WATCH: DCFS updates missing children numbers; Budget cuts EO transparency criticized
November 17, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest numbers on youth in care missing provided by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and gets reaction from Statehouse candidate Bailey Templeton, who is also seeking more transparency on the management of the child welfare agency.
Bishop also shares recent criticism from Illinois House Republicans to what they say is the lack of transparency around Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent executive order calling for state agencies to find efficiencies in their annual spending plan.
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 12
87° 61°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Mokena Park District Approves $7.9 Million Budget, Eyes Major Park Upgrades
The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners has tentatively approved a $7.9 million budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a plan that earmarks significant funds for major park infrastructure...
Mokena Park District Overhauls Safety Policies, Adopts Cyber Attack Response Plan
In a move to bolster security and protect participants, the Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a sweeping update to its personnel policies, establishing new...
Mokena Park District Bids Farewell to 12-Year Fitness Manager Rachel Bauer
The Mokena Park District is bidding farewell to Rachel Bauer, the longtime Manager of Fitness Center Operations at The Oaks, who is leaving after nearly 12 years of service. Bauer’s...
New HVAC, Bleachers, and Lighting Among Recent Park District Upgrades
Visitors to Mokena Park District facilities are being greeted by a series of recent upgrades, including a new high-efficiency HVAC system, state-of-the-art lighting at the Yunker Park Bandshell, and new...
Meeting Briefs: Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners for July 25, 2023
The Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners met on July 25 to discuss upcoming events, review new policies, and approve the tentative budget for the new fiscal year. The board...
Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced a major overhaul of the county's purchasing code Tuesday, but only after a split vote and a pointed debate over a separate,...
Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks
Will County finance officials on Tuesday detailed the policies governing how the county tracks its physical and digital assets, explaining the $5,000 threshold for items that are formally capitalized and...
Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees
Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy confirmed Tuesday that property owners have a free online payment option available and advised residents to avoid the high convenience fees associated with using credit...
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025
AI Policy Discussion Urged: Chair Jackie Triner called for the county to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Citing a recent conference, Triner noted the potential benefits...
New Lenox’s Crossroads Sports Complex Opens to Rave Reviews, On Time and Under Budget
NEW LENOX – The newly opened Crossroads Sports Complex is already proving to be a resounding success, according to a report delivered at the New Lenox Village Board meeting on...
New Lenox Waives Over $13,000 in Permit Fees for Park District, Church Projects
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board unanimously approved waiving more than $13,000 in permit and plan review fees for two significant community projects during its meeting on Monday....
New Lenox Approves Site Plan for MBPRO Truck Repair on Moni Drive
NEW LENOX – The Village Board on Monday approved site modifications for a new truck repair business, MBPRO Services, set to open at 21660 South Moni Drive. The board unanimously...
