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.
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 10 at 6:54PM CDT until June 11 at 4:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Wed Jun 10
88° 60°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Providence Catholic Sweeps Men’s and Women’s Titles at Celtic Quad Meet
NEW LENOX, Ill. — The Providence Catholic Celtics showcased their depth and dominance on their home track Monday afternoon, sweeping both the men's and women's varsity team titles at the...
Early Comeback, Six-Run Sixth Inning Propel Lincoln-Way Central Past York 13-3
NEW LENOX, Ill. — After surrendering three quick runs in the opening frame, the Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team completely flipped the script, scoring 13 unanswered runs to defeat visiting...
Early Offensive Explosion Powers York Past Lincoln-Way Central 12-3
ELMHURST, Ill. — The York varsity softball team overcame a brief early deficit with a massive five-run first inning, utilizing a relentless 11-hit attack to roll past visiting Lincoln-Way Central...
Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at...
Fewer businesses of Illinois’ diversity-preferred group got state contracts last year
By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - Fewer businesses that get diversity-related government priority in Illinois are getting contracts with the state, according to...
Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the...
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a cannabis company subjected female workers at...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox School District 122 for February 17, 2026
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | February 17, 2026 The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education tackled massive long-term planning initiatives during its February 17, 2026, meeting....
Local Public Information Officer Marisa Tomich Honored with Statewide Fire Education Award
Article Summary: Local Fire and Life Safety Educator and Public Information Officer Marisa Tomich was awarded the prestigious Lonnie Jackson Public Education Award at the state's annual fire inspectors conference. Public...
Village Board Approves Updated School Resource Officer and Body Camera Agreements with New Lenox School District 122
New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | March 23, 2026 Article Summary: To remain compliant with evolving state mandates and the deployment of new law enforcement technology, the New...
Board Approves Signage Upgrades for Crossroads Sports Complex and Temporary Storage for Cherry Hill Business Park
New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | March 23, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board approved aesthetic and operational upgrades for the Crossroads Sports Complex, authorizing new...
Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail
Article Summary: A chimney fire that extended into the roof of a single-story home in a rural area of Manhattan was quickly brought under control Sunday morning, with no injuries reported...
Lemont Offense Overpowers Lincoln-Way Central 14-4 in Late-Inning Surge
NEW LENOX, Ill. — The Lemont varsity baseball team showcased relentless offensive pressure and capitalized on defensive miscues to pull away late, securing a decisive 14-4 non-conference road victory over...
