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
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:13PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:12PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Tue Jun 16
71° 59°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
House Republicans re-pass DHS funding bill in symbolic vote
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. House re-passed the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill in a symbolic vote Thursday, amping up pressure on Democrats as DHS remains shuttered while...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker to Noem: ‘Don’t let the door hit you’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s legacy is corruption and chaos. In...
Trump’s newest tariff program won’t raise nearly as much money
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's newest tariffs, which already face a legal challenge in court, could increase deficits by $1.6 billion over the next decade, if they...
Legal experts: Supreme Court should decide energy policy framework over climate lawsuits
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the fall over a case to decide whether states can sue fossil fuel companies for damages related...
Frankfort Village Board Approves Four-Year Contract with Public Works and Utilities Union
Village of Frankfort Meeting | March 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Frankfort on Monday approved a comprehensive four-year collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers...
Judge orders tariff refunds, but Friday’s hearing could set course
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The government must refund more than $130 billion in tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump's unconstitutional tariff regime, even to those who did not file...
Iran War Powers resolution fails in House
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Congressional efforts to halt the U.S. military’s operations in Iran have now failed twice, with the U.S. House tanking a War Powers Resolution only a...
Chicago police monitor Iran-U.S. conflict; public advised to be aware
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Police say they are monitoring the U.S. conflict in Iran. Residents and visitors observed a significant...
Illinois secretary of state wants nearly 2% budget increase
By Sean Reed | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants nearly 2% more in taxpayer funds for his upcoming...
Illinois Quick Hits: Suspect arrested in connection with East St. Louis killing
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Illinois State Police special agents arrested a man accused of...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for February 10, 2026
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 The Will County Landfill Committee met on Tuesday to address legal preparations for the upcoming landfill expansion and operational needs at...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for February 19, 2026
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, was marked by significant zoning decisions, including the unanimous rejection of...
Board Approves Joliet Township Clean Fill Facility Despite Environmental Objections
Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a map amendment and special use permit for a Clean Construction and Demolition Debris (CCDD) facility...
