October 29, 2025/
WATCH: Expect tax and fee increases for veto; Democrats want more sanctuary policies
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the prospects of increased taxes and fees expected to come from Illinois legislators in the final days of fall veto session. Democrats are looking to increase taxes to pay for mass transit and an energy bill to support battery storage. Republicans say both policies are bad for Illinois families and businesses.
Bishop also airs some of the latest debate between Republicans and Democrats over public safety and immigration reform. Democrats are looking to expand the state’s migrant sanctuary policies as Republicans blame such laws for a recent fatal crash involving a county board member, his wife and two illegal immigrants.
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
WA Dems blame GOP for government shutdown; 1 million in state could lose SNAP benefits
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer say it’s not Democrats, but Republicans, who are responsible for keeping the federal...
Officials react to allegations of civilians impersonating ICE
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square One San Diego County supervisor is concerned about civilians posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using fake ICE clothing and tactical gear and...
WATCH: Bonta visits food bank amid lawsuit over CalFresh
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday he is continuing to push for federal emergency contingency funding to restore millions of Californians’ food benefits as...
IL taxpayers to pay $20M for food banks as SNAP funding lapses start Saturday
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are going to cover $20 million in food subsidies to food banks across the state....
Poll: 7 in 10 of Americans are against mail-order abortion without a doctor visit
By Tate MillerThe Center Square A national poll shows that seven in 10 “likely voters” think a doctor visit for an abortion pill prescription should be required and many are...
Trump’s plan to re-start nuclear weapons testing faces criticism
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's plan to restart testing of nuclear weapons drew concern from some foreign nations, disarmament groups and Democrats. Trump broke with decades of...
Illinois quick hits: Corrections director appointment approved; Clean Slate Act passes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Corrections director appointment approved After more than two years of being appointed, Latoya Hughes was approved by the Illinois Senate to...
Tyler Robinson’s in-person hearing delayed to January
By Dave MasonThe Center Square The Utah County in-person hearing scheduled Thursday for Tyler James Robinson, 22 - charged with aggravated murder in the death of conservative leader Charlie Kirk...
GOP may have to rewrite govt funding bill as shutdown hits 1 month mark
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The ongoing government shutdown has dragged on for a month as Senate Democrats have blocked Republicans’ temporary funding bill more than a dozen times. With...
WATCH: Clean Slate Act passes Illinois legislature despite opposition
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House has approved a Senate bill that modifies the Clean Slate Act to seal certain...
Illinois trucker: Deadly California crash exposes lawbreaking in trucking industry
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois trucking company owner says the deadly California semi-truck crash involving an illegal immigrant driver...
Massive AI supercomputing systems being built in Illinois, Tennessee
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While the state of Texas and private investors are advancing artificial intelligence developments in partnership with...
Advocates slam Vance’s call for less legal immigration
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Legal immigration advocates on Thursday slammed U.S. Vice President JD Vance's call for a reduction in legal immigration Wednesday night while speaking at an event...
