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.
⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 17 at 7:49AM CDT until June 17 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
⚠️ Wind Advisory issued June 17 at 1:55AM CDT until June 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Today Jun 16
84° 66°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Ava Goble’s Complete-Game Shutout Powers Casey-Westfield Past Richland County 8-0
Senior Ava Goble delivered a masterclass on the mound and at the plate, leading the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a commanding 8-0 home conference victory over Richland County on...
Casey-Westfield Blanks Richland County 2-0 Behind Masterful One-Hit Shutout
The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team leaned on a flawless defensive effort and a dominant pitching performance to earn a 2-0 home conference victory over Richland County on Monday. Casey-Westfield pitchers...
U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. The ship named Touska was intercepted in the...
Everyday Economics: Retail sales and housing suggest a resilient consumer
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week, the focus shifts to the consumer, with March retail sales and the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales report. Both reports are...
Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana
By Dan McCaleb and Darren SvanThe Center Square Eight children were killed early Sunday in domestic-related shootings at three Shreveport homes, authorities said. Shreveport Police Department spokesman and public affairs...
Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve...
Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will begin its final oral arguments sitting of the current term on Monday. The justices will hear several high profile arguments...
U.S., Iran to resume talks; Trump issues dire threat
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Talks to strike a deal with Iran will reconvene this week ahead of Wednesday’s ceasefire expiration as President Donald Trump issued fresh threats Sunday on...
Trump admin seeks health-care price transparency
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Taxpayer advocates are applauding the Trump administration over its efforts calling for medical price transparency in federal employee health-care plans while health-care industry leaders are...
Energy industry celebrates Supreme Court ruling in favor of Chevron
By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Chevron is being celebrated by the energy industry, but it does not end Louisiana’s coastal litigation. The...
Massive Fourth Inning Powers Casey-Westfield Past North Central 13-4
The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team utilized an eight-run explosion in the fourth inning to break open a tightly contested game, ultimately cruising to a 13-4 non-conference road victory over North...
Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-Woodstock, says too many deaths initially ruled as suicides may actually be...
Analysis: Homelessness predicted to rise despite policy efforts
By Emily RodriguezThe Center Square Homelessness is predicted to rise, while policies predicted to lower the homeless numbers only address part of the cause, according to analysts. The annual Point-In-Time...
