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.
Community Events
MondayDecember 1, 2025
TuesdayDecember 2, 2025
WednesdayDecember 3, 2025
ThursdayDecember 4, 2025
FridayDecember 5, 2025
SundayDecember 7, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Deer harvest totals; IHSA voting begins
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Deer harvest totals Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary total of 51,409 deer during the first weekend of the state’s firearm deer...
Texas officials seek to establish Turning Point chapters
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Texas officials are seeking a partnership with the conservative organization Turning Point USA to place chapters on every college and high school campus in the...
In Split 4-2 Vote, Summit Hill 161 Board Approves MacBook Pilot
Frankfort School District 161 Meeting | November 19, 2025 Article Summary: The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education on Wednesday narrowly approved a $27,873 pilot program to purchase...
National Guard member shot near White House dies
By Kim JarrettThe Center Square One of the National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday died from her injuries, President Donald Trump said. U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom,...
New Bar Approved in Frankfort Despite Board Opposition
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board narrowly approved a special use permit for a new bar in Frankfort Township, paving the way for...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for October 16, 2025
Frankfort Square Park District Meeting | October 16, 2025 The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners held its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, taking several key financial...
Chicago tenant groups call for eviction moratorium amid ICE raids
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez is pushing for an eviction moratorium while Immigration and Customs Enforcement...
Illinois tax proposals dampen decline in small business uncertainty index
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although the National Federation of Independent Business Uncertainty Index reached its lowest point of the year in...
JJC Board Approves Grundy County Land Purchase Amid Heated Debate
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees voted 6-2 to approve a real estate contract for a new campus in Grundy...
‘Trouble in Toyland’ report sounds alarm on AI toys
By Glenn MinnisThe Center Square Parents should take precaution this holiday season when it comes to artificial intelligence toys after researchers for the new Trouble in Toyland report found safety...
Support Staff Urge Lincoln-Way 210 Board for ‘Fair Contract’ During Public Comment
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: Three members of Lincoln-Way District 210's support staff addressed the Board of Education, voicing frustrations over working without...
When was the first Thanksgiving? It’s actually up for debate
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this year, many believe the first thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. However, the first Thanksgiving celebration was held...
Frankfort 157-C Faces Steep Insurance Hikes, Projects $5.5 Million Cost for 2026
Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: Frankfort School District 157-C is bracing for significant increases in employee insurance costs for 2026, with an anticipated 18.6% rise...
