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.
Tue Jun 9
91° 72°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Chiropractor sentenced for fraud; fatal airport shooting investigation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chiropractor sentenced for fraud A Chicago chiropractor has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for billing a private...
Trump administration ends protected status for Burmese nationals
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status for Burmese nationals, citing improved governance in the country and planned elections next month. The administration said...
Trump designates Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organization
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square President Donald Trump on Monday issued an executive order to begin the process to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Trump did...
Tractor Supply Construction on Track for February Opening
Village of Monee Board Meeting | November 19, 2025 Article Summary: Construction of the new Tractor Supply Company store in Monee is progressing on schedule, with the village approving a...
Township Board Approves $5,000 Grant for Mud Dog Baseball
Monee Township Board Meeting | Oct. 2025 Article Summary: The Monee Township Board voted unanimously to approve a financial grant for a local youth baseball organization. Grant Key Points: Recipient: Mud Dog...
Talala Elementary Designated “Comprehensive” as District Reviews Academic Performance
Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education received the 2024-2025 Fall Academic Report, which highlighted a 92.2% graduation rate...
OpenAI launches teachers AI tools for classrooms
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square OpenAI has introduced a new free version of ChatGPT for teachers, as artificial intelligence continues to grow within education. The new platform offers educators a...
Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies
By Dave MasonThe Center Square A federal court has issued a permanent injunction stopping the Trump administration from dismantling four federal agencies that deal with issues varying from libraries to...
State reps: Pritzker turns ‘blind eye’ to Chicago’s public safety crisis
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After Gov. J.B. Pritzker said President Donald Trump was amplifying crime in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans said...
Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Medicaid coverage for parental home visits The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has launched new Medicaid coverage of home...
Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Residents voice concerns about heavy power use, water demands and the impact of a potential data...
Beef prices could remain high even as Trump removes some tariffs
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump removed 40% tariffs on Brazilian food products, including beef, but prices could remain elevated for years as the U.S. cattle industry rebuilds....
WATCH: Amid GOP governor candidates, Dabrowski says he knows how to fix Illinois
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican candidate for Illinois governor says he has the knowledge of what ails the state and...
