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.
Latest News Stories
Will County Legislative Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs
Federal Budget Impact: Will County could face significant funding challenges if federal budget reconciliation measures reduce Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The county health department and social services rely heavily on...
County Moves Forward with $200.8 Million Bond Refinancing Plan
Will County Finance Committee members on July 1 approved moving forward with a comprehensive bond refinancing ordinance that could save taxpayers more than $716,000 over the life of the bonds...
Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Program Sees Record Growth, Eyes Expansion
Will County's dial-a-ride transportation service for seniors and disabled residents reached record ridership levels while officials plan major expansion to cover all county townships. The Access Will County program served...
Will County to Launch New Public Meeting Agenda System in August Amidst Data Conversion Concerns
Will County is set to launch its new public meeting agenda and records software, Granicus “OneMeeting,” in August, but the transition will see over a decade of historical records converted...
Green Garden Township Poised for First Major Subdivision in Years After Rezoning
The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a rezoning that could pave the way for the first major residential subdivision in Green Garden Township in nearly two decades....
County RNG Facility Shows Strong Performance Despite Solar Challenges
Will County's Renewable Natural Gas facility is exceeding production targets while officials explore options to reduce substantial electricity costs that currently impact profitability. Project manager Greg Komperda told Finance Committee...
PZC Briefs: Solar Farm in Crete, Post-Fire Permit for Troy Business, and More
The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission handled several other cases during its July 1 meeting, including a new solar farm, a temporary permit for a fire-damaged business, and routine...
In Brief: Capital & IT News
Here are other highlights from the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. Successful Fire Drill at County BuildingThe Will County Office Building held its first full...
Will County Finance Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs
Bond Refinancing Advances: Finance Committee approved an ordinance authorizing up to $200.8 million in bond refinancing that could save taxpayers more than $716,000. The measure moves to the full County...
Will County Public Works Committee Juliy 1 Meeting Briefs
ROAD CONTRACTS APPROVED Austin Tyler Construction Contract: The committee approved a $691,544 contract with Austin Tyler Construction for resurfacing River Road from East Frontage Road to Prairie Creek Bridge and...
New Lenox Library Board Seats New Trustees, Reorganizes After Election
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees officially seated its newly elected members and reorganized its leadership and committee assignments for the new term at...
New Lenox D122 Board Approves Nearly $300,000 for Summer Maintenance Projects
The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has approved a comprehensive list of 56 maintenance and capital improvement projects to be completed over the summer, allocating a total...
New Lenox Fire District to Launch Comfort Dog Program for First Responders, Community
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is adding a four-legged member to its team after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the creation of a new comfort...
