Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire's surcharge; digital state ID launched

Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge; digital state ID launched

November 18, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge

Former Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing for a state constitutional amendment requiring Illinois millionaires to pay a 3% surcharge on their income tax returns.

The former governor said the millionaire’s tax would go to support a $4.5 billion property tax relief fund.

Quinn launched the campaign Tuesday outside the Cook County Treasurer’s Office in Chicago.

Digital state ID launched

Starting Wednesday, Illinois residents can add their Illinois-issued driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet and present their ID using their iPhone and Apple Watch.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said, for now, Illinois residents must continue to carry their physical ID.

Illinois joins 12 other states and the territory of Puerto Rico by offering driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet.

Money laundering charges

The founder of a Chicago cryptocurrency company has been indicted in an alleged $10 million money laundering conspiracy.

Prosecutors say Crypto Dispensers CEO Firas Isa, 36, of Frankfort, Illinois and his company, Virtual Assets, have both pleaded not guilty.

According to the indictment, Isa’s company operated a cash-to-cryptocurrency exchange business with crypto ATMs at various locations throughout the United States.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

washington township graphic.2

Washington Township Commits Remaining $56,617 in American Rescue Funds to HVAC Project

Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | February 2, 2026 Article Summary: To avoid losing expiring federal grant money, Washington Township will utilize its remaining Will County American Rescue Plan funds...
Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the...
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a cannabis company subjected female workers at...
Washington Township Graphic.4

Washington Township to Transfer Thriveworks Mental Health Program to Beecher Fire District

Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | February 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Washington Township Board is negotiating a handover of its Thriveworks mental health program to the Beecher Fire District...
Chimney Fire

Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail

Article Summary: A chimney fire that extended into the roof of a single-story home in a rural area of Manhattan was quickly brought under control Sunday morning, with no injuries reported...
Police Crime

One Dead, Two Hospitalized Following Overnight Shooting at Crete Family Party

Article Summary: One person was killed and two others were injured early Sunday morning after an isolated, domestic-related shooting erupted during a large family gathering in Crete. Crete Shooting Key Points:...
Beecher Baseball Bobcats

Coal City Pitchers Combine for Two-Hit Shutout in 3-0 Victory Over Beecher

A dominant combined performance on the mound propelled the Coal City varsity baseball team to a 3-0 non-conference road victory over Beecher on Saturday afternoon. Three Coal City pitchers joined...
Beecher Baseball Bobcats

Beecher Baseball Downs Rich Township 5-1 Behind Maher’s Dominant Start

The Beecher varsity baseball team put together a complete performance on Wednesday, leaning on lights-out pitching and timely hitting to secure a 5-1 non-conference home victory over Rich Township. Chase...
White House calls on Pritzker to cooperate with ICE

White House calls on Pritzker to cooperate with ICE

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The White House called on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday to cooperate with immigration enforcement, after the killing of a student in Chicago. White...
DHS pushes back on Minnesota lawsuit over Metro Surge shootings

DHS pushes back on Minnesota lawsuit over Metro Surge shootings

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is defending federal agents’ actions in three Minnesota shootings while pushing back on claims of “unprecedented noncooperation” raised in...
Arrest.1

Frankfort Man Arrested by State Police for Threatening Governor Pritzker

Article Summary: A 71-year-old Frankfort resident is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after Illinois State Police investigators linked him to a series of threatening voicemails left for Governor JB Pritzker....
Supreme Court reverses $1B copyright lawsuit

Supreme Court reverses $1B copyright lawsuit

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on Wednesday, ruled that an internet service provider is not liable in damages when its users unlawfully...
U.S. Supreme Court rules against automatic prison release punishments

U.S. Supreme Court rules against automatic prison release punishments

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in an 8-1 decision, decided an individual on supervised release is not automatically extended when that person absconds from their release....
State Police address FOID, cyber security audit findings

State Police address FOID, cyber security audit findings

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As his agency works to correct compliance findings by the state’s auditor general, Illinois State Police Director...
Poll: Trump demonstrates stronger cognitive, communication skills compared to Biden

Poll: Trump demonstrates stronger cognitive, communication skills compared to Biden

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A majority of American voters say President Donald Trump has demonstrated better cognitive and physical skills during his second term compared to former President Joe...