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A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week, commentary from The Center Square Illinois' editors and more!

The Center Square Illinois


    • Aug 5, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
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    Latest episodes from Illinois In Focus - Powered by TheCenterSquare.com

    Illinois in Focus Daily | August 5, 2025 - Texas Map Debate Continues With Illinois Congressmen Reacting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 27:02


    Greg Bishop continues coverage of the ongoing debate about state's political boundaries with Illinois hosting Texas Democrats avoiding votes on new maps for The Lone Star State. Illinois Congressmen Mike Quigley and Darin LaHood shared their thoughts at an unrelated event in Chicago Monday.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | August 4, 2025 - IL State Rep. Calls Pritzker ‘Fraud' for Hosting TX Dems Protesting GOP Map Making

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 37:35


    Greg Bishop gets live reaction from state Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur, to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker hosting Texas Democrats fleeing the state to avoid voting for modified electoral maps.

    Weekend Edition | Economist Explains Flight of People, Dollars From Illinois

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – Outmigration has taken a major toll on the Illinois economy, according to a new report by Unleash Prosperity. Using data from the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Census Bureau, analysts found that Illinois lost 881,012 residents from 2012 to 2022. Economist Stephen Moore said only New York and California suffered more domestic outmigration than the Land of Lincoln. “This is the sad story, same thing. New York and California and Illinois are just being bled to death,” Moore said.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | August 1, 2025 - Republicans Say Pritzker's Had Enough Time to Turnaround Troubled Illinois Child Welfare Agency

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 26:43


    Greg Bishop reviews continued concerns Illinois Statehouse Republicans have with the Pritzker administration's management of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 30th, 2025 - Pritzker Discusses Food Subsidy ‘Red Tape' That a Republican Says Is Necessary

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 30:19


    Greg Bishop continues coverage of how the Trump administration's changes to SNAP could impact Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Republicans want to take food benefits away to give tax breaks to the wealthy. Republican state Sen. Andrew Chesney says Republicans are just looking for accountability of how tax dollars are spent.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 29th, 2025 - Gun Rights Supports Predict Lawsuits Over Illinois' ‘Safe Gun Storage Act'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 37:24


    Greg Bishop provides highlights from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Monday news conference where he signed two gun control measures, including one requiring guns be locked up in certain circumstances that Second Amendment advocates say is ripe for lawsuits.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 26th, 2025 - DOJ's Migrant Sanctuary Policy Lawsuit Against Illinois Dismissed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 39:55


    Greg Bishop reviews the order from a federal judge dismissing the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit challenging migrant sanctuary policies in the state of Illinois. The DOJ now has until Aug. 22 to file an amended complaint, or the case will be dismissed with prejudice.

    Weekend Edition | 'Sicko' released under Illinois' SAFE-T Act arrested by ICE in Chicago

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – After U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested a criminal suspect who had been released in Lake County, elected officials are calling for changes to Illinois' SAFE-T Act. According to an ICE statement, Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, 52, was arrested in Chicago on Saturday. In April, the Mexican national was charged with four felonies, including concealing a death, abusing a corpse and obstructing justice in connection with the death of 37-year-old Megan Bos of Antioch. A Lake County judge released Mendoza-Gonzalez under the Pretrial Fairness Act.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 25th, 2025 - Pritzker Reacts to Energy Prices, Snap Benefits and Salt Deduction Increase

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 37:12


    Greg Bishop shares recent comments from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker about the expectation energy prices are going to continue to go up for Illinois rate payers, the impacts of the Trump administration's controls over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and also the governor speaking well of the increase in the State and Local Tax deduction from the "big, beautiful bill."

