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.
Sat Jun 6
83° 68°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Report: Michigan wasted millions on deceased Medicaid enrollees
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan made $39.9 million in Medicaid payments to deceased enrollees over a two-year period a decade ago, with a total of $249 million spent across...
Another cause of Thanksgiving/Black Friday stress? Lawsuits
By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Though generally seen as a two-day holiday for eating and spending, Thanksgiving and Black Friday also present increased risks for lawsuits alleging...
State law helps Cook County expand immigrant legal defense fund
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Legislation from the Illinois General Assembly has opened the door for Cook County to fund immigrants’ legal...
Illinois quick hits: Trump reacts to Chicago violence; Pritzker increases weight limit for certain vehicles
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Trump reacts to Chicago violence Weekend violence in Chicago’s Loop has drawn the attention of President Donald Trump. A teenager was...
WATCH: Chicago violence and no cash bail; Governor candidate Dabrowski profile
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the reaction...
Manhattan Greenlights 41-Lot Butternut Ridge South, Advances Wastewater Plant Expansion
Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Manhattan Village Board approved two major infrastructure projects, giving final plat approval for the 41-lot Butternut Ridge South subdivision and...
New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility spanning approximately 63 acres in...
JJC Receives Clean Audit, Reports $21.6 Million Increase in Net Position
Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:Joliet Junior College received a "clean unmodified audit opinion" for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the highest level of...
Everyday Economics: Rear-view jobs strength, forward-looking weakness in week ahead
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The September jobs report was a look in the rear-view mirror in more ways than one. Because of the 43-day government shutdown, we didn’t get...
Will County Board Passes 0% Tax Levy, Creating “Unbalanced” Budget Crisis
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: In a contentious fiscal showdown, the Will County Board voted to keep the corporate property tax levy flat, rejecting a proposed...
Poll: Majority of Americans still support legal immigration
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A majority of Americans say that legal immigration is good for the United States, according to a new poll commissioned by The Center Square. The...
New Illinois youth center begins housing youth in Lincoln
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) - After a short delay to finalize staffing and safety preparations, the new Monarch Center in Lincoln...
State officials urge Trump, Congress to address national debt
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and a coalition of state financial officers and lawmakers are urging Congress and President Donald Trump to address the national debt...
