November 4, 2025/
WATCH: GOP U.S. Sen. candidate Tracy on shutdown, tariffs; state expands sanctuary
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks live with Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy about the government shutdown, politics over immigration, the use of tariffs and more.
Bishop also reviews floor debate over a bill to expand the state’s migrant sanctuary policies on the Illinois House floor as the clock struck midnight into Halloween. Democrats say the measure reigns in Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republicans worry it opens state and local police and various institutions up to civil lawsuits.
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
Latest News Stories
EIU Leads OVC With 48 Academic Medal Of Honor Winners
On Friday it was announced that 349 Ohio Valley Conference student-athletes have earned the OVC Academic Medal of Honor for the 2024-25 academic year. It marks the second-highest total in...
Suncode Energy Pitches Six-Part Community Solar Project Near Martinsville
Suncode Energy outlined plans for its Summit Project at a public hearing on June 10, presenting a "community solar" model that differs from traditional utility-scale developments. The project, located on...
Meeting Briefs: Clark County Public Hearing for June 10, 2025
County Cites New Ordinance for Solar Hearing: Chairman Rex Goble clarified that the public hearing was required under the county’s new solar siting ordinance. This ordinance was not in place for...
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...