WATCH: Gun ban cases and the Supreme Court; English and CDLs; Don Tracy eyes Senate

November 21, 2025/

Spread the love

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the status of various challenges to gun bans from Illinois, including a challenge to Cook County’s ban being sent to a U.S. Supreme Court conference for Dec. 5. The Barnett case, where a district judge ruled against the law on the merits after developing a substantial record from a four day bench trial, remains in the appeals court after a hearing nearly two months ago.

Bishop also talks live with Illinois state Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, about legislation he’s filed to do away with Illinois policy that grants standard drivers licenses to noncitizens. Niemerg also reacts to numbers provided to The Center Square from Illinois State Police showing the numbers of English Language Proficiency exam failures for Commercial Drivers License holders.

Finally, Bishop shares a conversation with one of the Republican candidates running for the open U.S. Senate seat. Don Tracy shares his thoughts about the crowded primary field, his opposition to Democrat political philosophies and the impact of the recent federal government shutdown.

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.

Latest News Stories

Retirements and resignations to impact midterms as balance of power at stake

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Over the past several months, politicians once regarded as central to their party have bowed out of reelection campaigns or resigned from their positions altogether....

Peotone Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage at New Lenox Target

A 45-year-old Peotone man has been charged with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property following an incident at a New Lenox Target store, according to police. New Lenox police...

U.S. Supreme Court to hear anti-oil cases with energy costs on the line

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Energy advocates have been warning against green energy demands driving up prices across the country. As anti-oil and gas activists seek legal pathways to straddle...

Constitutional concerns raised over Illinois’ first civil hate crime case

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former Illinois attorney general candidate says the state’s first civil hate crime lawsuit, while based...

Executive Committee: Update to Land Resource Management Plan; Solar Farms and Rural Zoning Dominate Discussion

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee initiated the first major update to the county’s Land Resource Management Plan since...

Will County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Legislative Committee voted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to amend its federal legislative agenda...

Health Department Outlines Major Reduction in Consensus Vaccine Schedule

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Health Department Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta clarified changes to the childhood immunization schedule,...

Peotone Staves Off Herscher Comeback for 28-25 Victory

PEOTONE — In a gritty, defensive battle on January 8, the Peotone Blue Devils relied on a fast start and tenacious rebounding to hold off the Herscher Tigers, securing a narrow...

Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases to acquire...

Finance Committee: Scholarship Tax Credit Discussion Halts

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A heated procedural debate erupted at the Will County Board Finance Committee meeting when a member attempted to...

Newsom predicts smaller budget shortfall than state agency

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square In his proposed budget, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is predicting a shortfall of $2.9 billion. That's much less than the $18 billion shortfall projected by...

Colorado ordered to pay $5.4M after abortion law blocked

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado must pay back legal fees after it was sued for a law banning abortion pill reversals, a federal court ruled this week. The state...

Will County Health Department Reports Rise in Respiratory Illnesses, Updates on Facility Issues

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: At the January 7, 2026, meeting, Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta reported a spike in respiratory...

Public Works Committee Delays Vote on State Police License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee voted to postpone a decision on an...

Four Republicans certified for primary to take on Pritzker

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Republican primary election for who will take on Gov. J.B. Pritzker in November is set. Democrats...

« Previous
1
…
78
79
80
81
82
…
166
Next »