WATCH: HHS tells Pritzker ‘show receipts’ on welfare spending; Energy bill to be signed
January 8, 2026/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares conversations about fighting welfare fraud with Truth In Accounting founder and CEO Sheila Weinberg and HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and how Illinois could be impacted and how the state can rectify a funding freeze.
Bishop also revisits debate over energy legislation Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign Thursday in Joliet. Supporters of Senate Bill 25 say it will help keep down rates with a continued focus on renewable energy. Opponents say they’ve heard that before with previous energy policies Illinois approved that they say has only led to higher utility rates.
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 13
71° 51°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Judge: SCOTUS ruling doesn’t necessarily end block on Trump DEI orders
By Jonathan Bilyk Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Chicago federal judge has declined to pare back his order blocking the Trump administration from cutting off federal funds to groups that...
Illinois quick hits: Man charged with threatening Trump; judge grants injunction in shelter funding case
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Man charged with threatening Trump For the second time in less than a week, a person from Illinois has been charged...
WATCH: IL GOP Rep: Sanctuary expansion bill may expose many to civil lawsuits
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois House and Senate leaders are touting legislation they say will protect people from federal immigration enforcement,...
WATCH: Family, friends remember Bailey family at celebration of life
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Loved ones have paid their respects to members of gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s family at a celebration...
WATCH: Amid criticism, Pritzker defends using expletive to tell Trump where to go
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday defended the use of an expletive that he used in front...
New Lenox Fire District to Hire EMTs to Combat Paramedic Shortage
New Lenox Fire Protection District Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: Confronted with a statewide paramedic shortage, the New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has approved an agreement...
Election integrity advocates urge reform after Illinois scores low in global survey
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Election integrity advocates are calling for sweeping reforms after a new international report ranks Illinois near...
WATCH: Pritzker’s rhetoric criticized; tax amnesty program; status of Guard lawsuit
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 a conversation...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union; Paprocki reacts to assisted suicide bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s use of an expletive telling President Donald Trump and his supporters what...
New Lenox D122 Board Approves $74.1M Budget for 2025-26 School Year
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education formally adopted its budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, projecting...
New Lenox Park District Advances $1.5 Million Bond Plan for Playground Overhauls and Future Projects
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Community Park District Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners has formally advanced a plan to...
Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal
By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A state appeals panel has agreed an insurance company doesn’t need to contribute to a $28.5 million settlement that resolved a class...
Illinois soybean farmers face uncertainty amid MAHA push against seed oils
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square Illinois soybean farmers face a potential market shakeup if public sentiment, and eventually policy, turns against seed oils, experts warn....
