August 15, 2025/
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 15th, 2025
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks with gun rights advocate Todd Vandermyde about the latest filing from the state defending Illinois’ gun ban in the federal appeals court. Read the filing here.
Bishop also provides highlights from Republican Day at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, from stage speeches and off-stage conversations with candidates and elected officials.
Finally, Bishop shares the latest back and forth in the debate over congressional maps as Texas Democrats may be heading back to the Lone Star State to face off with Republicans looking to give the GOP more seats in Congress.
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.
Part 1
Part 2
Events
Latest News Stories
Casey-Westfield Board Holds Hearing on $4.5 Million Safety Bond Issue
The Casey-Westfield School Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention and safety improvements, while also approving 4% administrative salary increases and addressing...
Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service
Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic, artistic, and community service activities, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Monroe Elementary students celebrated multiple milestones, including the 100th...
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS
Bond Issue Under Review: The $4.5 million fire prevention and safety bond proposal remains under consideration following public hearing input about property tax concerns and district bonding capacity. State Funding...
Casey Moves Forward with Utility Rate Study as Resident Questions City Processes
The City of Casey took the next step toward addressing its utility rate issues during Monday's council meeting, while a resident raised concerns about city transparency and bidding processes. Utility...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Utility Rate Study Advances: Water and sewer rate study information is ready for submission to the Illinois Rural Water Association for professional review, moving the city closer to addressing identified...
Casey-Westfield Schools Earn Perfect Financial Rating, Approve Major Purchases
The Casey-Westfield School District received the highest possible financial profile rating and a clean audit for fiscal year 2024, while also approving significant equipment purchases and personnel changes during Monday's...
Casey-Westfield Schools Focus on Student Activities and Community Engagement
Casey-Westfield schools are emphasizing hands-on learning and community connections through diverse programs spanning elementary through high school levels, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Elementary students at...
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS
Waiver Renewal Approved: The board authorized renewal of the full-day School Improvement waiver, allowing continued use of four full professional development days instead of six half-days, based on staff and...
Casey Council Considers Utility Rate Increases After Audit Reveals Losses
The Casey City Council is moving toward potential utility rate increases after a recent audit revealed the city is losing money on its water and sewer operations, officials announced during...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Executive Session Held: The city council met in closed session for 23 minutes to discuss litigation matters, following proper legal procedures for confidential discussions. No action was announced following the...
Police Report Pharmacy Break-In Resolution
Casey Police Chief Adam Henderson announced that federal authorities have resolved the investigation into a break-in at the local Pharmacie Shoppe that occurred several months ago. Henderson reported during the...
Casey Council Approves Property Transfer, Reshuffles Committees
The Casey City Council approved the transfer of two downtown properties and reorganized council committees during their January 8 meeting, while Mayor Mike Nichols outlined an ambitious list of projects...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Christmas in the Park Success: The annual Christmas in the Park event attracted approximately 1,800 vehicles and raised around $6,600 in donations, according to organizer Shane Todd. Todd thanked the...
