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.
Today Jun 12
85° 67°
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Motorola targeted with class action over license plate reader cameras
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Motorola has improperly shared data from its license plate reading cameras with federal immigration agents and other federal law enforcement offices, allegedly...
Seattle enacts one-year ban on data centers
By Randy DiamondThe Center Square A one-year ban on new large-scale data centers was approved by the full Seattle City Council on Tuesday. The ban comes after 98,000 residents emailed...
Social Security fund to run dry in 2032, automatic cuts loom
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Social Security's retirement trust fund will be depleted in 2032, triggering an automatic 22% reduction in benefits for about 70 million Americans unless Congress acts,...
$70B bill funding ICE, Border Patrol through 2029 heads to Trump’s desk
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Republicans in Congress on Tuesday sent their $70 billion bill funding federal immigration enforcement agencies through 2029 to President Donald Trump’s desk. The 214-212 U.S....
Lawmakers probe taxpayer savings in military contracts
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Advocates urged lawmakers on Tuesday to implement legislation that will provide for greater accountability of taxpayer dollars in military contracts. The Department of War requested...
U.S. launches retaliatory strikes against Iran
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square U.S. forces have begun launching “self-defense strikes” against Iran after President Donald Trump announced a response to the Islamic Republic's shooting down of a U.S....
Congress debates effects of U.S. immigration policies
By Christine JohnsonThe Center Square Abuses of the Department of Homeland Security's Temporary Protection Status program allowing foreign nationals of specifically designated countries to come to and remain in the...
Apple can’t shake huge class action over Photos face scans
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Tech giant Apple could be facing a potentially massive payout, after a federal judge said she will allow an Illinois biometrics class...
Another approach to border security: Denaturalization
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Trump administration is advancing multiple approaches to border security, including enforcing federal law that requires denaturalization. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalized...
Kennedy nutrition pledge lacks enforcement as health costs rise
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The federal government is spending $5 million on a voluntary medical school nutrition initiative, but fewer than 40% of the nation's 202 accredited medical schools...
Matchups not yet determined in redrawn congressional races
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square One week after polls closed in California, several matchups in redrawn congressional districts have yet to be determined. The passage of Proposition 50 in California...
Changes made to Illinois public transport plan sends money downstate
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A law expected to bring reform to public transportation in Illinois took effect at the start of...
Proposal to regulate AI development at federal level gets chilly reception
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Despite mounting pressure on Congress to establish clear federal standards governing the rapid development of artificial intelligence, a bipartisan proposal to do just that is...
