WATCH: Child care funding freeze; Trump rebuts Jan. 6 testimony from Kinzinger, Pelosi

WATCH: Child care funding freeze; Trump rebuts Jan. 6 testimony from Kinzinger, Pelosi

January 7, 2026/Newspaper Staff/

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop airs highlights from a Democrat-led committee in the U.S. Congress about the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and President Donald Trump’s reaction to some of the criticism.

Bishop also talks live with Lawrence Ligas, a Jan. 6 criminal defendant from Illinois who is now suing the federal government over his prosecution. He says he was unjustly prosecuted with excessive force.

Finally, Bishop delves into the news that the Trump administration is freezing $10 billion in federal funds to five different states including approximately $1 billion to Illinois as concerns continue about potential fraud in the welfare system stemming from findings in Minnesota.

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Trump watches as high court hears challenge to his birthright citizenship order

Trump watches as high court hears challenge to his birthright citizenship order

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments, observing as the justices considered a challenge Wednesday to his...
Illinois Quick Hits: Prtizker says Trump order is unconstitutional

Illinois Quick Hits: Prtizker says Trump order is unconstitutional

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on Tuesday to address election integrity is...
U of I pressed on costly abandoned development project, stance on DEI directives

U of I pressed on costly abandoned development project, stance on DEI directives

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As many Illinois universities face multimillion dollar budget deficits, state senators were critical of spending by the...
Trump says Iran's new leader wants ceasefire

Trump says Iran’s new leader wants ceasefire

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump announced today that Iran's new leader has requested a ceasefire, marking a possible turning point in the ongoing conflict that has gripped...
‘Conversion therapy’ bans in IL, other states, in danger, after SCOTUS ruling

‘Conversion therapy’ bans in IL, other states, in danger, after SCOTUS ruling

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The days appear to be numbered for a Colorado state law banning so-called "conversion therapy," after the U.S. Supreme Court lopsidedly sided...
Litchfield Panthers Softball Graphic

Civic Memorial’s Six-Run Fourth Inning Sinks Litchfield 7-5

A disastrous mid-game defensive lapse proved too costly to overcome for the Litchfield varsity softball team, as they fell 7-5 to non-conference visitor Civic Memorial on Tuesday afternoon. Despite out-hitting...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.3

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield City Council for March 19, 2026

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 19, 2026 The Litchfield City Council met for its regular open session on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at City Hall. Mayor Jacob Fleming called...
Litchfield Park-Graphic Logo.4

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield Park District Board for March 4, 2026

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | March 4, 2026 The Litchfield Park District Board of Commissioners met for its regular monthly session on March 4, 2026. President Jeff Heyen called...
Litchfield Panthers Track Graphic

Litchfield Relays, Jumpers Dominate at Home Triangular Against Carlinville and Gillespie

The Litchfield High School track and field teams delivered a stellar performance on their home turf Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026, capturing multiple first-place finishes in a competitive triangular meet...
Illinois business leaders press lawmakers as child care costs face scrutiny

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

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

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

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

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...
Litchfield Panthers Baseball Graphic

Leitschuh’s Power, Pastrovich’s Arm Lead Litchfield Past Athens 13-2

The Litchfield varsity baseball team showcased a dominant, well-rounded performance on Monday afternoon, cruising to a 13-2 road victory over non-conference foe Athens in a game shortened to six innings....