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
Peotone Schools to Launch “Go Big Blue” Unity Initiative
Peotone School District 207-U will rally under a new theme, “Go Big Blue,” for the 2025-26 school year in a comprehensive initiative aimed at unifying the district around common character...
Peotone Schools to Launch “Go Big Blue” Unity Initiative
Peotone School District 207-U will rally under a new theme, “Go Big Blue,” for the 2025-26 school year in a comprehensive initiative aimed at unifying the district around common character...
Peotone FFA Alumni Propose Privately Funded Greenhouse to Expand Program
The Peotone High School agriculture program could see a major expansion after the Peotone FFA Alumni and Friends group presented a proposal to the Board of Education to privately fund...
Peotone Schools Face Mandatory Deficit Plan, Weighs Cuts Against More Debt
Peotone School District 207-U is facing a state-mandated deficit reduction plan as its tentative fiscal year 2026 budget projects a nearly $2 million annual operating shortfall, a recurring issue that...
Peotone Schools Face Mandatory Deficit Plan, Weighs Cuts Against More Debt
Peotone School District 207-U is facing a state-mandated deficit reduction plan as its tentative fiscal year 2026 budget projects a nearly $2 million annual operating shortfall, a recurring issue that...
Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced a major overhaul of the county's purchasing code Tuesday, but only after a split vote and a pointed debate over a separate,...
Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks
Will County finance officials on Tuesday detailed the policies governing how the county tracks its physical and digital assets, explaining the $5,000 threshold for items that are formally capitalized and...
Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees
Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy confirmed Tuesday that property owners have a free online payment option available and advised residents to avoid the high convenience fees associated with using credit...
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025
AI Policy Discussion Urged: Chair Jackie Triner called for the county to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Citing a recent conference, Triner noted the potential benefits...
Peotone School Board Approves Sweeping Personnel Changes, Fills Key Vacancies
The Peotone School District 207-U Board of Education approved a lengthy and significant personnel report during a special meeting on Monday, July 21, addressing numerous vacancies through new hires, internal...
Resident Alleges Financial Mismanagement, Underused Buildings at Peotone Board Meeting
A Peotone resident and village trustee, Jim Bowden, confronted the Peotone School District 207-U Board of Education during its special meeting Monday with a series of sharp allegations regarding building...
