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 4
82° 69°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Committee Approves Truck Terminal Despite Residential Concerns
A Monee Township truck terminal received approval from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday despite concerns about its proximity to residential areas. The committee voted 5-1 to approve...
Will County Health Department Faces Funding Uncertainty as Federal Grants Under Review
Multiple revenue sources threatened as department seeks legislative support for public health programs Will County Health Department officials are closely monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact multiple programs...
Will County Land Use Meeting Briefs
LAND USE ACTIONS Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules Modified: The committee recommended approval of text amendments allowing accessory dwelling units to exceed current building area limitations in certain circumstances. The changes...
Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting Briefs
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Tour Praised: Committee members who attended the May 9 tour of Sunny Hill Nursing Home praised the facility's condition and operations. Member Raquel Mitchell called it...
Federal Reconciliation Bill Targets Medicaid, SNAP Programs
Will County Legislators Briefed on Potential Local Impacts Federal legislation making sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could significantly impact Will County residents and services, county legislators learned...
Manhattan Celebrates 100-Year Resident Ruth Munt at Village Board Meeting
Manhattan resident Ruth Munt received a special 100th birthday celebration at Tuesday's Village Board meeting, sharing her remarkable perspective on seven decades of community growth. Munt, who moved to Manhattan...
Will County Approves Modified $756 Million Transportation Plan Despite Terminology Debate
Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee approved a five-year, $756 million transportation improvement plan on June 3, but not before a heated debate over whether to call it a...
Will County completes major projects while others move forward
Will County's facilities team has completed several major projects while advancing others throughout the county, officials reported during a Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting Monday. The Old Courthouse Plaza...
Eastern Avenue Road Project Moves Forward with Binder Installation, Final Phase Bidding Set
Manhattan's Eastern Avenue reconstruction project will take another step forward this month as contractors prepare to install temporary road binder, while the village prepares to accept bids for the final...
Will County Accepts $140,000 Developer Donation for Road Improvements
Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee accepted a $140,143.90 donation from a developer in lieu of constructing traffic improvements along Laraway Road. The donation comes from the Lakes Park...
State Legislative Session Wrap-Up Shows Mixed Results
Will County's state legislative priorities saw mixed results as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its spring session on May 31, with several key bills advancing while others stalled. The Legislative...
Will County expands safety initiatives across facilities
Will County has implemented new safety protocols and training programs across its facilities, including the selection of department safety monitors and participation in community health education events. Each county department...
Leglislative Committee Meeting Briefs
Federal Grant Deadline Extended: The Surface Transportation Reauthorization deadline has been extended to May 30 for policy submissions, with both House and Senate committees actively seeking stakeholder input ahead of...