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 12
87° 61°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
New Lenox Fire District to Launch Comfort Dog Program for First Responders, Community
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is adding a four-legged member to its team after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the creation of a new comfort...
Library’s ‘Studio’ Draws Record Crowds with New Tech and Creative Programs
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Public Library’s creative hub, The Studio, is experiencing a surge in popularity, shattering attendance records and successfully launching new technology-driven programs, according to a...
D122 to Spend $24,950 on Professional Enrollment Forecast
New Lenox School District 122 will hire an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive, 10-year enrollment forecast at an estimated cost of $24,950. The Board of Education approved an agreement...
Mokena Park District Approves $550,000 Fund Transfer for Major Park Projects
The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners has approved a $550,000 fund transfer to complete several key capital projects, including the construction of a new bathroom facility at Hecht...
Mokena Park District Joins Regional Partners in Renewed Funding Commitment for LWSRA
The Mokena Community Park District is renewing its financial commitment to the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA), joining eight other local park districts in an intergovernmental agreement that ensures continued...
Mokena Park District Seeks Nearly $1 Million State Grant for Yunker Barn Renovation
The Mokena Park District is seeking nearly $1 million in state funding to help transform the historic Yunker Park Barn into a year-round facility. Executive Director Greg Vitale announced at...
Meeting Briefs: Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners for June 27, 2023
The Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners met on June 27 to approve funding for capital projects, renew a regional partnership agreement, and review staff reports on recent and upcoming...
JJC Trustees Approve Contentious FY26 Budget After Heated Debate, Failed Postponement
The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a $322.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026, but not before a tense debate that saw a motion to postpone...
Library Board Approves Annual Budget, Begins Review of Financial Advisor Proposals
The Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved its working budget for the new fiscal year at its June 24 meeting and formally began the process of selecting a financial advisor...
Lincoln Way District 210 Approves $2.1 Million Budget Amendment, Maintains Strong Financial Position
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members unanimously approved an amended fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday night that increases the district's operating surplus to $2.1 million while maintaining...
JJC’s ‘12x12x12’ Initiative Boosts College Credits, Increases Matriculation Rate
Joliet Junior College’s ambitious "12x12x12" initiative is yielding significant results, leading to more high school students earning college credits and a greater percentage of them choosing to attend JJC after...
District 210 Approves Administrative Restructuring, Staff Salary Increases
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 board members approved administrative restructuring and salary increases for non-union clerical support staff during closed session actions Thursday night. The board unanimously approved...
JJC Board Meeting Highlights Tensions Over Legal Bills, Trustee Conduct
An otherwise routine vote to approve monthly bill payments ignited a tense exchange at the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, revealing ongoing friction over redacted legal invoices,...
