WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025
August 8, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop covers the latest in the fight over redistricting with an Illinois state senator joining Texas House Republicans to have warrants from the Lone Star State to be recognized in Illinois and Gov. J.B. Pritzker responding to the FBI getting involved.
Bishop also shares the latest polling data from Illinois Policy that shows Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker underwater in favorability for the first time as he heads into a bid for a third term as governor. Republican state Rep. Chris Miller says Pritzker is vulnerable.
Finally, Bishop shares some highlights from the ribbon cutting for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, which features $140 million in upgrades and taxpayer investments for the fairgrounds.
Watch the full program below. 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.
Sun Jun 14
75° 54°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois pols react to Homeland Security secretary’s exit, reassignment
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A member of Congress from Illinois says it is not enough for President Donald Trump to fire...
Illinois quick hits: Appeals court vacates use of force injunction; Charges filed for possession of sex abuse materials; Gas prices keep rising
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Appeals court vacates use of force injunction The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has vacated U.S. District Court Judge Sara...
U.S. cut 92,000 jobs in ‘dismal’ February report, unemployment 4.4%
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, a significant cut after January saw a better-than-expected report, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The...
Board Splits Along Party Lines to Approve 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board adopted its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda in a 10-9 vote, establishing the county's priorities for lobbying efforts...
Turmoil in Texas: Concerns for Paxton to drop out, Gonzales drops reelection bid
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Within two days of the March primary election, two high-profile races are already in turmoil. Republican leaders are taking actions to keep the seats red,...
HHS and DOC announce nutrition education initiative for medical schools
By Emily RodriguezThe Center Square Nutrition education for medical students will become more prominent in curriculum beginning this upcoming fall. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
Target sued for checking arrest records of new hires: Class action
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square CHICAGO — Target has been hit by a new class action lawsuit accusing it of violating Illinois state law by conducting criminal...
Farm bill, with changes, heads to U.S. House for vote
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square After more than 22 hours of debate, the Agriculture Committee in the House of Representatives voted early Thursday morning to advance the Farm, Food, and...
Agency improves license processing times; PA leader calls for modernization
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation says it has reduced the average processing time for...
These are the members of Congress who voted against disclosing sexual harassment claims
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Nearly all members of Congress, 357 Republicans and Democrats, don’t want taxpayers to know which members have used taxpayer funds to pay sexual harassment claims....
House Republicans re-pass DHS funding bill in symbolic vote
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. House re-passed the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill in a symbolic vote Thursday, amping up pressure on Democrats as DHS remains shuttered while...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker to Noem: ‘Don’t let the door hit you’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s legacy is corruption and chaos. In...
Trump’s newest tariff program won’t raise nearly as much money
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's newest tariffs, which already face a legal challenge in court, could increase deficits by $1.6 billion over the next decade, if they...
Legal experts: Supreme Court should decide energy policy framework over climate lawsuits
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the fall over a case to decide whether states can sue fossil fuel companies for damages related...
Frankfort Village Board Approves Four-Year Contract with Public Works and Utilities Union
Village of Frankfort Meeting | March 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Frankfort on Monday approved a comprehensive four-year collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers...