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°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Ex-Blago attorney: Quid pro quo is key to Madigan appeal
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal appeals court heard oral arguments Thursday as judges consider former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s...
Illinois Quick Hits: House GOP says no Bears deal without property tax reform
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois House Republicans say they will not support any Chicago Bears stadium deal or megaprojects legislation without...
WATCH: More than $600 million stolen from SNAP in 2025
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square About $607 million was stolen from EBT accounts in 2025, according to a new report. Propel, an EBT benefits tracking program, found large amounts of...
Melania Trump denies any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In a stunning statement, First Lady Melania Trump denied any relationship with the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, calling for complete transparency and justice for...
War Powers Resolution halting Trump’s Iran ambitions fails in U.S. House
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square A resolution to halt U.S. military hostilities in Iran failed to advance in the U.S. House pro forma session Thursday. House Democrats attempted to obtain...
Answers wanted to ‘pathetic’ state procurement issues
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers say Illinois-based businesses are getting work in other states but struggling to get business in their...
Report paints dismal picture of California’s jobs market
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square New research shows California is the Not-So-Golden State when it comes to jobs. Pacific Research Institute, a Pasadena-based, nonpartisan free market think tank, went as...
Report: U.S. added $1.2 trillion to national debt in six months
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. government added $1.2 trillion to the national debt over the past six months, borrowing $163 billion during March alone, the Congressional Budget Office...
Illinois House pushes through bill restricting ICE detention centers in state
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After heavy debate and Republican opposition, the Illinois House passed a bill that would all but ban...
Cheaper gas could take time amid tentative ceasefire
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans hoping for cheaper gasoline after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire will need to be patient, as oil prices and other economic factors continue to work against...
Providence Catholic Men Coast to Victory at Marmion Triangular
AURORA, Ill. — The Providence Catholic men's track and field team continued its strong spring season on Wednesday afternoon, capturing a commanding victory at the Marmion Triangular #1 meet hosted...
Trump says military remains in place as talks with Iran set to begin
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square President Donald Trump says that increased military assets in the Middle East will remain in place and ready as the U.S. and Iran embark on...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-nonprofit exec sentenced for state, federal grant fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former Chicago-area nonprofit executive has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for misappropriating nearly...
