November 18, 2025/
WATCH: Chicago committee rejects proposed tax hikes; Hemp industry wants regulation
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson after a city council committee rejected a slew of proposed tax increases he says are needed to prevent layoffs in city government. Johnson vowed to veto a budget with a property tax increase, but dodged whether he’d veto a budget that didn’t include a head tax on employers.
Bishop also discusses the current status of regulations on the hemp industry after the federal government approved regulating intoxicating hemp products. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’s looking to work with the industry on how Illinois can further regulate the industry.
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
Congressional Perks: House account spending jumped 21% in 2022
By Arthur KaneThe Center Square Spending on U.S. House of Representatives office accounts increased by more than 85% over the past three decades but nearly half of that occurred since...
Everyday Economics: Rate cut debate: Reading mixed signals in a fragile economy
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve cut interest rates last week, but the decision was far from unanimous. Two members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) dissented...
Arizona looks to legal immigration with Trump’s border security
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As President Trump approaches the one year mark in office, apprehensions at the southern border have dropped significantly. States along the southern border, including Texas,...
Casey Library Board Votes to Maintain $70 Non-Resident Fee
Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board of Trustees voted on Thursday to keep the annual fee for a...
Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal
By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A state appeals panel has agreed an insurance company doesn’t need to contribute to a $28.5 million settlement that resolved a class...
Illinois soybean farmers face uncertainty amid MAHA push against seed oils
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square Illinois soybean farmers face a potential market shakeup if public sentiment, and eventually policy, turns against seed oils, experts warn....
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he looks forward to signing public transit...
IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite a myriad of ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Corrections, state senators approved the nomination...
Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s power grid is entering a new era of soaring demand – the full extent...
Early morning vote advances Illinois’ ‘Terminally Ill Patients Act,’ sparks outcry
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A controversial bill allowing terminally ill patients in Illinois to self-administer life-ending medication passed the legislature...
Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers continue to arrest hundreds of drivers on interstates who are...
WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween
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 powers through on...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for September 2025
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | September, 2025 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees expressed strong confidence in President Dr. Jonathan "Josh" Bullock at its meeting on...
