republicans are among the growing number of members of Congress who’ve announced they’re retiring, finishing out their term next year. While...
WATCH: Johnson responds to Trump; Migrant rental assistance urged; Credit card oversight
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 shares the latest...
Illinois quick hits: Cyber Monday security tips; expecting mother discharge legislation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cyber Monday security tips Government agencies are advising shoppers to shop safely on Cyber Monday. The Illinois Department of Revenue encourages...
Everyday Economics: A consumer slowdown, fraying margins, and a big test for the Fed
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Last week’s data told a clear story: the U.S. consumer is still standing, but looking increasingly tired – and businesses are starting to absorb more...
Casey Residents See 5 Inches of Snow; More Accumulation Forecast for Tuesday
Article Summary: After a winter storm dropped more than 5 inches of snow on Casey over the weekend, residents are preparing for a second system expected to bring additional accumulation...
Watchdog: Donations to liberal causes will continue despite Arabella’s rebrand
By Tate MillerThe Center Square A network that pours funding into American liberal ballot issue campaigns initiated a rebrand the same day its tax filings were released, with a watchdog...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for October 2025
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees met on Monday, October 13, 2025, taking action on several major financial...
Illinois rejects federal ‘no tax on tips’ rule, keeps state tax on tipped income
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois is not adopting the new federal “no tax on tips” provision, meaning tipped workers in...
Attack foiled in Ft. Worth day before National Guard troops shot in WDC
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Another Afghan-related terrorist attack was foiled one day before two National Guardsmen were shot in Washington, D.C., federal authorities said Saturday. The alleged perpetrators were...
