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.
Today Jul 21
75° 54°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Trump gives boost to Lebanese relations; puts squeeze on Iran in the process
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. is making strides in diminishing Iran’s footprint in the Middle East, putting the squeeze on the Islamic Republic as the president of Lebanon...
Illinois news in brief: State police use grant money to recover 342 stolen vehicles; State launches Blue Envelope program; Treasurer: State returned $307.8 million in I-CASH
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square State police report hijacking and vehicle theft prevention results Illinois State Police say grant funding helped the department recover 342 stolen...
Biden recordings case could head to U.S. Supreme Court
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Legal analysts and litigants celebrated a federal judge's decision to allow the release of audio recordings and transcripts between former President Joe Biden and a...
Pritzker touts climate, green energy record as capacity leaves, rates rise
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After years of climate and green energy alternative-imposing legislation signed into law by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker,...
Warren will campaign this weekend for El-Sayed in Michigan
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square With just two weeks until Michigan’s primary, the Democratic race for U.S. Senate continues to heat up. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., announced her endorsement...
Trump hits Canada with new tariffs Congress may be powerless to stop
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, alcohol and dairy this week, again using executive authority without looking to Congress. It was the...
Abbott directs healthcare, regulatory agencies to target birth tourism in Texas
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Gov. Greg Abbott is continuing to take action against birth tourism in Texas. On Tuesday, he took his third action in three weeks, issuing an...
Fugitive accused in $547 million Medicare fraud scheme captured
By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square A man accused of orchestrating a $547 million Medicare fraud scheme through diagnostic laboratories in Louisiana and other states has been captured overseas and returned...
Ongoing border enforcement: Revocation of citizenship of convicted criminals
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Trump administration continues its multifaceted approach to border security and national security, including its concerted effort to denaturalize citizenship of convicted criminals. The administration...
Minnesota wildfires prompt burning restrictions as air quality improves
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square More than a dozen wildfires in northern Minnesota are adding to ongoing air quality concerns throughout the U.S., which have been primarily fueled by Canadian...
Poll: Americans views of socialism little changed despite recent elections
By Dan McCalebThe Center Square Despite the 2025 elections of self-proclaimed socialists Zohran Mamdani and Katie Wilson as mayors of New York City and Seattle, respectively, the number of American...
Malliotakis: Commie Caucus is coming to Congress
By Christen SmithThe Center Square A growing tide of democratic Socialist candidates spurred comments on Tuesday from U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis about the “rude awakening” of communism that lies ahead...
Texas Republicans chastise Mexican official’s ‘audacious’ border security claims
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas Republicans are criticizing a Mexican official in response to a letter he sent about U.S. border security. In an open letter to Mexican Senator...
