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.
Community Events
MondayDecember 1, 2025
TuesdayDecember 2, 2025
WednesdayDecember 3, 2025
ThursdayDecember 4, 2025
FridayDecember 5, 2025
SundayDecember 7, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
Latest News Stories
Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies
By Dave Mason | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal court has issued a permanent injunction stopping the Trump administration from dismantling four federal agencies...
State reps: Pritzker turns ‘blind eye’ to Chicago’s public safety crisis
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After Gov. J.B. Pritzker said President Donald Trump was amplifying crime in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans said...
Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Medicaid coverage for parental home visits The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has launched new Medicaid coverage of home...
Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Residents voice concerns about heavy power use, water demands and the impact of a potential data...
New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility spanning approximately 63 acres in...
Hunter Prairie Park Redevelopment Nears Completion with New Amenities
Frankfort Square Park District Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Work on the Hunter Prairie Park Redevelopment project is advancing quickly, with new asphalt paths, a basketball court, tennis...
JJC Receives Clean Audit, Reports $21.6 Million Increase in Net Position
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:Joliet Junior College received a "clean unmodified audit opinion" for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the highest level of...
Will County Board Passes 0% Tax Levy, Creating “Unbalanced” Budget Crisis
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: In a contentious fiscal showdown, the Will County Board voted to keep the corporate property tax levy flat, rejecting a proposed...
Poll: Majority of Americans still support legal immigration
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A majority of Americans say that legal immigration is good for the United States, according to a new poll commissioned by The Center Square. The...
New Illinois youth center begins housing youth in Lincoln
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) - After a short delay to finalize staffing and safety preparations, the new Monarch Center in Lincoln...
State officials urge Trump, Congress to address national debt
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and a coalition of state financial officers and lawmakers are urging Congress and President Donald Trump to address the national debt...
Committee Advances Special Use Permit for Used Car Dealership in New Lenox Township
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a special use permit for a light equipment sales...
Frankfort Village Board Shifts 2026 Meeting Schedule and Start Times
Village of Frankfort Meeting | November 17, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board on Monday, November 17, 2025, formally adopted a new meeting schedule for 2026, which moves the start...
