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 18
79° 62°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
TCS stories about Illinois’ diversity agency prompts call for audit
By Jared StrongThe Center Square Illinois diversity commissioners are paid tens of thousands more than other state boards but aren't required to work full time, allowing them to run a...
DOE issues emergency orders to mitigate blackouts in New England, Texas
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued emergency orders to mitigate blackouts in New England and Texas as 24 states have declared an emergency due to...
First Annual Laker Academic Invitational to be Held for Local High School Students
On Friday, February 6, Lake Land will host local high school students for the first-ever Laker Academic Invitational, a competitive event designed to challenge and recognize academic excellence. During the...
Government Shutdown Causing Ambulance Billing Delays
Article Summary: The Clark County Ambulance Service is experiencing delays in Medicare and Medicaid billing due to the federal government shutdown.Ambulance Service Key Points: Billing for Medicare and Medicaid has been...
Everyday Economics: Fiscal reality meets Central Bank caution in week ahead
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square At Davos, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin pointed to Japan's bond selloff – where super-long yields surged and 40-year yields hit record highs – as an...
Tariff uncertainty here to stay regardless of Supreme Court ruling
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Even as small businesses wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on President Donald Trump's tariff authority, a supply chain expert says uncertainty around...
Nearly 1M without power as massive winter storm rages
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Nearly a million American homes are without power as a massive winter storm sweeps the country. According to poweroutage.com, the most impacted areas are...
Walz deploys 1,500 National Guard troops in Twin Cities
By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square About 1,500 Minnesota National Guard troops went from standby to active following the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Gov. Tim...
Epsilon Sigma Alpha Approved as New Student Organization
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025 Article Summary: The board officially recognized Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) as a new student organization on campus. The group...
GOP looks to hold, expand U.S. House majority
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Republican leadership have approved a rule change to allow the party to hold a midterm election convention. While plans for the midterm convention are not...
Noem defends fatal shooting of armed man in DHS confrontation
By Hayley FelandThe Center Square Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by a Border Patrol agent as an act of self-defense...
Govt. funding process close to finish line as Senate preps for final vote
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The ball is in the U.S. Senate’s court to avert a government shutdown Jan. 30, with six fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills signed into law...
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canada over China deal
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump warned Canada that all its exports to the U.S. could face 100% tariffs if Canada finalizes a deal with China. Trump slammed...