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 24th, 2025 - Epstein Files and Russia Gate Conspiracy Theory Compete for Headlines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 39:35


    Greg Bishop delves into two national controversies competing for headlines: The Jeffery Epstein saga and the Trump administration allegations of conspiracy to derail President Donald Trump's first term with Russia collusion claims.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 22nd, 2025 - ‘Sicko' Released Under Illinois' Safe-T Act Arrested by ICE in Chicago

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 30:19


    Greg Bishop shares recent comments from Illinois elected officials to the arrest by ICE of a Mexican national who was released by local authorities in April despite being arrested for concealing a body.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 21st, 2025 - Mexican National Accused of Concealing Illinois Women's Body Detained by ICE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 28:49


    Greg Bishop reviews statements around news of federal immigration officials detaining a Mexican national who was arrested by Illinois law enforcement earlier this year for the concealment of a women's body but was later released from jail under the state's Pretrial Fairness Act that ended cash bail. Republicans say it's a stark example of the reforms that are needed in both the SAFE-T Act and the state's migrant sanctuary policies.

    Weekend Edition | Analyst: Chicago, St. Louis Inflation Problems Reflect Illinois Struggles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – Illinois is one of the U.S. states hardest hit by inflation, an analyst says . The personal finance company WalletHub compared 23 major metropolitan areas across key metrics, including the Consumer Price Index, to measure inflation and how it impacts people in different cities. According to the report, two of the five major metropolitan areas with the biggest inflation problems have a large footprint in Illinois.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 18th, 2025 - IL Requests Delay in Final Gun Ban Appeal Brief as Separate Illegal Alien With Gun Case Reversed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 30:27


    Greg Bishop reviews recent court filings in two separate firearms related cases. In the case challenging Illinois' gun and magazine ban, the state is asking to delay the deadline to final a final brief before the Sept. 22 oral arguments in the appeals court. In a separate case challenging the prohibition of illegal aliens having firearms, an appeals court overturned the lower court's ruling the law unconstitutional and remanded the case back to the district court. 

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 17th, 2025 - Washington Gun Law Visits Illinois

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 27:02


    Greg Bishop shares a conversation with Washington Gun Law host William Kirk about the status of Illinois gun laws and what to expect with the appeals court set to hear the challenge to Illinois gun ban law.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 16th, 2025 - Congresswoman Kelly on ‘Big, Beautiful Bill' and Her Bid for Illinois' U.S. Senate Seat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 30:36


    Greg Bishop talks live with Illinois U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly about the Democrats' criticism of President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and about her bid to become the next U.S. Senator from Illinois.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 15th, 2025 - Fight Over School Funding Continues as State Senator Urges IL to Join Scholarship Tax Credit Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 34:43


    Greg Bishop discusses the back and forth over federal tax funding for public schools and an Illinois state senator's call for the governor to opt into the federal school choice scholarship tax credit program.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 14th, 2025 - Pritzker Promotes ‘Know Your Rights' Campaign for Non-citizens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 21:22


    Greg Bishop reviews a website Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker promoted for non-citizens to "know your rights."

    Weekend Edition | Homan Says ‘Good Luck' as Johnson Vows Chicago Won't Work With Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – A Trump administration official says "good luck" to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who vows local police won't cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Trump administration border czar Tom Homan told reporters they plan to increase immigration enforcement efforts. “And for those that say 3,000 a day is too much, I want to remind them, do the math, we'd have to arrest 7,000 every single day for the remainder of this administration just to catch the ones [former President Joe] Biden released in the nation, ” Homan said.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 11th, 2025 - Chicago Mayor Criticizes ‘Militarized' Spending as Ice Agents Face Violent Protests

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 25:10


    Greg Bishop reviews recent comments from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson critical of increased funding for immigration enforcement amid ICE officials contending with violent protests as he dodges questions about his personal security detail.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 10th, 2025 - Millions in Federal Tax Funds Could Be Rescinded From Illinois Public Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 19:47


    Greg Bishop discusses a federal bill to rescind more than $9 billion in federal spending that includes $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Bishop shares comments from Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin saying that will devastate Illinois' public media operations. Analysis of financial records shows millions going to public media associated with Illinois public universities.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 9th, 2025 - Homan Says ‘Good Luck' as Johnson Vows Chicago Police Won't Cooperate With Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 34:54


    Greg Bishop shares recent comments from Trump administration border czar Tom Homan and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson about expected increased immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 8th, 2025 - Congressional candidate on Chicago public safety and the 'One, Big Beautiful Bill'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 49:53


