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.
Latest News Stories
Manhattan Police Report
Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On July 16th, officers were in the...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for June 16, 2025
The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees learned that plans for a new fire station are on hold after construction bids came in over budget. Fire Chief Steve Malone...
Fire District Eyes Partnership with Villages for Enhanced Safety Inspections
Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District is exploring a potential intergovernmental agreement with local villages to streamline and improve fire prevention and code enforcement efforts. The collaboration would see...
Manhattan Fire District Plans Major Staff Expansion, Promotions in Early 2026
Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District is planning a significant expansion of its force, with plans to hire three new full-time firefighters and promote nine current members early next...
Manhattan Secures Irish Fest for Four More Years with Financial Support
The Manhattan Irish Fest, a staple event that has drawn crowds to the village for over 30 years, is officially set to continue its run for another four years. The...
Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center
Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...
Manhattan to Begin Paying Emergency Management Volunteers in ‘Long Overdue’ Move
Members of Manhattan’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA), who have served for years as unpaid volunteers, will now receive financial compensation for their service. The Village Board on Tuesday unanimously approved...
Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation
The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...
Manhattan Approves 14 New Homes, Bike Path Completion in Whitefeather Subdivision
The Whitefeather subdivision is set for further expansion after the Manhattan Village Board approved the final plat for a new 14-home unit on Tuesday. The approval allows developer McDonnell Development...
Green Garden Landscaping Business Gains Permit Amid Strong Neighbor Support
A small landscaping and lawn maintenance business operating on a residential property in Green Garden Township received official approval Tuesday after neighbors voiced overwhelming support for the operation. The Will...
Meeting Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for July 15, 2025
Frankfort Shed Relocation Approved: A homeowner on West Harvest Drive in Frankfort Township received a variance to reduce an east side-yard setback from 10 to 4 feet. The variance, sought by...
Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for July 15, 2025
New Planning Commissioner Appointed: Mayor Mike Adrieansen appointed Gwen Petrella to the Manhattan Planning and Zoning Commission. The Village Board unanimously authorized the appointment for a term ending May 1, 2026....
Manhattan Fire District Re-evaluating New Station Plans After Bids Come in Over Budget
Article Summary: Construction bids for a new Manhattan Fire Protection District station have come in over the district's maximum price, forcing officials to re-evaluate the project's scope. Chief Steve Malone...
