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.
Latest News Stories
Improved Vendor Service Creates $1.2 Million Shortfall in Sheriff’s Medical Budget
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Sheriff’s Office is facing a more than $1.2 million shortfall in its budget for inmate medical services, a problem officials attribute to an ironic cause:...
Will County Public Works Committee Unveils 25-Year Transportation Plan, Projects $258 Million Gap
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials have presented "Our Way Forward 2050," a new long-range transportation plan that provides a 25-year vision for infrastructure projects while forecasting a $258 million shortfall in...
Will County Animal Protection Services Seeks New Facility Amid “Gaping Wound” of Space Crisis
Article Summary: Will County Animal Protection Services is seeking approval for a new facility, telling a county committee that its current building is critically inadequate for housing animals, leading to...
Board Confronts Animal Services Crowding, Explores Future Facility Options
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials are grappling with an ongoing animal housing crisis that has overwhelmed the county’s Animal Protective Services facility, prompting discussions about expansion, new construction, or even repurposing...
Will County Board Members Demand Transparency in Cannabis Tax Fund Allocation
ARTICLE SUMMARY: A debate over transparency and process erupted at the Will County Board’s Finance Committee meeting regarding the distribution of local cannabis tax revenue. Board members called for more...
Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”
ARTICLE SUMMARY: A Homer Glenn farm owner voiced strong opposition to the planned widening of 143rd Street during a county meeting, while committee members indicated a "tentative agreement" is in the...
Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”
Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...
County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025
The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...
Key Stretch of Bell Road on Track for Thanksgiving Reopening, Committee Approves Additional Funds
ARTICLE SUMMARY Construction on Bell Road between 159th and 151st Streets is scheduled to have all lanes open by Thanksgiving, officials announced as the Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a...
Will County Leglislative Committee Opposes Federal Push for Heavier, Longer Trucks
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on national roadways. Will...
Will County Reports Progress in Opioid Fight, Highlights New FDA Labeling Rules
Article Summary: Will County is seeing a reduction in opioid overdose deaths and is expanding access to the reversal drug Narcan, health officials reported. The department also drew attention to...
In-House Staff Completes Major Renovations at Will County Adult Detention Facility
ARTICLE SUMMARY: Maintenance staff at the Will County Adult Detention Facility recently completed extensive renovations in-house, including a new control center and the full restoration of a 48-cell housing unit, saving...