    Greg Bishop talks live with congressional candidate Christian Maxwell about how she feels Congress could impact public safety on the streets of Chicago, impacts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and more.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 7th, 2025 - Chicago Mayor: Shootings Show ‘How Far We Still Have to Go'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 35:15


    (The Center Square) – Despite a mass shooting just north of downtown Chicago Wednesday night, Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants people to enjoy the city this holiday weekend. The shooting outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge on Chicago Avenue left four people dead and 18 others wounded. Police said a vehicle pulled up near a crowd of people on the sidewalk, and gunfire erupted from the vehicle. The incident happened as a crowd was leaving a release party for a local music artist. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said detectives are working hard to solve the crime. “We as a Chicago Police Department want to make sure that we bring justice to these families, but we also want to make sure that we take individuals who are this violent and this careless off the streets,” Snelling said.

    Weekend Edition | Impacts of 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on Illinois

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – As Congress weighs the “big, beautiful bill,” a proposed hike to the state and local tax deduction cap is drawing fire for favoring taxpayers in high-tax states, like Illinois. Taxpayers who itemize can deduct up to $10,000 in state and local taxes from their federal taxes—a cap set by the 2017 tax law. A provision in the legislation the U.S. Senate sent back over to the House Tuesday would raise that cap to $40,000 for most people, but phase it out for those earning over $500,000. “This is considered to be specifically a subsidy for high-income taxpayers in high-tax states because there are some lower-tax states where even relatively high earners aren't paying $10,000 in state and local taxes due to low property and income taxes,” said Tax Foundation analyst Katherine Loughead.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 2nd, 2025 - Appeals Court Wants More Deliberation in Challenge of Il's Mass Transit Concealed Carry Ban

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 48:05


    Greg Bishop provides the latest in the case challenging Illinois' prohibition of carrying concealed carry on mass transit and shares a conversation with Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson about an appeals court setting Sept. 22 for oral arguments in the case challenging the state's gun and magazine ban.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | July 1st, 2025 - Appeals Court Schedules Oral Arguments for Illinois' Gun Ban Challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 45:00


    Greg Bishop reports out the latest in the challenge against Illinois' gun ban with the appeals court scheduling oral arguments for Sept. 22, 2025.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 30th, 2025 - Illinois Political Leaders React to U.S. Supreme Court Decisions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 24:02


    Greg Bishop shares reaction from various Illinois political leaders to two separate U.S. Supreme Court rulings issued Friday about the reach district court injunctions have and parental rights when it comes to LGBTQ curriculum in schools.

    Weekend Edition | Pritzker Dismisses Census Data Showing Youth Flight From Illinois

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – After U.S. Census data shows the state losing the 18 and under population faster than any other state, Illinois political leaders have different solutions. Asked Thursday about the latest U.S. Census data released this week showing Illinois losing the 18 and under population at a faster rate than any other state, Pritzker dismissed it. “You've got to look at all the data and understand that when you're trying to attract, remember that every state has people that leave and come, the point is to get net improvement in population,” Pritzker told The Center Square after a campaign rally in Chicago.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 26th, 2025 - Illinois Leading Nation in Decline of 18 and Under, Working Age Populations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 38:40


    Greg Bishop delves into the latest U.S. Census data showing Illinois leading the nation in the rate of decline of people 18 and under as older populations increases. Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski shares his perspective of the demographics.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 25th, 2025 - School Choice Advocate: Union President's Rhetoric Doesn't Help

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 34:50


    The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares reaction to recent rhetoric from Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates about education philosophy. Jonathan Greenberg from Empower Illinois says Davis Gates' comments to the City Club of Chicago give more reason to support school choice.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 24th, 2025 - Raoul and Bondi Lay Out Positions on Immigration at Separate Hearings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 42:48


    Greg Bishop airs highlights from dueling hearings in Washington D.C. over the issue of rule of law. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul took part in a "spotlight" panel with other Democrats while a U.S. House committee discussed issues around justice with U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 23rd, 2025 - Illinois Congressional Members React to Trump's Strike On Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 28:29


    Greg Bishop shares reaction from members of Congress from Illinois to the weekend bombing President Donald Trump ordered on Iran.

