October 30, 2025/
WATCH: Debate around which tax to increase; pension enhancements, energy bills advance
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the ongoing debate at the Illinois Statehouse about which taxes to increase during the final days of fall veto session. Among the proposals are an “amusement tax,” a retail delivery tax and decoupling Illinois tax code from the federal tax code.
Bishop also reviews several measures advancing through the legislature, including a pension reform measure that passed an Illinois House committee and an energy measure focused on renewables that passed the Illinois House. Both chambers are in session for the final day of veto session Thursday.
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
WATCH: Freedom Caucus files Pritzker impeachment; Trump says Chicago is next
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest...
Casey Faces $1.1 Million Utility Deficit Amid Population Decline, Rate Hikes Likely
Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols revealed the City of Casey's utility departments operated at a nearly $1.1 million loss last fiscal year, a financial crisis driven by a significant population...
IL legislator: New public defender law adds costs, takes away local control
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois law creates a statewide office to address public defender staffing gaps, but critics...
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz arrests announced; call for veterans tributes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Midway Blitz arrests announced According to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested several dangerous...
Casey Library Renews $90,000 CD at 4.15%, Reports on Financial Health
Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board of Trustees received a positive financial update, including the renewal of a...
Patsy Phillips Wins annual Lions Club Raffle
Lions Club members Bob Dougherty and Bruce Brown present Patsy Phillips with an $18,000 check for winning the annual Lions Club Raffle. The winning ticket was drawn at the 37th...
City Council Hires New Superintendent of Utilities
Ryan Staley, 2007 graduate of Casey-Westfield High School, was hired as the new Director of Public Works for the City of Casey to replace Shelby Biggs, who will retire in...
‘Peacekeepers’ reportedly commit Chicago crimes as Pritzker calls for more funding
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson push for more community violence intervention funding from...
WATCH: Trump says sending National Guard to Chicago ‘probably next’
By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - President Donald Trump said Monday that Chicago is "probably next" to see the National Guard sent in...
Casey Library to Seek Third Bid for A/C Replacement; Friends of the Library Will Not Assist with Cost
Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board is seeking a third bid for a critical air conditioner replacement after...
Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar dies
By The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar died Sunday at the age of 79. Edgar, a Republican, served as governor from 1991...
EXCLUSIVE: Funding for green groups soared after 2009 endangerment finding, nonprofit finds
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Changes to the Environmental Protection Agency's strict regulations on the automobile industry could cost nonprofit groups that reported a 267% funding bump in the years...
Comfort in the Hill Country: Crosses that point to Jesus, salvation, redemption
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Throughout the Hill Country, crosses, words of Jesus, prayers and messages of hope are written on memorials honoring nearly 150 killed from the catastrophic July...
