November 19, 2025/
WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up
(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 18
80° 63°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
HHS takes sweeping action to reverse Biden-era policies on gender affirming care
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a multi-pronged regulatory effort Thursday to curtail gender-affirming care for minors, including gender transition procedures at...
Trump signs order reclassifying marijuana as Schedule III drug
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, despite many Republican lawmakers urging...
Poll: Americans back criminal and homelessness reform
By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square This story has been updated since its initial publication. Americans support stricter criminal measures and homelessness reform, according to a new poll by The Cicero...
U.S. troops to get $1,776 tax-free bonuses by Dec. 20
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square U.S. troops will get a bonus before Christmas this year that will cost taxpayers about $2.6 billion. President Donald Trump announced a $1,776 tax-free "Warrior...
New action taken to strengthen US military chaplain corps
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a new directive to revamp the U.S. military Chaplain Corps. The new directive was issued one week after a...
Federal judge blocks ICE policy on lawmaker visits
By Chris WadeThe Center Square Members of Congress will be allowed to visit ICE facilities without notice and may inspect migrant detention areas under a new ruling by a federal...
Illinois quick hits: Increased energy prices expected; IHSA changes approved
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Increased energy prices expected The Citizens Utility Board says ComEd customers can expect continued high prices after grid operator PJM Interconnection released the results...
Pritzker disputes Trump claims, says Illinois GOP backs president ‘100%’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois Republicans are letting President Donald Trump get away with boasting about higher...
WATCH: Pritzker reacts to Trump’s address; Immigration enforcement continues
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 shares highlights from...
D.C.’s power to challenge Trump in jeopardy after Guard ruling
By Daniel Fisher | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal court’s slapdown of the District of Columbia’s lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment of National Guard troops could...
November inflation at 2.7%, lower than expected
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Consumer prices rose by 0.2% in the two month period between September and November. In the past 12 months, overall prices rose by 2.7%, which...
Warriors overcome slow start to handle Neoga, remain undefeated
Featured Photo Caption: Sophomore Landon Justice rises up to score over a Neoga defender. Justice dominated the JV contest with 20 points and 13 rebounds. —photo by Terri Cox By...
Trump touts accomplishments, future policies during primetime address
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In what is likely his final address to the nation of the year, President Donald Trump touted what he said were his accomplishments, and previewed...