    Weekend Edition | Ex-Illinois House Speaker Gets 7.5 Year Prison Term, $2.5 Million Fine for Corruption

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – A federal judge sentenced Michael Madigan Friday to seven-and-a-half years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of $2.5 million for crimes committed during his tenure as the longest-serving speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. Judge John Robert Blakey handed down the 90-month sentence Friday at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. He also imposed three years of supervised release after his prison time ends. Madigan will be required to report to prison on Oct. 13. The judge said it was difficult to reconcile the two recommendations, one from government attorneys and one from the defense. Prosecutors had asked for a 12.5-year prison sentence and a $1.5 million fine. Defense attorneys requested that Madigan be sentenced to a year of home confinement with probation and community service.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 20th, 2025 - 'Amending Constitution' Only Fix for Pension Debt, Illinois Legislator Says

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 33:59


    Greg Bishop shares a conversation with state Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, about the plan to set aside $75 million for Tier 2 pensioners and what he says is the real fix to Illinois' pension problems.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 19th, 2025 - Illinois Republicans File Another Lawsuit Challenging Alleged Three Readings Rule Violations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 35:12


    Greg Bishop shares some of the arguments Illinois Statehouse Republicans are leveling in a new lawsuit challenging alleged violations of the state Constitution's three readings rule.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 18th, 2025 - Pritzker Keeps Some Non-citizen Health Care Subsidies Despite Warnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 38:59


    Greg Bishop discusses Gov. J.B. Pritzker ending taxpayer subsidies for the health care of non-citizen adults while keeping the subsidies for non-citizen seniors and the warning from Republicans about the loss of federal funds if such policies continue.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 17th, 2025 - Prison Looms for Illinois' Former ‘Man in Charge' Madigan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 59:14


    (The Center Square) – Although former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was expected to pay a $2.5 million fine quickly, his time in prison won't begin until at least October. Judge John Robert Blakey ordered Madigan to immediately pay the $2.5 million, which was the maximum statutory fine the judge was allowed to impose. Madigan's 90-month prison sentence is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on Oct. 13. The ex-speaker's defense attorneys suggested in court last Friday they would file a motion to appeal.

    Weekend Edition | Pritzker Says He's Willing to Be Arrested Defending Sanctuary Policies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – In defending the state's migrant sanctuary policies, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he'd rather be arrested than to have Illinois residents arrested improperly. Joining the governors of New York and Minnesota Thursday in front of the U.S. House Oversight Committee, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Florida, asked the three governors for their response to threats of being arrested for allegedly impeding federal immigration enforcement with migrant sanctuary policies. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said “go for it.” Pritzker said the Trump administration “can try.” “I will stand in the way of [Trump border czar] Tom Homan going after people who don't deserve to be frightened in their communities, who don't deserve to be threatened or terrorized, I would rather that he come and arrested me than to do that to the people of my state,” Pritzker said.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 13th, 2025 - Highlights of Pritzker Defending IL's Migrant Sanctuary Policies During U.S. House Committee

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 40:14


    Greg Bishop provides highlights from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's testimony about migrant sanctuary policies to the U.S. House Oversight Committee.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 12th, 2025 - Chicago Braces for Immigration Enforcement Efforts Amid Protests

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 28:12


    Greg Bishop reviews the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement amid civil unrest. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to testify about migrant sanctuary policies and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson prepare for immigration enforcement and expected protests.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 11th, 2025 - ‘Societal Concerns' Won't Hold Up in Court, Says IL Gun Rights Group Challenging Ban

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 35:40


    Greg Bishop shares some of a conversation he had with Illinois State Rifle Association's Richard Pearson about the status of the gun ban challenge in the appeals court.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx 

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 10th, 2025 - IL Gun Ban Challengers File Final Briefs in Federal Appeals Court Case

