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(The Center Square) - An Illinois megaproject bill about a new Chicago Bears stadium project passed through a House committee Thursday, but it did so with a warning from several legislators and an advocacy group that the bill could lead to a meteoric rise in property tax bills in multiple communities in the state. The bill will next go to the House for a vote with sponsor Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, saying he didn't know how quickly it would be taken up for a vote. The bill would allow the Bears' proposed $5 billion stadium project and any $500 million project in the state to pay a negotiated lower rate instead of the same property tax that other companies and residents pay and it would allow the construction of the facility to be done sales tax free for 10 years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed a budget for fiscal year 2027 that is smaller than the state's 2026 spending plan. The governor delivered his State of the State budget address before the General Assembly at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday. Pritzker opened by saying he would introduce another balanced budget proposal. The spending plan with $54.8 billion in general funds appropriations is down from the state's $55.2 billion for the current year. The governor then launched into criticism of President Donald Trump and said Illinois is fighting more than 50 cases in court where Pritzker said the federal government is “illegally confiscating money” that was promised and appropriated by Congress to the people of Illinois. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Illinois in Focus Daily, host Greg Bishop reviews the latest actions from Indiana to lure the Chicago Bears out of Illinois, and shares reaction from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Illinois in Focus Daily, host Greg Bishop reviews moments from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's 2025 budget address and what Republicans are looking for from the Democratic incumbent in the 2026 address.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – A retail business advocate says a federal judge's ruling to uphold the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act paves the way for Main Street Illinois to experience major relief, but a banking advocate says the law could slow commerce and foul up transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Kendall ruled on Tuesday that the law to ban processing fees on the tax and tip portion of credit and debit card transactions could be implemented as scheduled July 1. Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob Karr said removing the pressure of swipe fees on prices will be a big deal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Illinois in Focus Daily, Greg Bishop discusses President Donald Trump's action on vehicle emissions and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's response. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During Illinois in Focus Daily, Greg Bishop provides some of the latest headlines you'll find at The Center Square - Illinois. Read more at TheCenterSquare.com/IllinoisSupport this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Illinois in Focus Daily, Greg Bishop reviews the latest in conversations about the future of the Chicago Bears, and Iowa looks to join Indiana in starting a commission to have the state absorb one or more Illinois counties.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee chair says greater federal scrutiny of state government spending will not change the General Assembly's budget process. State senators are scheduled to return to Springfield this week for session days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. State Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, chairs the appropriations committee. 
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Greg Bishop shares some of the recent conversations happening at the Illinois Statehouse as some legislators push for taxing millionaires more, others push changes to public safety policy. One legislator is defending her bill allowing for local regulation of campfires.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Center Square's Greg Bishop looks at the immigration enforcement debate as it relates to IllinoisSupport this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop talks live with Darren Bailey, a former state senator who was the Republican candidate for governor against Gov. J.B. Pritzker four years ago. Bailey is running in the Republican primary March 17 with early voting starting Feb. 5. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois' population has risen for the third straight year. Data released on Tuesday showed Illinois with an estimated 12,719,141 people on July 1, 2025, up from 12,703,033 the previous year. The state's number is 16,108 higher than a year ago but 76,207 lower than it was in 2020.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Center Square's Greg Bishop reviews some of the latest deadlines around work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and shares data on how much tax money goes to SNAP, and how much Illinois' error rate has increased in the last 10 years.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop delves into the latest U.S. Census estimates for Illinois' population that shows a third year of growth, but international migration into the state continues to outpace the domestic migration out of the state. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares a conversation with Statehouse candidate Bailey Templeton about her latest findings through public records requests showing a 725% increase in the amount of Medicaid spending on children without Social Security Numbers.  Read the story here: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_5d99f9cb-5413-4907-86df-de9e92a73b85.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says his office has endured 365 days of chaos with President Donald Trump back in the White House. Raoul held a press conference in Chicago on Tuesday to mark the one-year anniversary of Trump's return to the Oval Office. “Today marks 365 days of chaos, 365 days of attacks on civil rights, on the rule of law and on the Constitution itself,” Raoul said. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop discusses the status of several Second Amendment challenges in the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court still considering whether to take a challenge from Illinois calling the state's gun and magazine ban unconstitutional.