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
Will County Board Rejects Two Solar Farm Projects After Heated Public Opposition
New Lenox area residents cite safety concerns, property values in opposing commercial solar facilities The Will County Board voted decisively against two proposed commercial solar energy facilities during its May...
County Approves $15 Million Water System Takeover for Southeast Joliet Area
700 homes to receive upgraded service as Joliet takes control of failing sanitary district The Will County Board voted 20-1 to support dissolving the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and transferring...
Board Postpones County Purchasing Code Overhaul Amid Union Contractor Debate
Members seek clarification on requirements that could favor unionized businesses The Will County Board postponed action on proposed changes to county purchasing ordinances after members raised concerns about language that...
New Frankfort Square Park Board Takes Helm Amid Strong Financials, Maksymiak and Moore Elected Leaders
The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners seated four new members and re-elected its leadership during a productive annual organizational meeting on May 15, all while celebrating a robust...
Animal Permit Hearing Reveals Neighborhood Disputes Over Horses, Roosters in Crete Township
Board postpones decision on Torres family request pending barn variance appeal A contentious hearing over Fernando Torres' request to keep horses on his Crete Township property exposed deep neighborhood divisions...
Park District Awards Eight Scholarships to Lincoln-Way East Seniors
The Frankfort Square Park District awarded $1,000 scholarships to eight graduating seniors from Lincoln-Way East High School at the school’s Community Scholarship Night on May 7. Park Board Commissioners Frank...
Transportation Projects Advance as Board Approves Vision Zero, Road Improvements
County adopts traffic safety initiative while funding major infrastructure upgrades The Will County Board approved a comprehensive transportation agenda including adoption of Vision Zero principles and multiple road improvement projects...
Health Department Receives Budget Boost, Sunny Hill Admission Policy Updated
Board approves funding increases and policy changes for county health services The Will County Board approved budget appropriations for the health department and updated admission policies for Sunny Hill Nursing...
Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for May 15, 2025
At its annual organizational meeting, the Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners swore in four members, re-elected its leadership, and reviewed its strong end-of-year financial report. The district’s funds...
Lincoln Way District 210 Achieves Highest Bond Rating in History
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 has reached its highest-ever bond rating of AA3 from Moody's and A+ from Standard & Poor's, culminating a remarkable recovery from financial challenges...
District Recognizes Outstanding Student Readers in Statewide Program
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 recognized exceptional students who completed the Read for a Lifetime program, with several achieving the rare distinction of reading 100 books over four...
Board Meeting Shorts
Budget Amendment Approved: The board approved amendments to the fiscal year 2025 budget totaling $121.7 million in revenue and $120.1 million in expenses. Changes primarily reflect bond proceeds and related...
Student Council Presidents Highlight Senior Year Accomplishments
Lincoln Way's three student council presidents delivered their final speeches of the school year, highlighting major accomplishments and memorable events before graduating this weekend. Jason Sro from Lincoln Way Central...
