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
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders ‘efficiencies’ for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending Gov. J.B. Pritzker is directing state agencies to identify up to 4% of Fiscal Year...
WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing
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 provides highlights from...
Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor...
Lake Land College to Name Nursing Simulation Lab for HSHS St. Anthony’s After Major Gift
Article Summary: Following a significant financial gift from HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, the Lake Land College Foundation has recommended naming the new Nursing Simulation Lab at the Effingham Technology...
New Incentives and Homecoming Plans Underway at Casey-Westfield Schools
Article Summary: School principals updated the Board of Education on a variety of new programs and upcoming student events, including a new "Boo Bucks" incentive program at Monroe Elementary and...
White House does not expect arrests of sanctuary mayors and governors
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says she doesn’t expect mayors or governors of sanctuary jurisdictions like...
ICE puts California, Illinois, New York on notice for refusing to cooperate
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons has contacted the attorneys general of California,...
Appeals judge questions ‘uphill battle’ for IL gun ban found unconstitutional
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A three judge panel in a federal appeals took the challenge to Illinois’ gun and magazine ban...
Illinois library staff to be trained with overdose antidotes under new law
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Starting next year, Illinois public libraries must stock opioid overdose antidotes and train staff, a move...
Illinois quick hits: Driver’s blood alcohol over legal limit; Fed survey shows growth below trend
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Driver's blood alcohol over legal limit The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office says toxicology results show that a Guatemalan national’s blood-alcohol level...
Trump relays words from Charlie Kirk: ‘Please sir, save Chicago’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says Charlie Kirk asked him to save Chicago. The president addressed tens of thousands...
Illinois quick hits: Edgar remembered at funeral service; Iranian charged for re-entry of removed alien
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Edgar remembered at funeral service Gov. J.B. Pritzker says former Gov. Jim Edgar had a unique ability to bring people together...
Casey-Westfield Dominates, Remains Undefeated with 38-14 Win Over Robinson
By Terri Cox The Casey-Westfield Warriors showcased their dominance in the second quarter, overcoming an early deficit to secure a commanding 38-14 Little Illini Conference victory over the Robinson Maroons...
