September 11, 2025/
WATCH: Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination pour in; Freedom Caucus discusses 2026
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares some of the reaction from political leaders to the assassination of Turning Points USA founder Charlie Kirk, an Illinois native, and the accusations of which side of the political spectrum is ratcheting up their political rhetoric.
Bishop also shares some of the thoughts about the 2026 elections from the Illinois Freedom Caucus, and reviews some of the campaign finance reports from the state’s Democrats, Republicans and candidates from both political parties for Illinois governor.
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.
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 17 at 7:49AM CDT until June 17 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
⚠️ Wind Advisory issued June 17 at 1:55AM CDT until June 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Today Jun 16
85° 66°
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
November inflation at 2.7%, lower than expected
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Consumer prices rose by 0.2% in the two month period between September and November. In the past 12 months, overall prices rose by 2.7%, which...
Warriors overcome slow start to handle Neoga, remain undefeated
Featured Photo Caption: Sophomore Landon Justice rises up to score over a Neoga defender. Justice dominated the JV contest with 20 points and 13 rebounds. —photo by Terri Cox By...
Trump touts accomplishments, future policies during primetime address
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In what is likely his final address to the nation of the year, President Donald Trump touted what he said were his accomplishments, and previewed...
Closing arguments made in congressional redistricting suit
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square Lawyers supporting and opposing California’s congressional redistricting maps made their closing arguments in the lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Los Angeles. The case is...
U.S. House passes GOP health care bill, sends to Senate
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. House passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in a party line, 216-211, vote Wednesday, sending the bill to its...
Tips solicited for Brown University still at-large shooter
By Chris WadeThe Center Square Law enforcement officials continued their hunt for the suspect in the deadly shooting at Brown University on Wednesday as they doubled down on calls for...
Illinois quick hits: Bovino thanks police; fire assistance grants available
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bovino thanks police U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino has expressed his appreciation to police officers in Chicago and...
Senate passes $900 billion Pentagon funding bill, sends to Trump’s desk
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. Senate passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act in a 77-20 vote Wednesday, sending the roughly $901 billion bill to President Donald Trump's...
Bongino to resign as FBI deputy director in January
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Dan Bongino, deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will vacate his position in January. Bongino gave no reason for his leaving in the...
IL House Speaker: ‘not even close’ to school choice legislation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The speaker of the Illinois House says he would put school choice legislation up for a vote...
IL comptroller: Chicago mayor’s policies chase businesses away
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says Chicago is chasing job creators away with crippling policies. Citadel moved 900...
Menards settles deceptive 11% rebate lawsuit for $4.25M with 10 states
By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Wisconsin-based Menards has agreed to pay a combined $4.25 million to settle a lawsuit from 10 states...
WATCH: Illinois decoupling law recaptures taxes federal code cuts
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois decoupling from portions of the federal tax code was necessary to keep...
