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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 8 at 12:44PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Mon Jun 8
86° 70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for April 16, 2026
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education met on Thursday to review comprehensive financial forecasting, expand...
Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing a case that alleged an Indiana gun shop fueled gun violence in Chicago. The case, Westforth Sports v. Chicago,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for April 16, 2026
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 The Will County Board met at an offsite hotel venue on Thursday, April 16, 2026, navigating a heavy agenda dominated by the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he is pleased that a federal court stated it will approve...
Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren’t cooperating
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- Illinois has failed to broaden access to state contract money for businesses owned by racial minorities, women...
U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Ohio will head to polls on Tuesday to select their respective party nominees after the state legislature conducted a mid-decade redistricting effort to...
Mayor Baldermann Blasts State Housing Mandates and Financial Cuts as “Political Pawns”
New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | April 27, 2026 Article Summary:New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann used his executive report to issue a scathing rebuke of pending state legislation—specifically...
Lake Central Uses Big Fourth Inning to Hold Off Lincoln-Way Central 3-2
A critical three-run rally in the fourth inning proved to be the difference as the Lake Central varsity baseball team edged visiting non-conference opponent Lincoln-Way Central 3-2 on Saturday afternoon...
Lincoln-Way Updates Student Handbook, Bans “Smart Glasses” to Combat AI Cheating
Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Board of Education approved updates to the 2026-2027 student handbook, notably adding "smart glasses" to the...
Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement Intent for “Project North Winds” Manufacturing Facility
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board signaled its intent to offer a 50% property tax abatement to "Project North Winds," a proposed...
Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers are clashing over an Illinois proposal that would restrict how certain sensitive medical information...
Lincoln-Way West Shuts Out Knights in Conference Matchup
The Lincoln-Way Central varsity softball team struggled to find a rhythm against a potent Lincoln-Way West offense on Friday, falling by a score of 11-0. Lincoln-Way West wasted no time...
‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action
By Sean ReedThe Center Square Many farm-focused organizations say they support a GOP-led legislative package on agriculture that narrowly passed through the U.S. House. The Illinois Farm Bureau has urged...
