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
In Brief: Ordinance Review Committee Actions
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met June 10 to continue its comprehensive update of the county code. Here are some of the key actions and discussions: Court Fees...
Frankfort Park District Kicks Off Busy Summer Season with Races and New Events
The Frankfort Park District is in full summer swing, with a packed schedule of programs and events that includes an expanded day camp, new community parties, and the 25th anniversary...
Mokena Approves FY 2026 Budget, Funds Major Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades
The Mokena Village Board unanimously adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 budget on Monday, approving a financial plan that directs major funding toward road resurfacing, storm sewer replacements, and a comprehensive...
Mokena Residents to See Higher Water and Sewer Bills
Residents will soon be paying more for water and sewer services after the Mokena Village Board approved rate increases for the new fiscal year. The board voted unanimously on June...
Mokena Renews Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract at Reduced Cost
The Village of Mokena has extended its traffic signal maintenance contract for another year, securing the service at a lower cost after the number of signals under its jurisdiction was...
Meeting Briefs: Mokena Village Board for June 9, 2025
The Mokena Village Board on June 9 adopted its budget for the 2026 fiscal year, a plan that includes significant spending on infrastructure and technology, and also approved utility rate...
Will County Jail Faces Major Staffing Crisis as 70 Employees Eligible to Retire by 2030
County officials warn of potential budget impact as adult detention facility grapples with unprecedented turnover Will County's adult detention facility is heading toward a staffing crisis that could significantly impact...
Will County Health Department Reports Sharp Decline in Overdose Deaths
2025 fatalities running 40% lower than previous year, officials attribute success to expanded Narcan distribution Will County is experiencing a significant reduction in overdose deaths, with 2025 fatalities running 40%...
Will County Health Department Faces Funding Uncertainty as Federal Grants Under Review
Multiple revenue sources threatened as department seeks legislative support for public health programs Will County Health Department officials are closely monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact multiple programs...
Will County Land Use Meeting Briefs
LAND USE ACTIONS Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules Modified: The committee recommended approval of text amendments allowing accessory dwelling units to exceed current building area limitations in certain circumstances. The changes...
Federal Reconciliation Bill Targets Medicaid, SNAP Programs
Will County Legislators Briefed on Potential Local Impacts Federal legislation making sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could significantly impact Will County residents and services, county legislators learned...
Will County Approves Modified $756 Million Transportation Plan Despite Terminology Debate
Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee approved a five-year, $756 million transportation improvement plan on June 3, but not before a heated debate over whether to call it a...
Will County completes major projects while others move forward
Will County's facilities team has completed several major projects while advancing others throughout the county, officials reported during a Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting Monday. The Old Courthouse Plaza...