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.
Tue Jul 21
75° 57°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Clark County Residents Challenge Solar Developers on Farmland, Finances, and Future
A public hearing on two proposed solar energy projects became a forum for resident anxieties on Tuesday, June 10, as citizens pressed developers about the long-term impact on prime farmland,...
Schelsky Wins 75th Casey Open in Playoff Thriller
Rich Schelsky of Rockville, IN, smiles after sinking the winning putt in a playoff to capture his first Casey Open title on Sunday. Schelsky shot a...
Casey-Westfield Meeting Summary: Board Saves on Insurance, Approves Major Purchases
The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education made several significant financial decisions at its June 23, 2025, meeting, including approving a new insurance package that will save over $52,000 and...
Casey-Westfield School Board Adopts Amended Budget, Locks in Fuel Prices
The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education formally adopted its amended budget for the 2025 fiscal year following a brief public hearing where no comments were offered. The hearing was...
Matt Poss Band Delights Crowd in Casey’s Central Park
The heart of Casey was alive with the sound of southern rock and country music last night, as residents gathered in Central Park for a live performance by the Matt...
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler, age 72, of Casey, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025—dancing with friends in Arthur, IL. Betty was born on February 13, 1953,...
Board Approves Over $74,000 in Facility Upgrades, Equipment
The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a series of proposals Monday totaling over $74,000 for concrete repairs, new kitchen equipment, and HVAC upgrades across multiple district buildings. The...
School District Buys Tractor to Curb Outsourcing Costs, Projects Future Savings
The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for...
Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums
The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...
Casey Proposes Electric Rate Hike to Stave Off Deficits; Gas Rates Next Under Review
Casey residents may soon see an increase in their electricity bills as the City Council considers raising rates for the first time in years to combat significant financial losses in...
Casey’s Proposed Budget Jumps 53% to $31 Million, Driven by Grant Opportunities
The Casey City Council has moved forward with a proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriations ordinance totaling over $31.1 million, a staggering 53.5% increase from the previous year. City officials, however,...
Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for July 21, 2025
Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief...
Patrick Randel Simpson
Patrick Randel Simpson Jr, 67, of Casey, Illinois, passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 25, 1957, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pat was the...
