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.
Today Jun 17
70° 55°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago debt deal pushes payments down road Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly structuring the city’s debt with a deal that...
Texas oil & gas leaders welcome Trump reversal of Biden policies
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The leaders of the Texas oil and natural gas industry are expressing optimism about President Donald Trump’s visit to Texas. Trump is expected to tout...
Republican candidates for governor, U.S. Senate discuss energy, SCOTUS
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Candidates vying for the Republican nomination to take on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker lay out how they’d...
Whitmer criticizes tariffs; Republicans cite study showing economic gains
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used her State of the State address Wednesday to renew criticism of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, while Michigan Republicans are pointing...
Rocket, Compass partnership aims to boost housing supply
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Rocket Companies and Compass International Holdings announced a three-year alliance this week designed to expand housing inventory on Redfin’s platform and provide sellers more flexibility...
Walz unveils anti-fraud plan; GOP urges independent watchdog
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Fraud investigations in Minnesota are heating up as state Republicans push for stricter oversight and accountability measures. As part of that effort, they are highlighting...
Bill Clinton says he had ‘no idea’ about Epstein’s crimes
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Former President Bill Clinton said he had “no idea” of the crimes convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein committed. The U.S. House Oversight Committee questioned Clinton...
U.S. departures from Middle East indicate Iran strikes may be imminent
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Signaling U.S. strikes against Iran could be imminent, the State Department is urging non-essential government employees and their families to leave Israel. The State Department...
Appeals court allows Trump to kick unions out of federal agencies
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A federal appeals court will allow the Trump administration to end collective bargaining rights for thousands of government employees, in a blow for public-sector unions....
Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor signs Bears stadium bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears say they are grateful for the leadership shown by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun after...
Mamdani pitches Trump on housing, secures release of Columbia student
By Chris WadeThe Center Square New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured the release of a Columbia student detained by ICE after a surprise meeting with President Donald Trump at...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 JOLIET, IL – The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with Acting Chairman John...
Ad-Hoc Committee: Liquor Ordinance Stalls Over Drafting Errors; Debates License Cap Policy
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee postponed a vote on the comprehensive update to the...
