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
County Board Approves Peotone Solar Farm Amid Debates Over Union Labor and Tornado Safety
Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: A 52-acre commercial solar energy facility in Peotone was approved by the Will County Board despite concerns raised by members...
Crete-Monee Board Debates Member Travel Budgets Amid Rising Conference Costs
Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | March 10, 2026 Article Summary: A discussion regarding the board's professional development policy sparked a philosophical debate over the value of out-of-state travel versus the...
Illinois business leaders press lawmakers as child care costs face scrutiny
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois business leaders pressured Illinois lawmakers Tuesday to approve billions of dollars in taxpayer‑funded child care investments,...
Illinois Quick Hits: Vacant lots go on sale in Chicago
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development say more than 600 vacant city...
State vs. local property tax debate rages in Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says property taxes are a local issue, but a county treasurer’s report says hefty...
Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at...
Fewer businesses of Illinois’ diversity-preferred group got state contracts last year
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - Fewer businesses that get diversity-related government priority in Illinois are getting contracts with the state, according to...
Slattery Throws No-Hitter as Crete-Monee Softball Crushes Thornridge 17-0
The Crete-Monee varsity softball team delivered a thoroughly dominant performance on Monday afternoon, routing conference host Thornridge 17-0 in a three-inning, run-rule shortened contest. The victory was highlighted by a...
Oak Forest Demolishes Crete-Monee 15-0 in Four-Inning Rout
The Oak Forest varsity baseball team delivered a dominant, wire-to-wire performance on Monday afternoon, crushing non-conference visitor Crete-Monee 15-0 in a four-inning, run-rule shortened contest. Backed by a relentless offensive...
Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the...
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a cannabis company subjected female workers at...
Monee Approves $5.6 Million TIF Redevelopment Agreement for Voortman USA Facility
Monee Village Board of Trustees Meeting | March 25, 2026 Article Summary: The Monee Village Board finalized a redevelopment agreement and promissory note to reimburse Voortman USA up to $5.6 million...
Crete-Monee Prepares for Summer Facility Upgrades, Targets Middle School Flooring
Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | March 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Crete-Monee School District is advancing its multi-million dollar Short-Term Facility Plan, highlighted by a proposed $364,800 flooring replacement at...
