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.
Latest News Stories
Champaign stabbing raises concerns over Illinois mental-health law
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state lawmaker who also serves as a police officer says the recent stabbing of non-police...
Illinois quick hits: DHS apprehends ICE protester with firearm; bill allows campaign funds for security
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS apprehends ICE protester with firearm The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says more than 200 rioters blocked access to a...
Lawmaker responds to IL’s push for adult COVID shots against CDC guidance
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois health officials recommend all adults get the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, defying recent U.S. Centers...
Grocery tax stalls in Chicago council, measure approved in Bloomington
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Bloomington has joined hundreds of Illinois municipalities by reinstating a one-percent grocery tax that will soon be...
Illinois quick hits: Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence; ‘peacekeeper’ arrested for battery
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty to being illegally present in the United States after...
Joliet Junior College Honors Seven Long-Serving Employees Upon Retirement
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article SummaryThe Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees formally recognized seven long-serving employees who are retiring, including Dr. Robert "Bob"...
WATCH: 2022 GOP nominee makes second run for governor
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, is making a second run for Illinois governor. Bailey launched his...
WATCH: Pritzker creates governors group as IL legislators debate increased energy bills
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday announced the creation of a new group of governors impacted by...
Attorneys general file amicus brief supporting DEI policies
By Dave Mason | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois, California and Massachusetts are co-leading a coalition of Democratic attorneys general from 17 states filing an...
Illinois lawmaker, physician pushes back on Trump Tylenol announcement
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois health officials push back on new federal guidance, saying Tylenol use in pregnancy does not...
Illinois quick hits: Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs; temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Green Garden Township Board for September 22, 2025
The Green Garden Township Board held a workshop meeting on September 22 to discuss several key administrative and planning items. The board is now tasked with appointing a new trustee...
Green Garden Township Plans Overhaul of Cyber Security Measures
Article Summary: The Green Garden Township Board is planning a significant upgrade to its cyber security, focusing on migrating its systems to Microsoft 365 and weighing options for professional IT...
