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

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.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Trump, Netanyahu inch closer to peace plan for Gaza

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square There was a glimmer of optimism in Washington on Monday as President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to iron out a potential...

WATCH: No deal in talks to avoid shutdown as parties blame each other

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The top four congressional leaders made little headway on a government funding compromise in a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, increasing the likelihood of...
WATCH: Pritzker says 100 military troops expected in Chicago, doesn’t have details

WATCH: Pritzker says 100 military troops expected in Chicago, doesn’t have details

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – One-hundred military troops are being requested for Illinois by the Trump administration, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker,...
DEA surge against cartel turns up fentanyl, millions in cash, guns

DEA surge against cartel turns up fentanyl, millions in cash, guns

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Monday it seized fentanyl, fake pills, millions in cash, 244 guns, and made 670 arrests during a week-long surge...
Illinois quick hits: Woman charged in Metro East murder; taxpayer funded homeowner relief fund announced

Illinois quick hits: Woman charged in Metro East murder; taxpayer funded homeowner relief fund announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Woman charged in Metro East murder A Belleville woman is under arrested in connection with a homicide in East St. Louis,...
WATCH: Former state lawmakers endorse, donors support GOP candidate Dabrowski

WATCH: Former state lawmakers endorse, donors support GOP candidate Dabrowski

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains unchallenged in the 2026 Democratic Party primary, Republican candidates for governor are...
Louisiana native awaits Senate confrmation

Louisiana native awaits Senate confrmation

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Louisiana native David LaCerte, an official in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, is still awaiting a confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate.LaCertie was nominated...
Portland protests Trump’s plan to send federal troops to protect ICE facilities

Portland protests Trump’s plan to send federal troops to protect ICE facilities

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square Several hundred Portland, Ore., residents took to the streets Sunday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump's order to deploy federal troops to the city to...
With potential mass transit service cuts looming, IL legislators seek reforms

With potential mass transit service cuts looming, IL legislators seek reforms

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers may be put on the hook to pay for a more than three-quarters of...
Trump asks Supreme Court to review birthright citizenship case again

Trump asks Supreme Court to review birthright citizenship case again

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider legal challenges on an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship. The administration asked...
Trump's limited drug tariffs might not bring back U.S. manufacturing

Trump’s limited drug tariffs might not bring back U.S. manufacturing

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's 100% tariffs on imported medicines include a carveout for generic drugs, which could limit the move's effectiveness. Monica Gorman served as special...
Government shutdown deadline days away, but Dems don't budge on demands

Government shutdown deadline days away, but Dems don’t budge on demands

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Less than 48 hours until the federal government runs out of money, Democratic congressional leaders show no signs of folding on their budget demands. President...
Report: 25 state governments don’t have enough money to pay their bills

Report: 25 state governments don’t have enough money to pay their bills

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Half of U.S. states don’t have enough money to cover their bills, according to a new report published by the nonprofit Chicago-based Truth in Accounting....
Officials react to DOJ voter roll lawsuit

Officials react to DOJ voter roll lawsuit

By Christina LengyelThe Center Square People are speaking up about a lawsuit filed against the commonwealth Thursday by the U.S. Department of Justice for failure to comply with a request...
Defense says more time needed for Tyler Robinson case

Defense says more time needed for Tyler Robinson case

By Dave MasonThe Center Square The defense won’t waive its right to a preliminary hearing but needs more time before a date is set, the court-appointed attorney for Tyler James...