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 44:18


    Greg Bishop reviews the latest filings in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in the case challenging Illinois' gun laws. Follow the links to the separate briefs: Barnette: https://www.thecentersquare.com/tncms/asset/editorial/a871ecda-f114-4df5-a5ba-b141b14bef1d/ Langley: https://www.thecentersquare.com/tncms/asset/editorial/1c475803-2d23-4675-ad8d-b81b99c4c868/ Harrel: https://www.thecentersquare.com/tncms/asset/editorial/9cd718ad-87f6-435f-b7d7-e998f95f801e/ FFL IL: https://www.thecentersquare.com/tncms/asset/editorial/8639fad7-1565-4d69-a0d4-3c9fd123faa1/

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 9th, 2025 - Senate Candidate on la Immigration Riots, Illinois' Sanctuary Status and the ‘Big Beautiful Bill'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 42:31


    Greg Bishop talks live with Dr. Pamela Denise Long who is running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to fill the seat being vacated by Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield. Long discusses the latest in the debate around immigration enforcement and use of the National Guard in California, Illinois' migrant sanctuary status and President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill."Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx

    Weekend Edition | Republicans Ask Court to Find Illinois' Budget Violated Three Readings Rule

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – Several Republican state legislators say they will be irreparably harmed if a court doesn't stop the state from enacting the recently approved Illinois state budget. They filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County Circuit Court laying out how the final language of the 3,300 page budget bill was filed with just 30 hours before the legislature was set to adjourn. The legislators argue they needed between 70 to 119 hours. State Sen. Andrew Chesney explains the Three Readings Rule is being abused by Democratic leadership. “And the Democrats have a long tradition of short circuiting that process,” Chesney, R-Freeport, told The Center Square. “And brokering these deals behind closed doors and then presenting the final package of these bills with no time to mount opposition, no time to ask all the questions and no time to truly debate these issues.”

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 5th, 2025 - Illinois Taxes Going Up for Cell Phones, Tobacco-Related Products, Sports Betting, Corporations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 29:11


    Greg Bishop goes a little deeper into the tax and spend plan the Illinois Legislature approved for Gov. J.B. Pritzker's signature.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 4th, 2025 - Illinois Approves Digital Currency Regulations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 30:24


    Greg Bishop talks with Andrew Gordon, an attorney and Certified Public Accountant, who just launched Main Street Crypto PAC, a new federal political action committee. The two discuss digital currency regulations and the future of investing in crypto.

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 3rd, 2025 - Federal Appeals Court Sides With Cook County, Illinois, in Challenge to Gun Bans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 37:05


    Greg Bishop looks at the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court deciding to deny taking up the challenge to Maryland's gun ban, leaving open the door to a challenge to Cook County and Illinois' gun ban. This as Illinois legislators pass more measures impacting gun owners.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx

    Illinois in Focus Daily | June 2nd, 2025 - Taxpayers Wake Up to Largest Budget in Illinois History After Long Legislative Weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 41:45


    Greg Bishop provides a roundup of the long weekend at the Illinois Statehouse where the General Assembly approved the largest spending plan in state history with $1 billion more in tax revenue collections.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx

    Illinois in Focus Daily | May 30th, 2025 - IL Shell Bills: Empty Budget ‘Vehicle,' Food Safety Bill Replaced With ‘Medical Aid in Dying

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 48:00


    Greg Bishop reviews some shell bill action happening at the Illinois Statehouse in the final days with an empty budget bill passed to the House by the Senate and a measure about food safety being gutted and replaced in the House to advance "medical aid in dying" legislation.

    Weekend Edition | Some Question Pritzker's Tax ‘Veto' Pledge, Say Trump Should Cut Funding

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 24:00


    (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers still don't know how much of their money will be spent by the state of Illinois next fiscal year or whether they'll be charged higher taxes to pay for it. Saturday is the deadline for legislators to approve the annual spending plan that begins July 1. Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker explained what he would veto if it's included. “I've been opposed to any taxes. They're broad based, or that would affect working families in this budget,” Pritzker told reporters.

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