WATCH: Tax increase talk at Statehouse; Bost’s election lawsuit against Illinois wins standing
January 15, 2026/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square’s Greg Bishop discusses the status of Illinois’ budget, and shares comments from Gov. J.B. Pritzker about the impacts to state spending if federal taxpayer funds are frozen. Legislators discuss the prospect of tax increases with a proposal being floated to have a surcharge on millionaires.
Bishop also discusses the status of mail-in voting in Illinois. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Illinois Congressman Mike Bost has standing to sue the Illinois State Board of Elections over the state’s policy of counting mail-in ballots up to two weeks after election day.
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 19
77° 58°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: DOJ sues over sanctuary expansion law
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DOJ sues over sanctuary expansion law The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board for Dec. 10, 2025
Joliet Junior College Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025 Meeting Summary The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for a meeting marked by both...
District 210 Awards $24.4 Million Contract for Major HVAC Upgrades
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The District 210 Board of Education awarded a $24.4 million bid to BEAR Construction Company for comprehensive...
IL Medicaid overhaul effective Jan. 1 sparks backlash
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A sweeping Medicaid and maternal-care overhaul taking effect Jan. 1 draws sharp criticism from Illinois Republicans,...
Illinois quick hits: Man convicted of drug money laundering; human trafficking arrests made
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Man convicted of drug money laundering A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a man of laundering cash proceeds from a...
Mental Health Board Updates Committee on 2026 Grant Cycle and Funding Priorities
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board provided a quarterly update, outlining the timeline and strategic priorities for...
Peotone Board Welcomes New Trustee, Receives Top Recognition in Annual Audit
Peotone CUSD 207-U Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Peotone CUSD 207-U Board of Education swore in Steven Clark as its newest trustee during its December meeting and...
PZC Approves Homer Township Landscape Business Despite Neighbor Concerns; Adds Berm Condition
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | December 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special use permit for a new landscape business on...
JJC Foundation Executive Director Retires Following $2.3 Million Estate Gift
Joliet Junior College Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025 Article Summary: Longtime Joliet Junior College Foundation Executive Director Kristi Mulvey announced her retirement at her final board meeting, capping a...
Lincoln-Way Board Approves $92.5 Million Tax Levy for 2025
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education officially adopted a $92,522,000 tax levy during...
Chicago council, ‘starting to legislate,’ sends $16.7 billion budget to mayor
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council has approved a $16.7 billion budget for 2026 and sent it to Mayor...
Peotone School Board Approves $15.6 Million Tax Levy, Opens Door for $4.9 Million Bond Sale
Peotone CUSD 207-U Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Peotone CUSD 207-U Board of Education approved a $15.6 million tentative tax levy for 2025 and initiated the process...
Hegseth promises to fix barracks, but work could take time
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has pledged to tackle longstanding issues with U.S. military barracks that have frustrated troops, lawmakers, and taxpayers for decades. In...
