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
72° 51°
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
No-knock warrant legislation brings Chicago victim, Illinois gun group together
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A diverse group of supporters are pushing to restrict no-knock search warrants in Illinois, but many law...
Trump promises ‘complete demolition’ in Iran as deadline looms
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump promised "complete demolition" of Iran on Tuesday if the nation's leaders do not agree to a deal to reduce nuclear weapons development...
‘We leave no American behind’: President Trump details Easter rescue of downed airman
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The successful Easter rescue of the downed F-15 airman who went missing in Iran was “one of the largest, most complex, most harrowing” combat search...
Michigan charges dentist in alleged ‘massive’ Medicaid fraud scheme
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel continues pursuing fraud cases across the state, announcing charges against a Macomb County dentist in what prosecutors described as a...
Illinois bill sparks debate over police privacy vs. public access
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and law enforcement officer says a controversial proposal to change how police records...
Signature process begins to ban large data centers in Ohio
By David BeasleyThe Center Square Sponsors of a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban the construction of any new large data centers in Ohio have cleared another hurdle in getting...
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran’s benefits challenge
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear an Army veteran's challenge over reduced disability benefits. The court agreed to hear Johnson v. United...
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to decide whether individuals can carry firearms on public transportation. The court declined to take up Schoenthal v....
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Sunset Lanes in Pekin is set to close later this month as the bowling center’s owner says it is being “taxed...
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin
By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor Tom Tiffany said that he will “end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin” if he becomes governor. Tiffany was...
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has...
Early Offensive Surge Powers Barrington Past Lincoln-Way Central 10-1
BARRINGTON, Ill. — The Barrington varsity softball team wasted no time taking control on Saturday afternoon, jumping out to an early lead and utilizing a relentless 11-hit attack to defeat...
JJC Trustee Alleges Board Exclusion, Discriminatory Policies During Tense Meeting
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: Deep divisions on the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees spilled into public view as Trustee Maureen Broderick...
County Board Members Pitch “Granny Flats,” Hobby Farm Zoning, and Farmland Mitigation in LRMP Brainstorm
Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: During a brainstorming workshop for the county's new Land Resource Management Plan, Will County Board...
