WATCH: Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination pour in; Freedom Caucus discusses 2026
September 11, 2025/
(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.
Latest News Stories
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Committee of the Whole Article Summary: Facing a severe financial crisis with a projected $4.2 million operating deficit, the Peotone School District 207-U board is now seriously exploring the closure...
Acting, Consulting Superintendents to Lead Peotone Schools During Owens’ Absence
Article Summary: Superintendent Brandon Owens is recuperating at home following a vehicle accident, prompting the Peotone Board of Education to establish an interim leadership team. Assistant Superintendent Carole Zurales will...
Peotone School Board Rejects Mandating Live-Streaming in 4-3 Vote
Article Summary: The Peotone school board has opted against requiring its meetings to be live-streamed, finalizing a new committee policy after a 4-3 vote defeated the mandate. The decision followed...
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois. Former Illinois GOP Chairman...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education for August 18, 2025
The Peotone Board of Education’s August 18 meeting was defined by the district’s precarious financial situation. With a projected $4.2 million operating deficit and its borrowing capacity nearly exhausted, the...
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois student leaders serving on state higher education boards will now receive $500-per-semester scholarships under a...
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Work begins on $1.5 billion O'Hare expansion A new round of construction has begun at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airline...
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Article Summary: Will County has expended 61% of its $134 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with significant investments made in infrastructure, health, and economic development. Officials...
Facing Budget Crisis, Peotone Committee Questions Athletic Field Project
Committee of the Whole Article Summary: With Peotone School District 207-U on the verge of a financial crisis, board members are questioning the wisdom of moving forward with a long-awaited...
Committee Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education Committee of the Whole
The Peotone School District 207-U is on a collision course with a major financial crisis, which dominated the Board of Education’s committee meeting on August 18. Facing a projected $4.2...
Soaring utility bills, solar federal tax credit cuts dominate Illinois energy debate
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Energy prices and clean energy policy took center stage during a senate energy and public utilities...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs crypto regulations
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker signs crypto regulations Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed two laws to regulate cryptocurrency. Senate Bill 1797 requires cryptocurrency companies to...
