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: Gov. Desantis addresses State Freedom Caucus Foundation in Dallas
By Greg BishopThe Center Square Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the State Freedom Caucus Foundation Friday night in Dallas.
Higher ed spending up as enrollment plummets at Illinois universities
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former state lawmaker says Illinois is now tops in the nation on per-student spending in higher...
World’s largest retailer struggles to keep costs down as tariffs hit
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The world's largest retailer says it's doing everything it can to keep prices low as its costs increase each week due to the tariffs at...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for September 2, 2025
With Alderman Tanner Brown serving as Mayor Pro Tem in the absence of Mayor Mike Nichols, the Casey City Council's first meeting of September was dominated by positive reflections on...
Billy Gene Decker, 91
Updated Service Information as of September 5, 2025. Billy Gene Decker, 91, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health...
Boston judge orders Trump to give back Harvard funding
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A Boston federal judge this week blocked the Trump administration’s $2.2 billion funding freeze against Harvard after the government's claims of antisemitism. The U.S. District...
Arizona congressman backs bill protecting ICE agents
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh wants to protect ICE agents. The Arizona congressman is among a handful of House representatives, all of them Republicans, to introduce...
Northwestern president steps down amid federal funding cuts
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Northwestern University President Michael Schill resigned this week amid the federal funding freeze by the Trump administration. Schill has served as the 17th president of...
Feds sue Southern California Edison over Eaton, Fairview fires
By Dave MasonThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice is suing electric utility company Southern California Edison for tens of millions of dollars over the devastating Eaton and Fairview...
WATCH: Trump renames DOD to ‘Department of War’
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square What’s in a name? Military victories, according to the Trump administration. The Department of Defense is reverting to its old name – the Department of...
Push to ban stock trading by Congress follows IL rep’s reported violations
By Jim TalamontiThe Center Square After an Illinois congressman reportedly broke the law with late disclosures of stock trades, another member of the state’s delegation is urging colleagues to prohibit...
Federal judge strikes down New Hampshire’s DEI ban
By Chris WadeThe Center Square A federal judge in New Hampshire has temporarily blocked a state law targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools. The ruling issued Thursday...
Illinois quick hits: Giannoulias orders village to stop sharing data with CBP
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square License plate camera data Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has ordered the Village of Forest Park and Motorola Solutions to...
