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
Will County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary:In a major overhaul of county transit, officials presented a quarterly report confirming that the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride...
Suspect Captured in Execution-Style Murder of Momence Bar Owner
Article Summary: Authorities have arrested a 47-year-old Indiana man in connection with the fatal shooting of Courtney Drysdale, the owner of a bar in rural Momence. The suspect was apprehended...
700 federal agents to leave Minnesota, Homan says
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration will remove 700 federal agents who are assisting immigration enforcement measures in Minnesota, White House Border Czar Tom Homan said Wednesday. Homan...
New York, New Jersey sue feds over Hudson Tunnel funding cuts
By Christen SmithThe Center Square New York and New Jersey are taking the Trump administration to court over its move to "illegally" claw back $15 billion in federal funding for...
Parents sound alarm over Illinois high school voter registration bill
By Catrina BarkerThe Center Square A proposal backed by Illinois Democrats to expand voter registration opportunities for high school students is raising concerns among some parents and education advocates, who...
Illinois Quick Hits: Violent Crime down, arrest rates up in Chicago
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New research from the Illinois Policy Institute shows that violent crime declined in nearly 90% of Chicago’s...
Judicial manual pushes climate agenda, critics say
By Emily Rodriguez and Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Federal Judicial Center, the judiciary’s research and education branch, provided a manual for judges based on policies preferential to climate activists,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for Jan. 20, 2026
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to adjudicate a series of zoning variances and...
Board Creates Deputy Chief Position, Approves Vehicle Purchase and Contracts
New Lenox Fire Protection District Meeting | Dec. 15, 2025 Article Summary: Trustees approved several personnel and equipment measures, including the creation of a new Deputy Chief position for 2026...
Township Honors Assessor Bonnie Hernandez for 32 Years of Service
New Lenox Township Board Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: Long-time Assessor Bonnie Hernandez was recognized via resolution for her three decades of service to New Lenox Township. Recognition...
Three Charged After Pitcher Attack Sparks Fight at Will County Jail
Article Summary: A fight involving six inmates broke out at the Will County Adult Detention Facility on Sunday afternoon, requiring intervention by the Emergency Response Team. Authorities have charged three...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of New Lenox for January 26, 2026
Village of New Lenox Meeting | January 26, 2026 The New Lenox Village Board of Trustees met on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at the Village Hall. Mayor Tim Baldermann led...
Palatine teacher fired over anti-BLM posts turns to SCOTUS
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A former Palatine High School teacher who was fired for posting anti-Black Lives Matter content to her personal Facebook page has asked...
