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.
Today Jun 17
72° 55°
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
U.S. population growth slows after Trump border policies enacted
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The growth in U.S. population slowed significantly from July 2024 to July 2025 as President Donald Trump's border enforcement policies slowed international migration, according to...
Maryland joins mid-decade redistricting fight
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Legislators in Maryland introduced a bill Tuesday that proposed Congressional redistricting. The bill would add Maryland to the number of states that have undergone mid-decade...
Democrats call for Noem’s removal after second fatal shooting by DHS agent
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square In wake of the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis over the weekend, Democrats are overwhelmingly demanding the removal of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi...
Illinois cannabis industry cautious on child-safety bill, questions focus on regulated products
By Cat Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A newly introduced bill in the Illinois Senate would add new child-safety education, warning labels and...
87 indicted in TdA, Colombian, Venezuelan ATM jackpotting scheme in Nebraska
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square So far, 87 people have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Nebraska for their roles in a jackpotting scheme using malware at ATMs...
States, caregivers can now view key metrics for state child welfare systems
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Foster parents, caregivers and state agencies can now review high-level data of all 50 states’ child welfare systems, comparing permanency and safety outcomes across states....
More Illinois Catholic schools close; candidates call for change
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois Republican candidates for governor call for school choice, more Catholic schools are closing in the...
U.S. effort to limit China’s influence reaches Latin America
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The Trump administration’s effort to curb China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere is impacting politics across Latin America, including in countries where conservative candidates want...
Govt. shutdown risk spikes as Senate Democrats vow to tank funding package
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Senate Republicans’ hopes of finishing the government funding process without incident were dashed over the weekend with a second fatal shooting of a protester in...
Report: EU regulations cost billions for American tech companies
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square European regulators are targeting American companies with policies that stifle American competitiveness in the technology industry, according to a new report. Consumers’ Defense, a 501(c)(4)...
Acting ICE director ordered to court by Minnesota federal judge
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A Minnesota federal judge has ordered the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to appear before him Friday. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz...
Crackdown in Minneapolis underway following Trump talks with Walz, Frey
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A crackdown on protesters in Minneapolis appears to be underway following “good talks” President Donald Trump had with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor...
WATCH: Chicago IG seeks urgency on OT costs; Group warns taxpayers paying for polls
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square's Greg Bishop shares comments from Chicago...
