WATCH: Child care funding freeze; Trump rebuts Jan. 6 testimony from Kinzinger, Pelosi
January 7, 2026//
(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.
Today Apr 10
68° 57°
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Curran, GOP lawmakers seek to end home seizures over unpaid property taxes
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Republican Senate Minority Leader John Curran is at the forefront in pushing legislation crafted to...
Illinois bill bars dangerous dog adoptions, forces behavior disclosures
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois proposal would require shelters and rescues to register pet microchips in a national database...
Illinois Quick Hits: Anti-abortion rally going on in Springfield
By The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Opponents of abortion are rallying at the Illinois State Capitol. Illinois Right to Life, a group opposing abortion, said buses...
Law’s Nine-Point Masterclass Fuels Litchfield Girls Soccer in 7-0 Rout of Jersey
LITCHFIELD, Ill. — Senior Chloe Law delivered a dominant offensive performance on Wednesday, factoring into six of her team's seven goals as the Litchfield varsity girls' soccer team routed visiting...
Chloe Law’s Hat Trick, Reid’s Shutout Propel Litchfield Soccer Past Roxana, 5-0
Senior Chloe Law delivered a dominant three-goal performance to secure a hat trick as the Litchfield varsity soccer team cruised to a 5-0 non-conference victory on the road against Roxana...
Patient Approach and Strong Pitching Power Litchfield Past Lebanon 9-1
The Litchfield varsity baseball team used a combination of dominant pitching and extreme patience at the plate to secure a 9-1 non-conference road victory over Lebanon on Wednesday afternoon. For...
Mielke Strikes Out 11, Litchfield Uses Late Rally to Defeat New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly 3-1
A dominant pitching performance by Alexis Mielke and a clutch sixth-inning rally propelled the Litchfield varsity softball team to a 3-1 home non-conference victory over New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly on Wednesday afternoon....
Illinois lawmakers push $20M grant for after‑school programs hit by fed cut
By Sean Reed | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee heard testimony on a pair of bills poised to...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois lottery player wins $536 million
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois lottery player wins $536 million An Illinois lottery player won $536 million in the Mega Millions jackpot. The winner, who chose to remain...
Illinois home prices surge, available units in short supply
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With home prices across the state up by 49% since 2019, Illinois Policy Institute’s LyLena Estabine...
GOP candidate counters congressman’s criticism on ethanol vote
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois Republican challenging for the state’s 17th Congressional District is pushing back after Democratic Rep....
Lawmakers push bills to close loopholes, increase penalties for child sex offenders
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state senator and former prosecutor says it is time to change Illinois law that allows people...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield City Council for March 5, 2026
Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 5, 2026 The Litchfield City Council met for its regular open session on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at City Hall. Mayor Jacob Fleming called...
Litchfield Commits $60,895 for Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project on Tyler and State Streets
Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council authorized a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to construct new sidewalks...
Everyday Economics: Existing home sales report may be noisy. Inflation will shape outlook
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week’s economic calendar includes several important housing reports, including existing home sales, housing starts, and building permits. But the most consequential releases are likely...