WATCH: Expect tax and fee increases for veto; Democrats want more sanctuary policies
October 29, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the prospects of increased taxes and fees expected to come from Illinois legislators in the final days of fall veto session. Democrats are looking to increase taxes to pay for mass transit and an energy bill to support battery storage. Republicans say both policies are bad for Illinois families and businesses.
Bishop also airs some of the latest debate between Republicans and Democrats over public safety and immigration reform. Democrats are looking to expand the state’s migrant sanctuary policies as Republicans blame such laws for a recent fatal crash involving a county board member, his wife and two illegal immigrants.
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.
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 10 at 3:47PM CDT until June 10 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 10 at 3:47PM CDT until June 10 at 4:15PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 10 at 2:40PM CDT until June 10 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 9
91° 69°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
DOJ probes Berkeley riot; Illinois TPUSA warns hostility isn’t just in California
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice launched a civil rights investigation into University of California Berkeley after...
Lawmakers, victims call for release of Epstein files ahead of vote
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Republicans, Democrats and alleged victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein called on the U.S. House of Representatives to approve a resolution Tuesday to release...
Jeffries could face far-left Democratic primary challenge
By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Empire State's congressional delegation may skew more progresive in the coming midterms. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies could face a far-left primary challenge from...
‘Consequential’ day ahead for future household electricity costs
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – PJM’s Board of Directors is preparing to make one of the most consequential decisions of this...
WATCH: Chicago committee rejects proposed tax hikes; Hemp industry wants regulation
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 shares comments from...
Illinois quick hits: Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act ready for Trump
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act ready for Trump Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Schaumburg, says a bipartisan bill she sponsored is headed...
From DC to Memphis, US Marshals arresting thousands, taking guns off streets
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After President Donald Trump directed federal law enforcement officers to crack down on crime in major U.S. cities, thousands have been arrested and thousands of...
Biz groups, states ask SCOTUS to block California emissions reporting laws
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Business groups and a collection of two dozen other states have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and block California...
Chicago council committee rejects mayor’s proposed tax hikes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council Committee on Finance has rejected a package of higher taxes proposed by Mayor...
Illinois quick hits: Elections board considers primary election petition objections
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Elections board considers primary election petition objections Gov. J.B. Pritzker has one challenger in the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial primary. Former Chicago...
Feds: Illegal commercial drivers licenses issued in California
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A federal agency reported the California Department of Motor Vehicles illegally issued thousands of commercial drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants. According to the U.S. Department...
Socialist candidate runs against Los Angeles mayor
By Dave MasonThe Center Square A trend of socialist mayoral candidates in the nation’s biggest cities is continuing with housing advocate Rae Chen Huang’s candidacy against Los Angeles Mayor Karen...
193 youth in care of Illinois’ child welfare agency missing in 2025
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – So far this calendar year, Illinois’ child welfare agency reports 193 missing youth in care, an increase...
