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.
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Governor candidate: Low-cost districts shine while most IL schools spend, fail
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a Republican candidate for Illinois governor, schools in the state can succeed without spending big....
WATCH: Pritzker threatens executive action regulating hemp if legislature won’t act
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − After previous attempts were unsuccessful, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he may take executive action to address...
WATCH: Illinois congresswoman OK withholding federal tax funds to change state policy
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congresswoman says she’s OK with plans of withholding federal tax dollars from Illinois if it...
Chicago mayor: ‘We do not have a spending problem’ as spending, deficit grows
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago does not have a spending problem, even as city government spending soars...
WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker ’nothing’ in public safety push; U.S. Rep. Mary Miller live
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 airs the latest...
Illinois quick hits: Three dead outside Berwyn school; steady economic conditions reported
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Three dead outside Berwyn school A Berwyn middle school is closed for instruction today after three people died in what authorities...
New Lenox Township Approves 12.5% Increase for Employee Health Insurance
New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | August 14, 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees has approved the renewal of its employee medical benefit program...
Joliet Junior College, City of Joliet to Explore Joint Public Safety Institute
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article SummaryThe Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Joliet to begin...
WATCH: Illinois prison mail scanning rule faces lawmaker scrutiny
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Emergency rules from the Illinois Department of Corrections to scan inmate mail are under review by...
New Lenox Scout Prompts Multi-Agency Action on Neighborhood Traffic Safety
New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | August 14, 2025 Article Summary: A presentation by a local Life Scout regarding speeding and traffic safety concerns in his neighborhood prompted...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees for September 2025
Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 The New Lenox Village Board on September 8, 2025, approved a crucial extension for the sale of village-owned property...
New Lenox Approves Nearly $43,000 in New Kitchen Equipment for Crossroads Sports Complex
Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board has approved the purchase of nearly $43,000 in new food service equipment...
New Lenox Extends Deadline for Sale of Maple Street Property
Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board has granted an extension to EMS Properties, LLC, for the purchase of...
