WATCH: Pritzker says Trump’s first year a failure; Raoul discusses prosecuting fraud
January 21, 2026/
(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 5
87° 66°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Kratom byproduct in gummies, candies, ice cream ruled same as herion, LSD
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Found in gummies, candies and ice cream, a concentrated substance known as 7-OH has been classified as a Schedule 1 substance alongside heroin and LSD...
‘Liberation Day’ reignites D.C. statehood debate
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As the National Guard begins patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., after President Donald Trump announced their deployment in support of making the city safer,...
Trump to meet with Democratic leaders to discuss govt funding bills
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With government funding progress halted and a government shutdown deadline looming, President Donald Trump is reaching across the aisle to Democratic congressional leaders to discuss...
WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of...
Social Security’s 90th anniversary sparks debate over how to address insolvency
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square On the day before Social Security’s 90th anniversary, fiscal watchdogs are urging Congress to seriously address the program’s impending funding shortfalls – particularly in light...
Colorado ranks eighth nationally for battling antisemitism
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The Anti-Defamation League recently named Colorado one of nine states “leading the way” on combatting antisemitism. The Jewish Policy Index was conducted by the ADL...
Trump speaks with Zelenskyy, European leaders ahead of Putin meeting in Alaska
By Caroline BodaThe Center Square President Donald Trump met virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders before flying to Alaska for a U.S.-Russia...
Texas House Democrats may return after first special session is over
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After the Texas House didn’t reach a quorum on Tuesday, the Texas House Democratic Caucus said absconding House Democrats would return after the first special...
Illegal border crossings reach lowest level in recorded US history in July
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Illegal border crossings nationwide dropped to their lowest level in recorded history in July, according to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. “CBP...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Wednesday Aug. 13th, 2025
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 comments from...
Illinois law empowers officials to crack down on predatory towing
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Beginning Jan. 1, a new Illinois law cracks down on predatory towing by letting the Illinois...
Illinois quick hits: Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault A former Chicago public school dean has been sentenced to 22 years in...
Will County Receives Detailed Update on Landfill Expansion Investigation
Article Summary: The Will County Landfill Committee received a comprehensive technical update on the site investigation for the planned horizontal expansion of the county landfill, confirming the project remains on...
