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
County Approves School Resource Officer, Multi-Year Planning Requirements
Will County approved hiring an additional sheriff's deputy for a school resource officer position that will be fully funded by Summit Hill School District 161, while also passing new transparency...
County Addresses Senior Tax Exemption Processing Error
A processing error that cost County Board member Julie Berkowicz $600 in senior tax exemptions has prompted discussions about improving verification systems for property tax breaks. Will County Chief Assessment...
Executive Committee Meeting July 10 Meeting Briefs
Liquor License Expansion: The county approved increasing Class C1 liquor licenses from eight to nine to accommodate Lockport Gas and Food LLC at 14747 W. 159th Street in Homer Glen....
Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Park District Board for June 10, 2025
The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners discussed a legal dispute with the Five Oaks homeowners association over park development rules at its Tuesday meeting. Executive Director Gina Hassett reported...
Committee Rejects Troy Township Solar Projects Amid Strong Local Opposition
The Will County Land Use and Development Committee recommended denial for two controversial commercial solar energy projects in Troy Township on Thursday, following a wave of opposition from local municipalities,...
Controversial DuPage Township Rezoning for Outdoor Storage Advances
A contentious proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural (A-1) to heavy industrial (I-3) for an outdoor vehicle storage facility narrowly passed the Will County Land...
Residents Allege Health Crises, Violations from Peotone Grain Facility
Two residents of unincorporated Peotone delivered emotional testimony to the Will County Land Use and Development Committee Thursday, alleging that a neighboring grain facility is causing severe health problems and...
Health Department May Seek Property Tax Increase to Maintain Critical Services
The Will County Health Department is grappling with significant budget shortfalls as multiple federal grants have been terminated or reduced, potentially forcing the agency to seek additional property tax revenue...
Crete Township Solar Project Approved Despite Township Objections
A 21-acre commercial solar project in Crete Township received a favorable recommendation from the Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday, despite an official objection from the township....
Health Department Opens Second Breast Milk Depot in Bolingbrook
The Will County Health Department has opened its second breast milk depot in partnership with Mother's Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, expanding access to donated breast milk for...
Lockport Township Solar Farm Gains Committee Approval
The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday approved a special use permit for a 25-acre commercial solar energy facility in Lockport Township. The project, proposed by Daniel...
Health Department Plans Back-to-School Fair July 12
The Will County Health Department will host a Back-to-School Health Fair Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Health Center, 1106 Neal Ave., Joliet. The...
Meeting Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for July 3, 2025
Green Garden Township Rezoning for Future Subdivision ApprovedThe committee recommended approval of a map amendment for an 81-acre property on South 88th Avenue in Green Garden Township. The applicant, represented...
