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.

More Stories
Weather Full forecast →
Today Jul 22
Mostly Sunny
78° 59°

Mostly Sunny

💨 5 mph 💧 0%
Data: National Weather Service • Updated Jul 23, 2:42 PM Full Forecast →
Site Sections

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Push increased for Dalilah’s Law to get a floor vote

Push increased for Dalilah’s Law to get a floor vote

By Alan WootenThe Center Square More than four months later, federal legislation from a North Carolina congressman addressing nondomiciled commercial drivers remains stuck in the U.S. House of Representatives. A...
Texas suffers its first casualty in Iran war: female soldier from Carrollton

Texas suffers its first casualty in Iran war: female soldier from Carrollton

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas has suffered its first casualty in the U.S.-Israel war against Iran: Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton. She was killed in action on...
Illinois quick hits: Benton's replacement chosen; gas prices resume climb

Illinois quick hits: Benton’s replacement chosen; gas prices resume climb

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Benton's replacement chosen Jessica Dixon Heitman was chosen unanimously to replace former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, in the 97th House...
Illinois diversity certifications lag despite partial computer fix

Illinois diversity certifications lag despite partial computer fix

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- State diversity leaders recently reported a large increase in the number of Illinois businesses that get better...
FBI: Suspect in federal building attack was anti-ICE 'extremist'

FBI: Suspect in federal building attack was anti-ICE ‘extremist’

By Chris WadeThe Center Square A man arrested by federal agents Monday for starting a large blaze outside a New York City immigration court was an "anti-government extremist" who told...
U.S. House to vote on government funding stopgap

U.S. House to vote on government funding stopgap

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Republican lawmakers have teed up a Continuing Resolution that would extend government funding at current levels until Dec. 4, punting the government shutdown deadline by...
Trump vows retaliation for U.S. service members' deaths

Trump vows retaliation for U.S. service members’ deaths

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square For a 10th consecutive night, the U.S. is carrying out strikes on Iran, targeting the Islamic Republic’s ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait...
Forecasters split on midterms, but a sweep is possible, maybe likely

Forecasters split on midterms, but a sweep is possible, maybe likely

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Forecasters say Democrats are favored to take the U.S. House this November while Republicans are favored to hold the Senate, yet the likeliest outcome is...
Group behind tariff challenge calls Pritzker’s refund check demand irrational

Group behind tariff challenge calls Pritzker’s refund check demand irrational

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As over $86 billion has begun making its way back to small businesses impacted by tariffs imposed...
Abbott: Flooding worse in Kerrville this year than in 2025

Abbott: Flooding worse in Kerrville this year than in 2025

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The historic rainfall in central and south Texas that continues to cause significant flooding is worse this year than it was during the historic July...
Illinois news in brief: Ammons House investigation hearing set; IDOT requests public feedback; Duckworth reacts to service member's death

Illinois news in brief: Ammons House investigation hearing set; IDOT requests public feedback; Duckworth reacts to service member’s death

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ammons House investigation hearing set The Illinois House Special Investigative Committee appointed to look into alleged wrongdoings by Rep. Carol Ammons,...
Text messages aren’t ‘phone calls’ that can trigger class actions: Appeals panel

Text messages aren’t ‘phone calls’ that can trigger class actions: Appeals panel

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square (Legal Newsline) - Text messages aren't "phone calls," and can't be used to bring class action lawsuits against companies for allegedly violating...
Secretary of State says insurance reforms are not political

Secretary of State says insurance reforms are not political

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says he is offended by a state lawmaker’s suggestion that Giannoulias...
Details show speaker delayed lawmaker misconduct action

Details show speaker delayed lawmaker misconduct action

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New investigative reporting revealed last week that Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch knew of misconduct by...
Gubernatorial candidate calls for leadership overhaul, prison reforms

Gubernatorial candidate calls for leadership overhaul, prison reforms

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Independent Illinois gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett says persistent staffing shortages, aging equipment and what he describes...