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
New Lenox to Dedicate Street Honoring Pope Leo XIV, Citing Deep Local Ties
NEW LENOX – The Village of New Lenox is celebrating its unique connection to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, by...
D122 Renews Insurance Policies for Nearly $490,000
The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its property/casualty and worker's compensation insurance policies for the 2025-2026 school year, with total costs amounting to nearly $490,000....
New Lenox Township Addresses Cemetery Needs, Appoints New Liaison
NEW LENOX – New Lenox Township is turning its attention to the care and potential expansion of its cemeteries, an effort that will be spearheaded by a newly elected trustee....
New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini Retires; Sgt. David Nykiel Promoted in Leadership Transition
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Police Department is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Police Chief Louis Alessandrini retires after 20 years with the village, celebrated with an emotional...
Monee to Receive $250,000 Donation in Solar Project Agreement
Article Summary: The Village of Monee will receive a $250,000 donation from TPE IL W1202, LLC, after the Village Board authorized a community benefit agreement for a planned 5-megawatt solar...
New Lenox Park District Board Approves 2025-2026 Budget
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its regular meeting on June...
Staffing Shortage Leads D122 to Renew Contract for School Psychologist
Facing a persistent staffing shortage for a critical role, the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its contract with an outside agency to provide a school...
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Township for June 12, 2025
At its June 12 meeting, the New Lenox Township Board of Trustees heard reports on rising demand for community services, discussed ongoing maintenance projects, and assigned responsibilities to its newly...
New Lenox Approves Major Residential Subdivision, Paves Way for Route 6 Commercial Growth
NEW LENOX – The Village Board took decisive action on two major developments Monday, giving final approval to a 55-lot residential subdivision for "empty nesters" and clearing a key hurdle...
Contractor Selected for Sharon’s Bay Park Redevelopment
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District is moving forward with plans to redevelop Sharon's Bay Park, having approved a contractor for the project at its Wednesday meeting....
Contractor Selected for Sharon’s Bay Park Redevelopment
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District is moving forward with plans to redevelop Sharon's Bay Park, having approved a contractor for the project at its Wednesday meeting....
Handbook Changes at D122 Include Swapping PSAT for PreACT
Students in New Lenox School District 122 will see several changes in the upcoming school year, as the Board of Education approved updates to the 2025-2026 Parent/Student Handbook that affect...
New Dining Options Coming as Village Approves Hot Dog Stand, Restaurant Patio
NEW LENOX – The local dining scene is set for a boost after the Village Board on Monday approved plans for a new hot dog stand and an outdoor patio...
