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 Police Face Staffing Changes as Officer Resigns, New Recruit Advances
The Casey Police Department is navigating personnel transitions after an officer submitted his resignation, while a new recruit continues progressing through the academy, Chief Adam Henderson reported during Monday's city...
Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey
Casey's economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city's growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday's council meeting. Daughhetee...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Founder's Day Parade Planned: A Founder's Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will...
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...