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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:44AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 15
72° 54°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Illinois ‘RIFL’ act sparks fierce debate as lawmakers return to Springfield
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois lawmakers convene for the 2026 legislative session, House Bill 3320, Responsibility in Firearm Legislation...
SCOTUS declines to hear felony firearms cases
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take up two cases over whether individuals with felony records can be permanently disarmed under the Second...
Illinois Quick Hits: No injuries reported in Tuesday earthquake
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – No injuries have been reported after the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 3.8 earthquake near the...
One year in: Reviewing Trump’s inaugural promises
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square One year ago Tuesday, President Donald Trump told the nation its “golden age” had arrived, promising to spend his second term restoring stability at home...
Drones and Thermal Imaging Used to Locate Elusive Monee Water Main Break
Monee Village Board Meeting | January 14, 2026 Article Summary: A stubborn water main break on Route 50 required a multi-agency high-tech search operation to locate. Public Works officials utilized...
Frankfort Township Road Commissioner Warns County Panel Against Low-Speed Vehicles
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee moved forward with a ban on low-speed vehicles on...
GOP hopefuls seek support, blast Pritzker at IL gubernatorial candidate forum
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – All four Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates have no shortage of criticism for current Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 2022...
Illinois lawmaker questions IDHS over years-long data breach
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker slammed the state agency as “incompetent” after the Department of Human Services revealed...
Draft County Federal Agenda Opposes Sharing Medicaid Patient Data with ICE
Article Summary: A proposed federal policy platform presented to the Will County Board takes a hard line against a federal agreement that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access...
Northern Builders Development Brings Changes to Laraway and Gougar Roads in New Lenox
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved access permits for a new development by Northern Builders at the intersection of Laraway Road...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for January 6, 2026
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss...
Freezing Temperatures Complicate Beecher Garage Fire Battle
Article Summary: Beecher firefighters faced a fully involved garage fire and equipment challenges due to the cold weather on Saturday evening, eventually bringing the blaze under control without reported injuries....
County Board Debates Legislative Agendas; State Agenda Passes, Federal Agenda Sent Back
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board engaged in a vigorous and at times confusing debate over its 2026 legislative priorities, ultimately passing...
