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

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

October 21, 2025/
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

Iran testing fragile ceasefire, fires on Navy, commercial ships

Iran testing fragile ceasefire, fires on Navy, commercial ships

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Iran is testing the ceasefire as it fires at U.S. naval and commercial vessels within hours of the implementation of “Project Freedom.” U.S. Central Command...
Small businesses expected to feel pinch as diesel hits $6 a gallon

Small businesses expected to feel pinch as diesel hits $6 a gallon

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois trucking industry leader says consumers and small businesses can expect to feel the pinch as...
GOP senators renew calls to nuke filibuster after voter ID bill languishes

GOP senators renew calls to nuke filibuster after voter ID bill languishes

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With Congress juggling government funding, the farm bill, government surveillance reauthorization and more, a Republican election security bill has taken a backseat, much to the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Four charged in alleged pharmacy burglary conspiracy

Illinois Quick Hits: Four charged in alleged pharmacy burglary conspiracy

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Four people from California are charged in connection with a conspiracy to burglarize pharmacies and distribute controlled...
LA City Council member seeks to allow noncitizens to vote

LA City Council member seeks to allow noncitizens to vote

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A Los Angeles City Council member has proposed allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. Speaking on Friday at a Rules Committee meeting, Councilmember Hugo...
Chicago loses 2,100 restaurant jobs as industry fights mandated wage hikes

Chicago loses 2,100 restaurant jobs as industry fights mandated wage hikes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Chicago’s efforts to phase out sub-minimum wages are proposed nationwide, a restaurant industry advocate says the...
State Senator, ‘angel parent’ want to let police work with ICE

State Senator, ‘angel parent’ want to let police work with ICE

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Democrat legislators have moved legislation to restrict U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations within Illinois, one...
U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allows mail-order abortion pills

U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allows mail-order abortion pills

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will temporarily allow women to obtain abortion pills through the mail, without visiting an in-person doctor. Justices on the court blocked...
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Washington COVID-19 speech case

U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Washington COVID-19 speech case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case over whether the government can discipline doctors for what they say publicly. The case, Stockton v....
'Project Freedom' begins, two ships safely transit Strait of Hormuz

‘Project Freedom’ begins, two ships safely transit Strait of Hormuz

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The United States launched “Project Freedom” Monday morning in an effort to safely escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump announced...
Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case

Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing a case that alleged an Indiana gun shop fueled gun violence...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for April 16, 2026

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 The Will County Board met at an offsite hotel venue on Thursday, April 16, 2026, navigating a heavy agenda dominated by the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he is pleased that a federal court stated it will approve...
Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren't cooperating

Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren’t cooperating

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- Illinois has failed to broaden access to state contract money for businesses owned by racial minorities, women...
U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Ohio will head to polls on Tuesday to select their respective party nominees after the state legislature conducted a mid-decade redistricting effort to...