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.
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 17 at 2:20AM CDT until June 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 16
73° 59°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square One of the major global maritime passageways for oil transport, the Strait of Hormuz, has been closed, according to multiple reports. The Strait of Hormuz,...
World leaders call for peace after U.S. strikes on Iran
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square World leaders including U.S. allies called for peace in the Middle East after the United States launched strikes into Iran on Saturday. French President Emmanuel...
Lawmakers vow war powers vote on Iran strikes
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers said they would force a Congressional vote on war with Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes in the country on Saturday. U.S....
U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its fleet, crew
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to break records. Through Force Design 2028, made possible through a surge of $25 billion in...
Black Chicagoans disproportionately face force by CPD
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – American Civil Liberties Union Director Alexandra Block argues a new study showing black city residents disproportionately...
Senate, House key leaders briefed ahead of strikes
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Gang of Eight was briefed ahead of the U.S.-Israeli joint strikes against Iran, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson. In a social media post...
Iran retaliates against American bases; State Department issues ‘shelter in place’
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. State Department is warning Americans across the Middle East to shelter in place until further notice, following U.S. strikes against Iran overnight, leading...
Bo and Luke Would be Proud: Track Jump Turns into Tavern Stop in Peotone
By Andrea Arens Somewhere, the Duke boys are slow-clapping. At approximately 2:29 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, a Peotone police officer patrolling near East North and Railroad Streets discovered what can...
Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: A request to rezone land for a "clean fill" operation in Joliet Township stalled in committee...
Physicians assistants leave for Iowa due to licensing wait times in Illinois
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers say physician assistants are leaving for Iowa because it takes so long to get licensed...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly structuring the city’s debt with a deal that...
Republican candidates for governor, U.S. Senate discuss energy, SCOTUS
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Candidates vying for the Republican nomination to take on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker lay out how they’d...
Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor signs Bears stadium bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears say they are grateful for the leadership shown by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun after...
