WATCH: Debate around which tax to increase; pension enhancements, energy bills advance
October 30, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the ongoing debate at the Illinois Statehouse about which taxes to increase during the final days of fall veto session. Among the proposals are an “amusement tax,” a retail delivery tax and decoupling Illinois tax code from the federal tax code.
Bishop also reviews several measures advancing through the legislature, including a pension reform measure that passed an Illinois House committee and an energy measure focused on renewables that passed the Illinois House. Both chambers are in session for the final day of veto session Thursday.
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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:44AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 15
74° 53°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Beasley Allen booted from looming talc trial in Chicago
By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Judges in Miami and Chicago have revoked permission that allowed the firm Beasley Allen to pursue talc lawsuits because it collaborated with...
Ten candidates vying for Georgia’s 11th District post
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Ten candidates are running to fill the seat vacated by Georgia U.S. Congressman Barry Loudermilk, who announced he was not running for reelection. Republicans John...
New Jersey sued over ICE mask ban
By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Trump administration is taking New Jersey Gov. Mikkie Sherrill to federal court over newly signed legislation banning ICE agents from wearing masks during immigration...
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – AAA says the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has jumped 14 cents in one...
Massive drug busts in California, Texas, enough to kill more than 32.7 million people
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Massive drug busts are continuing along the southwest border primarily in California and Texas. In roughly a dozen stops this month federal agents seized enough...
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern submit new merger application
By Dan McCaleb and Tom JoyceThe Center Square Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern on Thursday submitted a new merger application to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board that would create the...
Mills drops out of Maine U.S. Senate race
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced she would suspend her campaign in the race for U.S. Senate on Thursday. Mills was one of the top contenders...
Board Establishes New Regulations and Fees for Wireless Telecommunication Facilities
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: In response to the state's Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, the Will County Board passed Ordinance 26-134 to manage the...
House passes funding for ICE, CBP, tees up DHS reopening
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. House of Representatives, in a 215-211 vote, approved on Wednesday night a budget resolution that would fund immigration enforcement until the end of...
Florida poised to flip 4 U.S. House seats with new map
By David BeasleyThe Center Square Florida is poised to flip four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to Republican following Wednesday's approval of a new congressional map in a...
Energy industry insiders advise lawmakers on supporting AI growth, protecting ratepayers
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Energy industry experts testified before Congress about what lawmakers should include in legislation looking to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence while protecting ratepayers...
WATCH: Students see tuition as a good investment despite loan debt, survey says
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Federal student loan debt is nearing $1.7 trillion, as more than 70% of graduates are not working in their degree field. Yet 72% of students...
California congressman slams nation’s ‘gerrymandering war’
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A California member of Congress opposes what he calls the "gerrymandering war" that has broken out across the country. Speaking to reporters Wednesday afternoon during...
