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.
Today Jun 11
80° 61°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive...
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee repealed county regulations regarding motor stunt events and removed...
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: A Manhattan Township homeowner received unanimous approval for three variances to expand a pole barn, despite county...
‘Crazy’: Trump blasts Dem policies, SCOTUS tariff ruling in wide-ranging State of Union
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The economy, immigration and patriotism took center stage Tuesday night as President Donald Trump delivered his second State of the Union Address of his second...
Spanberger slams Trump, calls for unity
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger slammed the Trump administration Tuesday night during the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. Spanberger...
Chicago could owe $100M+ in refunds for excessive city tickets
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The city of Chicago could be on the hook for more than $160 million in refunds to thousands of vehicle owners slammed...
Illinois quick hits: Indiana House approves Bears stadium bill; Business, labor groups file petition to stop natural gas phaseout; Chicago woman gets 2 years for PPP fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Indiana House approves Bears stadium bill The Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation to establish a Northwest Indiana stadium authority for...
Community violence intervention advocates tout crime reduction, taxpayer funding
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With more than $100 million of assistance from state taxpayers, community violence intervention advocates are touting lower...
Pritzker’s social media fee plan faces cost, legality questions
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An internet freedom advocate says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed social media platform fee will raise costs for...
Board Approves Ten-Year Safety Survey for Liberty Junior High
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved the mandated Ten-Year Safety Survey for Liberty Junior High School, officially moving the compliance...
Chicago tourism rises; visitors ignore Trump’s condemnation
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson is proud to call Chicago an outlier when...
New Lenox Park District Reports 12.7% Programming Surge, Celebrates $10,000 Resident Donation to LWSRA
New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | January 21, 2026 Article Summary:Buoyed by strong community participation, the New Lenox Community Park District recorded a nearly 13% increase...
New Lenox Library Initiates Comprehensive Staff Compensation Study for Fiscal Year 2027
New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026 Article Summary:The New Lenox Public Library District is undertaking a full organizational compensation study to ensure its...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting A Chicago man is facing aggravated firearm charges after an alleged road-rage shooting on...
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500...