WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up
November 19, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews actions taken by the Illinois State Board of Elections in regards to a nearly $10 million fine for campaign finance violations with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon’s campaign committee.
Bishop also shares recent public comments from residents of the city of Chicago about the city’s finances and immigration policies ahead of a new budget year with the prospect of a slew of tax increases to pay for a more than billion dollar budget deficit.
Finally, Bishop shares an announcement from the Illinois Secretary of State about the launch of digital ID for Apple devices.
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
Digitization of aviation supply chain an opportunity to ascend out of 1950s
By Alan WootenThe Center Square Moving passengers and cargo through the air is heavily regulated and significantly ties efficiency to expense. “As currently postured,” says U.S. Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C.,...
‘Classic impasse’ for Chicago aldermen debating proposed taxes, spending cuts
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing for state help in funding the city’s budget, but a city...
Texas authorities arrest men for violent crimes after illegally entering as minors
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Authorities in Texas continue to arrest violent men in major cities years after they illegally entered the country as unaccompanied minors. They’re also continuing to...
WATCH: Gun ban cases and the Supreme Court; English and CDLs; Don Tracy eyes Senate
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the status...
Illinois quick hits: Madigan disbarred; taxpayers subsidize medical debt relief
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Madigan disbarred Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is no longer licensed to practice law in the Land of Lincoln. The...
Zoning Cases in Crete and Manhattan Townships Postponed to December 16
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:Two zoning cases, one in Crete Township and another in Manhattan Township, were postponed by the Will County...
Will County Commission Approves New Lenox Variances, Overriding Staff’s Denial Recommendation
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved three variances for a 5.02-acre property in New Lenox Township,...
Lincoln-Way 210 Board Approves Tentative 2025 Tax Levy with 4.57% Increase
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously approved a tentative property tax levy for...
Will County Executive Committee to Hash Out Budget Cuts Following Levy Reduction
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: Following a Finance Committee vote to reduce the proposed 2026 property tax levy increase, Will County Board leaders on...
Inflation-adjusted teacher salaries drop despite record spending on public education
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new report says structural problems have led to record-high spending on public education in Illinois and...
Illinois quick hits: CDC’s autism and vaccines website criticized by IDPH
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square CDC's autism and vaccines website criticized The Illinois Department of Public Health is criticizing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...
IL GOP U.S. Senate candidate says state needs balanced representation
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite having to push through a potentially crowded primary field, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy says...
Wheat price drop brings notable Thanksgiving savings for Illinois families
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois families will see some relief at the Thanksgiving table this year, with the average cost...
