October 28, 2025/
WATCH: Primary election petitions filed; redistricting consideration for veto session
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop highlights some of the candidates that filed for ballot access for the March Democrat and Republican primary elections, including Darren Bailey Lt. Governor candidate Aaron Del Mar sharing the status of the Bailey family following last week’s tragic loss of members of the Bailey family.
Bishop also previews what could come from the start of fall veto session beginning Tuesday. Legislators could tackle energy legislation, increased taxes for the mass transit fiscal cliff and the possibility of redistricting Illinois congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election.
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Events
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CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Pond Project Installation: The valve structure for the park pond project arrived Tuesday with installation work beginning this week, continuing progress on the recreational facility enhancement. Sidewalk Bids Scheduled: Contractor...
Casey Council Approves Union Contract, Issues Historic Founding Day Proclamation
The Casey City Council approved a tentative agreement with the ICOP Union and signed a proclamation commemorating the city's founding during Monday's meeting, while also advancing several business and infrastructure...
Casey Schedules Public Input on Comprehensive Plan Update
Casey residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the city's comprehensive plan update during a public meeting scheduled for April 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Economic Development...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Ordinance Changes Considered: Alderman Richardson reported a citizen inquiry about allowing chickens within city limits, with an ordinance committee meeting planned to discuss potential changes to current regulations. Emergency Sirens...
Casey-Westfield Board Approves $4.5 Million Bond Issue with Local Banks
The Casey-Westfield School Board unanimously approved a $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention, safety improvements, and building renovations during Monday's meeting, with financing arranged through three local banks at...
Legislative Concerns and Athletic Policy Changes Address School Operations
Casey-Westfield school officials are monitoring state legislative developments that could affect district operations, while also adapting to new athletic association policies for private school competition. Superintendent Mike Shackelford alerted board...
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS
Technology Infrastructure Critical: The 9-year-old junior/senior high server replacement was urgently needed due to memory loss, 95% capacity usage, and daily error codes threatening system failure. Local Banking Partnership: Three...
Casey Approves Historical Society Parade, Adds Employee Medical Benefits
The Casey City Council formally approved the Casey Historical Society Parade for May 10th and enhanced employee benefits by adding AirMedCare membership during Monday's meeting, while also advancing comprehensive planning...
Casey Advances Comprehensive Planning with Public Input Planned
Casey is moving forward with a comprehensive update to its long-range planning efforts, with public participation opportunities scheduled for April as the city works toward adopting a new comprehensive plan...
CITY MEETING BRIEFS
Summer Cleanup Scheduled: The annual city-wide cleanup will run June 7th through June 14th, with Utility Superintendent Biggs also announcing plans to advertise for summer help positions. Storm Response Active:...
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...