WATCH: System for ballooning diversity program criticized; prisons wrestle mail scanning
November 5, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks live with The Center Square investigative reporter Jared Strong about his series of stories covering the cost, effectiveness and criticism of the state’s diversity contracting program. Read Strong’s latest here.
Bishop also shares some of the latest debate about operations of the Illinois Department of Corrections with coverage of the agency’s director being confirmed by the Illinois Senate despite criticism and the emergency rules to scan inmate mail as a way to divert illicit substances harming prisoners and staff.
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 8
87° 70°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Lincoln-Way Board Honors Students with Perfect ACT Scores, Music Educator of the Year
LW210 Board of Education Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 celebrated exceptional academic and faculty achievement by formally recognizing nine students who earned a perfect composite...
New Lenox Locks in Three-Year Fireworks Contract to Stabilize Costs
Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board has approved a three-year contract with Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. to secure...
Lincoln-Way Support Staff Union Rejects Tentative Contract Agreement
LW210 Board of Education Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Members of the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 support staff union have voted down a tentative five-year contract...
New Lenox Township Explores Land Purchase for Cemetery Expansion
New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | September Article Summary: New Lenox Township is considering the purchase of church-owned property adjacent to the Maplewood cemetery for a potential expansion....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Legislative Committee held a long and contentious meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, highlighted by the narrow 4-3 passage of a controversial resolution supporting protections for immigrant...
Developer Changes Landings Business Center Plan from Two Stories to One
Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board has approved a modified site plan for The Landings Business Center,...
Will County Board Committee Passes Contentious ‘Live and Work Without Fear’ Resolution on 4-3 Vote
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday narrowly passed a controversial resolution affirming the county's commitment to ensuring all residents...
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening in Homer Glen Area
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday confirmed the award of a $10.4 million...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, approved a major construction contract and reviewed extensive plans for both county and state transportation initiatives. The...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, held a contentious meeting centered on the county’s finances, narrowly approving a preliminary $161.6 million county-wide tax levy on a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee spent the bulk of its meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, discussing the county’s long-term facilities master plan. Faced with an aging...
New Lenox Waives $38,000 in Fees for Fire District’s $4 Million Station Expansion
Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board has unanimously voted to waive $38,000 in building permit and plan...
New Lenox to Consolidate Meals on Wheels Program with Frankfort Township
New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | September Article Summary: The New Lenox Township Meals on Wheels program, currently operated from its senior housing building, will be discontinued at...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025
The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop...
Will County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include...