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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:44AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 15
72° 55°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Two of ComEd four released; new trial expected
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
Will County Treasurer Seeks Policy on Cash Payments as U.S. Mint Discontinues the Penny
Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: With the U.S. Mint ceasing production of the penny, the Will County Treasurer's Office is asking the...
Lend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs
Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants. Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs....
Proposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate...
Chicago suit vs oil cos. may yet survive SCOTUS ruling, judge hints
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Even as the Supreme Court considers a Colorado case that oil companies believe will decide if city and state governments can sue...
Two of ComEd Four released. new trial pending
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
Amigos Mexican Restaurant Granted Special Use Permit for Liquor Sales
Frankfort Village Board Meeting | April 6, 2026 Article Summary: A long-standing Frankfort restaurant will soon offer a full bar menu following the Village Board's approval of a Special Use...
GOP candidate Bailey urges Trump to apologize to pope; bishop calls for dialogue
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After President Donald Trump refused to apologize for his social media criticism of Pope Leo XIV, a...
Senator says taxpayers fleeced by corrections department
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections is facing questions over its failure to comply with state law while...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTU-backed senator launches ‘tax the rich’ campaign
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator backed by the Chicago Teachers Union is renewing her call to tax the rich...
Lawmaker slams Illinois tuition bill favoring illegal immigrants
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, is raising concerns about a proposal he says would expand access...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for April 7, 2026
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, moving forward a...
Illinois Quick Hits: $3M in taxpayer funds go to Chicago neighborhood center
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers have provided $3 million for a new neighborhood center on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Gov. J.B....
Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout Complete, Body Scanner Installed at Juvenile Center
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Facilities Department announced the successful completion of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) building...
