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 18
77° 59°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: HHS: IL abortion referral rule violates federal law
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has notified Illinois officials that the state is violating...
Vance blasts media, defends ICE during Minneapolis visit
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Vice President J.D. Vance called out the mainstream media and protestors during a Thursday afternoon news conference from Minneapolis. “Frankly, a lot of the media...
Trump says Greenland deal underway despite few details
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Thursday a deal structure regarding Greenland is developing after he stepped back from threatened tariffs on European allies, which he previously...
WATCH: Showdown at SCOW: Court takes up voter-approved natural gas protection
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square The Washington Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a case challenging Initiative 2066, a measure approved by voters in Nov. 2024, to make sure natural...
WATCH: Resolution condemning federal immigration law enforcement sparks debate
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois House Democrats are calling for investigation, prosecution and impeachment of federal immigration law enforcement. State Rep....
Chicago splits pension payments in hopes of Improving cash flow
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Saint Charles, worries Chicago’s newfound plan to divide annual advance supplemental...
Following GOP criticism, Pritzker finds $481.6 million in budget reserves
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget says it has identified more than $480 million of budget...
Critics slam Illinois’ $36M park grants as political, wasteful
By Cat Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Pritzker administration’s recent announcement of $36 million in state grants for local park projects is...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago pays OT to potentially ineligible workers
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago’s inspector general has advised the city’s human resources and finance departments that from 2020 through 2024,...
County Authorizes Condemnation to Advance Francis and Marley Road Improvements
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: To facilitate safety improvements at the intersection of Francis Road and Marley Road in New Lenox Township, the Will County...
Board Approves 2026-2027 School Calendar
Lincoln-Way 210 Board of Education Meeting | Jan. 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education adopted the official school calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year. The schedule includes a...
Illinois Quick Hits: U.S. rep proposes restriction on housing purchases
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, has introduced legislation to restrict large institutional investment firms from buying...
IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Statehouse Republicans say it is time for Illinois Democrats to focus on growing the tax base instead...
