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Around Will County

Around Will County

Written by: Brian
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About this listen

Jim Reilly, Dick Tyler and Brian Egan discuss issues impacting the citizens of Will County.

2025 Brian
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Brewing Beer For a Cause - Pauly Bidne
    May 7 2026

    Discover how Route 66 Old School Brewing in Wilmington, Illinois, partners with law enforcement through collaborative brews to support the organization Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). Join us as we explore the intertwining of brewing, community support, and honoring fallen officers.

    In this episode:

    • The story behind the "Whatcha Gonna Do" beer brewed for the May 8th police fundraiser
    • How Route 66 Old School Brewing collaborates with local police officers and community organizations
    • The significance of COPS organization in supporting officers' families and mental health resources
    • Details on the upcoming police memorial week in Will County and local law enforcement statistics
    • A deep dive into the brewing process for California Common beer
    • The evolution of brewing styles and industry trends, including the rise of infused lagers
    • The craft of home brewing, ingredients, and common pitfalls
    • The impact of COVID-19 on breweries and the future of the industry
    • Insights about alcohol and THC infusions, health effects, and the future of alternative medicines
    • Local history, including tales of prohibition and the origins of terms like "public house"

    • • Community engagement and upcoming events supporting law enforcement and local pride

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Superintendent Elizabeth Caparelli-Ruff Discusses Education Challenges & Innovations in Will County
    May 7 2026

    In this episode, Elizabeth Lisa Caparelli-Ruff, the Superintendent of the Will County Regional Office of Education, shares her experiences, initiatives, and vision for improving public education, school safety, and student welfare across Will County.
    We cover:
    The importance of feeding and supporting students in alternative education settings like Lincoln Regional Safe School
    Innovative solutions for school safety including shooter-resistant laminates and visitor management systems
    Addressing disparities in educational achievement and accountability for underserved communities
    The role of community partnerships and mentorship programs for at-risk youth
    Her journey from special education teacher to superintendent and her political ambitions
    Challenges faced during her tenure, including school safety incidents and the importance of community involvement

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    58 mins
  • Ted Dabrowski - GOP Candidate for Governor of Illinois
    Mar 3 2026

    Ted Dabrowski, a Republican candidate for governor of Illinois, shares his background, platform, and vision for the state. He discusses the challenges facing Illinois, including property taxes, pension debt, and voter integrity. The conversation also delves into the role of media and the dynamics of the gubernatorial race. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the gubernatorial campaign, education reform, public sector pensions, government accountability, and the use of AI in government. The candidate emphasizes the need for change and a winning culture in Illinois.

    Takeaways

    • Gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski shares his vision for Illinois
    • Challenges facing Illinois include property taxes, pension debt, and voter integrity Gubernatorial Campaign
    • Education Reform
    • Public Sector Pensions
    • Government Accountability
    • AI in Government

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Background
    • 06:09 Property Taxes and State Influence
    • 11:21 Financial Crisis and Government Policies
    • 17:20 Impact of Safe-T Act and Law Enforcement Support
    • 23:07 Media Influence and Alternative Platforms
    • 01:01:06 Illinois Culture and Change
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    1 hr and 4 mins
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