WATCH: Debate around which tax to increase; pension enhancements, energy bills advance
October 30, 2025/
(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.
Sun Jun 7
82° 70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
‘Project Freedom’ begins, two ships safely transit Strait of Hormuz
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The United States launched “Project Freedom” Monday morning in an effort to safely escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump announced...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for April 16, 2026
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education met on Thursday to review comprehensive financial forecasting, expand...
Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing a case that alleged an Indiana gun shop fueled gun violence in Chicago. The case, Westforth Sports v. Chicago,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for April 16, 2026
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 The Will County Board met at an offsite hotel venue on Thursday, April 16, 2026, navigating a heavy agenda dominated by the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he is pleased that a federal court stated it will approve...
Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren’t cooperating
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- Illinois has failed to broaden access to state contract money for businesses owned by racial minorities, women...
U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Ohio will head to polls on Tuesday to select their respective party nominees after the state legislature conducted a mid-decade redistricting effort to...
Lincoln-Way Updates Student Handbook, Bans “Smart Glasses” to Combat AI Cheating
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Board of Education approved updates to the 2026-2027 student handbook, notably adding "smart glasses" to the...
Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement Intent for “Project North Winds” Manufacturing Facility
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board signaled its intent to offer a 50% property tax abatement to "Project North Winds," a proposed...
Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers are clashing over an Illinois proposal that would restrict how certain sensitive medical information...
‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Many farm-focused organizations say they support a GOP-led legislative package on agriculture that narrowly passed through the...
Professor: Surging gas prices will have long-term effects
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A University of Chicago professor says the effects of high gas prices will ripple through the economy...
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS says ICE captures child sex abuser released by Illinois DOC
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested a Guatemalan...
