WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween
October 31, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop powers through on little sleep with a roundup of legislative activity at the Illinois State Capitol that stretched into the early morning hours Friday. Measures approved include an energy policy bill, a tax increase to fund mass transit and enhancements to the state’s migrant sanctuary policies.
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
WATCH: CA Democrats pass congressional redistricting plan
By Dave MasonThe Center Square After a day of vigorous debates punctuated by occasional applause, both houses of the California Legislature Thursday passed the three bills making up the congressional...
Pew: U.S. immigrant population declines for first time in nearly 60 years
By Caroline BodaThe Center Square The U.S.’s foreign-born population shrunk this year for the first time since the 1960s, new data released Thursday from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center found....
WATCH: Illinois’ FY23 financial audit released amid criticism of tardy reports
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers can now look at how the state spent their money in the fiscal year that...
European Union says U.S. consumers will end up paying tariffs
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square European Union leaders detailed the terms of a trade deal they struck with President Donald Trump on Thursday, making sure to point out who will...
Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Anti-SLAPP bill signed Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to protect news media from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). The...
U.S.-EU trade deal includes ceiling for European pharmaceutical imports
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The European Union has escaped a potential 250% pharmaceutical tariff and instead has secured a maximum 15% levy with the U.S. according to a joint...
Supreme Court allows Trump to block DEI funding
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision on Thursday, allowed President Donald Trump to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research grants....
Trump to probe Smithsonian museums for ‘woke’ ideology
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump has promised to crack down on “woke” ideas promoted in museums across the United States, including the federally funded Smithsonian museums in...
Director: Nation’s largest outdoor ag show brings economic impact to central IL
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s largest outdoor agricultural show is set for next week in Central Illinois. The Farm Progress...
Will County P&Z Approves Crete Solar Farm, Overruling Township’s General Opposition
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a new commercial solar farm in Crete Township, moving the project forward despite being informed by staff of...
Will County Board Approves Controversial Recovery Retreat in Crete Township Amid Strong Resident Opposition
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special use permit for a long-term residential recovery program on a 68-acre horse farm, despite vocal opposition from Crete...
Will County P&Z: Green Garden Township Variances Granted in Monee
Roy F. Erikson received unanimous approval for two variances for his property at 26409 S. 80th Avenue in Monee. The Will County Planning and Zonning Commission approved reducing the minimum...
Will County P&Z: Manhattan Township Rezoning Approved
The Will County Planning and Zonning Commission unanimously approved a map amendment for a vacant property on South Kankakee Street in Manhattan Township. The request, brought by James and Julie...
Will County P&Z: Green Garden Township Rezoning Approved Amid Concerns Over Lack of a Final Plan
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved rezoning a large agricultural parcel in Green Garden Township for potential residential development, despite a township official expressing concern...
