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 13
71° 51°
Rain Showers Likely then Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
Advocates warn of looming debt crisis
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Advocates warned on Thursday the U.S. economy is not growing fast enough to keep pace with the national debt. Ryan Clancy, chief strategist at No...
Bears want more after Illinois House passes megaproject tax incentive bill
By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House of Representatives passed a megaproject bill that would set up the Chicago Bears for...
DHS wants millions more from taxpayers after federal SNAP changes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking millions of extra dollars from state taxpayers due to...
Illinois Millionaires Tax doesn’t get support
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed millionaires tax was shot down late Wednesday in the Illinois House of Representatives. Democrat leadership...
Pritzker bans insider trading by state employees, faces hypocrisy claims
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New rules for employees of the state of Illinois will prevent betting on the outcomes of current...
Lincoln-Way Central Dominates Stagg in 13-0 Shutout Victory
The Lincoln-Way Central varsity softball team delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday, cruising to a 13-0 victory over Stagg in a conference matchup. The Knights’ offense was firing on all...
Lincoln-Way Central Bats Quieted in 4-0 Road Loss to Lincoln-Way East
The Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team struggled to generate offense against a dominant opposing pitching staff on Wednesday afternoon, falling 4-0 to conference and crosstown rival Lincoln-Way East on the...
Autism care providers, parents urge change in ownership mandate
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Autism care providers and parents say a crisis is looming for Illinois’ network of services. Dr. Rebecca...
Analyst: Southern Poverty Law Center indictment will increase scrutiny of group
By Tate MillerThe Center Square The Department of Justice’s indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center will “increase public scrutiny” of the tax-exempt organization, which has nearly $800 million in...
Illinois Quick Hits: Bears want more from state
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears say a megaprojects bill passed by the Illinois House needs additional amendments in order...
Will County Board Approves Controversial Solar Farms Following Court Mandate
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: Under the strict constraints of a court-issued writ of mandamus, the Will County Board grudgingly approved multiple special use permits...
Bears, megaprojects tax incentive bill heads to Senate after clearing House
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House has passed legislation to provide tax incentives for the Chicago Bears and other megaprojects...
Sanctuary Golf Course Expands Maintenance Fleet and Secures New Permanent Tee Times for 30th Anniversary
New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | March 18, 2026 Article Summary:As the Sanctuary Golf Course celebrates its 30th Anniversary, the Park District announced the hiring of...
