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.
Latest News Stories
Beecher Overhauls Village Governance, Dissolves Key Commissions in Code Update
Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has fundamentally restructured its governmental framework, approving a pair of ordinances that redefine the roles of trustees, resize the Police Commission, and formally dissolve...
Beecher to Explore New Banking Relationship, Considers Annual Bids for Services
Article Summary: The Village of Beecher is poised to change where it banks and how it manages its financial partnerships, following a discussion at the July 14 board meeting. After...
Beecher Nuisance Property Owner Makes ‘Substantial Effort’ to Clean Up
Article Summary: The owner of a long-problematic property on Catalpa Street has cleaned up the yard and ordered a dumpster, showing significant progress after years of complaints and recent threats...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for July 14, 2025
The Beecher Village Board passed a major overhaul of its governmental structure at its meeting on July 14, approving ordinances that dissolve the Planning and Zoning and Beautification Commissions and...
County Approves School Resource Officer, Multi-Year Planning Requirements
Will County approved hiring an additional sheriff's deputy for a school resource officer position that will be fully funded by Summit Hill School District 161, while also passing new transparency...
County Addresses Senior Tax Exemption Processing Error
A processing error that cost County Board member Julie Berkowicz $600 in senior tax exemptions has prompted discussions about improving verification systems for property tax breaks. Will County Chief Assessment...
Executive Committee Meeting July 10 Meeting Briefs
Liquor License Expansion: The county approved increasing Class C1 liquor licenses from eight to nine to accommodate Lockport Gas and Food LLC at 14747 W. 159th Street in Homer Glen....
Beecher School Board Begins Overhaul of District Goals, Focusing on Transparency, Inclusivity, and Student Success
Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education has initiated a comprehensive update of its district-wide goals, beginning a process to replace a strategic plan that has been in place since...
Beecher School Board Finalizes Policy Updates, Approves New Student Handbook
Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education gave its final approval to a series of policy updates and a revised Student Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year. The unanimous votes...
District Modifies Janitorial Contract, Saving Money by Bringing Junior High In-House
Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education approved a new janitorial contract with Citywide Janitorial for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that covers only the elementary school, a change that will...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for July 9, 2025
The Beecher Board of Education began the process of creating a new five-year strategic plan by holding an in-depth discussion to overhaul its district goals at its July 9 meeting....
Washington Township to Reduce Office Hours in Summer Trial
Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees has approved a plan to reduce public office hours for a trial period this summer, citing less foot traffic and potential cost...
Washington Township Opts for $1,050 AC Repair Over $10,200 Replacement
Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees chose to repair two non-functional, 25-year-old air conditioning units for $1,050 rather than pursue a full replacement of all three units at...
