November 19, 2025/

WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up

Spread the love

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Five-Run Fifth Inning Propels Casey-Westfield Past Robinson 7-3

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team capitalized on a massive five-run fifth inning and a steady offensive attack to secure a 7-3 home conference victory over Robinson on Thursday afternoon. Casey-Westfield's...

Illinois lawmakers seek to eliminate state diversity commission

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- An Illinois state commission has failed its mission to aid businesses owned by racial minorities, women and...
Republican efforts to impeach Walz, Ellison fail in Minnesota

Republican efforts to impeach Walz, Ellison fail in Minnesota

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Republican efforts to impeach lead Democrats in Minnesota ran aground this week following a partisan deadlock in committee. The House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee...
Trump says Iran agrees to turn over 'nuclear dust'

Trump says Iran agrees to turn over ‘nuclear dust’

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. will receive Iran’s “nuclear dust,” President Donald Trump said Friday. “The U.S.A. will get all the nuclear ‘dust,’ created by our great B2...
U.S. Supreme Court slaps down Chevron oil lawsuit

U.S. Supreme Court slaps down Chevron oil lawsuit

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in an 8-0 decision Friday, sent back a state court ruling in favor of oil companies Chevron and ExxonMobil seeking millions...
Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois House approves student cell phone ban

Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois House approves student cell phone ban

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House has approved a bill banning students from using cell phones during the school day....
Oil prices fall as Trump, Iran say Strait of Hormuz is 'fully open'

Oil prices fall as Trump, Iran say Strait of Hormuz is ‘fully open’

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Strait of Hormuz is fully opened, Iranian officials and President Donald Trump said Friday, sending oil prices down. Iran closed the strait near the...
US-Asia Fair Market Alliance launches, urges probe into digital trade practices in Asia

US-Asia Fair Market Alliance launches, urges probe into digital trade practices in Asia

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – A new policy coalition launched this week, calling on federal officials to investigate what it says is discriminatory treatment of...
Fugitives arrested in New England sanctuary jurisdictions wanted on homicide charges

Fugitives arrested in New England sanctuary jurisdictions wanted on homicide charges

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Fve fugitives have been arrested in New England sanctuary jurisdictions within the past few weeks who are wanted for murder or homicide in their home...
ICE director stepping down

ICE director stepping down

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Department of Homeland Security will see another leadership change as Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will step down May 31....
Ex-Dem Rep. Stoneback can’t sue gun control group, current Rep. Olickal over NRA smears

Ex-Dem Rep. Stoneback can’t sue gun control group, current Rep. Olickal over NRA smears

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square An Illinois gun control activist group and a current Illinois Democratic state lawmaker appear poised to ultimately prevail over a former Democratic...
Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State legislative leaders from both parties spoke to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce about the broad state...
Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he hopes the federal government does what’s best for consumers and businesses as...
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate reached 5% in February, up 0.1...
Pritzker wants Bears legislation to move faster; tax questions loom large

Pritzker wants Bears legislation to move faster; tax questions loom large

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he would like the General Assembly to move faster on legislation for the...