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
Today Jun 7
80° 70°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Suspect still at large in Kirk assassination as FBI chiefs head to scene
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As the manhunt continues for the person of interest in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump says investigators are “making big...
WATCH: Group urges Trump to help save Chicago ‘before it’s too late’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A group of Chicagoans are asking President Donald Trump to help to fight crime and corruption in...
Conservatives vow to continue the fight Charlie Kirk started
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Editor's note: Since the initial publication of this story, authorities announced they had a suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination in custody. Officials identified him as...
Pritzker signs cryptocurrency bills, sparking debate over protection, innovation
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two sweeping digital currency bills touted as a win for consumer protection has critics warning Illinois...
Illinois quick hits: Deadly smash and grab reported; resolution honors Charlie Kirk
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Deadly smash and grab reported A man is dead after a crash involving an alleged smash-and-grab burglary crew on Chicago’s Magnificent...
WATCH: Sides lay out positions on immigration reform amid increased enforcement
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Amidst continued immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration in Chicago, the debate about immigration reform continues....
Feds, ‘new sheriff’ descend on Chicago suburb, seize illegal vaping items
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Federal authorities say they are just getting started after announcing in Illinois that they have seized millions...
WATCH: Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination pour in; Freedom Caucus discusses 2026
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares some of...
Illinois quick hits: Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk; new chief judge for Cook County
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk The Illinois Freedom Caucus says members are “devastated and horrified” by the murder of conservative radio and...
Illinois quick hits: DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville; NFIB optimism index rises
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville A major raid in a Chicago suburb has led to the seizure of hundreds...
Customs and Border Protection seizes $86.5 million in illegal vapes
By Brett Rowland | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure Wednesday of 4.7 million illegal e-cigarette products with an...
WATCH: Pritzker says political violence ‘has got to stop’ in reaction to Kirk shooting
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Popular political activist and Illinois native Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while at a public...
IL Secretary of State candidate talks issues, Giannoulias yet to announce
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has yet to announce plans for reelection in 2026, an...
