WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 15th, 2025
August 15, 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
Community Events
MondayDecember 8, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #1)12:30 amPajama Storytime with Santa (Session #2)1:00 amSensory-Friendly Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #3)3:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime4:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime10:00 pmHigh School: Winter Reindeer Decoration10:15 pm(Gr. 3rd-5th) Bluestem Book Club - "Nell of Gumbling"
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
Latest News Stories
Crete “Group Care” Home Approved for Senior Living
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a senior group care home in Crete Township. The facility...
Mokena Fire District Approves Insurance Renewals With Below-Average Hikes
Mokena Fire Protection District Meeting | October 14, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the renewal of its health and dental insurance premiums,...
New Bar Approved in Frankfort Despite Board Opposition
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board narrowly approved a special use permit for a new bar in Frankfort Township, paving the way for...
JJC Board Approves Grundy County Land Purchase Amid Heated Debate
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees voted 6-2 to approve a real estate contract for a new campus in Grundy...
Mokena PTA Donates Over $8,000 for Student Enrichment Programs
Mokena School District 159 Meeting | November 19, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education gratefully accepted a series of donations totaling $8,040 from the Mokena...
Support Staff Urge Lincoln-Way 210 Board for ‘Fair Contract’ During Public Comment
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: Three members of Lincoln-Way District 210's support staff addressed the Board of Education, voicing frustrations over working without...
County Takes Over “Central Will” Dial-A-Ride in Major Consolidation
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to absorb the "Central Will" Dial-A-Ride system into the county-wide "Access Will County"...
Mokena Fire District to End Response Protocol for I-80 East of Route 45
Mokena Fire Protection District Meeting | October 14, 2025 Article Summary: Effective January 1st, the Mokena Fire Protection District will no longer respond to incidents on Interstate 80 east of...
Board Denies Appeal for “Tiny Home” RV Living in Crete
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board voted 19-2 to uphold a denial of a temporary use permit for a recreational vehicle (RV) being...
JJC Board Censures Trustee Broderick Twice, Denies Request to Restore Good Standing
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:In a series of contentious votes, the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees censured Trustee Maureen Broderick for two separate alleged...
Will County Board Compromises on Mental Health Levy, Approves $10 Million After Debate
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, approved a $10 million tax levy for the Community Mental Health...
Green Garden’s Wildflower Farm Granted Second Extension for Rural Events Permit
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Bengston Land Management, LLC, operators of The Wildflower Farm in Green Garden Township, received a second 180-day extension from the...
Will County Board Rejects Proposed Tax Hike, Approves 0% Levy Increase in Contentious Vote
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: In a significant move providing relief to taxpayers, the Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, voted to approve...
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening Project
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a $10.4 million contract with P.T. Ferro Construction Co. for a major roadway widening...
Regional Office of Education Highlights School Safety, New Learning Programs in Update
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Will County Regional Superintendent Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff updated the County Board on key initiatives, including the installation of shooter-resistant window...