WATCH: Chicago committee rejects proposed tax hikes; Hemp industry wants regulation
November 18, 2025/
(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.
Community Events
MondayDecember 1, 2025
TuesdayDecember 2, 2025
WednesdayDecember 3, 2025
Latest News Stories
Major U.S. retailer reverses course on tariffs, says prices will go up
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A major U.S. retailer that previously said tariffs wouldn't increase prices reversed course on Tuesday, with officials saying they expect "modest" price increases for some...
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Some Russia-Ukraine questions answered Tuesday, more remain
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The White House has helped open the channels of communication between Russia, Ukraine and the rest of Europe, but the details of any resolution to...
30 charged in TdA drug trafficking, murder-for-hire and firearms offenses
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to pursue violent criminal foreign nationals, two federal indictments were made public charging 30 people, including several...
Trump signs bill studying cancer among military pilots
By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square President Donald Trump has signed into law the Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act, which seeks to address cancer rates among former and current military aircrew...
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois. Former Illinois GOP Chairman...
DOJ promises release of some Epstein records this week
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice will comply with a subpoena for records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as part of a congressional investigation,...
Book: Foreign countries pose greatest threat to free speech on college campuses
By Tate MillerThe Center Square A senior scholar at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression argues in her new book that the greatest threat to free speech in higher...
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Article Summary: Will County has expended 61% of its $134 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with significant investments made in infrastructure, health, and economic development. Officials...
Mokena Fire District Invests in Station Upgrades, Modernizes Security with Digital Key System
Article Summary: The Mokena Fire Protection District is undertaking significant technology and infrastructure upgrades, approving a new $26,025 station alerting system for Station 2 and initiating a multi-year plan to...
Ohio congressional districts must be redrawn this fall
By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square While politics is pushing redistricting efforts in other states, Ohio is under a rule of the people to change congressional maps before the midterm elections....
Treasury sanctions accused Costa Rican drug traffickers
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration announced sanctions against four Costa Rican drug traffickers and two business entities as part of an effort to crackdown on cocaine. “Costa...
