October 21, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Elections board splits on Harmon fine; busiest summer at O’Hare

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Elections board splits on Harmon fine

The Illinois State Board of Elections delivered a tied vote of 4-4 on state Senate President Don Harmon’s appeal of a ruling that he violated campaign finance laws.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the split decision makes it unlikely that the board has the legal authority to impose a $9.8 million fine that had been levied against Harmon.

Board members agreed to hold the issue until their next scheduled meeting in November.

Busiest summer at O’Hare

O’Hare International Airport has recorded the busiest summer in its 70-year history, according to Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation.

The department said more than 24.3 million passengers traveled through O’Hare during June, July and August, surpassing the previous record of 24 million set in 2019.

Best fall views

Shawnee National Forest’s Inspiration Point in Southern Illinois is the No. 1 place in Illinois for the most stunning fall views.

That’s according to a survey from Exoticca, a travel company. More than 3,000 respondents took part in the survey.

Eagle’s Roost Scenic Overlook in Grafton snagged the second most favorite, followed by Grandview Drive in Peoria.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Long‑delayed university repair funding is leaving campuses across the state with holes in their roofs, and in...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student's alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey City Council Approves $91,500 Investment for New Emergency Sirens

City of Casey City Council Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday authorized a major public safety upgrade, approving the purchase of new municipal...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Goble’s Dominant Relief Stint Sparks Casey-Westfield to 12-0 Shutout Win

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team utilized a dominant, combined one-hitter from its pitching staff to secure a 12-0 non-conference victory over Parke Heritage on Thursday afternoon. The hosts broke the...
Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Highly coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in the age of artificial intelligence, says a new report released Thursday from the Elon University Imagining the Digital...
U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Tensions are running high between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders, as grumblings grow over the U.S. withdrawing from the alliance. NATO’s relationship with the...
BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from the Department of Justice on Thursday, according to a post on social media. "Pam Bondi is...
States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is co-leading a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of some federal limits on toxic air pollution. The lawsuit...
Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of 'burdensome' mandates

Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of ‘burdensome’ mandates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report on energy affordability, burdensome mandates are making Illinois more expensive. The American...
Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the U.S. Supreme Court considers a high-stakes challenge to birthright citizenship, a constitutional law expert...
U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite repeated claims by Trump administration officials, Mexico is not delivering water as promised to South Texas in accordance with a long-standing treaty. In January,...
Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process

Supporters say will storage option would streamline judicial process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters say an Illinois House bill allowing county clerks to develop a will depository would streamline judicial...
Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry

Dallas Fed: Geopolitical conflicts creating uncertainty for U.S. oil and gas industry

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A new quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey indicates the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and other geopolitical conflicts are negatively impacting and creating uncertainty for the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker pushes for E15

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker pushes for E15

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is asking leaders of the U.S. House on Environment and Public Works Committee...
Clark County Graphic.5

Clark County Ambulance Service Faces Critical Level Zero Instances Amid Medicaid Collection Issues

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Clark County Ambulance Service reported hitting "level zero" availability six times over a single weekend, while simultaneously navigating revenue...