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°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
‘Plaintiffs’ lawyer paradise:’ IL lawsuit-friendly courts jack up costs, report says
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois is falling behind the rest of the country at reforming its court system, and in some ways is headed in the...
AG candidate seeks to reform SAFE-T Act
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois attorney general candidate launched a new initiative to reform the SAFE-T Act. The law enacted...
Op-Ed: Senate Bill 3070 provides sensible solution for students, manufacturers
By Ben BarnettThe Center Square Illinois manufacturers face a serious problem. We have modern, high-tech facilities running at full capacity, but we struggle to find the young talent needed to...
Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A measure giving Illinois voters the opportunity to consider a millionaire’s tax is one step closer to...
Oldest preserve expansion pushes acreage past 24,000 milestone
The Forest Preserve’s first acquisition of the year not only expands the District’s oldest preserve, it also pushes total acreage past the 24,000 mark. On March 27, the Forest Preserve...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 The Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to process a diverse agenda featuring major strategic,...
On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded
As the Forest Preserve District approaches its centennial year in 2027 with a total of nearly 24,000 protected acres, it’s a good time to reflect on how the District grew...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for April 14, 2026
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee held a highly efficient meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026,...
Executive Committee Advances Sweeping Updates to Adult Entertainment and Wireless Facilities Ordinances
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee advanced two major ordinances completely rewriting the county's regulations for Adult Entertainment...
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Lowers Air Rifle Age to 13, Finds Airsoft Guns Beyond Local Regulatory Reach
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced updates to its public peace ordinances, lowering the...
Executive Committee Approves Local Fire District Appointments, Faces Pushback Over Delayed Elwood Seat
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee approved a slate of appointments for several fire protection districts, including Manhattan and...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for April 7, 2026
Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 The Will County Board Finance Committee met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to review and finalize the county's 2025...
Ad-Hoc Committee: County’s Lack of Home Rule Stifles Effort to Ban Kratom and Non-Nicotine Vapes
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to its tobacco and alternative nicotine...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Health & Safety Committee for April 2, 2026
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 The Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee met on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to review comprehensive...
Indiana Man Faces Federal Indictment, Potential Death Penalty for Momence Bar Owner’s Murder
Article Summary: State prosecutors have officially transferred the first-degree murder case against Julius Burkes to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 47-year-old Indiana man now faces federal charges, including the...