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.
Latest News Stories
Forgiveness and revival: Charlie Kirk celebrated at memorial service
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Thousands showed up in person, and millions tuned in Sunday for the memorial of Charlie Kirk. The Christian and conservative activist was shot and killed...
Everyday Economics: Can the newly appointed Fed governor make a compelling case?
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square We’ll hear from several Fed officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, following last week’s decision to cut the policy rate to 4.00–4.25%. The notable subplot: newly...
Trump, Vance among 100,000 expected at Kirk memorial service
By Dan McCalebThe Center Square President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are among tens of thousands of people expected at Sunday's memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the conservative...
Report: Visa programs are over crowded, lower wages
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Foreign worker visa programs in the United States are not doing enough to spur economic growth and recruit native workers, according to a new report....
Poll: Majority say protecting speech more important than curbing divisive language
By Dan McCalebThe Center Square A large majority of Americans say protecting free speech rights is more important than restricting divisive speech, according to a new survey. The poll from...
Illinois’ gun ban set for oral arguments in appeals court Monday
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The state of Illinois will be defending its gun and magazine ban Monday in front of the...
Law professor explains why Trump could win tariff case
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court could side with the Trump administration on a multi-billion dollar case over tariffs despite two lower courts saying the power of...
JJC Board Approves Student Trustee Quorum Policy Amid Heated Debate
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article SummaryThe Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees passed a controversial policy change allowing the student trustee to be counted...
WATCH: Los Angeles schools superintendent renews contract
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The Los Angeles Board of Education unanimously voted this week to renew its four-year contract with Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, amid...
Last prosecution witness testifies in Routh trial
By David BeasleyThe Center Square The prosecution’s final witness testified all day Friday about the digital blueprint that detailed 59-year-old Ryan Routh’s plot to assassinate Donald Trump. The witness, named...
Southern California Edison works on paying Eaton Fire victims
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Southern California Edison, which many blamed for starting the destructive Eaton Fire in the Pasadena/Altadena area, is developing a program to reimburse victims. The utility...
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly presents ‘AI for America’ roadmap
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Nearly two dozen public figures have come out in support of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s artificial intelligence plan. Known as "AI for America," the plan...
Education groups propose alternative standards for math and science
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The latest national test scores in reading, math and science reflect more of the same pattern in American education: Far too many students are underperforming....