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop, Illinois editor for The Center Square, hosts Illinois In Focus Daily, a review of some of the top Illinois headlines with timely and relevant news and interviews. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop discusses some of the highlights President Donald Trump provided from his first year in office of his second non-consecutive term. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Trump's first year has been a "failure," while Republicans in Illinois say Pritzker's policy are not making the state safe or affordable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – As Illinois state senators return to Springfield, Democrats and Republicans disagree over the level of transparency in the state's budget process. The state Senate's first meeting of 2026 is scheduled Tuesday afternoon at the Illinois Capitol. A reporter asked Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, about lawmakers routinely passing the state budget in the middle of the night with line items stuffed into a shell bill. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop talks live with Jeanne Ives from Breakthrough Ideas about her investigations into state spending on non-government organizations, how to shore up the state's budget and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop discusses the latest lawsuit Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed against the Trump administration over public safety around immigration enforcement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares recent comments from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul about a lawsuit he's joining with other states like New York and California challenging the Trump administration's freezing of federal taxpayer funds for certain welfare programs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Illinois state Rep. Martin McLaughlin argues lawmakers in Springfield only look in the mirror to come face to face with the source of the state's dwindling appeal. A new Atlas Van Lines report details how Illinois' outbound migration levels in 2025 again topped the number of new move-ins to the state, marking the 17th straight year that trend has festered. While this year's ratio reflects the smallest gap between new move-ins and those leaving the state since 2008, staffers nonetheless found 54% of the company's clients last year were on the move out of Illinois. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares conversations about fighting welfare fraud with Truth In Accounting founder and CEO Sheila Weinberg and HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill and how Illinois could be impacted and how the state can rectify a funding freeze. Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_64464fdd-b310-4260-aefb-5e0c8bfbed6f.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bishop delves into the news that the Trump administration is freezing $10 billion in federal funds to five different states including approximately $1 billion to Illinois as concerns continue about potential fraud in the welfare system stemming from findings in Minnesota. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares the latest in the ongoing scrutiny of taxpayer spending on child care subsidies with President Donald Trump saying he's not going to pay states like Illinois for child care fraud. Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_eba67e20-474d-46e1-bee7-6a0c92eac4f6.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop talks with Jared Strong with The Center Square's investigative unit about his ongoing investigation of the taxpayer cost for the state's diversity contracting goals.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – A new Chicago budget is set to take effect, even though the city's mayor refused to sign it. Flanked by Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates and several aldermanic allies, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday he would not sign or veto the budget passed by the city council last Saturday, but he would let it take effect to avoid risk or speculation of a government shutdown. The $16.7 billion spending plan includes higher taxes on cloud computing, liquor and plastic bags, along with rideshare surcharges and a roughly $1 billion sweep of tax-increment financing funds to Chicago Public Schools.Read more:Chicago mayor refuses to sign or veto budget at 'not a campaign event'Chicago council, 'starting to legislate,' sends $16.7 billion budget to mayorIL rep: As if Bears 'had a plan to rob the bank' before considering IndianaGas prices drop, but taxes make Illinois pricier than Midwest neighborsDOJ lawsuit against Illinois draws support from election integrity advocates  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This special edition of Illinois in Focus looks back at the biggest stories of 2025. From Gov. J.B. Pritzker's controversial budget address to Illinois DOGE's findings on billions flowing to NGOs, federal enforcement actions in Chicago, and new gun laws set to take effect in 2026. We revisit the moments that shaped Illinois politics this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed $1.5 billion public transit-funding legislation, but Illinois consumers are expected to pay the price with higher taxes and tolls. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2111 Tuesday at Union Station in Chicago. The measure establishes the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) to replace the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and oversee the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace. The governor promised that Illinois is on the verge of a world-class transportation network. “This new law not only averts the cliff but preserves affordability and makes transit safer and more reliable,” Pritzker said. The bill passed after more than two years of discussion centered around an estimated $770 million transit “fiscal cliff” looming in 2026, but the number was revised last summer to around $250 million. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop discusses the enactment of a bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker says ushers in a world class mass transit system. Opponents say the measure allows for increased taxes and tolls, while also diverting road fund money away from downstate. Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_6e028b31-4a06-402e-9da3-0ceac33bdf41.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop reviews a recent Office of Executive Inspector General annual report showing a record-breaking number of complaints against Illinois state employees and Gov. J.B. Pritzker's reaction to the growing trend of cases of wrongdoing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop reviews the proponents and opponents take on a measure Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Friday allowing for end-of-life options for terminally ill patients, or physician-assisted suicide. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says a new law to protect people from federal immigration law enforcement in Illinois is a great one, despite ethical questions about campaign donations to the bill sponsors and private right of action. Pritzker signed House Bill 1312 Tuesday at La Villita Community Church in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. The governor said the measure would provide a measure of legal protections and send a message to President Donald Trump and members of his administration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop discusses the debate around a measure on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk about "end-of-life" options for terminally ill patients that opponents say has "grave" consequences. The measure was approved by the Illinois Senate in the final hours of fall veto session, early Halloween morning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares highlights from supporters and opponents to expansions of the state's migrant sanctuary policies Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Tuesday.Read the story from The Center Square: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_d11da5c7-1bd9-439e-be54-8aa97212367d.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop discusses a bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker is scheduled to sign Tuesday morning, expanding the state's migrant sanctuary policies and the criticism Republicans have for the bill that impacts child daycares, universities and hospitals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares reaction from Illinois state Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, about the announcement that U.S. Steel is restarting a blast furnace in Granite City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker can now enact a measure enhancing the state's migrant sanctuary policies that Republicans warn is too broad. House Bill 1312 was originally filed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, in January, and started as a POW/MIA Recognition Day bill. It passed unanimously in the House in April and was read in the Senate for a second time in May, but was never approved before the end of spring session. In October, the Senate placed it up for final passage until Senate President Don Harmon filed an amendment on Oct. 30, changing the bill to the Illinois Bivens Act on the final day of scheduled veto session. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop reviews the status of several challenges to Illinois' gun and magazine ban, including the U.S. Supreme Court taking a case challenging Cook County's ban into conference Friday. A decision whether they'll take the case could be released Monday. This as the case where a district court found the state's law unconstitutional remains pending in an appeals court, and a case challenging Naperville's ban remains in a district court. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares the continued debate around federal immigration enforcement and the state's migrant sanctuary policies with Gov. J.B. Pritzker encouraging protests against ICE. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop airs concerns a Republican state legislator has over a bill pending Gov. J.B. Pritzker's signature to expand the state's migrant sanctuary policies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump has revived his criticism of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over crime, and Pritzker has fired back by blasting Trump over Thanksgiving dinner prices. The president spoke at the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning outside the White House Tuesday. Referring to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson as well as the governor, Trump said crime in Chicago is out of control. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Court battles around migrant sanctuary policies, use of Guard continue Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares the reaction to violence in Chicago, including two separate shootings after a downtown holiday celebration, from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and President Donald Trump. Also, last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker was asked if the state needs to change no-cash bail policies and the perception of public safety in the city. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – Illinois families will see some relief at the Thanksgiving table this year, with the average cost of a classic holiday meal dropping to $49.20, continuing a three-year decline and mirroring the national average of $55.18, a 5% drop from 2024. Tasha Bunting, associate director of commodities and livestock programs at the Illinois Farm Bureau, said multiple factors are pushing costs down across the state. “We definitely have seen not only here in Illinois but across the nation within the survey that turkey prices have come down,” Bunting said. “Some of the other ingredients that are used within the meal have come down… like the frozen peas and some of the other staples that we normally have within the Thanksgiving dinner.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop discusses the status of various challenges to gun bans from Illinois, including a challenge to Cook County's ban being sent to a U.S. Supreme Court conference for Dec. 5. The Barnett case, where a district judge ruled against the law on the merits after developing a substantial record from a four day bench trial, remains in the appeals court after a hearing nearly two months ago. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop shares highlights from Wednesday U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary where Chicago Flips Red Vice President Daniel Carter-Walters testified about immigration enforcement in the Windy City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.