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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Everyday Economics: Working more, falling behind

Everyday Economics: Working more, falling behind

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week's data tells a clear story: Americans are earning more dollars that buy less. The economy looks fine on paper. It doesn't feel fine...
America 250: Celebrating presidential pets

America 250: Celebrating presidential pets

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Americans commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, presidential pets are being celebrated as well. “Dogs, cats, horses, cows – as well as far...
Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Census Bureau is planning for 2030, making decisions that will shape the distribution of federal funding that topped $2.8 trillion in fiscal year 2021,...
Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While former Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris remains the Democratic frontrunner for 2028, according to new polling, her support, and that for California...
Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Bipartisan legislation meant to speed up first-time union contracts would promote efficiency but also erode both employee and employer rights, a labor policy group argues....
House passes Mary Miller's bill to stop childcare fraud

House passes Mary Miller’s bill to stop childcare fraud

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., aimed...
Tax tribunal to remain funded

Tax tribunal to remain funded

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square T(The Center Square) – An independent tribunal created to resolve taxpayer disputes with the Illinois Department of Revenue is expected to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Surveys continue after tornadoes, severe weather

Illinois Quick Hits: Surveys continue after tornadoes, severe weather

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Survey teams have been assessing storm damage after severe weather impacted parts of Illinois and surrounding states...
Trump floats USMCA exit; Midwest motorists, refineries could see hardship

Trump floats USMCA exit; Midwest motorists, refineries could see hardship

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signaled he doesn’t intend to renew a trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, which...
Presidential poll numbers show Pritzker at 2%

Presidential poll numbers show Pritzker at 2%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new public opinion poll says Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains low on the list of voters’...
Illinois Quick Hits: Tornadoes, storms cause damage, outages

Illinois Quick Hits: Tornadoes, storms cause damage, outages

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The National Weather Service will be conducting storm surveys in the wake of severe storms that impacted...
Cook County offers loans after latest tax bill delays

Cook County offers loans after latest tax bill delays

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The latest delay in property tax billing by Cook County is expected to cost local governments. Cook...
Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures

Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Severe storms on Wednesday caused damage in many areas around Illinois, including the state fairgrounds in Springfield....
Extension of pension buyout program to drop $144B liability

Extension of pension buyout program to drop $144B liability

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation extending a program that allows retiring state employees to be paid...
Schools face bus funding, cost challenges

Schools face bus funding, cost challenges

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Public schools are facing bus transportation challenges due to higher costs and a shortage of drivers. State...